Blurb: David Marks is looking for the perfect place to film his new web series and recover from his latest failed relationship. When reclusive writer Michael Sharp opens his Montana ranch to paying guests, David knows heâs found the right placeâbut he doesnât expect to find Mr. Right too.
Forty years ago Michael Sharpâs father was murdered in front of him. No one believed a six-year-old boyâs testimony against the powerful Carver brothers. For years Michael has lived in self-imposed exile, the only living witness who can bring down the Carver criminal empire. But now the money is running out, and heâs forced to play host to a troupe of temperamental web actors and their energetically attractive director in order to stay alive.
The Carvers arenât about to stand for rebellion. Michael has outlived his usefulness. Now Michael and David have to find a way to end this fight once and for all, finding justice for Michaelâs father and meeting Davidâs funding deadlineâall before one or both of them ends up dead.
Review: While Iâm not familiar with the work of LA Merrill, and I find the States of Love line/series a bit hit or miss, I was drawn to the blurb of this book. It looked fun and sexy, which turned out to be true and so much more.
David Marks arrives at the Montana ranch where he has booked to use the new accommodations up for rent to help make ends meet. He and friends are also trying to film a web series on a shoe string budget which was entirely crowd funded. Itâs a tall order and there are so many ways to fail. One of which could be getting off on the wrong foot with the ranch owner is probably one of those ways to screw things up.
Michael Carver is a man with a dark past. At the age of six, forty years earlier, he witnessed his father, the town sheriff, get murdered by the local crime family. Feeling powerless to stop anything and to do anything as the years go by, the only thing he had so far been able to do was write a crime fiction based heavily on those events. Of course, he is also avoiding admitting to one of the hardest truths which questions just how good was his dad. Michael has lived a lonely life, he kept things together while his mother was alive but now she also gone he believes it better off if he sees as few people as possible. He has one friend, a lesbian with memory issues (her story is also explained in the book).
Michael was surly when he first met David and his friends but he makes up for being a less than accommodating host by helping the rag tag filmmakers get their web series together. It also happens that there is some wicked chemistry between Michael and David. However, the trouble from Michaelâs past means that there is more trouble on the horizion than a web series with a bad script.
This is a fun and strangely action packed novella. Youâll need to suspend your disbelief for a little but if you like a bit of danger, that Hollywood/Indie magic, a bit of crime and suspense, you might well enjoy this book as well.
Hi guys, we have L.A. Merrill stopping by today with the first stop of her blog tour for her upcoming release Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch, we have a brilliant guest post and a great exclusive excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch
(States of Love 26: Montana)
by
L.A. Merrill
David Marks is looking for the perfect place to film his new web series and recover from his latest failed relationship. When reclusive writer Michael Sharp opens his Montana ranch to paying guests, David knows heâs found the right placeâbut he doesnât expect to find Mr. Right too.
Forty years ago, Michael Sharpâs father was murdered in front of him. No one believed a six-year-old boyâs testimony against the powerful Carver brothers. For years Michael has lived in self-imposed exile, the only living witness who can bring down the Carver criminal empire. But now the money is running out, and heâs forced to play host to a troupe of temperamental web actors and their energetically attractive director in order to stay alive.
The Carvers arenât about to stand for rebellion. Michael has outlived his usefulness. Now Michael and David have to find a way to end this fight once and for all, finding justice for Michaelâs father and meeting Davidâs funding deadlineâall before one or both of them ends up dead.
Blurb:Â Ray Fine would like to forget Hanukkah even exists. The holiday holds too many sad memories for the young widower. When heâs paired with new convert Josiah Wilson in a year-long welcoming program at his synagogue, he doesn’t know how heâll get through eight days of celebration, let alone twelve months of guidance.Â
Josiah has enough on his plateâschool, conversion, the holiday concert seasonâwithout becoming someone’s shoulder to cry on. But when he discovers there’s more to his new synagogue buddyâs sadness than a case of the âHanukkah Blues,â he sets out to show Ray how much there is to live for.
The first blizzard of the season has other plans, though, and Hanukkah might be a lost cause if Ray and Josiah canât plow through the snowâand their differences. Determined not to lose Ray to his own darkness, Josiah plans to teach him a lesson about the real Miracle of Lightâand love.
Review: Ray had lost his partner two years ago and seems to have lost his spirit along the way. He was told by the Rabi that it was his turn to help a new convert. It turns out that Josiah might just be the one to help him.
Now I hate to admit that this one didn’t rock for me. I also hate to admit that anything religious very rarely does for me. I don’t get into them like I should, however it is a really cute story that will brighten your day.
Author:Â Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Chruch, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Marrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens
Blurb:Â With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last Juneâs tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.
Review: I think that this was one hell of a perfect gift in my eyes. The proceeds are going to be given to the LGBT in Florida after the tragic shooting in June. It was an amazing book and for the perfect reason. I do admit though I just couldn’t read the ones with females in them because I don’t do girly parts at all. However the hot men in this book made up for the girly parts in spares. Â
Abstract Heart by Lucie Archer â„â„â„â„â„Â 5 Hearts
Nick spends nearly every lunch break at the modern art museum, hoping to catch a glimpse of docent Kris. Kris has noticed the cute guy hanging around the exhibits too but never manages to approach him. It will take a matchmaking security guard to bring these two introverts together.
Thank god for friends because if it was left up to these two they wouldn’t get past hello and you can definitely see the heat between them. It is a very cute little story about finding that one person you want to be with. Â
Cats and Christmas Trees: Trouble Waiting to Happen by M.A. Church â„â„â„â„â„Â 5 Hearts
Whatâs a half human to do when Christmas rolls around? Kirk tries ignores it, but his shifter mates Tal and Dolf, being sneaky kitties, persist in finding out whatâs troubling him so they can make it better.
This was the perfect Christmas story for my favorite shifters. I love how this author just makes these two cats, well like cats. When I received this anthology I had not even realized that this story had been included and letâs just say I jumped for joy. Tal is the perfect omega and Dolf is the perfect alpha, then you add in Kirk and you have got one hell of a threesome. Â
A Chance for Hope by Deja Black â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
In the aftermath of tragedy, freelance writer Brad Truscott is drawn to ease Paul Bachmanâs grief. But will Paul ever be ready to take another chance on happiness?
I think that this story will hit closer to home for those who suffered from this loss the most. It shows the heartache, but it also shows hope. A second chance at love and the tenderness found in each other. I enjoyed reading it.
Changing Things by Nicole Dennis â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
Despite his allergies, Ryan puts up with the two rescue cats his boyfriend, Seth, adores. But when an especially severe asthma attack sends Ryan to the hospital, Seth realizes something has to giveâeither his relationship with Ryan or his guardianship of Fili and Kili.
This was a cute little story that was a blast to read. I think Seth picked the right choice also, but you really need to read it because I am not telling. I enjoyed reading it though.Â
Especially in Orlando by Troy Storm â„â„â„ 3 Hearts
When bighearted mover Dalton is hired to haul away a hot young guyâs belongings after a breakup, he canât help returning to see how the good-looking older man is dealing with the transition. George is happy to take Dalton up on his offer of solace. But then Georgeâs ex, Peterâaka Mr. Prissy Poutâhas second thoughts, and while George isnât interested in taking him back, he and Dalton are willing to share their experienceâand more.
Now this one was more sexual then actually fun to me. I didn’t much care for it but then that is me. I hate to admit that I basically skimmed over the story and read parts of it. Which for me was a bad thing because it just gave me an eye of what was going on. Â
Free to Love by Kris T. Bethke â„â„â„â„ 4 Hearts
Henry is tired of hiding their relationship, but Shane is afraid to risk losing his job and his parents by coming out as gay. When his worst fears prove true, Shane finds that life outside his parentsâ repressive control is so much better than anything he could have imagined.
Parents can be just as cruel as a stranger it would seem. I felt bad for Shane but the end result rocks. I enjoyed reading this story and will definitely be checking for these guys to have a longer story in the future, with more juicy details.
Happily Ever After, After All by L.A. Merrill â„â„â„ 3 Hearts
Once upon a time, Princess Aubergine dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding to the girl of her dreams. Things haven’t exactly worked out that way. Locked in a tower for ten years, Aubergine managed to scare off all the princes coming to rescue her. Now it’s up to her to do the rescuingâuntil a band of students from the local Ladiesâ Academy happen upon her tower and devise a daring escape plan.
Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me. I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it. When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess. Â
The Importance of Pride by Ravon Silvius â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
College history professor Patrick Levine is looking for a subject for a research proposal when he discovers his granduncleâs journal. To his shock, not only was Uncle Marty gay, but heâd been at the Stonewall riot in 1969. Will learning more about his uncleâs history help Patrick face his own fears about coming out?
I just can’t imagine what his uncle went through to get where we are now. It is still a fight for the LGBT to be considered equal and I fear what the future will be like. This is a very sweet story of a young man who is not out but finds out that his uncle was a true believer. I don’t know if I said any of this right, but I will tell you that this was an inspiring story.
The Insomniac Sommelier by Julie Lynn Hayes â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
Kirk Westmoreland dreams of owning his own restaurant someday, but for now he fights insomnia while working at family-owned Venezia with his control-freak older brother. After work he tries to de-stress at Sweeties, a small diner run by his sister and her wife. When Kirk meets the dinerâs new server, Ashley, he ends up going home with himâto the best sleep heâs had in forever. If he canât keep his life at Sweeties compartmentalized from his life at Venezia, Kirk will have to decide which one heâs willing to give up.
I definitely can understand insomnia. This is a really cute little story if not a bit off, but was still a fun little story. I just felt like it wasn’t for me though, because there was just something missing but I couldn’t figure it out. Other than my issues, this is a cute story.
Looking for George by David C. Dawson â„â„â„ 3 Hearts
Bettyâs innocent crush on actor George Clooney became something more when he saved her from a fall at the hotel she works at in London. When she discovers her Italian holiday trip will take her only a few miles from the actorâs summer villa⊠well, surely fate means for them to meet again.
Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me. I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it. When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess. Â
Love Over Lotto by Jude Dunn â„â„â„â„ 4 Hearts
Craig Batson and Tom Rendelle have plenty of joy together but not so much money. Determined to improve their finances, Craig borrows a library book on the secrets of winning the lottery and empties their rainy-day fund to buy dozens of lottery tickets. Tom explodes when he finds out, leaving Craig to wonder if their love can survive.
This is a very cute story however it is a bit blown out. I got a headache within the first few minutes afterwards. As for the characters, they just seem a bit off to me. Tom, who works blows at almost everything and then there is Craig who stays home and paints. They don’t really have that much going for them until the lotto. Other than those issues it is still a cute story but not really my idea of fun.
More Than His Scars by Jana Denardo â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
Facing the anniversary of the day he lost his arm while serving in the Middle East, Aaron is understandably depressed. Itâs up to his lover, Rhys, to plan a special day to help Aaron see how amazing he really is.
This story has many different aspects to it, if that is the word for it. On one sense it has the paranormal or fantasy seeing as Rhys and his children are not human. Then you have Aaron who is not only human but was military until his arm was taken in the war. It is a sad story with a happy tilt toit. I am afraid that no matter how good it was, it just wasn’t for me.
Overcoming Fear by Grace R. Duncan â„â„â„â„â„Â 5 Hearts
In the year since a global pandemic ravaged their world, Duncan has done everything he can to ease Markâs fears of losing him. When a minister and his wife seek out Mark for help, Duncan sees an opportunity to show Mark another level of commitmentâif Mark will dare to take it.
One is afraid of losing another person in his life, the other wants forever. I liked this story quite a bit, no to Christmas themed but it was a lot of fun to read. I get a kick out zombies, apocalypse and pandemic stories. This was a lot of fun and look forward to reading a bit more from this author.
Prevailing Zzz’s by Tray Ellis â„â„â„â„ 4 Hearts
After eight months together, Greg wants Win to move in with him. But how can Win agree when Greg’s snoring leaves him sleep-deprived and miserable?
Let’s just say that if I had left it up to the blurb for this particular book I would have just went on past. I believe if you love someone deep enough, then their snoring is no big thing. It is a fun little book if not a bit quirky to me. Â
Pushing Back Oblivion by Alicia Nordwell â„â„â„â„ 4 Hearts
Fighting a rapidly growing brain tumor, Cohen promises his partner, Jaime, that heâll never give up. Through surgeries and setbacks, at times that promise and Jaimeâs voice are all Cohen has to cling to.
Now this one was just a tease. It is a sweet story but way too short to get any more than a hint of what is going to happen. It went from one time, then to another, then two months after the fact that it left a good portion of the story out. Other than that it was cute.
Reluctant Valentine by Xenia Melzer â„â„â„â„â„Â 4.5 Hearts
A best-selling thriller novelist, Dean writes romances as a relaxing hobby. But when writerâs block strikes, sexy handyman Morgan shows up to provide all the inspiration he needs.
The first thing I have to say is I could have done without the first few lines in this story. Even if he is the author and it was just about his book, it was well gross. I hate anything female in my story and almost just put it down to skimming this book. Other than that we have an author who needs some inspiration and it comes to him in a sexy man. It is a very cute love story about finding first love. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Taking a Chance by Renee Stevens  â„â„â„â„ 4 Hearts
Gabe and Toby work for the same company, Gabe in the US and Toby in London. After meeting at a convention, they spend nearly every moment of their time together, but when they both have to return home, their only option is to attempt a long-distance relationship.
This was just a teaser. Moving away from home to be with the man you love and then that is it. It is a cute little story but I sure do wish the author might make it a longer story later. I would love to see how these two do in the future. Â
Overall Overall some of the stories rocked, some were just stories and then of course the girly parts but the basis for the book still stands. This is to help the LGBT community and for that we need to pick up those books and start reading. Or maybe I should say we need to start buying these stories. I enjoyed reading them and was glad to have a extra from one of my favorite paranormal love stories mixed in. I would definitely recommend it.
Hi guys, we have the charity anthology Love Wins and one of it’s authors (Ravon Silvius) popping in today to let you know a little about the anthology before it’s release next week. Ravon Silvius explains a little about his story so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Love Wins
by
Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Church, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Merrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens
With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last Juneâs tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.
Hey everyone! I’m just here today to give you the heads up for MM Good Book Reviews upcoming month long giveaway which starts on the 1st December 2016.Â
MM Good Book Reviews has asked each of the Bah Humbug Advent Calendar authors to submit a question which you readers will be able to answer. And most of them agreed! So throughout the month of December EVERY DAY we’ll have a review from the Bah Humbug Advent and the books author will ask a question… all you have to do is to answer the question in the comments for that review.
What will you win? Well I’m feeling very generous this year so MM Good Book Reviews has the most AMAZING prizes… especially for those of you who will be feeling the pennies pinching in the New Year! 4th & 3rd prizes are $25 Dreamspinner Press Credits, 2nd prize will be $50 Dreamspinner Press Credits and 1st prize is an astounding $100 Dreamspinner Press Credits! Â
I know you’re thinking ‘what’s the catch’. Let me assure you there’s no catch whatsoever other than needing a Dreamspinner Press account if you win, oh and needing to get the answers correct đ
The best thing about the giveaway is… there’s 31 chances to win! Yep if you comment on every Bah Humbug review with the correct answers then your name will be pinned 31 times to the corkboard (darts! It’s gonna be so fun on New Years Day) if you get 26 correct answers then your name will be pinned 26 times on the corkboard, easy.
And while it would be nice if you visited us every day in December you don’t have to, that’s right you could just visit once a week or if you’re really pushed for time then just once on the 31st Dec, I’ll be creating a page with all the links to the reviews and questions so you won’t have to miss any đ
So guys why don’t you nip over to Dreamspinner Press, check out the Bah Humbug Advent and take a look at the stories that have made me feel super generous this year <3
Don’t forget the MM Good Book Reviews Bah Humbug Giveaway starts on the 1st December!Â
Lots of huggles & snuggles ~Pixie~
Bah Humbug
Thereâs always that one guy for whom the holiday season is anything but jolly. Itâs a bother, a trial, or in a few cases, a downright misery, but in the end, the holidays bring hope, love, and cheer to even the darkest of days. What else but love would get Scrooge willingly under the mistletoe?
Holiday reading fun! A story delivered automatically to your bookshelf each day in December. More than 400,000 words of romantic fiction in 31 stories that would sell individually for a total of $85.69. Buy the package early and save:
November* – $49.99
*Sale of packages for daily delivery ends Nov. 25.
Beginning December 1, stories will be available individually as priced or as a bulk package for $64.99.
Title: Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch
Title:Â Love Wins
