If it Drives by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt

IfItDrives_500x750Title: If It Drives
Series: Market Garden #7
Author: Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt
Genre: Erotic Romance / BDSM
Length: Novel (221 pages)
ISBN: 9781626491083
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (March 31st 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: If it flies, drives, or fornicates, it’s cheaper to rent it.
After driving James Harcourt, his wealthy banker boss, around for a year and a half, Cal isn’t surprised by much anymore. Not even James’s regular trips to Market Garden, London’s most elite gay brothel.

But when James leaves the Garden alone one night and turns to Cal instead, Cal’s floored. After crushing on his boss for ages, it’s his wet dream come true . . . until the awkward morning after. Cal still has a job to do, but he wants to offer more. Yet James doesn’t take him up on it; he keeps Cal at arm’s length and continues his chauffeured jaunts to Market Garden.
As Cal learns what James needs from the rentboys, he tries to fill that need himself. But there’s more to James’s penchant for rentboys than Cal realizes, and it may be one role that Cal can’t fill without overstepping his duty.

Purchase Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/if-it-drives
Review: What a superb book. When it comes to erotic writing this particular team of authors create magic so sublime you wish you never get out in real world again, and simply drown in the erotic fantasies. Yes, I’m left wanting more, the craving getting only worse with each new instalment, the addiction painful when forced to wait. There are many thing about this book that drive me crazy, but the fact that this is one of the best written erotic series ever remains a constant.

This time around, we have the chauffeur kink in all its glory. But it’s not that simple; the way this story starts, evolves and ends will definitely take you through a range of emotions. James, a God in the financial world, is always in control and struggling to maintain an image. With his marriage ruined recently and the stress of the job constantly on his shoulders, his only outlet is the Market Garden. However, one night even the Market doesn’t have what he looks for.

Enter Cal, James’s driver; harboring a huge crush for his employer is bad, being forced to see him with rentboys is even worse, but when James invites him for coffee in the house after returning from a fruitless hunting trip down the Market Garden, things go wild. It’s simultaneously the best thing ever and a living Hell after. The fact that Cal wants to help James with his inner struggles and take care of him makes things even more complicated. In his strive to be what James needs, Cal seeks help… from the only guy he knows that can give it to him… Nick!

May I please take this chance to take a short break and scream the fan-girl screams for Nick! You remember Nick right? Nick the sadist/Dom? Nick, the god of everything evil/wicked. Nick, who stopped being a rentboy in order to have a relationship with Spencer? Oh my God, that was the best surprise from this installment. I was so happy to be having Nick back I was screaming for a good couple of minutes. And of course, his appearance did not disappoint.

So, back to this book, it pretty much resembles the others in style; a captivating plot that picks up and doesn’t let go at all. There are no lows in pace here; it’s rather a steady inclination until it reached to exploding point, and then it simply goes and melts you with its closure. Erotic fantasies that take your breath away and leave you wanting, longing, lusting… The characters are unique as well; their treats and personality don’t resemble past characters at all and that makes for a refreshing cast, enticing you to read their story not just because they’re hot and sexy – that they are – but because they are in fact interesting as people.

The relationship part is a struggle for both Cal and James, and takes them a while to overcome, but during that time, we are treated to exquisite scenes that make you literally go crazy. The BDSM approach this time is not as heavy as it was between Nick and Spencer (they were an S/M couple after all), the allure now is even bigger because Cal is what we call a Service Top, a person who adapts to his sub’s needs, and OMG! I found him extremely fascinating.

What else? I keep searching for words to describe what a great time I had reading this book, but I’m failing miserably. In the end all I can tell you is that I had a smile and a grin attached to my face from the very first line till the last one, and this book was exactly what I needed and a great deal of fun. Strongly Recommended!

The Only One Who Knows by L.A. Witt and Cat Grant

18400295Title: The Only One Who Knows
Series: The Only One, #1
Author: L. A. Witt & Cat Grant
Genre: Men in Uniform, Gay Contemporary
Length: Novel (220 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61921-925-0
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: When Navy SEAL training pushed Lieutenant Josh Walker to his limit, Chief David Flint’s stern heart-to-heart—more like boot-to-ass—helped Josh realize his potential. When the holidays found them alone together and sharing a mutual attraction, they couldn’t help breaking a few regulations. And nearly breaking some furniture in the process.

Years after their short-lived fling, Senior Chief Flint returns to SEAL duty and finds himself under the command of the man he’s never been able to forget: Lieutenant Commander Walker. And Josh hasn’t forgotten David, either. Rules be damned, they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Despite their discretion, another SEAL catches on and threatens to expose their relationship, forcing Josh to bend to a blackmailer’s demands to avoid strife within the team just before a dangerous mission. David is the last man he can confide in…and the first to pick up on Josh’s tightly screwed-down stress.

When a life-or-death decision calls Josh’s leadership into question, coming clean could cost him what he values most. His coveted trident…and the man he loves.
Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/The-Only-One-Who-Knows-p-73181.html
Review: This is book one in this new series. I can guarantee that you will love it. The moment you open the book up you will be caught with the first paragraph. You will fall in love with Josh and David. You can’t help it. They are the strongest men you will ever meet. Josh is just trying to survive Navy Seal training, but Chief David Flint pushes him to be the best. He sees the potential in Josh and can tell that this man is going to go far. The only problem that they seem to be having is their attraction to each other.

They had one night of hot passionate sex, but David puts a stop to any further action even though he wants this man more than anything he has ever wanted. Although Josh keeps pushing him for more. He keeps his mind on the goal, wanting to get his twenty years in and retire. He wants to do more than what he is doing now.

A few years later, David comes back to do what he was trained to do. The only thing he see’s in his sight is the man he left behind after one hot night. One Lieutenant Commander Josh Walker, who just happens to be his Commanding Officer. The heat is still there between them, and they decide that this time there is no calling quits. Even though they can’t be out, they plan on being with each other.

They had been doing really good at keeping it secret, but had made one fatal mistake one night. One of his men had seen them and taken a picture so that he could blackmail Josh into making his papers look real good. He wanted promoted and the only way he could do it was to black mail for it. Knowing that they could all lose their jobs, Josh decides to handle it after their tour is over. However when David gets injured, Josh helps to keep him alive. The truth comes out.

I can guarantee that you will love this book. It comes with everything you will ever love. Hot, sexy men in uniform, Navy Seals, danger coming from all directions, tours of duty showing their strengths, and hot sex. I definitely recommend this wonderful story to anyone who loves men in uniform. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

From Out in the Cold by L.A. Witt

lawitt_fromoutinthecold_coverinTitle: From Out in the Cold

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (188 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (December 4th 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: Neil Dalton’s foundation is already cracking. Grief, guilt, and PTSD have ruled his life since a terrible crime tore his world apart last year, and he’s dreading a holiday visit with the family he simultaneously needs and resents. Then someone from his past shows up and rattles that shaky foundation right out from under him.

First, a war nearly destroyed Jeremy Kelley. Then his family threw him out when he needed them the most, and now he’s barely holding on emotionally. He spends his last dollar to get to Chicago and prays his former best friend doesn’t leave him out in the cold.

Together, Neil and Jeremy spend the holidays with Neil’s family in their hometown of Omaha. They struggle to deal with families, flashbacks… and feelings that haven’t even begun to fade since their last failed attempt at more than friends. As they try to repair their fractured psyches and rebuild damaged bridges, they rely on each other more than ever, but they can’t deny the mutual attraction that’s existed since before they were both emotionally battered and scarred. If they couldn’t make it work back then, how in the world can they pull it off now?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/from-out-in-the-cold.html

Review: Neil Dalton is hanging on by a thread since the loss of his partner in a random act of violence a year ago. To make matters even worse, he can’t even talk to the most important people in his life about the agony he’s goes through on a daily basis because as far as he can tell, they won’t accept him for who he really is.

Jeremy Kelly is an Iraq war vet that suffers in silence as well in the aftermath of the time he spent serving and protecting over there. His family is even worse than Neil’s, shutting him out and cutting him off abruptly when they learn he’s gay, when he needs their help now more than ever.

Childhood friends drawn back together and spending the Holiday’s with Neil’s family in Omaha, each suffers in silence and struggles to overcome inner demons due to lingering effects in the form of PTSD. Will it be three strikes you’re out, or the third times the charm for this pair? Longing for each other, but scared to be hurt again, will Neil and Jeremy find a way to be together? Or will their failed attempts in the past at a relationship coupled with their duelling grief keep them at arm’s length?


Not an easy read, but well worth the time. A love story stemming from the longing of two broken men. Neil and Jeremy are exactly what the other one needs. They can find a strength within each other that has been taken from them through violence. An element of two steps forward, three steps back applies to this story as well, for every time you think they’ve figured it out, something is amiss. Both men grown throughout the story and through being together and its equal parts beautiful, terrible and sexy.

Definitely, a rollercoaster ride of emotions and Witt conveys the emotions flawlessly. Witt is a very versatile author who can and has written Sci-Fi, contemporary, dystopian, BDSM but her niche’ is military inspired stories. I don’t think she can do any wrong, and this story was definitely right, highly recommend. But be sure you have tissues at the ready.

Where There's Smoke by L.A. Witt

LAW_WhereTheresSmoke_coverlgTitle: Where There’s Smoke

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (372 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (February 21st 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: Anthony Hunter wonders what the hell he’s gotten himself into when he agrees to manage an unproven candidate’s campaign for governor of California. As soon as he meets the gorgeous, charismatic – and married – politician, attraction gives Anthony’s rock-solid professionalism a run for its money and Anthony knows he’s in way over his head.

Jesse Cameron doesn’t like the idea of putting himself out there as a happily married, wholesome candidate, but his retired senator uncle insists it’ll give him an edge over a challenging rival. The only problem is that Jesse’s marriage is over, existing only to maintain his heterosexual facade. Oh and there’s that minor detail about his undeniable attraction to his smoking hot campaign manager. Or the fact that the attraction is very, very mutual.

Before long, temptation explodes into a sizzling, secret relationship, but under the microscope of the media and the relentless scrutiny of the voting public, Anthony and Jesse can only keep their secret for so long. And this is one scandal a campaign won’t survive…

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/where-there-s-smoke.html

Review: Fast paced, smooth read with attention to detail and an engaging storyline.

Jesse Cameron has decided to run for governor of California, with the support of his loving wife Simone. His uncle calls on the expertise of his own former campaign manager, Anthony Hunter. Let’s take a step back here and address the fact that the Cameron family is a “Hot Mess!” Jesse’s uncle is a manipulative SOB; his father was an award-winning actor as is his wife Simone; his wife harbours a secret that Jesse is aware of and assists her in keeping secret; his brother is in an abusive relationship and Jesse himself is a closeted gay man. Enter Anthony who is not necessarily in the closet but doesn’t wave his rainbow flag either and we now have another element of secrecy in this story.

The attraction between Jesse and Anthony is immediate and electric and the two begin a secret love affair in random hotel rooms across the US along the campaign trail. But secrets like this can’t stay buried for long. Would Jesse’s supporters still support an out gay man?

There is so much going on in the pages of this book, and yet the flow remains constant and steady. There isn’t any one issue that is over stressed or under worked, Witt’s attention to detail for each character and each part of the story is easily conveyed. Even as Simone goes from supportive to vindictive and then comes back around, you can’t be upset with her, it just makes her come across as a flawed human being.

Warning, this is an M/M erotic novel with some Oh. My. God (!!) sexy, steamy love scenes! My Kindle screen would get steamed up every time Anthony and Jesse got some one on one time! Engrossing and sexy, you won’t be able to stop once you’ve started until you reach the end.

 

Trust Me by L.A. Witt

fbe9646c300988b96542c1bea35dbd0b06a188b5Title: Trust Me

Series: Cover Me 02

Author: L.A Witt

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (171 pages)

ISBN: 9780989874687

Publisher: Lori Witt (22nd January 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the scene of a multiple murder that’s grisly even for a veteran homicide detective, Brian Clifton is stunned when one of the victims bears an uncanny resemblance to his boyfriend, James. As the similarities keep piling up, so do the bodies… and the evidence pointing to James as the killer.

 

Since long before the shooting, James has been dishonest. He’s been evasive. Oh, and there’s that minor detail he withheld from Brian about being a gambling-addicted drug dealer.

 

James may not be the best boyfriend in the world, but he begs Brian to believe he’s no killer. In fact, whoever did pull the trigger undoubtedly wants to finish what they started, and Brian is the only one James trusts to keep him safe.

 

But how much is Brian willing to risk protecting a man he may not even know?

1st Edition published with Carnal Passions 6th July 2011

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-trustme-1401409-148.html

Pixie’s Review:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Brian Clifton has been seeing James for several months and over the last two or three months James has been erratic and unavailable and Brian is thinking of dumping him as he believes James is cheating on him, when James is waiting for him when he gets home and needs his help more than ever. James Merrill needs to hide and needs Brian’s help to prove he isn’t a murderer and to catch the ones who are, James always has an excuse for everything and Brian doesn’t know if he can trust James anymore. When the full truth comes out Brian struggles to forgive James for his countless lies.

 

The storyline is great, the characters are compelling and the grief is heartfelt, this story is fast paced and honest to God just when you think you have it all figured out it throws you a curve ball. We see Brian acknowledge that he has a problem, James not being able to control his addiction and nearly getting everyone in trouble, we have a brilliant plot, some twists, hot sex, and betrayal.

 

We also see Nick and Andrew from Cover Me and we learn more about how they are coping as a couple. Don’t get me wrong they are written into the story line without taking away from the main characters and its fantastically done, they don’t try to take over the story but blend in and I have to say L.A. Witt has done what some authors can’t and that’s blending characters from previous book’s into current books.

 

This is a brilliantly written story and it has something for everyone, I will recommend this one to everyone.  

 

Lisa’s Review:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

 

This story is part two of a series and I recommend reading them in order although this one can be read as stand-alone. Veteran homicide detective Brian and James are together when Brian comes across a murder where the victim looks just like James. Brian finds out that James has been hiding a lot from him. He has been evasive and turns out a gambling addicted drug dealer. Bodies keep piling up and it looks like the man he loves is the killer. All he has to do is keep James safe and prove that he isn’t the killer, but how does he protect his heart.

 

Dirty cops, drug dealers, con artist and killers what more can a girl ask for. Brian is as honest as any cop can be, but he is surrounded by dirty cops and a lying boyfriend. A boyfriend who holds so many secrets but loves him with all of his heart. Every time they go into hiding, someone finds them. Brian just doesn’t nowhere to turn or who to trust, he just knows he loves James enough to place himself in danger. Hot sex between them heats everything up, but sex doesn’t solve all their problems. It kept my attention from the start though and kept it all the way to the end. There are a lot of surprising twists to this story. Ones that you won’t expect.

 

This however is a really good story of two different types of men coming together. One honest cop and one gambling addicted drug dealer. Lots of danger and excitement can be found in this story. Murdered cops, dead strippers, and men who will turn on each other are just a teaser always leaving you wanting more. As I said before lots of surprising twist to this story. Once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down. Both men are hot and sexy, each with a story inside themselves that is just waiting to be told. When lives are in danger, they will both do everything they can to keep each other safe. When all the truths are told, they will find themselves at a crossroad. A crossroad that will make them choose each other or a life separate.

 

I did enjoy this story although I wanted it to continue right then and there. The dangers that each one of them was in was enticing and you wanted to just jump in and save them. Brian kept trying to stop the dangers that were coming after Nick from getting to him placing himself in to those dangers. Brian did everything in his powers to keep his lover safe. The relationship between them started out as any other relationship had, one that was at first suppose to be a one-night stand, but seemed to get hotter each time they were together showing that they both wanted so much more.

 

The sex between them was just as hot, fast, and full of passion. It shows the way they take turns loving each other, what each character loves to do and what they want done. I like how both characters act and care for each other, however I wish James could open up to Brian and let him know the truth. The fact that he can’t seem to tell him all that worries him, makes Brian not only a little closed off but also ready to end it. But for them it seems to be a work thing, because when the time comes for Brian to need James, James is there to save the day.

 

I will recommend this to those who love law enforcement and even the criminal unit, the dangers from dirty cops, undercover law enforcement, drug dealers, shoot outs, great sex and what seems to be happy ever afters.

 

By a Thread by L.A. Witt

16070273Title: By A Thread

 

Author: L.A. Witt

 

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Slight D/s

 

Length: Novella (85 pages)

 

Publisher: Amber Allure (21st October 2012)

 

Heat Level: Explicit

 

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 ½Hearts

 

Reviewer: Pixie

 

Blurb: Leon’s never felt as strongly about any man as he does Andrew, but when Andrew asks to meet him for dinner, Leon’s sure things are over before they’ve even started. Except Andrew isn’t coming to dinner to call things off. He’s coming to drop an entirely different bomb.

 

Andrew’s a sorcerer. He can manipulate fire, he can manipulate lightning, but like most of his kind, what he can’t do is maintain absolute control of his power when he’s sexually aroused, which is dangerous to non-magics like Leon. No matter how much the two men want each other, there’s no way around it—they’re literally playing with fire, which means someone’s bound to get burned.

 

At first, they’re both willing to back off, but as their feelings for each other deepen, their mutual desire only grows stronger, and Andrew and Leon are hanging by a thread trying to resist each other. But can they surrender to their passion without getting injured?

 

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ByAThread.html

 

Review: Leon and Andrew have been dating for a short time after meeting and corresponding on the internet, now Andrew says he needs to talk and Leon fears the worst, but the conversation takes a turn he never saw coming and now he has to decide what he really wants. Andrew has a confession to make and it is one that has lost him many potential boyfriends, but Leon is different and wants to stick around, but can Andrew and Leon make it work when every kiss could lead to danger?

 

           This is an interesting story of finding love, but it is also about trying to overcome the obstacles that try to keep them apart. Andrew is a sorcerer, while Leon is a non-magic human, the two can live peacefully together, but sexual contact can be dangerous. Having sex with a sorcerer is dangerous because as they lose themselves in passion they lose control of their powers, but Leon is willing to take the chance if it means he can be with Andrew, Andrew is terrified of what could happen though and Leon thinks he has found a solution.

 

          Andrew and Leon are a very unusual couple, they seem to be perfect for each other but Andrew’s powers interfere whenever they try to be intimate, so what we see in this book is a lot of experimenting and also a relationship that is strong because it is built solely on emotions and the pure desire for more. The book is from Leon’s point of view and his desperation to find a solution to their problem comes through very clearly, but what is even clearer is that he isn’t going anywhere even if they never manage to have sex.

 

       I will recommend this to those who love men who find love even without the physical love, men who have a strength and determination to seek impossible answers and men who find their own happy ever afters any way they can.     

 

Search Me by L.A. Witt

20807473Title: Search Me, 2nd edition

Series: Cover Me, #3

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (100 pages)

ISBN: 9780989874694

Publisher: Lori Witt (22nd January 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Blurb: In the beginning, Detective Andrew Carmichael and paramedic Nick Swain barely escaped Nick’s delusional stalker with their lives. Now, months later, the physical scars haven’t quite healed, and neither have the emotional ones. Lingering guilt and resentment threaten to tear their relationship apart, but Andrew isn’t ready to give up. He’s nearly lost Nick once, and he’s not giving him up this time without a fight.

In a last ditch effort to keep them together, Andrew suggests a weekend away, but is that enough time to find a reason to keep their relationship alive?

Or is it time to let Nick walk away?

1st Edition published with Carnal Passions 7th December 2011

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-searchme-1401434-148.html

Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Andrew knows that his relationship with Nick has hit a really rough patch and has been for that way for a while, he is desperate to save what they had, but it seems like Nick is retreating further away from him. Nick accepts a last-ditch attempt to save what he has with Andrew but he doesn’t have high hopes as there is just too much that has happened.

 

Andrew and Nick are struggling after everything that happened in Cover Me they are both suffering from PTSD but both of them avoid talking about it, it is causing arguments between them as they both feel guilt and resentment over what happened and how it affects them. This story opens up with Nick having left Andrew but not yet moving out, Andrew knows that they have to talk but he feels as though Nick has given up on them, Nick just can’t seem to find the words to tell Andrew how he feels.

 

This is a really well written story that delves into the after effects of a major trauma that not only affects these two physically but mentally and the damage it does to their relationship. I loved this story and I was really worried at one point that they wouldn’t be able to find their way through, it seemed like they both loved each other but the only time that they could communicate was through sex (really, really hot sex) the rest of the time it was tension and arguments.

 

You really do feel for both Andrew and Nick as you can see where they are both coming from and you know that if you were in that position you would probably react the same way. Andrew’s desperation to make the relationship work is palpable and Nick’s seemingly indifference makes you want to shake him and demand that he at least tries to talk to Andrew.

 

So really I have to recommend this to those who love hot sex, fixing struggling relationships, angst and a well-written story.

 

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This story is book three of a series and I recommend reading them in order.

Nick and Andrew had met in a dangerous situation. One where Nick could have lost his life. Most times, when two people come together after something traumatic happens, it usually doesn’t last once the rush is over with. One night of hot sex between them relieves some stress, but sex doesn’t solve all their problems. Now they have been together for a while and most things are going great, but the fact that they are both have trouble getting over the fact that each had been hurt when they met. Nick was afraid that Andrew would place himself in danger to save Nick keeps him quiet as usual. It kept my attention from the start though and kept it all the way to the end.

This, however, is a really good story of two different types of support personnel who are having trouble both mentally and emotionally with the troubles that had been caused when they first get together. So much to the point that it comes down to them ending their relationship, however it is not what either one wants. They need to learn to communicate better or they will lose everything they want. Now they have new dangers and it places them in the spot that each one feared from the start. This story has a few surprising twist to it that you will definitely get a kick out of. Each one of them is stubborn, quick-tempered, feisty, and hot as hell, but they click perfectly. Now all they have to do is get everything out in the order to survive. Two hot and sexy men who wear uniforms, fight dangers, and love each other is what I love to read about. The fact that there are hints on kinky sex in the future just heats it up more.

I did enjoy this story although I wanted it to continue right then and there. The dangers that are present, the tension that Nick and Andrew have going on and the fire flowing through them is enough to want to continue hearing about them. Nick is enticing and so gentle that when the dangers come for him you wanted to just jump in and save him. Andrew kept trying to stop the dangers that was coming after Nick from getting to him but that was what Nick didn’t want. He wanted Andrew to stay safe also. Andrew did everything in his powers to keep his lover safe. The relationship between Nick and Andrew started out fast and hot. It just seems to get hotter each time they get together. The sex between them was just as hot, fast, and full of passion. It shows the way they take turns loving each other, what each character loves to do and what they want done. I like how both characters act and care for each other. However, I wish Nick and Andrew to communicate better. It would have stopped many fights.

I will recommend this to those who love law enforcement and Emergency Medical Tech’s, the dangers from criminals, shoot outs, great sex and what seems to be happy ever afters.

 

Conduct Unbecoming by L.A. Witt

15733931Title: Conduct Unbecoming

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary Military Romance

Length: Novel (381 pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (October 23rd 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams & Thommie

Blurb: “As long as no one asks and they don’t tell.”

First class petty officer Eric Randall is less than thrilled about taking orders to Okinawa. Three long, lonely years on a crappy island, that’s thousands of miles from his daughter? Oh. Yeah. Sign him up. But as long as he’s stuck here, he might as well make the best of it, so he discreetly checks out the local gay scene.

Shane nearly drops his drink when the gorgeous, cocky-looking guy strolls into Palace Habu. He buys him a drink, and before long, they’re making out in a booth. Eric is a straight-to-the-point kind of guy and doesn’t want to play games. Since Eric’s idea of not playing games is getting the hell out of there and going back to one of their apartments, Shane is more than happy to go along with it.

What starts as a scorching-hot one-night stand leaves both of them wanting more until Eric finds out Shane doesn’t just outrank him, he’s an officer. DADT may be repealed, but an officer getting involved with an enlisted man falls under conduct unbecoming.

Still, they can’t resist their mutual desire. There’s no reason anyone has to find out. But secrets have a way of outing themselves.

Warning: Contains two military boys who keep forgetting they’re not supposed to be together. Probably because they never have their uniforms on for any length of time.

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/conduct-unbecoming-p-7039.html

Tams Review: 5 ♥♥♥♥♥ Hearts 

The backdrop of this story is the beautifully written Okinawa, brought to life superbly in the words Witt uses as descriptives. I was literally transported by her descriptions of the land, islands and castles. I would close my eyes between paragraphs and I was there at Katsuren Castle with Eric and Shane!

Eric is new to the island and not even remotely excited with his latest tour, having left behind his teenage daughter in the states with his ex-wife for the next three years. He is a career military, enlisted MP and he’s gay. Not necessarily openly gay, but he’s not touring Okinawa waving his rainbow flag either. It doesn’t take him long to begin his search for something, or someone, to help him pass the time.

The first thing Eric see’s when he walks into Palace Habu is the sexy, stranger at the end of the bar. Shane almost drops his drink when he lay’s eyes on Eric. The attraction is overwhelming, immediate and mutual. And what should be a one nightstand leaves both men wanting, no aching, for more. Okinawa is not the largest island on the planet, but it takes weeks before these two happen upon each other again. Sparks are soon flying again as these two trip over each other on their way back to the bedroom, quickly agreeing this should become a habit. Then Shane drops the bomb that he’s an Officer. DADT has been removed, but the long-standing rules against Officers and Enlisted in a relationship still stands. This is one rule not likely to change, not even for this Officer and his gentleman.

Not only do these guys have to deal with being gay in the military and all the sideways glances and hushed whispers that come from their narrow-minded fellow soldiers; but Witt delved even deeper by including the forbidden Officer dating Enlisted taboo. Eric and Shane still manage to skirt the boundaries of what they should and shouldn’t do, neither one willing to admit just how emotionally attached they’ve become to one another. As they learn ways around the rules and explore the wonder that is Okinawa, as well as each other, they skirt dangerously close to breaking a rule that could have devastating consequences for both of them.

I’m not certain what I liked more about this story. Watching the slow building love story between Eric and Shane as lust and fire become want and need; or the enthralling backdrop of Okinawa and the picture of perfection Witt was able to capture in this novel. This was the first book by L.A.Witt that I had the pleasure of reading, and have since read four more. I intend to eventually read all her books. She has an ability to pay as much attention to the background of her story as she does to the characters, but not taking any of the interest away from the characters. The exquisite background just made me that much more eager to turn each page.

Thommie’s Review: 3 1/2 – 4 ♥♥♥♥ Hearts

I keep being surprised by Ms. Witt. Such a peculiar writer, kinda fooled me with this one. I expected a somehow action/adventure story, with a fast beat and with lots of agony, but this is not one. Oh the agony was there or maybe it was angst and frustration, it just was not what I expected. But again I’m running ahead of myself.

This is a love story. I’m not certain if it’s fiction or if it’s real, it felt like the most realistic love story I’ve read, like some kind of biography. Eric is a Petty Officer and his orders are to serve 3 years in Okinawa, where this story takes place. The depression and amount of suffocating feeling that accompany him on his flight to the island are quite heavy (I felt them all while reading it) because that means he’s going to be away from his daughter for 3 whole years. Add to that the time difference conspiring to his inability to video chat with her often and he feels like his career is literally killing him. He expects nothing but misery while he’s in Okinawa, wondering how he’s going to manage not to lose his mind. Yet, against all odds, he’s in for a great surprise. Life always deals our best cards when we least expect it and accompanied by a great deal of awful ones too.

Shane is a Navy Officer and he’s already serving in Okinawa for some time. He’s in for a great surprise the night he sees Eric walk in the club. While Eric is hot, sexy, damn gorgeous, with a vibe that sends shivers through all his body, Shane never expected he’d be the best one-night stand of his damn entire life. But a one-night stand he is and he found himself mentally pounding his head on the wall for not asking his number. The fact that he can’t forget about Eric even after two weeks drives him crazy, how can a man get under his skin in the short hours of just one night?

Their elation when they find each other is beyond description. Yes, this is just hooking up, but damn they are so good together they could get used to that. Unfortunately, after yet another night of bone shattering, mind-blowing, send me to heaven or just let me die sex, they find out each other’s rank, And Hell surrounds them. They are not meant to have a relationship, hell they are not meant to even be friends, the regulations are clear enough, an officer getting involved, even as a simple friend, with an enlisted sailor means Military Court, both of their careers dead and the awful line of “Conduct Unbecoming a Gentleman” on their files. They must stop seeing each other; this is definitely not worth it… right?

And Oh My God, but the two men’s dynamic is absolutely fantastic. Jesus, it makes me wonder how does this author manage to convey it so acutely. Everything, everything in the protagonist’s life, from strolling down the streets to taking each other in bed is fueled with a gigantic shot of electricity that I swear traveled from the book to my body while I read it. Perhaps this exactly why it was such a disappointment for me when the plot suddenly flowed elsewhere. The moment one of the two characters was on his way to do his job or anything else, the flow stopped, the fast and intense read that had my brain spinning slowed down to a dull feeling. If you take off the characters interactions all that remains is a travel guide. Yeah I’m not saying that reading about Okinawa was not fascinating, but damn it, it was so detailed that had me almost sleeping after the adrenalin shot I got from Eric and Shane. It was like those train rides that go slowly for a while, then they pick up tremendous speed, and then they slow down again… If you add the fact that the only action the book got was the one and only time they almost got caught which resulted to them breaking out, it was… Well, it was not what I expected from the blurb.

This is a love story, one that you find on your everyday life, no miracles happening, no extreme baddies that make the protagonist’s life hell while they fight for their true love. This is a great love story between two navy guys that by getting together broke the law. It could happen to the guys next door; it could happen to your brother or cousin; it could even happen to you. If this is the kind of story you’re into, I strongly recommend it, it’ will certainly rattle you with the intensity the feeling reveal in the lines and make you remember your own.

Payoff by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt

19292809Title: Payoff

Series: Market Garden, #6

Author: Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt

Genre: Erotic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-62649-104-5

Length: Novelette (57 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (February 3rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Tristan and Jared have got it made. When they aren’t raking in the cash together at Market Garden, they’re burning up their own sheets and getting closer by the day. But something isn’t right. Tristan’s on edge, and Jared doesn’t understand why.

Before they can hash things out, their services are requested by none other than Rolex. And Rolex doesn’t just want to be a bystander this time. He wants Jared while Tristan watches, and he’s more than willing to pay for it.

But Tristan’s reached a breaking point, and even that huge wad of cash might not be enough to keep tonight’s arrangement from crashing and burning.

Product Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/payoff

Review: I don’t need to say that this series are damned hot, but oh my God, they are seriously, seriously hot.

This is the final time we get to see one of our favorite couples in this series, and they go out with a Bam! Jared and Tristan have been having fun, pairing together for their job, and driving john after john crazy, relieving them of their money with the exquisite erotic image they present. But things have changed this time around. Tristan’s feeling are all over the place no matter the tight rein he has on them, and when Rolex shows up again paying a ridiculously amount of money to have Tristan watch him take Jared, Tristan finds himself at the very bottom of his patience.

Brewing tension from the starting line, incredibly high emotions and the most exquisite feeling of jealousy make this read a remarkable one. I love seeing Tristan’s character change from collected to losing his wits and from seductive to sweet. If I felt hot and bothered with him before, I just adored the heck out of him in this book. As for Jared, well he did get what he always wanted in my opinion, and the journey to achieve it was absolutely gorgeous, and fun, and hot, and erotic as hell.

A beautiful, breath-taking end to this couple’s story, this book is one you should not miss.

Static by L.A. Witt

Static_500x750Title:  Static, 2nd edition

Author: L.A. Witt 

Genre:   Bisexual/Transgender/ Sci-Fi/ Romance

Length:  Novel (283 pages)

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing (January 20th 2014)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: After two years together, Alex has been dreading the inevitable moment when Damon learns the truth: that Alex is a shifter, part of a small percentage of the population able to switch genders at will. Thanks to a forced implant, though, Alex is suddenly static—unable to shift—and male. Overnight, he’s out to a world that neither understands nor tolerates shifters . . . and to his heterosexual boyfriend.

Damon is stunned to discover his girlfriend is a shifter, and scared to death of the dangers the implant poses to Alex’s health. He refuses to abandon Alex, but what about their relationship? Damon is straight, and with the implant both costly and dangerous to remove, Alex is stuck as a man.

Stripped of half his identity and facing serious physical and social ramifications, Alex needs Damon more than ever, but he doesn’t see how they can get through this.

Especially if he’s static forever.

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/static

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  The terms ‘Shifter’ and ‘Static’ are used within the context of this novel as a metaphor. A shifter is someone who can change gender at will. Imagine if you will, within our society today, if you are a bi-sexual or transgender person how fantastic it would be to change your body type as easily as you change your clothes. Now imagine having that ability stolen from you with a forced implant that blocks the shift, locking you into a body you want to crawl out of half the time.

Damon and Alex have been dating for two years, never taking that next step. Every time Damon approaches Alex about marriage, she shuts him down. Love is not the issue here, I’m afraid. You see Alex is a shifter, able to change gender at will. And Damon is a static, unable to change his sex and unaware that his girlfriend is a shifter. When Alex’s family, the type of family that picks the parts of the bible they want to wield like a sword and ignores every other part, drugs him and forces an implant that will block his shifting abilities; Alex is certain he is going to lose Damon. This is the very reason Alex never told Damon the truth about herself, for fear of losing the person, she loved the most.

The majority of the story is spent with Alex coming to terms with the possibility that he may never be able to shift again. At times, he wants to crawl out of his own skin. His brain and his soul still shift to his female form, but now his body cannot adapt, and it’s driving him mad. Alex has to learn to live every aspect of his life as a man. He’s still madly in love with Damon. He’s just not sure if Damon can still love him as a he. Alex has only ever been with men, whether he was a male, or female, but Damon is certifiably straight. Or is he?

All the while Alex is coming unglued inside and out, Damon is wrestling personal demons of his own. He will not abandon Alex, but he is having a little trouble reconciling his growing feelings for his girlfriend, that can only now be his boyfriend. There is a lot at stake for both men. Will Alex find a way to have the implant removed? And what if he can’t, will Damon still want to be with him if he can never be she again?

I loved everything about this book. It made me stop and think, is this what Transgender people live with everyday? Being stuck in a man’s body when everything inside you feels feminine? Witt really conveyed Alex’s emotional distress perfectly. And to watch Damon falling in love with Alex as a man all over again was priceless and beautiful. At times, the story was very dark, but it fit within the context perfectly.

Dark and dramatic, but kind of beautiful in a different sort of way. I highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t normally read this genre, I think you would still enjoy the storyline in this book.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MM Good Book Reviews*

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Boys In the Band Blog Tour & Contest with Review

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Hey everyone, I’m bringing you yet another cool Blog tour from four great authors! Yep that’s right four and they’ve all written about sexy Rock Stars! You will even get a chance to win a copy of their featured books! And just to make your knees weak again Rock Stars! So stick around, check out the books and enjoy the review of Rowan Speedwell’s Illumination and then click rafflecopter link and be in a chance to win!

Now I have to shoot before Portia wakes up and she sees what I have been up to 😉 *snuggles* Pixie

MM Good Book Reviews is the latest stop on the Boys in the Band blog tour, with authors Paula Coots, Cecilia Tan, L.A. Witt, and Rowan Speedwell. Each of these writers has brought a rock star to life in a recent romance release, so they got together to talk about music, musicians, love, and good old “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” Today they answer the question: “What got you started writing about rock musicians? Why do they make good heroes/love interests?” Scroll down for the answer and a chance to win a prize pack of all four books!

You could win: WITH THE BAND by L.A. Witt Hard rock band Schadenfreude is finally on the verge of the success that’s eluded them for the last several years. With Aaron McClure as their new lead singer, nothing’s going to stop them…except maybe a steamy, secret relationship between Aaron and bassist Bastian Koehler. Aaron knows all too well what can happen when band members get involved with each other. After all, his last band was a casualty of his last relationship, and Schadenfreude forbids band members from dating for that very reason. But Bastian is too hot to resist, and besides, it’s just sex, so what’s the harm? Their passion in the bedroom is rivaled only by their ambition as musicians, though, and pretty soon, it’s going to tear them, and Schadenfreude apart, if they can’t get back to playing with the band.

ANOTHER ROCK STAR by Paula Coots Music is the driving force in Reed Lang’s life and he’s hit the jackpot when it comes to signing a major label deal and scoring a hit single or two. It’s never an easy task and certainly not for an out and proud gay man, even in this day and age. Now, it’s time to hire the backing band, shoot the videos, do all the promotion work and get out on the road. But what happens onstage is only half the show. When the wild energy onstage can’t be contained some become more than just hired hands. Friends. Mentors. Tormenters. Lovers. Surviving the circus of the music business, the rigors of the road, staying true to your art and discovering your heart show Reed that maybe there is more to life than being just another rock star.

DARON’S GUITAR CHRONICLES by Cecilia Tan It’s the 1980s, the era of MTV, AIDS, and Just Say No. Daron Marks is trying to make it as a guitar player in an industry where the whole world is the closet. Keeping his sexuality a secret would be a lot easier if he hadn’t developed a huge crush on his band’s lead singer, Ziggy Ferias. In fact, everything would be a lot easier without his crush on Ziggy… except for fame itself. In the latest volume of Daron’s Guitar Chronicles (volume 5), Moondog 3 are on the road. Is the tour bus the pressure cooker that will meld them together or will the pressure blow them apart?

ILLUMINATION by Rowan Speedwell Adam Craig is burned out. Lead singer of the hard rock band Black Varen, he’s tired of the empty life of groupies, paparazzi, and hotel rooms. Worse, a life in the closet. Miles Caldwell is a brilliant artist, tied by agoraphobia and social anxiety to his family’s lodge. Alone but for his parrot, he spends his days illuminating manuscripts and hiding from the complexities of life. Somehow, the man who’s never home and the man who never leaves it must find the strength to fight for a future together.

“What got you started writing about rock musicians? Why do they make good heroes/love interests?”

Paula Coots: Oddly enough, one of my characters informed my taste in music. I never much cared for The Cure. I always thought Robert Smith couldn’t sing. But Shane, the lead guitarist in Another Rock Star, loved The Cure, so I dug out my old CD of Disintegration and loved it. That set me off on a Cure binge. I bought everything they ever released that I could get my hands on in the second hand stores. And it was like I was searching for this one song, called Underneath the Stars. As I was driving home from Dallas, about two hours away from where I live, that song just broke my heart. I drove with tears streaming down my face and had to play it again. And again. And then I had to pull over to the side of the road to read the lyrics. This song is described in the first love scene between the two lead characters, and sounds exactly like what they feel as they explore each other for the first time.

Cecilia Tan: I have very wide-ranging tastes. I’m like one of those people who likes any food as long as it’s good, no matter what style: Italian, Japanese, barbecue, you name it. I grew up on a mix of classic rock and 80’s New Wave, with equal parts punk and Beatles. I knew Daron was going to have at least as wide-ranging taste, and as it has turned out, he has even more eclectic taste than I do! He’s even more interested in the quality of the song and the talent of the performer than I am, plus he learned to play more styles than what he writes himself. So he’ll throw in some bluegrass, R&B, you name it. We agree on Paul Simon, Prince, and The Cure. He liked Metallica long before I did, though he eventually convinced me.

L.A. Witt: I listen to a little of everything, from country to pop to industrial rock. I tend to joke that I have the worst musical tastes in the known universe because I own an embarrassing amount of pop drivel like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and even a couple of Bieber songs. But the sheer volume of 30 Seconds to Mars and Adam Lambert on my iPod negates all of that, so whatever. Don’t judge me.

Rowan Speedwell: I looooove show tunes and soundtracks, and so do both my boys. I have to confess something (whispers): I’m old. I remember the Beatles. I actually had Paul Revere and the Raiders albums. My musical tastes were formed in the crucible of British Invasion, hammered out on the anvil of folk rock, doused in the basin of disco, and polished with glam rock. (Sheesh, enough with the blacksmithing metaphors…) Lately, I listen to whatever people make me listen to, anything from Katy Perry to Imagine Dragons to the Decembrists. I never know what it actually IS I’m listening to, but I listen! Suffice to say, my taste in music is eclectic. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a prize pack including all four ebooks below!

About the Authors:

Paula Coots: After seeing David Bowie and his lead guitarist, Mick Ronson, when she was eleven, Paula knew what she wanted to do with her life. Her plan was to play lead guitar in a band and hopefully make it big, and then after that focus on writing. Well, she didn’t “make it big” as a rock star, but she has had her share of traveling band adventures as a lead guitarist over the past twenty five years. And now she writes! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaCootsBooks | Twitter: @PaulaRCoots

Rowan Speedwell lives in a tarpaper shack in the North Woods, without so much as cable TV to keep her warm. She is allergic to publicity and loathes marketing, so her books only sell one or two copies. If you have one, she thanks you, as your purchase enables her to buy cat food for her diabetic feline companion, Kimball O’Hara. Webite: www.rowanspeedwell.com | Twitter: @RowanSpeedwell

Cecilia Tan mostly writes erotica and science fiction/fantasy, but she started writing Daron’s Guitar Chronicles back in the eighties and is still writing it today. She is the author of Slow Surrender, The Prince’s Boy, the Magic University books, and many other novels and stories. She was inducted into the Saints & Sinners GLBT Writers Hall of Fame in 2010 and is currently a nominee for the RT Magazine Career Achievement Award in erotic fiction. She lives in the fantasy utopia of Cambridge, Massachusetts with her three cats and her partner of 23 years. Daron serial website: http://daron.ceciliatan.com | Blog: http://blog.ceciliatan.com | Twitter: @ceciliatan | Facebook: thececiliatan

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer currently living in the glamorous and ultra-futuristic metropolis of Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two cats, and a disembodied penguin brain that communicates with her telepathically. In addition to writing smut and disturbing the locals, L.A. is said to be working with the US government to perfect a genetic modification that will allow humans to survive indefinitely on Corn Pops and beef jerky. This is all a cover, though, as her primary leisure activity is hunting down her arch nemesis, erotica author Lauren Gallagher, who is also said to be lurking somewhere in Omaha. Website: http://www.loriawitt.com | Blog: http://gallagherwitt.blogspot.com | Twitter: @GallagherWitt

Just click for a chance to win these fabulous books: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rowan Speedwell Illumination_500x750_0- 1Title: Illumination
 
Author: Rowan Speedwell
 
Genre: Contemporary
 
Length: Novel Plus (307pgs)
 
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (30th September 2013)
 
Heat: Moderate – Explicit
 
Heart: Black heart (cards)Black heart (cards)Black heart (cards)Black heart (cards) 4 Hearts
 
Reviewer: Pixie
 
Blurb: Adam Craig is burned out. Lead singer of the hard rock band Black Varen, he’s tired of the empty life of groupies, paparazzi, and hotel rooms. Worse, a life in the closet. After the final concert of their latest tour, he flees the afterparty, pursuing memories of lost summers and carefree days, until he passes out on the patio of a shuttered lake resort.
 
Miles Caldwell is a brilliant artist, tied by agoraphobia and social anxiety to his family’s lodge. Alone but for his parrot, he spends his days illuminating manuscripts and hiding from the complexities of life. When he discovers Adam asleep in a deck chair, he’s furious but intrigued. Adam soon charms his way into Miles’s bed, and they lose themselves in a summer idyll, safe from the compromises and claims of reality.
 
But Adam’s life, with all it demands, is waiting for him. And Miles, uncertain of Adam’s true feelings, is battling demons of his own. Somehow, the man who’s never home and the man who never leaves it must find the strength to fight for a future together.  
 
 .  
Review: Adam reaches breaking point during the after party of the final concert of  the tour for his rock band Black Varen, he jumps in the back of a cab and ends up at a childhood vacation spot. He awakens the next morning on the patio of the closed lake resort to a grumpy artist who wants him gone. Miles is a recluse, he has his art and occasional visits from his sister and two best friends and that is all he wants, but coming across a hungover man on his patio is the beginning of a shake up in his well ordered life. Two men, one private and one in the public eye must both find the courage to grab hold of love and never let go.
 .
Adam and Miles are two different people, ones a famous rock star the other is a reclusive artist but they come together during a near idyllic time, learning each others quirks and discovering the wants and needs of each other… but what happens when the outside world encroaches and Adam has to go back in the limelight? Adam has to go back to playing the game and Miles’ insecurities come out to play.
 
Miles is a complex character, his circumstances unfold throughout the story and we discover the enormous changes to his character from when he was a carefree, confident young man to the grumpy recluse he has become. Adam is more than just a rock star, he first started out in musicals and that’s where he wants to return to. While Miles is content with his safe space, Adam has him hoping for more and Miles begins to slowly work on coming out of his safe haven. Adam is locked into his own cycle which includes drinking, drugs and partying and it takes a near brush with death for him to finally get stock of his life.
 
This is a great story, with interesting characters who entertain and confuse. Miles and Adam make a brilliant easy couple when they are at the lake resort but become frayed quickly when they are apart. Some of Adam’s choices was pretty pathetic, falling back into his old routine with no real concern about how it would look to Miles and he was easily convinced to party and do drugs when he at first refused. Miles had good reason for his doubts with the way Adam was acting and I think he made the right choice to distance himself from Adam, forcing Adam to think about what he really wanted. Both men face their own challenges together and alone making them stronger as a couple and on their own.
 .
I recommend this to those who love great stories of opposites attracting, overcoming your own fears, corralling impulses and taking control of addictions, developing love and hot sex and a wonderful ending.

After the Fall by L.A. Witt

18457837Title:  After the Fall  

Series:  Tucker Springs, Book #6

Author:  L.A. Witt

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (202 pages)

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing (October 7th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   After years of saving every penny, Nathan has finally managed to buy the horse of his dreams. He’s looking forward to a summer of exploring the Colorado mountain trails above Tucker Springs with Tsarina. But on their very first ride, a motorcyclist makes a wrong turn, scaring Tsarina into bolting and leaving Nathan with a broken leg, a broken hand, and a ruined summer.

Ryan is a loner and a nomad, content with working odd jobs before moving on to the next town. Feeling guilty for causing the accident that leaves Nathan in two casts, Ryan offers to keep Tsarina exercised until Nathan heals.

Despite their bad start, Nathan and Ryan soon become friends . . . and then much more. But with a couple of nasty breakups in his past, Nathan doesn’t want feelings getting involved—especially knowing that Ryan will never settle down. But since when do feelings ever listen to reason?

Product Link:  http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/after-fall

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Fans of this series will instantly recognize Nathan, a staple throughout the series as Mike the acupuncturist’s man whore receptionist. After years of saving he’s finally able to achieve the dream of buying a horse. On their first ride together a careless motorcyclist causes an accident that leaves Nathan in two casts. So much for his fun summer breaking in his new horse.

Ryan sticks pretty close to Nathan after the accident, even after Nathan breaks his hand punching Ryan in the face! Feeling morose about the trouble he’s caused, Ryan offers to help Nathan train Tsarina since he can’t ride her with two full casts. A friendship develops between the unlikely coupling, and soon they find themselves not only spending more and more time together, but looking forward to this time as well.

When they finally get past the getting to know each other and find their way to the bedroom, that first night is a thing of beauty that is followed up by many more. But Nathan has convinced himself this is just a fling since Ryan will be leaving soon, or will he? When Ryan hints that he might want more from their relationship, Nathan pushes him away, hard. Nathan soon realizes he was wrong to think that Ryan was anything like his past boyfriends, but the damage has been done, and it may not be repairable.

Witt delivered a solid, romantic love story with just the right amount of angst and emotion. Nathan went from being a ho in the earlier books in this series, to an almost shy and uncertain ML. His dry, witty sense of humor that included a snarky inner monologue cracked me up. Then you have Ryan who you just knew was going to be the knight in shining armor from the start, walking around with his heart on his sleeve the entire time.

This is a must read for fans of this series, author and genre. Emotionally charged, sensual and passionate sexual escapades abound in this book. I went back and read their first time twice, it was just … magic!

 

 

Wireless by L.A. Witt

18271867Title:  Wireless

Author: L.A. Witt 

Genre:   Dystopian Romance

Length:  Novel (170 pages)

Publisher:  Loose ID (July 30th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Skin to skin contact is illegal. Sex? A felony. Insulated suits and gloves keep people from even the most platonic touches. Citizens line up in droves at simhouses for their rationed, prescribed orgasms in virtual reality machines.

Keith Borden has worked in a simhouse for years, and he’s never been tempted to break the strict no-contact laws… until Aiden Maxwell comes along. The attractive and dangerously flirtatious patient invites him into the seedy underground where people engage in real, wireless sex. Though Keith stands to lose his career and his freedom, he’s curious and Aiden is irresistible.

From the moment he sets foot in the wireless lounge, Keith is in a world of flesh and fantasy. He’s hooked. On the sex, on the atmosphere, and most of all, on Aiden.

Years of keeping everyone in his world at arm’s length have left Keith craving a human touch, and Aiden offers all the contact–scorching sex, gentle affection, and everything in between–Keith can handle. That is, until an unexpected act of betrayal throws Keith’s world into chaos, and he finds himself more alone than he ever imagined possible…

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

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  In a future where touching is illegal and the act of sex is a felony a man who plays by all the rules and one that has thrown his rule book out the window meet and fall in love. Wireless chronicles the beginning of their story.

This story is reminiscent of the movie Demolition Man, with the act of sex being a simulation instead of a physical art form. Keith Borden is a simtech; he runs the machines that administer each person’s allotted orgasms. As of late, he’s drawn more and more to the man who comes in every Thursday like clockwork. He’s even set his own sim partner to the best resemblance of Aiden he can generate.

Aiden Maxwell is outspoken and attractive and Keith risks everything for the chance just to touch him. A cluster of underground wireless lounges that run outside the law on the wrong side of the tracks becomes their playroom. A touch leads to a kiss that leads to so much more, and Keith is addicted. He’s addicted to the feelings and the sex and the sensuality, but most of all he’s addicted to Aiden. A raid leaves Keith under suspicion and Aiden in the wind. Can Keith go back to the sims now that he’s had a taste of Aiden? Of course not! But is he willing to give up everything to go wireless and find him?

Wow! This was a fast, fun, sexy, and dangerous read. I love dystopian novels almost as much as M/M novels, so this book promised perfection before I opened the first page. There wasn’t a long set up either; Witt swept me up into this odd world from the start. If you’re looking for a fast and furious read, grab your copy now!

Finding Master Right by L.A. Witt

17735586Title:  Finding Master Right

Series:  N/A

Author: L.A. Witt 

Genre: BDSM

Length:  Novel (170 pages)

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing (June 17th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   It’s all fun and games until somebody falls in love.

Chase has just arrived at a much anticipated leather convention, and he’s about to lose his mind. Not only is his ex attending, but Chase is also rooming with Derek, a submissive he’s been dying to top. Although Derek is in search of a Dom, he made it painfully clear when the two of them hooked up for a very hot—but very vanilla—night just before the convention that he wasn’t interested in submitting to Chase.

Derek isn’t stupid. No matter how desperate he is to submit to Chase, he wants no part of a rebound relationship. As long as Chase is still pining after the sub who broke his heart a few months ago, Derek’s keeping him at arm’s length. Besides, there’s another Dom at this convention, the gorgeous Master Raul, who Derek is determined to attract.

But when Chase and Derek are confronted with all their kinks, from ropes to leather, bondage to flogging—not to mention each other—they can only ignore their mutual attraction for so long.

Product Link:  http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/finding-master-right

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Chase and Derek are friends that secretly want to be lovers. A drunken night on the road travelling to a leather convention, Chase hopes to make that dream a reality. But when Derek requests to keep their tryst strictly vanilla, Chase is left confused and wanting more.

A huge aspect of the Dominate and Submissive relationship is trust, can these two friends take that next step, can Derek completely submit to Chase? These two spend the better part of the book pushing each other away. They are so obviously in love, but to damn stubborn to admit it. Both are still wounded from their last relationship and neither wants to be a rebound.

They actively watch each other playing and acting out the Dom/sub roles throughout the convention, just not with each other. Everything comes to a head when Chase takes out his frustration on a submissive while Derek finally gets a shot with Master Raul, the Dom he’s wanted to control him for years, only to realize he already has a Dom, and it’s not Master Raul.

I’m not normally a fan of BDSM, but Witt managed to explore this world of leather, whips, chains, and floggers without turning it into bad porn or the memoirs of an abused submissive. Aside from the angst, I loved the story between these two best friends as they secretly pine for one another while still exploring who they are.

The play scenes are definitely descriptive; if you aren’t a fan of BDSM then this is not the book for you. There is a love story wrapped up in all that leather though, so romance fans that don’t normally read the genre just might like, I sure did. Pretty steamy, graphic and intense… I recommend giving Master a try.