Title: Ruby Red Booty Shorts and a Louisville Slugger (2nd edition)
Series: I.O.N. 01
Author: Lexi Ander
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Length: Novella (171pgs)
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (March 2, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts
Blurb: Eager to escape the shadows of a tragic loss, Diego built a new life with his best friend, Beck. When he finally decided one night to admit that he’s in love with Beck, that new life takes a new, hot and happy turn. But happiness is easily shattered, as he’s learned all too well, and this time it’s ruined by the arrival of a mysterious package and then men bent on violence.
Memories of a dead brother and an untouchable drug lord rise inevitably to the surface, and Diego dreads that the man he loves is mired in the world that Diego tried to escape. But Beck’s secrets aren’t so simple, and neither is the world in which Diego has been living…
Review: Diego, Beck and Denise are friends but Beck and Denise work for a secret agency. Unable to tell Diego puts a strain on their relationship but they both try to cope the best they can.
I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this story though it seemed brief at times.
We are given an introduction into Diego’s childhood and glimpses throughout his life. Which was nice to know about him in more detail but I wanted to know about Beck as well.
All in all it was a nice read that was enjoyable if not a bit drawn out at times.
Hiya guys, we have Lexi Ander stopping by with her new release Werewolf’s Tale and a Druid’s Sword, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt, Shorty’s review and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Werewolf’s Tale and a Druid’s Sword
(I.O.N. 02)
by
Lexi Ander
After he’s kicked out for being gay, still reeling from being abandoned by the man he loves, Jude goes to live with his brother Beck, who thankfully is more than happy to take him in. But Jude has other secrets he’s yet to share, for fear that even Beck will reject him, leaving him well and truly alone.
Then he draws the attention of werewolves, and discovers that everything he thought he knew about Levi, the man who abandoned him, is a lie. But one lie leads to another, ending in a vast conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything Jude loves—and that doesn’t even begin to include the challenges that Beck is facing.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press LLC (May 28, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: Danny has decided it’s time to make his life drama free, and he’s going to start with his living arrangements. The strife caused by a previous roommate is not something he aims to repeat. His plans are neatly shattered, however, when the new roommate arrives. Javier is exactly the kind of temptation he was hoping to avoid—and with him comes a whole new set of problems that leave Danny helpless as to who he really wants
Review: This author is new to me so I was not sure what to expect. I am always a bit leery of trying out new authors. However this author makes this story fun and enjoyable. Although how a gay man turns a straight man is a bit beyond me, or the fact that Patrick thinks that way.
Danny had two roommates; both were supposed to be straight. Danny however is gay as can be. His other roommate blames Danny for turning the man gay. Danny plans to stay away from them both to save his friendship with Patrick. Then Javi moves in and things are about to heat up. I am thinking Patrick is mad but not for the reasons he said.
This was a short and very hot little story. I think it should have had more character strength and development, but because it is so short, it comes off rushed. I enjoyed reading it and would hope that maybe this author will add some more stories to this story later on.
I had a bit of fun with it and would recommend it. It makes for a perfect story when on taking a break.
Hi peeps, we have A.V. Sanders stopping by on her ‘Christmas in July’ giveaway blast. We have her Christmas release Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas, a great excerpt, my review and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Hot, Wet, Australian Christmas
by
A.V. Sanders
Reid, an American shark research scientist, is in Perth, Australia working to develop a mobile app that may revolutionize shark safety practices. But even the company of his boyfriend, Graham, isn’t enough to stave off homesickness as Christmas approaches, and a missing shark and Graham’s struggling business seem set to ruin the holiday for good.
Hiya guys, we have Lexi Ander popping in to show off the cover to her upcoming release Werewolf’s Tale and a Druid’s Sword, we have a quickie teaser and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the cover, click the giveaway link and enjoy the teaser! <3 ~Pixie~
Werewolf’s Tale and a Druid’s Sword
(I.O.N. 02)
by
Lexi Ander
After he’s kicked out for being gay, still reeling from being abandoned by the man he loves, Jude goes to live with his brother Beck, who thankfully is more than happy to take him in. But Jude has other secrets he’s yet to share, for fear that even Beck will reject him, leaving him well and truly alone.
Then he draws the attention of werewolves, and discovers that everything he thought he knew about Levi, the man who abandoned him, is a lie. But one lie leads to another, ending in a vast conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything Jude loves—and that doesn’t even begin to include the challenges that Beck is facing.
Hi peeps, we have Lexi Ander and her newest release Ruby Red Booty Shorts and a Louisville Slugger visiting today, she’s brought along a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Ruby Red Booty Shorts and a Louisville Slugger
(I.O.N. 01)
by
Lexi Ander
Eager to escape the shadows of a tragic loss, Diego built a new life with his best friend, Beck. When he finally decided one night to admit that he’s in love with Beck, that new life takes a new, hot and happy turn. But happiness is easily shattered, as he’s learned all too well, and this time it’s ruined by the arrival of a mysterious package and then men bent on violence.
Memories of a dead brother and an untouchable drug lord rise inevitably to the surface, and Diego dreads that the man he loves is mired in the world that Diego tried to escape. But Beck’s secrets aren’t so simple, and neither is the world in which Diego has been living…
Title: Wolf, WY Series: Wolf #1 Author: A.F. Henley Genre: Paranormal/ Contemporary/ Fantasy/ Shapeshifters Length: 260 pages Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 21, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: There’s nothing like a fresh start, and for Randy, still nursing wounds left by a cheating ex and harboring a deep mistrust for all things corporate, Wolf, Wyoming seems like the perfect place to start over. Secluded, quiet, and self-sufficient, Wolf is bound to not only inspire, but to bring Randy the peace he needs. The view’s not bad, either.
Vaughn O’Connell and his family are Randy’s only neighbors for miles, and while Randy knows it’s somewhat unlikely that a man with three kids is gay, it doesn’t hurt to look. When a misunderstanding brings Randy face to face with both Vaughn and his eighteen year old son, Lyle, Randy’s not sure what to feel about either of them.
But things are not what they appear in Wolf, and the closer Randy gets, the stranger the O’Connell family seems…
ISBN: 978-1-62004-618-0
Product Link: http://amzn.to/1TGHAQV
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is the first story by this author that I have read and I have to tell you that this story was amazing. Full of detail, energy, excitement, suspense and feelings. It is certainly different from any other book I have come across. There is not an instant love, fated mates or any of the usual that you find in a paranormal romance. I loved the way it just caught my attention and kept it throughout. I couldn’t put the book down, till I finished it.
Randy was a successful lawyer who had everything he had wanted, or should I say everything his mother wanted. However he was not truly happy, so when he found out that his fiancé was a cheating ass he decided it was time to end. He decided to just pack it all up and find a place for him. He just hadn’t expected a different life completely.
Not to mention all the snow that is around. However when he sees some men cutting down his tree, he turns all bossy. Funny as hell, seeing as they are neighbors doing a good deed. Vaughn is the one that turns him on but damn Lyle is just sexy. However it is Vaughn that he wants. The thing is there are some major secrets going on.
Vaughn is a werewolf with a teenage son going through the change. There are not many werewolves left so he hadn’t expected it out of his son. His son wanted to fight for dominance and Vaughn needed to keep his head on straight. The problem is he has the hots for his neighbor and his son knows it. He just can’t stay away.
This was told in Randy’s voice it seems and let’s just say he rocks it. The things he thinks about is just a blast to hear and so damn funny. He is the one that pulls you in completely but when these two get together it is hot as hell. He has one hell of an imagination and can talk a blue strip up.
I loved the whole family and it came off perfectly. The little ones were just funny as all and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the future. I am definitely saying that this author has made my watch list, because this story has hit my top ten favorite books.
I loved it and can’t wait to see what the next book will be like.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Different Strokes Series: N/A Author: Nico Jaye Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (39 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 11, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: When his regular masseuse is called away on a family emergency, Tomas does not expect Darren, her temporary replacement, to be such an attractive distraction.
Tomas has always been a serious, no-nonsense type of swimmer; after all, elite competition leaves no room for unprofessional conduct.
However, he finds it extremely difficult to stay on the right side of the professional line with Darren tending to his needs.
Review: Sweet short story about competitive swimmer Tomas Lundquist and massage therapist, Darren Wright. These two seemed to be well matched and brought out the others stronger qualities as well as helping where the other struggled. There are some hot scenes between these two characters as the story progresses.
I loved both characters.
Enjoyable read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Lexi Ander popping in with her upcoming release Dragon’s Eye, we have a fantastic guest post, a brilliant excerpt and an incredible giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Dragon’s Eye
(Sumeria’s Sons 05)
by
Lexi Ander
In the wake of birth and betrayal, Ushna takes the God Ashur to Tristan in a last desperate bid to save Tristan’s life—and is helpless to do anything but watch as Ashur instead buries him in a grave. Though he has no desire to go on living, having now lost Brian and Tristan, Ushna has no choice. Not only do their children need him, the mysterious Simurgh has come out of hiding and forces him to continue on—for there is much to do and little time to do it, especially with treachery and danger closing in on them from every side.
Title: Midsummer Curse Series: Midsummer book #2 Author: Megan Derr Narrator: Paul Morey Genre: Paranormal Length: 2 hours and 51 minutes Publisher: Less Than Three Press (09-02-2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Brayton is a jack of all trades. He travels from one end of the country to the other, fixing problems of all shapes and sizes for the many supernaturals who call him for help. When a friend calls in a favor, he travels to the town of Midsummer’s night.
It should be an easy job: find out who cursed a gremlin and why, break the curse, over and done. But Midsummer’s Night is like no town he’s ever seen, and the gremlin he’s come to help is definitely not what he expected…
Review: Brayton is a natural-born shifter, a lone wolf and a jack of all trades. He winds up in the mostly supernatural inhabited town of Midsummer at a friend’s request to help a cursed gremlin find out who and why he was cursed, and hopefully, break it. The last thing Brayton expected was to fall for the sexy little shy gremlin that he lovingly nicknames ‘Itty Bitty’ five minutes after they meet.
Ferdie is a gremlin, mechanically inclined by nature, but someone has cursed the poor guy so that every time he tries to tinker, everything he touches falls apart. This, in and of itself, is pure torture for a gremlin. It doesn’t help that his ex-boyfriend is a tool that is trying his damnedest to get Ferdie to forgive him and take him back. And then he finds himself insanely attracted and drawn to the shifter that was sent to break his curse.
This was just a fast, fun read. Megan Derr and Paul Morey have become somewhat of an unstoppable team in the MM romance audio book department. She writes these intricate stories, usually shifter and/or magic oriented, and Morey tells those stories with flawless narration. His voice is like honey dripping off the vine. It’s mesmerizing, sexy and fluent.
While I enjoyed this audio, I did have one issue with the storyline. At least a dozen times, if not more, in less than three hours; Brayton talked about wanting to bang his itty bitty. I don’t think the man went more than fifteen minutes without talking or thinking about it. But they never do.
There is one two-minute scene at the very end where a couple heated blow jobs are exchanged, but that’s it. I felt cheated in that aspect. But aside from that, it was an awesome story and I can’t wait to hear more from the town of Midsummer.
Title: Storm Driven Series: N/A Author: Ana Reese Genre: Urban Fantasy Length: Novella Publisher: Less Than Three Press (June 17th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts
Blurb: Two years ago Shilo’s life was great. Good job, loving husband, great house, and nothing major to worry about. Then his husband vanished without a trace. He still has the job and the house, but no idea why his husband left without even writing a note.
Days before the two-year mark of his husband’s disappearance, he’s nearly killed when his house blows up. Before he can make sense of any of it, Shilo is swept up in a deadly stand-off between two powerful factions of the preternatural world he has always ignored—and his husband right in the middle of it.
Review: This was my first story by Ana that I have read and it wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew that it had a paranormal tone to it but it comes off a bit dark. It was pretty good but confusing at the same time. It got a bit hard to follow in some spots and I can honestly say that I hated part of the ending. I think had it been a tab bit different that it could have had a second book after this. So I wasn’t too happy about that. It does have a happy ending for Shilo and Mazin.
Mazin had disappeared two years ago with no words at all. He had left his things behind except for some pictures. Shilo did everything to try to find his husband but there was no luck. Now his depression has gotten a bit worse for him. Things are just not looking good for him, than his house blows up. Things are looking a bit worse. On top of that, he is kidnapped, hurt, saved by a crazy loon who he is related to through Mazin. At the end there is his husband who just happens not to be human. Talk about a bit of trouble all the way around.
This book like I said is really good, but there is something missing that would have made the story better. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and I couldn’t put it down till I finished. However I can’t put my finger on it but it left me with a bit of questions. I do wish that the ending hadn’t been the way it was though.
I hope that there is another book that will follow this because I felt like I was left hanging.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Always Saying Goodbye (2nd Edition) Series: N/A Author: Hollis Shiloh Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (95 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press LLC (15 Jan 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Tired of a life of secrecy with a lover who only seems to want him for the sex, Jeremy opts for a whole new life: new country, new job, and perhaps even a chance to date a beautiful woman he could someday marry. It’s exactly what he needs, despite Gavin’s last-ditch efforts to convince him to stay, and definitely for the best that they’ll never see each other again …
Review: This is an interesting story that boils down to the idea of two men, deeply in love with each other, find their relationship tested by external influences. Really, a typical story. The story is told completely from the POV of Jeremy, who feels rather neglected by the man he loves, Gavin.
This story may be potentially problematic to some people because the plot is based on the big no, no’s of relationships: primarily, no communication and running away without explanation or trying to help the other partner understand. Okay, I’ll admit, this type of plot device frustrates me at times, as I think is already clear from what I’ve written.
I found it difficult to emotionally understand Jeremy’s POV but completely was on Gavin’s side the entire. I felt so sorry for Gavin, who seemed to be trying while Jeremy was running! I think also throwing in the fact that the story is set in 1979 and 1986, the world and society was a very different place, which again made me to sympathise with Gavin and feel frustrated by Jeremy, again… still.
Here is a line (no spoilers, really), that perfectly sums up this book:
Hello Jerr, Well, well, well, run off again, you coward.
This is enjoyable and I have to say in the end I was relieved, one that it was finished and two that the guys got their shit together.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, today we are helping Lexi Ander celebrate her audiobooks Alpha Trine & Striker, from her series The Valespian Pact. We have a fantastic guest post from Lexi and a brilliant giveaway, we also have Tams review of Alpha Trine so she can tell you what her thoughts are about the audiobook! So check out the post and then click that Rafflecopter link for those fantastic prizes! ~Pixie~
The sole survivor on a science vessel adrift in deep space, Zeus was adopted by the Emperor and Empress of the Mar’Sani, though he is both human and blind, and seen by most as unfit to join the royal family. Though they were able to repair his vision, Zeus does not trust his eyes and the nobles of his parents’ court refuse to ever trust a frail human.
Dargon Kal-Turak, along with his symbiote and lover Alpha, command one of the most dangerous ships in the stars. Narrowly escaping a trap, they dock in a space port to make repairs, but find that the Psionics hunting them are closing in fast. In desperation they kidnap the port Master Mechanic, unaware that the man they’ve brought on board is more than he seems, and will bring far more upheaval to their ship, their lives, and the stars than any of them could have imagined.
Alpha Trine was the winner of 2014 Rainbow Awards
Audio Purchase Links: Available at iTunes and Audible
The peaceful respite for which Zeus and his intended, Dargon and Alpha, had been hoping is shattered when Zeus is unexpectedly drawn to the Waters of Poseidon and told that the safety they’ve been promised is a trap. But the Fal’Amoric aren’t the only important cargo on the Oethra 7, and countless others are depending on the success of their mission. If Zeus hopes to break the silent siege on Valespia and protect those most precious to him, he will need not just powerful allies but the fortitude to survive overwhelming odds.
Audio Purchase Links: Available at iTunes and Audible
Hi guys, we have the brilliant Lexi Ander visiting today with her latest re-release Dreams of the Forgotten, the third book in the Sumeria’s Sons series. We have a great excerpt, a fantastically awesome giveaway and my review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Dreams of the Forgotten
(2nd Edition)
(Sumeria’s Sons 03)
by
Lexi Ander
For Tristan and Ushna, nothing comes easy and with each passing day the challenges grow and the dangers multiply. The safe home they are building for their family and tribe is threatened from all sides, and the peace they seek is being torn apart by enemies and internal strife. Tristan dares not reveal his condition to any but those closest to him, all the while he’s plagued by dreams he cannot remember upon waking…
And over all of it hangs the knowledge that his time with Ushna is running out. Because Ushna already has a Flame awaiting rebirth, and though Tristan would die to protect that bond, he constantly struggles against his beast who demands they bind Ushna to their side.
Title: Remember Me Not, My Love Author: J.D. Walker Genre: Contemporary Length: Short (27 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (February 4th 2015) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: When Terry turned eighteen, he would end up homeless and alone, abandoned by family and friends for being gay. Though it took him years, he found his feet again.
Then a man from his past knocks him right back down again, dredging up a memory of the time Terry stood by and did nothing as that same man was assaulted for being gay, driving home to Terry that he will never be worthy of friendship or family.
But the man who brought back the past is also the person most willing to fight for their future.
Review: An innocent trip to a local shop to buy batteries will change Terry’s life, again, but this time for the better. When Terry was in high school, he witnessed a seemingly brutal gay bashing. In shock, Terry was unable to move, much less respond to what was happening. Now several years later, life brings the victim of that unwarranted attack back into Terry’s life.
Ishmael has never forgotten what happened that day, or the fact that Terry just stood there and did nothing to stop the attack, or get him any help after. But the hatred he has harbored quickly evaporates when he learns that he and Terry weren’t and aren’t so different after all. Both men have struggled with life since that fateful day and finally have a chance at happiness, together.
This was a super short story about life coming full circle. It reads as an insta-love story, but if you actually pay attention to the words, a lot of time passes as Terry and Ishmael become familiar with each other over lunches in the park. You definitely need to be able to read between the lines to appreciate this love story as it grows. And while
I would love to read a longer story for these two, I thought the author did a good job of setting the stage, telling the story, and conveying the characters thoughts and needs.
If you are looking for a fast read with a decent plot and some cute romance then this is the perfect novella for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Light Perpetual Shines Author: Kathleen Hayes Genre: Contemporary Romance Length: Short (32 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (February 4th 2015) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Sam works as a hospital chaplain and volunteers as chaplain with the local police department.
Called to the scene of a domestic dispute, he crosses paths with Frank, best friend of the victim. Though the two share a moment, they go their separate ways… but meet again outside the hospital after one of Sam’s patients dies…
Review: When Sam, an openly gay chaplain, is called out to a crime scene, he doesn’t treat the gender fluid gal that allegedly committed the crime any different from he would treat anyone else. He is kind, respectful and courteous, which catches the attention of Sandra’s best friend Frank.
It is several months later before they meet again, but Frank hasn’t stopped thinking about Sam since that night.
This time Frank is a shoulder for Sam to cry on after Sam loses a patient to a gunshot wound. The attraction that was evident from the start, comes full circle with this second chance meeting. But this time, Frank isn’t going to let Sam walk away.
This was just an okay read for me. While I enjoyed the chance meeting, Sam’s kindness, and the second chance at happiness all those months later, the story itself was super short and not quite as in-depth as I thought it needed to be for these particular characters. That being said, it was a light, fun read, and I would definitely read more from this author.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hey guys, I have the pleasure of having Lexi Ander stopping by with the re-released Songs of the Earth! As you know I’m crazy about this series so it’s a true pleasure to see this book back on the shelves and if you missed it the first time round then here’s your chance to get it. We have an excerpt so you can get a taste of the story, there’s a fabulous giveaway with multiple prizes and my review for you to enjoy. So check out the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Songs of the Earth
Sumeria’s Son 02
by
Lexi Ander
Thrust into the role of Prince of the Lycans, Tristan strives to find his footing in a life suddenly rife with secrets and lies—and danger. Betrayed by a Goddess meant to safeguard him, desperate to protect his consort and their growing tribe, he can only prepare for the worst and struggle to hope.
Title: Backwoods Asylum Author: Megan Derr Series: Lost Shifters, #1 Genre: Paranormal Shifter Romance Length: Novella (60 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (May 22nd 2013) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: Skylar is used to the way people think of him as frightening, mean, and dangerous. Snakes are not the most popular shifters around and the fact he grew up wild doesn’t help. He knows the way he’s chosen to live alone in the woods only makes things worse, but he didn’t think it meant people thought him capable of killing a couple of wolf puppies.
Determined to find the real monster who left them to die, Skylar calls up the only wolf he knows, a man he always wished would see him as more than a snake …
Review:Tams audio review from August 2014…
Skylar is a snake shifter and a loner by nature. He lives alone and secluded in the woods, it’s the way he prefers it. But his self-imposed seclusion is about to abruptly end when he wakes one night to the soft cries of a couple of wolf shifter pups. Skylar reaches out for help from the only wolf shifter he knows, Brady.
Skylar and Brady have always been uneasy around each other. Each thinking the other disliked him, when in fact it was a mutual attraction that made them unsteady. Forced into close quarters while Brady tries to figure out why the pups were dumped off at Skylar’s pond.
Presumably so the nasty snake shifter would have them as a midnight snack, the two finally get to see each other for who they really are.
This was just a fast paced, fun read with a little bit of mystery and suspense. It’s difficult to write too much about this short, as I don’t want to give everything away. Derr has a knack for writing these short stories that contain more content than a lot of full-length novels. Her characters are always three-dimensional and her stories very vivid.
Add to that the sultry voice of Paul Morey as he gives her words and characters a voice and the end result is a fantastic audible that will make the time fly by.
Updated written work review January 2015…
Most of the time reading and listening to the same book is an entirely different experience. You see or hear things you may have missed with the initial go round. Having already listened to this story I thought the suspense would be missing, but I still found myself anticipating the events of the story.
One thing I noticed more so when reading was the infatuation Brady carried for Skylar, it was completely evident to me while reading as soon as Brady stepped into Skylar’s house.
I absolutely love Megan Derr’s work, how she can take the oddest characters that you would never think of as being a lead character, much less a strong male lead, and turn them into something wonderful and believable. For so few words, there was a lot of content and character development.
If you are a fan of Shifter stories, paranormal, romance and odd types of characters then you really have to read this one!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: A Touch of Mistletoe Series: Less Than Three Press presents a collection of stories about people brought together by the magic of mistletoe… Author(s): J.K. Pendragon, Talya Andor, A.F. Henley, E.E. Ottoman, Megan Derr
Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary/Holiday Length: Anthology (182 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 17th 2014) Heat Level: Mild to Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Product Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=125&products_id=840 Reviewer: Tams Review: Five different authors came together to share these five distinctly different stories with a little holiday flare.
Blurb:
Here for You by J.K. Pendragon Warren’s life has been shrinking ever since his wife passed away. Blind, and finding it difficult to adjust to life on his own, it’s easier to hide away in his house. When his friend Missy invites him to a Christmas party, an unexpected kiss with a stranger under the mistletoe leaves him confused and wondering…
JK Pendragon set the stage for the stories with her gay for you tale that all started with a kiss under the mistletoe. Warren is still recovering from his wife’s death when he attends his best friends Christmas party. Not really in the mood to socialize, he finds himself in the library seeking solace from the festivities, but he is not the only one to need a little peace and quiet.
Warren is confused and almost argumentative with Kyung about his sexuality, but when a second kiss leaves him wanting more, Warren quickly deals with his newfound attraction to another man.
The Christmas Spirit by Talya Andor Christmas in Japan is no big deal for Ash Harmon, with his family half a world away and supernatural problems that have no respect for the holidays. When he picks up a bodyguard job for a rising star of figure skating who seems to be encountering trouble with a restless spirit, he stubbornly resists the unexpected attraction to his charge, wary of the risks that come with relationships. But the mistletoe has other ideas…
Talya Andor turns the tables with spooky ghost story set in Japan with a burgeoning romance between a paranormal investigator and the skater he is assigned to. This shot story has a lot of content with the PNR, multi-cultural romance and mysterious aspects all vying for equal attention.
A Beautiful Thing by A.F. Henley Sometimes, Fate gets tired of being ignored. And some nights, Fate decides something will just have to be done about it. Enter Drualus, Senior Correspondent for the Collective Assembly of Christmas Fae, working with the Night Before Reach Out Program. He’s got a few short hours to change Scott Misener’s outlook on life, love, and understanding. Lucky for Scott, Dru knows a tried and true trope that might just do the trick…
AF Henley confused me with her sci-fi story that included what I think were a fairy and a guardian angel, perhaps these two thoughts of a character in my mind were one in the same? I’ll be honest, I skimmed this one, didn’t quite catch my attention.
Ad Meliora by E.E. Ottoman It’s Christmas Eve and An-An and M.C. have plans to spend Christmas in Texas with An-An’s family. But their plans are cut short when M.C. takes on a last-minute case. Thankfully, though, it should be an easy exorcism.
Until they arrive at the snowbound lodge where trouble resides, and come face to face with a demon wolf unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.
EE Ottoman transcends normality with this transgender sci-fi nod that delves into something sinister, exorcism, murder and mayhem all while one of the female leads is transitioning into her new-found identity as a male. This one calls for a girly bits warning, including the terminology for said bits.
Two Parts Mistletoe by Megan Derr Kingston has worked hard to get where he is: owner of his own shop, master potion maker, well-respected… and lonely, too busy with life to enjoy more than his regular visits to Acacia House. If he wishes his loneliness might be eased by Hux, the man he meets at Acacia twice a month, well, someday he’ll work up the nerve to ask. Maybe.
Then Hux unexpectedly visits his shop, distressed and in desperate need of help to save his employer from a love potion…
Megan Derr rounds out this stellar casting with her magical tale with a historical feel. Kingston is a potion maker that Hux has called on to help him with a potion gone wrong. As it turns out, Hux’s boss is the unfortunate recipient of unrequited love that resulted in a love potion gone wrong. But that is just the backdrop for the story, the real focus here is on the relationship between Kingston and Hux, which has been a long time coming you learn as you read the story.
As I said at the start, these are all five distinctly different stories with one common interest, love. While I skimmed through the Henley and Ottoman stories due to subject, all five stories were very well written regardless. My favorite was the budding romance between Warren and Kyung. I would love to read a full-length novel for them.
If you are looking for a variety of stories from several well-versed authors then this steamy Christmas themed anthology will be perfect for you. Romance, mystery, suspense, paranormal activity and healthy dose of passion all underneath the Mistletoe!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Working Elf Blues Author: Piper Vaughn Genre: Paranormal/Holiday Length: Novella (53 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 17th 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Garnet Evergreen has never heard of an elf abandoning the North Pole for a human, but he yearns to be the first. Ever since he saw Wes, the boy with sorrowful eyes, Garnet felt an undeniable kinship. Over the years, he’s watched that boy grow into a man, and now he’s determined to give Wes a Christmas he’ll never forget. If only Garnet had thought to test his father’s sleigh before leaving…
Orphaned as a child, Wes spends every Christmas alone at his cabin. When he’s woken by a suspicious boom and finds a wrecked sleigh and an unconscious elf, he doesn’t know how to react. Wes isn’t fanciful. He doesn’t give much credence to the stories about Santa Claus and flying reindeer. But a part of him wants desperately to believe when Garnet promises forever, even if life has taught him that no one ever stays…
Review: Garnet has been watching over Wes since he was just a little boy, and he snuck onto his dad’s sleigh one Christmas Eve, only to find a lonely and afraid kid who had lost his parents. He stayed by Wes’s bedside that night and watched him sleep, and he’s watched over him from afar since that night. Now Garnet finds himself in love with the man who Wes has become, but will Wes feel the same way?
Wes has distant memories of the family he lost, and of the boy turned young man with the red hair that has been in his peripheral vision a time or two. He’s rudely awoke by a loud bang one night to find a crashed sleigh and an injured man with red hair and pointy ears. What the heck?! When Garnet wakes up in Wes’s bed, he is honest with him about everything. Who he is, how he’s watched over him for a lifetime and most important, how he feels about Wes.
Garnet has a choice to make though. Will he chose his family, his life as an elf? Or will the possibility of a life with Wes be strong enough to convince this elf to spend just one lifetime as a human who is loved?
Vaughn has delivered a sugary sweet, romantic little Christmas treat with this one. A short story that is busting at the seams with content. You really get a thorough look into the lives of both Garnet and Wes, the loss of Wes’s family and how it affected him, Garnet watching him over the years and how their feelings for each other grow into more very quickly. There is no full on sex in this story, but the heavy-duty make out sessions more than make up for it.
The perfect story for readers of the genre that don’t care for the more sensual stories. There is definitely a passion and chemistry between Garnet and Wes and boy do they like to kiss, the focus of this story shines on how they found each other and how they complement each other in the present. This is a must read if you are looking for a fun, cheesy, romantic Holiday story!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Ruby Red Booty Shorts and a Louisville Slugger (2nd edition)
Title: Roommate Adventures
Title: Wolf, WY
Title: Different Strokes
Title: Midsummer Curse
Title: Storm Driven
Title: Always Saying Goodbye (2nd Edition)
Title: Remember Me Not, My Love
Title: Light Perpetual Shines
Title: Backwoods Asylum
