Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 17th 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Gabriel Juarez has only one wish for Christmas, uttered moments before midnight on Christmas Eve: a hug. He wakes up the next morning to find his wish being haphazardly granted in the form of an insecure elf called Felix, who works as a wish augur and couldn’t bring himself to let Gabe’s wish go unfulfilled.
Review: Felix is a Wish Augur, part elf and part fae, he grants the wishes of those in need around the Holidays. It’s Christmas Eve and a lonely young man wishes for the simplest thing, a hug. Far be it from Felix to deny such a simple request, so he grants the wish, and so much more.
Gabriel Juarez lives a life unfulfilled. He hates his job and he’s single and alone at Christmas. He cries himself to sleep only to wake up Christmas morning wrapped in a warm embrace. Once Gabe gets over the shock of finding a wiry, blonde, doe eyed elf in his bed, the two share a special Christmas filled with uncertainty, awkwardness, and confessions. They learn that though they may different people from different worlds, they are very alike and both very lonely. Perhaps, Gabe is meant to fill Felix’s wish for a companion, after all it really doesn’t seem they met by chance.
What an adorable little story! At the start I wasn’t sure where it was going, Gabe was so miserable and unhappy and utterly alone. But when he woke in Felix’s arms, it really set the stage for them going forward. A cute, fluffy story with two characters that are so alone and sad in their separate lives, but together they fill the void each one is missing.
If you are looking for something short, sweet, and enchanting with a Christmas theme, then look no further.
Title: The Glass Prince Author: Sandra Bard Genre: Paranormal Romance Length: Novel (188 pages) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (December 3rd 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Kidnapping was not Daniel’s plan, but when he met a man who seemed unaffected by his magic, Daniel couldn’t just let him go.
Eren has every reason to hate Daniel, and no reason at all to like him. He’s not some fairytale to be kept in a glass room at the top of a tower. And he’s definitely going to have to rescue himself. He has a mother and girlfriend to get back to, after all, and a life waiting for him.
But the hardest part of escaping proves to be his reluctance to leave a man who is much more than he at first seemed…
Review: Daniel lost his childhood and almost his life due to his parent’s misguided attempt to bring him closer to his magic. The result is a bitter, powerful man who cannot love anyone because his very touch could kill them. That is until he meets Eren and accidentally touches him. Eren is immune to Daniel’s magic. He is also immune to Daniel’s charm.
When a misguided attempt at flirting ends with Eren injured, Daniel takes him to his home for him to heal. So enamored with the ability to touch someone, Daniel builds a cell of glass to hold his crush, indefinitely. In a twisted case of Stockholm Syndrome, Eren starts the journey hating Daniel completely defiant for being held against his will. Then an attempt to seduce Daniel and escape shows Eren just how vulnerable the Glass Prince really is.
I really liked the concept of this story, a world where magic is the norm and this one man holds so much power, yet he cannot love because he cannot touch. It seems like a slam-dunk that the person he can touch would be his match, alas, it is never that easy. I enjoyed the banter between Daniel and Eren while they were trapped in the glass tower, and how once Eren learned Daniels story of how he became what he is it changed his perception of him.
The ending, however, was anti climatic for me and the extreme vulnerability Daniel displayed in the end not quite believable or in sync with his character throughout the entire story. This was just an okay read for me. If you like stories about magic and unlikely love stories, you may like this one as well.
Title: All I Desire is Steven Series: N/A Author: James L Craig Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (10K words) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (November 19th 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Steven is a run of the mill guy, living a simple life that tips over into boring. He sees no way out of his dreary existence until he meets James, who is beautiful, charming, and helps to bring vivid color to Steven’s dull life. But everybody has secrets, and when James’s secret comes out Steven wonders if he should have stuck with boring…
________________________________________ Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&products_id=679
Review: A cute short story about a young man who has been judged his entire life for being gay, so he should be the last person in the world to judge someone else who is less than perfect. But that is exactly what Steven does to his would be boyfriend James. Once Steven searches his heart and realizes the mistake his made, is the damage done beyond repair?
I really enjoyed all the cute little details of this story. The chance meeting, the immediate connection, literally not being able to take their eyes off of each other. There was a lot of content as well for such a short length, got to see a lot about both young men and their pasts. I would have liked a longer story, I think more could have been explored, and I am very hopeful that the author will continue to follow Steven and James and their ups and downs as they navigate the relationship.
If you are looking for a really fast read with a great, base storyline and a decent amount of romance, give this one a go.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hey guys, today we welcome Lexi Ander with her re-release TwinFlames, she’s showing off her freshly polished book with it’s stunning new cover with a guest post and a very tasty excerpt along with a fantastic giveaway, so I will leave you all to enjoy the post remember to click that Rafflecopter link and read my review <3 ~Pixie~
Twin Flames
(Sumeria’s Sons 01)
by
Lexi Ander
A Lycan descendant of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, Tristan is not as extraordinary as his ancestors. He is an average warrior, unremarkable throughout. But this fact does not trouble him because he has found his Twin Flame, the one person destined to be his, who will love him unconditionally, life after life.
Then his Flame betrays him, leaving him shattered and dying. Brokenhearted, Tristan dissolves the sacred bond and leaves. His best friend, Ushna, accompanies him, vowing to guard and protect him, and Tristan slowly comes to realize that love does not require a sacred bond.
But if he hopes to keep the love he chooses, they will first have to survive ancient secrets, lies, mythical creatures, and the return of absent gods… Available in both paperback and ebook.
Title: Phoenix Series: Death Rose, #1 Author: Melanie Tushmore Genre: New Adult Gay Romance with a Rock & Roll edge Length: Novel (103,000 words) Publisher: Less Than Three Press (September 17th 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Young painter Alex Tatton has always loved music. When a tragic accident takes away his parents, he turns to a darker style of music and discovers the rock band, Death Rose. Feeling isolated from his own life, Alex develops a crush on guitarist Danny Death who, despite the name, is vivacious, full of life, and has a reputation for being ‘the nicest guy in rock n’ roll’.
After a gig, Alex finds Danny to give him a signed painting. Danny is everything a star should be: charming, sexy, a beacon of light in Alex’s otherwise dark life, and after meeting him Alex is determined to see him again—and this time he wants more than just an autograph.
Excerpt: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/excerpt-phoenix/ Purchase Link:Note, this title is available for pre-order for 15% off http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=90&products_id=656&zenid=9otm727ei1qr2dfhioepv8b6m2 Review: Alex Tatton is loner. Young and awkward, he has kept to himself since his parent’s death, living in London with his aunt and uncle. The only joy in his life is his painting. Sometimes his aunt has to remind him to eat, his constant caregiver. His appearance however, is far from an artwork. He keeps his hair long, something to hide behind, which cause slight acne. When he starts school, all he wants to do is hide behind his hair and fly under the radar. When he makes new friends they introduce him to the band Death Rose, and from the start, Alex is entranced with their music and the artwork they used for their CD cover.
Venturing out to see and listen to the band in person, Alex is quite taken with their guitarist, Danny Death. Over time, Alex attends several shows and makes friends with a few people that are close knit with the band members, and his crush on Danny continues to grow. After some of the shows, Alex has special gifts for Danny. A comic book rendition with Danny as the star, a unique piece of artwork, he even goes so far as to paint his leather jacket with a semblance from the band. Over time, Alex begins to make some changes to his appearance as well. Buying nicer clothes that make him stand out more, cutting his hair and cleaning up his acne. And it doesn’t go unnoticed by Danny.
The two begin meeting at shows, go out on a couple dates, and share a few stolen moments and kisses. When Death Rose tours Germany, Danny flies Alex out to attend the show. From that night on, the relationship is solidified. Alex makes love and falls in love for the first time. There are a few bumps in the road though. It’s not a rock steady courtship from the start. Alex tends to over analyze things and it takes Danny some time to prove his intentions are true. When the time comes to tour America and they will be forced to spend months apart, will their newfound love be strong enough to withstand the separation?
The book was a little slow to start, setting things up and giving Alex’s back-story, not really picking up the pace until they were in Germany. But it was a steady slow, if that makes sense. We had to learn about Alex’s art and why he loves it, how it moves him and makes him the person he is. He’s not really that comfortable with the crowds or with recognition, but then there is Danny. Danny is a force of nature, blowing into Alex’s life and kind of turning it upside down. Enamoured or Attracted are two strong words to describe how Alex feels about Danny, but they really aren’t strong enough, it goes way beyond that.
It was nice to see that these two young characters were written that way as well. They were awkward, insecure and inexperienced. They feed off each other in a way, emotionally and physically. Danny is hyperactive, a wild child, while Alex is more subdued and laid back. Together they balance each other out somewhat. They faced their share of problems and issues while they learned more about each other and how to be a couple.
If you like, Rock & Roll stories with an edge and just the right dose of angst and some pretty passionate trysts, then you’ll love Phoenix. I’m excited for the next book. I hope I don’t have to wait too long!
Title: Backwoods Asylum Author: Megan Derr Narrator: Paul Morey Genre: Paranormal Length: 1 hour and 46 minutes Publisher: Less Than Three Press (06-12-2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 hearts Reviewer: Tams 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 …
Purchase Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Backwoods-Asylum-Audiobook/B00KX906R0/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1409501495&sr=1-1 Review: 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.
OH MY GOD, oh my god!! Hey guys! Look, look we have Megan Derr… I know MEGAN DERR *fans self* Megan has blessed our site with her incredible, new release With Pride which is from her brilliant series Princes of the Blood *squee* (okay let me just calm down *deep breath*). Megan tells us not only how Princes of the Blood began but also how they went from ficbit to an epic high fantasy and she has a incredible giveaway where one of you lucky readers will win a copy of With Pride. So I will let you have a look at what Megan has to say, have a look at my review and don’t you dare forget to leave a comment for a chance to win this brilliant book! 😉 ~Pixie~
Megan Derr:
Expanding a Story.
As previously stated, Princes of the Bloodactually began as a couple of really short ficbits I posted to my LJ and later moved to my website (one of them, anyway. Dalibor’s never got moved; I no longer remember why). So how does a 3700 word ficbit turn into a trilogy totaling 188,000 words?
Lots of caffeine and alcohol to start.
But the first part is figuring out if there’s more story to tell. Luckily for me that question already had a firm yes.
From there, it’s time to cannibalize the original 3700 words to figure out what can be kept and transformed and what will have to go because it worked in short form but will not hold together in long form.
Kristof and Håkon not getting along? Kept. That was the easiest part in the end.
Other bits had to go: Kristof not understanding how the Princes work mostly had to go, though a small element was retained. Elements of the marriage and why Kristof was marrying him had to change. Hackle got changed to Håkon because Hackle didn’t quit fit anymore.
Pieces retained and fleshed out: the concept of Håkon needing special blood, that he’s at least in part a demon. There were other things discarded or kept, but that would be spoilery.
So, roughly decided upon what is getting kept, it’s time to move on to expanding those bits.
Most obviously were Kristof and Håkon’s roles. One a paladin, the other royalty. That was changed. Princes of the Blood aren’t royalty, merely the most powerful figures in the Legion. The Legion was the next thing to come, built out from the way I designed the Princes, the way they need pure blood, etc.
A lot of world building elements are thought of all at once. Laying it out makes it look all 1,2,3,4 but really it’s more like 1T56WX3AB9CDG2.
As all of that got sorted out, I had to build the rest of the world: religion, magic system, other bits of the culture. Given they live in the fallout of an ugly war, and everything is shaped very sharply around surviving all the nightmares that plague them, this made for a lot of fun. People are slaughtered by the hundreds, even thousands, often, so keeping the population up is extremely important. You don’t see a lot of women and children (sadly) because they’re kept locked away and safe. Polyamorous marriages are fairly standard (in the beginning of OLR, Raffé is engaged to a man who already has two wives and is hoping that he’ll get along with all of them; Korin is married to Telmé, but they’re good friends with the woman with whom Korin had a daughter; the kings always have 2-3 wives).
Little things matter too. This world tells time in minutes and hours, but they mark the hours with names. Only a few of them are mentioned in the books, but I have the full list. I know the crest and colors of every force within the Legion, and all the Houses.
And all the demons etc. that come into play aren’t entirely made up, either. I spent a lot of time picking out the demons upon which to base various Princes. I drew a map, I worked out the Reaches, I figured out how they survive when pure blood is so hard to come by and people die frequently and often.
After all the little pieces were fleshed out, and I had a rough outline, laying the story out was easy. The original ficbit for Håkon and Kristof was really only the end of their story. So going back to the start, figuring out how they met and what happened from there … expanding the story really wasn’t hard.
If anything, the hardest part of doing something like this is realizing that no story is set in stone. Be it editing, rewriting, or expanding, a story is not a static thing, set down once and never allowed to change. Some of my stories I’m content to leave as they are, but I have no doubt that somebody read it and went ‘I could do this better’ or ‘yeah, but what if I did it this way’.
And they definitely should.
Other stories are like The Lost Prince. Fun as it is, once I said ‘let’s see what else you got,’ it turned into Princes of the Blood and gave me 188,000 words.
As ever, writing is less doing and more doing as one is told.
Much love to everyone for reading my ramblings.
With Pride comes out April 16th from Less Than Three Press (third party vendors will follow after about 24 hours).
Of Last Resort can be found all over. In Despair comes out July 9th.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (15th January 2014)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Upon waking up one morning, Wen Yu is surprised to find a note asking him to return the song thrush given into his care while the owner was sick. The only problem is that Wen Yu was never given a song thrush.
Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking …
Review: Wen Yu is an honorable scholar student who is determined to live up to his father’s expectations of him, but when he finds a note asking for the writers song thrush returned it leads to a path that has Wen Yu questioning what he really wants. Liu Yi is an imperial eunuch and he has suffered from a mystery illness his entire life, when the Moon Poems are left in his care he believes there might be a cure hidden in the mysterious language. The two are brought together by a song thrush and a talking tortoise but can Wen Yu really help with the Imperial Exams so close, and, can he really reveal his dark secret to the eunuch he is falling in love with?
This is a wonderful little story that is filled with a slight whimsical fantasy thread, old world tales coming to life and a sweet love developing between two young people. Wen Yu has had his life planned out for him by his father, honor and family has been drilled into him from a young age, and his commitment to study is now engrained in him. Liu Yi is looking for his song thrush to be returned but meets a studious student instead, when he discovers that Wen Yu was directed his way he begins a tentative friendship Wen Yu and asks for his aid with the Moon Poems.
I must admit that I was drawn to this story from the opening scene, the Dragon of Jade Mountain and the Jade Rabbit of the Moon Palace, two lonely immortals, exchanging poems across realms but their chance to meet is lost and the Dragon sets off to recover the missing pearl. That scene does link in later with the main storyline of Wen Yu and Liu Yi and we are left wondering if there will be more to come at a later date. Liu Yi and Wen Yu’s relationship is a sweet one with both of them accepting the other and the storyline of the moon poems and the Dragon and Jade Rabbit are intriguing.
I became confused as to Wen Yu’s gender because I found myself becoming lost with descriptions and explanations… was Wen Yu a girl, made to act as a boy (Wen Yu’s explanation of his father’s secret) or was Wen Yu a hermaphrodite (sexual descriptions), I have gone over the book three times to see if I missed something, but I am left with the same confusion each time. Other than that I found the story to be enjoyable and liked seeing Wen Yu make his own decisions for his future, Liu Yi is a lovely young man who showed Wen Yu another future, a very cute couple who finally find the love they both deserve.
I recommend this to those who love sweet love stories, finding your own future, resolving a mystery, and an ending that is also a beginning.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (18th December 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When an unexpected package is delivered on December 14th, Martin is more than a little intrigued by the contents—especially as they’re from his boyfriend, Dennis, and come with instructions to wear them when they go to dinner with Dennis’ parents the following night.
And that’s only the beginning of Dennis’ suggestive gifts.
Review: Martin is surprised to receive some unexpected gifts from his lover, Dennis, on the run up to Christmas, but he throws himself into the spirit of the gifts. Each day brings a new gift with instructions, the gifts become more suggestive, and Martin gets a Christmas to remember.
This is a cute little story that brings a new meaning to the 12 Days of Christmas with Dennis’ very erotic twist. Martin is slightly more reserved than his cross-dressing lover Dennis is but he gets into the spirit when Dennis sends him sexy gifts. With a variety of gifts from a condom in a jockstrap to five gold rings *wiggles eyebrows* they have some interesting nights out but when Dennis springs the final surprise it just might be more than Martin can handle.
This is a great little story that has snippets of Dennis’ and Martin’s lives on the run-up to Christmas, although we don’t get to know these guys well we do see enough to know that they have a great relationship and that Dennis loves slinky underwear and Martin is slightly more reserved. We see some great reactions to Dennis’ gifts, which have you grinning like a fool, and the last night of gift giving is a pure blast. Although we never see, any sex scenes we are left in no doubt that the gifts are being put to good use.
I recommend this to those who love cute couples, surprising lovers, some fun and games and a fun ending.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (1st January 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: At a memorial service meant to honor the dead and mark the beginning of a truce between Skirfall and Morcia, Ackley spies a figure who does not belong—a mage interrogator whose presence will only cause harm should the Morcians realize who he is and all the people he has tortured. But the problem rapidly grows much worse than that when Ackley realizes his true purpose is assassination of the Morcian crown prince—an assassination Ackley prevents, but at great cost.
Banished from his own country, bound magically to the crown prince of his enemies, Ackley is certain of just one thing: whether he can figure out how to break the spell or not, his death is assured.
Review: Ackley of Skirfall jumps into action when he realizes that the memorial service to honor the dead and seal the peace between two warring country’s is really a trap. Ackley spots Daralis, a mage interrogator, lurking in the crowd and realizes he is set on assassination and Ackley acts at great cost to himself. Now tied to the crown prince of Morcia, Beorn Ealdwin, Ackley has to find a way to break the bond whilst being dragged into a plot by some members of Ealdwin’s own council.
This is a brilliant enemy to lovers’ story; it’s a story of trust being built and of attraction building and two men finding love from a difficult situation. Ackley is a magic user and through one impulsive act, he finds himself bound to a man whose country outlaws magic. Ackley has to discover the counter spell that will set him free, but it is far from easy as he is looked upon with mistrust. Ealdwin doesn’t trust Ackley but has no choice in following Ackley’s advice… both their lives depend on it. Both Ackley and Ealdwin have to work together as they try to discover the traitor in Ealdwin’s own council, and Ackley begins to run out of time and just might have to choose between his magic and his freedom.
This is a great fantasy story of two men from different sides of a war who have to work together if they want their freedom. I found the story to be very in-depth with the ongoing war and the political maneuvering taking center stage, with Ackley’s search for a counter spell coming in a close second and the developing relationship between Ackley and Ealdwin being left till last. I liked the way the story progressed with Ackley and Ealdwin working together and the trust between them building slowly over time, when they did admit their feelings it felt more genuine because of the time they spent getting to know each other. This is far from an instant attraction story or men falling headlong in love, it’s a building of trust and affection.
Both Ackley and Ealdwin are interesting characters and their relationship is based on necessity which then takes its time developing into something more. I really enjoyed the main storyline of breaking the spell and discovering who is making a play against the throne and found it well drawn out. The setting is perfectly written *sigh* I love stories that have a medieval feel to them and I absolutely adore them when magic is thrown into the mix. I must admit though that I got thrown at times with the changing of Ealdwin’s name, at times he was Ealdwin and others he would be called his other name Beorn and it would take me a moment or two to remember they were the same person *shush*.
I recommend this to those who love fantasy, brilliant characters and an intriguing storyline with magic, political sneaky dealings, betrayal and a relationship built on trust.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (13th November 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Lord Vellem is a man desperate for escape. His father hides from his problems in alcohol, his mother hides from her misery in drugs, and his brother fled to the relative safety of the royal palace. Vellem eventually found solace in the Royal Army Corp of Engineers, but still could not entirely escape. Then his brother provides him with an unexpected chance, and now Vellem’s marriage to the young prince of a neighboring kingdom is only months away.
The marriage promises not just a fresh start in a new land, but a challenge to his famed skills in building roads and bridges. But before he can settle into his new life, tragedy strikes, and Vellem isn’t certain he’s up to rebuilding the ruin left in its wake.
Review: Vellem found his own place in the world when he joined the Royal Army Corp of Engineers, but he still can’t quite escape his father’s vicious alcohol fuelled rages and his mothers fall into the haze of drugs. When his brother offers him the chance to escape for good and to help settle peace on the country, Vellem agrees to marry a neighboring prince, Perdith. But just as Vellem is about to embark on his new life tragedy strikes and Vellem must step into a role he never wanted, prepare his new country for war and also save his fragile marriage.
Ah, to sink into a fabulous fantasy and be swept away to another world is a true treat and Megan Derr always hits the spot. When we enter this story, we are introduced to Vellem and his family and we are quickly pulled into the story. Vellem is a fantastic character who is a blend of confident and insecure, hard and compassionate, knowledgeable and oblivious. Perdith is a character we don’t get to know quite as well but he seems to be slightly shy and awkward but with a flash of temper that makes itself know during trying times. These two men are thrown together to help settle peace between their countries, but their first day together as husbands nearly destroys everything they hope to achieve.
This is a great story that has a bit of everything thrown in, danger, betrayal, a developing romance that’s fraught with misunderstandings and miscommunication. It has mischievous plotting and planning, swift retribution and finally a happy ending. I loved the world building and the way the plot was lay out, it brought me fully into the world as I followed Vellem through a harsh time. Perdith’s and Vellem’s relationship is nearly over before it begins and it is a very tense one, while Vellem does his best to hold it all together it seems that Perdith is pushing Vellem away but they finally come to an understanding when they both give the other a chance.
The supporting characters are brilliant, each of them playing their part wonderfully and adding to the storyline with their personalities. The storyline itself is brilliant with dark betrayal threaded throughout, but with that spot of hope as Vellem refuses to succumb to the despair that is trying to take hold. While we might not get to know Perdith well we do understand why he acts and reacts as he does, he doesn’t know his new husband, and trust is a very delicate thing especially when their countries have been at war for so long and the peace is still new. One thing I can say about them as a couple though, is that when the trust is built they are incredible together and they make a formidable team.
I highly recommend this story to those who adore high fantasy, brilliant characters, a romance that is rocky and trust is fragile, a story filled with doubts, betrayal, devastation, and unforgivable kings, but also filled with hope, trust and developing love.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press LLC (September 25th, 2013)
HeatLevel: Low ~ Moderate
HeartRating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: In the 17th Century, the ancient sprawl of Epping Forest is bursting with magic and those who go unseen by human eyes: the elves who rule the summer court, and the goblins who rule the winter court. It is said that if a human catches the eye of one of the fey, they are either doomed or blessed.
Wulfren & the Warlock
When Wulfren wakes from a strange dream of a human captor with long silver hair, and grey eyes, his brothers tell him they rescued him from a warlock, and take Wulfren back home to the goblin king’s palace. But Wulfren isn’t so sure the matter is that simple. Why was he missing so long? What are the strange dreams of the beautiful man with the silver hair? Dalliances with humans are severely frowned upon, especially by Wulfren’s father, but Wulfren is willing to risk the scorn of his family to find the human who haunts his dreams.
Quiller & the Runaway Prince
After a hard winter, Quiller is sent deep into the forest on a family errand, and is surprised when a human stumbles into his path. Quiller swoops in to pester him, perhaps even eat him, but there is something special about the human: his scent is royal, though he protests that he is not, and soon Quiller finds himself agreeing to help the human with his troubles—in exchange for a kiss.
Review: I can’t believe I hadn’t read this one earlier really. What an enthralling read these two stories were. I absolutely adored them. But here, let me walk you through each one separately.
Wulfren & the Warlock
Oh how I loved this story. It was fascinating, the goblins just to die for, and their personalities so much of what I’ve always fantasized them to be. Playful and pure trouble they very well could be the little terrors of the forest. I think this is one of those rare stories about the fae that makes a decent and relatively logical approach to their magic and life. It just awakens that fire inside you whenever you think about the magic of the forest and Mother Nature herself.
Wolf is the seventh son of the Goblin King, and though he plays around with his brothers, there is something missing in his life. When one day he awakens dizzy and without memories he feels out of place and terribly irritated. His brothers explanation that he was captured and enslaved by a warlock makes no sense as dreams show him memories of his time with Ash, and though he was enslaved the first time he met him, he was set free after that.
So what happened? Why has a season gone by, one he doesn’t remember? What happened in between and why does his heart feel cold and his arms empty?
A fantastic story filled with magic, naughty goblins that cause lots of trouble, and love. Mostly love, for this is a wonderful, brilliant love story where one willingly would give everything he has, even his own life for the privilege to be loved back.
Quiller & the Runaway Prince
The second story actually picks up where the first left and follows Quiller, Wulf’s brother. Half Goblin half Bird spirit, Quiller finally has two seasons off. Spring and summer are perfect as the Rotten Ring’s dwellers rest. But on his very first day off Quiller finds himself tasked with chores yet again. Irritated he sees to it nonetheless and his reward is a beautiful runaway prince. A human prince but royalty nonetheless, one that smells deliciously and has Quiller’s imagination sparkling with mischief. This is the perfect opportunity for some meddling and fun, but alas, as Quiller goes through the bargain and helps his Charming Prince, he falls into the oldest trap of them old. He falls in love…
So both these stories have this thing in common. They made me recall old tales told in hushed whispers from my great-grandmother in order to scare us children into behaving. The fear of the dark when the spirits rise and the little people come out to startle us. Tales of spells and magic cast to the fools who aren’t wary enough, and so on. Yes, these tales had an old touch in them, one that made me literally melt and enjoy them wholeheartedly.
Quiller’s story is fascinating too, a bit more intense action wise, a bit more entrancing as he sets out to save his distressed Prince. I loved it, I enjoyed it immensely, but the end left me wondering. Having met the Goblin King and with the happy for now sort of end, I couldn’t help but wonder how would Quiller and his Prince’s future be like.
Other than that though, both stories were so very worth reading that I couldn’t recommend them enough. I hadn’t thought it possible to like Goblins as much, but here you have it, I’ve been yet again surprised and fell yet again a little bit more in love.
Blurb:Ladomer’s first experience with vampires instilled a deep hatred—an emotion he gladly uses to bring destruction to the beasts that can’t be purged from his memory. Hunting alongside the compelling man who saved his village, Ladomer and Zor are ruthless in their quest to stop the growing threat. When a new call pulls them deep into Eastern Europe, Ladomer learns anew just how cruel vampires can be—and how much deeper love can go.
Review: Ladomer’s brother is killed by a vampire saving him when he is a small boy he goes on to fall in love and travel with a vampire slayer.
I really loved this. The vampires in here are evil but the hunters; well Zor and Ladomer are so likeable. I loved the sweet but intense romance between Zor and Ladomer and the twists were nail-biting. I loved it and hope there is more!
I recommend this to anyone that likes short but sweet romances with evil vampires and a satisfying end.
Blurb:Angelo is the right hand problem solver for Broodmaster Ardoin Baptiste. He loves the hunt and thrives on the kill. Ordered to get rid of someone making Ardoin’s life difficult, he finds that the job is nowhere near as simple as it should be—and just how deadly a weapon love can be.
Review: Angelo is a vampire and a servant to Ardoin. Ardoin sends him on an errand to kill a man scalping on his territory. Angelo finds the job isn’t as easy as he thought and there are secrets behind it.
Oh, wow was this story fantastic. The twists and turns were a wicked dance! The vampires here definitely do not sparkle but man is the intriguing and hot. I loved how the author compares each move to a dance, because man was it ever a dance of death! Be sure you have time when you begin this because you will not want to stop once you start. I loved the wit and charm this author has setting her story and characters and the way Angelo answers his own thoughts. I found the story beautiful, powerful intriguing and hot!! What a lovely way to keep warm on a cool night!
I highly recommend this if you like a different and not so sparkly take on vampires, a twisted love story and plenty of twists and turns and a provocative dance!
Marty Sheer, one of the stars of a B-rated sci-fi show “Centrifical,” receives a phone call letting him know that his old friend Jim Sheppard, who left years ago and has since become
an acclaimed rock star, has bought a new home close by. Renewing their friendships is easy—becoming something more is a challenge that makes fame look easy.
FRINGE BENEFITS by Diana Sheridan
Depressed after the death of his lover, and having lost his job at the same time, Dale distracts himself by going to see one of his favorite rockers. But a simple concert and trip backstage lands him an unexpected job as her new assistant, and brings him into the path of her intriguing, appealing make-up artist and hairdresser, Luis. But if there’s one thing that Dale has learned, it’s that life is never easy and love doesn’t always last.
COURAGE WOLF NEVER SINGS THE GORRAM BLUES by Talya Andor
Bailey Kravitz, lead singer of Courage Wolf, is a high-strung, perfectionist diva of a front man. Gunner Lansing, bassist of Courage Wolf, is a laid-back, hang loose ladies’ man who is only serious about guitars and sex. They say opposites attract, but Bailey’s terminal crush on oblivious Gunner is tearing the band apart. Meanwhile, his longtime friend, quiet but intense
guitarist Tor Macleod, helps him pick up the pieces yet again. Between annihilation of everything, they’ve built or reeling from total rejection, there may be a third option Bailey has been overlooking all this time. Problem is, Bailey’s always been more than a little difficult when he’s out to get his way, and that may ruin his prospects after all.
PUT YOU IN A SONG by Lacie J. Archer
Ten months ago, on a whirlwind New Year’s Eve, Garrett and Rich enjoyed a wild night together. Back in town for the final performance of his band’s tour, Rich can’t wait to see Garrett again, unable to forget him. But a wild night and a lifetime are two different things, and the first real challenge they face may be more than their fragile new relationship can take.
A HAUNTED MELODY by Angel Propps
A decades old tragedy, an old guitar, and a bright new star … A struggling musician on the verge of losing her band, Kara spies a guitar in a pawnshop that she can’t resist. One year later she’s on the verge of fame, and meets a woman who not only can help her get there, but introduces Kara to an intriguing, beautiful woman … But bad history is coming back to haunt, and Kara stands to lose not just fame and love, but her life.
Review: Like a CD or Playlist instead of Chapters Rock Star has Tracks. Edited by Samantha Derr, overall the first volume of short story collections in the Rock Star Anthology is bang on. We, the reader, are treated to contemporary slices of life from the current mega Rock Star, to the musician, to the assistant, to the Legend Taken Too Soon.
♥♥♥♥4 out of 5 Hearts CENTRIFICAL (Sol Crafter) – A wonderfully written story of friendship between long time friends Marty and Jim. The story seemed familiar I must admit. And then I realized why. I have read the and-then-this-happened sequel to this story one time too many times. I must say, I loved Sol Crafter’s prequel.
♥♥♥♥3 1/2 out of 5Hearts for FRINGE BENEFITS (Diana Sheridan) – Music hath charms…. should be one of the tag lines for this short. Dale and Luis, the romantically entwined, are overshadowed by the rocker in this story, Diva Granny Glam. Even though this is Dale’s story of love lost and found, I wanted more Granny Glam!!! Sorry. I’m back. Fringe Benefits is well crafted, though at times moves along at jerks and starts.
♥♥♥3 out of 5Hearts for COURAGE WOLF NEVER SINGS THE GORRAM BLUES (Talya Andor) – Band mates Baily, Gunner, and Tor (Yes… yes – I truly gave ½ a star for being able to keep the characters straight because they seemed to come out of the woodwork after awhile) grapple with indecision and complications while touring. Talya Andor gives us a short with meat but without the sides or even a nice bit of beverage to wash it all down.
♥♥♥3 out of 5 Hearts for PUT YOU IN A SONG (Lacie J. Archer) Rich and Garrett’s complicated relationship needs a bit of rearranging. A sizzling slice of life short from Lace J. Archer crafted with long time friends with Rich as the Rocker and Garrett needing something more.
♥♥♥♥4 out of 5 Hearts for A HAUNTED MELODY (Angel Propps) – How else does one end an Anthology other than with an ending? Angel Propps (if this is a pen name it is well chosen, especially for this tale) gives us a wonderful and believable ghost story. Well done, done well. So well that it crosses cultures. Cudos.
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 2nd, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb:Gavin Summers’ quiet, academic life is shattered when he is attacked by a mugger and rescued by Dillon, a member of the Night Watch. Soon Gavin finds himself embroiled in anti-vampire propaganda, vampire politics, and the dangers of associating with vampires in a city where vampires are being killed daily, forcing him to make a choice: remain neutral or stand with the vampires.
Review: A brief rundown: Gavin works at a University under the supervision of a Professor that is a staunch vampire hater. One evening coming home from school, a mugger attacks Gavin and a member of the night watch saves him. The Night Watch is a vampire group that helps protect humans. He finds Dillon interesting and wants to know more about vampires but his professor drags him into the Anti-vampire movement.
I really loved this story! The story line has multi stories that blend quite well without over complicating the story. There are twists, intrigue and mystery. The romance isn’t in your face and moves slowly. For a short story, this is very well done and wraps up all loose ends and comes to a very satisfying conclusion. This is an author I will be watching for more!
If you like Vamps that don’t sparkle, intrigue, and a bit of romance this is a great read!
Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 9th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb:Lis had been enjoying his school trip to Egypt until a statue came to life and drank his blood. Back home in Boston, nothing feels or tastes or smells quite the same, he’s plagued by strange dreams, and has a craving that nothing seems to satisfy—until the statue shows up again.
Review: Lis was on a school trip to Egypt when he fell into a crevice and landed on a large statue. He was so thankful the statue broke his fall to death he kissed the finger of the lovely statue and thanked it for saving him. The Statue comes to life, and he falls into blackness. Waking up heading home things become very different and he finds things aren’t what he always thought after telling his best friend Jass about his new dreams.
This was a different type of story. I have mixed feelings about it. The story line is good. There isn’t a lot of emotion involved. I found it a bit skippy going from dream to reality with no warning. I think it needed to be longer and more story after Cey arrived.
If you like witches, and vampires you may like this story.
Reviewer: Thommie HeartRating: 3 Hearts
Review: I liked this story a lot. I enjoyed it most of it and the fact that it was so romantic without being sappy was a great bonus.
The plot was a peculiar one, I haven’t often seen Vampires mixed with Witches in such a balanced way. Cey was a vampire created by the sheer ignorance of his Master. Instead of acquiring himself a human servant as he initially wished for, Cey’s old Master accidentally created a vampire. A big mistake at that. After a series of events best left for you to read Cey got himself cursed by witches. However permanent the spell was though, one of the witches gave him a window. He’d be free from the curse if he’d willingly been given a bloody kiss and in thanks at that. What are the possibilities of that ever happening especially since he was hidden away where no one would ever find him.
Enter Lis, a college studen on a school trip to Egypt to study The pyramids and the ancient majestic art. The valley of the Dead at his feet and he manages to fall through a hole into abyss. He should have died in there if not for a huge statue that prevented his fall and he got away with only a few scratches and drops of blood. Now who among you would even contemplate to kiss said statue in thanks..?
Oh now, you see how it goes from there. It was lovely indeed. I got better as the story went. I loved this setting, I loved the characters, I loved Lis’ best friend and his grandma too. The whole idea was very enticing and I read this in one go nonstop.
Now, in all honesty, this was a bit tame for a Vamp story, especially one so vicious and blood lusty as Cey was painted to be. The end also left me a bit unsatisfied there. The old manners Cey had were acceptable, but I expected more out of modern Lis, than that flowerly reply in the end. Yes, I saw the necessity of his mannerism there, but still. There were also feelings of a non-disclosure left behind. Had me wonder will the author come back with a sequel for this or was this done?
In the whole I liked the story though despite the fact that I wanted more. Quite a romantic read for the romantic fans of the genre.
Publisher: Less than three Press (October 2nd, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb:Cast out of his village when he is caught kissing another man, Rupert seeks refuge at the mysterious Castle Blutstark. But refuge means carrying out unusual duties for his new master, the enigmatic Count Kaspar, and he starts to wonder if Blutstark is a place of safety after all.
Review: Rupert leaves his village to see if he could find Devereaux after his father kicked him out for kissing the other man. Rupert heads towards Castle Blutstark to seek a job and see if Devereaux is there. What he finds changes is quite unexpected.
This is another fun read. It’s short and to the point but page turning. I love this take on Vampires its more semisweet. The Vampires aren’t exactly sparkly but they are more in control of themselves. The story is fast paced, quite intriguing, and fairly hot. A great read for Halloween!
I recommend this is you like semisweet stories a little action a couple twists, sexy but not explicit mansex, and a satisfying ending.
Blurb:Aden is trying to solve the mystery of a drug that rots human innards. Alec is struggling to capture the person responsible for a rash of vampire murders. The only way to solve their separate cases is to team up, but with drugs, vampires, and murder involved even that may not be enough.
Review: A quick rundown. Aden is investigating a drug cartel that is connected with the death of his brother. He is assigned to work with a Vampire police Aden that is investigating the deaths of several vampires that look like Dark magick or witchcraft is involved and possibly linked to the drug story Aden is investigating.
Ok. I really loved this story. The reason for the 4 instead of a 5 though is simply it was a bit skippy. I understand a lot of that was that there was so much going on here and putting it in a short story was hard to do. I would have loved to seen this played out in full length with a bit more description and details and consistency. The characters were great. The story line is interesting. Several subplots that connected to the main one and the beginning with Aden’s brother was awesome and creepy. I almost cried. I also liked that it wasn’t as predictable as it seemed. Great job! I’d definitely read this if it was made into a longer story or even another one of Aden and Alex. I thought they made a great team.
I highly recommend this story if you like a good mystery, witches, dark magick, reporters, and sexy vampires with dreadlocks!
Blurb:Chris and Ling travel the world in search of rare, exquisite curiosities, but treasure hunting is rife with danger and comes with a price. In order to retrieve a lost treasure deep within a perilous mountain, Chris hires on a vampire. But traveling with a predator comes with its own risks, and their venture may collapse into absolute loss unless they can each find the opportunity in one another.
Review: A quick rundown: Chris runs his Dad’s curiosity store with his friend Ling. They go on trips and find rare items for the shop. This particular journey requires a Vampire. They place an ad and Dorran applies for the job.
I expected a lot more from this story. It had such a great premise somehow it just never got there for me. The plot was a bit Indian Jones like with booby traps and clues. I actually liked the cryptic messages and clues, I just with there had been a bit more action. The traps weren’t all that exciting very basic and didn’t go into much detail I would have liked to have actually seen what Dorran was up against on some of his parts. I also couldn’t really tell if the story was modern-day or past, though I’m thinking it was supposed to be past. The romance between Dorran and Chris was pretty good and the end was actually satisfying.
If you like mystery, clues, booby-traps, curiosities, and a sweet romance this one is for you.
Title: The Wish Augur
