Trysts and Embers by Angel Martinez & Freddy McKay

Angel Martinez & Freddie MacKay - Trysts and Burning Embers CoverTitle: Trysts and Burning Embers

Series: Lijun 02

Author: Freddy MacKay & Angel Martinez

Genre: Bisexual, Contemporary, Fantasy, Multicultural, Paranormal

Length: Novel (423pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 20, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 4 Hearts

Blurb: Fire. Water. Burn.

In the two months since the All Hallows’ Eve party, Tally has courted Haru, buying expensive gifts, taking the two of them to upscale restaurants and trying to find a balance in earning Haru’s fragile trust while being new parents to the Cohen joeys. Tally sees hope in the new domesticity the family has settled into, despite having some bumps along the way.

Gifts and treats have satisfied Haru’s otter, but the human half remembers the brutal lessons of giving their trust away. How can two lijun who barely know each other anticipate what will happen when times get tough? There are circumstances Tally doesn’t understand yet, and Haru struggles to find their feet with an Urusar who doesn’t know the rules.

A revelation not only throws the tentative relationship between them askew, but also starts Tally and Haru down a path the two of them can’t escape, one so heart-wrenching Haru’s not sure their heart will survive.

Traditionalist concerns that have always nipped at the Bastille clan’s heels come roaring to the forefront with demands and ultimatums. Tally needs to fall in line or face further threats to his otter, his family and his clan. Haru needs to find the strength to believe in the good despite the bad. In an environment where it’s vital to know ally from foe, Tally and Haru need to stand united or watch the community Tally’s family has built fall under the thumb of heartless, greedy autocrats.

Reader advisory: This book contains references to past trauma and PTSD, the death of a child and kidnapping.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-697-8

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: There was a lot going on in this continuation of the series. Haru and Tally are trying to settle in their new life but others conspire against them playing on the couples weaknesses and not knowing about certain things.

There is a deeper delve into the Lijun politics that was complex with a lot of rivalries thrown into the mix. A lot of characters are interwoven as certain individuals make plans behind others backs that are not on the up and up. I found the whole story intriguing.

Tally and Haru I felt needed to talk to each other and learn more about the other before cracks are found and the ones up to no good split them apart for good. I was thankful for the warning at the end of the blurb because that incident was sudden and utterly gut-wrenching to read.

Great read and addition to the series.

Fireworks and Stolen Kisses by Angel Martinez and Freddy MacKay

Title: Fireworks and Stolen Kisses

Series: Lijun 01

Author: Angel Martinez and Freddy Martinez

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (243pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (26th June 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: No. Eating. Pixies.

At the annual Global Lijun Alliance conference in Tokyo, Tally Bastille makes the first impulsive decision of his life. Others perceive his uktena—the enormous legendary serpent that’s his dual-spirit—as a threat, which makes him all too aware that he frightens fellow lijun. But an encounter with a passionate, obviously not-straight otter lijun one evening convinces Tally that he’s found his Em’halafi, his destined match. Tally is determined to barrel through all obstacles to make the match happen, including the otter’s conservative, traditional family.

Trained as a Satislit—a bride-son—Haru Tanaka chafes at the strict boundaries set around their life. They rebel against their clan’s constant attempts to force an arranged match and wish desperately for someone who will love them. At the conference, Haru is horrified to learn their family has accepted an offer for them, one too lucrative for the clan to refuse. Not only has the Urusar sold Haru to a stranger, but the lijun is also a giant snake and one who believes in the tired old superstitions regarding Em’halafi. Threatened with banishment if they refuse, Haru has no choice but to marry the wealthy American serpent.

Back in Tally’s home in Wisconsin, Haru and Tally must navigate both the widening gulf between them as they realize how much they’ve misunderstood about each other, and the tricky politics of the lijun clan Tally leads. Murder, intrigue and increasing hostility threaten to tear apart the little town of Wadiswan and the arranged marriage they’ve barely managed to begin.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-670-1

Product Link: Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I really wanted to love this story by the time I finished it. I mean there’s romance?, suspense, murder a whole cast of characters that added depth to the story. However, it Haru’s attitude toward Tally that made me take a step back. I know it’s an arranged marriage but if Haru didn’t want it why didn’t he say anything before the wedding? Instead all he does is complain and basically put Tally down after the wedding night. That really made me angry on Tally’s behalf.

I loved the culture throughout the story. It was fascinating to read about the traditions. Tally was sweet and caring and I so wanted him to be happy. Aside from Haru’s attitude problem I really enjoyed everything else about the book.

I was happy to follow Tally around as he traversed through a world where his mate doesn’t want him at first only to be confounded when murder enters the picture. I felt really bad for Tally in the situation he found himself in.

All the different characters were exciting to read about and what role they each played to bring this story to life.

Great read.

Fireworks and Stolen Kisses by Angel Martinez & Freddy MacKay Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Angel Martinez & Freddy McKay - Fireworks and Stolen Kisses Banner

Hi guys! We have Angel Martinez & Freddy MacKay stopping by today with their new release Fireworks and Stolen Kisses, we have a fantastic guest post from Angel, a great excerpt, a brilliant $25 Pride Publishing GC giveaway and Shorty’s review, so guys, check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Fireworks and Stolen Kisses

(Lijun 01)
by

Angel Martinez & Freddy MacKay

No. Eating. Pixies.

At the annual Global Lijun Alliance conference in Tokyo, Tally Bastille makes the first impulsive decision of his life. Others perceive his uktena—the enormous legendary serpent that’s his dual-spirit—as a threat, which makes him all too aware that he frightens fellow lijun. But an encounter with a passionate, obviously not-straight otter lijun one evening convinces Tally that he’s found his Em’halafi, his destined match. Tally is determined to barrel through all obstacles to make the match happen, including the otter’s conservative, traditional family.

Trained as a Satislit—a bride-son—Haru Tanaka chafes at the strict boundaries set around their life. They rebel against their clan’s constant attempts to force an arranged match and wish desperately for someone who will love them. At the conference, Haru is horrified to learn their family has accepted an offer for them, one too lucrative for the clan to refuse. Not only has the Urusar sold Haru to a stranger, but the lijun is also a giant snake and one who believes in the tired old superstitions regarding Em’halafi. Threatened with banishment if they refuse, Haru has no choice but to marry the wealthy American serpent.

Back in Tally’s home in Wisconsin, Haru and Tally must navigate both the widening gulf between them as they realize how much they’ve misunderstood about each other, and the tricky politics of the lijun clan Tally leads. Murder, intrigue and increasing hostility threaten to tear apart the little town of Wadiswan and the arranged marriage they’ve barely managed to begin.

Continue reading “Fireworks and Stolen Kisses by Angel Martinez & Freddy MacKay Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”