Stalked by Shadows by Lissa Kasey

Title: Stalked by Shadows

Series: A Simply Crafty Paranormal Mystery 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Psychic Suspense, Action & Adventure, Fantasy

Length: Novel (356pgs)

Publisher: Lissa Kasey (October 30, 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: A missing girl, ritual murders, and a shadow stalking every footstep.

Alexis Caine survived an attack in the deserts of Afghanistan. An attack the government denied and discharged him for, leaving him broken and in a mental institution. What Alex saw that day in the desert continues to haunt him.

When a new job working as a bodyguard for a New Orleans ghost tour guide, Micah Richards, opens Alex’s eyes to a world of paranormal possibilities, he’s not sure he can believe his eyes. What if he’s not crazy after all? When a ritual murder in which two fellow tour guides die and a tourist vanishes, Alex wonders if he brought a curse down upon them all.

A shadow from the desert rears its nightmarish head offering Alex something he wants more than anything, but at what cost?

ISBN: B07ZCJBMT9

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This was an engaging story with spooky atmosphere and great background stories about different places in New Orleans. Do I know if all the ghost stories throughout the story are accurate? No. I still loved it regardless. Alex and Micah have both experienced some form of paranormal experiences in their past that left them haunted.

Amid these two men getting to know one another and helping each other heal there are murders that happen though we are not told how the people died which was irritating to me. Details are important in a mystery book to me as they help me understand the story plot better. This story was lacking in need to know information in my opinion.

Whatever entities were shadowing both Alex and Micah were not disclosed. I loved how Alex wanted to protect Micah and did at the cost of him missing time. That part was intriguing to me and what happened was mind blowing. I hope since this story ends on a cliffhanger that the next book has more details than this one did.

I will say one thing that has always irritated me in reading about ghosts and such in a book is when a character says that ghosts can not hurt you. I know from first hand experience they can and will hurt you if they have the energy and are angry enough to do so. Despite that it was a good beginning to a series.

Good read.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey (2nd Edition)

Title: Hidden Gem

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Length: Novel (248pgs)

ISBN: B07S6RZSSC

Publisher: Lissa Kasey (14^th June 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The sparkling jewel of the Hidden Gem, City M’s most renowned brothel, Misaki “Aki” Ito is living the good life. He’s not subjected to torture for his psi abilities, he has a roof over his head, food to eat, and all the sparkly shoes he could dream about. He also has one particular regular he can’t get enough of, Shane McNaughton, even if Shane occasionally asks for Aki’s help on a case.

Shane is a cop specializing in missing persons. He’s good at finding people, not just because of his years as a seasoned detective, but because he survived the Third World War and resulting plague with a few supernatural abilities himself. Mutated by the virus that wiped out two thirds of the world’s population, Shane no longer considers himself human. Which is why he limits his visits to a very breakable psi companion when not working a case, no matter how much he might want Aki.

When a high ranking official’s daughter goes missing and feared dead, Shane has no choice but to ask Aki to use his abilities to help him track down the kidnapper. The case opens a door to a past Aki thought he had escaped. Will Shane’s love be enough to save them all when something dark is awakened inside of Aki?

Note: Re-edited, but content still the same. Short fiction added to the end.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Aki is a psi; he has mutated DNA that means he is able to read your past with a touch, but living in a world that fears those that are different left him starving and beaten until he was taken off the streets to become a contracted companion. The Hidden Gem welcomed him with open arms and he has repaid them by becoming their top companion, earning enough money to keep him in sparkly shoes and pretty clothes. Shane survived the Third World War greatly changed; now working as a cop finding missing people and assisting in the odd homicide but keeping people at arm’s length to hide the monster inside him. Shane has visited Aki many times over the last two years for both work and personal needs and he wishes he could have more from the companion. As Shane tracks down a serial killer it becomes clear to him that Ari is somehow connected, but can Shane save him from what is to come?

Oh my, this story certainly surprised me with the intriguing plot and stunning characters. The world has changed from what we know; World War Three changed not only the landscape but for some it changed their very genetics, A-Ms (Animal-Mutation) and not long after came the psi’s. A country split and containment camps and shunning for the psi and A-Ms hiding their natures, this is the world we find ourselves in and it is fascinating. Shane is investigating a puzzling serial killer, asking Aki to help seems to be his best bet for any clue but not even Aki could have seen the outcome that they are heading for.

Shane and Aki are wonderful characters, Shane may be big, growly and not very friendly and when you learn his past you can understand his stand-offish attitude, but he has a soft spot for Aki, then there’s Aki who seems to be a young innocent who has an obsession with sparkly shoes, but has an horrific past and it’s amazing after everything he has been through that he has a soft heart for Shane. They have much to work out before they even start dating, Aki must learn to shield himself and Shane must learn to be what Aki needs and Shane also needs to get to the bottom of his serial killer case which seems to get bigger and more complex with every victim.

I have to admit that I couldn’t put this story down, it’s growth was amazing with plots and twists that just seemed to get bigger and bigger, there was also a couple of moments where my jaw dropped in surprise because the twist just came from nowhere. We are treated to a host of wonderful characters besides Aki and Shane; some of those include Candy, Paris and Jack. We are led a merry chase as we try to figure out who the serial killer is, and just where Aki fits in to Shane’s feeling that he might be connected…. And I will tell you now I think I was shell-shocked by the revelation because that had never even crossed my mind!

The two bonus stories are absolutely brilliant, giving us a special glimpse of Aki and Shane in the first one and of Aki and Candy in the second.

I have to recommend this to those who love science-fiction that blends with the paranormal, who love unconventional love stories, who love surprising thrillers and mysteries, fantastic characters who all have their own stories and a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to get off.

Model Investigator by Lissa Kasey ~ Audio Review

Title: Model Investigator

Series: Haven Investigations 03

Author: Lissa Kasey

Narrator: Brian Hutchinson

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller

Length: 9 hrs, 7 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (14th February 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: With his lover, Kade, missing, androgynous former-model-turned-private-investigator Ollie Pe-troskovic is ready to kick some ass to bring him home.

Ollie and his ex, rock star Jacob Elias, need to find Kade and free him from the clutches of his manipulative family. But with Ollie suffering from chronic migraines and Jacob unable to bear loud noises, they are hardly the dynamic duo. It takes a lot of sweet talking on the part of Jacob – and patience Ollie doesn’t have – to find Kade. Only Kade’s not whole anymore. The fight for Kade’s heart and mind is far from over.

It’s Ollie’s turn to guide Kade through nightmares, self-doubt, and PTSD. Kade’s memories are scattered, fragmented with possible horrors, and he’s not quite sure what is real. Ollie will have to draw on his investigative skills to clear Kade of the terrible accusations his family has made and help Kade unlock the truth. But in doing so, he ignores his own health, which could have catastrophic consequences for everyone, especially when digging up the past could be lethal for them all.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Model Investigator is the third book in Lissa Kasey’s Haven Investigations series. The only way to read this series is in order, or else nothing will make sense. Book 2 had finished on a cliff hanger, which is eventually resolved in this book. I have been absolutely loving this series. These audios is the only experience I have with the author and unfortunately have not looked into Kasey’s other work further, not to say that I won’t some day but I just haven’t had the chance.

The audio narration for this book was provided by Brian Hutchinson, who was narrator for book 2, and book 1 had a different narrator altogether. Overall, this was a wonderful performance. There is a lot going on in this series and I was impressed with Hutchinson’s ability to give the characters, for the most part, distinct voices.

As I said before, this a complicated series with a complicated storyline. We pick up with Kade going missing – kidnapped and held against his will by his own family. It is up to Ollie, a model turned private investigator to help his lover, business partner and fellow PI. Helping Ollie is Jacob, a Rockstar and Ollie’s ex who is now his best friend and now partner in crime when it comes to Haven Investigations and helping the couple solve the ongoing mystery of Ollie’s brother’s death.

There is a lot of angst in this book, and as tiring as it might become, it works well to keep the chemistry and sexual going between Ollie and Kade. As soon as he has Kade back, Ollie lets life, mysteries and insecurities take over, which can make the relationship frustrating as things go hot and cold between then the lovers. But finally the two guys talk, because I have to say miscommunication is one of my biggest hates in a book. Yet, I have to admit that Kasey uses it really well to advance the story as well as add depth to both Ollie and Kade.

There is A LOT going on in this story. However, for the most part the focus in on Kade, his past and his family. Kade’s family are nothing but a drama worthy of soap opera status, which is just the bread between the paternity tests, accusations of rape and various health issues.

I am happy to say that this book ended without the cliff hanger we got in book 2, which I am immensely relieved about. However, that is not say that there wasn’t a tiny little cliff hanger there. There is still the mystery of how Ollie’s brother died and now we also need to find out the importance of new connections and information that has come to light during the course of Model Investigator. Personally, I’d love to hear more from Jacob. I am very much looking forward to Model Exposure, the fourth book in the series, which was published about 1.5 years ago, so hopefully the audio will be out soon.

Witchblood by Lissa Kasey

Title: Witchblood

Series: Kitsune Chronicles 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (368pgs)

Publisher: Lissa Kasery (March 8, 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3 1/2 – 4 Hearts

Blurb: Sebastian Volkov, a fox shifter raised among werewolves, ran from everything he ever loved after a brutal attack that left him fearing his own shadow. That night a single kiss saved his life and left him with fantasies of a man whose face he couldn’t remember. When Sebastian’s car breaks down in a small Washington town, he meets an Alpha werewolf who reminds him vaguely of a stranger’s kiss.

A year ago Liam Ulrich, Alpha of the Northern Cascade’s Pack, shared a magic filled kiss with a virtual stranger, the infamous Witchblood child of the most powerful werewolf in the world. Since that night, Liam has been waiting for Sebastian to find his way home. Liam knows that Sebastian doesn’t trust easily, or at all, so he’s going to have to give his prickly mate time and space.

The past Sebastian tried to escape still stalks him and slowing down gives it time to catch up.
When the werewolves’ ultimate enemy rises up to cast its shadow over them all, Sebastian realizes he will have to stop running or risk losing everything…. including his hope of a future with Liam.

Edit: Edition updated to reflect minor character changes, grammatical corrections and a removal of about 500 words.

ISBN: B07NZ8RBQ1

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I really enjoyed this story about Sebastian and Liam. Sebastian is witchblood with kitsune in him as well. The story starts with him about to die after a brutal attack and a mysterious stranger saves him. Years later he meets the stranger again but does not remember him right away.

This story had a lot going on in it. I loved the suspense and mystery surrounding Sebastian. But I will admit to wanting to know what happened to Nicky for sure instead of Sebastian guessing. That was never answered.

A mix of drama, suspense and action this story delivers an interesting story to be sure. I will admit to being lost a couple of times throughout as it seemed to jump from one thing to another out of the blue aside from that it was a good intense beginning to a series.

Good read.

Model Bodyguard by Lissa Kasey ~ Audio Review

Title: Model Bodyguard

Series: Haven Investigations 02

Author: Lissa Kasey

Narrator: Brian Hutchison

Genre: Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery

Length: 9 hrs, 47 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (4th January 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: Things are going well for androgynous model Ollie Petroskovic, ex-Marine Kade Alme, and their business, Haven Investigations, until rock star Jacob Elias shows up in need of their services…and trouble follows.

Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex – and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts”, a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.

While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from – and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Model Bodyguard is the second book in Lissa Kasey’s Haven Investigations series. This book carries on from the first book, so it is vital to have read book 1, and if you can’t remember it, a quick refresher might be a good idea. As a warning this book also has a cliffhanger which continues in book three, the audio for the third book hasn’t been released yet but for those who can’t wait it is available in ebook format.

Life continues for model-turned-PI, Ollie, and his dead brother’s best friend, ex-marine and PI, Kade. In book one Ollie and Kade became a couple but they both have some very complex and deep running issues. Kade has PTSD from his time in the marines as well as baggage from his abusive family, while Ollie suffers from an eating disorder mixed with something of an obsessive personality and anxiety. Needless to say, their baggage alone is the reason for the cliffhanger, although the ending also leads us directly into the next drama where Ollie and Kade need to fight for their lives and their relationship.

This is a complex story with complex characters. The main plot line of this book introduces Ollie’s ex, Jacob, who is a Rockstar with major problems of his own – he has a selfish family and a stalker who has started to up his game, resulting in causalities. Of course, being Ollie’s ex, Ollie and Kade both have to deal with the insecurities of Ollie being near his ex and Kade becoming bodyguard to the flirtatious Rockstar, which brings forth Ollie’s own insecurities relating to his image. Honestly, sometimes it’s hard to see whether or not these guys will make it together but together they are dynamite. The conclusion of this mystery, as I said, leads right into what will no doubt be the next action and drama fueled adventure.

The world that Lissa Kasey has created is amazing, there is so much depth to these characters and it was difficult to explain the plot without giving away any major plot points. Anyone who loves a good mystery will love this series, but it is something that you must start from the beginning. I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series.

Model Exposure by Lissa Kasey

Title: Model Exposure

Series: Haven Investigations 04

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 2, 2017)

Length: Novel (256 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: After being rescued by Ollie, Kade continues to suffer the aftermath of his ordeal, both physically and psychologically. Not knowing how else to clear his head, he pours his energy into Ollie—the love of his life—and Haven Investigations, but neither Ollie nor Kade can continue to ignore what they learned from their last case: Ollie’s brother, Nathan, might have betrayed Kade.

As they dig into Ollie’s past, secrets are revealed. Was Nathan’s death a suicide? Were Ollie’s parents much more than they seemed? Is someone out to kill Ollie, or is it Kade’s past coming back to haunt them again?

Amidst questions and uncertainties, one thing is clear: after everything they have been through together, Kade and Ollie have never been more in love and they want to get married. But first, they’ll have to deal with the continued threat of Kade’s past, the emotional wounds Kade fears are drowning him, and the possibility that everything Ollie believed about his family was a lie. A beautiful happily ever after awaits them—as long as they can survive long enough to make it to the altar.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-978-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/model-exposure-by-lissa-kasey-8900-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: With this particular series, you must start with book one. This is the love story of Oliver and Kade, with their ups and downs, pain and heartache, and the danger both are in.

I came across this author when her first book in this series came out, and I have to tell you that I have fallen in love with this whole group. The dangers these men have gone through and where they are today is just about amazing. The characters are really deep and a bit quirky. There are some pretty freaky twists and turns to it as well.

Kade and Oliver have had such a hard past. Oliver is just coming into information about himself and his brother, he had not known existed. And poor Kade is going through what happened to him by his family, and the after affects is major. He thinks he is so weak so he won’t let Oliver in on his sessions with the Doctor, and Oliver thinks, well I can’t really figure out Ollie’s mind yet. He is a very complex young man, but a nice surprise is Kade wants to get married.

To top it off, after Ollie’s stroke, things are a bit hard around the house. Then someone is out to get them still. Things just don’t seem to calm down around these two men. Lies, deception, and so much more are just swarming them. People from the past are showing up, things are just getting deeper and deeper for them.

Now with this story I loved the characters and what is going on. What I didn’t care so much about is all the excess stuff that was added in. This book felt drawn out and very slow paced for me. It felt like the author just threw things in and wished for the best. The characters are so dependent on each other that it just seems strange. Oh the love is there for you to see, but for them to be in the back pocket of each other just felt weird.

You are focused on Kade’s mental breakdown as well as what is happening around him. He slowly looses it, then the author throws in a new reason, which worked pretty good. However it never was answered on how he got the drug into his system. Now the author does give us a happy ending. However most of the story was full of things one would never believe. Also it looks like Nathan didn’t commit suicide, but then they say he did. It never really gets answered, just suggestions. The drama is a bit too much for me, but hey it works I suppose.

Over all it is a very good story, but to me it was just way to much. It has a lot going on, and if you don’t read the previous books you will definitely get left behind.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey ~ Audiobook

Title: Hidden Gem

Series: Hidden Gem 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Science Fiction

Narrator: Adam McLaughlin

Length: 9 hrs 36 min

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16^th December 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Misaki “Aki” Itou is a psi – a person with mutated DNA granting him psychic abilities. He’s also a contracted companion – a whore. It may not be the perfect profession, but having a roof over his head, food to eat, and not being subjected to torture is a dream come true. He is the top companion at the Hidden Gem, and it makes him enough money to buy the prettiest, most sparkly shoes he can find.

Shane McNaughton is an Irishman who survived the Third World War and works as a cop. As head of Missing Persons, he’s good at finding people, but after the plague mutated his DNA, he has a hard time letting anyone see the monster inside. He’s been paying for Aki’s services for two years, both the psi and the sexual kind, but he wants more from the companion.

Shane needs Aki’s ability to see into another person’s past to track down a serial killer murdering the children of rich and powerful men, but the more they work together, the clearer it becomes that they are linked through a darker past than either of them realizes.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: An alternative reality, where society has gone through World War II and the US is divided into North and South, with scientists experimenting on human DNA to create clones, and super soldiers, concentration camps, and many societal horrors are the backdrop for an unusual romance.

Each character is fascinating in a way only sci-fi can make them. Aki feels safe in his home, The Hidden Gem, working as a high end prostitute/companion. Sure beats living on the streets, starving, abused and rejected without much of a glimmer in his memory of his true past. Not only does he now live a plush, protected life, as a companion Aki is limited to oral sex and hand jobs because he can’t touch or be touched without a barrier due to his sci ability. But that’s also something he desperately craves, the companionable touch of a lover, Shane in particular.

There are so many characters, and each one piques my curiosity, especially Paris, but I think that’s a whole new book. Candy is one of my favorites, because each MC needs a bestie. The different characters including the owners of the Hidden Gem, and the investigators, and people from Aki’s past all have so much more to mine…lots of back story and so much possibility. I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of the support characters.

On top of Aki’s drive to control his mutant abilities, he has to confront and understand his past, so that he no longer needs to live in fear of the future….one he hopes can involve a certain strong, sexy Irish detective.

The narration is really good, sometimes the distinctions feel over the top, but it makes each character very clear and I love that. The sexual content is hot, right up until…..well. I’ll save that surprise. I can’t really tell a lot more about this book without dropping so many spoilers.

If you love a little mystery, action, and science fiction with your MM romance, you’ll love Hidden Gem!

Model Investigator by Lissa Kasey

Title: Model Investigator

Series: Haven Investigations 03

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 26, 2017)

Length: Novel (250pgs)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: With his lover, Kade, missing, androgynous former model turned private investigator Ollie Petroskovic is ready to kick some ass to bring him home.

Ollie and his ex, rock star Jacob Elias, need to find Kade and free him from the clutches of his manipulative family. But with Ollie suffering from chronic migraines and Jacob unable to bear loud noises, they are hardly the dynamic duo. It takes a lot of sweet talking on the part of Jacob, and patience Ollie doesn’t have, to find Kade. Only Kade’s not whole anymore. The fight for Kade’s heart and mind is far from over.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-555-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/model-investigator-by-lissa-kasey-8611-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Haven Investigations collection features Kade and Ollie and their story. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

As with the previous books, this one ends with a major cliff-hanger, which I will admit drives me nuts, but it also makes you wish the next book was already waiting for you to read. I wasn’t sure that I liked where it went through, but for these two amazing men it just seemed to work. Although, I definitely don’t like where Kade ended up, but you will have to read to find out what I am talking about.

Kade and Ollie end up in an accident, but when Ollie awakes he finds out that Kade’s family had taken him from the hospital. Ollie knew they needed to get him away before he lost Kade forever. Then things get crazy and out of hand. There are some pretty amazing twists to this story that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and gasping.

I hate to admit that I had to go back and read the previous books because I couldn’t remember who they were and what their story was. For me, that is not a good thing, as if the story is awesome it will stick with me for quite some time. However even with those issues, I had a lot of fun reading this and cannot wait to see what happens to our sexy men.

This is probably the only series that I do enjoy where the characters are used as main characters in every book. That has not usually been a favorite series type of mine and I tend to lose interest in the whole thing, however, like I said, that is not the same with this series and story. My interest was kept throughout the whole book and I can guarantee that it will probably be the same with future books.

I would definitely recommend this book and the previous stories.

Model Citizen by Lissa Kasey ~ Audiobook

Title: Model Citizen

Series: Haven Investigations 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Narrator: Mark Pohlable

Genre: Contemporary, Crime

Length: 7 hrs, 53 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (26th July 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Oliver “Ollie” Petroskovic’s life as an international supermodel was heading in the right direction. He worked part-time for his brother at his detective agency – Petroskovic Haven Investigations – and had just bought his dream house. But all that changed when he found his brother dead, a victim of PTSD-induced suicide.

Almost a year later, Ollie is trying to keep his brother’s business afloat, but can’t get his PI license. Then his brother’s best friend, Kade Alme, shows up, fresh from the battlefield after a close brush with death. Kade is looking for a new life, in more ways than one, and with PI license in hand, he’s exactly what Ollie needs to keep PHI running.

When one of Ollie’s childhood friends gets in trouble, Ollie feels he has to help. Kade insists on investigating, if only to keep Ollie safe. Neither realizes the danger they’re in as someone tries to tear them apart before they can find solid ground together.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Model Behaviour by Lissa Kasey is a very engaging book to say the least, both emotionally and mentally. I have to say it also starts with one of the most saddest openings that I’ve heard/read in a long time – it’s not just a sad back story, it’s the knowing what will happen because you read the blurb but don’t want it to happen. This was my first Lissa Kasey book, so I was really quite pleased with discovering a new author.

Speaking of firsts, it was also the first time that I heard of anything from Mark Pohlable and I have to say that was equally as pleasing as finding a well written story. He really lent the main character, Ollie, a wonderful voice as he poured out his hopes and dreams, only to have everything shattered and his life completely changed. He is one of those artists that has a variety of voices stashed away and knows the perfect tone to use at the right time.

Ollie is a model (and made heaps of money the career) who has been raised by his older brother after the untimely death of their parents. The brothers share a beautiful bond but unfortunately love is not enough to combat the PTSD Ollie’s brother suffered after first making a life for himself in the army. Seriously, if you haven’t cried by the end of this first chapter then I don’t know what will!

A year after Ollie’s world collapses he is struggling to keep his and his brother’s dream afloat in the form of the PI business his brother ran and the home that Ollie had brought for the two of them to fix up. Ollie isn’t a PI yet, he’s got the hours but he needs another registered PI to sign off the hours of experience. But Ollie isn’t completely alone in the world. And another ring in has been added in the form of his brother’s old army buddy, Kade Alme. Ollie knew Kade when he was younger but it’s been a while since they have seen each other, mostly because Kade had been injured while on a tour around the time his friend had died and after that, well the time just wasn’t right.

Kade and Ollie do make a wonderful couple. However, I did find Ollie’s reticence to a relationship a little tedious at times when Kade was just there being a lovable and caring and all around wonderful guy. I will warn you, this story does end with a proper cliffhanger and if you can’t wait for the sequel, well you can always read the book.

Painting With Fire by Lissa Kasey Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi peeps, we have Lissa Kasey popping in now with her new release Painting With Fire, we have a fantastic guest post and a wonderful excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Painting With Fire

Lissa Kasey

Charlie “Wood Chuck” Fox knows his best friend and fellow wildfire firefighter Jessie Row had a major family break up in her past. Charlie has adopted her into his heart and into his huge family and when Jessie gets word her mother has passed away, Charlie fears returning home is going to tear her up.

Bastian Hart’s choice of career as a doll painter has put him at odds with his family. He’s made a sanctuary for himself on the San Juan Island of Friday Harbor, an hour away from his family. He welcomes his aunt Jessie and her friend Charlie into his house as they all prepare for the upcoming funeral. Charlie and Bastian discover a spark of smoldering fire igniting between them, but Charlie is unwilling to push and Bastian hesitant to trust.

They will have to wade through pain, hate, and fear to find their future together.

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Model Bodyguard by Lissa Kasey

Title: Model Bodyguard

Series: Haven Investigations 02

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Length: Novel (270pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex—and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts,” a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.

While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from—and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-784-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/model-bodyguard-by-lissa-kasey-7611-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Wow, and here I thought book one was explosive. This one is told from Kade’s point of view and let’s just say that you had better be sitting down. You learn a little bit about his past and I have to say you might want to keep some tissues handy. I love how these two guys seem to complement each other, but between the two of them I don’t really see any sane people.

It is a very unique type of mystery that I have not came across in all of the years that I have been reading stories. This story is full of action, angst, pain, tender moments and laughter. The cat definitely has me smiling. There is so much heat between these two that you could probably have a cookout around them. The story is well developed and has a lot of detail. Although it really didn’t need all of the detail that it did, it made it a bit slow in parts of it.

Ollie is behind the scenes a lot more since Kade is taking on the bodyguard work for their company. That is until Jacob, Ollie’s creepy ex, shows up needing help. However he is a little off and it ends up being his sister who gets them to agree to help him. Jacob is a sadistic jackal in my books, but then again I don’t understand that much about bondage, slaves and whips. However it would seem that even he has a past that will have you feeling for him. So Kade is going to be his bodyguard… however Kade is about to shoot him, if he keeps getting weird.

Now in book one we were left with a surprise about Nathan and how he might not have committed suicide. One would think that the guys would focus on that also, but Kade feels it might just drive Ollie over the edge. So the story is focused on who is out to get our rock singer. Which makes me crazy, why give us a cliff-hanger if you are not going to go into it. It also brought the book down a bit for me. I don’t like cliff hangers that don’t get answered. And this book gives you a major one.

I really liked book one and pretty much most of this story. However the author jumps from one to another without giving answers to the first one and that drives me nuts. Also here you have a new cliff hanger and no clue when the next book comes out. Then I am sitting here trying to figure out how Kade’s family….well I will let you read the book to find out what question I was going to ask. Let’s just say that it is a fascinating story but also frustrating and did the exact opposite of what it should have.

This newest cliff-hanger makes me not want to read the next book. I am also afraid that this series is one of those series that will only get read once. There is just nothing there to spark my interest more than once, and makes me wonder if I will even remember any of it when the next book comes out. I was slightly disappointed in this particular book and for me that is not a good thing. I guess we will have to see what the next book will be like.

Model Citizen by Lissa Kasey

Title: Model Citizen

Series: Haven Investigations #1

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Length: Novel (220 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 22, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Oliver “Ollie” Petroskovic’s life as an international supermodel was heading in the right direction. He worked part-time for his brother at his detective agency—Petroskovic Haven Investigations—and had just bought his dream house. But all that changed when he found his brother dead, a victim of PTSD-induced suicide.

When one of Ollie’s childhood friends gets in trouble, Ollie feels he has to help. Kade insists on investigating if only to keep Ollie safe. Neither realizes the danger they’re in as someone tries to tear them apart before they can find solid ground together.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-131-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/model-citizen-by-lissa-kasey-3033-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Earlier on in the day I was getting desperate for not just any romance story, it had to have quite a bit of action, suspense and mystery. So to my surprise when I put in for a long list of books this one hit the bill close to perfection. I had not had a chance to read any stories by this author and let me tell you that I will definitely be checking the rest of her stories out.

Ollie and his brother didn’t grow up on the good side of town. Nathan had joined the military and loved to serve. However when their parents passed on, Nathan gave it all up to come home and raise Ollie to be the best man he could be. He opened up Petroskovic Haven Investigations while Ollie was an international model. Ollie wanted a home for him and his brother. However when him and Mike went to see if Nathan wanted to go eat with them, they found his body instead. It was written down as a suicide.

Now Ollie is a very prickly type of person and very defensive. However he also has this side about him, where he is afraid that he will lose everyone who cares about him. He is also androgynous and gender fluid, although I have to admit that I am not really sure what the last one means. He is now model slash private investigator that is if he can ever get his license. His best friend and her husband decide that he needs help… so in steps Kade.

Kade had been Nathan’s best friend in the service and had fallen for Ollie some time ago. So when he is injured in a bombing, he had to change his career choice. Thank god he had his private investigator’s license. Now Ollie is always dismissing Kade and Kade’s feelings, because he is afraid, which took over most of the story for me. There was a lot of poor little old me flying around from Ollie that got old after a while. Now these two work perfect together both at work and off. It just takes Ollie awhile to find his steps.

I normally hate cliff hangers, but damn this one will lay you flat. Talk about a twist for me. As for this story itself, the mystery was a bit predictable and oddly I knew who was behind it way before they found out. So I do hope that the author does make the next one a bit harder for me to figure out.

It has only been a few months but I am finding that I actually like a story that has more meat to it then I had expected; one with more substance, danger, murder, creepy friends, sexy men and suspense. However I am also one who is a bit afraid of trying out new authors, who might not be new to others but for me, is new. However this author has not only surprised me but made me rethink some of my thoughts. This story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story.

I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next book.

Candy Land by Lissa Kasey Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hey guys! We have the brilliant Lissa Kasey popping in with her new release Candy Land. Lissa is also sharing a fantastic excerpt, and a fantastic giveaway! We also have my review for you to check out so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Candy Land

(Hidden Gems 03)

Lissa Kasey

Cameron “Candy” Michelson Jr. doesn’t have time for distractions. He’s too busy restructuring the red-light district into an adult playland for City M and running the Hidden Gem. But when his companion, Avery “Ivy” Laurent, grows closer to Jack, an investigator for the Institute of Scientific Study, Candy can’t hide his jealousy. Nor his own interest in Jack.

Ivy is crazy about Jack, but he’s also in love with Candy. Ideally, Ivy longs for all three of them to be together, but between Jack’s nonexistent libido and Candy’s supercharged needs, Ivy isn’t sure how to make it work.

When Jack gets called in to help the City M police department investigate a series of violently murdered companions, both Candy and Ivy brace for trouble. But nothing prepares them for Candy becoming the prime suspect.

In a future landscape of corrupt government officials, brutal BDSM crimes, and a host of dark creatures, Candy, Ivy, and Jack must work together to find the killer, save themselves—and learn how to trust each other.

Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback | ARe | Amazon | B&N

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Candy Land by Lissa Kasey

Title: Candy Land

Series: Hidden Gem 03

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Ménage

Length: Novel (274pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63477-167-2

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25^th April 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – High

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Cameron “Candy” Michelson Jr. doesn’t have time for distractions. He’s too busy restructuring the red-light district into an adult playland for City M and running the Hidden Gem. But when his companion, Avery “Ivy” Laurent, grows closer to Jack, an investigator for the Institute of Scientific Study, Candy can’t hide his jealousy. Nor his own interest in Jack.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7636

Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order.

Candy is being buried with responsibility as he takes over the Hidden Gem, he micro manages and has little time for his friends and when he notices that Ivy is growing closer to Jack he gets jealous, but is he jealous of Jack or Ivy? Ivy has grown to love both Jack and Candy but can’t think of a way to get the two men together, with Jack’s lack of sexual interest and Candy’s near satyriasis needs Ivy doesn’t know if they would ever find a middle ground. Jack cares for both Ivy and Candy and is comfortable with Ivy’s sweetness and gentle caring but Candy’s aggressive needs scare the hell out of him. But when Candy is thrust into the middle of a murder investigation both Ivy and Jack pull together to protect the man they love.

We re-join the guys at Hidden Gem with a dazzling story that is so much more than the blurb hints at. We are able to catch up with the guys from the previous Hidden Gem books, Shane & Aki and Paris & Rain, and they are woven into the story beautifully, they enhance and give the story an extra development that takes Candy’s, Jack’s and Ivy’s story into a whole new realm.

Candy, Ivy and Jack are just perfect characters, we’ve met them in previous Hidden Gem stories and they shine as their own story unfolds. Candy has hidden scars just like Jack and Ivy, and as we delve into the story we get a glimpse at each man’s hidden pain. We see the vulnerability of each man and we root for them to find their way to each other. But as amazing as their relationship is the storyline is astoundingly fantastic!

OMG! I LOVED THIS STORY! We are pulled into this story as Jack is called in to help investigate the brutal murders of companions, suspicion falls on Candy as a Dom and then holy cow there’s a huge massive twist and a whole new storyline opens up, it’s just fantastic! I’m not even gonna hint at what happens next only to say that Paris and Rain’s problems in Cardinal Sin have just got a whole lot more complicated.

Yep that’s it guys, this is a story that I will recommend wholeheartedly to fantasy lovers everywhere, it’s a true work of art and Lissa Kasey has shown that she is a master of understated smack you in the face twists. She wrote this story in such a way that while I was anticipating a troubling time as Candy and his friends proved his innocence that I couldn’t, not in a million years, even imagine what was coming next. Because she was secretly plotting to shock the hell out of us with a twist so amazing that I was gobsmacked and devastated and eager for more.

I recommend Candy Land to those who love mismatched men finding love, paranormal and fantasy stories that still manage to amaze, a storyline that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go and an ending so good that you hope there will still be more to come.

Candy Land by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal & Excerpt!

Hey guys! We have the brilliant Lissa Kasey popping in to show off the cover to her upcoming release Candy Land. Lissa is also sharing a fantastic excerpt and I personally can’t wait to get my fingers on the third book in the Hidden Gems series! So guys enjoy the post and that stunning cover! <3 ~Pixie~

Candy Land

(Hidden Gems 03)

Lissa Kasey

Dreamspinner Press ebook | Dreamspinner Press paperback

Continue reading “Candy Land by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal & Excerpt!” →

Model Citizen by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Lissa Kasey - Model Citizen 600x600Banner

Hi guys, we have Lissa Kasey stopping by now with the cover to her upcoming release Model Citizen, we have a great excerpt to whet your appetite and we have a awesome giveaway, so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Model Citizen

Lisa Kasey

Oliver “Ollie” Petroskovic’s life as an international supermodel was heading in the right direction. He worked part-time for his brother at his detective agency—Petroskovic Haven Investigations—and had just bought his dream house. But all that changed when he found his brother dead, a victim of PTSD-induced suicide.

Release Date 22nd June 2015

Pre-order:

Dreamspinner ebook

Dreamspinner Paperback

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Inheritance by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hiya guys, we have Lissa Kasey stopping by now with the new cover for her upcoming re-release Inheritance, yes, it’s been revamped and extended and it’s coming back to our bookshelves very soon! We have a great excerpt and an awesome giveaway so check out that amazing new cover and the rest of the post and click that Rafflecopter link! <3 ~Pixie~

Inheritance

(Dominion 01)

Lissa Kasey

Seiran Rou’s life is complicated—he’s the only male in the world allowed to take magic classes in a female-dominant society, his vampire boyfriend, Gabe, is hinting that he wants more, and his mother is demanding a grandchild. But when a co-worker turns up dead on his doorstep, Seiran realizes his problems are only beginning.

With the police dogging his steps, a stalker-like bartender watching his every move, and a magic groupie following him around, Seiran is finding it hard to hide his power—a power that if revealed could get him killed. The Dominion, the ruling body of elemental magic, seems to have started a deadly game to control the rare magic he possesses.

Someone is pulling strings, murdering witches, and gathering power. When Seiran finds himself next on the hit list, he doesn’t know whether to run and hide or prove himself to be the powerful witch he is. If he stands up and fights, he’ll have to decide what is more important—hiding his power or protecting the ones he loves.

Release date: 3rd March 2015

PRE-ORDER:

US: http://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Dominion-Novel-Lissa-Kasey-ebook/dp/B00TA6BN9C

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inheritance-Dominion-Novel-Lissa-Kasey-ebook/dp/B00TA6BN9C

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Lissa Kasey & Sam Kadence Blog Tour, Interview, Excerpts, Reviews & Giveaway!

Hi guys, we have Lissa Kasey and Sam Kadence stopping by with three of their books, Hidden Gem, On the Right Track and Unicorns and Rainbow Poop. We have excerpts from each book, a short interview and a fantastic giveaway. There are also reviews from myself and Tina so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Hidden Gem

Lissa Kasey

Misaki “Aki” Itou is a psi—a person with mutated DNA granting him psychic abilities. He’s also a contracted companion—a whore. It may not be the perfect profession, but having a roof over his head, food to eat, and not being subjected to torture is a dream come true. He is the top companion at the Hidden Gem, and it makes him enough money to buy the prettiest, most sparkly shoes he can find.

Shane McNaughton is an Irishman who survived the Third World War and works as a cop. Head of Missing Persons, he’s good at finding people, but after the plague of the Third mutated his DNA, he has a hard time letting anyone see the monster inside. He’s been paying for Aki’s services for two years, both the psi and the sexual kind, but he wants more from the companion.

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5376

On the Right Track

(Vocal Growth 01)

Sam Kadence

Ryunoski “Ru” Nakimura knows all about the trappings of fame. Expelled from a boy band for coming out as gay, he still wants to continue his career in music. Too bad his ex finds nothing better to do than exploit their relationship in the press, so Ru leaves California behind to lie low in Minnesota for a while.

Adam Corbin attends a Minnesota high school and wants to coast through as a typical student. He’s friends with an openly gay student, Bas Axelrod, but while Adam plays football, he also stays away from much socializing. Blending in and not outing himself has been easy because he’s never really been seriously interested in any of the guys he’s encountered.

When Adam meets Ru in a library, Adam begins to think he’s found that special young man who might make it worthwhile to just be himself. And for Ru, Adam looks like someone he might trade his fame for, if they could be together. Ru and Adam will both come to realize that courage and love must go hand in hand if they are to have a future.

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4094

Unicorns and Rainbow Poop

(Vocal Growth 01)

Sam Kadence

Ex-boyband member Dane Karlson is struggling to overcome an eating disorder and a body dismorphic disorder. His fall through a glass table puts him in rehab and on the road to recovery. Then a friend dies. When depression causes him to lose ground, he calls for the only person he trusts—former bandmate Tommy. But Tommy doesn’t know how to help. He begs his friend Sebastian “Bas” Axelrod to aid them through the emotional struggle.

Bas, an openly gay high school student who’s recently lost his grandmother, is trying to survive his last few months of school before escaping to Stanford. Having just lost the only person in his family to care for him, he is victim to the cruelty of the others. His younger brother bullies him, and his parents are suing him for his gran’s inheritance. When Tommy calls, Bas can’t help but run to his side.

Together Dane and Bas find a middle ground, supporting each other through the lows, dancing together during the highs. They build friendships and plan for the prom and graduation, thinking positively as long as they are together.

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5625

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Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi guys, I am back again with another stunning book to show off to you. This time it’s Lissa Kasey’s Hidden Gem and it is a true treat for those who love a mix of paranormal, science fiction & futuristic 🙂 Now we have a fab excerpt and great giveaway so I will leave you to enjoy the post and my review, just don’t forget to click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Hidden Gem

Lissa Kasey

eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5376

Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5377

Continue reading “Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hey boys and girls we have the talented Lissa Kasey popping in to show off her new cover to her upcoming release Hidden Gem, not only that but Lissa lets us have a peek with an excerpt and she has a great giveaway as well. So peeps I’m gonna leave you to admire that cover and I’m gonna go and sulk cos I have to wait for a month to review this baby <3 ~Pixie~

eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5376

Paperback : http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5377

Continue reading “Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

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