Hi guys, we have Jena Wade stopping by today with her new release Roping Him In, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Lisa’s review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Roping Him In
by
Jena Wade
Lucas and Jason have been roping partners for five years and this year, together, they are going to win it all. Nothing is going to stop them. Their attraction to each other and fear of being outed keeps them from pursing their dreams.
One night of passion puts a road block in Jason’s plans to win the title. A title he desperately needed.
Lucas never dreamed Jason would still want to ride with him after their night together. They could compete together, but rules needed to be set to protect his heart. Then again, rules were meant to be broken.
Hiya peeps, we have Draven St. James stopping by today with her newest release Lost In The Fire, book 05 in the sexy Firehouse Six series. We have a short excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Lost In The Fire
(Firehouse Six 05)
by
Draven St. James
Aaron Evans embodies every complication Wren Tucker knows he doesn’t need. The tempting go-go dancer refuses to leave him alone and his attempts to get into Wren’s bunker pants don’t stop at the club, even the walls of the Firehouse aren’t safe. Wren’s control is only so strong, and his desire for Aaron is turning into a clawing need that’s digging through the many reasons keeping Aaron at bay.
Aaron is two cold showers away from hypothermia if the hot fireman of his dreams won’t give in to the lust Aaron sees blazing in Wren’s eyes. The only issue is, Wren is a forever man, and Aaron doesn’t have that in him to give, not with so many secrets locked behind the glitter and gold of his beautiful world.
As Wren begins to cave to Aaron’s delicious demands, he gets a deeper view of the tarnished landscape Aaron exists in. A murky pit of drug addiction that’s slowly dragging Aaron under, and Wren is going to have to fight like hell to save Aaron from it, to even have a chance at a new beginning with the man who has brought him out of the shadows.
Hi guys, we have Kathryn Sparrow visiting us today with her new release Alpha Coder, we have a great guest post from Kathryn, there’s a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and we have Shorty’s review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Alpha Coder
(Geek Pack 01)
by
Kathryn Sparrow
As the second son, Liam Reed never expected to be a werewolf Alpha. He preferred to develop software for Soft Corp, but when his brother Jason died in a car accident, their father forced Liam to assume leadership of the pack. Liam plans to govern with compassion, instead of ruling through fear, but pack member Bradley Karr undermines Liam’s leadership, biding his time before challenging for Alpha. Tired of pack politics, all Liam wants is to program and find his mate, but he fears that neither is in his future.
When his mate, werewolf Cody Jones, starts working at Soft Corp as Liam’s intern, sparks fly. However, a relationship with Cody could get them both fired for fraternization. And, that’s not the worst problem. Cody doesn’t seem to accept Liam as his mate.
Liam’s only chance at happiness is to win Cody over while keeping their relationship a secret. But really, Cody would never stay with an introverted geek like him, an ineffectual Alpha failing to live up to his brother’s legacy. Would he?
Title: Back to the Sky Series: Elementals, #2 Author: Katey Hawthorne Genre: Multicultural/contemporary/ Fantasy/ Paranormal/ New Adult Length: Novella (85 Pages) Publisher: Loose Id (September 8, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Rather than spend his first post-college summer on the beach with a hot boy and a margarita, Zane Woodward goes home. While the lectures aimed at getting him to be more respectable like his lawyer father aren’t appreciated, Zane wants to be near his sister and his best friend—both of whom he’s convinced need him.
Enter Geordie Finsen: the Buddhist, blue-haired, stacked house sitter-next-door. Geordie has a penchant for parties, older women who can pay the bills, younger men who can wear him out—and he may or may not be able to control the weather.
While Geordie and his philosophies begin untangling Zane from his own expectations and hang-ups, they bring the two closer and closer. Soon their chemistry flares into a hot and heavy summer romance. But Geordie has hang-ups of his own, including an aversion to getting too attached to anyone or anything.
When things get a little too heavy between him and Zane, his instinct to cut loose and run free is tested, and Zane’s plans for a perfect escape of his own might never get off the ground.
Review: This is part of a series and normally I would say that it needs to be read in order. However the way they are told, they can be read as standalone.
There is quite a bit of different types of feelings flowing in this story. This is the first book that I have read by Katey and I was impressed with the way it flowed together. The characters are well written and very deep. They are also loveable, but there is something off about them.
Zane has finished college getting a degree in a course that he never wanted to take. He always loved music, but his asshat of a father wanted him to continue to going to school. In fact he wanted him to go to law school, he just didn’t want to. He even went home against his better judgment.
However his little sister came first. She had anxiety issues and he felt that he needed to stay with her. His best friend tried to help, even tried to get him to move in with him. Then he met Geordie.
Geordie is the one that comes off a bit weird. He looks like an elf and seems to have control over the weather. He wants Zane and is happy that Zane wants him back. However he is the one that is basically off in the story. He has blue hair, pointed ears, a Buddhist and is watching the house for a lady. Even though the sex between them is hot and wanting, he wants to take off and run. He is scared it seems. He comes off as a Gypsy to me or maybe a hippie. I don’t know.
Even though it is a well written story with some heat to it, this book was definitely not for me. I love paranormals, but not when they don’t pull at me. I even had a hard time concentrating on it. It didn’t catch my attention like it should have so I was disappointed in it. I did like the way they stood up for each other and mixed so well. I did like it but it was missing something for me all the way around.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya guys, Katey Hawthorne has come for a visit today with her new release Back to the Sky, Katey chats about elements and her book, we have a great excerpt (which I may or may not have ‘borrowed’), there’s a fantastic giveaway for 5 lucky winners and there’s also Lisa’s review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Back to the Sky
(Elementals 02)
by
Katey Hawthorne
Rather than spend his first post-college summer on the beach with a hot boy and a margarita, Zane Woodward goes home. While the lectures aimed at getting him to be more respectable like his lawyer father aren’t appreciated, Zane wants to be near his sister and his best friend—both of whom he’s convinced need him.
Enter Geordie Finsen: the Buddhist, blue-haired, stacked house sitter-next-door. Geordie has a penchant for parties, older women who can pay the bills, younger men who can wear him out—and he may or may not be able to control the weather.
While Geordie and his philosophies begin untangling Zane from his own expectations and hang-ups, they bring the two closer and closer. Soon their chemistry flares into a hot and heavy summer romance. But Geordie has hang-ups of his own, including an aversion to getting too attached to anyone or anything. When things get a little too heavy between him and Zane, his instinct to cut loose and run free is tested, and Zane’s plans for a perfect escape of his own might never get off the ground.
Hiya guys, we now have Viki Lyn visiting with her new release Lover’s Trill, we asked Lyn a couple of questions which she kindly answered, we have a great excerpt and there’s a fantastic giveaway, so guys enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Lover’s Trill
by
Viki Lyn
Rocker Leo needs a break. From the band, roadies, everything related to his present life. Wandering the streets of Vienna, he chances upon a poster that just might change his life. Andre Revele, renowned violinist, and Leo’s ex-lover, is performing in the city. It’s been years since Leo slipped out of Andre’s life in the middle of the night, but he’s never forgotten their passionate love of music and each other.
Andre’s shocked when Leo shows up backstage after his performance. Hell yes, he’s angry, but he can’t walk away. Against his better judgment, he invites Leo to his hotel for a drink. Not sure what he wants from Leo, he knows what his body wants right now. A night of passionate sex leads to another, until he’s lost his heart to Leo again.
When Andre finds his trust in Leo tested, Leo must prove his loyalty by using their one common passion – music – to bind their hearts.
Title: Love on the Web Series: Love on…, #3 Author: Neil Plakcy Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (228 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (June 23rd, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Larry Leavis is too smart and geeky for his family, too gangly and awkward among other gay guys. He’s never felt like he fits anywhere until he meets handsome entrepreneur Julian Argento and agrees to help him build a website for his fledgling web translation company.
Julian isn’t the only guy with his eye on Larry, though. Sexy client Victor Kunin has plans for Larry that go way beyond developing an app for his modelling agency. All this attention has Larry confused. Is Julian using him for his awesome coding skills, or is there something more between them – something that could be destroyed if Julian finds out about some very kinky trysts at Victor’s place?
Review: I have a soft spot for a geeky romance. And let me clarify, this is geeky in the fact that the main character is works developing apps and writing code. I only know enough of Linux to get what I need done, so any talk of computer languages and coding is enough for me to think that this is a geeky character who knows his thing.
This is a fun story and more of a journey of self discovery, leading to romance, for program coder Larry.
Larry is damn good at what he does, so much so he attracts the attention of one of his clients as well as someone he met at a coffee shop who was also interested in his expertise. Larry is extremely tall and so feels unattractive, unsexy and generally like a bean-pole that no man will ever want in bed. His character is really well written and easily identified with. I would think that many people would relate to him on some level or another. After all, we all feel at one time invisible to the objects of our desire.
Larry has two “suitors”, Julian, the guy from the coffee shop, and Victor, the rich client who has a very attractive, if sleazy, personality. It seems pretty clear is the best guy for Larry is, ultimately Julian. However, in the end it is up to Neil Plakcy’s creation, Larry, to work out what’s going on.
I also enjoyed the numerous other secondary characters, most of which are Larry’s work colleagues. Of all the characters introduced, I would say that Victor is the least fleshed out. Sometimes he left me rather confused. I suppose that was partially the purpose of his character so in the end he works well with the story.
However, this isn’t just a story about a couple of nerds, even if one or more are stinking rich. This is just really a story about a guy who is trying to balance his sudden romantic life with his professional and personal lives.
In the end, that is what makes these guys, especially Larry, so real. He’s just a guy trying to live his life, afraid he is going to screw up somewhere, which is undoubtedly going to happen regardless (or because of) of his caution.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Evelyn Shepherd visiting today with the cover to her upcoming release I Am Hope, the third and last book in The Meteora Trilogy. We also have an exclusive excerpt to have a peek at and there’s also a fantastic giveaway where you can win the first two books in The Meteora Trilogy so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
I Am Hope
(The Meteora Trilogy 03)
by
Evelyn Shepherd
The undead were only the beginning.
Topher, Jesse, and Sawyer thought their greatest threat were the Infected and Mutated that roam the world. As they struggle to reach the camp in Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina, they soon discover that the monstrous mutations of the undead are the least of their problems. Something else, something far more intelligent and lethal, is hunting them.
Topher knows that the only way humanity will survive is to find a cure for the strange infection that’s ravaged the world. He’s on the brink of discovering it; but the further his research goes, the more he realizes that curing the world of the infection may mean losing Sawyer.
The three will fight to stay together, and Topher will have to make the ultimate choice: cure the world or save his lover?
Title: A Jinni’s Wish Series: N/A Author: B. Leslie Tirrell Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Fantasy / Paranormal Length: Novel (281 pages) Publisher: Loose Id LLC (June 1st 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Blurb: In the desert city, Al-Timini, humans and Mystics—magical beings—coexist peacefully…until humans begin to disappear. Suspecting evil in their own kind, Mystic detectives hire Ilyas Bashour, a lonely human scholar, hoping his keen mind can uncover answers where their own efforts have failed.
Namir is a jinni living in the city’s ancient library. Abused and degraded by his former master, he has abandoned hope of finding another who is kind and trustworthy—until Ilyas discovers him. To Namir’s surprise, his reluctant new master treats him as an equal. Soon their relationship takes on a sexual dimension. And not just that; the two of them begin falling in love.
Their combined talents are desperately needed when the Mystics are also threatened but their growing passion may endanger everyone, including themselves.
Review: An intriguing story about Mystic detectives who hire Ilyas Bashour a human scholar to try to figure out about the missing humans. On his journey he meets Namir, a Jinn. It broke my heart to read that Namir had been abused. I shuddered through that portion of the story as no one deserves that.
llyas seemed kind and tried his best to help Namir with what he had been through. I was unsure as to what era or time period this story took place so it was a little confusing at times but still really good. I loved the chemistry between Namir and llyas as it seemed they were brought together when they needed each other the most.
The story seemed to draw the reader into a mysterious world that has amazing creatures as well a mystery to solve. I was cheering for Namir and llyas all throughout as I so hoped they could be happy together despite Namir’s past abuse.
Although I wish some scenes had been expanded to make them longer it was still a fascinating read. The overall enjoyment was good. I will warn readers that it does talk about past abuse on Namir’s part so be forewarned.
Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn Series: N/A Author: Thursday Euclid Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (286 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (June 15th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: With a sold-out tour looming and intense media attention on their every move, the Artificial Hearts are the hottest rock act in the world. It’s just a matter of time until newfound fame illuminates a past Asher Beauregard would rather leave in the shadows. When he meets Leo Harpstedt, the irresistible frontman for the opening act, undeniable chemistry draws them together, but Asher’s secrecy and emotional scars keep Leo at a safe distance.
Posh and well-adjusted despite the blue hair, Englishman Leo comes from a world that Asher, a Louisiana-born high school dropout, can’t imagine, never mind inhabit, but as first the Artificial Hearts’ manager and then the tour throw them together, the tension between them grows uncontrollable. Leo’s seeming confusion about his sexuality and Asher’s refusal to let go of the persona and be vulnerable threaten to destroy the tender friendship they’ve built living and working together.
With help from his drag queen stylist, lesbian sound tech, and a lead guitarist with secrets of his own, can Asher overcome the public revelation of his deepest secrets and seize this chance at love?
Review: I’ve heard of Thursday Euclid before but this is the first time I’ve read one of his books (though I just discovered that I have a short story in my never-ending unread pile). Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn proved to be a good introduction to the author’s writing because it is based around one of my favourite scenarios: rock star who is broken inside and uses drugs to make it better.
So the book is basically what the title says. Asher Beauregard is a rock star who basically doesn’t care about much outside of music and to deal with his demons he resorts to drugs and alcohol.
Probably not at all uncommon in this world. Then Asher meets Leo, he’s lead singer for the support band on Asher’s band’s tour. Where Asher is gritty and broken and all Cajun, Leo is English and refined and pretty damn well-adjusted to the world/reality. With Leo’s appearance, Asher’s perspective begins to change and his world is about to be rocked, and not always in a good way. It’s up to Leo if he is strong enough to support Asher through the turbulence to follow.
This story is just… wow. It blew me away. This does not put on the rose-tinted glasses viewing the world of drugs and alcohol. Or more accurately, the world of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. It is an intense read and a very gritty read. If you don’t like either or intense or gritty, particularly when it comes to drugs, this is probably not the book for you.
The chemistry between Asher and Leo is explosive. I loved it, although sometimes it almost levelled on soap drama proportions I understand that this was used to portray to “rock” and the drug lifestyle. Asher also had so many demons to fight, it seemed like it was insurmountable.
Admittedly, Asher sometimes seems a bit too incoherent through the book, but remember this is a character that has become reliant on drugs as a crutch just to live. Meanwhile, Leo, whose life has been vastly different to Asher, is everything that is sweet and strong (and I love him too!).
This is an intense book; it’s probably going to leave you tired and still thinking about it at the end. You really need to take it slowly to get the full enjoyment and effect out of it. At first I thought, “Nope, not going to like it”. Then I slowed down and read it between other books and my appreciation for the story just went up.
In the end, it has left me wondering, what’s in store for Leo and Asher? Will Asher finally clear his head of the drugs and alcohol? I’m left wondering what Thursday Euclid has in store for us!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Home to Cedarwood Series: N/A Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (83 pages) Publisher: Loose Id, LLC. (May 12th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts Blurb: Colin Baker owns a bookstore and he’s back in Cedarwood with his son. He’s looking for a new start after a bad breakup, but he never expected that start to include his old crush, Officer Jordan Hargrove. Jordan hasn’t come out, but if he can score with Colin, then he’s all in. He’s dreamed of hot nights with the quiet man.
After a speeding ticket and some hurt feelings, sparks fly between the bookstore owner and the police officer, but Cedarwood is a small town with small town values, and a gay couple isn’t what the town expects. Colin’s created a support group for single gay fathers and he feels he’s making some difference in Cedarwood. Some folks in Cedarwood are fine with these two men reconnecting, but some aren’t.
Will the naysayers be enough to drive Colin and Jordan apart, or will they make their way together in this small town.
Review: This is the first story of Megan’s that I remember reading and I can say that I am impressed. I do wish that it had more to it though. It has a great story line that seems to have a little extra meaning to it. It shows what some of the gay community goes through in different places. It also shows you what needs to be done in a way to fix it. I was pleased with the way the police chief helped his man though.
Colin had once been with his man for over eight years but only seven were good. As soon as they became parents, Nicholas left him. Now he has moved back to his hometown with his son. His brother is there, the book store and a great school. The only bad sign is the person that is putting dog shit on his porch. A damn homophobe is making the gay community suffer. Then he came across an old classmate that was not so nice to him.
Jordan has always felt bad for what he had done to Colin when they were in school and also for giving him the speeding ticket which is how they met once more. Now he is interested in Colin and is hiding in the closet. Boy does he need to get his head out of his ass and to show the man he wants that he is more important. That and show the little boy that he can make a good step-father.
This is a fascinating little story and I had a blast reading it. My only problem with it was that it was way too short. Felt like a little taste that left me wanting more. I would definitely recommend reading this story. It is short, sweet and downright sexy when they get together.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Alex hid his unnatural attraction to men for many years. That changes when the pirate Beche takes Alex after capturing his ship. At first Alex believes his fate is death and the only question a matter of how he might die. However, the longer he is on the ship, the more he realizes that Beche hates the world because it is unfair in ways Alex never understood. As Alex begins to respect this strong, independent man, Alex’s dormant desires begin to reassert themselves.
Beche hates the titled classes and their government enforcers. They might have outlawed slavery on paper, but they never came to the islands to free him or his family. Since his skin is black, society has little respect for him. Beche expects no more of this latest captive, but soon Beche begins to realize that Alex is a naïve and beautiful man who values family and struggles with his own place in society.
That poses an even larger problem because Beche does not want to send Alex back to a world that will mistreat him, but he has no place for a lord on a ship full of pirates.
Review: Young Alex is a lord by default after his father and older brother have both passed. He takes his honor and duties to his family very seriously regardless, his priority being the care and safety of his two sisters. When their cargo keeps getting stolen by Pirates, Alex decides to sail with the next shipment to ensure it arrives at port safely. But a traitor amongst his men has betrayed him.
Beche is a ruthless Pirate captain that governs his men with an iron fist and strict code of conduct. He cannot stand the rich and powerful government or the way society still treats men of color, men like him. Beche boards a ship full of tobacco thinking it will be an easy steal, but what he finds is a brash, resilient young Lordling that is as beautiful as he is stubborn and defiant.
Beche takes Alex under his wing, partly for protection from his own men that would just as soon kill the lord as look at him, and partly because he is infatuated and confused by the man. An odd friendship of sorts begins to slowly build between the two strangers.
Alex has been told his attraction to the same-sex is wrong. It is evil, even sent off to a doctor that supposedly cured him of his wicked thoughts. Beche has no time or patience for young, spoiled lords. But he is not only drawn to Alex’s innocence and beauty, he admires the man’s strength of character and his refusal to be tamed.
When Beche is captured during a raid gone badly, Alex has the chance to finally escape the pirate and the ship, to go home with his sisters where he belongs. The problem is, he doesn’t feel like he belongs there anymore, and he refuses to leave Beche to be hanged. Can Alex and Beche’s crew of madcap misfits pull off a jail break? Or will Alex get himself killed trying to rescue his captor?
This is definitely a dialogue driven story with a Pirate, Steampunk era backdrop. For those of you that aren’t familiar, Steampunk is the love child of the Victorian and Dystopian styles of writing. I loved the little inventions that Alex’s sisters created throughout the story. How those two women, who were expected to stay home and mind the mansion, could run circles around the men that surrounded them. Alex’s pet spider was quite possibly my favorite. And then the way the little thing had a limp when repaired, like a pirate, it just fit perfectly into the story.
The writing was articulate, descriptive and well versed. The characters were three-dimensional, perfectly flawed and gave each other a sort of balance. While Alex was violated as a youth because of his attraction to men, by a learned doctor no less, he still carries those feelings inside. He and Beche are like day and night, polar opposites both physically and emotionally. But from the start they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. And I absolutely loved how the author wrote that aspect of the story describing the longing of a person’s soul not always matching the wrapping.
There were a couple of times where the dialogue dragged on too much for my liking and it weighed down the story a little. And then the author’s absolute refusal to use the words cock or dick when describing the male parts, it was maddening. This was very much an adult story, but the way the sexual encounters were versed, it read like a YA book. That being said, I still really liked this book. The author’s ability to weave the multiple events, characters and stories into one storyline was both engrossing and intriguing.
Definitely recommend this one to anyone that likes the genre.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya peeps, we have the brilliant Felice Stevens visiting us today with her newest release Embrace the Fire, Felice lets us have a peek at an excerpt and has brought along a great giveaway, we also have Zane’s review for you to check out so enjoy the post an click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Embrace the Fire
(Through Hell & Back 03)
by
Felice Stevens
Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but finally he’s accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
Title: The Empty Box Series: The Square Peg, #3 Author: Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (299 Pages) Publisher: Loose Id (April 7th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts Blurb: Dave’s taking life day by day after leaving Travis, his emotionally abusive partner of fifteen years. Working as the cook at the Square Peg is all the social life he has and he’s content with that.
When a swerving car leaves him sprawled on the snowy sidewalk with a broken ankle, being rescued by his new neighbor, young, sinfully pretty Jeremy, seems like the start of something good, even if twenty years separate the two men. But Travis isn’t content to let Dave slip away and Dave’s his own worst enemy, holding Jeremy at arms’ length when Jeremy wants to get as close as possible.
With decisions about his future complicated by his tangled past, can Dave accept the second chance Jeremy offers or will his heart stay empty of love?
Review: We met Dave in The Square Peg so having his own story just felt natural in getting to know all of the characters more intimately. In case you don’t remember, Dave is the cook/chef, at the bar owned by Ben and Shane. He ended his 15 year relationship with Travis a year or so ago and moved to the other side of town.
Walking home one night from work Dave is struck by a car, a hit-and-run, and left on the sidewalk to freeze. He knew right away he broke something which left him lying there, in the snow, helpless. Thank goodness, Jeremy, Dave’s new neighbor from across the hall happens by and offers Dave assistance. He even takes him to the hospital and waits for him so he will have a ride back home.
Jeremy works from home building computers for clients and for the most part has only ever dated women. He knew he found guys attractive but he never experimented too much with them. He also knows that he is and has always been attracted to the older male. If there are streaks of gray in their hair or other age defining marks all the more attractive they appear to him. He is in his later 20’s and doesn’t appreciate being treated like a kid or someone who doesn’t know what he wants.
And…he wants Dave. He immediately has an attraction for Dave, who is in his later 40’s, and he’s also in very good shape and takes care of himself, which doesn’t hurt either. Since Dave doesn’t have anyone immediate to help him now that he has a broken ankle and a cast, Jeremy offers to be there for him, in any capacity.
Dave is flattered by the attention but he’s not ready to hook up with anyone after his fiasco with Travis and he can’t get past the idea that he is too old for someone Jeremy’s age. Jeremy is relentless, however, in pursuing Dave and he doesn’t stop until Dave agrees to give it a try.
The story carries on from here but never really gains any speed. Dave and Jeremy are trying to make a go but there is a lot of resistance on Dave’s part therefore not gaining much ground. If it wasn’t for Jeremy being so persistent I don’t think they would have ever made any headway.
Travis has been out of the picture for a year yet he still has a hold over Dave. Little things start happening with Jeremy’s belongings and it appears that it could be Travis. This was never really proven although speculation was pretty clear. Dave decides he should approach him and ask him about it but all he accomplished was letting him back into his life.
The authors seemed to be adding some mystery and suspense into the storyline which allowed it to pick up the pace but it fizzled out pretty quick. If Travis was behind all of the little pranks, which I feel certain he was, he never admitted to it and it was pretty much forgotten. A tragedy does happen pulling Dave back into Travis’ world but this just caused unnecessary conflict between Jeremy and Dave. Again, this never really has any resolution either and we just seem them moving on to other things.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. I loved catching up with Shane and Ben and, Patrick who you can’t help but love. Dave finally gets to make a dream come true for himself in being a co-owner of a new restaurant, The Empty Box, with Shane and Ben.
My main problem with the story is it never seemed to go anywhere. It was day-to-day activities with low-level excitement and I never had the feeling that Dave and Jeremy really made any progress with their relationship. They do love each other, but I never really felt it from either one. There’s not much passion between them and when Dave slips up with his “I love you” there wasn’t any fireworks. I’m not sure if Jeremy even acknowledged that he heard him.
If you loved The Square Peg, then I would recommend reading this one as well just to catch up with the other characters. Some new characters were introduced so there is always the possibility for another story. If you want a story with a lot of sex or a lot of drama I would probably pass on this one. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hello again peeps, we have Lillian T. MacGowen popping in now with her latest release From the Ashes, we have a brilliant excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
From the Ashes
(Smoke and Mirrors 02)
by
Lillian T. MacGowen
After a rough start to their relationship, Deck and Naim are living together and living well—except they’re not. The fire at the clinic and those behind it are still a specter in the background of their lives, soon to come to the forefront. Someone is stalking them, and as the acts grow increasingly violent and threatening, the boys make an unsettling discovery that turns Naim’s world inside out.
They’re sorely tried and tested, and even with the support of the neighborhood and Deck’s firefighting crew, people get hurt. Deck has to decide how much hurt he’s willing to take on for the sake of Naim, and Naim has to decide once and for all what sort of man he wants to be—all while navigating a terrifying world of crime, violence and depravity.
Title: Equinox Series: Secrets of Salem, #1 Author: Jace Payne Genre: Fantasy & Paranormal Length: Novella (79 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (April 21, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: After staring death in the face, Victor Blair takes the advice of his nurses and takes a vacation. It’s not only to help him heal, but to keep his mind off the trauma he’s endured. He travels to Salem, MA. A place he’s sure will calm his nerves.
Once he arrives in the seaside town Victor finds himself attracted to Rayne, a magical stranger with an opinionated pet barn owl, named Elvira. Though they hunger to see more of each other, it leads to conflict. Rayne’s parents aren’t too keen on interspecies mingling between mortals and witches.
Their rapidly building attraction raises the spectre of what will happen once Victor’s vacation is over. His time in Salem was never meant to be permanent. Does he go home and risk losing a great man, or does he throw caution to the wind and uproot himself, moving to a new town to be with someone who he’s only known for a few weeks?
Review: Victor takes a vacation and meets Rayne. I loved the attraction between these two as they set the pages on fire with they’re intensity for one another. Rayne seemed to be just what Victor needed to ease his panic attacks. Rayne’s family was lively and friendly.
The details were well researched and written. This was a great book to read with plenty of twists to keep the reader intrigued as to where the story headed.
Definitely a book worth reading and highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Unbound, Unbroken Series: In His Arena, #2 Author: Nasia Maksima Genre: Historical/ Fantasy & Paranormal Length: Novel (335 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (April 21, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.75 Hearts Blurb: When rising star gladiator Titian finds himself paired with the vainglorious champion Galadros, he finds himself in mortal danger. For a dark spell binds them together, using their lust to make them pawns in the wicked schemes of Alession, the Empress’s right-hand man.
Their only hope is to fight against the bond and hope to break it before Alession forces them to fight each other to the death in the arena. But with every challenge they face, Titian finds himself more and more drawn to Galadros, strengthening the dark spell even as they try to break it.
What begins as pure survival quickly spirals into a whirlwind of lust and love as Titian fights—both for his life and for an impossible future with Galadros. But Galadros has an even darker secret—one that might destroy them both.
Review: This is the second book In His Arena series. Alession is back again to try to cause chaos to appease his crazy empress’ boredom. Personally I don’t like either one of them and am surprised they weren’t killed or injured in the first book.
Titian is secutor who dreams of being dominant instead of being forced into a submissive pair. Galadros yearns for a more dominant partner even though he is the one who is supposed to be. When circumstances and meddling take Titian and Galadros’ partners away they are forced by an Ebon bound, Alession’s slavecraft magic, to become a pair.
Some of the story was a little confusing to me. The arena scenes were often times bloody and violent as is expected with this type of series. But I found it added to the story rather than take away from it.
Good and entertaining.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Pride and Justice Series: N/A Author: Clancy Nacht Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal Length: Novel (167 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (March 11, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: A percentage of the earth’s population has transformed into surprisingly functional zombies who returned to work the next morning as if they weren’t undead monstrosities. Justice Kinkead, officer in an elite zombie fighting force, gets called out when good zombies go bad, putting down the brain cravers and safeguarding the new economy.
After several of his partners succumb to unfortunate deaths, Justice figures he’ll go it alone…until he’s assigned a mysterious and sexy new partner, Merlin Pride, who seems to know more about the zombies’ origins than he’s letting on.
Merlin also seems to sense that Justice needs a good screw, but it’s complicated: Justice still lives with his undead ex-boyfriend. Can Justice make peace with his past? And if he does, should he take a chance on a man who may have something to do with destroying civilization as they knew it?
Review: First let me say I am not a fan of books with zombies in them but I gave this book a try as the blurb intrigued me. I was disappointed by the lack of information about Justice, the cop but liked the information that there was on Merlin. It seemed that some things were well thought out while others were lacking.
I had a hard time trying to actually connect with the characters in this book as it I felt it could have been so much better than it actually was. This book has a lot going on it from mystery to action to comedy which was good in a strange way. But I still couldn’t get into it.
The reasoning for the zombies was a little strange but it fit with the story. It was a weird story but it wasn’t for me but I’m sure others would like it where I didn’t.
It was an o.k. read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Aloha Man Series: Men of Sanctuary, #5 Author: Danica St Como Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (251 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (16 Feb 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Hawaiian demolitions expert Kamaka decides to take charge of his life, and spends a long winter at Sanctuary paramilitary training camp revamping himself from soft and mellow to hard bodied and focused. When Kamaka is introduced to exquisite Navajo silversmith Zachariah Black Crow, his heart damn near stops and his libido kicks into overdrive. Kamaka is convinced the Island gods have bestowed upon him the greatest gift the earth has to offer–all Kamaka needs to do is convince the younger, over-the-top handsome man to come to his bed. Freely. Willingly.
Zach, shy and withdrawn, avoids entanglements with people he doesn’t know. A victim of a brutal attack in his college days, he focuses on his art to help deal with the nightmares. He’s never had a relationship, male or female, so his newly awakened sexual interest in Kamaka confuses him.
Should a man want to submit to another man, the way he wants to submit to Kamaka?
Can he be the responsive, giving lover Kamaka needs, the man Kamaka desires?
Note: Although this is the 5th book in the Men of the Sanctuary series, it is the first to be released with Loose Id and may be read without having read the previous books. We will be re-releasing the previous books in the series.
Review: What’s there not to like? There is a sexy native Hawaiian and equally sexy part-Nordic part Navajo – need I add more?
This is part of the Men of Sanctuary series, its book 5 and if you’re not really interested in reading the previous 4 because they are not MM, do not despair.
There are a number of secondary characters who have already had their own story. The good part for me was that I had no problem understanding any of this particular story. In fact, it works really well as a standalone book. The only thing I did at one point was look up the blurb so that I could get the minor characters sorted out in my mind.
Kamaka (the Hawaiian character, talks like a surfer dude) and Zach Black Crow (part Navajo and very proud of this fact) are a wonderfully sexy couple and the sparks between them threaten to explode almost immediately. This is where I now explain why I have rated the book as I have despite the fact I enjoyed this one.
The setting for this book is great. There’s a bit of tribal mysticism that borders on magic (I really loved that touch). There is an adorable orphan to capture the reader’s heart and fall in love with (Jeremiah is one precocious kid but damn, he’s quick).
The final one-third of the book – awesome! The beginning was a bit slow to start-up but it eventually got going. It was the second third that got me. To me it just did not move fast enough. Then bam, I hit the action and I was happy, as I just said earlier.
It’s a fun and sexy read, stick around for the drama and the intriguing tour of two unique tribal cultures.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Phoberia (2nd Edition) Series: N/A Author: HB Kurtzwilde Genre: Science Fiction Length: Novel (204 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (3 Sept 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: The corporate colony of Cadose HQ has a technological disaster brewing in its data pillars. The only man who can save them is Dixon Sinonyx, nanotech operator. But Dix himself is in need of help, both to solve the puzzle of Cadose’s reckless violations of safety protocols, and his own loneliness. Athen Dendrophile seems the perfect solution to both problems, but his youth and enthusiastic passion are as attractive as they are a dangerous distraction.
Though Dix is going crazy with the need for human contact, he fears doing damage to a seemingly innocent youth. Athen soon proves himself anything but innocent, and yet Dix can’t shake the fear that he is in more danger than he can understand. With the data pillars nearing meltdown and their mutual desire at the boiling point, they must find a way to put their differences aside to survive the hostile, brutal world that is crumbling all around them.
NOTE: This book was previously released by another publisher but has been substantially edited and revised.
Review: I’m not going to lie, this is a difficult book to read, but the payoff is a fun Cyberpunk type of future. You need to keep paying attention, which I think is what sometimes takes away from my personal enjoyment. I’m all for mindless, simple plots after a long day.
Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Doctor Who reruns recently (well, that’s a lie, one can never have too much David Tennant!), but the story gives a strong Doctor Who vibe to me. If you’re not a Whovian, perhaps think of something like Tron or the character of Mr Universe in the movie Serenity.
Okay, that’s all my pop culture references out the way. Onto more important things.
Our two main characters are Dix and Athen. They are both tech-heads, so there is all matter of jargon including “defragging”, “system integration” and all other words that remind me of Star Trek. There are also some rather mind-boggling descriptions of computer processes that have been created purely for this story.
I’m going to say that this is what makes this a difficult read because this isn’t just a simple out of this world adventure. Dix has been hired to repair the core computing/internet network of the Cadrose Corporation on the planet Cadrose. The colony is also called Cadrose. Think of that what you will.
Dix is human, a rarity and this touches on a feature common of science fiction which essentially points out the pointlessness of being racist or xenophobic or whatever. Everyone is different but the minorities are always picked on. Partly because when Dix seeks to hire a helper, he wants a fellow human, who turns out to be Athen.
The players in place, now the Cadrose Corporation’s computer systems need to be dug through and repaired. This leads me to point out another important feature of science fiction: there is the talk of governments/ major companies overreaching their powers with the everyday folk. Both Dix and Athen are complex characters, especially Athen who had a difficult upbringing. For that reason the slow unfolding of their intimacy feels right as the guys really get to know each other and their respective quirks.
Forgive me while real life intrudes for a moment: if you’re someone dealing with bioinformatics (as well as a sci-fi fan), this may actually also make a lot of sense to you, especially if you’re dealing with network analyses. I know, that’s a really niche group, but hey, that’s what I think from personal experience.
After that spiel, it should be clear if science-fiction and geek romances are your thing, then you’ll enjoy this. However, the romance side of things is rather subtle, so I describe this first and foremost as a sci-fi adventure.
This is a great, great book but I fear it sometimes lost me when the pace dropped off at point to deliver long explanations and the jargon. I advise not to read this one tired.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Back to the Sky
Title: Love on the Web
Title: A Jinni’s Wish
Title: Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn
Title: Home to Cedarwood
Title: Clockwork Pirate
Title: The Empty Box
Title: Equinox
Title: Unbound, Unbroken
Title: Pride and Justice
Title: Aloha Man
Title: Phoberia (2nd Edition)