Hey guys, we have Michele M. Rakes stopping by for a visit today with the blog tour for her latest release Fourth and Long, we have a great character interview, we have a fantastic excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and KathyMac’s review. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Fourth and Long
by
Michele M. Rakes
Irus Beaumont, cornerback for the Highlanders, has an issue with his nemesis: wideout for the Pirates, Jackson McCoy. Partly jealous over Jackson’s skill and ability to scrub coverage, Irus also struggles against an unbearable attraction to the receiver. Firmly ensconced in the closet, Irus also has a no football player rule, leaving his desires for Jackson unfulfilled. Anti-gay sentiment in the league keeps Irus closeted, even though he’d rather be out and proud.
When Jackson McCoy suffers a gay bashing at the hands of his team mates after winning the national championship, he finds himself traded to the Highlanders. Spring training brings out Jackson’s competitive nature, eliciting the aggression of his new team’s cornerback, Irus Beaumont.
In practice, Irus hurts Jackson badly. The injury places Jackson on the reserve roster. Jacks has plenty of time to contemplate his life, career, and his attraction to the sexy cornerback. Off to Orlando for the best rehab where guilt inspires Irus to call him every evening, Jackson can’t stop thinking about Irus, or what the season holds for his team.
Title: Home Run Series: Mighty Casey, # 2 Author: Willa Okati Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (111 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (July 29th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: If opposites attract—and in this case, they do—then Casey and Nate fit like puzzle pieces. Though married for a year and still rocking the honeymoon lifestyle, Casey’s starting to feel like it’s time for the next big challenge.
Casey’s never been interested in having kids, but knows Nate would love a family of their own and would be a fantastic father. He thinks he’s ready to put aside past prejudices, but he knows it’s not the kind of decision you make on a whim. Nate only wants to have a family with Casey if Casey wants it just as much. Neither would accept anything less.
The annual Rule family reunion is the perfect time and place for Casey to take his hopes for a test drive and inform his choice. He’ll have plenty of chances to practice—with Nate’s ménage-a-parents and seven sisters, there’s a smorgasbord of family to observe and a half-dozen babies to test his limits.
(And a few games to play. This is Nate, after all!)
Is Casey ready to grant Nate his wish to become a dad and wind up the pitch for a proper “home” run?
Review: This book starts where Mighty Casey ended. Hot, sexy and great secondary Characters abound.
Casey and Nate are getting ready to go to Nate’s family reunion when Casey pulls up to Nate’s school. He gets met by Kenneth and told that Nate is running the practice for the kindergartener’s pee wee soccer team. This being Nate and Casey they have to pull over once for a sex break, before they get to Nate’s family home in the Appalachian Mountains.
Nate’s parental unit is a threesome, his mother, Zadie and his dads Smokey Joe and Rudy. Then there is Nate’s Seven Sisters and their husbands and kids. More than a full house. Speaking of that the house is almost a character in itself as it has had many additions added to it and it is a running joke that if a new comer ask for directions to the nearest bathroom that you can’t get there from here.
It is decided that Nate and Casey, in honor of the marriage, will be the Lords of Misrule for this gathering. So they get to determine what games are played Nate take’s charge of Outdoor activities and Casey indoor activities. While at the reunion Casey is deciding whether he is ready to have children with Nate. Nate who can read him like a book knows this and tells him that he shouldn’t decide by what he thinks Nate would want, but only if he was ready. It turns out that Casey is a child whisperer, able to settle the most cantankerous and cranky children in just a few minutes.
Eamon a secondary character is at the family reunion for the first time. Zeke, his fiancé, is on a commercial fishing boat and unable to attend. so Eamon is going for him. Eamon is shy and sweet and he and Zeke have been together since high school, but only became engaged after they finished college.
Nate, as a surprise for Eamon, goes to pick up Zeke from the airport. When Zeke was able to make a surprise trip home for the reunion. And to mask why he went, Mimi, Roger, and Kenneth are brought to the homestead first. Let just say, that the scene when Zeke arrives during the firework display and helped Eamon to light his firework. The reunion of them is touching and I would love to read their story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: Turns out naked and hungover on the floor is not the most strategically sound place to be when your dad comes home early. Take it from someone who learned the hard way: nineteen-year-old Lysander Shepherd – son of movie stars, spoiled brat, enthusiastic proponent of drugs and orgies… and now, unwilling resident of Oak Hill Manor, a retreat for troubled teenagers.
Before he knows what’s happening, his designer duds have been switched for tie-dye shirts in therapy team colors, and he is surrounded by an assortment of misfits: a timid nerd, a mute girl, a hyperactive kid… and captivating loner Cai Fields, who is admittedly pretty hot, but seems to hate the world in general and Lysander in particular.
Soon Lysander struggles with lies, withdrawal, and several uncomfortable revelations that he never intended to make, but he also gains surprising amounts of support right in the middle of secret late-night parties, fisticuffs over doing the dishes, and, of all things, croissant blackmail. Even as Cai and Lysander finally give in to the irresistible attraction between them and make a grasp for happiness, their darkest secrets remain – secrets with the power to destroy everything they’ve fought so hard to have.
ISBN: 9781623008659
Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/spectacularly-broken.html
Reviewer: Aerin
Review: I have such a love/hate relationship with this book. There were parts that touched me deeply and others that seemed either cheesy or they downright pissed me off. And while I understand that the characters were teenagers (with the exception of the parents of course), their behaviour seemed too immature at times.
I’m having such a hard time pin-pointing exactly what I didn’t like, because overall this book was pretty good. But as much as I want to, I can’t give it 4 stars. I think the setting in which most of the story took place was what didn’t work for me. I simply don’t get the point of that “clinic” (Oak Hill Manor) or whatever it was. If it’s for troubled teens that abuse drugs and have way too much sex as a cry for attention, then you can’t go and mix them with other teenagers who were sexually abused as children and are now having difficulties integrating in the society.
And how about teenagers who suffer from the loss of a loved one, the one person who meant the most to them? What do they have in common with the rest of the teenagers at Oak Hill Manor? They were all simply too different from one another and didn’t have many things in common. So for them to be attending the same therapy sessions didn’t make much sense to me.
The writing was good, the grammar was stellar (and if it wasn’t, I was too focused on the story to notice any errors) and I definitely got the impression that a teenager was narrating the story. I do wish we would’ve gotten to know more about Cai ( including but not only, what determined him to pierce his dick and other body parts multiple times) and I wish there was an epilogue 10 years into the future, because I would’ve liked to see them as adults.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Might Casey Series: Might Casey Author: Willa Okati Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (115 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (May 28th, 2013) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Reviewer: RG Blurb: The only thing extroverted Nate loves more than baseball is his quiet, reserved Casey. The feeling’s mutual, thanks–but it isn’t all fun and games. A wedding planner, Casey’s booked solid during the summer months and thanks to a certain poem about the Mudville Nine, cringes at the thought of ball games. Fair’s fair–with seven older sisters who redefined “wedding drama”, Nate freezes at the thought of tying the knot. Casey might wish things were different, but he wouldn’t trade Nate, his big heart, or his skills between the sheets for a wedding worthy of a Rockefeller.
After losing a strip poker bet, Casey’s promised forfeit is spending a full day at a softball tournament. He’s sure there’s more going on than a simple sports wager and wonders what Nate’s up to, but he’s curious enough to jump in and commit. And so, finally, is Nate, who’s planning a surprise involving an engagement ring and a proposal from the pitcher’s mound.
But things don’t go quite according to scheme for the odd couple when Nate takes his lover out to the ball game. And who knows what might happen when Casey’s called up to bat?
Review: I went in with little to no expectations as I have never read a book by Willa Okati. What transpired was a story I wished was longer because not only were the MC’s well-rounded and interesting, most of the secondary character were also.
Casey is a wedding planner who dislikes baseball and softball because of the poem Mighty Casey at bat. He is in love with Nate, who absolutely loves sports. And Nate with 7 older sisters has a strong dislike of all things wedding related. Losing a bet on strip poker, Casey has to Spend all day at a softball tournament that Nate organized and is playing in.
Casey honors his commitment and attend, with the suspicion that there is more going on than just a softball tournament. He is given a box of Poppernutter, a cracker jack like snack, to hold onto, with the proviso that if he enjoys himself at the tournament he has to open the box and eat it.
Nate is giving hints that he is maybe losing his dislike of wedding enough to marry Casey.
Some of the secondary characters who make this book even more memorable and fun are Mimi, a petite, personality packed, softball dynamo with a wicked sense of humor, Kenneth, gay and geeky in a cute way, and Roger, a former semi-pro player who is attracted to Kenneth, who is also the captain of the opposing team in the championship game. When Kenneth is injured in the championship game of the tournament.
The Proposal and the Wedding scenes on the pitcher’s mound are not to be missed. The hardest part was the belief that anyone could have as much sex as Casey and Nate did that day and still have the energy to play in a tournament.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Good Bones Series: N/A Author: C.C. Flanagan Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (228 pages) Publisher: Loose-Id (September 2nd, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb: Ace Hoffman is a home stager who is trying to escape his latest closet case heartbreak. Zane McDonnell is a chiropractor who has made the closet into a comfortable home. They meet in a dark back room one night and part just as quickly, never to see each other again–
Until Ace shows up at the door of Zane’s brother to work on his house. Now the guy who has sworn off closet cases can’t escape the man who is afraid to show the world who he is. When one tends to run and the other always hides, can they build any kind of future together?
Review: This book is just a whole lot of fun. There is also a whole lot of melodrama, which was once or twice over the top in my opinion, and for the most part, it was one character that could claim sole responsibility for it. The best part of that, it wasn’t the out and proud interior designer (house stager), Ace (aka Acelin). It was the mostly closest chiropractor, Zane, who at times did irritate me, but we can ignore that because the story is awesome.
In a way, I suppose, this story sort of serves as a coming out for Zane, who is thirty-seven and owns his own successful practice as a chiropractor in small-town Kansas. Hence the melodrama. Ace is a sweetheart, he has his own business he runs from home and moved to Kansas to get away from his deeply closest, mamma’s boy ex-boyfriend. He has established his business and he enjoys a close friendship with Erik, his best friend.
Which brings me to the cast of minor characters, who are just so damn lovable! Erik, Ace’s best friend, is also getting over (or got over, just too shy) a relationship that went sour. He is shy and lack self-confidence, but he also happens to have a crush on his best friend. I have to say, I really want Erik to get a happily ever after. He is all sweetness and soul. And maybe, ever so slightly, Ace took advantage of this friendship.
The other two main characters, who are just great, are Zane’s brother and sister-in-law, Brody and Adel. Adel is a force of nature and immediately buddies up with Ace, and Ace quickly calls her his fag-hag. She’s all for match making and at the end of the book was promising to find a match for Erik.
The epilogue just seemed rushed. It was written in the style where it’s a quick paragraph about each character and what happens to them. It was ok, in fact, it was good, yet somehow it didn’t quite match the style of everything else I just read. If it had been narrated by Ace, then perhaps it would match, but this was in third person. I just felt a little unsatisfied, like there could be more.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Take the Long Way Home Series: N/A Author: J.A. Rock Genre: Contemporary/ Young Adult Length: Novel (223 pages) Publisher: Loose Id LLC (January 20th, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Reviewer: Aerin Blurb: Dresden Marich has failed out of high school three months shy of graduation. He’s infatuated with his online friend, Evan, alienated from his family and former classmates, and still trying to recover from his father’s death six years ago. He’s also keeping a troubling secret about his older brother, Gunner, who is away at boot camp.
Then Dresden meets Caleb, a judgmental environmentalist who’s hardly Dresden’s fantasy come true. But Caleb seems to understand Dresden’s desire for rough sex, big feelings, and, ultimately, safety. As Dresden becomes embroiled in a farmers market drama involving Caleb, a couple of bullying tomato enthusiasts, and a gang of vigilante vegans, he discovers he might be willing to trade a fantasy relationship with Evan for a shot at something real with Caleb.
But Dresden fears telling quick-to-judge Caleb his secret, and the news that Gunner is coming home sends him fleeing to California for a chance to meet Evan in person and hopefully fall in love. When the encounter doesn’t go as expected, Dresden faces a choice: stay in California and carve out a new life, or take the long road home to his family, Caleb, and a past he must face if he has any hope for a future.
Review: Wow this book was depressing! I mean seriously full of angst, it left me feeling unsettled and sad. I usually like Rock’s writing, all her books are well written and coherent; so is this one, but it didn’t quite work for me.
This is told in 1st person present and it’s one of my least favorite styles; however, I have to admit it worked in this book but I still would’ve preferred something different. This is the story of 18-year-old Dresden, a high school dropout, who is suffering from depression, has some metal issues that stem from his inability to deal with his father’s death and from the lack of professional help. His world is sad. His mind is an erratic place that left me feeling frustrated and sad.
I believe he just needed to know where his place in this world is, and I believe his mother’s shortcomings as a parent affected his ability to understand and like who he is. Rather than a romance, this is more a coming of age story, a story about a teenager learning who he really is, making mistakes and learning from them, learning to appreciate the people who matter most and finding his own purpose in life.
Caleb is a 24-year-old (young) man who befriends Dresden;
I’m not sure how I feel about Caleb. He goes from a nurturing and caring person, who seems to understand that Dresden has some problems with self-esteem, to someone who engages in heavy kink in a blink of an eye. Don’t get me wrong, I love kink in my books, but here it felt….wrong.
They didn’t take the time to know each other and figure out where this need for kink is coming from, which was absolutely necessary considering that Dresden needs it because of his inability to otherwise express any emotional feelings. The kid’s got issues and it was plain to see; and introducing autoerotic asphyxiation so fast into their sex life, when none of them had any experience with it seemed irresponsible.
Also, there was no chemistry between them despite of the intensity of their sex life.
On the positive side, I have to admit the author did a fantastic job creating the perfect mindset for an 18-year-old boy; I never once doubted it was an insecure, immature, smart, troublesome teenager doing all the thinking and talking. And there were some humorous parts that helped me finish this story because without them, I would’ve given up on it half way through.
Some would say there’s a HFN ending but I’m not so sure I can see it that way. I mean I agree that Caleb and Dresden are together and things between them are better, Caleb made peace with his brother and with what happened between them years ago. But Dresden is far from being ok psychologically speaking. I still think he’s a work in progress that only just began.
I recommend this book but only to those who enjoy dark, depressing, angsty stories.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Speak No Evil Series: N/A Author: Alexa Snow Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal Length: Novel (291 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (January 27, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Blurb: Jamie Kincade’s world is turned upside down when Sebastian, a young man who doesn’t speak and who shares the ability to see ghosts that Jamie’s had since childhood, enters his life. Jamie finds Sebastian fascinating on multiple levels, and is determined to help him learn to speak again. But he can barely keep his thoughts – or hands – off Sebastian, who wants him and makes no attempt to hide it.
The age difference between them – Sebastian is almost 15 years Jamie’s junior – is a problem for Jamie, but Jamie’s reluctance isn’t the only thing keeping them from focusing on the potential they might have as a couple. The collection of ghosts Jamie has been living with in relative harmony for more than a decade has no intention of leaving Sebastian alone now that he’s here. T
heir desperate attempts to get Sebastian’s attention are a distraction Jamie would be grateful for if they didn’t upset Sebastian so much. Jamie is torn between wanting to send Sebastian away for his own good and wanting to drag him off to bed, and with Sebastian tempting him both deliberately and subconsciously, it can’t be long before Jamie’s self-control snaps…
Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I really enjoyed this story. It had just the right mix of suspense, angst and paranormal for me. Jamie isn’t so much damaged as shy. He’s found a way to do him, and is okay with pretty much being a hermit.
Sebastian is definitely damaged, and with good cause. He’s been through so much, and chosen silence as his coping mechanism of choice. But, even without speaking, he is such a well-balanced character and I adored him.
I enjoyed the pace of both the romance and the “suspense,” and felt that I was watching a realistic romance unfold. Sebastian wanted to knock boots from day one, but Jamie made him work for it. But, both of them realized that what was happening to them was special. Not just in terms of their abilities, but the trust that would be their foundation.
Sprinkle in a few ghosts, some pretty hot sheet time, and families mending and this was the perfect weekend read for me. I hope that Alexa Snow lets these do a bit more “housecleaning” in future.
Highly recommend.
Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Very well written book although very long and drawn out story about two men who can both see ghosts but only one of them can communicate with them.
Jamie is an older man who is an editor that finds a young man named Sebastian in his shed. Sebastian can see, hear and communicate with ghosts but can’t speak. He wasn’t always unable to speak though. Jamie can only see the ghosts.
There are a few instances in the book were there was a ghost and twice the different ghosts attempted to interact with Sebastian but he freaks out. There is one ghost who can physically hurt them as happens once to Jamie when he’s pushed down the stairs and once to Sebastian when the ghost grabs him and leaves marks as well as later in the story. The scenes involving any paranormal occurrences were over quick except for in the last two paranormal occurrences regarding different ghosts.
It seemed that most of the book was about the two men getting to know one another and having sex when Jaime was ready to. When Jamie sister’s husband dies in a car accident, they both go to see her and find out that when Jamie touches Sebastian while he’s talking to a ghost that Jamie can hear them as well and communicate with them. Interesting read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Vices Series: Cold Hard Truths # 1 Author: Nash Summers Genre: Science Fiction/Space Opera Length: Novella (158 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (August 19th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Seven years ago, Jones fell for a heartless man named Carver. A drug addiction, numerous sexual partners, and a lonely lifestyle weren’t enough to fill the void that Carver left in Jones’s chest.
Years later, the two meet under familiar circumstances, and Jones can’t help hoping for affection that Carver can never give him. While Jones tries his best to crawl under Carver’s skin and force him to feel something, he finds himself involved in a political war he had no idea he was fighting. Jones struggles to gasp for air in a dying city that’s sinking fast and pulling him under with wave after wave of addiction and betrayal.
Falling for a loveless man is enough to bring someone as strong as Jones to his knees. Will Jones ever be able to reach into Carver’s chest and bring his cold heart to life?
ISBN: 978-1-62300-467-5
Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/vices.html
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Jones is part of a team in ENAD, Enforced Necessary Arms Division. He has been enhanced for strength, speed and anything else to help him in his missions. He has been out of the loop for years due to not completing the last mission his team was sent on. He has finally been called back into service only to discover that the man he was once in love with is the leader of the team.
This division was created to do the dirty work of the higher-ups wanting to keep their hands clean in my opinion. Carver seemed cold at first, though I could understand to a point as he’s been modified as well and deemed one of the best. Intense, gritty scenes leave you holding your breath for the outcome.
Although I’m not used to this type of story per se I found it intriguing and fascinating. This story keeps your attention from the beginning. I was impressed with the details of the technology in the story. Well written.
Great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Enticing Hart Series: N/A Author: Mae Hancock Genre: Contemporary/ Cowboy & Western Length: Novel (183 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (January 12th, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: Hart Emile is tired of cruising for guys, living a soulless existence. He needs a change; so when an acquaintance gives him the number of the gay friendly Red Fox Ranch that’s hiring for staff, he heads south.
Oak Redman is eighteen years old and desperate to explore his awakening sexuality. The moment Hart lays eyes on the handsome young rancher he’s smitten. Not only is Oak hot, spirited and very persistent, he is also the ranch boss’s son and strictly off-limits. Hart tries to fight his feelings and to respect his boss and the family who quickly become dear to him, but after Oak’s Grandma suggests he gets with Oak, he can’t deny himself the most exciting and enticing man, he has ever met.
Hart’s not the only man to have noticed how sweet and charming Oak Redman is. A family friend, Steve, is also anxious to have the affections of the young rancher. Can Hart work out Steve’s dark secrets before it’s too late and keep his job, his lover, and his life?
Review: Hart takes a job at the Red Fox Ranch. It seems a welcoming environment for him. The boss, Bay, has OCD, his son Oak is cute as hell to Hart but he knows he’s off-limits so he fights the attraction he felt for him. Oak is energetic and spirited and knows what he wants.
Steve, a family friend, also wants Oak for himself and does anything he can to try to tear Oak and Hart apart. I was so glad they stayed together instead of letting some one’s jealousies tear them apart. Drama and emotional scenes all throughout.
Well written book that enjoyed reading. I especially liked reading how close the people on the ranch seemed to each other. The atmosphere seemed friendly and inviting until Steve came in the picture.
Good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But sadly, Killian walks away. He doesn’t do physics professors. In fact, he doesn’t do humans, because Killian is the most powerful male witch in 10 generations and, though gay, he’s expected to save his declining race by reproducing.
He can’t even have sex with Blaine, because he’s been taught that sex with humans depletes his power. But if that’s true, why can young human, Jimmy Janx, dissolve spoons with a thought? Somebody’s a lying witch.
With his powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.
Review: A fun, sexy fantasy that is fast reading full of grins and moans, in a good way! This is the beginning of an enjoyable series about a growing community of witches and para-normally abled, surrounding Killian, and of course that all-knowing, naught and mischievous, protective cat Aloysius. Watch out for that cat, he knows everything, and he knows when he’s needed even if his unknowing victims do not!
Poor Killian is just trying to go along with his duties, to continue the blood line and strength of a pure witch, by breeding, but that’s until Blaine, the hard and fast scientist throws a wrench in his plans and makes him question the yoke of tradition he was about to carry.
You have to enjoy quirky, fantastical, reading to like this series. Spell Cat is light and fun, the sex scenes dear and a bit silly at times, but it is fun, whimsical light reading. Yes there is a mysterious plot, a plan to foil the bad guy’s actions, and a smart kitty familiar who knows just how to put two people together.
If you enjoy YAOI, you’ll enjoy Spell Cat and the entire The Aloysius Tales series. Pull up this light-hearted, quirky book and prepare to have some sexy fun.
Hi guys, we have Draven St. James stopping by with her newest release Wolf’s Sacrifice, Draven answers some questions and is letting us take a peek at an excerpt and there’s a great giveaway. So enjoy the post check out Lisa’s review and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Wolf’s Sacrifice
(Pack of Light 02)
by
Draven St. James
Sean Maddox has one basic goal: to protect the Northwest Pack. That priority helps him stay grounded—until the day the pack rescues Liam. Suddenly Sean is finding any excuse to be around the sweet, blind shifter. But trying to focus his thoughts on keeping Liam safe and not exploring the whole laundry list of carnal fantasies he’s been having is anything but grounding. It doesn’t help that Sean’s wolf makes it damn clear it believes Liam belongs to him.
From the first deep breath of Sean Maddox’s intoxicating scent, all Liam wants to do is strip naked for the sexy beta and let the wolf claim him. Hiding away his desires seems like the best plan, given after a lifetime in captivity Liam is just learning what it means to be free. What does he know about being a mate? More to the point, would Sean even want him if he knew the truth?
As Sean and Liam struggle with their growing craving for each other an old enemy steps out of the shadows. With secrets lurking and fate twisting two worlds together a sacrifice must be made, but can the two mates live with the consequences?
Title: Ill Met in Tanivar Series: A Sinjin and Asamir Adventure, #1 Author: Renya Todd Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal Length: Novella (92 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (July 21st, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: When his old flame Asamir comes knocking with a new job, Sinjin knows that the wisest recourse is a slammed door and a hasty retreat to the other side of the kingdom. But then the former djinni says the magic words—anything you want—and how can Sinjin say no when all he has ever wanted is the elusive Asamir?
All things worth having come at a price. For As amir’s job, Sinjin crashes a Duke’s fête, sucks more cocks than he can count, befriends a eunuch, and ends up drugged, manacled, and sold into slavery to torture cultists bent on world domination.
It’s a rough night, even for an elf with a yen for perversion. It will take a quick wit and an agile tongue if Sinjin hopes to get himself and Asamir through this job alive, but if he succeeds, he’ll have earned the gratitude of a Queen, the wrath of gods…
Review: This was a really good story with adventure, action, and danger. When Asamir convinces Sinjin to help him with a plan of his neither of them expect to be captured. But that’s exactly what happens.
Loved the entire story except for the m/f parts, as I’m an m/m reader only so I skipped them. Though it was interesting to read how Sinjin was literally turned into a female by a magic stone. There was no Duke only an evil elf sororcess selling people to a cruel cult.
Loved the details of the fight scenes and both Sinjin and Asamir managed to get out of the situations they found themselves in at different times throughout the story.
Really good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Shifter Series: Dark South, #1 Author: Jace Payne Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal/ Shapeshifters Length: Novel (183 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (January 6th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Kayden Garrett’s ready to head home to Georgia, after four long years in Boston attending university. An unexpected fight with an abusive lover leaves him battered—and cursed, into becoming a werewolf.
Immediately after leaving the plane, he’s introduced to a man, Paul, who makes his former flame dwindle in the dark. Their connection is instant and explosive. The two can’t explain the attraction to each other, but don’t waste time trying to figure it out.
Between struggling with being a werewolf, and getting in with a local pack, Kayden has to acclimate to being with someone who treats him as an equal, instead of a possession. And all their progress comes to a halt when a dark figure from Paul’s past resurfaces, threatening their newfound love, and their very existence.
Going home isn’t always easy—but for Kayden, the experience is a true test of his strength, his ability to adapt to the shifter world he’s been thrown into, his need to protect his family and friends, and his overwhelming desire to be loved.
Review: I have to say this is the first book I’ve ever read by this author and I was impressed and stunned speechless by this amazing story about Kayden being introduced to the paranormal world in a violent way after a fight with his lover Micheal. Kayden and his best friend Annette, a witch, head to Georgia to see his family. While there, he meets sexy Paul who is a lion shifter.
Paul was changed during an attack that supposedly killed his wife and left him for dead and his son Brent missing. I was unable to stop reading until the very end, as I had to know what happened the further I read. Mesmerizing descriptions and details all throughout.
The passion between Paul and Kayden was hot. Edge of your set scenes involving fights with the paranormal and an initiation into a werewolf pack add the right mix to this well written book. So much happens that it is impossible to cover everything in this review.
This story has it all action, drama, suspense, romance, werewolves, lions, ghosts, witches, and so much more. This book grabs your attention from the very start and doesn’t let go until the end. Fantastic read.
Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review throughhttp://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Old Traditions Series: Middlehill, #2 Author: Barbara Geiger Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Length: Novella (86 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (December 23rd, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: To Matt, “making love” has always been a particularly sadistic phrase. He’s only known sex to be something that can be taken or sold. Even in Matt’s darkest years, though, Christmas was the one time he didn’t have to sell his body. Now, his new life with a man like Kevin in his bed is full of happiness and pleasure. Sex is fascinating and his body learning how good it can feel in this shiny newfangled world.
Ever since Matt met Kevin, his life has been a Faerie story. As the Fae King, the amazing life he now has with his Fae Prince should be perfect. However, Matt can’t forget that without Kevin, everything he has—from the safe place he lives in, to his brother’s future—could be taken away instantly. The Fae court is a world full of scheming manipulators, and Matt’s first holiday with Kevin that should be safe and warm is at risk, no matter what Kevin promises.
But, the Fae world isn’t all full of princes and Happy Ever Afters. Even Kevin has superiors who can use the Fae New Year celebrations for their own means. Matt would give anything he has to keep Kevin and his family safe, and a higher-ranking prince could take everything Matt has including Matt’s crown and all hope of future happiness.
Review: There is a lot of background at the start of this one, however, you really do need to read book 1 (Changeling) in order to understand everything. I had to look back at Changeling and my review of it to remind me, but it is a complex book and Old Traditions has the same complexity. And despite my opinions, it is a well-written book.
I’m warning everyone right now: If you’ve not read Changeling, there are some potential spoilers coming up. It’s actually impossible for me to review this one without referring directly back to the first book because the books are so closely linked.
In saying all that, to be honest, although I had liked the first book a lot, I can’t be more positive than saying I liked Old Traditions for the most part. It is effectively an extension that directly follows Changeling and although it is marketed as a Christmas/Holiday book, Christmas is really just incidental to the events of this novella.
As to reacquainting ourselves with the main characters, Kevin and Matt, Kevin is a Fae prince who was sent to find the Fae king, who just happens to be Matt. There is also Sam, Matt’s little brother to whom he is guardian. Sam is still pretty much a mystery as he doesn’t feature much in this story. Since the plot hasn’t really moved on much, the characters didn’t really get much of a chance to develop beyond what we already know about them.
Okay, so one thing that has resurfaced to bug me. In Changeling, Matt had made a deal with the headmaster of the prestigious private school Sam goes to so that Sam would get a full scholarship, Matt got some cash income and the boys get a roof over their head.
Simple question because this comes up in the first page: why is Matt still going through this when he is a Fae king and with Kevin? In all fairness, I realise much of Matt’s actions are propelled by his self-doubts about the new station in life he has gained. It’s just playing on me way too much.
This book continues on with Matt learning about the Fae world from Kevin and the couple still very much in love. For anyone who has read Changeling, this one doesn’t really answer any of the questions that we were left with before. Neither does it pose too many questions.
While Matt is learning more about Fae powers and how the powers work, which is a majority of the plot, there a few more new mysteries added. Personally, this frustrated me, which is why I’ve given it a low-ish rating. Yet in saying that, one of the new mysteries concerning Fae abilities to mess with time is actually quite tantalising to me.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Boston Boyfriends Series: N/A Author: Margie Church Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (250 pages) Publisher: Loose Id LLC (December 15th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Reviewer: Aerin Blurb: A hot hook up at a celebrity wedding leaves Porter Campbell wanting a whole lot more of gorgeous Stiegen Lange. Unfortunately for Porter, Stiegen’s career as a voice over actor is skyrocketing, and a serious relationship isn’t in his plans. Their hours together in Miami were more than a booty call for Porter, but what can he do?
Stiegen finds solace in Porter’s arms when his best friend nearly dies. Then, he organizes an unforgettable weekend of passion with Porter back in Boston. His feelings deepen. Saying good-bye to Porter gets harder every time, leaving him wondering whether his career can remain the center of his universe.
Because Porter’s in it for love and won’t settle for less.
Review: This was my first book written by Margie Church and while it was well written, it wasn’t what I expected.
We first meet Porter, one of our main characters, at the beginning of the book when he attends his sister’s celebrity wedding. I liked Porter; he was a pretty laid back character who was content with the direction his life was taking. Stiegen is the best man at the wedding and Porter ends up in his bed for a one-night stand.
There was no major chemistry between them at the time, which was fine by me, because it was only supposed to be a hook-up.
The main story line in this book was the way Porter dealt with his family, the way he made important decisions when they needed to be made, and the way he interacted with his co-workers and the kids at the education center he owns. The relationship between him and Stiegen is a secondary story line, and thank God for that, because I didn’t feel it at all.
I expected the chemistry between them to take off, or maybe I thought I’d feel some connection between the two of them, but there was no such thing. All their interactions seemed scripted, including their sex life, to the point where I had the feeling I was in the middle of a bad porn movie, complete with all the cheesy porn talk.
The secondary characters were flawed and diverse, which made them more real to me. Porter’s sister was a doll, she was supportive and down to earth, and she never once used her “married to a celebrity” status as a way to make people feel less than her. I also liked Porter’s co-workers, they were a bunch of great people who supported each other and gave their all in an effort to help the kids at the center. And sadly, those were the only nice secondary characters.
We also have the assholes and Porter’s family (aside from his sisters) all falls into that category. What a bunch of bigoted homophobes! We also have the villain, the realtor from hell who made this book more interesting. His stalkerish (I know that’s not a real word but so what?) ways gave us some much needed anticipation, and his final actions gave Porter a reason to start his life over.
I wish there was another way for Porter to make those important decisions about what to do with his life. In my opinion, what happened to that education center didn’t need to happen; a resolution could’ve been reached based on Porter’s feeling for Stiegen and not thanks to the actions of a deranged person.
Overall, this was an OK book, but if you expect a real connection between Porter and Stiegen, you might be left feeling disappointed.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Damaged Heart Author: S.C. Wynne Genre: Contemporary Romance Length: Novella (134 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (September 23rd 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts Blurb: Cory Johnson was just twenty when he fled Bayville, following his father’s suicide. Estranged from his abusive mother, he’s made a new life for himself as a successful lawyer in Los Angeles.
When Cory’s mother dies, he grudgingly returns to his hometown to handle the estate. Rhys Tucker owns the construction company that is going to renovate Cory’s childhood home. But Cory is unaware that Rhys has harbored a crush on him since they were in high school. When Cory comes home, Rhys takes that opportunity to get close to Cory. Or at least try to.
Their physical chemistry is undeniable, but will Cory ever be able to have a real relationship with Rhys after being so emotionally scarred by his past? Can a heart as damaged as Cory’s every really come home?
Review: Cory Johnson has returned home in the wake of his mother’s death to tie up loose ends. He is less than pleased to be back in Bayville, as much of his childhood he can remember wasn’t nice, and he wants nothing more than to distance himself from this place as quickly as possible. Until he meets a former classmate at the hotel restaurant. Rhys remembers more of Cory than Cory does of him, and sets out to remind Cory who he was, and give him a reason to stay in Bayville.
The damage from Cory’s past goes deeper than Rhys initially thought, and Cory is hell-bent on returning to LA, regardless of what develops between him and Rhys. Can Rhys’s love repair some of the damage that is permanently etched into Cory’s soul?
I have to give it to Wynne. I literally felt Cory’s pain throughout this story, his seemingly unnatural almost allergic reaction to Bayville because of his past. But I didn’t feel like that past was explored as well as it could have been. I was waiting for a huge revelation that never came.
The push and pull between Cory and Rhys was borderline too much as well. For the most part, I understood why Cory struggled with being loved, he is still young and spent more of his life in hell than he has in LA, but there came a point where I just wanted Rhys to walk away.
This was just an okay read for me. If you like, stories that have that constant push/pull and a struggle to find happiness, then you’ll probably enjoy this read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Cheryl Dragon stopping by with Blake’s Home, her newest mm release. We have a great except (that I might have pinched from Loose Id) for you to enjoy and Cat’s review, so enjoy the post and check out this great book <3 ~Pixie~
Blake’s Home
(The Love Shack 01)
by
Cheryl Dragon
Genre: M/M Erotic Romance
Plenty of men have tried to get ranch hand Blake Louis to The Love Shack but none succeed. At the White family ranch, Blake has found friends and a home. He desperately wants to stay. Yet he must keep his shifter secret and avoid his feelings for Jared White. This job has to work out. No one ever wanted him forever–none of his family did–so why would a rich successful rancher want more than a roll in the hay with a dirt poor ranch hand?
Screwing the staff is a bad idea but Jared White needs more than sex from Blake. The men are friends but he’ll risk it for a chance at more. Love has never worked for Jared and a childhood rival delights in sabotaging him. Jared can’t give up hope. He believes that Blake is the one.
The only smart place to start is The Love Shack, a neutral place where Jared isn’t the boss and Blake isn’t the hand. Determined to win Blake’s heart, Jared delves into Blake’s past. As amazing as the sex is, Blake resists sweet promises. Love, trust, and happiness are as crazy to Blake as the bobcat he can shift into.
Title: Crash Pad Series: N/A Author: Whitley Gray Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (77 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (October 7th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Physician Remy Marshall has two loves: Emergency Medicine and running. Work doesn’t leave much time to meet guys, and most seem more interested in his bank account than him. With a week off to train for a marathon, Remy plans to make the most of his precious vacation. The last thing he needs is a distraction.
Jamie Sutton is new to the area. He hopes to make a fresh start after leaving an abusive relationship with an orthopedic surgeon. He’s got a new job as a massage therapist and wants to meet some nice guys. Against his better judgment, Jamie decides the best way to meet a cute roller blader he’s seen in the park is on wheels.
With attention on his watch and not where he’s going, Remy crashes into Jamie and fractures the first-time roller blader’s ankle. Jamie has no one to help him after the injury; Remy proposes Jamie stay with him. Jamie is reluctant, but it’s a better option than staying with the odd guy in the neighboring motel room. As the two get acquainted, Jamie’s past comes calling. Remy discovers the prize he really wants isn’t a medal in a marathon, but the man right in front of him.
Review: Are you looking for a short, feel-good, story that will put a smile on your face? I believe Crash Pad, by Whitley Gray, is just the book to do that. This is not my first read by this author so I was sure I would like this one, as well. And…I did. This novella packs a lot of punch.
If two guys ever needed each other, it’s these two. Jamie Sutton is down on his luck in several categories. He left an abusive ex who continued to cross the line. In doing so, he had to leave behind his home and his job. Hanging out at the park, he sees someone that grabs his attention. A roller-blade hottie. Thinking this would put him on an even playing field and possibly an introduction, Jamie puts on rollerblades to get his attention. At 28, he should know better especially since he can hardly stand up on them, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Instead of running into the hottie on rollerblades, Jamie is plowed over, literally, by Remy Marshall. Remy runs every day practicing for an upcoming marathon so coming around the curve and WHAM…he knocks Jamie over.
Remy is also an ER doctor and quickly assesses Jamie’s injuries. Feeling guilty and completely responsible, he takes Jamie to the hospital to treat his fractured ankle and then onto his own home for recovery. Remy won’t take NO for an answer to provide Jamie help when he realizes he has no one to call.
These two instantly have an attraction to each other. The only problem is Remy keeps doing things, albeit innocently, that sets Jamie off. Of course, Remy doesn’t have any idea about Jamie and his past relationship. Jamie is very skittish to trust anyone. He still has nightmares from the abusive dominating ex who would never stop no matter how much pleading Jamie done.
With so many missing facts, things are quickly headed for doom. Remy really wants to take a chance but is confused by Jamie’s behavior. Jamie likes Remy but what if he changes as soon as they start to get closer? Until they both start opening up neither one will have what they want. Who will take that first step? Is it even worth it considering they have known each other a very short time?
This is an enjoyable story with lots of humor that will have you laughing out loud at the banter between them. Jamie is a riot and quick witted and Remy usually matches him with the comebacks. There is a brief moment where angst could easily set in but the fires are put out quickly.
The author, thank goodness, doesn’t have them jumping in bed at first sight. I like sex scenes as much as anyone, however, in this short read it doesn’t feel appropriate. They do kiss and have some heated moments making each other feel good. They’re single and attracted to each other, why not?
Ms. Gray writes a very descriptive narrative that easily sets you in the scene and lends perfectly for readers, like me, who like a visual. The plot was very gratifying and closes with a happy for now, and depending on your imagination, maybe happy ever after. Definitely a recommended read if you’re short on time, like to laugh, prefer a well-rounded plot, and HFN/HEA.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Reindeer Games Series: Reindeer Games, #1 Author: Jet Mykles Genre: Holidays/ Fantasy/Paranormal/ Shapeshifters Length: Novella (86 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (December 10th, 2010) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Rom is Dasher, the leader of Santa’s shape-shifting team of reindeer. He is the quintessential elf — smart, handsome, charming — and everyone in Santa’s Village wants him. Lon is no exception. He’s hopelessly in love with Rom, but how can he hope to get Rom’s attention? Even if he is now one of the reindeer handlers, he’s still just a plain, ordinary elf, and painfully shy to boot.
Then there’s Wod. As Dancer, he’s both Rom’s second in command and Rom’s best friend. He, too, is devilishly handsome but in a darker and — truth be told — slightly frightening way. At least, he makes Lon’s heart race and his tongue ties in knots.
When Wod unexpectedly offers to help Lon gain Rom’s attention, Lon is completely confused. To make matters worse, Wod is clear that he’d love to play with Lon himself.
Lon is used to the sexual freedom in Santa’s Village but he craves something more meaningful. He wants a real relationship. So what does he do? Keep pining for Rom or play Wod’s special brand of reindeer games?
Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.
Review: A very Sweet story of thinking you love someone only to be proven wrong by love actually standing in front of you though you never noticed it before. Loved all the cute Christmas terms and street names used throughout.
Wod is actually Dancer, the second in command of the reindeer. He’s extremely sexy the way he’s described. I thought it was sweet that he offered to help Lon even though I suspected that he wanted him for himself. Lon is an elf who has longed to be with Rom, Dasher for a long time. But he wants more than a one-night stand.
The main thing that confused me was that Santa was actually a woman in this story who transformed herself into Santa Clause for the sleigh ride. Loved the descriptions of how the reindeer transformed. The intimate scenes between Wod and Lon were hot.
Great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Naughty and Nice Series: Reindeer Games, #3 Author: Jet Mykles Genre: Paranormal/Holiday Length: Novella (107 pages) Publisher: Loose Id (December 9th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Rom is Dasher. As Santa’s lead reindeer, he has everything he’s ever wanted. He is everything he’d ever wanted to be. His life is perfect, filled with good friends and any pretty, he wants.
Until Shaw appears in front of him. The drab little elf from Archives isn’t anything like Rom’s other partners. Oh, he’s cute, but he doesn’t know it. Even more amazing, he seems immune to Rom’s flirting. It’s almost as if he doesn’t want Rom. Wait, no. When Rom does proposition him, Shaw turns him down flat.
Amazing!
Even more amazing, Rom is hooked. He can’t get Shaw out of his mind. He even goes to the Library to pursue him. But Shaw — and Shaw’s mother — can’t figure out what Rom would want with him.
Well, Rom’s not entirely sure either but he knows he wants to find out. Can he convince Shaw?
Review: Rom seemed arrogant and conceited in this book to me. He assumes everyone wants him and he can have his pick of anyone he wants. He has different handlers each time so he can let everyone have a chance with him. It seemed, seeing as he’s the lead reindeer that he would handle himself better than he did.
Shaw is a sweet shy young man who keeps to himself. When Rom shows an interest in him, he doesn’t believe him and continuously turns him down. I really liked that Shaw didn’t act the way the others did and had Rom chasing him instead of the other way around.
Cute story with plenty of Christmas magic in it. Great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Home Run
Title: Spectacularly Broken
Title: Might Casey
Title: Good Bones
Title: Take the Long Way Home
Title: Speak No Evil
Title: Vices
Title: Enticing Hart
Title: Spell Cat
Title: Ill Met in Tanivar
Title: Shifter
Title: Old Traditions
Title: Boston Boyfriends
Title: Damaged Heart
Title: Crash Pad
es Jamie’s injuries. Feeling guilty and completely responsible, he takes Jamie to the hospital to treat his fractured ankle and then onto his own home for recovery. Remy won’t take NO for an answer to provide Jamie help when he realizes he has no one to call.
