Mission X by Kim Alan

91pijC1QbqL._SL1500_*Title free on Amazon at time of posting*
Title: Mission: X
Series: A Love Has No Boundaries Story
Author: Kim Alan
Genre: M/M erotica with BDSM elements
Length: Novella (56 pages)
Publisher: Kim Alan (August 25th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: This story was originally written as a free download for the M/M Romance Group’s ‘Love Has No Boundaries’ Event.

Tags: Light BDSM, geeks/nerds, age gap, snarky humor, giant bears and brazen twinks.

Xander like things simple. He tried to keep up with the big boys, and failed disastrously. Now, he’s sworn off the bad boys he’s always been drawn to so irresistibly. But he’s finally forced to admit that his determination to play it safe has resulted in nothing but a string of bad (read: boring) dates. Luckily, his friend Lara knows what he really needs. Losing to her strategically played bet sees Xander stepping into a whole new world.

Paul is on a mission: Make Xander his. After months spent quietly falling for him from a distance, Paul is a more than willing pawn in Lara’s hands. He’ll pull out all the stops — sexy kilt and all — to introduce Xander to the beauty of submission at a loving Dom’s feet. But even if the sting of deceit is deemed forgivable, Xander can’t imagine what a sexy powerhouse like Paul wants with a quiet, unassuming boy like Xander.

Author’s Note:
There is hot sex in this story, but the issue of protection is left somewhat ambiguous. The author does not condone unprotected sex. In real life, be safe without question.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mission-X-Kim-Alan-ebook/dp/B00ES4C3XQ
Review: Short, Sexy and Steamy… my three favourite colors!

Xander is confident but reserved, outgoing but shy. Yes, I know, he’s a conundrum! Let’s just say he let his guard down one night and he has sports the scar as a constant reminder of that mistake. So he is wary of opening up again, especially with Paul, his best friend’s boss and the man that found him that night. He doesn’t even remember what Paul looks like, just that the man saw him at his worst, so Xander never wants to see him again.

Paul is a very successful businessman who is used to being in charge and getting what he wants. And what he wants now is Xander. Owner of the local BDSM bar and a Dom, he sets up a plan along with Xander’s best friend, to get Xander into his club for a night where Paul can secretly make his move.

Xander is overwhelmed to begin, but he is so hyper aware of the Dom that has taken him under his wing, that he just goes with it. When Paul is exposed as the one man Xander dreaded ever meeting again, he flees. Paul is completely out of his element and dumbfounded at being presently rejected and left standing on the street, alone, when Xander runs. Will he get his act together and go after what he wants, per the norm? Or has Xander gotten him so off his game that he allows the young man who has dominated his thoughts for the past year to walk away, without a fight.

This is a BDSM book, Paul is a Dom and Xander is a natural Submissive. BUT, there is nothing angry or violent about this book that I have seen a lot in the genre. While Paul has to be in control and demands the respect of a sub, he is also loving and gentle with Xander, making sure that his needs are met as well. This novella was just so damn sexy and sensual that I almost forget it was BDSM. And there was a short scene where a “scene” was acted out and that as well was done sensually and tastefully.

Hey, this is a FREE read so what do you have to lose! Grab your copy now and curl up for a hot lunch or a quick fling before bed!!

Worthy by Lia Black

18075216Title: Worthy

Series: Love Has No Boundaries

Author: Lia Black

Genre: Dystopian Erotica / BDSM

Length: Novel (144 pages)

Publisher: Romance Group @ Goodreads (June 15th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Dear Author,

This is a dystopian class-based society where being a slave boy is a prized position. For those not born into the weal436879thy class, there are few options for work. A position as a slave boy means security and safety from a life of poverty and the danger of the streets.

Dystopian – set in a world similar to ours but with a few tweaks. Usually a bit darker or a more frightening version of what our society could become.

Product Link: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/7959

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ETEB5QQ/ref=as_li_ss_sm_fb_us_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=399837&creativeASIN=B00ETEB5QQ&linkCode=shr&tag=portispass-20

Review: This is a very peculiar story which I admit sneaks in that old favorite shelf of mine. Dystopian setting in a world where society is not split in half but rather in thirds. There are the aristocrats who enjoy the freedom and wealth, there are the slaves who are actually lucky humans to have a nice upbringing and learn how to please a master and therefore given a position into a household, being cared and provided for, and there are the dregs. People with no family and a life that is lower than that of a dog.

Our characters are Demetrie and Sev (Seven); One is a rebellious aristocrat who’s had enough being held prisoner to his golden chain, always expected to conform to society’s expectations. Get married for the sake of heirs, accumulate health, and ignore your true desires. The other is a dreg, a mongrel at that. He has no family, raised by the gypsies, and won in a cheating game by a man who covets his talents. He is an acrobat and an exquisite thief. Mostly he is rare and has a subservient nature, one that walks hand in hand with the dark side of Demetrie.

When the young Count wins Sev in a card game the last he expected was to find his other half, but no one is more surprised than Sev himself with how much he came to love and adore his Master. But will that love stay strong if all a person could dream would become reality? Would Sev choose his Master over a secured wealthy life?

As I said, this genre and subgenre are my favorite. Blend in a dystopia with a good Master/slave scenario and I’m hooked. Honestly, I read this in one go and it was mostly a good story. I liked it most of it, I loved the idea, and the characters were quite charming. The erotic part was alluring to a fault (at least for me), Sev’s submission coming easily, and effortlessly, the setting provided perfect for such displays. I must say some emotions were a bit too hasty in their appearance or hastily dismissed and the tension they should have provided was lost somewhere, not quite making it up to the reader.

I did not feel as good about the narration and writing style, too. It is highly inconvenient knowing everyone’s thoughts all the time. It takes away all the suspense and intensity when you know beforehand what will happen. You just resign yourself into a read that has no anticipation at all, no reasons to keep you there.

The fact that there is such a quick love bond formed between Master and slave was also a put off. One would argue that a month is more than enough, and if this were a contemporary romance with contemporary characters, I’d agree according to circumstances. However, in a world where distrust and cynicism are in full bloom I didn’t see this happening as easy as it did. Add to that the decision Demetrie took in the end and it lost quite a large portion of any credibility it held in my eyes.

However, this was still a good read for me, one I enjoyed, and one I was glad to have read in the end.

Sticking It by K. Vale

18073228Title: Sticking It

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries

Author:  Kimber Vale or K. Vale

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novella (45 Pages)

Publisher:  M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads (June 4th, 2013)     

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

I know I’m not supposed to be on the equipment after hours, but when my frat brothers dared me to strip down to my skivvies and start scissoring, who was I to say no? We snuck in and now, here I am. We all do dumb shit when it’s just the guys, after all, right? And I mean, clearly they’ve seen me before when I was competing on the college team, but I guess it’s an understatement to say that they’ve never seen me perform in such― ahem― brief attire.

Most of the guys looked uncomfortable, but I noticed one of them looking at me like he had something else in mind. He’s new and kinda one of the more quiet ones among us, so I don’t know much about him. I’ve only just started to realize that I might… well, kinda sorta totally… like guys and not girls. Is it possible he could maybe be… like me?

Photo Description: DanielGarofalibyRickDayforC-In2Underwear-Prompt_zpsb6fc1ca8

A young, heavily muscled man, with his dark hair in a pompadour, is performing a gymnastics routine on a pommel horse wearing only his underwear.

This story was written, as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=3543

Reviewer: John

Review:  I loved this novel. Sticking It by Kimber Vale stars Adam and Dane. Now, Dane is a very talented gymnastic student who meets Adam after a friend tricks him and makes him do a small routine in his underwear. This little incident brings them together as one.

I liked Dane. He was hot and very sexy. He genuinely seemed to be a great guy. Adam was awesome too. He was the nerdy and hot guy that everyone loves. I felt a little sorry for Adam since he went through hell in his previous school because his sexual orientation. Now, he feels guarded and won’t let Dane in. I’m glad they managed to work something out and live happily ever after.

The one thing that I didn’t like about this novel was the fact that it was just too short. Other than that, the plot was solid and the characters were amazing. I recommend this novel to anyone looking for a short YA little read with lots of sex, love and more sex.

The Touch of Hope by Brandon Shire

18103307Title: The Touch of Hope

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries Series

Author:  Brandon Shire

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novella (46 Pages)

Publisher:  M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads (June 19th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

I got tired of my dad using me as a punching bag, so I packed some clothes and left our apartment one day while he was at work. Life is tough, but I learned that living on the streets is even tougher.

When I thought things couldn’t get much worse, Erik suddenly appeared before me, just like an angel. Is this a dream or are the drugs making me hallucinate? What is he running from? Why won’t he tell me about his past? Can I trust him?

Photo Description: tumblr_lc8oe9Wzyw1qf2u9po1_500

Two slightly lanky, dark-haired boys are embraced, one behind the other. One boy has his hands inside the pockets of the hoodie of the boy in front of him. This small gesture hints at an unfamiliar reassurance that he plans to make his intimacy more than words will allow.

This story was written, as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=3581

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I have to admit something. I loved this novel! The Touch of Hope stars Jonathan. Now, Jonathan ran away from home and has been living in the streets. One day, he bumps into Erik and that’s where the story takes off.

I loved Jonathan and understood why he had to run away from home. His dad was an asshole and his mom lived in another world. All I wanted was to hug and protect him. I loved Erik. He was strong and a complete survivor. The one thing that turned me off was the fact that this novel was just too short. I wanted more! I really hope that the author continues with this story or expands it into a full-length one. The characters were just too good and lovable.

I recommend this little short to anyone who wants to read about the sad reality that millions of homeless teens around the world have to go through every day. Trust me, it will touch your soul and leave you wanting more.

Deep in the Count by Madison Parker

17854024Title:  Deep in the Count (Love Has No Boundaries)

Author:  Madison Parker

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  65 pages

Publisher:  Published July 5th 2013 by M/M Romance Group @ goodreads

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 hearts

Blurb:   Brandon plays baseball for Virginia Tech. Although his coach is confident he has a successful career ahead of him, Brandon’s not so sure. What if he doesn’t make it? What will he have to fall back on? He wishes he were smarter. He looks at his friend’s roommate and thinks he’d give anything for that confidence and those brains. Because brains and confidence? That’s sexy! If only he could get Corey to notice him, come up with a plan that would appeal to Corey’s inner geek… 

Corey’s program of study and academic standing are sure to land him a good job in his chosen career field: cryptology. Those popular kids? They think that because he’s a “geek” he’s missing out on life, but they’re wrong. He’s got his eye on the prize and doesn’t need the distractions of a social life. So why is he having such a hard time ignoring his roommate’s flirty friend?

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=28549

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  Madison Parker is an autobuy author for me. This short story sealed the deal. What a funny, sweet, well-developed jock/nerd romance.

What I really LOVED about the story was:

The details. This story didn’t feel generic, it felt like Brandon and Corey were real people each with their own likes and dislikes that gave them distinct personalities. Particularly the scenes from Corey’s perspective. These really got into his ‘nerd’ voice, and his inner ramblings on math and deciphering encryptions were a treat to read. It really proved to me that this character was real, instead of just being told he was super brainy, etc. So A+ there, dear author. No 93% for you. (Readers of this lovely story will get that joke).

Also, I really loved the development between Brandon and Corey. It’s only a short story, but thankfully they didn’t get it on in the opening pages. The pacing felt smooth, and except for one scene in the middle, was pitch perfect.

Another thing this book is: interactive. It’s fun with all the encrypted messages that Corey has to decode, and it certainly gets the mind buzzing: Now, what could that mean?

Well, I’ll leave you to discover the fun of this short, free story for yourself.

It’s a QT ∏ of a story.

Friends or Lovers by Sara York

Young businessmanTitle:  Friends or Lovers

Series:  Love Has No Boundaries

Author:  Sarah York

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Short (14 pages)

Publisher:  Goodreads MM Romance Group

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Dear Author,

It was supposed to be my dream honeymoon with my partner of five years. Yeah, I knew that he was reluctant to make our partnership legal but I thought that he would eventually be as happy to be my husband as I was going to be his. Nick tried to warn me, though I didn’t listen. It’s funny how my best friend Nick seems to be right about a lot of things lately… like how I should go on the honeymoon that I spent forever planning even though Mark and I aren’t together anymore. Taking Nick with me so that the extra ticket wouldn’t go to waste was another great idea. Just wish I knew how we ended up in bed like this…

Photo Description:
Two men are in bed with an empty champagne bottle and two glasses.champagneduo2

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event.

Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Product Link:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/324524

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Shane has been left standing at the altar, so to speak, by his boyfriend Mark. His best friend Nick who was already by his side is there to pick up the pieces. When Shane wakes up in his “honeymoon” suite wrapped up in the sexy giant that is Nick, all he can think is that he’s ruined their friendship for one drunken night of passion.

It’s been three days and he hasn’t heard a word from Mark, until now. Will Shane allow the man that he practically had to force to agree to marry him, that left him alone the day of back into his life? Or will he realize that the previous night of passion with Nick, a night like he never had with Mark, might not have been a mistake after all.

More of a synopsis than a book at only 14 pages, but I liked it. If you are looking for something really quick and fun to lift your spirits, grab a copy, it’s free right now through Smashwords. I’m hopeful that York will continue this story, the sneak peek I got was well written and I’m intrigued.