A Whole Latte Sass by Marguerite Labbe

Title: Whole Latte Sass

Series: Geek Life 02

Author: Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (284 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-008-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1 Jan 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: It’s no secret cosplayer Felipe Suero is looking for his happily ever after—in his love life as well as his career. He’s getting his degree so he can quit his miserable job and start his own costume business. Now he just needs to land the sexiest silver fox to ever attend a con.

Trask Briscoe’s life revolves around staying clean and sober, running the Magick Den, and attending local cons. His rules haven’t left much room for romance. But he can’t deny Felipe has caught his complete attention. He’s just not sure what he can offer a man so full of joy and sass.

When Trask finally accepts Felipe’s offer for a cup of coffee, he soon finds himself on a second date and a third. Between cosplay projects and roleplaying games, they discover a deeper connection than either of them expected. And Trask realizes that sometimes rules are made to be broken.

Now Felipe just has to convince his family—and Trask—that Trask has more love to offer than he ever dreamed.

Purchase Link: DreamspinnerAmazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I have been excited about reading this book. After reading the first book in the series, a little unsure and with a little in trepidation and not at all with familiar with the author (Marguerite Labbe), by the end of the book I was pumped for the story that was undoubtedly going to unfold between two characters which we had met, Felipe and Trask. I was looking forward to this because I really got to know the characters in the first book and loved the connections (romantic and otherwise) between the various characters. Also, I now know that Labbe wouldn’t fill the book with a whole heap of unnecessary and cringeworthy clichés about geeks that usually go back to Big Bang Theory (FYI I hate BBT for that reason).

Whole Latte Sass is about the romance between Felipe and Trask, who know each other from the comic book convention circuit although they don’t always see eye to eye. The first thing, and probably most important thing in Trask’s mind is that there is an age difference between the two of them.

Trask is a great, brooding character. He has devoted his life to sobriety, running his gamers shop, Dragon’s Den, and attending all the local cons. Felipe is, quite simply, light and life. He takes cosplay seriously and is truly gifted at creating intricate and flawless cosplay costumes. He also has a major crush on his favourite and very single silver fox on the con circuit, Trask. This is something that we were introduced to in book one, but now we finally get to know why Trask is the way he is and I was so happy to discover that there is much more to the Felipe character than the flighty costume designer which I caught a glimpse of previously.

The age difference is one of the most important hurdles in the budding romance between Felipe and Trask, but I like how tastefully it was done (I’m not into big dramas over age differences). Felipe works hard for Trask and is just the ray of sunshine that Trask needs in his life, but he also has to convince his very supportive and loving family that they don’t need to worry about the age difference as well. I liked that, because Labbe wrote this whole part of the story as very relatable and logical. To top it off, these guys have great chemistry between them and so it makes the fight for the relationship the most important aspect of the book. I really enjoyed how these characters developed, particularly how Trask changes as he opens his heart and mind to new possibilities.

Fans of book one will not be disappointed and highly recommended. Although, I don’t believe that it is vital to have read book one to be able to read this one as we get enough information about other characters that these can be standalone books. Others that are into geek culture, or are geeks, and love a May-December romance will also enjoy this book.

A Little Side of Geek by Marguerite Labbe

Title: A Little Side of Geek

Series: Geek Life 01

Author: Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (306 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd May 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: When opposite worlds collide, it’s anyone’s game.

Proud geek and comic book artist Morris Proctor wants nothing more than to live in semiseclusion with his devil cat and gamer friends. Despite what his well-meaning family thinks, he’s perfectly content with his status quo. The last thing he needs is to date another nongeek hell-bent on changing him.

Then he meets his adorkable new neighbor, Theo Boarman, who doesn’t know Star Trek from Star Wars, but who tempts him like no other.

Theo has spent the last year recovering from the loss of his parents and trying to play both roles for his teenage brother, while working to keep the family restaurant afloat. Dating is the last thing on the menu, especially with a man who thinks the height of dining is shoving a packaged meal into the microwave.

But if Morris gives him one more shy smile or flaunts that kilt he wears so well, Theo will be forced to convince him that a hot summer fling is just the recipe to let off a little steam.
When that fling gets serious fast, Morris has to decide if he’s willing to give his heart to Theo on the chance that they’re a perfect mix.

ISBN: 978-1-64080-474-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: A Little Side of Geek is the first book in Marguerite Labbe’s series The Geek Life.
Being something of a geek I was instantly attracted this novel (cue the mental image of the Willem Dafoe meme of “You know, I’m something of a scientist). No, I can’t say that I am of the comic book/graphic novel set, although I do dabble, I’m more of a science nerd. However, it’s nice when “nerd culture” is portrayed properly; I sometimes find the science type books unbearable because I know the life of a scientist in both commercial or academic settings.

Look, it’s difficult to explain, let’s just go back to its nice when things are portrayed with a decent amount of realism, which therefore makes the characters that bit more relatable. All this is because Labbe herself is part of the comic book culture and her insights are obvious because of how well written this book is. On top of that, her characters are excellent and well fleshed out. I don’t think that I’ve read anything else by Labbe in the past, although I have heard of her. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did and so I went into this book not knowing what to expect.

The story is about somewhat reclusive comic artist, Morris Proctor. He has his work, his cat, his sister and niece, and his gamer friends that keep him from being a complete hermit. He’s happy with the life he has, despite the fact that his sister especially loves to worry about Morris social life.

It is at this point that we meet Morris’s neighbor, Theo Boarman. Theo is completely different to Morris, mostly because he doesn’t do the whole geek thing, but he tries for the sake of the teenage brother, Lincoln. Theo’s responsibilities don’t make him more mature than Morris, it just makes him different. Theo’s parents died recently and so not only does he take on the responsibility of raising his underage brother, he also takes on most of the responsibility of running his family’s restaurant. Two of his siblings don’t appear interested in the restaurant, and his sister Jill is heavily pregnant and so Theo plays the protective brother to her as well. The restaurant as well as the comic convention circuit is key settings in this book, because this is where we get to know the guys, and partly where they get to know each other.

Morris’s family, his geeky friends (who I’m sure will get their own stories) and Theo’s baby brother Lincoln make this little world more colorful. I love the atmosphere that added to the lives of the MCs. They are well throughout characters that do justice to the overall storyline of Morris and Theo’s romance. I can’t wait to get read more from this series, I might even investigate more of Labbe’s work.

Other Side of the Line by Marguerite Labbe

Title: Other Side of the Line

Author: Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Historical

Length: Novel (330 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 18, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Caleb Hudson and Hal Zimmer became best friends the day they stood up against the schoolyard bully together. Life’s complicated enough with their friendship crossing racial lines in 1960s Charleston, South Carolina, but as time passes, they realize it’s more than their friendship that sets them apart from other kids. At first, Caleb denies his feelings for Hal could be more than companionship. He supports his friend when Hal admits he’s gay, but Caleb isn’t ready to face his own truth.

Hal becomes a staunch antiwar protester, and the divide between them widens after Caleb is drafted. But when Caleb returns from Vietnam, the time for denial is over. His homecoming sets off a series of events that force Caleb and Hal to confront their desires and what lines they’re willing to cross to get what they truly want out of life.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-584-8

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Marguerite is a new author for me and normally I am a little apprehensive when starting books by new authors. However this was an enjoyable story that captivates you from the moment you start reading and keeps your attention all the way to the end. I could not put this book down and wanted it to continue. The story was captivating, the characters were enticing and the world was riveting. I was quite surprised by this story.

I was also surprised to find out that it stated in the future and talks about their past. It talks about how they met and fell in love, how they loved each other desperately and leaves you wanting more. You get to see their children and grandchildren, how they are celebrating their long life together.

They met when Caleb was in grade school and was so different then many of the other children. He was the only black kid in class and goes through the trouble that many blacks went through back in the past. Where as Hal’s problem was his accent, but their differences is what pulls them together. In that time and place, their friendship was not welcomed by many others. However these two have the strength and heart to keep going when many would stop.

It is a sweet story showing their strength and love. It shows what happens when they get older, how after Caleb is sent to the war in Vietnam and came back. It shows so many aspects of their lives that you can’t help but wonder what it would be like to go through life with them. Like many couples they get together only to be pulled apart, but then get back together later on. I was so very glad that nothing happened to them like many other authors has happening.

Usually when there are time differences in a story, it pulls me in the other direction. It causes me to loose interest however this story did not do that. I had so much fun reading about Caleb and Hal that I can see myself reading this more than once.

I would definitely recommend it and can’t wait to see what other books this amazing author has out.

A Little Side of Geek by Marguerite Labbe Blog Tour, Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi guys! We have Marguerite Labbe popping in today with her upcoming release A Little Side of Geek, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! ❤ ~Pixie~

A Little Side of Geek

(Geek Life 01)
by

Marguerite Labbe

When opposite worlds collide, it’s anyone’s game.

Proud geek and comic book artist Morris Proctor wants nothing more than to live in semiseclusion with his devil cat and gamer friends. Despite what his well-meaning family thinks, he’s perfectly content with his status quo. The last thing he needs is to date another nongeek hell-bent on changing him.

Then he meets his adorkable new neighbor, Theo Boarman, who doesn’t know Star Trek from Star Wars, but who tempts him like no other.

Theo has spent the last year recovering from the loss of his parents and trying to play both roles for his teenage brother, while working to keep the family restaurant afloat. Dating is the last thing on the menu, especially with a man who thinks the height of dining is shoving a packaged meal into the microwave.

But if Morris gives him one more shy smile or flaunts that kilt he wears so well, Theo will be forced to convince him that a hot summer fling is just the recipe to let off a little steam.

When that fling gets serious fast, Morris has to decide if he’s willing to give his heart to Theo on the chance that they’re a perfect mix.

Release date: 22nd May 2018
Pre-order: 
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UKB&N

Continue reading “A Little Side of Geek by Marguerite Labbe Blog Tour, Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Pandora by Marguerite Labbe Guest Post & Excerpt!

Marguerite Labbe - Pandora Banner

Hi guys! We have Marguerite Labbe popping in today with her upcoming re-release Pandora, we have a fantastic guest post from Marguerite and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Marguerite Labbe - Pandora Cover

Pandora

by

Marguerite Labbe

Haunted by the screams of the men he murdered, ex-Marine medic Riff Khora is serving a life sentence on board a prison ship. Seeking more punishment for his crime, he strikes a deal with the corrupt Captain Vidal—an exchange of pleasure and pain—and forges a new life leading the team that surveys space wreckage for salvage.

Ship engineer Zed Jakobsen’s psychometric abilities make prison a sentence worse than death, and the barrage of emotional stimuli is an unending torment. His only regret is that he didn’t kill the monster who sent him to prison, and only a glimmer of hope to escape a judgment he doesn’t deserve keeps him clinging to a brutal existence.

When they board derelict ship Pandora and discover a lone survivor, the hell of prison life plunges into abject horror. An epidemic of violence and insanity consumes their ship, driving the crew to murder and destruction. Mutual need draws Riff and Zed together, and their bond gives them the strength to fight a reality they cannot trust. But Vidal possesses the only means of escape from the nightmare, and he’s not letting anyone leave alive.

First Edition published as Pandora in the Deep Into Darkness: Aliens, Alphas and Antiheroes Anthology by Smashwords, 2015.

Release date: 25th April 2017

Continue reading “Pandora by Marguerite Labbe Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Triquetra Trilogy by Marguerite Labbe

Marguerite Labbe - Triquetra CoverTitle: Triquetra Trilogy

Series:  Triquetra Trilogy One – Three

Author: Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Vampires

Length: Novel (772 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 30, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ¾ Hearts (combined rating)

Blurb: When vampire Kristair binds his heart and soul to a human vessel in an ancient ritual, he never expects to fall in love with Jacob Corvin as well. As The Syndicate moves in to discover the secrets Kristair hold, the bonded pair will discover that not even death can separate them. Unfortunately, it won’t stop their enemies from coming after them, either.

ISBN-13:  978-1-63477-624-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/triquetra-by-marguerite-labbe-7572-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review:

My Heart is Within You. Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Kristair is an ancient vampire looking for a body for his heart to inhabit before he deteriorates. He hears voices though he’s not sure they are real. He sees Jacob at a football game and becomes immediately entranced with the young man. He takes to learning everything he can about him. Jacob knows someone has been following him. When he finally meets the man he has dreamed of the attraction is instant. When he learns of who Kristair is is he worried? Of course, but that does stop him from wanting him? No. 

I loved this story. It flowed seamlessly and wrapped the reader in a layer of mystery. I am assuming the story will continue in the next book as there are questions that were not answered in this one. Nevertheless I loved it.

Haunted by Your Soul. Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

A lot went on in this powerful continuation. Kristair has been killed. But before he was he transferred a piece of his soul and all his memories to Jacob. Jacob wants revenge on the poor hungry vampires for the torment the put Kristair through but Kristair’s memories force him to see reason. The syndicate is after Jacob so Jacob finds an ally in Tony who came back from the collective and then killed again.

It’s a fascinating story that takes you deeper into the vampires world. I thought the collective was a brilliant addition. I loved that the theory is that souls are around each other not just drifting aimlessly. This is where Kristair ended up while trying to get back to Jacob.

Our Sacred Balance. Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

This book was vastly different from the first two. The main thing being Kristair is human in this one. So he is adjusting to what humans can and cannot do after spending thousands of years as a vampire. While it might seem simple, it was not. I much preferred him as a vampire myself. Along with that change comes the fact that someone is killing vampires and Kristair feels he must look into it despite no longer being paranormal himself. 

There were tense scenes and hot ones but I felt the book was seriously lacking as opposed to the first two in the series.

0verall:

All in all this bundle was a great read with plenty of hot action, mystery, suspense that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of two people’s lives and what they must endure to be together.

Make Me Whole by Marguerite Labbe

18167182Title: Make Me Whole

Author: Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Erotic Romance / Paranormal >> Mythology

ISBN: 978-1-62798-056-2

Length: Novel (294 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 26th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: After a grueling battle in ancient Greece, lovers Dexios and Lykon committed their lives to each other in the name of Goddess Cythera. After the war, fearing the strength of his love for Dexios, Lykon abandoned his vow and returned home. Heartbroken, Dexios called on Cythera, who changed him into four unfinished statues. In that form he would wait for his fickle lover to return, break the curse, and make him whole.

Thousands of years have passed when Galen Kanellis finds the disassembled pieces in the storeroom of a Seattle museum and makes them the focus of his new exhibit. Needing information, he contacts his ex-lover Nick Charisteas. Nick has a lifelong dream of finding the Dexios Collection, and the last thing he expected was for it to wind up in the hands of the man who broke his heart. As both men search for answers about the statues, worries of abandonment and fear of loss test their renewed relationship, threatening to separate them again—this time permanently.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4113

Review: What an intense book this one was. Emotional intense that is and with good reason too since the protagonists of this story were all Mediterranean men, or descendants as they were Greeks and hot-blooded to the point of being irritating as hell. And as much as you wouldn’t have thought it from the way this story started, it was one heck of an interesting and passionate ride, so much so that by the end of it I was left nearly dumbfounded with the spin of this mythological tale and how well the tragic morale the ancient Greeks were so fond of was spun and told.

The story is a mix of Greek mythology and contemporary romance. It starts with Dexios and Lykon, two Greek warriors who fall in love while on a campaign. Dexion fears the end of the battle though, not because he loves the bloodshed, but because it means the end of their relationship as they would both have to go back at their homes and duties. In the heat of passion and driven by fear Dexios extracts a vow from Lykon to forego his return home and stay with him, and Lykon, always weak when facing Dexios’ love, readily agrees without thought. However, when the battle ends and his head cools, he sees that he made a rash decision about their entire future and his family’s expectations and breaks that vow, asking Dexios for time. Hurt, anger, and fear are the emotions that grab both men leading to a fight that have both of them saying harsh words that leave behind only loneliness and unfathomable pain. However, in their hot-blooded spat, they both forgot the Goddess in whose name they vowed, and Greek Gods were known for the cruelness of their vengeance. Cursed to incarnation until they both learned their lesson centuries pass that see Dexios and the everlasting statue of a waiting lover and Lykon trying to make it up to him.

But, things are never as simple as that.

The tragic myth of Dexios and Lykon is enough to take your heart, squeeze it till it bleeds, and make you suffer along with the unfortunate lovers. I can’t congratulate this author enough for writing such a beautiful myth, with such an intense moral, and such a tragic end for the ancient lovers. They were sublime and I felt for them and their loss.

At this point the story moves on to Galen and Nick, two former lovers that lost their chance when Nick became too intense with his feeling, catching Galen off guard and scaring him into running away. But though scared Galen never really forgot Nick as their chemistry was one of a kind. Six months ago, he might have not been ready for what Nick had to offer, but now, now that Galen thought about him every single day he only needed an excuse to reach back to his lost almost-lover. That excuse comes in the form of a mysterious collection of statues that appear at his storeroom in his gallery. Knowing Nicks fascination with art and ancient statues Galen reaches out with the hope that there might be a future for them. What he doesn’t know though is the fact that Galen is Lykon’s descendant and Nick Dexios’, the tragic love story bound to repeat or if the two men are strong enough to get past their inner demons and issues the curse might be finally over.

Now the ancient story is tightly bound with the contemporary one, yet different as well. As much as I loved the myth, I adored Nick and Galen. They were one hell of an intense love story and combined the past and present made for a fascinating read.
I had a bit of an irritating moment with them though, Nick asking for commitment when at the same time he himself ran and ruined the possibility for one, and Galen with his pain and fears, they just drove me crazy for a spell. Add in that the perfect depiction of a strong-headed and hot-blooded Greek and you felt like tearing you hair in frustration. The urge to slap ‘em both till their ears rung and their head got off their ar$$es was very, very strong. However, those very urges were what made me think that these characters were incredibly well written. They had the perfect personality for the myth this story follows. In addition, they had incredible chemistry as well. From the get go, their dates, their fights and their intimate encounters were passionate and hot as it gets. You heart would race with their spats, your blood would heat with their sensuality, the kinky way their relationship took was mind-blowing intense, and when the Goddess put her hand and stirred the pot causing chaos, they nearly shattered my heart. It was exquisite!

So you might well ask why only 3.5~4 hearts. It’s simple. As great as the story was, I found it a bit heavy and slow in pace, mostly in the beginning. At times, I lost concentration and had some difficulties following the story, forcing myself to go back a paragraph and re-read it to get back on-line. Maybe it was me, maybe it was these parts of the story, but the end result was that I got a bit frustrated and that took part of my enjoyment. Overall though, I can’t stress enough how much I adored this book, and felt very lucky to have read this very creative story. Definitely recommended for lovers of intense/cursed romance and Greek mythology fiction.

 

Playing Ball, A Dreamspinner Anthology

PlayingBallLGTitle:  Playing Ball

Series:  an anthology

Author:  Shae Connor, Kate McMurray, Marguerite Labbe, Kerry Freeman

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (Anthology) 270 pages

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (September 25th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit, depending on the story

Heart Rating:  3-4 hearts, depending on the story

Blurb:   Baseball – America’s favorite pastime – provides a field wide open for romance. A Home Field Advantage may not help when Toby must choose between the team he’s loved all his life and the man he could love for the rest of it. In 1927, Skip hides his sexuality to protect his career until he meets One Man to Remember. Ruben and Alan fell victim to a Wild Pitch, leaving them struggling with heartache and guilt, and now they’ve met again. And on One Last Road Trip, Jake retires and leaves baseball behind, hoping to reconnect with Mikko and get a second chance at love.

Home Field Advantage by Shae Connor
Toby MacMillan, grandson of Atlanta Braves owner Ray MacMillan, lives for baseball and loves his team. When he meets new team member Caleb Browning, an innocent welcome-to-the-big-leagues dinner leads to a not-so-innocent night together. Toby quickly calls things off, afraid of the ramifications of their tryst, but the two men develop a friendship that soon becomes more. After Caleb takes a fastball to the head, their budding romance hits the news—and Toby’s grandfather hits the roof. When Ray MacMillan demands Toby deny the relationship, Toby must choose between the team he’s loved all his life and the man he could love for the rest of it.

One Man to Remember by Kate McMurray
its 1927, and in New York City, Babe Ruth and the Yankees’ unstoppable batting lineup, Murderers’ Row, is all anyone can talk about. Across town, the Giants’ rookie infielder Skip Littlefield racks up hits, creating a streak to rival the Babe’s. Worried his secrets could get out, he avoids the spotlight, but he catches the attention of lauded sports reporter Walter Selby, a notorious dandy whose sexuality is an open secret. Skip reluctantly agrees to an interview, and mutual attraction is sparked. Skip can only hope the more charismatic stars will draw attention away from his romance with Walt. Otherwise, his career and everything he loves is at stake.

Wild Pitch by Marguerite Labbe
Ruben Martell fell in love with Alan Hartner during their years playing baseball. They stepped over the foul line once, but the encounter left them struggling with heartache and guilt, turning away from each other to focus on their families. Now retired from the majors, they run a batting cage together and coach rival Little League teams as they juggle fatherhood and being single again. Though Ruben has never given up hope that Alan might look at him as more than a friend, Alan seems determined to keep things the way they’ve always been. But long-buried feelings and desires have a way of resurfacing, and Ruben can’t wait forever.

One Last Road Trip by Kerry Freeman
With the last game of his Major League Baseball career behind him, Jake Wilson hits the road. Years have passed, but he never got over the romance he shared with Mikko Niemi back in college. Finally, he’s ready to do something about it. He starts with some crucial visits to his ex-wife in New Mexico, his son in Oklahoma, and his daughter in Tennessee. But his true destination is Mikko’s home in Georgia, where he’s hoping to get a second chance at love.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4197

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Four short stories about the struggle to be gay in the major leagues, whether it is as a player or someone more behind the scenes. Each of these men has a story to tell, as a couple or as an individual. The common thread? Baseball!

One Man to Remember by Kate McMurray ~ This story has a historical romance aspect to it as it’s set in the 1920’s when being gay could still get you arrested. As well the ML frequent speakeasies as prohibition is still enforced and them being, a couple is majorly overlooking in such establishments. When the team owners begin to notice that their star player, Skip Littlefield, is spending too much time with the sports writer, Walter Selby, a known homosexual. They quickly demand he end the ‘friendship’. Will the budding affair survive prying eyes until the season is over?

Home Field Advantage by Shae Connor ~ Go braves! Toby MacMillan is the grandson of Ray MacMillan, current owner of the Atlanta Braves. He loves this team and his job running day-to-day affairs of the team and the players. When he meets the newest recruit, Caleb Browning, sparks fly immediately. The two share a very steamy, very passionate night that ends with Toby pushing Caleb away. He knows that neither of them can afford to pursue a relationship, there is no way they can be public, and his grandfather would disown him. After an accident leaves Caleb in the hospital their secret is exposed. Will Toby cave to his grandfather’s demands that he deny the man he loves? Or will he risk everything to be with Caleb?

One Last Road Trip by Kerry Freeman ~ Jake Wilson met the love of his life in college, when his pro baseball career was just starting. After a painful break up he met and married his wife, and fathered two beautiful children. He doesn’t regret his marriage, career or kids. What he does regret is losing the man he loved, Mikko. Jake is bisexual, and has finally shared this secret with his family. Now divorced and with his kids blessing, he takes a road trip to find the one that got away. Mikko is less than welcoming, but Jake lays it all on the line, leaving Mikko and going back home. Mikko has to decide if it’s worth the risk to allow Jake back into his life. Will Jake lose his love a second time around?

Wild Pitch by Marguerite Labbe ~ Ruben Martell has been in love with Alan Hartner for decades. They are both bisexual men that married woman and have families, but always harbored something special for each other. Now that they no longer have wives, Ruben is more determined than ever to have a relationship with Alan. But Alan is just as determined to keep things in the friends zone. A shared passion and desire soon have them delving back into familiar territory. Can they find a balance between friendship, family and love for each other?

I hate baseball. It’s like watching paint dry! But this anthology of short stories based within the sport left me breathless. Each story is different and unique. All the men share an almost common goal of keeping their sexuality a secret. And in the end they will all have to decide if that secret is more important than the happiness they deserve.  Sex, steam, passion, and baseball. That is what Playing Ball is all about!

 

Dreamspinner Releases for the 08/26/13

MakeMeWholeLGMake Me Whole by Marguerite Labbe

 

After a grueling battle in ancient Greece, lovers Dexios and Lykon committed their lives to each other in the name of Goddess Cythera. After the war, fearing the strength of his love for Dexios, Lykon abandoned his vow and returned home. Heartbroken, Dexios called on Cythera, who changed him into four unfinished statues. In that form he would wait for his fickle lover to return, break the curse, and make him whole.

 

Thousands of years have passed when Galen Kanellis finds the disassembled pieces in the storeroom of a Seattle museum and makes them the focus of his new exhibit. Needing information, he contacts his ex-lover Nick Charisteas. Nick has a lifelong dream of finding the Dexios Collection, and the last thing he expected was for it to wind up in the hands of the man who broke his heart. As both men search for answers about the statues, worries of abandonment and fear of loss test their renewed relationship, threatening to separate them again—this time permanently.

 

Length: Novel (294p.) | Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal, BDSM/Kink

Release Date: August 26, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-056-2) | Buy as Paperback ($16.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-055-5)

 

NoAngelLGNo Angel by Daniel A. Kaine

 

Born with a birth defect called Devil Syndrome, it is impossible for Josh Harper to hide the two small stumps of hornlike bone atop his head. If people also knew about his ability to create force fields with his mind, they’d lock him up for sure. Left to fend for himself on his eighteenth birthday, Josh tries to make it on the streets. When he’s attacked, he’s rescued by Sam Mitchell, who has an equally strange power—and a set of pure white wings.

 

Sam ran away from home a year ago, and the new life he’s built for himself includes living in an abandoned house and looking after three younger kids, all with Devil Syndrome. Then along comes Josh. After a rough start their relationship grows and the two young men find a haven in each other’s arms. But when tragedy strikes their newfound family, Sam’s hatred of regular humans spirals out of control, and Josh will have to make Sam see sense before everything he’s worked so hard to build is destroyed.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, Coming of Age

Release Date: August 26, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-124-8) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-123-1)

CallMeButLoveLGCall Me But Love by Tracy Rowan

 

Mercutio is a funny, moody, complex foil for Romeo in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but in the four stories presented here, each an independent tale, Mercutio’s love for his friend goes far deeper, always somehow entwined with the fates of Romeo and Juliet.

 

The first tale sets the trio back in Renaissance Verona, where Mercutio vies for Romeo’s love. Romeo is oblivious, but the love triangle has deadly consequences. Next, we find Romeo and Mercutio in Victorian England. Though Romeo knows Mercutio loves him and returns his passion, he struggles to fit his desires into the strict mores of the day. The third story takes us to post-WWII America, where war-weary Romeo, Juliet, and Mercutio long for the right to love whom they choose. The final story in the collection brings the three characters into contemporary times, a band on a road trip that will change their lives forever. 

 

Length: Novella (74p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Historical (European, Americas)

Release Date: August 28, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($3.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-014-2)

 

RidetheWindLGRide the Wind by Anne Dudley

 

Alex Durant lives in a room behind the motorcycle repair shop where he works as an underpaid mechanic, bullied by his boss. There’s a truth he’s ignored most of his twenty-three years: men on their bikes turn him on, not women on the pin-up calendars that line the shop walls. It’s during a well-earned vacation to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the motorcycle rally where he comes face to face with his truth.

 

He meets the confident and outgoing Jordon Baker, who races motorcycles as a career. Alex is overwhelmed by Jordon’s incredible smile and kind eyes and his need to live life to the fullest. In the week they spend together, it’s Jordon who shows Alex things he’s never experienced: concerts, races, and the stars. It’s Jordon who shows him that two male bodies can ignite in pleasure when they come together. By the end of the week, Alex sees in Jordon’s eyes what he feels in his heart, and the truth of that scares him to the core.

 

But Sturgis week has ended, and Alex is back to the grind. He’s now stuck with making a difficult choice: continue to live his sad life alone and in hiding, or live his truth with the man who has big eyes for the world.

 

Length: Novel (246p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age | Release Date: August 28, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-033-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-032-6)

HeartWithoutBorders[A]LGA Heart Without Borders by Andrew Grey

 

Pediatrician Wes Gordon will do just about anything to escape his grief. When opportunity knocks, he signs on to work at a hospital in a tent camp in Haiti. One night while returning to his quarters, he comes across a gang of kids attempting to set fire to an underage rentboy and intervenes, taking the injured René under his wing. At the hospital, diplomat Anthony Crowley tells Wes that the kids involved in the attack are from prominent families and trying to hold them responsible will cause a firestorm.

 

In spite of the official position Anthony must take, Wes’s compassion captures his attention. Anthony pursues him, and they grow closer during the stolen moments between Anthony’s assignments, escaping earthquake destruction for glimpses of Caribbean paradise. When Wes realizes the only way to save René is to adopt him, Anthony is supportive, but time is running out: Wes must leave the country, and Anthony is called out on a dangerous secret mission. Now Wes must face adopting a boy from Haiti who has no papers without the support of the one person he’s come to rely on most and may never see again.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: August 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-020-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-019-7)

 

RoyalBind[A]LGA Royal Bind by Sui Lynn

 

2nd Edition

Changing Moon: Book Two

 

Lance Fitz and Andrew Reed are a blissfully mated pair, but Andrew’s benefactor Stephon, a born vampire, isn’t happy with the pairing, especially after he discovers Lance’s pedigree. Stephon attempts to find answers using his mental connection with Andrew, and when his efforts fail, he goes after Lance’s new shifter family. Enraged, Lance severs the tie to Stephon. He wants to tear apart the abusive vampire and free his mate and family for good. But before he can try, the family reminds Lance that the death of one vampire won’t change the social status of shifters as an enslaved people. The fight won’t end with Stephon, even if Lance succeeds.

 

 

1st Edition published by Silver Publishing, 2012.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Paranormal, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Mystery/Suspense

Release Date: August 30, 2013 | Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-062-3) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-061-6)


StrongEnoughLGStrong Enough by Cardeno C.

 

A Book in the Family Series

 

When twenty-two-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. Getting Spencer into bed isn’t difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

 

Spencer is surprised when he’s approached by the gorgeous construction worker he’s admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his thirty-eight years, Spencer takes Emilio home. When the casual hookup turns into the potential for love, Spencer realizes that if he wants to build a life with Emilio, he’ll need to be strong enough to slay his personal demons and learn to trust again.

 

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: August 30, 2013

Buy as eBook ($6.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-052-4) | Buy as Paperback ($14.99 ISBN: 978-1-62798-051-7)

               

The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe

Title: The Gladiator’s Master

Author: Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Ancient Rome

Length: Novel (233pgs Epub)

Publisher: Carina Press (19 September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Roman politician Caelius inherits a stable of gladiators, there is one who captures his attention above the others…one whose eyes gleam with hate, pride and desire.

Forced into slavery by Roman greed, Gaidres can barely conceal his contempt toward his new Dominus. Gaidres has a plan: kill Caelius and end the lineage of the Roman family that enslaved him. For his plan to succeed, he must make a show of respect and obedience—even when called on to service his master’s desires.

Gaidres is shocked to learn that in the confines of his quarters, Caelius doesn’t want to dominate his slave, but to be taken by him. The sex is explosive as they break society’s taboos and, to Gaidres’s dismay, they form a tenuous relationship. Even when Caelius learns of Gaidres’s plans for revenge, he knows he can’t live without his perfect lover. Is he willing to risk it all to tame his gladiator’s heart?

Review: This is an incredible piece of writing which is historically accurate. Gaidres is a Thracian who was forced to become a slave when his village was laid to waste by a Roman who wanted a Thracian in his ludus, as his Gladiator.   Caelius is the new Dominus, inheriting from his uncle.  He is not like most Romans as he actually cares about his slaves.

These two men come together and they strike sparks off each other.  Caelius is determined that in the end he will have Gaidres’ heart and Gaidres is determined that he will kill Caelius. Gaidres is a man with no forgiveness in him after what happened when he was captured and he will make the Romans pay.   But, as he gets to know Caelius he is greatly conflicted as his hatred and bitterness turns to something else and he feels guilt that he is betraying his lost love.   This is far from an easy struggle for him and it tears at him greatly and it isn’t until he thinks that Caelius may be dead that he admits how he really feels. Caelius is a man who knows what he wants and he is different in how he wants it as he is submissive in bed, but he is a strong and capable man out of bed.   He is also fair and compassionate and wants to change the way things are.   Which is maybe a bit advanced for this timeline but then again someone has to start a movement to get it going.

The plot was fantastic; the sex is hot and explosive.   There is rich detail and the character portrayals are brilliant and the way the history came alive as you got to know the characters and those they interacted with was incredible. Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe you have brought another story to life.  Thank you.

I recommend that everyone read this as it really is brilliant. I mean, come on, hot Gladiators, hot Dominus, sword fights, back stabbing plots, tragic disaster and cute kids this is a definite “must read”.