Tag: Marshall Thornton

Night Drop by Marshall Thornton

Marshall Thornton - Night Drop Cover 3837yhgTitle: Night Drop

Series: Pinx Video Mysteries 01

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Mystery & Detective

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Kenmore Books (September 15, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: It’s 1992 and Los Angeles is burning. Noah Valentine, the owner of Pinx Video in Silver Lake, notices the fires have taken their toll on fellow shopkeeper Guy Peterson’s camera shop. After the riots end, he decides to stop by Guy’s apartment to pick up his overdue videos, only to find Guy’s family dividing up his belongings. He died in the camera store fire—or did he? Noah and his downstairs neighbors begin to suspect something else might have happened to Guy Peterson. Something truly sinister.

The first in a new series from Lambda Award-winner Marshall Thornton, Night Drop strikes a lighter tone than the Boystown Mysteries, while bringing Silver Lake of the early 1990s to life..

ISBN: B0742Q8YJJ

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Video store owner Noah decides to get his overdue videos back only to discover the man, guy, is dead. Or is he. Along with his good friends and neighbors Marc and Louis they set out to determine what exactly is going on.

This story is dramatic. The riots in LA in the nineties was devastating and is brought to life in this murder mystery. The details were amazing, the writing fabulous and the overall story amazing. I felt as though I was there with the guys as they traversed through the clues.

The humor and closeness of these three men was comfortable. I really enjoyed the entire story from start to finish and am anxious to dive into the second book which I will dive into as soon as I finish this review.

Great read.

Masc by Marshall Thornton Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Marshall Thornton - Masc RBBanner

Hi guys! We have Marshall Thornton popping in today with his new release Masc, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❀ ~Pixie~

Masc

(Femme 02)
by

Marshall Thornton

Lionel and Dog are back in this follow-up to the Lambda finalist, Femme. Almost six months have passed and, after taking an online quiz, Lionel believes their relationship is doomed because they have nothing in common. To save their relationship, the pair joins a gay bowling league and discovers that Lionel is an excellent, if somewhat eccentric bowler.

Meanwhile, Dog gets profiled in a work newsletter. He’s excited that he’s out at work but doesn’t immediately see that by fawning over Dog’s masculine nature he was also putting down all femme guys. Lionel takes it personally which leads to a crisis in their relationship. Attempting to make it up to Lionel, Dog attempts to make a grand gesture which backfires spectacularly.

Will the two manage to put things right? And will a night in jail, a morning of drag bingo, an afternoon of day drinking, and a month of moping make things better or worse?

Continue reading “Masc by Marshall Thornton Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Hidden Treasures by Marshall Thornton

Title: Hidden Treasures

Series: Pinx Video Mysteries 02

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Mystery & Detective

Length: Novel (238pgs)

Publisher: Marshall Thornton (January 28, 2018)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♄♄♄♄♄ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: It’s about a dress. A valuable blue sequined dress worn by a famed actress in a film from the 1940s. For some reason everyone thinks video storeowner Noah Valentine has it. Which might not be a big deal except that it’s connected to the murder of a prominent Hollywood costumer.

In the second of the Pinx Video Mysteries, Noah attempts to solve the mystery of the dress. To do so, he must confront a legendary film icon Wilma Wanderly, hunky police Detective Javier O’Shea, the dowager Queen of Watts and a couple of bitter ex-friends.

ISBN: B0773ST2KB

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: After his ex lover’s death Noah is asked by his former lover’s family to find the collection, which actually a dress worn in a nineteen forties movie. But alas nothing can be that simple and Noah is not the only one looking for the dress. The people who are also looking for it want it no matter cost.

Along with his friends Noah starts the hunt. Along the way he meets Detective O’Shea. I really liked that this story had several aspects to it.You have the mystery of the dress and Noah’s personal life. The story was well written and draws you in.

The overall feeling of this book is one of mystery and drama. Noah’s life is not hearts and roses as he struggles with different issues. The mystery of the story is amazing. I liked the details and the way everything flowed seamlessly.

Great read.

Hidden Treasures by Marshall Thornton Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Marshall Thornton - Hidden Treasures RTBanner

Hi guys! We have Marshall Thornton popping in today with the tour for his new release Hidden Treasures, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Hidden Treasures

(A Pinx Video Mystery 02)
by

Marshall Thornton

It’s about a dress. A valuable blue sequined dress worn by a famed actress in a film from the 1940s. For some reason everyone thinks video store owner Noah Valentine has it. Which might not be a big deal except that it’s connected to the murder of a prominent Hollywood costumer.

In the second of the Pinx Video Mysteries, Noah attempts to solve the mystery of the dress. To do so, he must confront a legendary film icon Wilma Wanderly, hunky police Detective Javier O’Shea, the dowager Queen of Watts and a couple of bitter ex-friends.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “Hidden Treasures by Marshall Thornton Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

The Christmas Visit by Marshal Thornton

41bm+ZkSRdLTitle: The Christmas Visit
Author: Marshall Thornton
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Novella (63 pages)
Publisher: Marshall Thornton (September 29th 2012)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♄♄♄♄3.5 Hearts
Blurb: A Chicago art director in his early thirties returns to his tiny Upstate New York hometown to spend the holiday with his recently widowed father only to find himself involved with his boyhood crush, now a closeted sheriff’s deputy. It’s sentimental and sexy, with a bit of mystery stirred in.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Visit-Marshall-Thornton-ebook/dp/B008GHMRFK

Reviewer: Tams

Review: He left his childhood home and the boy he loved for an Art degree and promising career in Chicago. Now he’s back home after his mother’s passing to spend Christmas with his father. He has never forgotten that day by the lake with Travis, he doesn’t think he ever will, and all the memories come flooding back when he sees Travis for the first time in years.

Travis very unhappily married, but married nonetheless, so the two dance around their obvious attraction in the beginning. Travis’s sickly wife seems to be hiding a secret of her own though, a secret that lands him in the ER and breaks the remaining fibers holding together the façade of a happily married couple. Will he finally get the man he’s always wanted? Or will Travis once again be blinded by loyalty instead of love.

This was a fast-paced story and there was a lot of content for so few pages. I was impressed with Thornton’s ability to keep me in the dark about certain aspects and characters in the storyline, and while he was supposed to be a secondary character, his widowed father almost stole the spotlight. I don’t usually care for cheaters, but Thornton managed to give a valid reason Travis was all but shoved into his arms.

There were a few times the story didn’t flow well from one place to the next and I thought that he could have at least been given a name, having a nameless narrator was a little off-putting for me. But overall, I enjoyed this story. Not the usual Christmas fluff and stuff type of story, this one has a bite to it, but if you are a fan of the genre, I believe you’ll find something here you like.

Snowman with Benefits by Marshall Thornton

81P0VdNTEIL._SL1500_Title: Snowman with Benefits
Series: N/A
Author: Marshall Thornton
Genre: Fantasy/Holiday
Length: Short (38 pages)
Publisher: Marshall Thornton (November 8th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♄♄♄♄♄4.5Hearts
Blurb: Desperate to win a neighbourhood snowman contest, Trey pulls out all the stops. He and his boyfriend, Landon, work all morning to make a snowman along the lines of Michelangelo’s David.

Unfortunately, all does not go well, and the two break up over Trey’s relentless perfectionism. Struggling to take a nap that afternoon, Trey is awakened by the sound of someone in his house. He goes downstairs to find the snowman has come to life – and he’s horny!

ASIN: B00PEVL1J4

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Snowman-With-Benefits-Marshall-Thornton-ebook/dp/B00PEVL1J4

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is really a quirky story and more than anything, I would have liked it to be longer. A fairly unique concept, this was a really enjoyable read, which had me laughing, though. I was also somewhat concerned for the characters in some places as well.

I love the sarcasm of Snowman David. I can’t help but feel sorry Landon, Trey’s boyfriend, because he has to put up with a lot. For people who don’t like perfectionist characters, Trey is going to be unlikable. But I suspect Trey is meant to be OCD, or some similar obsessive disorder, which would account for his behaviour and competitive nature.

Looking beyond this, I find him to be a vulnerable character. However, in the end this is a tale of hope.

This was immensely enjoyable.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton

myfavoriteuncle_100dpi_cvrTitle: My Favorite Uncle
Author: Marshall Thornton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (312 pages)
Publisher: Wilde City Press (June 25th 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♄♄♄ 2.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Martin Dixon’s carefully constructed, peaceful life is turned upside down when his super Christian eighteen-year-old nephew Carter shows up unexpectedly on his doorstep and announces he’s gay. Martin’s first impulse is to send him back to his parents. But when he discovers that Carter has been in a mental hospital to cure his gay-ness he realizes he’s stuck with the boy.

Unfortunately, the two get on each other’s nerves, each driving the other to distraction. Independently, however, they each arrive at the same conclusion. The other would be much less annoying if he only had… a boyfriend.

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/my-favorite-uncle/#.VBjMRvldVGQ

Review: Martin Dixon’s predictably scheduled life quickly turns chaotic when his 18-year-old nephew shows up on his doorstop. Young Carter sort of ran away from one of those ‘fix the gay’ places and went to the only person he could think of that would help him. His gay uncle, of course! A sort of dark hilarity ensues as Martin tries to steer his young, inexperienced and naive nephew in the right direction.

Carter quickly makes friends with a transgender woman at work, Buffy, and catches the eye of an older suitor, Henry. At first, Carter looks at Henry as a suitable man for his uncle, but comes to realize that Henry actually has eyes for him. Of course, Uncle Martin does not like the idea of his nephew dating someone who is twice his age, and he has no idea how to talk to the teenager. He winds up doing more harm than good in the beginning, and winds up pushing Carter away.

At the same time Martin is trying unsuccessfully to be somewhat of a parent to Carter, he meets someone and his ex makes a re-appearance in his life. The question remains, can a middle-aged single guy with a loner persona take on the issues and drama that come with a gay, horny teenager? I guess we are about to find out!

While the concept of this story intrigued me, the execution was lacking. I found myself skimming in several places where the story was overly descriptive. There was a lack of romantic connection between any of the couples, and the few times I think, there was supposed to be some passion between characters, it didn’t translate well in the writing. I enjoyed the humour that was peppered throughout though. Whether it was Carter’s snarky comments for his uncle or the friendship between Martin and his best friend, the comedic turns were well done.

I’m torn with this one, it was just an okay read for me. I think, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, that were the story a hundred or so pages shorter and some of the overly descriptive text removed, it would change the outcome of this read for me. If you are a fan of Thornton’s other works and ready for a bit of a funny read, this book might work better for you.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Ghost Slept Over by Marshall Thornton

71-MwrU856L._SL1425_Title: The Ghost Slept Over

Series: N/A

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Humor, Paranormal and Contemporary

Length: Novel (206 Pages)

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0195

Publisher: MLR LLC. (February 19th, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♄♄♄3Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb:When Cal Parsons travels to rural New York to claim the estate of his estranged ex-partner, he discovers something he wasn’t expecting…the ghost of his ex!

When failed actor Cal Parsons travels to rural New York to claim the estate of his famous and estranged ex-partner, he discovers something he wasn’t expecting…the ghost of his ex! And worse, his ex invites Cal to join him for all eternity. As Cal attempts to rid himself of the ghost by any means, he begins to fall for the attractive attorney representing the estate. Will Cal be able to begin a new relationship or will he be seduced into the ever after?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=MT_GHOST

Review: Well as far as ghost goes this guy is funny, weird, but funny. Cal was an actor who was flat broke, so when a lawyer contacts him he is quite surprised. Especially when he finds out that, the lawyer is contacting him about his ex-boyfriend. It would seem Max had committed suicide and left everything he had to Cal. Three million dollars was a lot of money and to Cal it was just strange that a man who swore that he didn’t love him and left him behind would leave this money to him. The only problem was Max wasn’t leaving him alone. Or should I say Max’s ghost would not leave him be.

When Cal gets there, he is met by Dewey, the lawyer for Max’s estate. Cal is quite taken by Dewey and wants to get to know him better however Max didn’t want that. He wanted Cal to die and join him in the afterlife. Which of course Cal turns down. The only problem is Max is driving him insane. Goosing the real estate woman and scaring her, inserting himself in Cal and Dewey’s sex life and just plain talking to him every time he turned around had Cal trying to figure out how to get rid of him. I got to say when I picked this story up I didn’t think this was what I had in mind. I laughed my ass off at every turn in this book. Dewey, once Max shown himself to him, decided to help Cal get rid of him. Setting up a compromise, even arguing with a ghost had him bewildered but he wanted his man. This story has quite a bit of humor to it and a lot of surprise’s inside of it. If you want a great laugh, you need to read this book.

I loved the way Dewey and Cal act with each other. Once Cal gets over some problems he sees, they hit it off pretty good. I liked how both characters slowly open up to each other, and the trust that Dewey puts in some of the things that Cal talks about, to the help he wants to give. I must say though this story is a bit far out there. It just doesn’t come off as believable to me. I will recommend it though because it was one of the funniest stories I had read in a long time. I did wish for more sex scenes however. One kinky sex scene with both characters and a ghost had me smiling for more.

Murder Book by Marshall Thornton

51kgHqai+eLTitle: Murder Book

Series: Boystown 05

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Mystery, Historical (1982)

Length: Novel (185pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance Press (5th April 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♄♄♄♄4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: With the Chicago Police stretched to their limit by the Tylenol murders, private investigator Nick Nowak is spurred to action when the Bughouse Slasher strikes again.

In the fifth book of the award-winning Boystown mystery series, its fall 1982 and Chicago is gripped by panic after five people die from poisoned Tylenol capsules. Amid the chaos, the Bughouse Slasher takes his eighth victim, this time striking close to private investigator Nick Nowak. With the Chicago Police Department stretched to its limit, Nick takes matters into his own hands. But what will he do with the Bughouse Slasher once he finds him?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=MTMURDER

Review: This book is part of a series and is best read in order. Nick is left reeling with shock when the Bughouse Slasher strikes again. He begins to investigate, trying to piece the vague clues left behind. The Chicago PD and Cooper have the same clues, but for them all hands are needed when poisoned Tylenol capsules kill seven people.

Okay, this is going to be a really short review because everything I can think of to say would give the entire plot away. When a new victim is taken by the Bughouse Slasher, Nick takes over Harker’s Murder Book, trying to piece together clues to discover who the killer is. Briefly teaming up with Christian (reporter) nearly proves to be a disaster and Cooper has his hands full with the Tylenol poisonings. Nick also has his own cases to work and he has to prioritize what is most important.

Nick is such a great character. He doesn’t have much time for soppy feelings and keeps his feelings close to his chest. That doesn’t mean that what has happened hasn’t affected him or that, at the right moment, he won’t grieve. This is a brilliant story that kept me gripped. I had to stay with Nick as he fought to put together the clues. As he fought frustration and anger and then as he tried to handle the realization of what Harker had done. The mystery surrounding the Bughouse Slasher is great and the 1982 setting is fantastic. The way that Marshall Thornton immerses us in the time with the actions and words of the characters is brilliant. This story is a harsh reality of that timeline; with the cause of AIDS still unknown, the scenes of sexual contact wasn’t as frightening. The outlook of this story is bleak and beautifully written, this story isn’t a romance.

I recommend this to those that love realistic 80’s, mystery, private detectives, dealing with grief, and solving mysteries. I am looking forward to the next book and truly hope that the outlook will be much happier.

 

 

Desert Run by Marshall Thornton

Title: Desert Run

Author: Marshall Thornton

Genre: Action/Suspense, History (1973)

Length: Novel (190pgs)

Publisher: Torquere Press (12th January 2011)

Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating:  ♄♄♄♄♄ 4 1/2

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Palm Springs, 1973. Don Harris is a piano player on the run after killing a Chicago mobster’s son in a bar fight. On the lam, he meets a pretty blonde girl in town for a convention. He lets down his guard and spends the night with her only to discover she’s the younger sister of his best friend all grown-up. Foolishly, she tips her brother off to Don’s location, and he’s on the run again, hoping to find a safe place to land.

Out of money and desperate, Don accidentally walks into a gay bar where he allows a kid named Harlan to pick him up so he’ll have a place to stay. As the mob chases them, Don begins to fall for the kid, putting them both in harm’s way. Harlan has problems of his own, and Don knows he shouldn’t get involved but he can’t help but step in when Harlan gets in trouble. To save himself, Don’s got to save Harlan.

Warning: Explicit m/f scenes in the early part of the book.  

Review:  Don, a Vietnam Veteran, is on the run after accidentally killing a mobster’s son.   He meets with a woman who turns out to be his best friend’s sister and he has to run again. Harlan is a ‘caretaker’ to a Hollywood movie star and after a couple of games of pool picks Don up and helps him out.

Now, I will admit that this wasn’t a favorite of mine as it had explicit m/f scenes but they were a part of the plot and storyline. I can’t deny that it’s a really good book with an interesting storyline and a good plot though.   So
 I really can’t complain. Don’s straight and decided to use Harlan as he has nowhere else to go but in the process he learnt a thing or two about himself and his sexuality. Now this is a Gay for You and was done really well.   Don questions himself about what he’s doing and what he feels and passing it off saying “I’m not gay”, before he finally admits how he truly feels. I found that Harlan was a great character who refuses to believe at first that Don could change from being straight to gay and doubting how Don feels; especially seeing as how they are in such a dangerous situation.

I found the setting interesting and enjoyed being taken to the seventies.  Liked the way it was written that Don struggled with his flashbacks and nightmares of Nam.   We also got flashbacks to when Don was younger as the author described that Don had been tempted by men in the past. The action and danger seemed realistic to the time.    I also liked the fact that the author didn’t make Don into a cold-blooded killing machine but had him feel guilt about those who had died… even those who were trying to kill him.

I would recommend this to those who love a more realistic action/danger/suspense story, a great plot and a HEA.