Title: The Heart of the Race Series: Daily Dose 2013 – Make a Play Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Greg Tremblay Genre: Contemporary Length: 2 hours and 5 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (07-06-2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Varro Dacien spends his life riding toward the next adventure. Brian Christie, his best friend and touchstone, the one person who’s always truly seen him, plays sidekick on these madcap adventures and subsequent trips to the hospital until he can’t take it anymore. While Brian can see Varro, Varro has never caught on that he’s breaking his best friend’s heart.
Without Varro, Brian builds himself a life that’s all about just getting by, doing his best to ignore the hole in his heart and his life. Without Brian to balance him, Varro pushes harder and takes more risks to reach that ultimate high. His job racing high-octane bikes on suicide-level courses makes it easy to get that rush… until it’s no longer enough and Varro realizes it’s not the race, but who’s waiting at the finish line that truly matters.
Review: Brian Christie and Varro Dacien have been best friends since the day Brian watched Varro launch a homemade contraption off his roof and subsequently wind up in the hospital. That day set the stage for their lives moving forward.
Varro is the daredevil and Brian is his conscious. Best friends and foster brothers, the two were inseparable until Brian realized he was in love with Varro. While Brian tried to put distance between them, Varro continued to pull Brian closer all while tearing his heart in two with constant trysts with random women and groupies.
When Brian finally has enough and completely pulls away, both men are left in stasis, not really moving on and constantly thinking about each other, both too damn stubborn to do anything about it. There is nothing like a little competition to make a man admit his feelings, in abundance.
Calmes is the queen of sexy short stores, and Greg Tremblay is her court jester. The only reason I’m giving this one 4 instead of 5 stars was the pain in my ass miscommunication and stubborn resolve to forever wallow in self-pity, miserably that Brian wore like a badge of honor. I seriously wanted to snatch him up by his hair and slap him a couple of times.
I tell you what though; the conversation on the phone toward the end, Tremblay used some amazing vocal chops during that part of the story. He gave voice to every word and emotion and had me hanging off every syllable and frustrated groan. And who knew that Tremblay could pull of an Irish baroque?
Great story for fans of the author and narrator, angsty but fun and I think the last thirty minutes was my favorite part.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Forging the Future Series: A Change of Heart, # 5 Author: Mary Calmes Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter Length: Novel (200 Pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 29, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Jin Church is back where he started, alone, wandering, and uncertain of his path. It’s not by choice but by circumstance, as he remembers he’s a werepanther… but not much else. He knows one thing for sure—he needs to find the beautiful blond man who haunts his dreams.
Logan Church is trapped in a living hell. His mate is missing, his tribe is falling apart, and he’s estranged from the son he loves with all his heart. His world is unraveling without his mate by his side, and he has no one to blame but himself.
If Jin can regain his memory and Logan can overcome the threats to his leadership, then perhaps they can resume their lives. The question is: Is that what they want? Back to the same house, the same tribe, the same troubles? They can choose from various roads leading to their future… or they can forge their own path.
Review: Each book in the series A Change of Heart features our famous and absolutely gorgeous Jin and Logan. You need to start with book one in this series otherwise you will get completely lost.
I have had a chance to read many books by Mary Calmes and she is one of the best authors that I have come across in quite a while. I have my favorites and those I absolutely love, but Mary just does something to her books that is fascinating. Her characters not only have big hearts, live through hardships that could strangle a person, but they overcome it all to go on to having a wonderful life with the one they love. At first I was captivated by the title, then the cover of the book, and then I got to the blurb.
Jin is not sure of his life ahead of him. He is alone and scared, with no memory of his past. He knows one thing. He wants the one man who finds his way past the blockage that is in his head. He has a mate out there that is looking for him.
Throughout their lives they have been through hell, and the moment you start thinking it is the end think again. It had been some time since I had read the other four books so it took me a bit of time to even to get started reading this book. Don’t get me wrong it is a good story but to over drawn for me to love completely.
Logan is Jin’s mate and is not sure about their future. Jin is missing, his son is not talking to him and his whole damn tribe has lost their minds. He has to find his mate, and bring him back. He has to show him about their past and see if they can have a future together again.
To me, I would get my mate and leave. I like the little twist that this story seemed to have, or it might just be what it means to me.
I had a great time reading it and look forward to reading more by Mary. She has always given a story that captivates you and keeps your attention. Which is exactly what it did for me. I had fun with it and look forward to telling those about it. It gave me everything I could want in a story.
The only problem I have is that this story was not needed. The last book was the perfect ending and I had understood from others that it was the last story. Then to come find out this one was coming out, was not in my sight to read. It was a little too much for me to truly love, whereas the others were perfect. However with all that, the book itself is a truly fascinating story.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Piece of Cake Series: A Matter of Time Story Author: Mary Calmes Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (69 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 12th, 2015) Heat Level: Low/Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: After years of domestic partnership, Jory Harcourt and Sam Kage are finally going to make it official in their home state of Illinois. It’s been a long and rocky road, and nothing—not disasters at work, not the weather, not a possible stalker, not even getting beat up and having to attend the ceremony looking like he just got mugged—will make Jory wait one more day to make an honest man of the love of his life.
Review: When has anything ever been a piece of cake with Jory?
Ohh…bless Mary Calmes for bringing us this delightful little story of Jory and Sam. From the first page my face was lit up with smiles and stayed until the end.
The love that Jory and Sam have for each other and for the kids is stronger than ever. Sam and his alpha tendencies can turn Jory into a puddle of goo with just one look. My heart was filled with so much joy as we get to see the wedding plans unfold.
It wouldn’t be fitting if Jory didn’t have a disaster or two even though we all know he is never to blame, right? Coming to his rescue brings in some other characters we love like Duncan and Aaron and Dane and Aja. It was so good to catch up on what has been going on with them and see their love is still strong.
The story opens on their wedding day and Jory asking “We’re still getting married, right?”
From there we get to see the events leading up to this day and you can’t read without laughing aloud, and smiling from ear to ear. I love Jory and I love that after all these years he is still the same, wonderful, man who stole our hearts many years ago. And Sam…no one can make me melt faster than Sam Kage.
Seeing them, both, love and care for their children, Kola and Hanna Banana is the icing on the cake. Even though Jory and Sam were married years ago, in Canada, Jory always wanted to be married in his home state. Now, with a few friends and family, his wish has come true.
Dancing to their song after the wedding ceremony will make you swoon. As Jory takes Sam’s hand onto the dance floor…
“I don’t remember you being this romantic when we married the first time.”
“That’s ‘cause before, it was about beginnings and hope, but now it’s just us and the kids and life, right? It’s forever.”
Thank you, Mary Calmes, for giving us this heartwarming novella and allowing us to be back in Sam and Jory’s world for a little while.
A Piece of Cake was absolutely delicious.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Fighting Instinct Series: L’Ange, #2 Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Tristan James Genre: Paranormal Length: 7 hours and 25 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (03-13-15) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Only a privileged few know L’Ange’s head of security Arman de Soto is a shifter, and even fewer know he’s been systematically killing off a pack of werewolves. The reason for this vengeance is a secret Arman trusts with no one, quite the opposite of his obvious longtime pursuit of the château’s overseer, Linus Hobbes. Despite Arman’s reputation as a loner, the only thing he needs to complete his life is Linus. Predator and prey just don’t mix—but Arman won’t give him up.
Linus has lived alone for more than seven years, sheltered at L’Ange under an assumed name and hiding secrets of his own. Including his terrifying attraction to the most dangerous man he’s ever met. Arman knows Linus should be afraid of the predator stalking him, but Linus is still drawn to him like a moth to a flame, no matter how much he tries to deny his instincts.
It’s not until Linus’s past and Arman’s crusade exposes their secrets and opens L’Ange to attack that Arman realizes waiting any longer is a risk he just can’t take. So he’ll have to take his quest to the source of the threat in a gamble to protect L’Ange, Linus, and any future they might have together.
Review: Arman de Soto was brought to L’Ange for one specific purpose, to protect Linus Hobbes. Not many people know that Arman is a shifter. Even fewer people know the specific type of shifter he is, and even less are privy to the fact that Roman’s late mother hired Arman and brought him to L’Ange for Linus.
Linus was frightened of his own shadow when Roman’s mother found him alone and scared in a hotel room. What she saw was an angel in her eyes, a wounded soul that she felt the fierce need to protect. So she brought him back to the safety of L’Ange and put him in charge of the chateau.
Linus is a shifter, as well, but his memories of his, let’s just say family, you will have to read the details for yourself, his memories are tainted. He was exiled when his lover outed Linus to save his own pride. And then, the same lover sold Linus off to a brutal wolf pack that violated Linus in every way possible.
For close to eight years, Linus and Arman have danced around their mutual attraction, never taking a step forward, until now. Something has shifted and while Linus has only ever been truly comfortable when he was around Arman, their bond is growing stronger and the instinct to fight the attraction is waning away. But Arman fears that once Linus learns exactly how far Arman’s hand of protection has stretched, that Linus won’t want him anymore.
I absolutely love everything about Mary Calmes. She is an auto buy for me every time because I know that no matter what the book is about, I’m going to enjoy it. The ability to weave these characters lives and stories together with vivid imagery that is so well written and described, you can almost smell the blood and see the snow.
This story in particular I really enjoyed how the story, Linus and the relationship between Linus and Arman all progressed in sync. Linus was scared and unsure in the beginning, and then as he and Arman grew closer and became lovers, Linus grew more confident and stronger. By the end Linus was as much of a force to be reckoned with as Arman was. With each hurdle they overcame, the intensity of the story grew as well.
Tristan James stayed on as narrator for this second story in the series and thank god he did. Calmes has already laid the foundation for book 3 and introduced an Irish wolf shifter into the mix, and no one can narrate the Irish baroque quite like James can. And I’m certain that James read this book before he started recording it, because much like the character of Linus, James narration of Linus sounded more confident as the story progressed. It was just the perfect marriage of author, storyline and narration.
Definitely a must listen! If you are a fan of shifter stories, a hopeless romantic, Mary Calmes writing or just an amazing story about finding your place and being strong and confident about who you are… you really will love this audible!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Floodgates Series: N/A Author: Mary Calmes Genre: Romantic Suspense Narrator: Michael Anthony Length: 7 hours and 53 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11-12-14) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: Tracy Brandt considers himself a lucky man. He has a wonderful family, good friends, and a dependable job. His love life, however, features a cheating ex who, though out of the house, is not yet out of the picture—with a past that just might get Tracy killed.
Homicide inspector Cord Nolan wants nothing more than to show his best friend’s little brother that he’s a reliable man, but to do that he’ll have to get Tracy to look past the player he used to be. It’ll be a tough sell; reputation is everything, and Cord’s is tarnished by his past indiscretions.
Tracy and Cord have spent five years trying to suffocate their fiery attraction under a blanket of grudging antagonism. When Tracy finds himself with a target on his back, Cord finally has the chance to ride to the rescue and break through the dam of Tracy’s reserve. But he’d better be careful: if Cord is breaking the floodgates to wash away the past, he’s going to have to hold tight to Tracy to make sure they’re still standing when the tumult recedes.
Review: Cord Nolan met Tracy Brandt five years ago when he arrived at his then partner’s house for a party and tried, unsuccessfully, to pick up his partner’s younger brother. Since then Alex has gone to work for the DEA and Cord has been promoted to homicide detective. He’s also spent very little time in way to many beds, but still hasn’t been in the one bed he longs to roll around in, Tracy’s.
Tracy is fresh off a bad break up after catching his ex-boyfriend Brecken with another man. Little did Tracy know that the other guy wasn’t the only guy… well, person, that his ex was getting friendly with. After Tracy is attacked not once, but twice, his over bearing, over protective family close ranks, along with Cord to ensure Tracy’s safety. Tracy has been so busy trying to convince his ex that he is, in fact, an ex that he has missed the change in Cord.
But when they are forced to spend several hours alone on a plane, no possible route of escape, Tracy is finally forced to see the man who now stands before him. Long gone is the player from all those years ago that tried to get Tracy to ride him to the store, literally. But it’s hard to start a relationship when there is a psychotic killer systematically knocking off Brecken’s exes.
This was a fast paced, action packed, thrill ride of a story. There was suspense and a bit of mystery with the death of one man, the attack of a pregnant woman and two subsequent attacks on Tracy, Cord is convinced they are all related, but how? And all the while Cord is working the case he is trying to keep Tracy safe and convince Tracy that he loves him and wants to protect him forever.
The chemistry between them is electric and undeniable, though for the first half of the book they manage to keep their hands to themselves. But once they open that door and there is no going back, they can’t even be in the same room without a small touch, a hand on the cheek, brushing back the hair.
It wasn’t just the mystery and the suspense that was a constant current throughout the book, or the love story of Cord and Tracy as it grew and engulfed them. It was the way all the characters were with each other. I had so much fun listening to Tracy with his family, that scene in the bedroom with the musical coffee cup, which was hysterical. And the banter between characters as well had me in stiches half the time.
Narrated by Michael Anthony and I’m always in awe of a narrator that can take a wide cast of characters and give each one their own unique voice. Anthony truly brought Calmes words to life with little nuances and tone inflections, like Tracy when he looks at Cord and asks “What?” so innocently knowing full well what it is. And Cord’s usually exasperated sigh, that little sigh always made me chuckle.
Definitely a must for those that love Mary Calmes work as much as I do. There is mystery, suspense, lots of action, romance, passion and such a fun HEA!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Blue Days Author: Mary Calmes Series: Mangrove Stories, #1 Narrator: Greg Tremblay Length: 2 hours and 49 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (01-13-15) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Falling for a coworker is rarely a good idea, especially for a man getting a last chance at salvaging his career. But from the moment Dwyer Knolls sees the beautiful, but socially awkward Takeo Hiroyuki, he seems destined to make bad decisions.
Takeo’s life is a string of failed attempts to please his traditional Japanese father. Unfortunately, succeeding in business turns out to be just as difficult for Takeo as changing from gay to straight. In fact, the only thing Takeo seems to truly excel at is taking notice of Dwyer Knolls.
When Dwyer and Takeo head to Mangrove, Florida on a real estate buying trip, their tentative friendship combusts and becomes much more. Is their sudden connection real enough to bank their futures on, or should they chalk the whole thing up to the daze inspired by the blue ocean breeze?
Review: Dwyer Knolls already has one foot out the door when his company is re-envisioned by its Japanese owner. While Dwyer is elated he gets to keep his job, he’s a little miffed that he isn’t partnered with the mysterious and brooding son of the owner.
Regardless of partners and pairings, Dwyer seems to have a way with Takeo that no one else does, the two become friends of a sort all while they both harbor feelings for the other. A business trip to Mangrove, Florida changes everything, and these two become lovers in the time it takes to slam the bedroom door.
They can’t hide out in Mangrove forever, and a phone call from Takeo’s unreasonable father threatens to burst the perfect little bubble they’ve surrounded themselves with. Life offers them a reprieve and while Dwyer knows he wants to keep Takeo where he has him, in his life and in his bed, he’s not quite sure Mangrove is the place to do that.
Calmes has laid the foundation for another amazing series of stories all about love and acceptance. I especially like the tie in with Aaron of Duncan from the Matter of Time world. Calmes has a knack for pairing polar opposites and making the road they travel to happiness, while often times bumpy, believable, and attainable.
Now we have the marriage of Calmes writing and Greg Tremblay’s narration, I assure you its perfection. Tremblay is very fluent with Asian cultures, phrasings, nuances and the language. His voice flows seamlessly from Dwyer with his dry, witty sense of humor to Takeo and his abrupt, unflinching attitude. But I think my favorite aspect to their relationship was the bond of communication they built before they became lovers.
Short, sexy, fast read that had me smiling the entire time.
Title: Old Loyalty, New Love Series: L’Ange, #1 Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Tristan James Genre: Paranormal/Shifter Romance Length: 8 Hours Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (09-22-14) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: When jackal shifter Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in the military escaping his father’s prejudice before returning to civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very rich man.
After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude.
But Roman knows a lot more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate.
Despite the decades, Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt departure left the jackal shifters without an alpha heir. As a psychopath shifter staking claim as alpha draws Quade back home, and Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a choice he never anticipated.
But doing so means he must leave Roman behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work together.
Review: Quade Danas is a jackal shifter, the heir apparent of his pack, a special breed of his own, as he is a Seer as well. His father disowned him and exiled him from his home, from his pack when he was barely an adult for being gay. He has spent more than a decade in the employ of the Howell family as the bodyguard for the son and only heir to the Howell family fortune, Roman Howell.
Almost killed in an accident when he was a teenager, Roman survived but carries the scars as a reminder. The only people who don’t pity him or look at him with disdain because of those scars are the people closest to him, especially Quade. As Roman grew up and became a lethal businessman he also became hopelessly attracted the man that protects him, he fell in love with his bodyguard.
When Quade’s sister shows up at L’Ange, the vast Howell estate Quade now calls home, begging for him to return and take his rightful place as Alpha of their pack, Quade is torn between loyalty to his family and pack, and his love for Roman. It’s only through fierce determination that Roman ever even gets Quade to act on his feelings for him, and it takes all but an act of congress to get Quade to claim him as his mate.
He is not about to lose him now. But the pull to the pack is strong for Quade. As a Seer and the true Alpha there is an innate need engrained in him to protect his people and defeat the crazed drug dealer that is trying to rule the pack.
The story started out slow, but it was always intriguing. From the beginning, there was this banter between Roman and Quade that portrayed them almost as an old married couple. It took a little while for the romance that was budding from page one to actually bloom, and from that minute on it was a no holds barred roller coaster of passion and sex.
All the while, that Roman is baiting his hook and then reeling Quade in, there are the problems going on with the pack and Quade struggling with how to help the people that turned their back on him. A decision has to be made… loyalty to pack, or his love for Roman, unless he can find a way to encompass both worlds in one life.
Calmes deftly balanced romance, mystery, and paranormal intrigue with this new Shifter series. Narrated by Tristan James who gave each character their own voice that changed as the story progressed, and each character grew. You can literally hear the passion in his voice during the love scenes and the strain when Quade is struggling with pack issues, and the determination as Roman sets his sights on making his bodyguard his man.
Fans of Calmes books are surely going to love this new series, but Shifter and paranormal readers will be engrossed as well. Not only was this book music to my ears, I think it will have to stay on my iPod so that I can listen to it over, and over again.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: All Kinds of Tied Down Series: A story in the Matter of Time universe Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Tristan James Genre: Contemporary Length: 9 hours and 1 minute Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (09-24-14) Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones has a reputation for being calm and collected under fire. These traits serve him well with his hotshot partner, Ian Doyle, the kind of guy who can start a fight in an empty room. In the past three years of their life-and-death job, they’ve gone from strangers to professional coworkers to devoted teammates and best friends. Miro’s cultivated blind faith in the man who has his back… faith and something more.
As a marshal and a soldier, Ian’s expected to lead. But the power and control that brings Ian success and fulfillment in the field isn’t working anywhere else. Ian’s always resisted all kinds of tied down, but having no home—and no one to come home to—is slowly eating him up inside. Over time, Ian has grudgingly accepted that going anywhere without his partner simply doesn’t work. Now Miro just has to convince him that getting tangled up in heartstrings isn’t being tied down at all.
Review: Miro Jones and Ian Doyle are just two of the men that work on an elite team of US Marshalls led by Sam Kage. Miro was in and out of foster homes as a child, got into a little trouble but he always looked up to the men in uniform. He could have gone in a completely different direction with his life, but instead of lashing out at the lot life dealt him, he wanted to be like the men that protected him.
Ian is a seasoned soldier first, and a US Marshall second.
He spends almost as much time away and on top-secret missions as he does at home. Over the past few years as partners, they’ve built a unique partnership based on friendship, mutual admiration and the ability to trust each other with their lives. While Miro fell for Ian a long time ago, he knows that Ian is straight, so he locks away those feelings behind a door so thick that when Ian starts acting different toward him, Miro doesn’t even notice.
While Ian is away on a mission, Miro is injured while transporting a witness and Ian is less than pleased when he finally finds out about it. You see, while Ian could test the patience of a saint, Miro should buy stock in an insurance company, he gets injured on the job THAT much! When Miro heads out to transport their next witness, he’s a little surprised to find Ian waiting at the airport for him. What is completely unexpected is the way Ian looks at him and visibly shudders when Miro touches him.
From here these two pretty much hit the ground running, going from partners and best friends to lovers in the blink of an eye. The pompous ass with more money than common sense that also happens to be the homophobic father of their current witness’s lover threatens to get them both killed before the sweat that drenched them just a few hours ago even dries.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. Very nice to catch up with where Sam Kage is after the series of events in the Matter of Times books, but the main focus of this story is Miro and Ian. Miro has spent three years learning how to navigate his intense feelings for his partner. Convinced that Ian is straight and will never be his, he gets so good at ignoring his reaction to Ian that he misses Ian’s change in feelings toward him. Ian, lovingly referred to by their fellow Marshall’s as Captain America, doesn’t even try to avoid his feelings for Miro. What Ian struggles with is the urge to stake his claim on Miro, and how to express those feelings and that need out loud.
Narrated by Tristan James, his voice was the perfect complement to the characters Calmes created for this story. There was a push and pull between them as partners that bleed over into their sexual relationship, but in a role reversal of sorts. While Ian is very protective and demanding at work, Miro takes the lead in the bedroom. Ian has to be on his game 24/7 at work and when he is on a mission, what he wants, no needs in his personal life is for someone else to take that control. And Miro gladly accepts the challenge.
This was a very sexy and steamy read, full of action and suspense and James did a splendid job of conveying all those emotions and circumstances, and then some. From the camaraderie between Miro and Ian in the beginning to the foreplay in the middle, and then finally the passion in the end. I highly recommend this audible to fans of Calmes writing and/or James narration. I am crossing my fingers that there will be another book for these guys, Calmes wrote in enough scenarios to comfortably give them a sequel, if not their own series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Bulletproof Series: Matter of Time book #5 Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Jeff Gelder Genre: Contemporary Romance Length: 7 hours and 5 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (02-01-13) Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Jory Harcourt doesn’t have to go looking for trouble. Wherever he goes, it seems to find him particularly when his partner, Sam Kage, is working undercover on a federal task force.
After the recession forces him to close his business, Jory goes to work as a match-maker and event planner. From there, it’s only a matter of time before his big mouth and up-front attitude make him the rope in a tug-of-war between a trust fund baby and a drug-smuggling criminal. Then, as if that situation weren’t delicate enough, Jory’s undercover lover shows up working for the smuggler.
Between the men who want him and the men who just want him dead, Chicago is getting a little crowded for Jory, so on the advice of his brother, his boyfriend, and the FBI task force, he heads for Hawaii… where a serious accident threatens his quality of life. Can Sam and Jory keep the faith and prove that their relationship really is bulletproof?
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3578 Review: Let me start by saying this is my favorite M/M series. Mary Calmes has created the two most visual characters I’ve ever read with Sam and Jory. Polar opposites that bring out the best and the worst in each other. I listened to volume 1 & 2 (which is actually books 1-4) and HAD to know what happened next. So I purchased the kindle books for Bulletproof and But for You. Now, the first books were narrated by Paul Morey, best narrator available in my opinion. Bulletproof was taken over by Jeff Gelder, worst narrator available in my opinion. So, I am reviewing the audio version here, and sadly, Gelder will lower my rating. But story, writing and characters… Best series available in the M/M genre to date!
Jory and Sam are separated again. Sam has gotten a promotion to US Marshall and gone undercover to try to bring down a drug kingpin. The economy hit a little hard and Jory and Dillon had to close their design firm, so he’s been working with another firm in the interim. Of course, his knack for getting into trouble hasn’t changed so at a party he saves a young man from being thrown over the railing, the young man just happens to be the little brother of drug king pin Christo Liron. The same drug king pin that Sam has infiltrated undercover. Can you say awkward?! Especially when Christo sets his eyes on Jory.
If there is one thing Jory is good at, aside from his innate ability to find trouble around every corner, it’s aggravating Sam to no end. And Jory spending time with a psycho drug lord definitely raises Sam’s hackles. Long story short, there is only one man for Jory and that is Sam. Christo doesn’t take rejection well, and in an effort to remove Jory from the situation until the sting operation can bring Christo in… Sam and Dane convince Jory to take a little vacation to Hawaii. And yes, in fact, Jory can find trouble in the most beautiful place in the world! In his defense, this time a hit is put out on him, but still.
An ex boyfriend, an unwanted suitor, an inability to swim and chew gum at the same time, and a couple of pesky killers make for an interesting vacation. We get to see a lot of Jory without Sam in this instalment as he navigates his way through the separation anxiety and the continued threat around every corner. Must be Thursday! But then Sam’s life is put in danger, and Jory makes a split second decision that could cost him everything.
I loved how Calmes managed to work a little ‘angry sex’ into the mix though, when Jory and Sam ran into each other in the club while Sam was still undercover. And the declaration Sam makes when he thinks Jory is sleeping, about exactly when he knew Jory was his, Le Sigh. The way these two characters compliment and complete each other while trying not to kill each other, or be killed, is equal parts astonishing and hilarious. And the sex is hot enough to peel paint!
I loved everything about this, except the narration. Gelder simply read through the story and at a rush at times, with no change in nuance or tone from one character to another. This isn’t the first book I’ve listened to that Gelder narrated, but it will be the last. Sorry, but he just ruins the story. So I will still recommend this book, this series, ANY Mary Calmes book because I have yet to find one I didn’t like. But I’d pass on the audible copy and make the time to read it. ** I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews ** http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Blurb: Vy Aleknos is the leader of a hawk shifter flock. Openly gay since he was a teen, Vy is proud and self-assured on the outside, while secretly worrying he’ll be forced to spend his life alone because two males can’t be mates. When bear shifter Robert Cimino appears in Vy’s small town, Vy realizes his concerns were unfounded — he has a male mate, and a sexy, dominant one to boot.
Robert is a bear shifter who refuses to shift. Immediately attracted to Vy, he deviates from his normal pattern and seeks more than a one-off with the powerful, bristly hawk. But Robert’s affections are rooted in his human form, and when Vy discovers Robert doesn’t recognize him as his mate, he pulls away. If Robert wants to stay with Vy, he must convince a man deeply ruled by his animal instincts to give their relationship as humans a chance.
Review: Vy is kuar of his hawk shifter flock and while he wants a mate, he has always feared he would not have one because he is gay. When Vy meets Robert, he is overjoyed at discovering his mate but when he realizes Robert doesn’t recognize him as his mate Vy begins to fall into a downward spiral of doubt. Robert has lived for most of his life as human. But he is strongly drawn to Vy and wants to give their relationship a go. But when Vy turns him away, Robert tries to prove to Vy that their human side is just as important as their animal sides.
This is an incredible story of two shifters coming together from different angles, one from shifter mating and the other from human attraction, and working out their differences to become a couple where love shines through. Vy is ruled by his animal side, everything he does is based on what is good for his ket and flock, but what happens when his mate isn’t ruled by his animal instincts? Robert has avoided his animal side ever since he was a young boy, watching a tragedy unfold before him has him caging his animal so he would never react like he saw others do, but what happens when his love interest ignores him human feelings? Vy and Robert have a rough road ahead of them as they try to find a balance not just for themselves but for Vy’s ket as well.
This was a wonderful story to read, it was such a joy to see these two men, who value different things about a person, to come together and make their relationship work. It isn’t easy though because Vy places such value in his animal instincts, but Robert goes with his human instincts… so we have a great bit of frustration as we silently scream at Vy because he ignores his human side. Robert is a complete sweetheart and we root for him as he tries to crack through Vy’s stubborn shell, and, as he handles the ket with panache. We do learn why Robert is so wary of his own bear and it breaks your heart when he is forced to shift but Vy handles it wonderfully, proving that he is the shifter worthy of Robert.
Oh if there was ever a marriage that should be celebrated then it is of Mary Calmes and Cardeno C’s writing collaborations because these two authors can melt a heart at a thousand yards and leaves you blissed out on warm fuzzies for hours after the conclusion of their stories *sigh* just magic. Control is another beautifully blended story, the authors writing slips seamlessly together and complements each other perfectly. The story is written from both characters points of view and we clearly know when the perspective changes. The storyline is wonderful showing that getting to know your mate is just as important as the mating instinct. There is some danger, tension, and violence but none of it is overdone and fits perfectly in the story, it isn’t just there for show.
I recommend this to those that love shifters, difficult matings, fantastic characters, a great storyline, hot sex, a story that leaves you with the warm fuzzies and a wonderful ending.
Title: Parting Shot Series: Matter of Time, #7 Author: Mary Calmes Narrator: Tristan James Genre: Contemporary Romance Length: 8 hours and 2 minutes Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (03/07/14) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts (can I give 10?!) Reviewer: Tams Blurb: A Matter of Time Story
(Duncan Stiel from Acrobat by the same author)
Life has never been easy for Duncan Stiel. His childhood was the stuff of nightmares, and his day job as an undercover police officer forces him to hide his true self and occasionally lands him in the hospital. So when he finally meets the perfect man, it comes as no surprise that everything falls apart around him. What Duncan doesn’t expect is that the hardest hurdle to get over before he can make a life with Aaron Sutter is the one inside himself.
Everyone thinks Aaron has it all—looks, money, fame, and success beyond measure. Everyone, that is, except Aaron. At the end of the day, the cameras stop flashing, friends go back to their own lives, company business is handled, and Aaron is always alone. The moment he meets Duncan Stiel, Aaron knows he’ll do anything to hold onto the larger-than-life detective. But when he realizes money won’t buy him the ultimate happiness, Aaron needs to find the strength to give Duncan something much more important—his heart.
Review: Duncan Stiel has been a very prominent secondary character through two of the Matter of Time books and Acrobat, as Aaron was close to a main character as the couldn’t take no for an answer ex of Jory Keyes. I sink to my knees and thank whatever forces above convinced Calmes to write Duncan and Aaron’s story!
Duncan Stiel loves his job in law enforcement. The big, burly undercover cop is much better with his hands than with his gun, so his body carries far too many scars, prominent memories of his years on the job. He keeps his sexuality a secret, even knowing how well it turned out for fellow officer and friend, Sam Kage. He lost the one man he thought he could love because of it. So when Aaron Sutter lands in his lap, he thinks they might actually be able to make a go of it. After all, the billionaire, socialite playboy is snugged tightly away in his closet as well. But the threat of Aaron losing his position and power at his family company is hovering over them, and when a case and miscommunication drive a wedge between them, it would seem that their almost was not meant to be.
Aaron Sutter is at a loss, he has never wanted to keep someone so badly before, until he met Duncan. Their relationship has its ups and downs and definitely gets off to a rocky start. First, they are blazing hot, then Duncan disappears for a while on a case, and when he comes back, there is no contact. When he finds out why he sets out to prove to Duncan how much he truly wants the cranky cop in his life. And when the board backs him, to spite the fact that he is gay, his and Duncan’s relationship becomes front-page news overnight.
Duncan is working a high-profile undercover investigation, trying to nail a guy for murder, a guy that wants something from Duncan he has promised to only share with Aaron. So he and Aaron go under cover at a BDSM resort, but even all Aaron’s billions and bravado may not be enough to catch this bad guy. And when Duncan is hurt, Aaron’s judgement is clouded by fear, the fear of losing the man he loves, and he blows their cover. Locked inside a guard tower with no windows, a way to escape or contact with the outside world, both men finally say those three little words. But they make not make it out of this one alive, so the declaration may just be a moot point.
What happens when you unite two alpha males full of good looks, snarky personalities and the innate need to be in control? Aaron has never relied on anyone, HE takes care of people. But Duncan won’t be manhandled. That is the major struggle they have to overcome in their relationship. Both men will have to learn give and take, finding a balance they are both comfortable with in order to maintain the love they have for each other. I assure you that they have absolutely no problem what so ever in the bedroom, or on the floor, up against several doors, behind a curtain or the floor of the limo. They are white hot with their shared passion for each other, and when they each individually figure out just how much each is willing to give and take (pun intended!) they are poised to be a power couple.
Brilliant writing, of course, Calmes has found her niche’. There is some drama and mystery, suspense, intrigue and lots of guy on guy action, hell, even the angry sex is sexy! This is a must read series, but this book in and of itself, could be read alone. And the narration was phenomenal. Tristan James takes over for this ‘parting shot’ in the Matter of Time series, and he did not disappoint. I don’t think the dry, snarky and witty Aaron Sutter could have been spoken any better. As much as I love the narration of Paul Morey for the first books in this series, Tristan James brought something new and fresh to the table for these characters. Subtle nuances and inflections were evident and he didn’t skip not one moan or groan either.
Still the best M/M series out there to date, in my opinion!
** I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy! I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉
Description:
On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.
One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)
Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.
I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.
Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!
About John Amory:
John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.
In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).
Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!
1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.
My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.
Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:
Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.
I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do.
2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?
Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?
3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?
When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.
4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?
I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!
About Sophie Bonaste:
Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.
If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste
GIVEAWAY!
20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover Grand Adventures Paperback $30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard
Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014 End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014
Series: Stand alone/ character from ‘Matter of Time’ series
Author: Mary Calmes
Narrator: Sean Crisden
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 6 hours and 34 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (01-11-14)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells is very good at making people feel important. What he’s not very good at is sticking around afterward. He’s a nice guy. He just doesn’t feel things the way other people do. So even after all the time he’s spent taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall, he doesn’t realize that Michael’s mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.
Dreo has bigger problems than getting Nate to see him as a potential partner. He’s raising his nephew, trying to leave his unsavory job, and starting his own business, a process made infinitely more difficult when a series of hits takes out some key underworld players. Still, Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of—a life with Nate as a cornerstone. A life that is starting to look like exactly what Nate has been looking for. Unfortunately for Dreo—and for Nate—the last hits were just part of a major reorganization, and Dreo’s obvious love for Nate has made him a target too.
Review: Nate is an openly gay, college professor whose best friend is his ex-wife. Just a genuinely nice guy who puts everyone from his son to his hot neighbor’s nephew, friends and family first. So when a former student, now an MD, hits on him he’s taken aback. Try as they might, Nate and the young doctor can never get their timing right. But, soon enough Nate learns that his tall, dark and sex on a stick neighbour, Dreo, has been eyeing him for years.
Dreo is a lot like Nate, he took the high road when his sister died and left sole custody of her son to her beloved big brother, taking a less than scrupulous job to support himself and Michael. He has been lusting after his much older and established neighbour, Nate, pretty much since they moved into the building. Circumstance leads Dreo to finally admit his feelings to Nate and the two dive head first into a committed relationship, not passing go, not collecting two hundred dollars! But not everyone is exactly thrilled about this new development, dangerous people. Nate and Dreo may have finally found the love they’ve longed for with each other, but will it cost them their lives?
Mary Calmes is one of those authors that you simply buy her work regardless. She can do no wrong in my eyes. And when you take her skilled storytelling ability and add Sean Crisden to the mix as the narrator of this story, what you have is perfection. Calmes can weave anything into a story, Love, lust, murder, the mafia and a man that will do anything to protect his family. Crisden nails the nuances and tones of every character, so you know exactly whom you are hearing as he’s reading.
This is definitely the May to December gay romance that goes the long haul. Oh, and I loved getting more insight into the character Duncan Steel, of Parting Shot by Calmes. If you like domineering Alpha male types, smexy guy on guy romance and a little bit of action with a dose of suspense, this is definitely the book for you.
P.S. there is an amazingly sexy bathroom scene! Wow, I hit rewind a couple times.
** I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th December 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:When jackal shifter Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in the military escaping his father’s prejudice before returning to civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very rich man. After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude. But Roman knows a lot more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate.
Despite the decades, Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt departure left the jackal shifters without an Alpha heir. As a psychopath shifter, staking claim as Alpha draws Quade back home, and Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a choice he never anticipated. But doing so means he must leave Roman behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work together.
Review:Quade made a new life for himself when he was banished from his jackal pack for being gay. he now works as a bodyguard and protector for Roman Howell. Quade was the only one who could get through to Roman when he suffered horrific burns, and now ten years later, Roman wants so much more from his steadfast protector. But Quade isn’t sure that Roman knows what he really wants and just as Roman begins to wear Quade down, Quade’s sister turns up asking for his help. Despite the pack turning their backs on him when he was younger, Quade can’t let them suffer. But will he have to give up what he has just found?
Oh, I love Mary Calmes heartwarming stories and I love them even more when they have a paranormal thread. So this one hit all the right spots, even before I’d cracked it open. Quade is a super character and he is evenly matched with determined Roman. These two have known each other for so long and their relationship is so close, that the only thing missing is the sex and Roman is determined to change that. Roman is a blast, as we watch him wearing Quade down and getting Quade to see him as a man and not a teenager. Quade really doesn’t know what has hit him. When Quade has to return to his hometown, he ends up confronting past hurts and facing a challenge to save his old pack. He also makes startling discoveries.
I loved this story and its feel good magic. I loved the characters and the way the story is written. Both Quade and Roman are wonderful characters. Their working relationship is much closer than many friendships. and while Quade tries to keep his attraction to Roman in check, Roman decides it’s time to step up his game and claim what is his. He already knows Quade’s secret and he discovers much more before too long. But Quade waffles trying to do the right thing and Roman will no longer let him deny what could be between them. Even when Quade has to help his old pack, Roman ensures that Quade will not forget him.
There are two parts to this story really, Quade and Roman’s relationship and then the rescuing of Quade’s old pack. It blends more towards the end meshing both parts together nicely. You can’t help but love Quade and Roman, although sometimes you do want to give Quade a shove in the right direction. And I thought he was much too generous with his forgiving nature (seriously, his ex was a complete douche). I can’t tell you how much I loved Roman’s and Quade’s relationship. Their easy camaraderie with each other was something special and shines through their interaction with each other. The pack aspect is really good, but I really wasn’t sure if I liked how easily it all fell together. I mean, this was a pack that turned their back on Quade when he was young and now suddenly they welcome him with open arms, because they need rescuing from an insane Alpha. It was just too easily forgiven.
I have to recommend this to those who love shifters, paranormal, an easy enjoyable story, great characters, a touch of angst and a brilliant ending.
Hey guys, today you will see various posts from Authors that we hounded… er asked what they would be doing for Christmas and many of them have sent us wonderful posts with pictures so we can share their holiday’s with you.
My first author is Mary Calmes, I adore Mary’s stories like Where You Lead and with how she creates great stories I just had to find out how she celebrated Christmas.
Christmas at the Calmes house begins with tree decorating and we watch the movie Elf while we’re doing it along with eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate. Even in Hawaii we did the same thing. There are store bought ornaments and handmade ones as well. We hang the kids’ stockings and two years ago, we got a cat, so Dewey’s goes up too. The last decoration we put up is the angel and she always goes in the kitchen. We open gifts Christmas day, not Christmas Eve, and since we moved to Kentucky, we drive out to the country to spend the day on the family farm. The very best part of the holiday is being together.
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My next author is Sjd Peterson, and after chasing her all over cyberspace I finally pinned her down to share her Christmas plans. Oh I nearly forgot that she once did a Christmas story, Leon it’s a cute read that’s all warm and snuggerly.
Well, I’m not big on decorating. I used to be but I’ve gotten lazy so the tree is all you get. But hey, it’s a perty… “Oh shiny” tree. (It’s so totally me)
I’ll be spending time with friends and family on Christmas and taking all the positive vibes and magic of the holiday season and sending them to Tj, Eric and their families. If anyone deserves a Christmas miracle it’s them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Merry Christmas Hugs
Jo
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And now we have R.J. Scott, who within minutes of being asked had everything back to me with a picture collage, but then she always seems prepared with her excellent Christmas stories like Texas Christmas.
When Pixie asked me to write and tell you about the Scott family Christmas I immediately went to my stock of family photos. I love Christmas, I love the friends, the food, I love writing about Christmas, watching Christmas films, giving presents… you name it and I sign up to it!
This Christmas day is at mum’s house where wine will be consumed and presents opened alongside a huge Christmas dinner. We’ll play games, Matt’s favourite is Sorry, followed closely by Uno and Sevens. We’ll build lego, and probably Mr RJ and my sister’s hubby will have a sleep – that is if Mum’s dog will let them! We always have big plans for what we call *tea* which is at around 7pm… but end up being way to full to manage even a small slice of cucumber.
We don’t really have snow at Christmas (despite what the films tell you!) but every so often we do get the white stuff. Apparently this year it will be overcast and raining… 🙁
All my presents are wrapped and ready, I just need to get Jesse’s Christmas out and available then I can relax!
Happy Christmas to everyone!
RJ X
Picture 1 – Baby’s first Christmas… and yes that is me… bald as a coot and three months old, with my first two teddy bears. I think those bears are the only things holding me up, bit like after I have had a few too many wines.
Picture 2 – Baby’s first Christmas, take 2 – this time I am the one in the rather fetching blue dress, with my mum and dad, circa 1972, holding my little sister (and yes she WAS born with that much hair, unlike me). This was a very special Christmas as we were a family of four.
Picture 3 – An old Christmas Decoration – This is a decoration that we have just put on my Mum’s tree. So many memories of putting this same decoration up every year.
Picture 4 – The Scott Christmas Tree with added arty effects. We put this up at the weekend and I love turning the lights out and sitting watching TV with just the Christmas lights on. Beautiful.
Picture 5 – Don’t ask. When I was 12 I was in the wonderful Panto Cinderella at my school. Yes I played the ugly sister and it was a big (and funny) part, and yes I absolutely needed padding and so much makeup on to make me look hideous…
Picture 6 – Cinderella again. This is a set of Christmas lights that hang in my mum’s house and have done every Christmas since I was little. The set is Cinderella’s carriage interspersed with tiny lanterns. Very pretty and so old now.
Stephani Hecht, sent along her little post about her family Christmas and only technical difficulties have postponed their Christmas snapshots. I suppose to make myself feel better I should read Wayne County Holiday’s and Hot Cocoa and Candy Canes!
Family Traditions-Stephani Hecht
Our family traditions are pretty simple. We like to decorate our tree as soon as possible, usually on Thanksgiving Day. Yeah, we love the Holidays that much. The thing we look forward to the most is the day where they have the Christmas Story marathon. We usually watch it all day long. Sigh We never get tired of that movie. Even though Cody is twenty and Joie is twelve, we all still get stockings. We even make up little ones for the birds and our lizard, so nobody gets left out.
We don’t leave cookies and milk out for Santa anymore, which is kind of a bummer. I miss doing that. The one silver lining in that, is that we passed down our nice plate and glass down to Jackie’s kids. So, it almost feels like the tradition has carried on.
As usual this year, I went overboard on presents. But, to me, the fun part is giving, rather than receiving. I love to see people’s faces when they open a gift that I got for them. To me that’s what the Holidays are all about—bringing joy to others.
Amber Kell, Well if I had RJ then I had to have Amber Kell as well, well they did come up with the wonderful The Case of the Sinful Santa and Amber went even further with her free Christmas short stories Christmas Tree Magic & Santa Wishes! So I had no choice to invite the Queen of Novella’s to tell us her Christmas plans.
When MM good book reviews asked me to write a post I had to take a moment and ponder if I truly wanted everyone to know how strange I truly am. Then I realized most of my fans probably already do so they probably won’t be the least bit surprised at my revelations.
I was asked what sort of Christmas traditions my family follows. Growing up we didn’t really have any. My family isn’t religious and most of the time was spent putting up the fake tree and juggling time between my mom or dad’s house. As an adult I decided to start my own traditions.
1) We always have a real tree. We go to a tree farm and find the perfect tree. Then my husband tells me it won’t fit in our house. Next, we scale down expectations and find a tree that will at least scrape the ceiling. Once tree is home we drown it in lights and ornaments until it can barely stand beneath the weight.
2) We go to Archee McPhee’s and purchase a mystery bag. This will be opened on Christmas Eve to keep the children’s little heads from exploding from Christmas expectations. It contains the normal stuff: poseable Einstein dolls, zombies and the occasional bacon flavored candy…you know the usual holiday cheer.
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3) We get a Lego advent calendar so my eight-year-old Lego fanatic can put them together every day. Older son had one last year but he didn’t want one this time because they didn’t have a Santa Darth Maul. He has a chocolate one instead.
4) Hubby and I send the kids to bed early, drink eggnog and put presents under the tree while we watch our holiday movie The Ref. I always wrap and assemble everything as soon as it is purchased and stash it away. I hate wrapping anything on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is the time for coffee and movies with hubby with a side of Santa.
Along the way we do have things like the usual sugar cookie making. One year I couldn’t find my Christmas cookie cutters so I made Christmas octopuses, once baked they looked like Cthulhu. Maybe it was wrong to take them to my husband’s highly religious family but we had fun.
This year my son’s teacher sent a bag of crayons, a star mold and instructions on making custom crayons. End result. Hubby used them to make crayon zombie fingers. Just another holiday tradition at the Kell house. I hope everyone has fun this holiday season following your own traditions. Merry Christmas.
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T.M. Smith, was an obvious author to invite, after all she does fulfill my pervie needs 😉 She has no Christmas stories as yet but she rocks with The Library!
Christmas in our house means a time of gathering and recognizing the traditions. There is a long list of things we do every year, and the family have come to expect it. First, we always decorate our tree on Thanksgiving day while listening to Christmas Carols. We have such an eclectic array of ornaments and each and every one holds special meaning as well. Every year each member of the family gets a new ornament and this ornament always reflects that person. Trust me, if you know us you could walk over to this tree and know who each ornament is for! For each of the kiddo’s in the family, including myself, we have a baby’s first Christmas ornament. So there are precious bobbles on this tree that are 42 years young!
Friends and family gather every year the weekend before Xmas for a party and gift exchange. And every year it seems, the group grows by one or two. Some of these people we only see this one day a year, so it is all that much more cherished. The conversations, the visiting, sharing events from the past year, eating lots of good food and drinking LOTS of good wine!
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These are all things that my grown children look forward to every year. And my hope is that as they grow older and wiser, that they will continue these traditions in their own homes. Thanks for stopping by today and sharing my Christmas traditions with me! I’d love for you to leave a comment and tell me what Christmas means to you, or one of your families Holiday traditions.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY ** .
Cardeno C. Was cautious to join us, but as I said it’s a holiday so send what you can, so C.C. had celebrated Hanukkah and shared with us their holiday celebration, and I am going to tell you to have a look at In Another Life because it’s a wonderful Hanukkah story.
. Hanukkah came at a fun time this year because the 2nd night was on Thanksgiving. That made for some creative Thanksgivukkah celebrations, like a pumpkin turned into a menorah.
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Like with any holiday, there’s food, of course. Potato latkes are traditional this time of year and I tried to get creative with mine. Instead of the usual grated potatoes and onions fried into patties, I used roasted potatoes and all sorts of veggies. It was pretty good, I think, though nothing beats the original. What I’m more proud of were my matzah balls. My father has always made wonderful matzah balls but he was out of town for the holiday this year so I gave it a go. I think they turned out pretty well.
But food and candles aside, Hanukkah is about spending time with family and friends. I was lucky to share candles and dinner and dreidel on the eight night with people I hold near and dear. What is dreidel? Well, it’s a fun game where you spin a top and gamble chocolate coins.
Food, games, and candles with friends and family. That was my holiday this year and it was wonderful.
And now we come to Beau Schemery & Augusta Li, I invited these authors separately but am posting them together because they are such an awesome pair, I adore both these authors books and nearly *squeed* in joy when they said yes!
My name is Beau Schemery and I’ve written the YA novel, The Seventh of London and the Verses of Vrelenden series. Xmas isn’t a real big day in our household which is to say Gus (That’s Augusta Li, fantastic and infamous M/M writer; yep, we’re roommates) and I are normally too busy to go in for all the pomp and circumstance. Our kids are older so they’re not really into the craziness anymore either. We both still work day jobs to supplement our writing so we don’t really get a Christmas break. We really just get a day off.
That said we really use the day to relax and play Xbox games that we will probably buy for each other. We do presents but nothing super elaborate (Note the extra fancy wrapping bags nicked from our place of day jobbery). We also still put up stockings for the kids with mostly Japanese candy inside. My stocking is one of my boots with my Slytherin scarf thrown over it.
Our goal this year was to not leave the house but since we don’t have cable, we’ll be seeking out a relative’s home to watch The Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Time of the Doctor. And we’ll probably sit around weeping like little kids when Matt Smith regenerates.
Oh and wine. Lots of wine. Hope your day off is as relaxing and filled with weird, authory awesomeness as ours will be!
Augusta Li was ever so kind as to create a picture of the stars of the Blessed Epoch series, Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha…. I have died and gone to heaven, aren’t the guys just so sweet! ~Pixie~
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th December 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: ATF agent Peter Lomax isn’t a hearts and flowers kind of guy, but he can be possessive, and it caused problems until Carver Fleming. Carver may be part of the art world, but he gets Peter, loves belonging to the man, and Peter treasures the way Carver understands them together.
Carver loves Peter, but he’s fully aware that six months doth not a commitment make. Carver wants to make the relationship last forever, but he’ll have to leave their life in Chicago to take care of the family he loves. He wants to do it with Peter by his side, but going from the city of Chicago to tiny Colt, Kentucky is a big change.
Carver has only one Christmas wish: Please, oh please, let Peter fall enough in love with Carver’s family to follow Carver home.
Review: Pete adores his boyfriend Carver, he wants to spend his life with the man and they are perfectly happy together, but then Carver drops a bomb and Pete has choices to make; lose the man he loves for the life he currently has or give up his life to be with the man he loves. Carver loves everything about Pete and wants to spend his life with him, but Carver has to go home to the small town he grew up in to help his mother and father. Not wanting to give Pete up he drops the bomb on Pete at the last-minute and begs him to just give him a chance to show Pete how great their life could be in Colt, Kentucky.
Ohhhh, now this is a tense romance where everything seems peachy, until a bombshell is dropped that has angst seeping into the relationship. Pete and Carver met at a gallery and it was lust at first sight. It rapidly evolved into a committed loving relationship and then Carver gets news that he doesn’t share until they are on the way to Carver’s parents for the holidays. Pete is understandably pissed and feels like Carver cut him out of an important decision and his life. Carver wanted to present a fait accompli, a done deal with only Pete’s agreement needed, but Pete isn’t happy with Carver.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and like the fact that even though he wasn’t happy Pete still gave Carver’s hometown a chance. Carver was so desperate to keep Pete that he hid that Carver had to move back to his parents. While the decision was born out of love, it was still wrong for him to have excluded Pete. Especially, as it affected Pete as well. Pete is a sweetheart, he fits perfectly with Carver’s hometown and is desperate not to lose Carver. He weighs everything before he makes a decision and he never stops loving Carver even for a second. No matter how pissed he is at him.
These two men are a romance made in heaven. They fit together beautifully and love each other fiercely. When life interferes its Pete who has to make the hard choices. Because, to a son who loves his parents, Carver doesn’t have a choice. Carver’s idea of dropping everything on Pete at the last-minute works, because Pete has to give the small town a chance. Although you feel pissed on Pete’s behalf, you do understand why Carver did it. Carver wants Pete and he will do anything to keep him.
This story is another feather in Mary Calmes’ hat. She has that special touch with her feel good stories and this is another one that will leave you blissfully happy.
I recommend this to those who love Christmas stories, love that overcomes any obstacle, hot sexy men who are blissfully happy, a touch of angst and a very happy Christmas ending.
Blurb: Life has never been easy for Duncan Stiel. His childhood was the stuff of nightmares, and his day job as an undercover police officer forces him to hide his true self and occasionally lands him in the hospital. So, when he finally meets the perfect man, it comes as no surprise that everything falls apart around him. What Duncan doesn’t expect is that the hardest hurdle to get over before he can make a life with Aaron Sutter is the one inside himself.
Everyone thinks Aaron has it all—looks, money, fame, and success beyond measure. Everyone, that is, except Aaron. At the end of the day, the cameras stop flashing, friends go back to their own lives, company business is handled, and Aaron is always alone. The moment he meets Duncan Stiel, Aaron knows he’ll do anything to hold onto the larger-than-life detective. But when he realizes money won’t buy him the ultimate happiness, Aaron needs to find the strength to give Duncan something much more important—his heart.
Review:This story is part of a series and can be read as a standalone but is best read as part of the series. Duncan has been through a lot in his life; he hides his sexuality because of his job and sometimes finds himself in hospital from doing undercover work. When he finally meets the perfect man for him it does not go easy, but Duncan discovers that the biggest hurdle he comes up against is himself. Aaron might be a mega rich man and can buy anything he wants but he has never been able to have the one thing he truly wants… a man to share his life equally with. Aaron is amazed when he finds the man who finally understands what he needs, and Aaron plans on grabbing Duncan as tight as he can and never letting go.
Oh my god it’s here, it’s Aaron’s story! We have seen Aaron in many of the A Matter of Time books and we saw more of Duncan in But for You, and we were there to see the two of them meet when sneaky Jory set them up on a date and now we get the whole story of Aaron and Duncan. Aaron is a billionaire businessman who is used to people either wanting him for his money or wanting absolutely nothing from him, all Aaron wants is a man of his own who wants to share everything with him. Duncan is a police detective who is in the closet, he works a lot of undercover and when he is with a man he wants to take care of them and be cared for in return, but he needs them to understand why coming out of the closet could be a problem.
I have read all the A Matter of Time series and I have always wanted for Aaron to find his happily ever after with a man who knows just what he really needs, and finally he has. In Duncan, Aaron discovers a man not impressed with his wealth, he finds a man who wants an equal and who also wants to stay in the closet but he also finds a man who will take care of him and be taken care of in return. Duncan finds Aaron mesmerizing because of his personality and he loves the give and take between them. But their relationship becomes rocky when Aaron’s brother, Max, interferes and Duncan himself begins to put up barriers.
This is a great story that has the usually action/adventure that we have come to expect from Mary Calmes, it also has its mega sweet moments that we have come to adore, and we have the needy moments that are a must have from the MC’s. The storyline mainly follows their relationship as they both accept that they need each other, but their own lives get in the way muddying the waters until it begins to clear and they both come to their senses when Aaron is pulled into an undercover operation with Duncan. We do get to see Sam briefly early in the book and we get a solid clearing up of his relationship with Kevin Dwyer, who we also see briefly.
Aaron is a much more developed character than what we have previously seen of him, we get why he has always hidden in the closet and the way he acts towards people, he shines through in this story and we see the needy wanton side emerge as he falls for Duncan. Duncan is a pretty easygoing guy who comes to realise that the reason he is still in the closet is because, until he met Aaron, he hadn’t met the man he wanted to give it up for. Duncan is needy in his own way but it complements Aaron’s neediness, they are also both strong men but between them they make it all work. The sex between them is smoking hot and they really know how to get each other panting, they are incredible.
I recommend this to those who love strong injury prone detectives, suave billionaires who are explosively possessive, undercover screw-ups, hospital visits, brilliant characters and a brilliant ending.
Blurb: Varro Dacien spends his life riding toward the next adventure. Brian Christie, his best friend and touchstone, the one person who’s always truly seen him, plays sidekick on these madcap adventures and subsequent trips to the hospital until he can’t take it anymore. While Brian can see Varro, Varro has never caught on that he’s breaking his best friend’s heart.
Without Varro, Brian builds himself a life that’s all about just getting by, doing his best to ignore the hole in his heart and his life. Without Brian to balance him, Varro pushes harder and takes more risks to reach that ultimate high. His job racing high-octane bikes on suicide-level courses makes it easy to get that rush… until it’s no longer enough and Varro realizes it’s not the race, but who’s waiting at the finish line that truly matters. Now he just has to convince Brian to be there.
Review: It was love on first sight when Brian was nine and Varro was ten, even if he didn’t know it yet back then. By fate they were joined in family as Varro’s parents took Brian in foster care and the two have never been apart since. But, growing up things changed when their sexuality clashed; Varro being quite the lady-killer and Brian finding and admitting to being gay. How did he know? Well, easy enough when your best friend/brother is the star of every fantasy you have.
As they took separate ways in college, Brian took the decision of distancing himself from Varro in order to keep his sanity. But, yet again that couldn’t be so for long as Varro needed him to have him by his side when he raced. Being the only one in his life never to ground him or say no, or be careful, Brian’s presence was like breath in Varro’s life. Yet, he never saw how much that hurt Brian to be near him and not be with him. Not until Brian left for good to try to make a life outside all that fantasy and wishful thinking.
This story is the classic boy-crush with best friend and gay-for-you type. I’ll admit I’m not very fond of the idea, but the entire story till it got to the point that everything changed was very engaging. The boy-crush was fascinating. The way the two characters worked with each other was adorable and the way Varro affected Brian was downright frustrating. I didn’t liked the fact that Varro was the lady-killer and not even contemplated being gay until Brian walked out of his life for good. And I didn’t like the 180 turnaround he did after that. It was just too surreal and the story, that had been quite fun till then, lost all credibility. The final confrontation between the two character, which by the way happened by phone, was a bit over the top, too. With Varro repeating the same things and Brian asking the same things over and over. And everything changes as if by a magical hand. As for their first time together, well, while hot and sexy and all laden with the longing and the wildness that was expected, it still was a bit too much and too smooth for a first timer that had no clue on how to be with a man.
Nevertheless as I said the story was fun and enjoyable in a wistful and overly romantic kind of way. With the motto love conquers it all in full display. Recommended for the fans of high-speed, sexy and wild characters that challenge life head on.
Blurb: What happens when two men who have been together for seventeen years fall out of love? Sivan Cruz, a set director in San Francisco, and Walter Wainwright, a big shot Bay Area lawyer, find out the hard way. Walter loves Sivan with all his heart but rarely talks about it, and Sivan needs to hear the words. The language of the love they have shared for so long, that has enabled them to build a life together and raise two children, stops working. They become—still.
When Sivan asks for a divorce, Walter doesn’t know how to say no. They separate, but while Sivan sees the relationship as over, Walter sees only a temporary setback. He has never lost his passion for Sivan and decides he has to say something before he ends up loving his husband in silence for the rest of his life.
Review: Sivan only sees that the relationship he has been in for 17 years has become stagnant. Deciding he has to let his husband go so Walter can find happiness, he asks for a divorce and begins to build a new life. Walter has too much pride to say no when his husband asks him for a divorce, but he never truly let’s go of the idea of getting Sivan back. But, convincing Sivan that he truly does love him is hard to do when Sivan refuses to really listen to what Walter is saying.
This is a great story of a well-established older couple whose relationship has fallen into a rut and one of the men decides the solution is divorce. Sivan needs to be told he is loved and wanted, and because he isn’t hearing the words he decides his relationship is over. Walter isn’t one to share his feelings; instead he shows his love with actions. But, when his husband asks for a divorce, instead of fighting for the relationship he agrees to the divorce. Both men try to move on, but Walter never gives up hope that Sivan will be his again. When Sivan has problems with an ex-co-worker, Walter swoops in to take advantage and convince Sivan of his love.
I really did enjoy this smooth story. Sivan is positive that because he isn’t showered with constant love and affection that his marriage is over. He really hasn’t got a clue how Walter really feels and instead of talking about it, he makes a decision for both of them. thinking he knows what is best. Walter is a great character. he is more of the strong silent type who is there when you need a rock. Sivan reminded me of an older slightly calmed down version of Jory from the A Matter of Time series. He needs reassurance that he is loved and when he isn’t reassured he acts thinking he knows best. Watching as Sivan finally comes around to the fact that he was all wrong is entertaining. seeing two men who have lost touch with each other open back up was really sweet and the sex they have is really steamy.
I have to recommend this to those that love drifting apart and reconnecting stories, rediscovering misplaced love, a touch of danger by a disgruntled ex-employee and a very happy ending.
Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Thanks to his good-for-nothing brother, Andrew Hughes is up to his eyeballs in debt and needs a job fast. When a nursing position opens up in Myerson, Arizona, Andrew has no choice but to take it, despite a warning about how difficult a patient Caleb DiMartino can be. Andrew can deal with a little trouble—but Caleb’s strange family, the armed guards, and the unknown cause of Caleb’s mysterious illness may be beyond his skill set.
Landslide by Mary Calmes
For three years, paranormal courier Frank Corrigan has been working for incubus demon Cael Berith. Cael knows Frank is his mate, but Frank is pretty sure Cael doesn’t even like him, never mind want to spend the rest of his life with him, so their personal relationship is at an impasse. When Frank’s sister, Lindsey, gets bitten by a werewolf she’s sleeping with—and possibly witnesses a murder—Frank rides to her rescue. If he’s lucky, he might just save his love life too.
Review: A double feature from two of our favorite authors and the book cover sets the scene for the perfect paranormal evening in.
Diagnosis: Wolf by Poppy Dennison
Andrew has been left destitute by his brother’s pilfering ways. He is now scrambling for a job and has to take what is offered to him and a difficult patient is the least of his worries. Facing two growling bodyguards down isn’t a problem, but the lack of medical records is. How is he supposed to help his patient, if he doesn’t know the symptoms? Finding himself attracted to the patient, Caleb, feels awkward, but is determined to ignore it… until the patient responds to him. Discovering the cause of Caleb’s illness is worrying and Andrew begins to realize just how much trouble his brother has landed him in.
Ohhhh. Andrew has a hard time when his brother lands him in an untenable position and it becomes even harder when Andrew discovers the truth about Caleb. Fixing Caleb’s illness turns out to be the easy part. I really enjoyed this story and the relationship between Andrew and Caleb was great. Although they turn out to be mates, they take their time before completing their bond. The story draws you in and holds you there, as it becomes laced with betrayal. Andrew has a hard choice to make and Caleb and his father discover a backstabber in the family. A great little novella that is slightly different from the usual shifter stories. a must read for shifter lovers, and those who love a great story of twists, betrayal and love.
Landslide by Mary Calmes
Frank has been a courier for paranormals for several years. For the last three he has worked for Cael, an incubus demon. And he has rejected all the advances the demon has made, sure that he is just playing with him. When Frank’s sister lands herself in trouble by sleeping with a werewolf and then witnessing a body dump, he turns to Cael for help and ends up discovering that Cael is playing for keeps.
Frank has no confidence in his looks. He put on a lot of weight when he left the Marines and although he has lost a lot of it, he still feels like he has a long way to go. Cael is gorgeous and although he has nearly begged the man, Frank, the man who is his mate, just won’t come to him. When Frank comes to him for help, he jumps at the chance to spend time with him. While solving the problems in Frank’s hometown, they both discover what the other really wants. I found both Frank and Cael to be brilliant characters and the story to be wonderful with all its paranormal aspects, Frank’s lack of self-image and Cael’s determination to get his man. This story is laced with interesting paranormal tidbits and has some interesting turns. Cael is one scary demon when crossed and when Frank and Cael finally get it together they are fantastic. This is not a story to miss if you love paranormal, great characters, an interesting storyline and a very happy ending.
Title: The Heart of the Race
Title: Forging the Future
Title: Piece of Cake
Title: Fighting Instinct
Title: Floodgates
Title: Blue Days
Title: Old Loyalty, New Love
