Blurb: Bobby Gagnon came back to Cedarwood in the hopes of starting over. He’s got his kids and his accounting business, but he wants more. One look at the hot guy sharing the running trail with him is enough to stoke Bobby’s fire. He wants to hook up with the sexy runner, but he doesn’t even know the guy’s name. Will the man even want to be with a single father?
Remy Bard never considered himself a kid person or parent material. He’s happy with his job at the Cedarwood Tribune, but it’s not enough. Something’s always been missing in his life. He keeps seeing the same guy at the park—tall, dark, handsome and hot as hell in those running shorts. Although he’s shy, Remy isn’t about to let this guy get away without at least one night together.
These opposites certainly attract, but will their differences be enough to keep them apart or will they find a way to come together in Cedarwood?
Review: Each book in the Single Father’s Society collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Bobby and his two kids move back to his home town. After a disaster of a relationship goes downhill he decides he wants more for his family. He decides to open up his own accounting business and to be closer to his parents. He just wasn’t sure about starting over with a new guy in his life. That is until he catches his eye on one sexy runner named Remy.
Remy is a sweet journalist who has about the same bad taste as Bobby. However he wasn’t into sports and didn’t really want kids. Then he sees Remy and realizes that might just change. To make matters a bit hard, the coalition is still causing trouble for them all. They must stand together to prove that well you are just going to have to read the book.
The chemistry between these two guys is off the charts, but there are some challenges that these guys and most the others have to get through. Remy is definitely low on self-esteem and he pushes his issues into focus, but Bobby seems to have something similar to go through. His two kids are amazing.
Now the story is slow paced, but the romance is the opposite. It is moving right ahead even if there are a few road bumps to go around. Now not having read the rest of the books in quite awhile, this story just didn’t seem to really need them to connect with the characters. It brings the others into it, but in truth the story could stand alone. There are a lot of good lessons that this story comes with.
Now for the bad news, this story really is similar to the others in the story itself. The only change is characters and such. They hop in to bed, so to speak and then all of a sudden they are a couple. The kids, as great as they are, just seem to be moving just as fast as they are. However the author has made the story turn out pretty good. It just the pace of the story itself and the pace of the characters is a bit strange. It did take awhile to actually get into the story and it didn’t keep my attention like it should have. Parts seemed to just be thrown into it but overall it is still an enjoyable story to read.
I would definitely recommend it and the previous books.
Blurb:One night to find the man of his dreams in the least likely place…
Airman Tate Gibson thought going to a party at the local college with his friends would take his mind off of his troubles. He’ll head back to Korea in two days time—after the funeral of his baby sister. He’s always taken responsibility for her and he’s not ready to deal with her being gone. He wants a man to help him deal with his sadness and give him a reason to get through his deployment.
Raine crushed on his neighbor across the hallway, but once he spots the hunky airman his thoughts center on Tate. He wants to strip the handsome blue-eyed man down and lick him everywhere, but geeky guys like Raine never get the man. He’s stuck playing the perpetual wallflower.
Will one night tear them apart before things get hot or will it be enough to bring these two wounded souls together for a long-term engagement?
Review: The day before the funeral, he decided to go visit his best friend, who is still in college. He needs a friendly shoulder to cry on. Someone that he can talk o about his loss, and the way his family is treating him. When he reaches his friend’s dorm, he’s hosting a very loud and boisterous party. He doesn’t stay, and decides to leave. He meets Raine in the hallway.
Raine considers himself a geek, and not someone that other guys want to have a relationship with. He was on the way to the party, when he meets the handsome Tate. They started talking and ends up in Raine’s dorm room drinking beer. They start making out and have sex. Raine just can’t believe that someone as hot as Tate wants him. Tate spends the next couple days with Raine, and the he have to report back to work in Tokyo. Will the time that they spent together show Raine that yes, he’s worthy of Tate’s love, and although they keep in touch with each other. Will the distance bring them closer together?
This author did a good job on this story; it told the pain of losing a sister and the heartache of a parent blaming him for his sister’s death. A parent should never put that blame on anyone. Tate is on leave from the Air Force for a week for his sister’s funeral. She died in a vehicular accident, and his mom and family members blame him for her death. His mom had asked him to take care of his little sister, and he also blames himself, although he wasn’t the cause and wasn’t in the country.
Series: Part of the What’s His Passion? Collection
Author: Megan Slayer
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella (167 pages)
Publisher: Pride Publishing (March 15, 2016)
Heat Level: Burning
Heart Rating:♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Following his heart and passion will be his biggest role of all.
Kris Hunter wants out. He’s done pornographic films for the last six years. The pay’s been good, but his creativity is nearly dead. His passion is to act and to be a star on the big screen in mainstream films. When he auditions for famed casting director, Zayn Mason, he’s convinced he’s on the right path. He doesn’t want to take the casting couch route to success, but he certainly wants Zayn in his bed. Can he follow his dreams and the man he desires or will forces beyond his control derail his progress?
Zayn Mason sees the potential in Kris. As a casting director, he looks for the right actor to fill the roles in movies. He’s seen plenty of talent come and go, but no one stirs his soul both creatively and physically like Kris. But Zayn knows the pitfalls of the movie industry. Crossing over from porn isn’t easy and Hollywood isn’t always forgiving. Besides, he’s got demons of his own. Can these men get beyond their pasts and find a future together under the bright lights of the silver screen?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of voyerism and intimacy with multiple partners.
Review: This book contains mentions of child abuse and molestation of one of the main characters. Kris is tired of the mindless porn he has done for the last six years. He wants something better to suit his creativity.
Zayne is a casting director who has an eye for picking talented people. When he meets Kris for an audition he sees more than most do behind his outward appearance. He see’s someone who wants more than his current life offers.
I loved the lengths Zayne went to help Kris. He found Kris to be a hard nut to crack personally as Kris is a very private person. But eventually Kris opens up and love blooms.
When Dixon and Carson meet during a hurricane, neither imagined that moment would be the beginning of a new relationship.
Dixon White owns Billy’s Diner in Brevard County, Florida—right down the road from Patrick Air Force Base. He serves a lot of the servicemen and their families who live and work on the base and does it in honor of his brother who served as a SEAL until a motorcycle accident ended his life. When Dixon finds himself stuck in a broken down car just as a hurricane hits the area, he’s not sure how’s he going to get home.
Master Chief Sergeant Carson LaSalle is headed to the base when he drives by Billy’s Diner. He sees Dixon’s car there and stops, checking to see if everything is okay. He takes Dixon home, but can’t stop thinking about him.
After the hurricane blows through, both men meet again and the sparks fly. Possibilities open up for them to have a chance at finding love. They just have to be willing to try.
Tams ♥♥♥♥4 Heart review:
Carson LaSalle has had his eye on Dixon White since the day he got stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. When a storm hits and Dixon’s car breaks down, Carson finally has a reason to not only spend some time with Dixon, but to finally ask him out on a date. The two hit it off and soon sparks fly.
There was a lot of meat to this short story. Chase gives the reader a brief glimpse into Dixon’s life, his past, and why he owns the diner and makes it his mission to take care of others. Carson was just the perfect addition for him, a man who would be proud to stand by his side.
I would read a full length story for these two, would be nice to get a glimpse into Carson’s background.
‘Lonely Hearts and Yellow Ribbons’ by Stephani Hecht
Being apart from the one you love is the hardest thing to do, until you get them back to find they’ve changed…
PJ Ross Ervin is part of an elite force of rescue men from the Air Force. Only the best of the best make it through the program and get to wear the maroon beret. As such, he is proud of what he does and is happy to serve his country. The one drawback is that it takes him away from his long-time lover, Aden. Thankfully Ross’ deployment is over and he’s coming home.
Aden is excited to see Ross. But he can’t help but notice that his partner is having trouble adjusting back into the civilian world. Plus, there is the looming danger that Ross could be deployed again at any time. Will Ross have to leave to serve his county once more? And if so, can the pair survive the separation yet again?
Tams ♥♥♥3 Heart review:
Ross and Aden have been together long enough that Aden knows what to expect from Ross’s career as a military man. When Ross comes home on leave, they use their time wisely to get reacquainted with one another. But this time Aden notices that Ross is having trouble leaving the job at the door. With another deployment looming, Aden worries for Ross more than ever, but supports his man regardless.
My favorite things about this short story were the yellow ribbons first off. As a former military wife and a military brat, I can appreciate that little addition. When Ross opened the cabinet and found the spools of ribbon, I smiled, that was perfect. And then Aden finally being accepted to the Wives group, which needs a new name by the way with the influx of same-sex military couplings.
Cute story though.
‘Venetian Skies’ by Morticia Knight
No one wants to lose a love that’s meant to be. Air Force test pilot, Chris Pierce, returns to Italy to discover that second chances are the sweetest.
They had a love that was the real thing, but Chris, an Air Force test pilot, returns to Aviano Air Base in Italy to discover that the only man he’s ever loved is still there. Yet wasn’t that why artist Brandon had dumped him? Because he didn’t want to be tied down to one place or one person?
Brandon made a huge mistake. It wasn’t until Chris transferred out of the local military base that he realizes what they had together was the real thing. Even though he’s never settled in one place for very long, he couldn’t bear to leave the town of Aviano where he and Chris were so happy together.
Chris unexpectedly returns and Brandon is devastated when Chris rejects him out of anger. Can’t Chris see how much Brandon has changed in the two years they’ve been apart?
Second chances are the sweetest and love that’s meant to be doesn’t die. But when a MiG fighter jet gone rogue shoots Chris down, will their second chance be taken away forever?
Tams ♥♥♥♥♥5 Heart review:
Chris is an Air Force pilot returning to the base he left when his former lover broke his heart. Since Brandon was such a free spirit that refused to be tied down, Chris is certain his ex is long gone from Aviano. His first night out at their old favorite haunt, Chris runs into Brandon. Well, more like Brandon is searching for Chris. With the pain of the past still fresh in Chris’s heart, can Brandon convince him he was wrong, to give them another shot at happiness?
Okay, I need a full novel for this one. I would love to see where Chris and Brandon started, where everything went wrong and then beyond this short story to the chaotic future I’m certain they have. What Knight delivered with Venetian Skies was a synopsis of a story that only made me thirsty for more.
Short, Sexy and Steamy!
‘Search and Rescue’ by Jenna Byrnes
Two parajumpers freefall into a stealthy relationship before considering how quickly it might come crashing to an end.
Airman First Class Matthew Billings has almost completed a grueling two-year training program on his way to becoming a Pararescueman in the Air Force Special Operations Unit. On a mission to rescue a child lost in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico, he meets Master Sergeant Drake Bogart, a man who is as infuriating as he is handsome.
When Matt spots the child and Drake gets the credit, sparks fly, in more ways than one. But with graduation just a few days away, is their fledgling relationship over before it even gets started?
Tams ♥♥♥3 Heart review:
This short story has potential to be an enemies to lovers type of story. Matthew Billings is climbing the ranks as a Pararescueman and holding his own, to spite Drake Bogart taking all the credit.
When Drake goes against Matthew’s preconceived notions and not only admits his attraction to the Matthew, he takes him home and seduces him, it looks like the perfect friends with benefits relationship might be forming. Until Drake says something stupid again.
This story had potential, but I had trouble liking Drake. He came across as cocky and arrogant and even when he apologized, I just never warmed to the character. There were some sexy times and I liked that Matthew stood his ground with the more dominant Sergeant.
I think this one definitely needs to be a full story so things can be elaborated and expanded on.
‘Live for the Day’ by Sarah Masters
Loving your best friend is easy. Telling him you do…well, that’s the hard part.
Michael and Steven grew up together—just them, no girls allowed. They’d always planned to join the military, but when it came time to sign up, Michael couldn’t do it. For years, Michael has worried every time Steven is out in the desert, risking his life to serve and protect. He dreads the day Steven won’t come home.
Steven has been through a dreadful ordeal on duty, and while in the hospital, he’s had time to think about what’s important in life. He misses Michael—needs to get back home to be with him—and he has something he wishes to say, something he’s held inside as far back as he can remember…
When the two men reunite, revelations are the name of the game. There is no question they’ve always loved each other, but now that they have the chance to express that love, will they?
Tams ♥♥♥♥♥5 Heart review:
The way this particular story started reminded me of old Hollywood love stories. Seemingly unrequited love. Seeing your love coming toward you, certain it’s a dream or a mirage, and yet, he is real.
Michael is sitting in his favorite café missing his best friend Steven something fierce, wishing he were there so Michael could finally be honest with him about how he feels when suddenly, and Steven is there. Between the long absences that are driving Michael insane with worry, and Steven being hurt during his last deployment, both men are done dancing around the truth.
Oh but I love this story the best of them all. I could see Michael sitting in the café, staring out the window, longing for Steven to ride in on a white horse, and then they could ride off into the sunset together. Though it was far removed from that that was the feel of the story. Once these two were finally honest about their feelings, things got a little steamy.
This is another one I’d love to read going back and giving more details of their friendship and the years of them growing closer even if they were apart, then go forward and show their happy life together.
Le Sigh.
‘Lifetime Hitch’ by Megan Slayer
Sometimes the best laid plans are meant to be thrown way off course.
Hunter planned his life very well. He’s got his position in the Air National Guard, the family he’s always wanted and a life most people would love to have. Except he’s not happy. His friends all know his truths, but them knowing about his sexuality and him admitting it are two different things. Thankfully Ryder—his best friend—has always got his back.
Ryder has loved Hunter since they were in school. He wants to have more than Hunter’s back—he wants everything. Forcing his Guardsman to come out as a gay man wasn’t on his agenda, but Ryder isn’t above a bit of gentle nudging.
Will the things Hunter can’t control be his undoing, or will he accept who he is as well as the love he’s craved all of his life?
Tams ♥♥♥3 Hearts review:
This one was a little odd for me. Ryder and Hunter have been best friends forever, and that is about how long Ryder has been in love with Hunter. He is respectful and keeps his distance, hiding his true feelings while Hunter tries to convince everyone, including himself, that he is straight. When they finally face their feelings, it seems like a HEA is in the works. Not so fast… both men teeter back and forth to the extent that I almost got whiplash.
I liked that Hunter was adamant that he remain true to the commitment he made to those two little girls, but the I love you too, wait… I have to take care of the girls. I want you too… wait, I can’t come out. Ryder understands and doesn’t push. Then when Hunter changes his mind and wants to come out and be true, Ryder starts pushing Hunter away.
There was potential here, and a little bit of angst would have been fine, just too angsty for my taste.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Pride Publishing and Morticia Knight visiting with us today with their anthology Aim High, Morticia chats about her connection to planes, we have a tasty teaser of her story Venetian Skies and there’s Pride Publishing’s competition. Tams has also written the review for Aim High so enjoy the post and click the link for the competition! <3 ~Pixie~
When Dixon and Carson meet during a hurricane, neither imagined that moment would be the beginning of a new relationship.
After the hurricane blows through, both men meet again and the sparks fly. Possibilities open up for them to have a chance at finding love. They just have to be willing to try.
‘Lonely Hearts and Yellow Ribbons’ by Stephani Hecht
Being apart from the one you love is the hardest thing to do, until you get them back to find they’ve changed…
Aden is excited to see Ross. But he can’t help but notice that his partner is having trouble adjusting back into the civilian world. Plus, there is the looming danger that Ross could be deployed again at any time. Will Ross have to leave to serve his county once more? And if so, can the pair survive the separation yet again?
‘Venetian Skies’ by Morticia Knight
No one wants to lose a love that’s meant to be. Air Force test pilot, Chris Pierce, returns to Italy to discover that second chances are the sweetest.
Second chances are the sweetest and love that’s meant to be doesn’t die. But when a MiG fighter jet gone rogue shoots Chris down, will their second chance be taken away forever?
‘Search and Rescue’ by Jenna Byrnes
Two parajumpers freefall into a stealthy relationship before considering how quickly it might come crashing to an end.
Airman First Class Matthew Billings has almost completed a grueling two year training program on his way to becoming a Pararescueman in the Air Force Special Operations Unit. On a mission to rescue a child lost in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico, he meets Master Sergeant Drake Bogart, a man who is as infuriating as he is handsome.
‘Live for the Day’ by Sarah Masters
Loving your best friend is easy. Telling him you do…well, that’s the hard part.
When the two men reunite, revelations are the name of the game. There is no question they’ve always loved each other, but now that they have the chance to express that love, will they?
‘Lifetime Hitch’ by Megan Slayer
Sometimes the best laid plans are meant to be thrown way off course.
Hunter planned his life very well. He’s got his position in the Air National Guard, the family he’s always wanted and a life most people would love to have. Except he’s not happy. His friends all know his truths, but them knowing about his sexuality and him admitting it are two different things. Thankfully Ryder—his best friend—has always got his back.
Title: Constant Series: N/A Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Contemporary / BDSM Length: Novella (90 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (July 21st 2015) Early Download Available June 23rd 2015 Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Blurb: He demands his submissive’s body and soul…but can he accept his sub’s heart?
Roddy Green never planned to fall in love and certainly not with his Dom, but every time he goes into Darkness, a fetish club, he falls for Vegas all over again. Being in love isn’t the same as being loved in return. Vegas is there to do a job—not to build a romance. But what if the main constant in Roddy’s life is also the one person he can’t live without?
Andrew Vegas knows his job. He’s a Dom. But there is more than one side to him and he’s tired of keeping the other parts of him hidden. One man makes him feel safe and comfortable enough to open up—his pet, Roddy. But will Roddy, the producer of a local news broadcast, want to be with a man with secrets?
Reader Advisory: This book contains references to light knifeplay.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains characters who also appear in Permanent.
Review: This book has both good and bad about it.
What I did like was that they were both men that have been hurt by others before. They finally have a shot with each other to have the best of both worlds. They each want a lover and to be able to have a D/s relationship…all with the same person.
They each have someone who understands and will meet their needs, all of them. And the sex between them was decently hot and sexy, but I really expected a little more BDSM element than it had.
This book starts in what feels like almost the middle of the story. When it begins Andrew and Roddy have actually been seeing each other regularly for two years as Dom and sub. There has never been actually sexual intercourse between them.
However after Roddy is seriously feeling the tension from his job as a news producer for the local news he goes to see his Dom, Master Vegas after several weeks. Once there they finally break past their boundaries and have sex. After that things move in at rollercoaster pace.
There is no back story to really explain how the two of them have started to fall for each other. Nothing to explain why Andrew was suddenly willing to change the rules after two years. It just jumped to let’s do this and have a relationship. I felt like I completely missed something.
Plus there are a few other things that I questioned happening. It all left me a little underwhelmed when it was all said and done. However I did still manage to enjoy the story since the two men did work well together.
So not a perfect book, and if you look past certain things, both Andrew and Roddy are nice guys who manage to find someone to spend their lives with.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Home to Cedarwood Series: N/A Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (83 pages) Publisher: Loose Id, LLC. (May 12th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts Blurb: Colin Baker owns a bookstore and he’s back in Cedarwood with his son. He’s looking for a new start after a bad breakup, but he never expected that start to include his old crush, Officer Jordan Hargrove. Jordan hasn’t come out, but if he can score with Colin, then he’s all in. He’s dreamed of hot nights with the quiet man.
After a speeding ticket and some hurt feelings, sparks fly between the bookstore owner and the police officer, but Cedarwood is a small town with small town values, and a gay couple isn’t what the town expects. Colin’s created a support group for single gay fathers and he feels he’s making some difference in Cedarwood. Some folks in Cedarwood are fine with these two men reconnecting, but some aren’t.
Will the naysayers be enough to drive Colin and Jordan apart, or will they make their way together in this small town.
Review: This is the first story of Megan’s that I remember reading and I can say that I am impressed. I do wish that it had more to it though. It has a great story line that seems to have a little extra meaning to it. It shows what some of the gay community goes through in different places. It also shows you what needs to be done in a way to fix it. I was pleased with the way the police chief helped his man though.
Colin had once been with his man for over eight years but only seven were good. As soon as they became parents, Nicholas left him. Now he has moved back to his hometown with his son. His brother is there, the book store and a great school. The only bad sign is the person that is putting dog shit on his porch. A damn homophobe is making the gay community suffer. Then he came across an old classmate that was not so nice to him.
Jordan has always felt bad for what he had done to Colin when they were in school and also for giving him the speeding ticket which is how they met once more. Now he is interested in Colin and is hiding in the closet. Boy does he need to get his head out of his ass and to show the man he wants that he is more important. That and show the little boy that he can make a good step-father.
This is a fascinating little story and I had a blast reading it. My only problem with it was that it was way too short. Felt like a little taste that left me wanting more. I would definitely recommend reading this story. It is short, sweet and downright sexy when they get together.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Superhero Series: Hiding In Plain Sight, #1 Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Fantasy Length: Novella (104 pages) Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (April 6th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Blurb: He can levitate objects and predict the future, but no one knows his powers…until he finds a man worth fighting for.
He can levitate objects and predict the future, but no one knows his powers…until he finds a man worth fighting for.
Chase Bender moves objects with his mind and can read the immediate future. If anyone found out the man behind the mask had a lot in common with the regular man character, they wouldn’t believe him. What’s a man with super hero abilities supposed to do to get a date?
Dylan Foreman isn’t interested in jumping into the dating pool, but can’t deny the attraction when he meets Chase. Can the burning lust between a simple book-keeper and a man in spandex, and sporting a cape really last?
Review: This book started out so great. The writing was on point and the pacing was just right. I liked both main characters Chase and Dylan, along with Dylan’s son Nathan. The story was engaging and entertaining. The two men had good connection and things were looking good.
Both Chase and Dylan have been hurt in the past and are slowly getting to know each other. Plus Dylan needs to look out for his son. They are both sweet and gentlemen looking for someone to love. And I was really digging that.
Right after their first sex scene things started just not jiving the same way. Everything seemed to speed up and the flow of the beginning was gone. Things happened that just didn’t really need to in my opinion. They added angst that just did not work for me. It was too fake and convenient. And one made no sense at all. They really just annoyed me. Even the dialogue was off.
It had such great promise in the start. And it was still a cute story in the long run. But certain things with other people outside the relationship just bogged it down. I was on my way to loving this book and then boom, a couple of what the hell moments.
So all in all, a cute and sweet story with a few execution issues.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Shifter’s Challenge Series: Peppermint Twist Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Urban Fantasy/ BDSM/Holiday Length: Short Story (29 Pages) Publisher: Changeling Press (November 28, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: Steve Moore, a black cat shifter, breaks into the North Pole Christmas party in his cat form. Easy enough. No one imagines a black cat would be out of place in a warm building in the middle of the winter. But Steve’s not there to sample the cupcakes or eggnog.
No, he’s there to find the one Elf who makes his heart race — Landon. Is Landon still interested in the shifter? They only spent one night together. Things could fall apart once they find each other again, but Steve’s betting the Elf is craving him, too.
Review: This is such a cute little story that will leave you wanting more of a taste. Steve is a black cat shifter who wants the cute little elf that left him after a one-night stand. However, Landon had not wanted to leave. He broke Santa’s rule of only staying a short time, but he wanted Steve. So after leaving him he asked Santa for Steve. He wanted Steve to be his Christmas present. Santa always gives the good guys their special presents.
I love the way Santa is in this story, so very vocal about sex. I got a kick out of it, although for me to truly love it needed more. It was missing some major parts for me to love. I did get a kicked out of the paranormal part to this story not to mention the magical season. It makes for a great little story to read on Christmas.
I would recommend reading this book especially if you love cat shifters, elves, presents and happily ever after. I loved the humor that this story has, although I think Steve should always stay naked.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Frost Moon Series: Moon Series #3 Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Paranormal Length: Short (50 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (December 12th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Jagger doesn’t want much for the holidays—just an angel for Christmas.
Christmas is the time to heal wounds and come together, especially if you’re an angel. Michael’s job for the last few hundred years has been to clean up the messes created by the humans and the demons. Although he loves his job, he wants more this Christmas than to watch everyone else be merry and bright. He loves the holiday and wants to share the day with someone special…especially once he sees Jagger. The sexy, but sad looking man has confessed he hates Christmas. Can a Christmas angel really sway the Scrooge and help him find more than just the beauty in Christmas?
Review: This is the third book in the Moon Series. It can be read as a standalone but you will feel the confusion I did when I read book 2 without realising there was even a book 1 because we are once again briefly see the couples of the previous books. I really wanted to love this book in an “OMG I’m gonna reread this” sort of way. However, while I didn’t hate it and I was by no means bored with, I was disappointed because I didn’t like it more.
Frost Moon basically ties books 1 and 2 together. Book 1 was about Halloween, book 2 was Thanksgiving and here in book 3 we have Christmas. Each book is about a person who hates the holiday for one reason or another. The one thing I like about this series is that all three are very different in terms of plot, though they both rely on the same trouble making demon. From a guess just reading this one, I won’t be surprised if the demon, Gage does get his own story and I would very happily read it. Unlike the previous books, particularly book 2, we pretty much already know what’s going on – if you haven’t read the series one of the main characters from book 2, who is also boss to Jagger, tells Jagger straight out.
But onto the story of Frost Moon. I’ve been trying to figure out what has me disappointed and I think I pin pointed it: there is almost too much reading between the lines. The detail is there but the way it is written, some of the things you have to jump to the conclusion. The other thing is the romance between the main character, Michael and Jagger, is just too much insta-love. Another thing I pin pointed is that I think that the plot is rushed as well and that perhaps this could have been served better as a longer novel.
However, I have to admit that I love Jagger, he is perfectly quirky, I mean, what grown man goes to visit Santa? He is sweet and his loneliness is heartbreaking. Michael on the other hand, is strong and everything you expect an angel to be. But once he’s with Jagger he begins to change and I just wonder if once again the short length of this story has cut short Michael’s character development. I think maybe I just want to know more about Michael, like any good angel, he’s enigmatic.
Regardless what I think, this is a good read, though I think as a reader of the series in fact made me question more. The plot line is certainly unique. I was also nice to encounter the previous couples once more, Paul and Tony/Tristan, and, Reed and Matt.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Harvest Moon Series: Moon, 02 Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Paranormal Length: Short (47 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (November 20th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: All Matt Green wants for Thanksgiving is to propose to his boyfriend in the most epic way he knows-in front of their families. There’s only one catch. His boyfriend, Reed Jordan, doesn’t do family gatherings. To be honest, Reed isn’t wild about Thanksgiving, but he won’t say why.
Matt’s willing to do anything in order to get Reed to talk, but will it make the holiday perfect or ruin all of Matt’s plans? The Harvest Moon just might be the right omen to make everything all right
Review: This is book two in a series, a couple of others here at the blog and I discovered it was actually not that easy to find out that it was a sequel to the Halloween story, BlueMoon (reviewed on MMGoodBookReviews by Thommie). It isn’t essential to read Blue Moon before Harvest Moon, I had no problem following it was just the appearance of two characters bugged me (I’ll get back to that). Reading the first book did clarify things, but I feel it was nice having the sense of mystery of not actually knowing what happened in the first book while reading Matt and Reed’s story.
That being said, when I found myself being introduced to two characters, Paul and Tony, as if I am meant to know what was going on. These characters are pivotal to the story, they are key to explaining the sub plot and here is also where the paranormal element comes in. Even after reading, I found myself trying to find out where these elusive characters came from.
The main plot of the book is sweet and is nicely complimented by the sub plot. This story is basically a celebration of family and love. It’s sweet and both MCs are wonderful. Matt is an exceedingly understanding and compassionate person, and it’s pretty clear from the get go that he is exactly what Reed needs. Reed has trouble when it comes to trusting new people, even some people that he knows. He needs Matt, but as Matt makes perfectly clear, he needs Reed and that is what Matt intends to prove to Reed at Thanksgiving.
Really enjoyable, you can read Blue Moon first, but I preferred my accidental reading out of order. Whether read in order or not, there is an element of spoiling between books. But as you can see from my writing, I really enjoyed reading about Matt and Reed but hated the fact that Paul and Tony just left me hanging after they revealed their bombshell and toddled off.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Blue Moon Series: Scare This!, #2 Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Paranormal / Halloween Length: Short Story (44 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (November 1st, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5-3 Hearts Blurb: The ghost at my door claims to be my ex-boyfriend, back from the dead. Yeah, right.
Two years ago on October 31st, my world fell apart and I know it’ll never be fixed. No ghost can ease my broken heart and bring my boyfriend back to me. None. Now there’s a ghost at my door claiming to be Tristan. I don’t believe it. Ghosts don’t exist—or do they?
Have I mentioned it’s Halloween? I hate Halloween.
Review: Once upon a time, he was madly in love. He had dreams and a life filled to the brim with joy. He shared his favorite Halloween with his lover in their own special way, as it was their own special holyday. Once upon a time, he was a whole man.
Now Paul is merely going by each day trying to go by each day without his beloved. Now he simply exists without any plans for a future that was taken away from him rather brutally. Now his special holiday is his bane… Tristan is dead and never coming back no matter how much he wishes it. No one can change reality after all…
First thing I noticed about this book is the storytelling. How smooth the language flows and how easily I got the feeling that I just inserted Paul’s mind (our MC). However, though the writing style was smooth, I didn’t feel the pain or the grand emotions I thought I ought to feel. How weird is that? I ought to feel the shock and pain and distrust emanating from Paul, right? Wrong! I completely missed them and that was a bit disappointed, but trust me when I say that the final line in the first chapter had me popping up goose-bumps all over and have my jaw hanging open for a couple of minutes, because that was the moment when shock hit me big time. Sadly, it didn’t last long.
Tristan’s PoV – the other MC aka the ghost – the very next chapter came and with it brought so much more on the plate. Enter the paranormal world where not only ghosts but also demons and angels, Heaven and Hell exist too. Basically, this is a deal-with-the-devil-gone-wrong story set in the Halloween period. I’m still confused about the deal with Halloween here but I won’t delve much on that.
There is one big problem with this story for me; you have this guy whose lover died and suddenly said lover is standing right in front of him telling him that he’s real and that they should start celebrating Halloween… And here I am thinking, “F#@$ Halloween mate, the dead lover is freaking back. HELLO!!!! Either go on a mental crisis already or screw his brains out, what celebration and what Holiday?”
And while I’m not much of a drama reader (I detest it truth be told) I kept thinking that Paul ought to have had a complete meltdown crying and screaming and grabbing at his dead lover with such fierceness that he might have endangered his well being, if of course you could do that to a ghost. Is my way of thinking wrong..? Don’t answer that!
Anyhow, there is some little drama but it’s always meshed up with the “you have to believe and like Halloween again” thingy, confusing the hell out of me for the biggest part of the read.
But beside the plot that was somewhat disappointing, because I totally expected the demon to show up and make a Hellish scene and that didn’t happen, this is not your ordinary Halloween story. Yes, it’s set on the holiday, but it felt as if the setting was just a prop, as if it was there just for the sake of making this plot a bit more credible. And as love-stories go by, I’ve certainly read better ones. Not that this wasn’t sweet and hot, or passionate even, but I just felt the lack of that once in a lifetime/forever ever after love that this was meant to be.
Bottom end if you expect a high-tension Halloween dramatic love-story my personal opinion is that this will disappoint you. But if you don’t mind a bit of a slower in intensity, and sweeter in general terms love-story with the “even Death shan’t take us apart” theme, then go ahead, and knock yourself out, this is definitely the story for you.
Blurb: Trace has almost everything he wants—a great job and a well-ordered life, but he’s ready for more—the right guy to share it with. A chance meeting after a hockey game with the man of his dreams spurs him on to turn to the one source he knows will help him out—Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service.
Jeremy can’t forget the difficult childhood and subsequent bad decisions he made while trying to forget it. He wants the gorgeous air traffic controller, but he’s afraid his past will get in the way like it always does. If all Madame Eve can give them is one night…he’ll take it.
With Eve’s help, can the men forge the relationship they both want, or will they crash and burn?
Review: Megan has a wonderful gift of storytelling. I loved this story however wished it was a lot longer in length.
Trace has everything he ever wanted except that one special man. He had met Jeremy at a hockey game but had lost his number, so with the help of Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service he can reconnect with the very sexy and hot man he had seen. Jeremy had had a difficult life, with lots of pain and confusion in it. He just wanted a chance to find that perfect man for him. They were falling in love and what a wonderful way to go. The sex is amazing and very hot.
I loved this story and will be putting it on my holiday list of continued reads.
Miles Hornish has seen it all—men, women, ménages…, but none of them makes the grade. No, this self-made real estate magnate wants one person to share his wealth, his bed, and his platinum handcuffs. No one seems to fit the bill—except his limo driver, Fynn. But Miles has issues in his past. Will Fynn be enough to help Miles overcome his past?
Fynn Gold likes his job chauffeuring Miles. What’s not to love? Witnessing encounters in the back of the limo and being the one person Miles can trust…it’s a dream job. Except Fynn wants more with Miles than endless miles on the road. He wants to be the only person in those shiny handcuffs. Can Fynn convince Miles he’s ready to be more than just a driver?
Sometimes it takes the right pairing to make love work out right.
Review: This book was quite interesting, to say the least.
It had the pleasure one gets from the BDSM scene and the love from two men who want each other with all of the heart. It was told with a bit of flair, that made it a truly wonderful read. It didn’t have the plot, per se, that one would expect in a book that I would normally read, but one that was just trying to get the love they wanted and needed and the understanding of what happens between a Dom and a sub.
Each character has the strength in their beliefs, but they also have the tenderness and fear that they won’t be what the other needs. They are each scared to believe the love they have can be more than they desired. The sex between them is hot and full of passion and desire. Their feelings come out in this story in such a way that you can feel them with each page you turn. I usually love stories that are longer but this story had everything in it. Beautifully told with just the right tone made it one of my favorite short stories. I am glad that I had the chance to read it, and look forward to reading in more.
If you love characters that come alive, and the love builds stronger each day with a touch of BDSM then you will love this story.
Blurb: Opposites can attract and sometimes come together with explosive results.
Ryan Malone punts for the Dragons and likes his life as an art restorer. Love isn’t in his game plan—unless Paul Toth is involved. They’ve known each other forever but have never taken the next step. Ryan’s not sure if Paul can accept his kinky needs. All it takes is one chance to see if sparks will fly.
Paul’s ready and willing to snag the sexy punter. He doesn’t care what team Ryan plays for as long as he’s got Ryan at night. But Ryan’s holding something back. Can Paul unlock whatever he’s hiding before their burgeoning affair gets struck down by penalties?
Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Out of Bounds anthology by Total-E-Bound
Review: This is the last part of a fun little series set in the football world of the Griffons and done by this author as well as Cheryl Dragon and Stephanie Burke. One of the things I loved about this series, it gave me two of the things I love most in reading, sports and hot guys. This story was as well written as the others, and continued with the amazing cast of supporting characters.
In this story, not only do opposites attract but also opposing teammates are attracted to each other. We met Paul as part of the workings in “Making the Pass”, as he pushed Aiden and Jack together, gets his story here. He has longed for and lusted after Ryan, the punter for the Griffons worst rivals, the Dragons. Ryan has had the same feeling as Paul, but just like Paul, he doesn’t pursue a relationship because Paul is on that other team. Ryan also has a side to him that he’s not sure someone like Paul would be able to handle. He’s a dominant in bed, and love to play with toys. In fact, some of his best fantasies have been using his toys on Paul. And a past relationship has put Ryan in fear of ever leaving himself open for being hurt again.
Jack and Aiden goad Paul into finally taking the chance and going after Ryan. Ryan think he has his heart well protected and can take the hit if Paul runs when he finds out about Ryan’s kink. Surprise, Paul has a natural submissive side. Things are taken to another level when Ryan admits to his kink and Paul decides to take the chance and see if he can handle what Ryan dishes out. Ryan’s faith in his ability to read a lover and his insecurities keep him from wanting to commit fully, but Paul has no problem with saying I love you almost from the first.
Along the way Ryan is injured to the point where he can no longer play football, will that affect the way Paul feels about him? It did to his last lover, Duke. Duke was about the lime light and money that Ryan had because of his career in the NFL and put up with the kink because of that. Then when Ryan and Paul have their first scene, complete with spanking, nipple claps etc., Paul enjoys it but freaks afterwards because he did enjoy it and leaves. Ryan decides that he has to be true to himself, even if that means no Paul in his life.
I enjoyed watching the two of them work their way into the loving relationship they both wanted and needed. Paul realized he needed to give up control and Ryan helped him to understand that what happened between them was okay, because it was just between them.
This was well written, making it easy to see how the relationship worked between the two of them. The sex, while kinky and hot, was more about the trust and love working between the men. I would love the authors to visit this world again, and to write more stories about the Griffons football team.
Daniel Tate knew he’d walked out on a one in a million man, but some things are better dealt with alone. Leaving Kel meant losing his heart. He’s conquered his demons. Now he’s out to prove to Kelsey why being together is so much better than living on their own. When Kelsey Schriver’s life fell apart, the last person he expected to come to his aid was his former sub. Their past burned bright, then snuffed out too fast for Kelsey. Is the past something he can forgive or something he can’t surmount?
Review: While this little short story is called Living on MY Own it follows a couple that are basically tired of doing just that.
Daniel messed it up big time when he chose booze of the love of his life and his perfect Dom five years ago. Now fate is giving him one last chance to try to get back not what he had, but more.
Kelsey was seriously hurt when his relationship with Daniel crashed five years ago, but his insecurities and sense of self-esteem got off the chart when his last boyfriend literally stepped over him. All that sense of control is slipping right of his fingers, and he’s tired of living on his own despite that being his favorite song.
When Daniel shows up in his life again, now changed and really sober, he finds it hard refusing the man. After all Daniel always, always got under his skin. But can he trust him with his heart again?
So, I didn’t like this story for many reasons. First it’s the fact that there are so many issues in one little short and there is no place for them to get sorted, thus there is the sense of things hanging around, things left unchecked and being rushed all over the place. I’m not a fan of fast forgiveness either and that didn’t help.
Then, there is the BDSM part. Now if you’ve followed my reviews you already know what a kinky person I am and how much I love a good BDSM. This was not good. There was total lack of that atmosphere a kink scene creates. It was hard connecting with the characters and thus their scenes left you not only detached, but I felt as if every stereotype of a bondage scene was recruited although not properly used. The spanking, the flogging, the “yes, Sir’s” all left me untouched. To add more pain, the thought “shut him the hell up” flooded my mind more than once when it came to Daniel. Talk about a pushy bottom and dear me, do I dislike the kind. Dear me, I got more invested emotionally when I wanted the character to finally shut up, than with the text and storyline. Not good, not good at all.
And a last reason I didn’t like the read was the love part and the reconciliation. We witnessed how good the pair was together sexually but the loving feelings were just out of reach. And when things finally got to the point of getting them all and the couple solving their problems, the entire plot got in there. The past, Daniels sobriety, Kel’s ex, their trusting issues, everything got in a tangled mess and in the end I really didn’t get it why on earth was Kel apologizing.
Anyway, you might or might not like the read, I’m too fussy when it comes to certain genres and this was not the read of my satisfaction.
Blurb: Vault for the gold or fall in love? What about both?
Dylan Parker wants nothing more than to win the gold. He’s worked on his vaults long and hard to be the best. And he is…until the best, Aiden Conrad, shows up at his gym. What’s a guy to do when the object of his affection also happens to be his stiffest competition?
Aiden’s no slouch when it comes to competition. He’s got more than a couple of medals under his belt, but finding love? That’s his one weakness. When he meets Dylan, all bets are off. Dylan might be damn good on the vault, but is he just as good in bed? Aiden’s next goal? Dylan.
Can these two hard-headed men find common ground and passion in each other’s arms or are they destined to fail in the biggest competition of all—the game of love?
Reader Advisory: This book contains lots of gymnastics fun, voyeurism, and hot sex in the locker room.
Review: I didn’t like this book for too many reasons. First of the blurb is in white contrast from the story itself. There is no competition between Dylan and Aiden at all. As a matter of fact, the story starts with Aiden approaching Dylan and telling him he’s thinking of joining their gym because he wants to be Dylan’s teammate. And Dylan always had admiration for Aiden because he is one of the best out there. Again no competition there at all, only instant lust and in the span of a month – that we didn’t witness- both of them have reached the point of deep feelings for each other even if no move has been made yet.
And that takes me to the pace and time frame for this book. The pace seems too frantic, the events between the pair happened in lighting speed, the time frame was hazy at best. There was no depth to the story; you couldn’t see the built of their friendship, partnership, and relationship. Thus, you couldn’t connect with either character that by the way was completely flat. Beside some “hurtful” past events in Dylan’s past we didn’t get much on their personality, who were they and so on.
Moving on, there was the issue of chemistry and the old classic telling that made it hard to feel them two. Both characters shared similar emotions. Both wanted each other, both were scared of their feelings, and both shared the same thoughts even. Between that and their intimate scenes that were as bland as they come, it felt as if I was reading a bad copy/paste over and over again. A big, big thing I disliked was the comparison of a certain sexual stance with submission and since the story had no kinky side in there, I couldn’t quite understand it why would that even be mentioned. And really, when too people like to have rough sex it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are possessive, I don’t get what one has to do with the other.
The plot was also a big reason I didn’t like this book. It was irrational in so many ways. At times, I felt like there had been more there, but was crudely cropped, chopped, and deleted so I was left with a text that jumped and leaped and the meaning didn’t fit. The dialogues made no sense and were often a contradiction of previous dialogues between the guys, adding to the feeling that there was a story behind the line that I’d somehow missed.
Speaking of irrational, the villain of this story (because every story needs a psychopath) made no sense at all to me. He wanted Aiden so he harassed Dylan – so far so good- but later on, he wanted Aiden so he beats the heck out of him sending him in the hospital… I suppose the author needed Aiden in the hospital so badly so that Dylan would have that kind of déjà vu, that the rationale behind it didn’t really matter. And dear me, a guy is in the ER badly injured, his mother and friend (because no one knew Dylan was the boyfriend in that damn hospital) go to check on him and visit, and the nurse said “Ten minutes then you’ll switch. Once we get him in a room, you’ll be able to stay longer. No monkey business.” I’m still rolling this over and over in my head to try to make some sense from it. The guy is barely conscious, badly hurt, friends and family are distressed and in agony to see he’ll be all right, what monkey business would there be for crying out loud?
So no, I didn’t like this one and I can’t recommend it.
Title: Together in Cedarwood
Title: One Night with You
Title: Wild Card
Title: Aim High
Title: Constant
Title: Home to Cedarwood
Title: Superhero
Title: Shifter’s Challenge
