Equation for Love by Fae Sutherland

13541296Title: Equation for Love

Series: N/A

Author: Fae Sutherland

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM (light)

Length: Novel (138 pages)

Publisher: Amber Allure (June 24th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Blurb: Sex + money shouldn’t = love, but since when does the heart follow any laws but its own?

Recent college graduate and mathematical genius Skye McCord is determined that this summer he’s going to do something he’s always wanted to try—living. And, as a scientist, he’s not leaving anything to chance. He’s got a new job in Las Vegas, a signing bonus burning a hole in his pocket, and what else does a brainy geek spend his money on but an education? But this time, it’s one of a carnal variety.

Liam Maddox isn’t your ordinary gay male escort—he’s actually gay, and he really loves his job. Especially when he meets his newest client. Skye’s cute and awkward and sort of odd, and when he informs Liam that he wants to hire him to teach him everything about being gay, well…Liam’s too intrigued to say “no.”

Except what starts as lighthearted lessons in sex and seduction quickly becomes more as Liam taps into a submissive side of Skye the young man never knew he had. Also, Liam’s never been this drawn to anyone before, and he’s beginning to wonder if he can walk away when their time is up. Or does happily-ever-after exist for someone like Liam with someone like Skye? 

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/EquationForLove.html

Review: It started fun, moved on to hot, escalated to super-hot, went on to freaking intense and made the big BAM with sweet declaration of love.

Dear Lord, no matter the stereotype and cliché plot of client rents boy, client falls in love with said rent-boy, rent-boy falls in love with client and so on, this book was still very, no extremely hot. You can practically inhale it in one go so fast it takes your breath away. A very fun plot, utterly enjoyable, funny characters in addition to smoldering hot and an easy ride of every sexual fantasy on the book, this story is that lighthearted kind you want when things are a bit gloomy.

Skye was such an adorable character and his involuntary reactions were funny to the point of tears. I loved him. Of course, the fact that he is a virgin when this story begins, hence the need for a pro, makes me doubt those feelings he has for Liam. I mean the first man he’s ever been with and he falls in love… of course he does. But although it’s not a very credible plot I couldn’t care less, I enjoyed it immensely.

As for Liam, well, damn. I just can’t resist a Dom that has a soft spot for “bratty subs.” He was, dear Lord, fantastic. The allure of that character is frightening indeed. And you know, the man who lost his job and went on escorting and then fell in love with his client, well, irresistible isn’t it?

Now the story is not extremely difficult here, there is not much of a plot either as the very notion behind it was that Skye went to Liam in order to learn how to have sex and therefore the scenes that follow are sex here and sex there and sex everywhere. And that’s the point and the purpose of this entire book. It reminds me of If It Flies which even if it’s newer in publication I managed to read first. There are too many similarities between the two.

So if you are in need of a light, sexy, and erotic read, full of guilty pleasures and a slight take on Dom/sub relations then you’ll probably enjoy this book a lot. I surely did. J

Something In the Way He Needs by Cardeno C.

SomethingintheWayHeNeedsLGTitle: Something In the Way He Needs

Series: Family Series 01

Author: Cardeno C.

Genre: Contemporary, Slight Kink

Length: Novel (220pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th February 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Police captain Asher Penaz’s staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and spartan apartment. He enjoys being the man in charge, and leather bars satisfy his need for dominance—so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.

The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, so Asher invites Daniel home. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. With all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. But if Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3599

Review: Asher loves being in control.  he loves having the power of being in charge; it suits him well in his job as a police captain and in his personal life as a Dom. But, Asher doesn’t understand the overwhelming need and attraction he has to the bumbling, lighthearted Daniel who has no structure and no direction in life. Daniel lives his life flitting from one job to another, one city to the next and loves it, but in his heart he is looking for someone to belong to. The two men meet and sparks fly.  They embark on a relationship that neither man really understands, and when the going gets tough will they be able to face it together or will uncertainly drive them apart?

God damn, Cardeno C., when you decide to break the mold you do it in a unique and brilliant way. Asher loves being a Dom.  He loves having the control of a sub’s pleasure, of giving them just what they need, but he has never met anyone that he has wanted for more than a night, until he meets Daniel. Daniel doesn’t have any real structure in his life.  He flit’s from one thing to the next looking for some place that he really belongs.  He enjoys life but is always searching, and he might have found what he is looking for in Asher.

This is a story that I never thought I would read; a Dom changing for his submissive.  A Dom changing because he found something he never even knew he was looking for. But, a Dom who nearly loses what means the most to him because of his own pig-headedness. Asher and Daniel are a fantastic couple. Daniel changes Asher without even realizing it and Asher introduces Daniel to something he never knew he would like. There’s a lot of give and take with both men finding what they really need, but neither man are actively trying.  They just naturally provide what the other needs, and whoo the sex is explosive. It isn’t all easy between them though, especially when Asher’s past rears its ugly head because of his insecurities, a simple touch of jealousy and lack of communication.

This is a story not to be missed if you love slight kink, a Dom who wakes up to his needs, a sweet man who likes a touch of dominance, a great story, brilliant characters and a very happy ending, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Hostile Takeover by EM Lynley

Title:  Hostile Takeover

Series:   N/A

Author:  E. M Lynley

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (September 28th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts-loved it

Blurb: Years ago, Chase Richards and Mathias Tobler fell in love while training for the US Olympic fencing team. Afterward, they even attended the same business school so they could be together. Then Chase left Mathias alone and heartbroken in Italy. But all of that is ancient history by the time Chase thunders back into Mathias’s safe, settled life with a business deal.

There’s no way Mathias is going to do business with Chase. He spent nine years picking up the pieces and has moved on in life—and love. But Chase won’t give up without a fight: he concocts a scheme to manipulate the market and take over the Tobler family business. If Mathias wants to save it, he’ll have to face off against Chase over crossed sabers.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3242

Reviewer:  Cat

Review: Chase dumped Mathias nine years before.  Mathias has finally moved on. At least, he thinks so. He was going to get married, until Chase comes back into his life and hurts him…yet again. Case, on the other hand, has never gotten over Mathias, never loved anyone else. He now has everything, but Mathias. He sees in the paper that Mathias is marrying a woman. He decides to set things in motion to try to win Mathias back, but things go even more wrong. I’ll let you read the book to see just how messed up this really gets!

I really liked this book, though I did have one major issue. It skipped way too much. One minute, it’s the past, then the future in Mathias view, then the past, then the future in Chases view or the past in Chase’s view. It got a bit confusing. However, it was necessary to read the past and it was very interesting.  I loved Chase and Mathias’s history. I just wish it had  went more in order like the past then  part two the future then we would have had an  5 star here. The story was riveting. Full of love angst and drama. What more could you want? Perhaps a happy ever after or happy for now ending? I won’t even hint. You will have to read the book and see and you won’t be sorry.  (I already warned you about the jumping about)

I recommend this book to anyone that loves, friends to lovers, business duels, (did I mention a real duel?) Sword fights, men in expensive suits, hot mansex (with men in and out of expensive suits). There is a woman, but the sex isn’t really mentioned much and it’s no threesome or anything, Bi sexual men, hmm did I leave out anything? How about a hot love story with lots and lots of drama! Oh blindfolds we mustn’t forget those!

Action by Liz Borino

Title: Action

Series: Ben’s Life 01

Author: Liz Borino

Genre: Contemporary, Slight BDSM, D/s

Length: Novella (80pgs)

Publisher: LazyDay Publishing (22 June 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When the bright lights and flashing cameras of Hollywood capture your every move, how can you fulfill your deepest desires? For Zack Greene, a formerly out-of-control actor, and Steve Michaels, the director who unearthed the heart of the man beneath the ego, it’s a constant struggle.

In public, Steve and Zack are the picture of professional partners. However, behind closed doors, their partnership is taken to a new level. They engage in a carefully constructed Dom/sub relationship that not only brings them pleasure, but keeps Zack from slipping back into his wild ways.

Their delicate balance is thrown askew when a producer on the show threatens to expose their lifestyle, while taking advantage of Zack in a moment of vulnerability. Will Steve be able to ease the pain and save the love they share? Or will they come apart when they need each other most?

*Warning: Light BDSM, D/s relationship, spanking, and hot m/m sex*

Purchase Link:

USA: http://www.amazon.com/Action-ebook/dp/B008DM1YOS/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1340359561&sr=1-5

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Action-ebook/dp/B008DM1YOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340363098&sr=1-1 

Review: Zack and Steve are a committed couple who love their D/s lifestyle. they live together and work together on a popular TV show, but problems begin to emerge when an out of control producer throws a spanner in the works and Zack’s parents unexpectedly turn up.

This is a really well written novella that takes us into a long-standing relationship and shows us the dynamics of a loving D/s relationship where discipline is needed to curb wild tendencies. Steve and Zack have been together for three years and everything is going well. They are both extremely happy with each other and love their D/s relationship. But, things start to unravel when Rich (the producer) sets his sights on Zack and causes trouble for the entire studio. Add that to Zack’s Mormon parents turning up and Zack needs a little more discipline and love than he has needed in a long while.

Zack is a slightly complex character, because of his upbringing and the actions he had to take. So when he finally got free, he went off the rails. Then, Steve enters into his life and gives him the stability that he so desperately needs. Now, three years later, Zack is more balanced, but still needs a firm hand and he still has moments of vulnerability. Steve is a dominating character, but is the perfect balance for Zack. He knows when Zack is pushing the boundaries and when Zack needs a comforting hand. Their D/s relationship is really well written and please don’t expect whips and chains…it isn’t that sort of D/s. it is more about control and guidance, and while there are punishments for misbehaving there is a touch of pleasure to the punishments.

The story line is really good and I really liked the secondary characters and the roles that they played, it added more depth to the main characters. The plot was great as well, a jealous out of control Dom who wants the sub and seems to lose his mind slightly, wanting to show Zack a real Dom, using his position to harass and manipulate the situation. Steve having his hands tied on how he can act and Zack having to overcome his fears and confronting his tormenter and wondering if he can trust his mother. Steve and Zack are immersed in their D/s roles and there are strict rules in place for Zack’s benefit. We also have an incredible sex life between them which is really hot and erotic. I love the way the D/s relationship was portrayed, showing us that not all BDSM is about pain.

So, I have to recommend this to those who love a loving D/s relationship, two men standing up for their love, a touch of angst, worry, misplaced guilt, hot sex and a happy ending.

 

 

 

Paging Dr. Scott By Rosina Scott

Title: Paging Dr Scott

Author: Rosina Scott

Genre: Contemporary, Mild Medical Kink

Length: Novella (146pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (16th June 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the eve of his annual medical, Darcy Reed visits his favorite club to calm his nerves. He wasn’t looking for love but finds more than he expected in the arms of his physician Dr Sheridan Scott.

Getting up close and personal is not what people expect when they go for their annual medical, but Darcy Reed has to try hard not to enjoy it too much. He has a thing for doctors and this year his medical is about to get interesting.

On the eve of his medical, he visits his favorite club in search of the mind-numbing release only alcohol can bring. Instead, he meets the enigmatic Sheridan Scott.

The chance encounter is only the beginning. Sheridan is a doctor and Darcy is about to get more than he bargained for when he goes for his physical. Darcy hasn’t had much luck in love. Will Sheridan be just what the doctor ordered?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/866/?zenid=3935f8e15251b025a50ee52a129629a2

Review: Darcy is worried about his physical the next day, so goes out for a drink to relax. There he meets a man who sparks his interest, the first man in eight long years. Sheridan is surprised when the man he nearly picked up the night before is his new patient and he quickly remedies the problems that might cause. Now Darcy and Sheridan begin a journey of discovery as they explore their fantasies.

This is a gentle novella that is a slow courtship for a man who has been hurt in the past. Darcy has been wary about men since his last relationship ended. But, now a new man has sparked his interest and his fantasies after eight long years. Sheridan has fantasies of his own and he imagines Darcy filling the role. But, he has to take it slowly with the sensitive younger man, as he has little experience and was hurt in his past relationship.

Well, what to say? This is a gentle love story where, from my point of view, Sheridan really did all the work, he gave a lot and pleased Darcy sexually and didn’t really get much in return. There was also a huge deal made out of Darcy having been hurt emotionally in his previous relationship, but, we weren’t given many details, just vague references. and those we did get, didn’t make me feel like it would take eight years to get over it. Darcy still being a virgin… well, that I can understand, he isn’t the type of man to give himself unless he is 100% sure of his partner. Sheridan was a sweetheart taking his time and courting Darcy until he was sure.

The sex between Sheridan and Darcy is really good, but it does feel solely one-sided until near the end and the kink is hot and has some bandage play. It isn’t heavy Medical play, just the very edges of it and is nicely done for a virgin. Both characters are well suited and this is a really nice love story.

So I will recommend this to those who want light kink, light medical play, a touching love story, some really hot sex and a happy ending.

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Duty by S. J. D. Peterson

Title: Beyond Duty

Author: S.J.D. Peterson

Genre: Military, DADT, Slight BDSM

Length: Short (28pgs)

Publisher: Goodreads M/M Romance Group & S.J.D. Peterson (4th June 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Part of the Goodreads M/M Romance group’s Love is Always Write event. Story Prompt

PHOTO DESCRIPTION: Sexy Marine sitting on the floor, shirtless with just fatigue pants, another sexy Marine leaning down with his hand resting on the other Marine’s lower stomach. Matching tattoos on their shoulders and upper arms.

STORY LETTER:

Dear Author,

He’s been in my life for two decades. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell ended too late for us as we were months from retirement. We spent so much of our lives in the closet, hiding our love that I worry if we can hold it together when we’re out. I’m scared of losing him. For me, he’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen still and I know he could get guys half my age without trying hard. Why would he stick with me now? But he always knows…he knows when I need him to center me—to remind me of what we have. We’re in it together to the end.

If an author selects this…I LOVE BDSM. Please, please…

Edited to clarify: I see the man facing forward as a sub and the other man as his Dom. They’ve had stolen moments over the years but never the time and privacy to truly explore their D/s needs at the level they have desired. Now they do since they have retired. I enjoy a little angst (no cheating) but definitely want a HEA. Moderate BDSM would work great. Author, up to you if you take this mind. Ultimately, author, if you pick this one I’ll be pleased no matter what you do to give my guys a story!

Sincerely,

Virginia

FREE STORY

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-beyondduty-820729-145.html

Review: Gunnery Sergeant Gunther ‘Gunny’ Duchene & Macalister ‘Mac’ Jones are both Marines who are coming up for retirement, now DADT is two months from being repelled and it gives Gunny an added worry that Mac will now go looking elsewhere as he no longer has to hide.

Oh, SJD.  give you a little prompt and two military men, and you pull up your big girl panties and come up with a right sparkling little gem. Gunny and Mac have been exclusive for the last ten years, after Mac had a brief brush with blackmail. But, now as they come to the end of their careers, Gunny is starting to panic a little and he has no idea why, until it hits him that Mac could have anyone he wanted now without having to hide. Mac has a different idea about what will happen with their retirement, but he notices a change in Gunny and gives him what he needs most, together they can both lay their fears to rest.

A very well written short story that amazingly shows the needs and fears of Gunny very well (I mean amazingly because it’s so short, not because of the writing or anything like that 😉 ). Gunny has been coasting along very well for the last twenty years having Mac as his best friend and f**k buddy; although for the last ten it has been exclusive. But, now as the time of their retirement approaches he is beginning to panic as he realizes that retirement means Mac could go off in his own way and find someone new. This I found to be a very angsty part as Gunny is too scared to broach the subject with Mac and it was very telling that Gunny never even thought about himself looking elsewhere even before his revelation. Mac has his own plan and that plan very much includes Gunny, but as Gunny is a bit off kilter, Mac decides to help him clear his head with a little light bondage.

So, all in all…a really good short that was worth every penny. Oh hang on, it was free. Okay, so it was still really good and it has a very good selection of emotions that Gunny works through. The sex is mega hot, the slight BDSM is very well portrayed and carried out well, and Gunny final sees his relationship with Mac for what it really is. Mac is a very sure character, there wasn’t any doubt in his mind what he wanted, and I just don’t think he ever realized that Gunny was unsure of him.

Well, hot sexy military men, a touch of BDSM, some angst, a sharing of feelings and a happy ending what more could you want in a book? It’s free as well… fine, it’s a great story that you really get into if you read the blurb/introduction, as that gives you a good mind-set as to the main characters state of mind. I highly recommend that you read this story because it will have something for everyone.

 

 

 

Finding Eden by Scarlet Blackwell

Author: Scarlet Blackwell

 Series: Clear Water Creek Chronicles 04

Publisher: Silver Publishing (May 5th, 2012)

Length:103 pages novella

Genre: Contemporary

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Reviewer : Cat

Blurb: Eden Gray is traumatized from his rape eighteen years earlier and the part Sean Keller played in it isn’t easy to forget. Eden goes from happy to desperate within minutes, never sure how long a good mood will last. But he knows that he loves Sean with all his heart and wants to lay his ghosts to rest permanently.

Sean feels the same way. He treads on eggshells around Eden, afraid for his mental health and mindful of his suicide attempts. He has a hard time dealing with his guilt, and hates that it overshadows his love for Eden more often than not.

Something needs to happen to let them connect and bond permanently and bring them into the light…

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/841/

Review Finding Eden is a very well-written and character driven love story. Such a gripping and heartfelt story of two men with secrets in their past and a love/hate relationship that is to die for.

In Finding Eden, we follow Sean and Eden after Eden’s trial for murdering Paul, Sean’s best friend.  We also find out that it isn’t the happy-ever-after we had thought we got from Into the Light, the first book. Eden still hasn’t adjusted well and after he killed Paul is even more distraught. Sean is handling Eden the best he can with love and attention, but Eden’s mood swings are about more than even Sean can deal with. Sean even sometimes still worries that Den hasn’t forgiven him.

Even after finding out Sean’s involvement in Eden’s rape eighteen years before, I can’t help but just fall for Sean. Eden, even after all he has been through, I’d really like to slap the crap out of him. So, does Eden finally heal? Do Sean and Eden finally make their relationship work? Is Sean’s love for Eden worth giving up his career and home? I am not telling. You will have to read the book. I promise you will want to read the first three, too, so might as well buy them all now.

I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves a very intense romantic love story. Several twists and turns, really hot sex scenes, a little light BDSM , men in uniform, and very well put together characters.  I just swoon for Sean.

Play It Again, Charlie by R. Cooper

Title:  Play it again Charlie

Series:  N/A 

Author:  R. Cooper

Genre:   M/M contemporary

Length:  869 KB

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (April 19, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts-loved it

Blurb:   After an accident left him broken in body and spirit, Charlie Howard retired from the police force to teach at a community college. Life has taught him that he’s unlikely to get what he wants, so he’s stopped asking. Instead, he hides from the world in the apartment complex he manages. After all, no one can leave him if he doesn’t let anyone in.

Will, a sexy, classic-film-loving twink, moves into the apartment across from him and—to Charlie’s surprise—makes it clear that he’d like nothing more than to hole up with Charlie and get kinky. Will has no problem expressing what he wants in bed or out of it, but he’s never dated anyone long-term, and Charlie isn’t sure Will’s ready for anything serious.

Charlie is a serious kind of guy. He wants Will and everything a relationship could mean, even if he doesn’t have any experience in that scene—even if that makes him vulnerable. As they grow closer, Charlie realizes that it’s time to start asking for what he wants, and if he wants to be happy, he’ll have to risk everything and ask Will to stay.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2885

Reviewer:   Artemis

Review:  Charlie had to retire from the police force due to a severe car accident that left him scarred, both emotionally and physically.  He has to deal with chronic pain as well as the pressure of being ‘the rock’ for his slightly chaotic family.  He teaches Criminal Justice at the local community college and manages his family’s apartment complex.  He is a take charge kind of guy, but suffers from a little bit of a self-esteem problem.

He finds himself falling fast and hard for a very sexy and flamboyantly gay tenant named Will.  Will is giggly and looking for fun, but also sweet and wanting a bit of a father figure.  Charlie’s insecurities refuse to allow him to believe that Will could possibly want him for a long-term relationship.  He doesn’t want to tie Will down and sees his injury and a decade age difference a huge weight on the relationship.   There is an incredible amount of heat and passion to their relationship and also a lot of tenderness, but Charlie and Will have some MAJOR lack of communication issues to overcome.   Charlie doesn’t mind playing ‘daddy’ (even in the bedroom!), but needs to know he doesn’t have to be strong all the time.  Will is just as eager to take care of Charlie, but isn’t always sure how since they don’t talk much about it.

The sex between Charlie and Will is sweet and passionate, with a little bit of light BDSM that is totally realistic and well written.  You really get to know each one of these characters and there isn’t a huge angsty plot to deal with…just the realities of a developing relationship, with all of the ups and downs that are involved.   Sometimes, I got a bit lost in the dialogue and for some reason I felt like I got to know Charlie better than I got to know Will.  I got frustrated a number of times with their lack of communication skills, but isn’t that just like a guy?  Despite these minor flaws it was a very enjoyable read and I will be looking for more by this author!

The Viking in My Bed by Jan Irving

Title: The Viking in My Bed

Series: Lightning Strikes  01

Author: Jan Irving

Genre: Gay MM/ Time-travel/ Bondage/BDSM

Length: Novella (94 pg)

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing (April 2nd, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb: Book one in the Lightning Strikes Series

Wise-talking college student Bailey Moore saves his romantic side for the historical romances he’s secretly addicted to—until he wakes up crushed under six foot plus of sexy, aroused ancient Viking.

Bailey Moore is a cynical, wise-talking college student who saves his mushy, romantic side for the historical romances he’s addicted to, until he wakes up crushed under six feet three inches of aroused Viking warrior.

At first he takes Freyr Grímsson as a glorious odd ball obsessed with Medieval role playing-down to his rough hewn sword, but Frey insists Bailey is his guide in this new world and when Bailey is attacked by a mysterious creature, he’s convinced that he and Frey have to wage a battle to drive evil forces off campus. But when his Viking conquers him in bed, Bailey is afraid Frey will also lay claim to his secret, vulnerable heart.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of a light D/s nature.

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1605

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Let me just start by saying how very disappointed I am from this book. Reading the title The Viking in My Bed and the blurb I truly got excited and couldn’t wait till I got it on my hands. But you know what they say: Don’t get your expectations too high…

So let’s see. Bailey is a college student, he studies… God knows, that has to do with graphics? Yes! His professor (she’s also a big bad demon wannabe) gives him some old Celtic graphs to study and while Bailey’s playing with them he creates a summoning portal!!! But he doesn’t know it so the next morning he wakes up with big, horny Viking licking his… arm! Telling him that he want to make him his… woman!!! Bailey, although shocked, takes it in the stride believing it must be a joke from his friends due to his birthday. And while Freyr (the Viking) apparently knows no other way of communication beside roaring and bellowing that Bailey is “the guide” and he is “the guardian” and big bad things are coming after them (no reason on why all that is happening is given btw), BFF Candy shows up to calm things down by… grooming Freyr, conditioning and cropping his hair.  So they get convinced that Freyr’s the real thing by his nasty scars. Now, except Freyr, there are other creatures coming after them from the void… The guardian fights and keeps the guide safe. Bailey learns that his professor manipulated him into creating the portal so she could be possessed by the Whisperer and then control his powers.  So ultimately what guardian/guide needs to do, is go get the graphic, reopen the portal, send demons/guardian back and all clear. And here is my best part so far. All this happen during one day time. Freyr, of course, makes Bailey his woman and conquers him by… spanking him!! Oh, and Bailey falls for Freyr, cause Freyr made him look him in the eyes while they were lovemaking!!!The D/s scenes that we were being warned about, yeah!! I  So after falling in love with Freyr, Bailey has no intention of letting him go. He and his friends make up a plan and armed with Molotov cocktails, they go after the professor… Well, the end, it is after all a love story!!!

All in all, I was expecting an adventure and didn’t get one. I was expecting some hot sexual scenes and didn’t get any. II wish there had been more of a love story, if nothing else. In one word I found the book lacking!

Pixie’s Two Cents:   ♥♥♥2.5Hearts  This is a humorous take on time-traveling Vikings and the love of good historicals. Bailey discovers that there are things that really just can’t be explained and finding a Viking in his bed is definitely one of them.  Having that Viking declare him his guide is another and having evil come after him is the last straw. Frey has been summoned by the guide and it is his job to fight the evil and he decides to make Bailey his ‘woman’ (yeah, I know, but he’s a sexy Viking so I’ll give him some leeway).

I really do believe that this is more tongue in cheek, let’s have a giggle type of story from Frey’s over the top Viking tendencies, to Candy’s (Bailey’s friend) insisting on conditioning Frey’s hair, to the mention of re-enacting scenes in a Johanna Lindsey book. It’s not all smiley fun though, because Bailey has to face up to the fact that he was tricked and betrayed by a long-time family friend who is power mad and he doesn’t get the nice and tidy evil oh no his is the slimy, stinky evil with razor-sharp teeth and claws.

So in all honesty I will recommend this to those who want a light-hearted read that will have you giggling and laughing, with a slight poke at the more serious time-traveling Vikings, with lots of hot sex between a hot Viking and his ‘woman’ (sorry I just love that), some very slight kink and a happy ending for them all.

 

 

 

The Storyteller By Blaine D. Arden

Title:  The Storyteller

Series:   Storm Moon Press Free Reads

Author:  Blaine D. Arden

Genre:   Fantasy, Mild BDSM

Length:  Short story

Publisher:  Storm Moon Press

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥41/2Hearts

Blurb:   Banished by his family, young, blind aristocrat Oleg finds there are advantages of living isolated with just his tutor for company. But the perfect day said tutor, Neiam, planned for them, Oleg’s father seems hell bent on ruining.

Product Link:  http://stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Storyteller.aspx

Reviewer:   J.

Review: 
The Storyteller is another wonderfully written story with a little extra towards the end. More of the B&D and S&M themes but not in a way where it’s all the usual “whips and chains” but an understanding between Neiam and Oleg. It’s interesting how the term “pet” comes to mind in this and how it’s used in a term of endearment. Overall, I also enjoyed this story writing which wasn’t all about fluff and sweetness. Then I read the biography and saw that the author is from the Nederlands so that made all sense. Europeans are more sexually open and tend to go for the gut of things without the sappiness that some American writers go for. I did like that ideal that these two characters trust each other and that their relationship stays constant even after the more kinkier edges.

I’d give this story an A- for its depth (father and the relationship between the two) and that realness in the story (two friends, lovers, exploring each other in safe boundaries).