Hiya peeps! We have Angel Martinez stopping by today with the tour for her new release A Fine Mess, we have a brilliant interview with Shax, a great excerpt, a fantastic $25 Mischief Corner Books GC giveaway and we also have Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Mel~
A Fine Mess
(Brimstone 07)
by
Angel Martinez
Beware the demon prince who’s sick and tired of running.
Federico Duomo is dead, to begin with. But this is only the first bit of Shax’s problems resolved. Powerful crime lords and an obscenely wealthy oligarch are still determined to destroy him and his crew, and Fluffy’s original owner may be coming after the Brimstone now, too. It would be splendid to be able to take on one thing at a time.
Adding to the external conflicts, life on board the Brimstone has only grown increasingly stranger. Shax has no idea what to do with the seven partly human children that Heckle rescued from slavers. Heckle himself has grown short-tempered, even with Mac. Someone from Julian’s past catches up to them on Barbary. It’s enough to put a demon off his cinnamon buns.
Shax isn’t panicking, though. In fact he’s had it up to his handsome royal nose with the people he loves having to live in constant fear. The fox has turned at bay and the Brimstone’s enemies are in for a shock. The demon prince of thieves is coming for them.
Blurb: .With his career firmly established and his reputation as a successful PI growing, Hades should have the perfect life with his human lover, his faithful ferryman, his dogs and the parts of his family still speaking to him. But murder and chaos are never far away for death lords as his nephew Dionysus and his oldest friend Charon are drawn into the maelstrom.
Includes: Books, Bulls, & Bacchanals: Brandywine Investigations #4 Midwinter Dancing: Brandywine Investigations #4.5 Pack Up the Moon: Brandywine Investigations #5
Please note: Books, Bulls & Bacchanals has been re-edited with a few story adjustments for this edition.
I really enjoyed this murder mystery with Dio and Leander. The two of them are so different yet have similar issues to work through. Leander’s back story is heartbreaking to say the least. Dio is just a delight all around.
Wonderful story with plenty of mystery and some hot action between Dio and Leander.
Midwinter Dancing
I personally did not care for this story about Artemis and Ing. First it’s female, female which I do not care for. Second it did not feel complete. It cuts off shortly after the two meet.
*Pixie*~~ It’s a short or more like an interlude where Ing, who believes in the old Gods because of her Grandmothers stories, stumbles across some young ladies dancing in the snow. Ing who feels out of place in her own family feels an immediate connection to Artemis.
It’s a cute short, too short to give much more than a ‘I liked it’, it would be interesting to see if a more fleshed out story of Artemis and Ing was in the future.
Pack Up the Moon
In this story Charon, the ferryman, plays a starring role as well as Azeban, the raccoon lesser god. Azeban is forced to do an ancient beings bidding. There is no way out that he can see until Charon takes an interest. Once the plan is revealed it will take a miracle or two to thwart the god’s plan.
I loved this story. Suspense, mayhem, love and learning to trust others. Azeban and Charon made a hot couple.
I really enjoyed most of the stories in this book. Each one added an extra layer of mystery to the overall feel except for the second book. All it added was two extra characters. Aside from that the investigations were done brilliantly. The conclusions to each case were awesome.
Blurb: When humans forsake the temples, the gods need to find other employment. Hades opens Brandywine Investigations after his divorce and his subsequent move to the modern world. If he was hoping for boring infidelity cases and lost dogs, he’s sorely mistaken as murder and mayhem find his agency and his extended family at an astonishing rate.
Please note: The stories in this omnibus have been reedited, and expanded by about 18K (total). The majority of the expansions were in No Enemy But Time.
Hades is given devastating news and so looks for something else in his life. He decides to open a P.I business called Brandywine Investigations. A few murders has him thinking they are connected and so starts looking for clues. He runs across Tiberius, Ti, right after one murder. Ti is a homeless man just looking for a place to sleep but his world is turned upside down when introduced to Hades’ world. I liked the story but at times felt Hades’ character was off somehow. Ti for his part was an alcoholic battling life and all that entails. The two work together to figure out the case.
No Enemy But Time
This is a story with Zack, God of the hunt and Hades son, and Michael. There are Fallen Angels going mad in the city and the consequences are deadly. It is up to Brandywine Investigations along with Zack’s help to find out what is going on. The problem is Michael begins to show the same signs as the other fallen angels did. Zack is in for a fight to save the man he loves. While I did not connect with the MC’s I did enjoy the story.
Dragons, Diamonds & Discord
This story is about Hermes and a dragon who steals his jewellery. But it’s way more complicated than that as it turns out it was not his doing. Chocked full of suspense and chaos this story packs a punch when it is revealed as to what is really going on.
I really liked these stories. They are all connected so it is best to read them in order. I liked the couples as well as the side characters. The mix of Greek mythology was a definite bonus for me. I especially liked the end when all the books are tied in together.
Publisher: Mischief Corner Books (8th December 2018)
Heat Level: Nil
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Javier Fernandez is a climate scientist living in a research station near the South Pole. Since his husband was killed in a car crash, he’s preferred to be alone, and is less than thrilled to have a junior scientist thrust upon him by his rich patron.
Col Steele is a trans man fleeing a bad break-up. He is ready for the next step in his career, and eager to spend Christmas anywhere but at home.
When a crack in the ice separates the two men from safety, they are forced to come to terms with their own losses and each other.
Review: Slow Thaw is not the book for you if you’re looking for instant passion and sex; it’s a story for those who love an interesting storyline mixed with two men facing an intense situation and discovering their feelings for each other.
Col Steele is excited by the opportunity to work with Javier Fernandez, spending the next six months on the Ross Ice Shelf at Bettencourt Station is a dream come true. It also comes at a time when he really wants to get away from spending Christmas alone. But Javier is gruff and abrupt, and Col has no intention of letting the man walk all over him.
Javier has buried himself away at Bettencourt Station for the last two/three years (depending on which sentence you read); the loss of his husband still haunts him and working constantly is a relief. Dealing with research scientists is his burden to bare and with a new one coming in he’s dreading the man’s behaviour/attitude. But he gets a surprise when Col proves to be helpful and useful, but memories haunt him as Col reminds him of his husband.
This is a really great story that while set around Christmas time isn’t a Christmas story, it’s a story about finding love in terrible circumstances, and of a reminder of what we humans are doing to this world.
The descriptions of the setting is astounding, you can easily picture the ice shelf, of a terrible crack racing towards you as the ice shelf breaks apart, the stunning view of something that has been around for hundreds of thousands of years as it succumbs to human idiocy. It really is breath-taking how J. Scott Coatsworth can transport you into his settings with just a few well-placed words.
The story is set over a short period of time so it’s the beginning of a relationship between Col and Javier, there’s no meeting of the eyes across the ice and falling into each other’s arms, no it’s a small bud of attraction that could become so much more.
I will admit that I would love to see this story developed and expanded on, it would be amazing to read about Col and Javier and the difficulties they’d face as they help to save the ice shelfs.
I recommend this to those who love stories that have challenges for our MC’s, who adore stories where love is a future promise, who love well written storylines and the barest glimpse of happiness for two men who have had difficult experiences.
Hi guys! We have J. Scott Coatsworth stopping by today with the tour for his new release Slow Thaw, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic $20 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Slow Thaw
by
J. Scott Coatsworth
Javier Fernandez is a climate scientist living in a research station near the South Pole. Since his husband was killed in a car crash, he’s preferred to be alone, and is less than thrilled to have a junior scientist thrust upon him by his rich patron.
Col Steele is a trans man fleeing a bad break-up. He is ready for the next step in his career, and eager to spend Christmas anywhere but at home.
When a crack in the ice separates the two men from safety, they are forced to come to terms with their own losses and each other.
Contemporary, Near Future SF, Holiday, Romance, Gay, Trans
Hi guys, we have Toni Griffin popping in today with her new release Corey’s Christmas Bundle, we have a great excerpt and you can check out the other books in the Mischief Corner Books A Holiday to Remember Collection, and there’s an amazing giveaway where you can win 2x $25 MCB gift cards or there’s 2x rainbow beanies to win so check out the post, enter the giveaway and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Corey’s Christmas Bundle
(Atherton Pack 05)
by
Toni Griffin
Being pregnant is not all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you’re male and a shifter. Even though the world now knows about wolf shifters, their male’s ability to bare young is still a closely guarded secret. Since Corey’s pregnancy is now visible, he’s been stuck at home working on code and waiting for company to drop by. Problem is, though, the human government wants to know where Corey is.
As Christmas and Corey’s due date draw ever nearer, Ben devises a plan that will not only get Corey out of the house, but allows the wolves of Atherton Pack to give the community some Christmas cheer.
Hi guys, we have Freddy MacKay popping in today with his new release Watermelon Kisses, we have a great excerpt and you can check out the other books in the Mischief Corner Books A Holiday to Remember Collection! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Watermelon Kisses
by
Freddy MacKay
Life hasn’t been easy for Amir since he fled Iran after a brutal imprisonment. The trauma experienced at the hands of the guards left a dark spot on his soul. The one constant in his life since relocating to Chicago has been his lover—now husband—Esmail, whose steadfast love and support has soothed his wounded heart.
But this Shab-e Yalda, Amir wants to be the one giving his husband something special, because even after the darkest nights, the sun will rise again.
Review: Dwyn lives in a small isolated village, the life ahead of him is set out before him by his father, the Minstor, and it’s not one he is particularly looking forward to. When strangers come to town telling of foul snows and a destroyed town he has no clue as to what choices he will have to make or how his actions could change the future.
Mael and his friends are fleeing Land’s End and the terrible storms that follow them, when they finally reach a small village it’s with a sense of relief but they soon feel trepidation when they learn that their religious beliefs differ so vastly. Catching the eye of the Minstor’s son Mael has to be careful, they desperately need supplies, and the Minstor has an ever watchful eye on them.
This is a wonderful story that I found to be refreshing, it is set in post-apocalyptic Canada (roughly) and the surviving humanity live in small villages with repopulation first most in the elders minds. In Dwyn’s village relationships can only be between man and woman so they can have children, in Mael’s village relationships between same sex couples (heartmates) are accepted as long as they also have someone to have children with (breedmate). Now I can’t say if there were bisexual ménage relationships in Mael’s village, the story doesn’t cover that as it’s focused on the few people we meet in this story and we only get to know a handful of survivors from Mael’s village… so maybe there were but we just don’t meet them.
J. Scott Coatsworth has worked his magic again with the way that his words turn into visions in your mind, his world building is exceptional, dragging you into a scenes that have a simple old world feel to them. I will admit you can easily forget that there was a society with advanced technology that was wiped out until circumstances remind you; it’s quite a powerful bit of world building.
Dwyn & Mael’s relationship is kinda insta-love, but to be honest it fits the story. They have a limited time before Mael has to leave and Dwyn is desperate for more than the life that’s laid out for him, so the circumstances condense their feelings into a short timeframe making them more intense.
The storyline is brilliant, not only do with have an impending sense of doom of a forced marriage, a devastating snow storm and a mysterious spirit but we also have Dwyn’s internal struggle as he battles between what he really wants and what his father demands.
I recommend this to those who love back to basic post-apocalyptic stories, a flash romance that becomes the stuff of legends and a great story that entertains to the last page.
Hi peeps, we have This Wish Tonight anthology and it’s authors Gregory L. Norris, J. Scott Coatsworth and Wendy Rathbone stopping by for a visit today. We have some great excerpt for you to peek at and we have Lisa’s review. So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
This Wish Tonight
by
Gregory L. Norris, J. Scott Coatsworth & Wendy Rathbone
Warmth, family, good cheer? Not everyone associates these things with the winter holidays. For some, it’s a time of longing and reflection. Mischief Corner Books invites authors to create stories set during the holiday season and centered on the fulfillment of a wish or desire.
Fear of Fire by Gregory L. Norris
Glass Artist Lucius Price works desperately to create a holiday symbol intended to help the town of Villatopia heal from a rash of unsolved hate crimes against gay men. When he is targeted next and his studio set ablaze, handsome firefighter Oscar Ramos rescues Lucius from the flames, creating a different kind of fire during an unforgettable Christmas.
Wonderland by J. Scott Coatsworth
Zeke is a loner his late forties, living in a small cabin in rural Montana. Nathan has been traveling across country on foot since the zombie apocalypse, dealing with his OCD in an empty world. Zeke just wants someone to love. Nathan just wants to be home again.
Fate brings them together in a winter wonderland, but their own fears and baggage may tear them apart.
Is there still hope for love at Christmas, at the end of the world?
Eve of the Great Frost by Wendy Rathbone
Remi has prepared for over a year to be the king’s gift at the annual celebration of the Eve of the Great Frost on the planet Niobe. Twelve men, taught under the tutelage of the Pleasure Master, hope to be the one (or one of several) chosen to spend an erotic night with the mysterious alien king who always wears a mask. But when Remi’s turn comes to be presented to His Majesty, everything goes wrong from a costume malfunction to breaking protocol. What happens next is a shock, and a night he will never forget
Hi peeps, we have Toni Griffin stopping by today with her newest release Kieran, the fourth book in her Atherton Pack series, we have an exclusive excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Kieran
(Atherton Pack 04)
by
Toni Griffin
“You need to go to Atherton,” they said. Easy for them. The higher-ups at headquarters don’t have their whole world on the line. When Detective Damon Kelly’s bosses send him across the state on a “simple” cyber fraud case, he never thinks he’d meet his mate, then risk losing Kieran by doing his job. No matter what other possible angles Damon works, his partner Grant Davis is sure Kieran’s best friend Corey’s their guy, and Grant is bent on bringing him in.
After the birth of their Alpha’s son, the Atherton Pack needs another beta. Kieran Baxter couldn’t be happier to accept. What Kieran doesn’t expect is for all hell to break loose his first week on the job. Clashing with his mate at every turn, and fighting a human cop who wants to arrest Corey for hacking a government database, wasn’t part of the plan either.
As more evidence piles up, a bigger, scarier picture comes into focus that could threaten not only the Atherton Pack, but everything the world knows.
Hiya guys, we have the flash fiction Anthology Flight popping in today, I’d like to say with it’s authors but there’s 110 of them so… no LOL but we do have an excerpt (one of the stories) for you to enjoy, we also have some awesome artwork from the book and my review. So guys check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
A 300-word story should be easy, right? Many of our entrants say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever written.
Queer Sci Fi’s Annual Flash Fiction Contest challenges authors to write a complete LGBTQ speculative fiction micro-story on a specific theme. “Flight” leaves much for the authors to interpret—winged creatures, flight and space vehicles, or fleeing from dire circumstances.
Some astonishing stories were submitted—from horrific, bloodcurdling pieces to sweet, contemplative ones—and all LGBTQ speculative fiction. The stories in this anthology include AI’s and angels, winged lions and wayward aliens. Smart, snappy slice of life pieces written for entertainment or for social commentary. Join us for brief and often surprising trips into 110 speculative fiction authors’ minds.
Blurb: Jason Matthew’s is a broken man. He’s lived through hell and barely come out the other side. All he can thing about is getting to his best friend, Brian, but after that he has no idea. Jason’s scared out of his mind when he’s met by not only Brian but two large men as well, and he does the only thing he can think to do. He tries to run. One of the men, though, turns out to be his mate. A mate he is in no condition to have or want, a mate that won’t allow him to flee.
Alex Holland is forced to stand by and watch as Jason is taken to the safest place they know, too scared to be around him. He knows something bad has happened to Jason and he’s going to need every ounce of his Alpha control to give his mate the time he needs to heal and start living again.
Product Link: http://amzn.to/1VyVNlz
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: Once again, Toni Griffin rocks my world. This series should be read in sequence, it’s just better that way.
This story about broke my heart with Jason’s story. He is so gentle, kind and a heart made of gold, and he just grabs your heartstrings. You can’t help but fall in love with him. And his mate Alex feels the same way. Alex is the alpha of his pack and treats his mate as if he is the most special person in his life, which of course he is as he should be. You can’t help but fall in love with him and the way he is so tender with Jason.
At first when I heard Dominic start speaking I wasn’t for sure if I was going to like it. Then I remembered that this story takes place somewhere else so his accent made sense. I enjoyed the different voices he gave each character and even made mom sound like a mom. I had fun listening to his voice for each one and just wished I could have listened to him for a bit longer.
This audio book is so full of love, pain, and sadness, but the love will win all the way around. The sex is so passionate and truly hot. Even with the danger out there waiting for Jason, you can tell the Alex will protect him with his life. It will keep you spellbound and on the edge of your seat.
I am so glad to have found this series as it shows me that true love will heal all wounds. I am very glad to have this book in my library and cannot wait to add the others to it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Toni Holland stopping by with her new audio release Determined Mate, we have a great interview with Toni, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Determined Mate
(Holland Brothers 02)
Narrator: Dominic M. McCartney
by
Toni Griffin
Jason Matthew’s is a broken man. He’s lived through hell and barely come out the other side. All he can think about is getting to his best friend, Brian, after that he has no idea. Jason’s scared out of his mind when he’s met by not only Brian but two large men as well, he does the only thing he can think to do. He tries to run. One of the men, though, turns out to be his mate. A mate he is in no condition to have or want, a mate that won’t allow him to flee.
Alex Holland is forced to stand by and watch as Jason is taken to the safest place they know, too scared to be around him. He knows something bad has happened to Jason and he’s going to need every ounce of his Alpha control to give his mate the time he needs to heal and start living again.
Title: A Bear’s Bear Series: Smokey Mountain Bears #3 Author: Toni Griffin Genre: Paranormal Length: 140 pages Publisher: Mischief Corner Books, LLC; First edition (January 13, 2016) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Matthew Warner’s been a Chicago Bears fan as far back as he can remember. What other team was a young bear shifter from the Smokey Mountains supposed to root for? When his college friend gets tickets to the next home game, Matthew jumps at the chance for a holiday. It’s his favorite time of year and Nic promises him pumpkin carving and a visit to the world’s largest corn maze, what more could he want?
What Matthew doesn’t expect is finding out the defensive tackle for the Bears is his mate. Between fainting at the realization, meeting family, and dealing with the media fallout of his mate’s coming out Matthew is in for a hell of a rocky Halloween.
Review:This is the third book in the Smoky Mountain Bears series.
Matthew and Hudson are a great couple. I was awed at Hudson coming out to be with Matthew. Even though not all was happy with that Hudson stuck to his guns. Their relationship was sweet yet intense at times.
Matthew’s friend Lisa was a hoot. She had me laughing throughout the story. She added a nice reprieve from some going on in the book.
Matthew reaction to the media when Hudson came out did not surprise. I would not want to be in the spotlight so I understood his reaction. It could not have been easy for him.
I really enjoyed the whole book as it had its serious moments as well as comic relief in between.
Well written and a great addition to the series. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Toni Griffin popping in now with her newest release Steps to You, we have a quick chat with Toni, there’s a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Lisa’s review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Steps to You
(Fear 01)
by
Toni Griffin
Is there something in life that you’re afraid of, like heart pounding, shortness of breath, Jesus Christ I’m going to pass out, scared? For Leo Harris that something is heights.
Why his nosy sister would gift him with a pass for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is anybody’s guess, let alone expect Leo to make it through in one piece. If it wasn’t for the kindness of a sexy stranger he meets at orientation, Leo doubts he would have been able to step one foot onto the mammoth structure.
Ryan Anderson’s known as a workaholic, as he has no reason not to be, that all changes in one day when he meets Leo. Ryan quickly falls head over heels as he sets out to make Leo his.
Title: Steps to You Series: Fear, #1 Author: Toni Griffin Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (172 Pages) Publisher: Mischief Corner Books, LLC (September 26, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts Blurb: Is there something in life that you’re afraid of, like heart pounding, shortness of breath, Jesus Christ I’m going to pass out, scared? For Leo Harris that something is heights.
Why his nosy sister would gift him with a pass for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is anybody’s guess, let alone expect Leo to make it through in one piece. If it wasn’t for the kindness of a sexy stranger he meets at orientation, Leo doubts he would have been able to step one foot onto the mammoth structure.
Ryan Anderson’s known as a workaholic, as he has no reason not to be, that all changes in one day when he meets Leo.
Ryan quickly falls head over heels as he sets out to make Leo his.
Review: I came across Toni awhile back and I was always amazed by her gift at giving you a story. The way the characters come across and their stories always makes me wished I was with them. With my stories I must say that I love when there is some humor in it. It always makes a better book to me.
So when Leo sister gave him a pass to the bridge climbing, and Leo is scared of heights I wasn’t sure if my chair would hold me. Leo is afraid of heights, I mean terrified of them. He gets the whole effects added in. Heart pounding, palms sweating, trouble breathing and spots before the eyes effect. Now it isn’t really a sight you would want a sexy man to see. Especially if that man makes you feel similar effects but with a different outcome.
Hot and sexy is all I can say.
Ryan thinks working is all that is important. He changes his mind when he meets Leo and realizes that this sexy man not only needs his help but he turns him the hell on. Hot damn give me some more.
I must admit that if I had a sister that was the way Teresa did I think I would be an only child. Then you add in her husband and the whole family is wacked. I had a blast with this book and look forward to reading the next story.
Now to the other news about this story. It does come off a bit rushed and not finished though. That is the only part of the story that got me. It seemed a bit like it was not thought out completely or Toni didn’t put her whole heart into it. Now with that, for me I had a blast with it.
Toni never disappoints me in her books and I don’t expect that this series will be any different. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story and I would definitely recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Potato Surprise: A Brimstone Prequel Series: Brimestone Author: Angel Martinez Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy Length: Novella (120 pages) Publisher: Mischief Corner (August 29, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Before Ness, before Corny, before Leopold and Heckle and Mac, there was just Shax and Verin and a newly stolen, er, acquired cargo ship. Join Shax on his first adventure in space in which a pampered demon prince has a lot to learn.
When a steel trap of celestial and infernal politics threatens to close around them, Shax and Verin flee Earth’s system in a stolen ship, leaving everything behind. It’s an elegantly simple plan, with a new ship and a new life as carefree brigands among the stars.
But the ship seems to hate them, and in order to have any sort of life they need funds. A frightened man offering them a contract to deliver three mysterious crates comes just in time, and Shax is sure their troubles are over. Out of his environment and in over his head, Shax scrambles to understand the players and the consequences of his new life.
With cargo that’s not what it seems, shadowy motives around every turn, and a gorgeous rogue named Julian for a dash of added confusion, Shax’s grand schemes of a new start may be his demise before he can even begin.
Review: Very interesting book. Shax and Vernin, demons, leave their home planet on a stolen ship. They take on cargo to transport to a buyer. In the process they learn what they are carrying and how much danger they are in from several different groups.
Shax, a demon prince, seemed arrogant at times yet sweet and at other times humorous. I liked the way he thought on his feet when the situation called for it. Vernin, a demon, has been friends with Shax for a long time. He seemed fierce and loyal yet always seemed to be telling Shax not to do something.
This story was adventurous, humorous and filled with danger. I found it quite entertaining all the way through. The cargo was a surprise at what it could be used for. I found myself both laughing at some scenes and holding my breath at others awaiting the outcome.
Can’t wait to read what happens next in this series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Mischief Corner Books stopping by today with their very first volume of The MCB Quarterly, this emagazine offers you four short stories, an author interview, a featured artist section and a editorial. We also have a short excerpt of one of those short stories and we have a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
The MCB Quarterly
by
Mischief Corner Books
The Quarterly is an eMagazine of LGBTQ fiction – of all kinds. This volume features four short stories: Facsimile by Mina MacLeod, Leash on Love by Beany Sparks, Man of the House by Brigid Collins, and Avalon by J. Scott Coatsworth. It also includes an Author Interview with Lexi Ander, talking about writing gay science fiction, and a Featured Artist section about the multitalented Catherine Dair. And our very own Angel Martinez offers an Op-Ed on “When is an Author not an Author?”
Series: Mischief Corner Anthologies, #1 Author(s): Toni Griffin, Freddy MacKay, Mathilde Watson, Silvia Violet, and Angel Martinez Genre: Various Length: 201 pages Publisher: Mischief Corner Books, LLC; 3rd edition (April 1, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Snow, storm, transportation woes, gravity well mishaps – the list of disasters that might strand someone in the wilderness is endless. But what happens when two men are marooned together? Close quarters and intimate situations strike sparks, whether the men are strangers or lovers on the emotional rocks.
A Bear in the Woods: Smokey Mountain Bears 1 by Toni Griffin ♥♥♥♥4Hearts A bear shifter tries to convince his mate that he’s not crazy while fighting threats against his own life.
I was looking forward to this. I really enjoy Tony Griffin’s other series The Holland Brothers and Atherton Pack. If anything, this book was just too short and that was because I missed the details that I crave and normally get from her writing. But in saying that I’m really behind since I’ve only just got to this one. This anthology originally published a couple of years ago and it is the first book in a series. The second book was released a few months ago for Christmas (Wreath of Fire in the Chestnuts Roasting Anthology, Dec 2014) – another book that I need to get to.
Regardless, this is an enjoyable story. An unsuspecting human and a hot bear shifter, what more could you want? Vincent, the human of the piece, has been forced to take a holiday by his best friend. And for some odd reason she has booked him a cabin in the woods. Christian, our bear, has a lot of background drama going on to do with his pack/sleuth of bears. He’s next in line for alpha and a couple of pack members take an exception to this. When Vincent arrives at the cabin, his first glimpse of Christian is in his bear form and we pick up on a quick adventure from there.
As I said, not really detail heavy although it has a good and simple plot. There seems like there is more to this story and since it’s only book 1, I’m going to put my faith in Toni Griffin for the rest.
Dirty Little Secret by Freddy MacKay ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts A geocaching trip goes horribly wrong, but the hiker’s rescuer is the one person who may be able to save him in more ways than he can imagine.
I think this is the first time I’ve read something by Freddy MacKay and I have to say it is pretty enjoyable.
Three Little Words by Mathilde Watson ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Lifelong friends have returned from the Korean conflict and now need to fight their way through the feelings they’ve harbored for each other for so long.
This is the first time I’ve read anything written by Mathilde Watson. I have to say there are two things that drew me into this instantly 1) I love Korea as a county and the mere mention of it makes me want to go back, and, 2) I’m a tragic for watching re-runs of MASH and it seems I’ve been watching reruns my whole life.
All that aside, this is a sweet story. It’s about two best friends that are confused about their sexuality trying to get their lives back on track after being irrevocably altered from their time in the army. One thing that isn’t actually mentioned specifically but I would say has impact on the story is how homosexuality was viewed historically. This is more fun and exploration than the serious side of sexuality.
Their Natural Habitat: The Forestry Series, Book 2 by Silvia Violet ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts A forest ranger and his lover just want a nice weekend away. The bear baiters have other ideas.
I have to admit, I didn’t quite enjoy this story as much as the preceding stories in the Cabin for Two anthology. But I think I figured it out: this is a standalone sequel to book 1 in the Forestry Series but to enjoy it properly I probably need to read book 1.
As I said, this is a sequel, so we follow on with characters that readers would have met if they didn’t do my trick and go straight to this anthology without realising. Dan and Parker are together but one is a city boy and the other is a country boy – who also works as a park ranger. These guys are still trying to iron out the dynamics and logistics of their relationship and even on its own is an enjoyable read.
A Matter of Faces (An ESTO Universe Story) by Angel Martinez ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts A data privateer crash lands on a barely habitable moon where he’s found by a research scientist who refuses to show his face.
By far this was the most enjoyable book for me from the Cabin for Two anthology. It’s not so much sweet, but it is fun. It’s a bit like Cold War Spy crossed with Arctic scientist in my mind.
The MCs are Rhodi (Rhodolite) and Gel (Magellan): Gel is a scientist tucked away on an isolated planet studying/observing weather systems. Rhodi is the data privateer mention in the blurb, he crash lands and crawls into the wrong plant, so when Gel finds him, Gel becomes his nurse and medical doctor briefly. It’s not really an adventure, they are stuck within an observation cabin throughout, but it’s a pretty cool way for a scientists and what is essentially a spy come together.
Just on a random side note, it pissed me off how Gel reacted at the end but I’m glad he saw sense. It’s just in Rhodi’s shoes. I would have been a little less willing to accept an apology. On the names, I can’t keep this to myself: Rhodolite is a type of rock/crystal, but since I don’t know rocks that well (had to look it up), I keep thinking of Rhodophytes (red algae, more my area). As for Magellan (as well as being aptly named), if you remember the kids’ 90s cartoon The Animaniacs, I keep on thinking a song they sing about the explorer Magellan.
Title: A Very Holland Christmas Series: Holland Brother, #5 Author: Toni Griffin Genre: Paranormal Length: Short Story (45 pages) Publisher: Mischief Corner Books (December 6, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: It’s Christmas time for the Hollands, and everyone is bustling about preparing for the coming festivities. As Marcus, Alex, Simon, and Patrick try to make time for their mates, they feel the pressure to make everything perfect. Thankfully, Maryanne has the solution. However, they forget one important detail, leaving them scrambling at the last minute to prevent a Christmas disaster.
Review: This is the second edition of this amazing story. It has been re-edited and expanded. This is part of the Holland Brother series and they need to be read in order. This is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to reading it. With the fact that this one has been expanded even makes it better, more to fall in love with.
The Hollands are planning an amazing Christmas not only for the them, but their mates and children. They are just trying to make it perfect but they seemed to forget something major and are just trying to succeed in their plans. Their mother knew that they needed a run, so she steps in. Alex was in for a big surprise though. Jason had a surprise and a gift up his sleeve for his mate.
There is nothing better than the paranormal world, well unless you have gorgeous werewolves, sexy mates, big-hearted mother, cute little kids, male pregnancy, and some hot sex.
Toni always writes something that shows how much heart she put into it. This story was perfect in the first edition but this second edition tops that. I had a blast reading it and look forward to reading more by this amazing author. It gave me everything I could possibly want in a story. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it there all the way to the end. What more could a person ask for then a paranormal book and gorgeous men.
I would recommend reading this, trust me you won’t regret it. However start with book one first so that you get to know these amazing men.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Slow Thaw
Title: Determined Mate
Title: A Bear’s Bear
Title: Steps to You
Title: Potato Surprise: A Brimstone Prequel
Title: Cabin for Two: An Anthology
Title: A Very Holland Christmas