Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali ~ Audiobook

Karen Stivali - Moment in Silence Cover AudioTitle: Moment of Silence

Series: Moments In Time 04

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary 

Narrator: Robert Neiman

Length: 8 hrs 4 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (31st August 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Heart

Narration: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Heart

Blurb: Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world’s best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything – except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors. He’s got friends who treat him like family, and he’s proudly running the largest LGBTQ teen shelter in Manhattan. Life is good, but he’s still falling for the wrong men.

When charming, sexy Quinn Fitzpatrick begins work at the shelter, Jason falls hard and fast. Quinn is tall, blond, funny – damn near perfect. Only if Quinn’s gay, even he doesn’t seem to know it. If he does, he’s not telling anyone. And he’s about one ceremony away from becoming a Catholic priest.

Long hours of work turn to long nights of talking and laughter, and Jason dares to hope this time he’s falling for the right guy. But Quinn’s got a past to deal with and major decisions to make about his future. When Quinn leaves for a silent retreat, Jason knows the silence may change everything.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Oh my god Quinn!!!! I knew Collin’s brother was going to be a fire cracker! It’s always the priests!!! Or in this case almost priests….

At the end of book 3 we see Quinn offering an olive branch to Collin, and a cracking of Quinn’s carefully constructed shell. Years of cruel psychological abuse by his mother led Quinn straight to the brotherhood, in hopes of escaping her crushing demands. His guilt over his brothers treatment, his questioning of his own identity, all lead to Quinn taking a break from the order before he makes the priesthood official. Can his desire to live out his faith combine with his desire for Jason? 

And poor Jason, once bitten twice shy knows better than to encourage a relationship with a closeted gay man. But sometimes desire outweighs common sense, the heart and the libido gets what it wants!!!

All along as their friendship grows into a sexual relationship I was so worried for Jason. To overcome what is ingrained in us from childhood is so taught, I really wondered how Quinn could walk away from something not only forced upon him, but his true passion and life’s work in the ministry. Faith and family are two huge weights… and it will take a strong man to lift him up from that. 

The sexual tension is hot! There was one line in particular from Quinn…I was thinking, gay priest…soft sensual slow sexual discovery right….no! This hot hunk of brotherhood tells Jason he not only imagines sex with him, but he imagines man handling him him down underneath him and having a hard rough fuck with Jason. Dominant, hot and heavy! 

Narration is good, nice timing, consistent with earlier books. 

Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali ~ Audiobook

Karen Stivali - Moment of Clarity Cover AudioTitle: Moment of Clarity

Series: Moments In Time 03

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary

Narrator: Robert Neiman

Length: 3 hrs 53 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (22nd August 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn.

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin’s brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture.

In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: Back from a roller coaster of self-discovery, trust and sexual exploration on Fire Island, Collin and Tanner come back to the reality of a town that has plenty of narrow minded people ready to tear them down and apart. 

Just when they’re ready to fall back into a routine of living together on college campus, they discover that they’ll soon be homeless for a while unless they can find a friend or in this case family to take them in for a while. I’m totally loving Collin’s brother but so distraught at what he’s forced to do. The stress of house hopping, school and work start to build up on Collin and his jealousy over Wendy doesn’t help things. He makes a bad move, and it could lead to the end of their relationship. 

Can this couple get over distance, family drama, and the burdens of daily life? The biggest relationship hurdle here is insecurity brought on by homophobia in family and community members…but the beauty is we often are pleasantly surprised by the people in our life that we least expect support from. 

The intimacy grows between Collin and Tanner and trust allows them to further explore their sexual tastes and deepen the bond. Until of course Collin believes he can push Tanner into someone else’s arms! Lots of drama!

Narration is consistent with the first two books. Sometimes characters blend, but the pace, rhythm and tone are all pleasing. This book puts Collin and Tanner through plenty of hoops, but the ending is great, and has plenty of happiness and big surprises leading to book 4! 

Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali ~ Audiobook

Karen Stivali - Moment of Impact Cover AudioTitle: Moment of Impact

Series: Moments In Time 01

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary, Coming Out, College Love, Sexual self discovery

Narrator: Robert Neiman

Length: 3 hrs 41 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (25th May 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner’s not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Product Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Moment-of-Impact-Audiobook/B01G3XVHWC

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: This book, in fact this series fits perfectly into the hearts and minds of those just truly discovering who they are, sexually, and in relation to the people and world around them. The story is set in the latter years of college, a point where we truly have grown up and the real world barges into our lives. Forced to admit what is true to them despite of their family and friend situations, Collin and Tanner find each other. Collin is totally repressed, from a oddly strict Catholic background and is nearly virginal, and Tanner coming from a more liberal background, finds the balls to make his move on his roommate and crush and is helpful enough to educate him.

Of course there is going to be trouble when a deeply closeted lover can’t openly declare his affections for his more liberal and less fearful partner. Hearts will be bruised, and new relationships may not have the bonds to last that kind of stress. What can convince Connor to come out to his family and show Tanner he really cares? That I’ll let you discover. 

The sexual content is actually very intense though consisting of masturbation, frotting, and other sensual contact of heavy petting. It’s actually refreshing and steamy! 

The narration is very good in the sense that Neiman’s voice is at that perfect range for a college age young man, the differences in characters can sometimes be difficult, and rhythm according to sentence structure and punctuation sometimes gets off beat. Maybe there was a missing comma here and there! 

You must read/listen to this series in order. Overall a sweet and times heartbreaking love story. I cried, I panted, I shouted for love and justice! I grabbed the next book immediately! 

Moment of Truth by Karen Stivali ~ Audiobook

Karen Stivali - Moment of Truth Cover AudioTitle: Moment of Truth

Series: Moments In Time Book 02

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary, Coming Out, College Love

Narrator: Robert Neiman

Length: 3 hrs 47 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (7th November 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Narration: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he’s living in a beach house on Fire Island, waiting tables at a hip seaside restaurant and for the first time since he and Tanner got together, they can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being “out” takes some getting used to, but with the help of new and old friends, Collin is happier than he ever imagined. And more in love. But newfound freedom brings unexpected challenges, and when friends get flirty, old insecurities arise. Moments of doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness, and Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

Product Link: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Moment-of-Truth-Audiobook/B01I5HTINY

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: We get to go along with Collin and Tanner on their next adventure as lovers to Fire Island! I’ve had a few friends work there time to time, and it’s as steamy and magical as the story tells. This time our newly minted couple get to face the same hurdles many new relationships do, insecurity, jealousy and miscommunication…add to that Collin’s familial problems, and another upheaval within his family and you have big trouble. Will other lovers shed new light on this relationship, is it doomed, is inexperience going to trip them up? So many worries, and yes, once again you’ll get your heart stomped on a bit. 

My favorite part about this book was the depiction of our banks island life. I could feel the storms, the magic, the sound of the waves and nearly smell the salt air and see the crabs scrambling into the night. That part was very lovely. 

The sexual heat was ramped up a bit as Collin and Tanner’s relationship grew, so did their sexual explorations and tension that other sexual prospects added. They did graduate from a twin bed in a cell sized dorm to a third level bedroom with a king sized bed overlooking the ocean, so you could imagine the kind of heat that would inspire! 

The narration is very good in the sense that Neiman’s voice is at that perfect range for a college age young man, the differences in characters can sometimes be difficult, and rhythm according to sentence structure and punctuation sometimes gets off beat. Maybe there was a missing comma here and there! His voice was very passionate throughout.

I shouted, screamed in my head at the stupid mistakes insecure people make, and fretted over each and every couple in this story. You must read/listen to this series in order. Their relationship truly builds upon book 1, and keeps flowing right into book three, I started it immediately! 

Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali Guest Post & Excerpt!

Karen Stivali - Moment of Fate Banner

Hi guys, we have Karen Stivali stopping by today with her upcoming release Moment of Fate, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Karen Stivali - Moment of Fate Cover

Moment of Fate

(Moments In Time 05)
by

Karen Stivali

Bryan Dane’s been living the dream—photography student by day, up-and-coming rocker by night. His summer goals are to earn his last few credits, graduate from NYU, spend as much time in the recording studio as possible, and survive the next few months without sex so he can complete his yearlong goal of self-imposed celibacy. Everything is on track until he meets Oliver Newcastle.

For years Oliver planned a marriage of convenience with his high school BFF, but now that she’s fallen in love for real with someone else, it’s no longer convenient. So Oliver came out to his family, quit his job, and left small-town New England for NYC, an intensive summer study program, and a chance to find his own happiness.

From the moment they meet, the sexual tension between Bryan and Oliver sizzles. But Bryan wants no part of a relationship, and Oliver wants to sow his wild oats—he just isn’t sure how. Oliver seeks Bryan’s help navigating the NYC gay scene, which throws them together in increasingly more sexual situations until they can no longer deny they’re hot for each other. Bryan is desperate to keep things simple, but fate may have other plans.

This is a standalone novel set in the Moments In Time world. You do not need to have read any of the previous titles to enjoy this book.

Release date: 24th February 2017

Continue reading “Moment of Fate by Karen Stivali Guest Post & Excerpt!”

Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Karen Stivali - Moment of Silence 960x350

Hi guys, we have Karen Stivali stopping by with her newest release Moment of Silence, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Tams review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Karen Stivali - Moment of Silence Cover

Moment of Silence

(Moments in Time 04)
by

Karen Stivali

Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world’s best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything—except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors. He’s got friends who treat him like family, and he’s proudly running the largest LGBTQ teen shelter in Manhattan. Life is good, but he’s still falling for the wrong men. 

When charming, sexy Quinn Fitzpatrick begins work at the shelter, Jason falls hard and fast. Quinn is tall, blond, funny—damn near perfect. Only if Quinn’s gay, even he doesn’t seem to know it. If he does, he’s not telling anyone. And he’s about one ceremony away from becoming a Catholic priest.

Long hours of work turn to long nights of talking and laughter, and Jason dares to hope this time he’s falling for the right guy. But Quinn’s got a past to deal with and major decisions to make about his future. When Quinn leaves for a silent retreat, Jason knows the silence may change everything.

Continue reading “Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt,Review & Giveaway!

Karen Stivali - Moments in Time _FBbanner_DSP

Hi guys, we have Karen Stivali popping in with her newest release Moment of Clarity, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Tams review, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Karen Stivali - Moment of Clarity hires

Moment of Clarity

(Moments in Time 03)
by

Karen Stivali

Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn.

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin’s brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle, and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture. In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.

 Purchase Links:
 B&N
 ARe
Moment of Impact & Moment of Truth only 99 cents (May 5- May 18) 

Continue reading “Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt,Review & Giveaway!”

Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review!

Karen Stivali - Moment of Clarity -640

Hi peeps, we have Karen Stivali visiting today with her newest release Moment of Clarity, we have a great excerpt and Tams review for you to check out, so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~

Karen Stivali - Moment of Clarity  hires (1)

Moment of Clarity

(Moments in Time 03)
by

Karen Stivali

Spending the summer together on Fire Island brought Collin and Tanner closer than ever, but back in their conservative college town, challenges confront them at every turn.  

As they search for their new normal in their old environment, Collin’s brother Sean surprises them with help when they need it most. But when word about their relationship gets out, trouble erupts with friends and family. When Collin’s relationship with Tanner becomes an issue in his brother’s custody battle and Tanner struggles with his feelings for a heartbroken Wendy, Collin wonders if everyone he cares about would be better off without him in the picture. 

In order to save them both, Tanner must make it clear to Collin that their love for each other is all that matters.

Moments in Time – Series Paperback
Contains books 1, 2, and 3 – Moment of Impact, Moment of Truth, and Moment of Clarity.

Haven’t read books 1 and 2? Then hurry up as Moment of Impact and Moment of Truth will be on sale for 99 cents for a limited time (May 5 -18).

Continue reading “Moment of Clarity by Karen Stivali Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review!”

Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali

Karen Stivali - Moment of Impact Cover 300x450Title: Moment of Impact

Series: Moments in Time 01

Author: Karen Stivali

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novella (110 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63216-478-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 7th 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner’s not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5855

Review: Collin Fitzpatrick was raised by a devoutly Catholic mother with some odd rules on how to keep her kids on the straight and narrow. Even away from his mom, his family and the church, Collin still feels strange expressing himself in certain ways. He never really thought about another guy in that way until he watches his roommate and best friend Tanner one night, alone in their dorm room, in the dark.

In just one night, everything changes, and while Collin knows how he feels about Tanner, he doesn’t want to share it with anyone outside the confines of their safe space in their room. Collin’s fear of what their friends and his family will think and unwillingness to acknowledge what Tanner is to him causes strife between them, and just when Collin figures out Tanner is worth it, worth whatever the outcome may be, an accident forces his hand.

I was quickly engrossed in this story, the characters were thankfully flawed and relatable. There was a lot of content, just the right balance of tension and angst, and a whole lot of passion. I especially enjoyed the awkwardness Collin displayed in the beginning. Between his upbringing and his inexperience you would expect him to fumble his way through early on, and that is exactly what he did. Stivali is a new Author for me but I was really amazed with her writing chops. She has this ability to draw you into the story and the lives of these characters, get you rooting for Collin and Tanner, hoping they learn to navigate their new found romance.

Definitely a must read… short, sexy and steamy, too short! But thankfully, the next two books are teased at the end so I know there is more to come, just not soon enough.

Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!

Karen Stivali - Moment of Impact Banner 1

Hi guys, we have Karen Stivali visiting today celebrating the release of Moment of Impact, her first mm novel, so guys lets celebrate with her and enjoy the post <3 ~Pixie~

MomentofImpactCover-KarenStivali

Moment of Impact

(Book 1 of the Moments In Time Series)
by

Karen Stivali

Outside Collin Fitzpatrick’s dorm room is a dangerous place. Beyond his door the students of his small, conservative college think he’s straight, as does his Catholic family who’d disown him if they learned the truth. Inside, he’s safe with his incredibly sexy roommate Tanner D’Amico. Their room makes a perfect place to hide away and fall in love. The moment they cross the line from roommates to lovers, Collin becomes caught between their heavenly passionate encounters and the hellish reality that someone might find out and destroy everything. Tanner’s not used to being so confined, and wants to show the world how much he loves Collin. But Collin’s not sure he’s ready for the impact stepping outside will make.

Length: 33.000 words / 140 pages (novella)
Genre: New Adult, contemporary romance, gay romance, M/M
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy Moment of Impact

Continue reading “Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!”

Detours: Sometimes the Wrong Way can be the Right Way by Adam Stevens

8146I55uZ+L._SL1500_Title: Detours: Sometimes the Wrong Way can be the Right Way
Series: Moments in Time 02
Author: Adam Stevens
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (228 pages)
Publisher: Equal Hearts Publishing House (December 24th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Moments in Time: It is never too late to start over

Moments in Time: It is never too late to start over is the second in a series that represents an evolution of explosive sexual discovery, from the earliest childhood memories though adulthood.

Each chapter is a continuing chronological examination of brief moments in time that have shaped and developed the character, culminating into a circular and repeating series of events revolving around sexual discovery, the search for love, and the loss associated with love, and allowing yourself to deviate from the path set before us.

We begin with George ready to commit suicide. He was in so much pain, and causing pain for so many, the easiest way to end that pain was to end his life. After just awaking from a dream that outlined his purpose, and provided a path to follow, he meets Warren, and everything seems to fall into place with someone to walk that path with.

This is not your ordinary fictional gay romance novel. It is the second in a series intended to allow you to reflect on the characters development, and potentially relate to the characters in each chapter by briefly experiencing these moments in time personally. You will find graphically intense sexual scenes in each chapter. Please note the warning that this book does graphically explore gay male sexual encounters. It is intended for a mature adult audience, and not intended for minors.

You can determine for yourself, as you read each chapter, which character you relate to the most, and how they affect you, on more than an entertainment opportunity level. I can promise you entertainment, based on relevance. It is the author’s intention to extend an invitation to each reader to share their opinion on http://adamstevensshouts.blogspot.com/regarding which characters they would like to see featured in future stories at the conclusion of the Moments in Time series.

I hope you enjoy Moments in Time: It is never too late to start over.

ASIN: B00OO6SZJO

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Moments-In-Time-Detours-Sometimes-ebook/dp/B00QPB0HSS

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Like Moments in Time: It’s Never too Late to Start Over, this is a powerful book to read. This is book two of the Moments in Time series and is absolutely vital that you read book one before starting book two. With this one, we pick up towards the end of the events of book one. We got a brief account of events by Georgie (main character and narrator) when he decided that it was his destiny to become a teacher overseas, but now we actually get more details. In fact, the first few chapters are a revision and extension of the ending of book one.

Again, like the first book, I really needed to slow down to take in the details. However, at the same time I found that I needed a break between the two books. It’s not because there was anything bad about the story or the writing, it is simply an intense book. Then again, what can one expect when an author has essentially written a detailed memoir?

The sex scenes are hot, and there are plenty of them. To be honest, this is strictly my personal opinion, but I get bored when I have to read about a character’s various flings and getting off in the shower or hooking up with numerous random guys. And that would be a minor reason why I needed to take time away from Georgie’s story. In saying that, though, each event chronicled is important and by the end of the book, we find out how Georgie has learnt from his experiences.

I really enjoyed this and I don’t want to be too judgemental to the characters, particularly Georgie and Warren, even if Warren isn’t featured very often. I don’t want to say anything more because I feel the slightest word will give away the entire plot and ruin the story. All I will say is this: the plot is excellent, as is the character development. After all, this story is about growth and self-discovery rather than romance. Yet, it feels like as in real life, Georgie often finds himself making the same mistakes. I’m torn as to if I like or dislike Georgie – he is a very realistic character who knows that the bad that has happened in his life is a direct result of his actions.

I guess I will just be left hanging until the third instalment of the series, which according to Adam Stevens’ blog, is all from Warren’s perspective. After two books on Georgie, I am seriously very keen to read this next one. Reading Georgie’s story I feel that he was the one pushing, but again, I think I need to read book three to get a better idea. The trouble with first person it’s all one-sided. And Georgie makes no excuses for his faults.

Interestingly, what issues I found myself having with the story, is brought up in the final chapters as Georgie wraps his story up, leaving it open for Warren to answer next. I’m really hoping for a satisfying conclusion no matter what the outcome because this one has left me mentally berating Georgie.

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