Hi guys, we have Aimee Brissay stopping by with the blog tour for her new release Nature of the Beast, we also have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and enjoy the excerpt! <3 ~Pixie~
Nature of the Beast
(Tangled Bonds 01)
by
Aimee Brissay
After sorceress Alexandra tries to kill her insane father, her fae uncle expels her from the Otherworld in an attempt to keep her safe. Living among humans, she keeps her connection with the supernatural by working for vampires and werewolves.
When she stumbles upon a hurt werewolf pup her efforts to heal him inadvertently break the bonds tying the young lycan to the pack, making her his new alpha.
This is the least of Alexandra’s worries though, for back in the Otherworld her father has not forgotten her. He dispatches an assassin to kill her. But just who is this mysterious foe, and what will their arrival mean not only to Alexandra but to the delicate balance of the world?
Title: Aleksey’s Kingdom Series: Royal Affair, #2 Author: John Wiltshire Genre: Other Paranormal/Historical/Mystery/Suspense Length: Novel (198 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 27 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Doctor Nikolai Hartmann escaped the Hesse-Davian dungeons. He fled civilized Europe to come to the vast wilderness of the New World, where he carved out a home in which he could love openly and without censure—Aleksey’s Kingdom.
However, there is an irritating green-eyed, dark-haired flaw in his new paradise. A king and a general, Aleksey has no intention of wasting his life away in a remote forest. When he agrees to accompany a group of soldiers to a distant outpost to discover why it has been mysteriously abandoned, Nikolai has no choice but to tag along.
While traveling through the wilderness with their new companions, it does not take Nikolai and Aleksey long to realise that far from mounting a rescue operation, they are merely unwitting pawns in a far more sinister conspiracy. But their enemies have badly miscalculated by threatening anything Nikolai loves.
In this merciless place of towering trees, where water plummets beyond the human ability to comprehend, Nikolai must unleash the unfettered savagery of his true nature to save Aleksey.
Review: Aleksey’s Kingdom is a sequel to the book Royal Affair. If you haven’t read the first book you need to go back or else you will be rather confused for a good while. Likewise if you can’t remember the first one I recommend a quick refresh, just flipping through quickly.
I enjoyed this book much more than I did the first. I was immediately grabbed and drawn into the world of Colonial America, where Niko and Alek were making their lives when we left off at the end of the first book. Niko, or Nikolai is a doctor, while Alek, or Aleksey, is European Royal. These guys follow their hearts (and another organ) to make a life together in time that could be hazardous to their survival if their secret got out.
Niko is a sweetheart, really a typical doctor, while Alek is a typical royal. He can be irritating and arrogant. Sometimes it feels as though he purposely misunderstands things to stir shit.
In short, I really enjoyed getting to meet up with Niko and Alek again in their second book and once again the historian in me loved the attention to detail about the world and lives John Wiltshire has created.
The main plotline follows Niko and Alek as they join a large search through the wilderness of the New World, trying to find some missing settlers. The story itself provides an interesting take on perceived mental stability, going as far as examining the serial killers (including the “signs” in children that lead to their “dark passenger”, as Jeff Lindsay writes in his Dexter series) and cannibalism.
Then there is the less dark side of life and we finally get to see some romance between the two MCs. I like how Niko and Alek both bring up the wish to marry, something not always seen in historical gay romances.
A brilliant sequel with brilliant characters and an intriguing mystery.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: July 13, 2012 was starting out like any other day for a 21-year-old college guy. He was horny as hell and wanted to have sex. When online ads didn’t pan out, he headed to a local park, where a storm was brewing. He remained vigilant and was about to give up when a shadowy figure approached him. It was lust at first sight and he thought it might even be the man of his dreams, until he later learned some eerie facts about the stranger.
Gay erotica intended for an adult audience only. This story contains sexual situations men.
Review: This is a short script synopsis for a gay porno. The blurb above says it all, I can’t really add much more. The sex is quick and intense. I think if the author turned this into a full-length novel, or a novella even it would be great. There is definitely potential there for a paranormal love story. I have two words for the author though… condoms and lube!
Genre: Science Fiction, Contemporary, Other Paranormal
Length: Novel (270pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th June 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Could you handle living forever, knowing you would watch your friends grow old and die? Could you handle loving someone, knowing you would live forever… without them?
When Marco’s immortal father remarried an immortal woman, Marco never expected that their children would develop a supernatural ability: Serafina and Valerius can communicate telepathically. Not only that, but they’re hearing telepathic cries for help from someone they don’t know. Desperate to conceal his family’s secrets, Marco decides to investigate the strength of their abilities by taking Valerius with him on a planned visit to an institution in a distant city.
Soon Valerius reveals that the voice’s owner is Sergio, an adolescent who has been institutionalized for most of his life. Tests reveal a family connection to Marco’s family, so they decide to have Sergio moved to a spot nearer to where they reside—but they aren’t the only ones interested in Sergio’s heritage.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. When Marco’s half-brother and half-sister, Valerius and Serafina, come to Marco with a secret, he learns about a side effect of immortal men and women reproducing together. It is a secret he cannot keep, as it could have consequences for his entire family. Investigating the telepathy and the telepathic cries for help leads to discovering a lost member of the family, Sergio. But, Sergio has been locked up in mental institutions for most of his life and could pose a risk to the family’s security unless he can learn shield himself. Dani and Marco look into the new abilities and gene therapy with startling results and a trip to America has both men learning even more about telepaths.
This story continues with the evolution theory of the d’Argenzio family and the new discoveries made as two long living families begin to combine. Marco is surprised when he discovers the new ability of Valerius and Serafina and the implications it causes. Learning that there is someone telepathically crying out for help could be another danger and he warns his brother and sister to be very careful. Dani begins research into this new development and does a little experimenting of his own, while Marco begins the search for the person asking for help.
This is a very interesting story and it was really nice to see both Dani and Marco again and see how they are still so in love with each other. The storyline takes a twist in this book with the results of immortal men and women having children together and combining their genes. Surprising all, it also leads to the families having to be more careful with their security and thoughts. I must admit that I found the way they handled it made me uncomfortable and made me think they were playing God; playing with gene therapy and experimenting on themselves, delving into other people’s lives and making choices that other people might not want, was just wrong.
The writing style flows smoothly and is as easy-going as ever. The characters are pretty good, although I found the children acted and spoke as though they were a lot older. The storyline is very interesting, but I still found it creepy at times. We get to see characters from Sleuth LLC: Birds of a Feather and Love Turns The Page, adding to the story slightly. As usually, there is no on page love-making, but we are left in no doubt as to Marco and Dani’s active love life though.
I recommend this to those who want an interesting storyline, twists, keeping secrets, a more placid writing style and a very happy growing family.
Former foster child Gabriel Jacobs is determined to make something of his life. Easygoing and more comfortable in a pair of old sweats than the Brooks Brothers suits he will have to wear when he finishes his law degree, Gabriel is also a naïve romantic looking for love. That turns out to be a problem when the ghost of Adrien Beauchene, the son of a French plantation owner, makes an appearance in the house Gabriel just moved into. Adrien is convinced Gabriel is the reincarnation of his slave turned lover, a man he has spent 160 years waiting for.
Before long, Adrien gains control of Gabriel. He vows not to be parted from his love again, even if that means Gabriel must join him in the spirit world. But Gabriel’s best friend, Scott, won’t give up without a fight. He enlists the help of a gypsy witch and twin warlocks Jaivyn and Jaquan to keep Gabriel safe. As Adrien tightens his grip, Gabriel begins to fade, and Jaivyn grows desperate. He and Gabriel just met—Jaivyn can’t lose him now….
Reviewer: Pammie
Review: This story has adventure, action, humor, and plot twists.
A ghost has haunted Gabriel’s new house in the name of lost love for over 160 years. Gabriel is the spitting image of the ghost’s lover, so the ghost starts to drain him dry, and is prepared to pull him into the afterlife so they can be together.
Gabriel’s friends: Scott, widower Mel, and gypsy Natosha all try to help. Then two powerful warlocks get involved. Prophecy is a recurring theme, and you aren’t sure who to give your attention to.
This story has got magic, intrigue, witches, ghosts, and lovers, to name just a few. Be warned, this is a HFN, but possibly the author is considering a sequel.
So if you want action and plot twists with your paranormal read, this is the one for you.
Blurb: After six months of research, adventure seekers Bowen McAlister, Cyrus Curran, Duff Gentry, and Lockhart Dawson make their way to Boulder, Colorado, to explore the abandoned gold mine Ruby Lode. But when they arrive, Duff, a born psychic, senses something isn’t quite right—and the closer they get, the more his unease grows.
Something long-buried in the deep shafts and drifts of Ruby Lode makes its presence known by exposing dark, guarded secrets. Preying on the adventurers’ weaknesses and insecurities, Ruby Lode’s own destructive secret threatens their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives. Bo, Cy, Duff, and Lockey must work together to unravel the century-old mystery before they become another footnote in the mine’s history.
First Edition published by Silver Publishing, June 2012
Warning: Some scenes may upset readers – Near rape and a flash back to child abuse.
Review: Frink, Counter, Hepp and Shull buy a mine together in 1914, but something happens to destroy all their dreams and they mysteriously disappear. In 2011, four friends, Bowen, Cyrus, Duff and Lockhart love to explore abandoned gold mines. But, even before they set off for Ruby Lode Mine, Duff, a psychic, has a sense of foreboding about the trip. Arriving at Rudy Lode, his disquiet deepens as insecurities, fears and hidden secrets are dragged out in the four friends. Something doesn’t want them at the Ruby Lode and is trying to drive them away. Duff, Bo, Cy and Lockey must band together to discover the mystery of Ruby Lode and lay the past to rest.
Scotty Cade delivers a wonderful, slightly spooky story that has a wonderful mix of past and present. The story starts in 1914 with Frink and Counter biding on Rudy Lode. When they are successful in their bid they are approached by the other bidders, Hepp and Shull, and agree to buy into the mine together as Hepp and Shull have the equipment needed. But, things go drastically wrong. Flash forwards to 2011 and we have Cy, Bo, Duff and Lockey about to embark on exploring the Ruby Lode gold mine. But, something in the Ruby Lode doesn’t want them there and it delves into each man, dragging out secrets and fears. The men have a choice: confront their pasts or be driven from the mine by a spirit that doesn’t want his secret found.
Well, this is the second edition of this story and the original was reviewed by ‘da boss’ Portia. I never even got a sniff in the first time round but now is my chance ;-). The storyline and plot are brilliant, past and present collide when four friends explore Ruby Lode, but that isn’t all this story is about. Each friend also has to face their own pasts and are basically psychologically tortured by a nasty spirit who doesn’t want its own past revealed. Friendship comes in many forms and depths and before their journey is over, each friend discovers that no matter how close they thought they were or how much they thought they dealt with the past, the truth is harder to bear.
There are several relationships in this story, each beautiful in its own way… well, except one where all the trouble stems from. Long-term relationships still going strong and their love unbreakable, still beautiful and passionate. Discovering new love that has been right in front of you, digging beneath the surface and finally laying to rest an old fantasy. All the love scenes are just that love-making, sweet, passionate and loving… well; nearly all of them are anyway. I will give a warning that there is near rape scene as well.
The characters are very well written and each deals with their past with regret, anger, shock and fear. There are tears shed, as they come to terms with what their friends share and there is great support and love. The flashbacks throughout the story are nicely done, but be prepared to be horrified as we have kidnapping, child abuse, bullying and abandonment. Bo, Cy, Duff and Lockey are great friends, but at times I got annoyed with how they seemed to interact, un-needed and unmindful comments and flippancy at friends requests. And they all seemed to do it at one time of another.
I will recommend this to those who love history and the present meeting, a spirit who has a secret to hide, four friends becoming strong, a new-found love, a long-lasting love, hot sex and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Jeremy Spencer never imagined the occult order he and his boyfriend, Bowyn, started as a joke in college would become an international organization with hundreds of followers. Now a professor with expertise in Renaissance music, Jeremy finds himself drawn back into the world of free love and ceremonial magick he’d left behind, and the old jealousies and hurt that separated him from Bowyn eight years ago seem almost insignificant.
Then Jeremy begins to wonder if the centuries-old score he’s been asked to transcribe hides something sinister. With each stanza, local birds flock to the old mansion, a mysterious fog descends upon the grounds, and bats swarm the temple dome. During a séance, the group receives a cryptic warning from the spirit realm. And as the music’s performance draws nearer, Jeremy realizes it may hold the key to incredible power—power somebody is willing to kill for.
Review: Jeremy is drawn back into the occult order he helped found many years ago. With the temptation of transcribing a score of Renaissance music never heard of before, he returns to a world and a lover he left behind. Re-entering a world of free love and occult magick, Jeremy begins to wonder if the score hides a dark purpose and can he really trust some of the people that surround him, when strange events begin to happen.
Well, this story takes you on a journey leading you down a path that many view as suspect and some view as cult. It shows us a side of the occult that many don’t look at; mixing music with magick and that’s where Jeremy comes in. Jeremy is contacted by his old lover, Bowyn, to help transcribe an old score said to be written by Ficino, a Renaissance scholar. A score that has never been published or transcribed before. The temptation is too much and Jeremy is pulled back into a world he walked away from. Jeremy still loves Bowyn and finds it difficult at times to remember why he walked away, but remembers when jealousy starts to creep in. Deciphering the score isn’t all that easy, but as Jeremy starts to piece together the music he discovers that it may not be as benign as he first thought. and mysterious sinister events point to someone who is determined to perform the ritual at all costs.
I will be the first to hold my hands up and say that some of the details in this book flew over my head no matter how detailed the explanations were. Renaissance music, occult and alchemy might make a great background for a slightly sinister book, but having no grasp for even the basics made it harder to grasp the full details and intent of what the characters were hoping to achieve. But, saying that I still enjoyed this book. It’s very well written and draws you in as the story unfolds. And it has suspense and mystery woven through, adding a sinister undertone. Although there is a basic relationship between Bowyn and Jeremy and they apparently love each other, they still have sex and fool around with others. I can’t actually say that they get a happily ever after, but it is a happily for them arrangement.
The mystery and suspense are good and leaves a thread of tension throughout the book. There’s death and betrayal, love and hope and occult dealings. I actually think this is an intriguing story that shows a ‘whiter’ or good side to the occult. It has informative information and you can see that the author has done a lot of research.
I will recommend this to those who love mystery and suspense, occult dealings, twists, betrayal, underhand dealings, murder and manipulation and a happy for them ending.
Blurb: Ghost Lesson 101: you can’t move on if there’s unfinished business. So Mark tells newly dead Dixon. They have to find out who murdered them. But apparently there is more to it than that, including their growing feelings for each other.
Review: Well, damn if this wasn’t a weird shorty and it started so well. what with the witty narration of Mark and his “Unfortunate Demise”.
The story is not complicated. Mark is dead for many years and because he has no idea who killed him he can’t move on. All he does is run the hallways and the offices of the building he was killed at, and although after life is pretty boring for him, it has its perks. He can freely ogle a young lawyer, Dixon, and have fantasies starring them. Until the day Dixon is killed.
It is then that things take a 180 turn and they discover that not only they are both into each other but their deaths are somehow linked. All they have to do now is prove their cases and “move on”. If only that was that easy and if only they had their heart into it.
I don’t know, as I said it started great, I was laughing with this short from first paragraph. Mark is a witty character and had a charming thing about him when this story started. But, then as the plot moved on, I found out that there was not much about it, as a plot that is. Pretty predictable, it had nothing to keep you really interested there, and it got pretty sappy in the end.
As for the characters themselves, though I did like Mark since I saw this “after death” world through his eyes, I had no connection at all with Dixon. Made me wonder in the end, beside him being hot and gorgeous, why they make such a “forever” decision.
Oh well, perhaps it’s just me and my poor ability to appreciate ghost stories, but this one was not a story I will go back to.
Blurb: While recovering from the recent loss of his parents, Daniel Donnelly receives a phone call from his estranged aunt, who turns over control of the family fortune and estate, Timber Manor. Though his father seemed guarded about the past, Daniel’s need for family and curiosity compel him to visit.
Located in a secluded area of the Northwest, Timber Manor has grown silent over the years. Her halls sit empty and a thin layer of dust adorns the sheet-covered furniture. When Daniel arrives to begin repairs, strange things happen. Nightmares haunt his dreams. Memories not his own disturb his waking hours. Alive with the tragedies of the past, Timber Manor threatens to tear Daniel apart.
Sheriff Hale Davis grew up working on the manor grounds. Seeing Daniel struggle, he vows protect the young man who captured his heart, and help him solve the mystery behind the haunting and confront the past—not only to save Daniel’s life, but to save his family, whose very souls hang in the balance.
Review: Daniel reconnects with a long-lost aunt after the loss of his parents. After, arriving at the family estate, he begins to discover that there some things just not talked about. Timber Manor has something in its halls that hates all Donnellys and with Daniel’s arrival it is getting stronger. Hale knows all about the rumors of Timber Manor. He has, in fact, seen some strange things around the manor, and when he meets Daniel he is interested in keeping him safe. Together, Hale and Daniel have to face a ghost from the past. Not only to keep Daniel safe, but to lay Daniel’s family to rest.
This is a very slow building story with a slow building relationship. Daniel has always been confused by his father’s reaction to his family. When he finally meets his aunt Carol, he is hoping to get answers, but he gets overwhelmed by everything that he has to learn. When he discovers the truth, he doesn’t know what to do. But, with the support of Hale, he just might be able to find the solution. Hale and Daniel have a slow developing relationship, which fits in nicely with the storyline. Hale becomes a rock for Daniel to hold on to as he learns the truth about his family.
This story is from a couple of different characters point of view, Daniel, Hale, Aunt Carol, spiritual Francine and It. It switches view clearly, so there is no mistaking whose view it is and we do get insight where normally we would have had questions. There is background building for the story as we go along, with hints being dropped as to what happened and the reasoning behind the haunting. There are flashbacks to the past to explain situations and there are also some dream-like sequences, as well.
Daniel’s and Hale’s relationship is sweet as they get to know each other and fall in love. But, they have to go through hell to stay together. There’s violence and danger, with unexplained deaths and unexpected allies and a heavy air in the very depths of Timber Manor. This is a new author and I am happy to say that although the story was slow in places, it doesn’t let you down on the creepy factor or the spiritual aspects. Even when that spirit is pure evil. Hale and Daniel are beautiful together and it is slow and passionate between them, they make a wonderful couple.
I will recommend this to those who like evil hauntings, mystical influence, a sweet slow building love, an explosive confrontation and a very happy ending.
Blurb: After lonely divorcé Isaac leaves his job as a banker to work as a conservationist on a country river, he gives up on finding the love he always wanted. Then he meets flirty jeweler Ryan and assumes Ryan’s out of his league, but Ryan’s just as lonely as Isaac. Ryan also has the housemates from hell, and when he storms out of the riotous Christmas party they forgot to warn him about, he soon finds himself lost in the snow.
Ryan passes out in front of the lock cottage where Isaac lives, and once Isaac brings him in from the cold, they finally have a chance to get to know each other. But when their insecurities get in the way, it’s up to the ghost of Mistletoe Lock to ensure they give love a chance.
Review: Wow, the tune of “All I want for Christmas is You” kept me company through this read. How very strange. This book is the first I’ve read that was so easy in the eye. So easy to read and follow. so sensual bordering to romantic without being sappy. The melancholic sense turned so smoothly into a wonderful feeling of Christmas joy. Quite a story, I tell you that. It’s weird that it starts with a ghost’s point of view. No, scratch that, it’s brilliant. I couldn’t make up my mind, at the beginning, if it was indeed a Christmas story. But, soon enough I felt compelled to admit that if there ever was one, this is it. So vagueness aside, this is the story of two men, who each have their own pain and loneliness in their hearts.
Isaac is thirty-two years old, recently divorced and his dreams for a family shattered. Although he’s not terribly sad to have lost his wife, he’s tired of not being able to find someone to really share his life with. He settled with a woman and married her for the sake of having children, but his soul always hungered for that perfect dream where his love would be a man; a man like him, who would want a cozy life, a family and love.
Ryan is twenty-six; he spent his childhood from a foster house to another. Family he never had and of course that’s the one thing he literally craves. However, all his relationships backed away once he mentioned this one little thing. He knows he’s needy, how could he not be? Is it so wrong for him to want love and peace?
Through weird circumstances Ryan ends up soaked to the bone and passing out at Isaac’s front door in the middle of the night during a snowstorm. Isaac takes Ryan in, helps him get warm and the spark between them turns to flames. Being the strangers that they are though they stumble through words and instead of barging forth they almost separate in anger. And I say almost because here is the point where Emily (the ghost) makes her appearance once more and locks the two stubborn men in the house. The two of them will have to find a way to work things out in order to be let free and that is exactly what they’ll end doing.
Ok, I know. I can in no way match the feeling that you’ll encounter in the book. I just can’t tell you how this story will feel once you start reading it. The chemistry between the men is great, and I repeat myself it is so brilliantly written, so smooth, I loved it. Their lovemaking is the sweetest thing I’ve read, so very sensual and hot. It comes natural in the context and I wouldn’t have wanted this otherwise. And oh my God, I loved Emily, too. Although, she’s quite a sad story, it blends so well that I think of her as a main character as well. She’s the binding link, more like an angel.
I definitely recommend this book for your Holiday reading and I suggest you have Christmas songs playing low and a glass of wine close for the perfect night.
Blurb: After being bullied into the closet by his conservative senator father, Jay Molloy reconciles himself to a life of one-night stands instead of the loving D/s relationship he craves. When he meets the man of his dreams, trained Dom Eric Keger, all Jay dares to hope for is a quick fling. Eric has other ideas. He’s been hired by Jay’s father to run security at the family’s hunting resort, but now he has his heart set on Jay.
When murder victims begin to turn up at the resort, Eric and Jay start an investigation, but chasing down the killer proves less frustrating than dealing with Jay’s abusive, homophobic father. Exploring their new relationship would be hard enough on their own, but Eric and Jay also have to deal with politics, Jay’s fake fiancée, and a murderer who may be something more than human.
Review: Jay starts out this story heading to the bar to look for a guy to satisfy his deepest desires. While he doesn’t hide his homosexuality from his family, he has to keep it quiet or ruin his father’s political career. He even has a fake wife to squire about town whenever there is a campaign dinner he needs to appear at. While he is waiting, in walks Eric…a guy who seems to be everything Jay could ever want and more. While Jay just figures they will have a little fun together, Eric makes it very obvious that his is playing for keeps. Homophobia, murders, and a not so human killer all conspire against their relationship from the beginning, making them both wonder whether love will survive.
There were a few things that I really enjoyed about this book and others that I thought needed some work. The story is told in the third person so you really get to understand how both characters feel at any given time. I like that….it gave the story a well-rounded feel for me and didn’t seem at all chaotic with the changing points of view. I think the author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story and making them wonder what is going to happen next. There are plenty of details in the writing so that you get a good feel of the surroundings, the emotions, and the characters.
The first thing that really threw me was how quickly Jay knew that Eric was the perfect guy for him. While I certainly agree that some guys might look ‘tougher’ than others he seemed to know within seconds that Eric was not only a top but a Dom as well. Seemed a little unrealistic, but the author did a good job of creating the character that Jay really wanted. The other thing that didn’t really sit well with me was the supernatural aspect. There really wasn’t any background to make you think that monsters really existed in this world. I think the story would have worked just as well if you put in a human serial killer in place of the monster.
While I would have like to have gotten to know the secondary characters more deeply, I think they were well written. Jay’s father is your classic homophobic politician and his mother took a long time to finally stand up for herself. You can tell Jay really wants to please both of them which makes his own wants and desires secondary to everyone else’s. I found it interesting that Jay seems to take more of a stand against Eric than he does his own father. He is a bit of a mouthy sub and Eric has his work cut out for him as a Dom.
Overall, I think it was a pretty decent story, although there were some aspects of it that I think definitely needed a little bit of work.
Publisher: Silver Publishing (15th September 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb:An abandoned farmhouse and murder long forgotten. A ghost yearning for truth and a man haunted by his past. Joined by a mystery only solved if unlikely lovers learn to listen for whispered secrets and watch for hidden eyes.
Daren O’Connor, a disgraced police officer, seeks solace in a different town, but his new farmhouse is steeped in mystery. A murder victim haunts Daren’s every waking moment, begging for help. Daren feels drawn to the ghost, but can he help the soul find peace?
Shinjiro “Toby” Anderson has been crying out in silence. His spirit wanders his old home, trapped until his murder is resolved. All seemed hopeless until a handsome stranger moves in. Could this man help him cross over to the other side?
As they delve deeper, they discover powerful, unexpected feelings. Can the unlikely pair discover how a man and ghost can be together before the men responsible for Toby’s death make Daren a target?
Review: Daren seeks solace in a farmhouse that he has inherited from his uncle. He needs time and space to forget the betrayals that landed him in hospital and targeted him for suspicion from work colleagues and friends alike. Now starting over, he discovers the murder and cover-up of a young man nearly thirty years before and vows to set right the wrongs that befell Toby… the ghost he is falling in love with.
Wow, this is one excellent mystery/crime ghost story, not only was the solving of the crime and discovering the hidden secrets great, but the mystery of how Toby and Daren could be together was handled brilliantly, leaving you in suspense for a while and expecting a bittersweet ending. Daren was betrayed by the person he trusted the most, his work partner and lover of two years Mike. Now, months later, after dealing with the investigation and the fall out of that last night, he begins anew and discovers his new home is haunted by the ghost of a murder victim. Toby needs justice to pass to the other side, but he falls in love with Daren. As they get closer to Toby’s murderers and Daren discovers the truth behind Toby’s murder, Toby realizes that he doesn’t want to leave.
This is a brilliantly written story that gives you vivid descriptions of the horror that both these men… err ghost and man have faced and living through the experience with both of them. Daren is a very strong character, even with everything that had happened to him, he still believed in justice. Toby was a wonderful ghost; his story breaks your heart especially when you hear how he tried to comfort his father after he died. He is such a sweet character and Toby and Daren share some wonderful experiences together in the dream world.
The ending of this book surprised me and made me smile as I realized that Toby and Daren would get their happy ending, and it was a very welcome surprise. I think that a lot of you will enjoy the whole murder/mystery and the cover-up with Daren digging into the past and uncovering the clues, and I also think you will be surprised and pleased with how Amylea Lyn has handled the ghost/human sex scenes.
I am recommending this to those who love paranormal, cute ghosts, a great mystery, some danger, hot loving, and an ending with is unexpected but very happy.
Blurb: Mitch is on a last-ditch drive to save his career with the Scottish Institute of Archaeology after his ex-lover Lewis stole his research into the legendary Pictish saints. Mystical pre-Celtic statues are hidden somewhere on mist-wreathed Dove Island. Now Mitch is tearing out to the coast in the hope of reaching the saints before his treacherous ex can stake a claim. At his side is his devoted assistant, Owen.
Owen adores Mitch, but he’s the quiet, loyal type. Despite himself, Mitch is still dazzled by memories of flamboyant Lewis — and in danger of destroying his newfound happiness with Owen. As the race for the saints intensifies, Mitch is losing perspective. Will he learn how to appreciate the love of a good man before he plunges himself and Owen too far into the deadly mysteries of Dove Island?
Review: This short novella had me almost to the point of squealing. Yeah, it wasn’t pretty to listen to, but jeez was I deliciously giddy on the inside. I just couldn’t help it; I was so freaking excited to read another Harper Fox story.
And I was NOT disappointed. There are hit-and-miss authors out there, but I’m getting solid ‘Wows’ with each story of hers I try.
Okay, so for this review, I want to state that, despite giddy squealing, I was a little anxious as to how this story would play out as the two main characters (and love interests) are already together at the start of the story. I wondered then how Mrs. Harper would keep the tension and suspense.
She was clever. (Of course—I’ve come to expect nothing less). While Mitch and Owen are together physically at the start of the book, Mitch is far and away from being emotionally attached as he is still hung up on his ex, who betrayed him, not only by leaving him, but stealing his research as well.
Very quickly, the author shows us the obstacles between Mitch and Owen and their HEA, with Owen quickly drawing away from Mitch. This gives the story a separation-reunion theme that resonates deep. I longed for Mitch to recognize the intimacy he had with Owen, to see what a beautiful person he was. That longing drove the tension and suspense, and it was wonderful.
This story had something else going for it that I really liked—a touch of the mystical. That might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I found just a hint of the paranormal/magical in this story to give it a little something special, an extra dimension to the story, if you will. And to me it made the climax just right, tying in the relationship developments and the setting, where Mitch is trying to prove his archeological theory and find the ‘saints’ before his ex does.
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery Suspense, Other Paranormal
Length: Novella
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Josiah Halden’s life is coming apart. He’s an athletic, handsome high school senior bound for college. He should be on top of the world. Instead, he’s struggling with his sexuality and nursing a crush on John from his gym class, and he’s plagued by nightmares and impossible visions of the night his parents died-visions he fears are an early indicator of the mental illness that runs in his family.
But the nightmares are a part of something more sinister than madness, something linked to the strange black iron idol of a Canaanite warrior-God Josiah inherited from his father, which keeps showing up in his dreams. Josiah’s friend Makani insists the statue is “wrong”-but that’s ridiculous, isn’t it? After all it’s only a statue….. Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3148
Reviewer: Cat
Review: Josiah is smart, handsome and athletic. He seems to have it all, but is struggling with his sexuality. He is also plagued by nightmares and he thinks he is going insane like his grandfather and great-grandfather. His nightmares are plagued by a statue he inherited from his father of a Canaanite warrior. His friend, Makani, thinks he should get rid of it. that it is bad to bring an idol of a God onto the island. Is Makani right? Josiah is also struggling with a crush on a friend from gym class. Does John feel the same way about Josiah? I am not telling you will have to read the book and find out yourself.
I thought the story was a very sweet story of a young boy dealing with his sexuality. Actually, a few young boys dealing with their sexuality. I liked the sweet playful sex between the boys as they tried to find love.
The story had a lot of mystery and twists and turns. I found the dream scenes very confusing and there were so many of them. I also found myself wondering where were the adults since the boys were eighteen and under. But overall the story was good and interesting with plenty of twists and turns and some fun playful sweet sex.
I recommend this story to anyone that likes a touch of supernatural or paranormal, Mystery and suspense, coming of age, young me coming into their sexuality and a sweet hot love story.
Blurb: Sparks ignite when Cupid takes aim at two mortals in Las Vegas: Randy Jones, an average guy on a company vacation, looks into Garrett’s eyes at a craps table and time stands still. Throwing aside everything he believes, Randy engages in a torrid two-night affair with Garrett—only to panic when he realizes he’s fallen in love.
Cynical billionaire Garrett Shiffler has everything money can buy, and most of his dates can’t see past the dollar signs. Life has taught him that innocence and love are figments of the imagination. But when Randy disappears, taking with him feelings Garrett thought he’d never know, Garrett wages the most important battle of his life to win Randy’s love—but this time he fights with his heart, not his bank account.
Meanwhile, Cupid wonders what happened. His golden arrows never fail unless the Fates interfere. If Garrett wants to win Randy back, he’s going to have to do it on his own, because the Fates have other plans for Cupid.
Review: Garrett is a cynical rich man who is used to men throwing themselves at him. When his eyes meet those of Randy across the craps table, he sees something in them that intrigue him and decides he wants to meet him. Randy is shocked when the hunky, gorgeous, obviously wealthy man across from him indicates he wants to meet him. But, decides to take a chance. Both men fall in love, but Randy knows that Garrett is way out of his league and flees. Thankfully, Garrett knows that a man like Randy only comes along once in a lifetime.
This is a very sweet romantic, love at first sight story. Randy is just your normal everyday man; wealth doesn’t impress him and you can’t buy his love. When he meets Garrett he is impressed with the man and not the trappings, but as his time to leave comes he realizes that he has fallen in love and panics. Garrett is wary of men, although he wants to believe that Randy is different, he can’t help but doubt him at times. But the truth smacks him in the face and he accepts that Randy is the man for him. But, Randy flees and Garrett has to make Randy realizes that he truly wants him, but without flaunting his wealth.
*Sigh* both Garrett and Randy are great characters and theirs is a true love story that has Cupid hoping to help them on their way. Garrett is the arrogant, jaded, rich man and Randy, your down to Earth, every day guy, but they click in such a way that money and social standing doesn’t matter. They have passionate sex and they have sweet love-making. They are wonderful together, but Randy makes Garrett work for his belief in him by a courtship of sweet, thoughtful gifts.
A very sweet romance that has a bit of a Harlequin/Mills & Boon feel to it. I will recommend this to those who want a true love story romance, with Cupid in the background and a man proving his complete love without throwing his money about and a happy ending.
Title: Aleksey’s Kingdom
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