Tag: Pammie’s Reviews

Bollocks! ~ A Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology

91W84GMbDaL._SL1500_Title: Bollocks (Anthology)

Series: N/A

Author(s): Tabitha McGowan, Elin Gregory, E. S. Skipper, Anyta Sunday, L. J. Harris, Taylin Clavelli, H. Lewis-Foster, Lily Velden,

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Contemporary

Length: Anthology (193 pages)

Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing (June 4th, 2014)

Product link: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/bollocks/

Heat Level: varies from Low to Explicit with each story

Heart Rating: Overall ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Bollocks as a word is a little naughty. It’s a little cheeky. It’s a little rude. And it’s the tongue-in-cheek theme for this collection of short stories celebrating all things English.

You’ll discover a bonk is not a typo for somewhere to keep your money.

A shag isn’t something thick and plush under your feet to keep them warm, though it is guaranteed to heat you up!
And as for a snog, the boys of Bollocks! I can assure you, it’s worth finding out what that Brit term means. The stories will make you laugh. They’ll make you snort. They’ll make you blush. Sigh—they’ll probably make you shake your head.

They may even make you want to catch the next flight to England to find something a little British of your own! It’s not just cricket, or jolly hockey sticks, it’s more… it’s the very British, Bollocks!

Reviewer: Pammie

Review: This anthology has a good mix of stories covering a variety of subjects, and genres. The stories range from warm and snuggly to hot and sexy. All feature bollocks in some way, shape, or form. As with any anthology, some stories are stronger than others are, but overall a good read.

Healing by Tabitha McGowan – ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Werewolf meets human healer, and snuggling ensues… but not till the danger that’s threatening them both has been dealt with…
This is a shifter tale with a very relevant message about society targeting those who are different and don’t fit in with rigid ideas of ‘normal’. I really liked Immanuil and Tolly, and would read more of this pairing.
Sheep’s Clothing Elin Gregory – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Meet Darren Murchison: self-employed plumber and reluctant werewolf…
Another shifter tale and I loved it. Darren and Gethin made a great pair, and I loved the way their relationship developed. The authors have their own twist around shifting which I like. Plus the boys are very hot.
No Worries Mate E S Skipper – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
“Who needs a partner when I have this?” Rangi said, opening his arms out as if to encompass the entire island and surrounding ocean. Who indeed…
A contemporary love story, beautiful and sweet, with two great characters who make a really hot couple. This story has the added bonus of being set in my own home country of New Zealand. Loved it.
It Could Be You Anyta Sunday – ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Ted has just won 15 million quid. Or at least, he would have won 15 million quid if he could find his bloody lotto ticket…
Another contemporary tale. Ted is hunting for his lost lottery ticket, while simultaneously trying to avoid hearing what his straight friend, roommate, and unrequited love Jenson wants to tell him. As they retrace their steps, Ted explains the reasons for the numbers, most of which have a direct connection to Jenson. A short, sweet story.
Just Like Pulling Teeth L J Harris – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
A trip to the dentist has never been so… interesting…
I could so sympathize with Aiden in regards the dentist, but unlike him, I don’t have a deliciously sexy guy looking after my teeth. I loved the ‘meddling’ sister who sets Aiden up with the dentist with a view to looking after both his wisdom teeth and his love life. A great little story and very sexy guys.
DIY Delights Taylin Clavelli – ♥♥♥3 Hearts
While renovating his first house with his partner, Mike, Duncan discovers a plethora of reasons to use his favorite word… Bollocks!
This one really didn’t hit my buttons. But if you have a fetish for the word bollocks in all its many uses, and the anatomy itself, you may like this quirky little story.
In The Blue Moonlight H Lewis-Foster – ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
A bottom bared to a local bobby means a night out Simon will never forget.
The couple in this contemporary tale have a rather unique first meeting. A sweet, romantic story where an unusual act of spontaneity has a wonderful outcome for our couple.
Written in the Stars Lily Veldin – ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Who needs a holiday when your destiny is Written in the Stars?
I loved this story. A great mix of toe-curling embarrassment, humor, and a great honesty is the best policy ending for the guys.

Flowers and Chocolate by A.C. Katt

71dy8RlXRoL._SL1425_Title:  Flowers and Chocolates

Series:  Anti Valentine’s Day 2014

Author:  A C Katt

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (15K)

Publisher: MLR Press

Product link http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AKFLCHOC

Heat Level:  Graphic

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Justin Carter hates Valentine’s Day. That was the day that his ex-boyfriend and his brother broke his heart. He wanders in a bar in search of something to eat and finds Rafe Santiago who believes Justin is worth more than he knows.

Justin Carter had the worst day one year ago on Valentine’s Day and wants nothing to do with the holiday even though it’s the busiest for the flower shop he manages and hopes to own some day. Exhausted, he stops in to the bar two doors down where he finds Rafe Santiago, a man who wants to become more than a willing ear. Justin’s ex show up with accusations and Justin turns to Rafe for comfort and support. Can Rafe cure the bad association that Justin has with Valentine’s Day and make Justin his own?

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  Justin has good reason to hate Valentine’s Day. That was the day he found his ex-lover in bed with another man, but that wasn’t the worst of it. Rafe wants to get to know Justin as more than a friend, but knows he has to tread carefully, although he too, has reasons to hate Valentine’s Day. When Justin’s ex shows up, Rafe protects Justin, and ensures he gets a restraining order to keep the other man away. Rafe never rushes Justin and slowly but surely, friendships turn to love.

 

If you like sexy couples, happy endings, second chances, and hot sex, this is for you

Everything Changes by Rider Jacobs

711FLRJ7CnL._SL1425_Title:  Everything Changes

Series:  (Anti Valentine’s Day 2014)

 

Author:  Rider Jacobs

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Short (42 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (February 13th, 2014)

Product link http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowAuthorBooks.php?list=_ABKLIST179&author=Rider!Jacobs

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Will a ghost from Colton’s past remind him of his love for Valentine?

 

Colton hates Valentines and everything that goes with it. Lane has been his friend and confident for the last five years but he just can’t bring himself to admit the love he has for Colt. One night a ghost of a former lover appears to Colton and shows him not only how much he loved Valentine’s Day but how if he doesn’t change his ways he could be heading to an tragic ending. Will Colton write his own Happy Ever After or will he let his own personal demons drag down himself and the one who would love him.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  Colt is visited by the ghost of his ex-lover Mike, a policeman shot in the line of duty, which has left Colt hating Valentine’s Day ever since. This reminded me of a mix of Scrooge and It’s a Wonderful Life with the ghost of Mike showing Colt their past and the reason he died, the present and Lanes’s unspoken love for Colt, and the tragic future for Lane that might be if things continue as they are.

 

If you like, a sweet tale with the promise of second chances at love, this is for you

Home for the Hollandaise by Julia Talbot and B.A. Tortuga

a7062e4437145f699ca28d9f4f43745e04701e41Title:  Home for the Hollandaise

Series:  N/A

Author:  Julia Talbot, BA Tortuga

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella (13K)

Publisher: Torquere Press (December 12th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Product link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_106&products_id=4097

Reviewer:   Pammie

Blurb: Jack hates going back to the East Texas town where he was raised. Even as a successful chef in Austin, he feels like that awkward gay kid all over again. But his dad is sick, and wants Jack’s famous hollandaise sauce for holiday breakfasts. When Jack finds out his old flame Kent is in town for Christmas, too, he thinks things can’t get much worse. Can Kent convince him Christmas miracles can happen?

Review:  Already unhappy at coming home, with its bad memories as well as his father’s advancing Alzheimer’s, Jack thinks things can’t get any worse when he bumps into his old flame Kent. To add insult to injury, even after ten years, Kent is as beautiful as ever.

They arrange a get together to give Jack a break from being at his parent’s home, and quickly find that the spark between them is still there. In fact, it never went away. They make love as if they’ve never been apart.

Now that they’re older and wiser, they’re less likely to end up in a fistfight if the going gets tough. They even find they both live in Austin. Perfect.

This is a nicely crafted piece with a second chance at love and happiness for the guys.

If you like sexy couples, happy endings, second chances, and hot sex, this is for you.

Apple Mead by West Thornhill

applemead_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title:  Apple Mead

Series:  Delectable Vines, #1

Author:  West Thornhill

Genre:   ménage and multiple partners/Paranormal

Length:  Novella (60 pages)

Publisher: Totally Bound (December 6th, 2013)

Product link: https://www.totallybound.com/apple-mead

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   After a nasty break-up, Xeno decides to try something new. He’s not completely ready for what happens next.

For one night, Xeno wants to be the centre of someone’s attention. He doesn’t bargain on becoming the most important member of the Fae guardians.

Xeno’s life suddenly changes when he takes another chance with the five men he met on Beltaine. Seeing them again awakens not only Xeno’s deep-seated desires but also a connection the Fae need.

What happens when Xeno agrees to move in? How will that impact the rest of his life? Xeno is about to find out the answers to those questions and a whole lot more. Is he ready to find out the truth and embrace his life as a member of the Fae? Only Xeno can answer those questions. Should be an interesting journey.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  First in the Delectable Vines series

This is the first book of a series that centres on Xeno who thinks he’s human, and the five members of the Fae Guardians. There are gorgeous guys, and sex aplenty, but I wasn’t hooked enough by the storyline.

Xeno had a one-night stand with all five fae while at a masque ball. They found in him someone who completes them all, and search for him only to find he’s the younger brother of someone they know.

Xeno can’t believe five gorgeous men would want or need him, but he doesn’t turn them down. He also seems to go from shy to tease with remarkable ease.

He agrees to move in with them when his ex-boyfriend turns up expecting to pick up where he left off. When he does Rex, the leader of the guardians, has what may be a bad feeling, but is just happy to have Xeno there.

The book ends at this point. Although there are questions about who and what Xeno and the guardians are, they story didn’t pull me in.

 

However, if you like fae, ménage, multiple partners, and lots of hot sex, this might be for you.

Time for Christmas by Liam Grey

alliwant185Title:  Time for Christmas

Series:  All I want, Torquere Press Holiday Sips

Author:  Liam Grey

Genre:   Holiday

Length:  Short (18 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (December 4th, 2013)

Product link:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=4087

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  When your partner works a late shift for the holiday, and there’s nothing waiting at home except the damn Christmas tree, why not stay at the office yourself? Tim doesn’t care much for the holiday anyway, and there’s always more paperwork. A push out the door, a pot of stew, and a little holiday magic lets these two lovers find time for Christmas.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A Torquere Press Christmas short

This is a short, intriguing, and enjoyable Christmas read.

Tim appears to be something of a Christmas Grinch to start with when we meet him in his office. However, that changes when he gets home, and gets things ready for his absent lover. But just who is Chris, with the short, white hair and beard, who works so hard the night of Christmas Eve?

The lovers reconnect on Christmas morning, with promises and affirmations of love. At Tim’s request, they go to see the sunrise together, and then head for a favoured diner where they can sit and enjoy both the sunrise, and each other’s company.

If you like short, romantic, Christmas reads, this is for you.

A Special Christmas by Julie Lynn Hayes

1610406192Title:  A Special Christmas, 2nd edition

Series:  N/A

Author:  Julie Lynn Hayes

Genre:   Holiday

Length:  Novella (52 pages)

Publisher: Torquere press (December 4th, 2013)

Product link:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4083

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  Florian Donati has an almost childlike innocence in the body of a god. Unaware of his charms, he enjoys his life, working in his family’s drycleaning business in Prohibition-era Chicago. He loves his job, loves singing Italian opera, and loves the people in his life, including his friend Loria and the notorious gangster Alphonse Capone. Still, he dreams of having adventures and finding love.

Nick Giannakopoulos is a young Greek immigrant who’s come to America to live with his uncle’s family, working with his cousin in the family pharmacy. There are many things he’d love to do, including going to a party in a speakeasy that he and his cousin Milo have been invited to. But it’s on Christmas Eve, so family obligations preclude their going — until Fate intervenes, and Nick and Florian end up at the same speakeasy in Romeoville and find themselves sitting at the same table.

Is instant attraction a basis for a long-term relationship? Or is this just a passing Christmas fancy? Previously published by Silver Publishing.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A romantic first time love story.

This is a fairly short Christmas read, with the added interest of a peek at the Prohibition era.

Florian likes singing opera, and works in his family’s dry cleaning business. Nick works in the family pharmacy. They also share a similar hero-worship for the gangsters of the day, especially Al Capone. The fates conspire to bring the young men together in a speakeasy on Christmas Eve. Nick is instantly smitten with the gorgeous Florian, and Florian equally with the handsome Nick. On the cusp of sharing a public kiss, the speakeasy is raided. Staying the night at the house of a friend, the two young men find first love together.

It’s a beautifully romantic tale. Nick worries that he will lose Florian just as they’ve met. Florian has no such doubts and plans their happy ever after. I hope if the author writes any more about this gorgeous couple, they get it.

If you like first love, romance and Christmas reads, this is for you.

The Caldwell Ghost by K.J. Charles

71yxDOrJ-FL._SL1500_Title:  The Caldwell Ghost

Series:  The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal 01

Author:  KJ Charles

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Short (17 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (October 9th, 2013)

Product link:  https://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/caldwellghost.html

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: When Robert Caldwell inherits a haunted house, he calls on ghost-hunter Simon Feximal to rid him of the supernatural menace. But the ghost is stronger than either man realizes — strong, angry, and desperate for release. Trapped in a haunted house with a dangerously attractive ghost-hunter and a sexually frustrated spirit, can Robert survive the night intact…and will he want to?

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A Torquere Press Halloween short

I loved this quickie read. Robert calls on Simon when he finds his home is haunted. Simon has a fairly unusual way of communicating with the spirit world, but when Robert inadvertently steps out of Simon’s protective circle, they have to take drastic measures. By the end of the story the unhappy ghost, of a man so untimely killed, is finally satisfied.

If you like a short, hot, and spooky read, this is for you.

Burning Bonds by Sasha L. Miller

15839851Title: Burning Bonds

Series: The Bestiary: Bundle 2

Author: Sasha L Miller

Genre:   Fantasy

Length:  Short (38 pages)

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   The charms and elixirs crafted by the fae are highly prized and notoriously difficult to obtain. The fae charms Fihr sells at his stall are lucrative business, but he would happily throw it all away to have a chance with Satu, the beautiful faerie who makes the charms. When he catches Satu trying to run away, terrified of his betrothed, Fihr throws all caution aside, determined to help Satu no matter what it takes.

Product Link:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/254833

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A flight into the world of fae.

When Satu determines to run away rather than face an arranged marriage, Fihr steps in quickly to help. He learns Satu’s parents agreed for him to marry a wealthy gnome, but Satu fears all the gnome is really interested in is his ability to create powerful fae elixirs.

Fihr agonized over how to talk Satu into staying with him, only to find it’s what Satu always wanted.

They decide to marry to ensure Satu can’t be forced into marriage with the gnome. However, the gnome doesn’t give up quite so easily.

This is a nicely crafted, if brief, venture into the world of Fihr and Satu. I recommend it for those who love fantasy and who want something short and sweet.

Only in Dreams by Caitlin Ricci

17382364Title:  Only in Dreams

 Series:  Heart of Darkness, 02

Author:  Caitlin Ricci

Genre:  Paranormal

Length:  Novella (70 pages)

Publisher: Afternoon Delight Publishing (February 2013)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  
Back in Hell, Malphas is using his time to slowly recharge before seeing his Jamison again. He’s impatient and eager to get back to the detective before he does something foolish. Like fall in love with someone else. Except there’s a slight problem in his plan. His place in Hell is uncertain after his absence and Jamison isn’t exactly happy to see him the next time Mal comes for a visit. If only being a demon could be easy.

Product Link: ???

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This is the continuation of Heart of Darkness. Here we discover that Mal is Malphas, a demon. However, this demon has a soft spot for Jamison. When he oversteps the mark, revealing too much about the demonic world to carter, it’s Jamison who is threatened with punishment.

Seeking to protect his human, Malphas offers to accept punishment, although first, he has to go into Jamison’s dreams and punish the man he loves before returning to hell for his own penance and torture.

When he discovers he has been betrayed and demons are being unleashed, including one who will go after Jamison, he breaks free. He goes into the human world as a demon of earth and Jamison’s protector.

However, when Jamison wakes up from a coma intended by Malphas to protect him, he fears Mal.

This is part of a series and, like the first, ends with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, I find it disjointed and even though I’ve read both 1 and 2, I don’t feel any connection with either Malphas or Jamison.

However, if you enjoy series, paranormal/demon, with a side dish of torture, this is one for you.

The Baron's Gargoyle by Cassandra Pierce

15839847Title:  The Baron’s Gargoyle

Series:  The Bestiary: Bundle 2

Author:  Cassandra Pierce

Genre: Fantasy

Length:  Short (57 pages)

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press (November 14th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Banished from court when the King runs out of patience for his predilection for men, Jothan is forced to take up the title of Baron of Darkwood and charged with the task of making the lands profitable again. But when he arrives, all he finds is a crumbling castle, neglected servants, and a monstrous creature no one else ever seems to see …

Product Link:  http://www.lessthanthreepress.com

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This is a sweet tale of the power of love.

Jothan accepts that being entitled, as Baron of Darkwood is a means of removing him from court. When he arrives at the dilapidated castle, the first thing to cross his path is a living gargoyle.

He offers protection to a rag-tag of peasants, who become his servants. However, one appears only after sundown, the mysterious Delphas. No one other than Jothan sees either the gargoyle beast or the elusive Delphas.

He and Delphas become lovers, although the young man refuses to say where he goes by day.

Jothan discovers that Delphas was the squire, and nephew, of the last Baron, Lord Peredur. Delphas explains he is cursed by his aunt, a witch who killed his uncle, and who died herself at Peredur’s hand. Jothan is prepared to fight the curse, and kill whatever demon pursues Delphas. However, he is shocked to discover that Delphas and the gargoyle are one and the same.

Jothan will not give up his beautiful lover, saying that even when Delphas is in the guise of the monstrous gargoyle, he sees only love. Can he and Delphas find a way to break the curse?

Into the Triangle by Amylea Lyn

251bdd73089206212b01f4eef0ef94a9.image.200x300Title:  Into the Triangle

Series:  N/A

Author:  Amylea Lyn

Genre:   Fantasy/Alternative World

Length:  Novel (240 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (July 6th, 2013)

Product link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/into-the-triangle-ebook-p-1501.html?zenid=38a12c7b04e66445e0877396d9cb55d6#!prettyPhoto

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  When a man wakes after a plane crash to find himself on a mysterious island where humans and mythical Merfolk live together, is it all just a strange dream? Or does the Bermuda Triangle have more hidden dangers than were ever thought possible?

What’s a guy to do when his world is falling apart? Go on a vacation of a lifetime…

Gabriel “Gabe” Overton has the worst luck. First, he’s caught having an affair with his father’s married business partner and forced to go on an unwanted tropical vacation until the scandal dies down. Then the plane he’s riding in crash lands on a mysterious island in the middle of nowhere.

Saved by a man with fins instead of feet, Gabe must now try to uncover the island’s secrets, all without being killed in the process. Maybe he can figure out just who imbedded a pearl into his forehead and what that has to do with the sea creatures–known as the Merfolk–and discover what the hidden evil on the island has planned for them all before it’s too late.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  A great ‘tail’ of sexy mermen, and their land-based lovers.

Poor shy and gangly Gabe is being sent away to a remote island. Little does he know as his plane crashes, that it’s his destiny to be rescued by a drop-dead gorgeous merman, and in this merfolk tale, a mate is denoted by having a pearl pressed into their forehead.

He encounters a cruel and creepy village leader, and uncovers a deadly truth about him. Escaping from that danger leads him to Paxton, his mer mate, who just happens to be king of the sea.

Gabe even gets involved in preventing a war between the human and merfolk races.

All-in-all, this was a very enjoyable ‘tail’, and Paxton and Gabe make a hot, sexy couple. There is reference to abuse and torture, but nothing explicit.

 If you like fantasy, merfolk, and happy endings, this is for you.

Finding Home by Cameron Dane

CamDan_FindingHome_coverlgTitle:  Finding Home

Series:  Quinn Security        

Author:  Cameron Dane

Genre:   Interracial/Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Loose Id (May 13th, 2008)

Product link http://www.loose-id.com/quinn-security-finding-home.html#product_tabs_reviews

Heat Level:  Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Heart

Blurb:  Picking pockets and stealing cars, Adam Reyes does what he must to survive. Working Chicago’s O’Hare airport, he feels pretty confident when he spots his next mark.

Security expert Rhone Quinn can’t believe the wiry kid who grabs his cell phone almost gets away with it. Logic says turn the teen over to the cops, but Rhone is a man who trusts his instincts, and his gut tells him to offer the young man a job and a chance to begin a new life. Little does Rhone know that when he makes that choice it will forever change his life, too.

Over the years that follow a mentor relationship turns into a unique, abiding friendship. It eventually leads to true equality between Rhone and Adam when Adam becomes a full partner in Quinn Security. Unbeknownst to Rhone, as time passes by, Adam is also falling deeply in love. With Rhone. Who isn’t gay. And who doesn’t know that Adam is.

Then, one day, Rhone discovers the truth. Will Rhone’s new awareness of Adam’s feelings bind the men together even more intimately, or tear them apart for good?

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story has some angst and two very sexy men.

The story chronicles Adam from the day he meets Rhone Quinn as a belligerent street teen to the day they both admit what they mean to each other.

Although a 10-year span seemed overly long for an unrequited love from Adam’s side, especially since Rhone comes over as a totally straight guy, the story kept me hooked wondering when, and even if, the guys would finally get together.

However, I found it hard to accept the set-up that brings them together. Also, while I accept that Rhone could suddenly realise he was in love with Adam; “How did I never see it?” I find it much harder to believe that a man, especially one who has never even thought of another guy in that way, would immediately be as willing to experience everything. Right there. Right then.

Those issues aside, it was still a good read, and once Adam and Rhone get together, it’s as hot as Hades.

I recommend it for those who like hot sex, and to see love triumph over adversity.

The Reluctant Dad by Parker James

694703a44058faaf792f4ae87ec6bee5.image.200x300Title:  The Reluctant Dad

Series:  Father’s Day 2013 Collection

Author:  Parker James

Genre:   Contemporary, Father’s Day, Gay, Holiday Story, Romance

Length: Novella  (39 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing

Product link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/the-reluctant-dad-ebook-p-1497.html

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  Channing and Jon’s marriage is tested when Jon suggests they adopt a baby. Channing struggles with indecision and a lack of confidence in his abilities to raise a child–again.

Channing, nutritionist and personal trainer, loves life with his husband of four years, Jon, a pediatrician. Jon surprises Channing with a desire to adopt a friend’s baby and Channing is thrown into a tailspin of indecision.

Channing already has a child–a twenty-year-old daughter whose transition from childhood to adulthood brought difficulties and pain for both. He struggles with the choice between making his husband happy by parenting a newborn or being satisfied with the experience he already has where the worst perils of fatherhood are already behind him.

Channing has to choose whether to ultimately break his husband’s heart… or go after a complete love he never knew could exist.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  Channing is thrown into a complete tailspin, when Jon casually announces over lunch that he wants them to adopt a baby. Channing has already raised one child. A daughter conceived when he and a friend were exploring their sexuality. He was assuredly gay, she straight. They remained friends, and Channing took his role as father seriously.

The first thing in Channing’s mind is re-living how he and Jon met. The next is visiting his daughter, Audrey. To his surprise, she’s delighted at the prospect of Jon and him adopting a baby.

Channing is still in turmoil when he arrives home, unsure whether he wants the responsibility of a child for a second time. Jon welcomes him home, but when he proposes a toast to the new baby, Channing blows.

However, his anger pales in comparison to Jon’s.  Jon storms off to bed, leaving Channing stunned.

By the time Channing is ready to go to bed, hours have passed. Channing has analyzed everything about their relationship, and his role in raising Audrey. However, it’s his response to seeing Jon in bed that makes him realize that their relationship isn’t just one thing or another; it’s a whole thing – complete love.

I felt more for Channing than Jon in this story, but then it was told from his perspective. I could empathize with his shock and insecurities, the way adoption was dropped into his lap. The epiphany he has when going to bed seemed a little out-of-place, but I liked that their love is strong enough so that Jon, although upset, doesn’t turn Channing away. A short, sweet Father’s Day treat.

The Little Crow by Caitlin Ricci

????????????????????????????????????????Title:  The Little Crow

Series:  Heart of Darkness, 1

Author:  Caitlin Ricci

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novella (76 pages)

Publisher: Afternoon Delight Publishing (November 30th, 2012)

Heat Level:  None

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  Detective Jamison Landry knew his job was never going to be easy. He’s dealt with the worst criminals imaginable and believes in his work and the community he serves. But he’s never met someone like Mal before. The mysterious man keeps him guessing, both confuses and excites him, and Jamison isn’t sure how he feels about him. Things turn from unusual to downright strange when people start insisting Mal isn’t quite human. And Jamison’s creepy dreams of crows and graveyards don’t make things any better for him. Will Mal stay around long enough for Jamison to figure out his secrets or will this stranger leave him wanting more?

Product Link:  Available through Smashwords

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  This story starts with a puzzle and ends with an enigma. Who, or what, is Mal? Jamison seems to accept everything too easily, and even when provoked into shooting, is unemotional over what’s happened. He may not initially accept demons exist, but makes no attempt to dig deeper and find out more about the man he rescued.

I wish I’d felt the story was creepy. The author uses this word, but I found it slow and maddening instead. I really wanted some meaty interaction between Mal and Jamison.

The author doesn’t make it clear that this was part of a series, and there’s no indication how many parts there will be.

However, if you enjoy series with cliffhanger endings, paranormal/demon, with a side dish of frustration, this is one for you.

Chocolate Power by Ann Anderson

1146896Title:  Chocolate Power

Series:  N/A

Author:  Ann Anderson

Genre:   Paranormal/Vampire

Length:  Short (7,000 words)

Publisher: MLR Press (March 21st, 2013)

Product link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AA_CHPWR

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  Will Kris’s sire assist him in saving a pack of wolves from an Ancient one, or will Kris find himself abandoned again when he needs his sire most?

Kris has been fine, even happy, while living in the territory of wolves, giving help when needed, but when the wolves start dying and Kris is asked for help, the only one he can think to turn to is his sire. While Kris might fear being abandoned again by the one he holds most dear, he’ll do anything to save those who welcomed him when he was broken, even if it means seeking out the man who left him broken in the first place.

Reviewer:   Pammie

Review:  When members of his adopted pack are killed, Kris seeks help from his sire, willing to face the one who hurt and abandoned him for the sake of his adopted family. When they meet the attraction between them flares hot and strong, but Will stills sends Kris away.

Disregarding his sire’s advice not to pursue the rogue vampire, known as Tiger, Kris instead sets himself up as a decoy to draw him out and protect his pack. The ploy works too well. Tiger is far stronger than Kris. However, Will arrives and defeats Tiger, and his desire for Kris explodes into life.

Kris races, with Will at his heels; to the one place they both feel safe. Once inside, Will confesses he sent Kris away out of fear; fear of losing him, and fear of admitting the power of his love for Kris. They claim one another in a night of passion.

When Kris wakes, he has physical reminders of their passion, and the mental link to Will denoting their relationship, but before he can luxuriate, he is transported before Gaia.  Gaia had warned Will against fighting Tiger, and threatened to take Kris from Will. The entity kidnapped Kris as Will’s punishment. However Kris is quickly returned to Will.

Although I liked this story, it felt a little rushed. The werewolves and their leader, John, are barely in the story, except as a reason for Kris to seek out Will, and the end felt very rushed. But, if you like vampires and are looking for a short, sexy read this is for you.