The Hunter’s Gambit by Nicholas McIntire

Nicholas McIntire - The Hunter's Gambit Cover w9eudn sTitle: The Hunter’s Gambit

Series: The Archanium Codex 01

Author: Nicholas McIntire

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: Super Novel (722pgs)

ISBN: 9781733849128

Publisher: Black Dove Press, LLC (20th January 2020)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Aleksei Drago never expected an easy life, but he never expected what he got. Growing up amongst the Ri-Vhan of Seil Wood, losing his mother and just as suddenly being torn from the forest folk, Aleksei had no choice but to make the best of the unpredictable path in life.

But what happens when the monsters and figures of fiction become horrifyingly real? Can Aleksei find the right path? When his life and the lives of his family and friends are at stake will he fight, reforging himself into the man Prophecy demands he become? In a world of magic and Magi, of Angels and Demons alike, how will a simple farm boy survive his own contorted destiny?

This is the story of a seemingly-simple world gone mad, and the reality that every action, no matter how apparently benign, can serve to unravel terrifying truths. This is the story of Aleksei Drago, farmer, Hunter, and so much more.

Purchase Link: Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Now I’m a bit of a fantasy snob, sometimes the fantasy just isn’t fantasy enough but this baby is allllllll fantasy and not just fantasy but EPIC FANTASY.

This is an amazing story that has twists and turns all the way through, it has misdirection’s right from the start lulling you into a false sense of knowledge which is then shattered and it just gets more and more interesting.

Now this isn’t a romance, yes there’s gay characters but anything between them is kept in the background so you can fully get your teeth into the storyline… and oh my what a storyline it is. Danger, mystery, dirty deeds and epic fighting is just a bit of what you can enjoy in this well-crafted story. The world building is wonderful, the characters are fantastic and you really get dragged into the story.

Aleksei is one amazing man who discovers many things about himself; his counterpart is Jonas Belgi who also makes many discoveries as they both try their best to save their kingdom. This story is amazing and I really don’t know how to explain how fantastic it is. And OMG it’s a ten book series *squee* I can’t wait!!!

 I really really have no words to tell you more about this story without giving away the many surprises that unfold, all I can say is if you love epic fantasies and amazing battles then this story is for you.

Promise Me by A.G. Meiers

A.G. Meiers - Promise Me Cover 47fnm sTitle: Promise me

Author: A.G. Meiers

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (210pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-946379-50-4

Publisher: Painted Hearts Publishing (19th November 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A fortune shouldn’t get you killed. A promise shouldn’t break your heart.

Attorney Rafe Stanton knows making promises is a dangerous thing. Over and over he has failed to keep people under his protection safe. For years he watched his younger cousin Noah lose his battle with drugs and alcohol, which eventually led to a deadly car accident. When he finds out about Noah’s secret marriage to Logan Tate, Rafe has one last chance for redemption.

Inheriting a fortune should be a blessing, but for Logan life never works out that way. He’s learned the hard way that dreams don’t come true—and if they do, well, there is usually a hefty price tag attached. All he really wants is a quiet life, but that isn’t in the cards when his apartment gets broken into and a pretentious lawyer from Boston arrives thinking he can call the shots.

The two men don’t see eye-to-eye about the inheritance, but with Noah’s powerful family coming after Logan, they find themselves reluctantly on the same side. A gunman, greedy in-laws, and meddling friends are not enough trouble; soon they also need to deal with the explosive chemistry between them.

But Rafe made a promise to the past and Logan doesn’t trust easily, so a future together seems out of reach.

Purchase Link: Painted Hearts | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Smashwords

Review: When Noah dies Rafe is left feeling guilt over not doing more for his cousin, when he discovers Noah’s Will he realises that the promise Noah extracted from him the night of his death is going to bring him head to head with Noah’s family.

Logan is left reeling by his husband’s death, Noah promised to look after him but now with Noah’s family setting their sights on Noah’s money Logan wonders if he can survive the battle, with Rafe on his side he might just be able to make it but the attraction they feel for each other just might blow up in their faces.

A.G. Meiers has written a story that pulls a lot of emotion from the characters; we have guilt, grief, anger, sorrow, fear, loss, and a dash of happiness. Both Rafe and Logan go through a lot emotionally as they find their way to each other with Noah’s wishes hanging between them as Logan just wants what Noah promised him and Rafe just wants to fulfil the promise he made to Noah.

Logan and Rafe both have secrets that affect how they feel. Rafe is tortured by guilt and feels he could have done more to protect people who relied on him, and Logan is bewildered by what’s happening to him, their secrets play a large part in how each man interacts with others especially those close to them.

We are pulled into this story from the first pages and it doesn’t let up as we are dragged along for the ride, it’s a rollercoaster of emotion as we follow the ups and downs of the story. Logan and Rafe’s relationship is fraught with emotional bombs, and they never know when an emotion bomb is about to go off. With the help of their friends they navigate the minefield of love and redemption and most of all forgiveness.

There’s some amazing secondary characters in this story, uncle Vicky, his niece Ria, Jase, Kane, Rafe’s dad and step-mom, they bring love, hope, kindness and acceptance into the story and an amazing support that both Rafe and Logan desperately need.

I really enjoyed this story and thought it was well written and for the most part well executed, there was one issue in particular I had with it and that was because of the actions of Noah’s family… was Noah’s death really an accident, not once after everything that came to light did anyone think that Noah’s death was a bit convenient, even though Noah’s death was an accident we’re human so of course the thought would flit through your mind after the truth is revealed about Noah’s family, but not once did any of the characters even wonder for a second before dismissing it. I mean Noah’s family are cold and ruthless I could so see them offing Noah to get their hands on his money.

I recommend this story to those who love a great storyline, love damaged main characters, who love family drama, who adore characters learning to forgive themselves and adore love stories where the love is hard fought.

The Hunter’s Gambit by Nicholas McIntire Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

The Hunter's Gambit - Nicholas McIntire

Nicholas McIntire has a new queer fantasy book out,

The Archanium Codex book 1:

The Hunter’s Gambit.

Aleksei Drago never expected an easy life, but he never expected what he got. Growing up amongst the Ri-Vhan of Seil Wood, losing his mother and just as suddenly being torn from the forest folk, Aleksei had no choice but to make the best of the unpredictable path in life.

But what happens when the monsters and figures of fiction become horrifyingly real? Can Aleksei find the right path? When his life and the lives of his family and friends are at stake will he fight, reforging himself into the man Prophecy demands he become? In a world of magic and Magi, of Angels and Demons alike, how will a simple farm boy survive his own contorted destiny?

This is the story of a seemingly-simple world gone mad, and the reality that every action, no matter how apparently benign, can serve to unravel terrifying truths. This is the story of Aleksei Drago, farmer, Hunter, and so much more.

Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Google Play | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


Giveaway

Win two x $20 Amazon gift cards!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


Excerpt

Henry spent the rest of the day watching his son closely. Something was undeniably troubling him, but until Aleksei decided to open up to him there was nothing he could do.

“He’ll tell you in his own time, Henry.” he muttered under his breath.

So he waited. Every now and then he would engage his son in conversation, but every time he thought Aleksei might be on the brink of telling him something, the conversation fled to some superficial topic. Did he think it would rain by Market Day? Who did he think would bring the biggest pig to the Harvest Festival? Did he think Mother Margareta would come to bless their fields before the first frost?

Henry answered each question as though it was the direction he meant to steer the conversation, and refused to allow his frustration to surface. But by the end of the evening, he was no closer to understanding his son’s troubles than he’d been that morning.

Finally Aleksei rose from his seat before the fire, put his book away, and went to bed. Henry watched him go, more troubled than ever. The boy had never gone to bed without a word before. He always had some last comment to make, even if it was just to wonder at the next day’s activities.

Henry sat before the dying embers of the fire well into the night, thinking. He didn’t remember falling asleep, so when the voice woke him his eyes started open.

Hello, Henry.

He looked around, trying to get his bearings.

Gone was the heat of the hearth, the comfort of his chair. Instead he stood in an enveloping fog of shimmering gold.

He could see no one.

“Where am I?” Henry demanded.

A dream, Henry. This is merely an illusion. I apologize that I cannot offer you more comfortable surroundings at the moment.

“Who are you?” Henry called, feeling a touch foolish, shouting at phantoms.

His question went unanswered.

Henry, I’ve come to ask a favor.

“Who are you?” Henry repeated flatly.

There was a moment of hesitation before the voice responded. A man much like yourself, Henry Drago. One who only wants what’s best for your son.

“Speak then.”

When the favor was uttered, Henry blinked in confusion. A thousand questions bubbled to the surface, yet he found that he only possessed the strength to ask one.

“Why?” he choked, surprised by the weakness in his own voice.

The air before his face shimmered and distorted, as though he were looking through intense heat. Slowly, images formed. Images of Aleksei. An Aleksei he didn’t recognize.

“Why are you showing me this?” Henry managed.

Because I want you to see what your son could become. The man he could be, if you’d only let him. If you just do as I say.

“I don’t trust you.” Henry barked back. “I can’t even see your face.”

Another image shimmered into being. A man, though Henry saw nothing remarkable about him. The man leaned forward and whispered in his ear, and Henry heard the unmistakable ring of truth.

In that moment he thought he might have preferred a dagger to the heart. It would have been far less painful to simply die at the end of a highwayman’s blade than to agree to this. Either way, he would lose the most precious thing he had.

“Bargain struck.” Henry whispered bitterly, a tear winding its way down his cheek.

You’re doing your son a great service, Henry Drago.

The man even sounded earnest.

Henry started to say something, but even as he opened his mouth, darkness swirled around him. He slipped back into the empty chasms of sleep.

#

Morning greeted Aleksei gently, rousing him from a dreamless oblivion. It had taken him hours to finally find some rest, and his relief was immeasurable when he woke without encountering the specter of the green-eyed man. His wish had been granted. The man was gone.

He made his way down the narrow stairway and walked into the kitchen, frowning at what greeted him. Their rough wooden table was laid out with provisions for what Aleksei could only guess was a journey.

But a journey where? His father hadn’t said anything about travel. There was still wood to chop and hay to store. The first snow might be weeks away, but there was no telling when the winds would usher in the chill of Northern air. Working outside in the cold was not something he, nor any farmer, relished.

“I see you’re up.” Henry said from behind. Aleksei jumped.

He turned, “Da, where are we going? I thought we were going to finish the hay this morning.”

His father shook his head and smiled, though Aleksei caught the deep sadness in Henry’s eyes. “We aren’t going anywhere, Son. You are.”

Aleksei frowned, “Me? But I thought—”

His father tried to hold the smile, but it was forced, “You’re needed, Son. In the North.”

Aleksei thought his heart would stop. He forgot to breathe. He could hardly process what his father had just said.

You know the truth he speaks, Aleksei.

Aleksei fought back a sob of frustration. He thought he’d freed himself of the damned voice, but now he knew the truth. He would never be free from it. It would hound him until the end of his days, or until it drove him mad, whichever came first.

Or until you simply do as I ask.

“Why?” he finally managed.

His father looked out the kitchen window, and Aleksei followed his gaze. Dash waited patiently outside, a saddle fitted snugly about his muscular frame.

“Because you’re needed, Son. It’s the only answer I can give you.”

“I’m not needed here, Da? Don’t you need me?”

Henry bit back the pain in his voice, “You are more of a help than I can say, Aleksei, and I love you dearly. But no, I don’t need you. Not like this. If you stayed here, you’d be wasting something…extraordinary. And honestly, I think you’d know it too. They need you in the North, Son. And their need is much more important than mine.”

Aleksei stood there, stunned by what his father was saying to him. And then the questions came pouring forth. What did Henry mean by ‘extraordinary’? What had his father learned? What was still being kept from him?

“And I’m sorry I can’t give you the answers you want, Son. But I think you know who can. Find him.”

“But how can I….” Aleksei began, fighting back the tears springing into his eyes.

“You’re strong, Aleksei. You’ve always been strong. That won’t fail you now.”

Henry swallowed back his own tears and tried to smile again, “Now you’d better get on the road. The sooner you get beyond the Southern Plain, the better. You don’t want to be riding under the Harvest sun too long if you can help it.”

“But where am I going?” Aleksei cried, his voice breaking. It was happening too fast. His life was slipping through his fingers moment by moment and there was nothing he could do about it.

“North, Son. North. You’ll know where you’re headed as you get closer. That’s all I know to tell you.”

Aleksei looked into his father’s eyes and saw the sadness, the regret that burned within him. His father wanted to know just as badly as he, to know just what sort of place he was so blindly sending his son.

Finally, after a long silence, Aleksei nodded. “Alright, Da. If you want me to go, then I’ll go.”

“I’ll never want you to go, Son.” Henry whispered, his face contorting with pain. He had already lost his wife, and now he was losing his son, too. Aleksei would still be alive, but he would be so far away.

“But promise me something, Aleksei.”

Aleksei nodded, “Anything, Da.”

“If you find this place and if it’s not what you want, what you need, promise me you’ll come back. Even if this isn’t what you want either, at least we can figure that out together.”

Aleksei finally allowed a tear to wind its way down his cheek, “I promise, Da.”

Henry stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around his son, hugging him as close as he could, as though any moment Aleksei might turn to mist and vanish forever. Henry stepped back and managed a sardonic smile. Aleksei might remain solid as stone, but surely enough he was about to vanish.

#

Henry didn’t watch his son ride away. In truth, he couldn’t bear it. As long as he’d never seen Aleksei leave he could always pretend the boy was out in the barn, or by the pond he’d swum in as a child. It was a good hour before Henry allowed himself to sit down in his chair and sob.


Author Bio

Nicholas McIntire
Critically-acclaimed author Nicholas McIntire has been writing fantasy since he was 8 years old. The bones of the Archanium Codex were first created when he was 16, and in the past 20 years, he has taken that initially simple idea and crafted it into a fully realized world, finished the sequel, earned three degrees (one in Russian, Eastern European Studies, two in Nursing), and lived life to its fullest. Now writing full-time, Nicholas is ready for share is vision of the Archanium Codex, a 10 book series. The first book of the series being The Hunter’s Gambit.

Nicholas, lives in Fort Worth, Texas, but writes in both Fort Worth and Fort Davis, TX, where his family has a small place situated at 5200 feet in the Davis Mountains – and, yes, Texas does have mountains.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Nicholas McIntire - The Hunter's Gambit Cover w9eudn sTitle: The Hunter’s Gambit

Series: The Archanium Codex 01

Author: Nicholas McIntire

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: Super Novel (722pgs)

ISBN: 9781733849128

Publisher: Black Dove Press, LLC (20th January 2020)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Aleksei Drago never expected an easy life, but he never expected what he got. Growing up amongst the Ri-Vhan of Seil Wood, losing his mother and just as suddenly being torn from the forest folk, Aleksei had no choice but to make the best of the unpredictable path in life.

But what happens when the monsters and figures of fiction become horrifyingly real? Can Aleksei find the right path? When his life and the lives of his family and friends are at stake will he fight, reforging himself into the man Prophecy demands he become? In a world of magic and Magi, of Angels and Demons alike, how will a simple farm boy survive his own contorted destiny?

This is the story of a seemingly-simple world gone mad, and the reality that every action, no matter how apparently benign, can serve to unravel terrifying truths. This is the story of Aleksei Drago, farmer, Hunter, and so much more.

Purchase Link: Publisher | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Now I’m a bit of a fantasy snob, sometimes the fantasy just isn’t fantasy enough but this baby is allllllll fantasy and not just fantasy but EPIC FANTASY.

This is an amazing story that has twists and turns all the way through, it has misdirection’s right from the start lulling you into a false sense of knowledge which is then shattered and it just gets more and more interesting.

Now this isn’t a romance, yes there’s gay characters but anything between them is kept in the background so you can fully get your teeth into the storyline… and oh my what a storyline it is. Danger, mystery, dirty deeds and epic fighting is just a bit of what you can enjoy in this well-crafted story. The world building is wonderful, the characters are fantastic and you really get dragged into the story.

Aleksei is one amazing man who discovers many things about himself; his counterpart is Jonas Belgi who also makes many discoveries as they both try their best to save their kingdom. This story is amazing and I really don’t know how to explain how fantastic it is. And OMG it’s a ten book series *squee* I can’t wait!!!

 I really really have no words to tell you more about this story without giving away the many surprises that unfold, all I can say is if you love epic fantasies and amazing battles then this story is for you.

LOGO - Other Worlds Ink
 

The Stark Divide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Unique Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Stark Divide Banner 2

Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with the tour for his brand new RE-release The Stark Divide, we have a brilliant unique excerpt, a fantastic $25 Amazon GC, & a signed paperback set of his Oberon Cycle trilogy giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Stark Divide Cover 74jfug

The Stark Divide

(Liminal Sky: Ariadne Cycle Trilogy 01)
by

J. Scott Coatsworth

Some stories are epic.

The Earth is in a state of collapse, with wars breaking out over resources and an environment pushed to the edge by human greed.

Three living generation ships have been built with a combination of genetic mastery, artificial intelligence, technology, and raw materials harvested from the asteroid belt. This is the story of one of them—43 Ariadne, or Forever, as her inhabitants call her—a living world that carries the remaining hopes of humanity, and the three generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers working to colonize her.

From her humble beginnings as a seedling saved from disaster to the start of her journey across the void of space toward a new home for the human race, The Stark Divide tells the tales of the world, the people who made her, and the few who will become something altogether beyond human.

Humankind has just taken its first step toward the stars.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Stark Divide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Unique Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Silk Dragon Salsa by Rhys Ford Blog Tour, Guest Post, Finding His Place Part 6, Review & Giveaway!

Rhys Ford - Silk Dragon Salsa Tour Banner

Hiya guys! We have Rhys Ford visiting today with the tour for her new release Silk Dragon Salsa, we have a brilliant guest post from Rhys, we also have Part 6 of Finding His Place, A Kai Gracen short story , we have an amazing $20 GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway ❤️ ~Pixie~

Rhys Ford - Silk Dragon Salsa Cover c78r4jv

Silk Dragon Salsa

(Kai Gracen 04)
by

Rhys Ford

SoCalGov Stalker Kai Gracen always knew Death walked in his shadow. Enough people told him that, including his human mentor, Dempsey. Problem was, the old man never told him what to do when Death eventually caught up.

Where Tanic, his elfin father and the Wild Hunt Master of the Unsidhe Court, brought Kai pain and suffering, Dempsey gave him focus and a will to live… at least until everything unraveled. Now caught in a web of old lies and half-truths, Kai is torn between the human and elfin worlds, unsure of who he is anymore. Left with a hollowness he can’t fill, Kai aches to find solace in the one elfin he trusts—a Sidhe Lord named Ryder—but he has unfinished business with Dempsey’s estranged brother, a man who long ago swore off anything to do with the feral elfin child Dempsey dragged up from the gutter.

Reeling from past betrayals, Kai searches for Dempsey’s brother, hoping to do right by the man who saved him while trying to keep ahead of the death haunting his every step. Kai never thought he’d find love or happiness as a Stalker, but when Death comes knocking at his door, Kai discovers a fierce need to live life to the fullest—even if that means turning his back on the people he calls family.

.•.•.**❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Silk Dragon Salsa by Rhys Ford Blog Tour, Guest Post, Finding His Place Part 6, Review & Giveaway!”

Peacemaker by E.M. Hamill Blog Tour, Excerpt, Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!

E.M. Hamill - Peacemaker BANNERPeacemaker - E.M. Hamill

E.M. Hamill has a new queer sci fi book out, book two in the Dalí Tamareia series:

Peacemaker

Third-gender operative Dalí Tamareia thought their life as an ambassador ended when they joined a galactic intelligence agency. When they’re yanked out of the field and tapped to negotiate the surrender of deadly bio-engineered warriors who crashed into hostile territory, Dalí is thrust headfirst back into the tumultuous world of galactic diplomacy.

Dalí has faced Shontavians before, but not like these. The stranded mercenaries are highly intelligent and have an agenda of their own. Dalí can’t afford to be distracted from the negotiations by their own demons or the presence of a charming diplomat with a mysterious past.

As a brewing civil war threatens to derail the entire mission, Dalí must use all their skills to bring this dangerous situation to a peaceful end—but the Shontavians may not be the biggest monsters at the table. Someone is determined to see Dalí and their team dead before they discover the brutal truth hiding in the wreckage.

NineStar Press | Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Goodreads


E.M. Hamill - Peacemaker MEME1

Guest Post

The Music Behind Peacemaker: A Dalí Tamareia Mission

Because I live in a busy house with three other adults and two vocal pets, I often write with noise canceling headphones and some great, atmospheric music playing. I have to write to instrumental music, because words paint such vivid pictures for me they interfere in my creative process.

My son introduced me to trailer music a few years ago: short, intense pieces of music which create a stunning atmosphere and are often used in movie trailers before the actual soundtrack is written. Two Steps from Hell and Audiomachine provided a lot of inspiration for me for the first book; in fact, one particularly heartbreaking scene had a literal soundtrack in Audiomachine’s “Red Sorrow”. While this particular scene didn’t make its way intact into Dalí, there are many other moods and moments which found footing in some great music.

I listen to a lot of Pandora Journey playlists on YouTube, but these books are gritty and violent. Lovely music doesn’t always provide the right kind of inspiration.  GRV MegaMix: Hybrid War was one of my absolute favorite playlists for writing violent battles and moments of tension in both books.

Some very important moments in Peacemaker  were written to Immortals: Powerful Hybrid Music Mix. This one was in frequent rotation!

Last but not least, Gary Numan’s My Name is Ruin became my unofficial theme song for The Dalí Tamareia Missions. I actually paraphrased one of the chorus lyrics in the book because of the feeling it evoked…see if you can figure out which one. It happens in the most intense moment of the book.

My name is ruin, my name is vengeance
My name is no one, no one is calling
My name is ruin, my name is heartbreak
My name is loving, but sorrows and darkness
My name is ruin, my name is evil
My name’s a war song, I sing you a new one
My name is ruin, my name is broken
My name is shameless, I’ll tear you wide open

I hope some of the music helps inspire your own writing!


E.M. Hamill - Peacemaker MEME2

Giveaway

E.M. is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: hhttp://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47116/?


Excerpt

Peacemaker
I took a quick turn in the cleanser to rid my skin and hair of the tacky residue left by the decon spray. In the warmth and vibration, I shuddered as the last of the physical characteristics I’d adapted to pass as male shifted back into my neutral, sexless state. My crewmates didn’t expect me to assume a gender, something for which I remained grateful. Without hormone stimulation to drive the change, the process was more painful, and my shoulders complained against the grind of bone and muscle.

I tamed my wavy brown mop as best I could, drawing it into a short, braided queue at the back of my neck before putting on the dress black uniform hanging in my quarters. The white starburst of diplomacy blazed in holographic relief on my left shoulder with the multiarmed spiral of the Remoliad’s sigil on the opposite sleeve.

To be back in the uniform of an ambassador felt strange. Transient reflections in the narrow window showed a me I hadn’t acknowledged in over two years. I barely recognized the echo of who I used to be, a transparent ghost against the stars outside.

The reason I had been pulled out of the field began to make sense, though I still didn’t know what the assignment entailed. Time to find out.

At the closed door of Sumner’s ready room, I tugged at the tunic’s high collar, squared my shoulders, and tapped on the panel to request entry.

“Commander. Permission to enter?”

“Granted.” The door slid aside with his verbal acknowledgment. I stepped through.

Silhouetted by the flicker of busy data screens behind the desk, Sumner wore a black uniform with insignias of diplomatic service similar to mine but without the starburst rank of ambassador. Instead, he wore the pips of an officer in the Remoliad Fleet on the high neck of his collar. He stared at the screen of a PDD, his expression dark and troubled.

Sumner glanced up and a crooked grin formed on his lips as he rose. “Ambassador Tamareia. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

His vocal inflections sounded almost normal, but his eyes still held frost. We were never this formal with each other, a sign of the tension between us.

“I haven’t seen me in a long time either. It feels very strange.” I took a deep breath. “I would like to apologize for my insubordination, especially for what I said in med bay, Commander. I was out of line.” Embarrassment burned in my cheeks, and I lowered my gaze. “I owe Melos and Ziggy more than an apology. I was under the influence on a mission, and I put the lives of my teammates in danger. I will accept the consequences of my actions as you deem appropriate.”

“Grab a chair.” He gestured opposite his desk, and I sat. “I think I owe you an apology as well. I’ve gotten used to autonomy. When some bureaucrat tells me to drop whatever I’m doing and pull my operatives in the middle of a potentially productive mission, it pisses me off. The order to recall you came from so far over my head I got vertigo. The rest is just the frost on the comet, and it pushed me over the line.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for the vendetta remark.”

“No, you were right. I needed to be reminded why I’m here. You promised only that I will be involved when we take them down, not that I would be the instrument.” No matter how badly I wanted the privilege, I had a bigger job to do. “Who told you to recall me?”

His mouth twisted in an ironic smile. “The Remoliad security council.”

My eyebrows threatened to merge with my hairline. “The security council has authority over the Penumbra?”

“Technically. My superior answers to the secretary general, but it’s almost unheard of to receive a direct order from any office.”

“I don’t understand.” I frowned. “Did my mother have anything to do with this?”

“No, Ambassador Urquhart isn’t involved as far as we can tell. We checked since the order was so specific. But I just received more details.” He handed me the data device he’d been scowling at when I came in. “Against all previous declarations of disdain for galactic alliance, the Ursetu recently issued an emergency petition for their planet to become a member of the Remoliad.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and took the PDD. “I saw something about that in my debriefing file. The crown princess is dead?”

“Yes. The queen and her grandson, Prince Razaxha, are still alive.”

“What happened? Was the planet attacked?”

“Yes and no.” He swept his hand and a heads-up display swirled into view between us. “I’ll warn you up front, this is brutal.”

The wreck of some immense ship blighted the forested grounds of a ziggurat-like palace, silhouetted against the backdrop of a sharp black mountain. Columns of smoke and flames traced the outline of warped and twisted debris. The recording lens zoomed in on a section of the disaster where tiny flashes of light sparked and died. As the picture enlarged, I sat forward in shock.

“Enhance this area.” Sumner circled the spot on the heads-up and spread his fingers. The portion of the holovid expanded, grainy, blurred, and blocked by foliage, but I made it out plainly enough. Enormous, gray-skinned figures piled out of the wreckage.

Shontavians.

The four-armed beings appeared unstoppable as they swatted aside the Ursetu and their guns, snatched up the soldiers with their sharp-taloned hands and—

A psychic memory of the taste of blood and entrails hit me so hard I fought the urge to vomit.

“Stop the playback!” I drew heavy breaths through my nose until the nausea passed and my heart stopped pounding. Sumner swept his hand over the enlarged holo, reducing details to a safe distance as my mind attempted to process what I’d seen.

A ship hadn’t crashed in the middle of an Ursetu city. It was the orbiting laboratory where Shontavians were engineered and kept isolated until their sale to whomever bought their mercenary services. It crashed into the planet or was deliberately brought down.

By whom?

The Ursetu faced monsters of their own making—huge, intelligent creatures with the serrated teeth and claws of a predator, created solely for fighting wars. And they had a craving for sentient meat.


Author Bio

E.M. HamillElisabeth “E.M.” Hamill is a nurse by day, unabashed geek, chocoholic, sci fi and fantasy novelist by nights, weekends, and whenever she can steal quality time with her laptop. She lives with her family, a dog, and a cat in the wilds of eastern suburban Kansas, where they fend off flying monkey attacks and prep for the zombie apocalypse.

Her other books include the acclaimed sci fi novel Dalí, the snarky urban fantasy Nectar and Ambrosia, and several short works of fiction. Visit www.elisabethhamill.com for a full list of literary work.

Author Website: https://www.elisabethhamill.com

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/EMHamill

Author Twitter: @songmagick

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16592440.E_M_Hamill

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/e-m-hamill/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JY0FV8S


E.M. Hamill - Peacemaker MEME4

Review

E.M. Hamill - Peacemaker Cover s 0393knnTitle: Peacemaker

Series: A Dalí Tamareia Mission 02

Author: E.M. Hamill

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (284pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-951880-58-3

Publisher: NineStar Press (2nd March 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Third-gender operative Dalí Tamareia thought their life as an ambassador ended when they joined a galactic intelligence agency. When they’re yanked out of the field and tapped to negotiate the surrender of deadly bio-engineered warriors who crashed into hostile territory, Dalí is thrust headfirst back into the tumultuous world of galactic diplomacy.

Dalí has faced Shontavians before, but not like these. The stranded mercenaries are highly intelligent and have an agenda of their own. Dalí can’t afford to be distracted from the negotiations by their own demons or the presence of a charming diplomat with a mysterious past.

As a brewing civil war threatens to derail the entire mission, Dalí must use all their skills to bring this dangerous situation to a peaceful end—but the Shontavians may not be the biggest monsters at the table. Someone is determined to see Dalí and their team dead before they discover the brutal truth hidden in the wreckage.

Purchase Link: NineStar | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Well that ended with a cliff hanger to end all cliff hangers and totally mind blowing!

This is the second Dalí Tamareia and while they should be read in order I never read the first book and I didn’t feel like I’d missed anything that impacted this book, although I’m going to read it now as this story does hint at events in the first book and I want to know more.

Dalí is throwing themself into their work, taking chances and risking their life with a devil may care attitude. Their teammates straighten them out before they are thrown into a dangerous situation where only Dalí may be able to broker a peaceful resolution.

But as Dalí tries to negotiate with the Shontavians someone on the planet wants total control of the dangerous genetically engineered mercenaries and Dalí’s life hangs in the balance.

Well let me tell you I was hooked from the first chapter, the turmoil that Dalí is going through at the beginning of the book draws you in as you see him taking chances that they don’t need to take. Their attitude brings to mind someone who is close to the edge, dancing with death with the secret wish that death will strike them down.

We are drawn into an incredible story where Dalí is drawn back into their true calling of negotiation, and what a situation they are dropped into.

This is a fast paced story that has danger, intrigue, a dash of sex, and a hell of a twist. The world building is wonderful with richly described settings, we are thrown into situations that you can easily image, and with characters that come to life.

Dalí is third gendered so can switch genders, so male or female partners are both to be expected. There isn’t any romance as such, maybe a slight awakening of awareness of feelings.

Now the ending hits you from nowhere, I seriously didn’t see it coming; it was such a huge betrayal and such a slap in the face that I wanted to hunt the betrayer down myself. Many things are discovered during this story with some of them being tied in to what happened to Dalí’s spouses in book 1, another reason to read book 1 😉

All in all I loved this story and was fascinated with how the story unfolded and developed, I can’t wait for book 3 and look forward to what else E.M. Hamill has to entertain us.

I recommend this story to those who love science fiction, great storylines, and intriguing characters.

LOGO - Other Worlds Ink

The Reckoning by Graham J. Wood Blog Tour & Review!

Graham J. Wood - Zein Banner 2

Hi guys! We have Graham J. Wood popping in with his new release The Reckoning, we also have my reviews for The Prophecy and The Homecoming, so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Graham J. Wood - Zein 03 - The Reckoning Cover 348rjfu

The Reckoning

(ZEIN 03)
by

Graham J. Wood

The nightmare continues. Returning to Earth, Kabel and Tyson are fighting different battles. Kabel angry and struggling to restrain his feelings for Gemma, and Tyson fighting an internal battle with the methir still coursing through his body; the magics are growing stronger. On Earth, the Cabal are tightening their grip on the control of the zinithium and the fearful population. Their ruthlessness is supported by Zylar aggressively pushing his domination plan forward, and his desire for revenge on the Blackstone brothers is all consuming. The odds seem high, almost unimaginable. Into this despair stride the conflicted brothers with the support of their companions. Despair, defeat and death will face them. Now is the time to fight back, to face the ultimate battle of good versus evil, for the sake of the Earth, the universe and their own internal peace.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Reckoning by Graham J. Wood Blog Tour & Review!”

The Trouble with Tony by Eli Easton (2nd Edition)

Eli Easton - The Trouble With Tony Cover 8394rhfTitle: The Trouble with Tony

Series: Sex In Seattle 01

Author: Eli Easton

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense, Humor

Length: Novella (111 pages)

Publisher: Pinkerton Road (30th January 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Blurb: As part of the investigation into the murder of a young woman, Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco poses as a patient of Dr. Jack Halloran, the therapist who treated the victim at a Seattle sex clinic. This isn’t the first time Tony has gone undercover, but it’s the first time he’s wanted to go under cover with one of his suspects. He can’t help it—Jack Halloran is just the kind of steely-eyed hero Tony goes for. But he’ll have to prove Halloran’s innocence and keep the doctor from finding out about his ruse before he can play Romeo.

Dr. Halloran has his own issues, including a damaged right arm sustained in the line of duty as a combat surgeon in Iraq and the PTSD that followed. He’s confused to find himself attracted to a new patient, the big, funny Italian with the puppy-dog eyes, and Tony’s humor slips right past Jack’s defenses, making him feel things he thought long buried. But can the doctor and the P.I. find a path to romance despite the secrets between them?

ISBN: B0845TQ2M7

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Pixie

Review: Private Investigator Tony has been asked to look into the death of a young woman, a young woman who apparently committed suicide; it leads Tony to go undercover as a patient at a Seattle sex clinic and getting him help for his own little problem. Tony doesn’t believe that the doctor who treated the young woman, Jack Halloran, was involved but he wants to make sure he doesn’t miss anything and that it isn’t his attraction to the doctor clouding his judgment. Jack has his own issues, injured in the line of duty as a combat surgeon; he has lost all confidence in his own appeal and becomes confused by his attraction to his new patient, Tony. 

This is a great story that has some brilliant humorous moments including an Italian mother who has no boundaries. Tony is a great character who puts his all into solving his clients cases, his newest case is a puzzle though, and no matter the alibi, he still suspects the husband. Going undercover Tony wants to discover just what treatment the dead woman received, but he gets a surprise of his own when his own little problem rears its ugly head. Jack is a man who has had his confidence knocked, forced to change his speciality he is now a sex counsellor and is intrigued by his new patients problem, but he also find himself attracted to the man. 

This is a great novella that has some incredible sexual tension and a pretty good investigation. Tony is a character that you fall in love with, he is so cute with his blushes and embarrassment and his intense attraction to Jack. Jack is a man who has had some hard knocks, but he is so nice that you want him to break the rules for Tony. Tony’s investigation is great but the budding relationship with Jack is better, both of them entwine and I loved Jack’s reaction to the truth about Tony. 

I recommend this to those that love humorous private investigators, hot doctors, great sex, an interesting storyline and a very amusing ending. 

Commitment Ranch by B.A. Tortuga (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Commitment Ranch Cover 347hfnTitle: Commitment Ranch

Series: Leaning N Ranch 01

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary, Cowboys

Length: Novel (230pgs)

ISBN: B081R13FZZ

Publisher: B.A. Tortuga (19th November 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Not everyone gets a second chance at love.

Ford Nixel has two law offices, two fancy condominiums, and all the right connections. He definitely thinks he has everything he wants.

The last thing he needs is his Uncle Ty’s stake in the Leanin’ N, a ranch that’s been in the family for generations. Ford hasn’t even been to the ranch in over a decade, not since he left his boyfriend Stoney behind and headed back to college alone.

Ford arrives at the Leaning N to find Stoney, now a single father, right where he left him. A fist fight, a snowstorm, and a stolen kiss in the barn later, and Ford knows none of the heat between them has dissipated, but can they make their second chance work?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: When Ford’s Uncle Ty asks for his help Ford doesn’t hesitate to rush back to the ranch he hasn’t set foot on in twelve years. Ford returns to the Leaning N not looking forward to seeing his ex-boyfriend Stoney, the man who preferred the ranch and knocked up Ford’s cousin. But even with twelve years and a child putting distance between them Ford’s feelings for Stoney haven’t changed and when Stoney reveals a secret Ford can’t fight how he truly feels for Stoney.

This is a great story that has two men reuniting and finally putting the misunderstandings between them to rest. Ford is a great character who is struggling with his resentment for Stoney, having to work with Stoney proves to be like getting blood from a stone, they clash, bitch at each other and Ford wants nothing more than go punch Stoney. Stoney is a solid character who doesn’t believe he is any good at anything other than being a cowboy, Stoney resents Ford coming home, and he resents Ty asking him to work with Ford but if the Leaning N is going to keep going he needs Fords help.

I really like how this story was written, while Ford and Stoney’s relationship plays out throughout the story we also have them learning to work together, moving forward to improve the ranch, we have Ford trying to find his place as the people who work on the ranch are like family and we also have some great characters who shine like Quartz (Stoney’s son) and Geoff (the vegan cook).

The story is easy to follow and is well paced; there are some hot moments between Ford and Stoney and some tense moments (snowstorm), the relationship doesn’t instantly strike up again when Ford and Stoney meet again in fact it takes quite some time before they are even in the same room without them wanting to punch each other. B.A. Tortuga has again written a story that produces some warm and fuzzy feelings and while it does have tension it isn’t angsty.

I recommend this to those who love second chance love stories, who adore characters who can put the past behind them for a new future, and great characters who are determined to get a happy ending.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey (2nd Edition)

Lissa Kasey - Hidden Gem Cover 743nfi9Title: Hidden Gem

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Length: Novel (248pgs)

ISBN: B07S6RZSSC

Publisher: Lissa Kasey (14th June 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The sparkling jewel of the Hidden Gem, City M’s most renowned brothel, Misaki “Aki” Ito is living the good life. He’s not subjected to torture for his psi abilities, he has a roof over his head, food to eat, and all the sparkly shoes he could dream about. He also has one particular regular he can’t get enough of, Shane McNaughton, even if Shane occasionally asks for Aki’s help on a case.

Shane is a cop specializing in missing persons. He’s good at finding people, not just because of his years as a seasoned detective, but because he survived the Third World War and resulting plague with a few supernatural abilities himself. Mutated by the virus that wiped out two thirds of the world’s population, Shane no longer considers himself human. Which is why he limits his visits to a very breakable psi companion when not working a case, no matter how much he might want Aki.

When a high ranking official’s daughter goes missing and feared dead, Shane has no choice but to ask Aki to use his abilities to help him track down the kidnapper. The case opens a door to a past Aki thought he had escaped. Will Shane’s love be enough to save them all when something dark is awakened inside of Aki?

Note: Re-edited, but content still the same. Short fiction added to the end.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Aki is a psi; he has mutated DNA that means he is able to read your past with a touch, but living in a world that fears those that are different left him starving and beaten until he was taken off the streets to become a contracted companion. The Hidden Gem welcomed him with open arms and he has repaid them by becoming their top companion, earning enough money to keep him in sparkly shoes and pretty clothes. Shane survived the Third World War greatly changed; now working as a cop finding missing people and assisting in the odd homicide but keeping people at arm’s length to hide the monster inside him. Shane has visited Aki many times over the last two years for both work and personal needs and he wishes he could have more from the companion. As Shane tracks down a serial killer it becomes clear to him that Ari is somehow connected, but can Shane save him from what is to come?

Oh my, this story certainly surprised me with the intriguing plot and stunning characters. The world has changed from what we know; World War Three changed not only the landscape but for some it changed their very genetics, A-Ms (Animal-Mutation) and not long after came the psi’s. A country split and containment camps and shunning for the psi and A-Ms hiding their natures, this is the world we find ourselves in and it is fascinating. Shane is investigating a puzzling serial killer, asking Aki to help seems to be his best bet for any clue but not even Aki could have seen the outcome that they are heading for.

Shane and Aki are wonderful characters, Shane may be big, growly and not very friendly and when you learn his past you can understand his stand-offish attitude, but he has a soft spot for Aki, then there’s Aki who seems to be a young innocent who has an obsession with sparkly shoes, but has an horrific past and it’s amazing after everything he has been through that he has a soft heart for Shane. They have much to work out before they even start dating, Aki must learn to shield himself and Shane must learn to be what Aki needs and Shane also needs to get to the bottom of his serial killer case which seems to get bigger and more complex with every victim.

I have to admit that I couldn’t put this story down, it’s growth was amazing with plots and twists that just seemed to get bigger and bigger, there was also a couple of moments where my jaw dropped in surprise because the twist just came from nowhere. We are treated to a host of wonderful characters besides Aki and Shane; some of those include Candy, Paris and Jack. We are led a merry chase as we try to figure out who the serial killer is, and just where Aki fits in to Shane’s feeling that he might be connected…. And I will tell you now I think I was shell-shocked by the revelation because that had never even crossed my mind!

The two bonus stories are absolutely brilliant, giving us a special glimpse of Aki and Shane in the first one and of Aki and Candy in the second.

I have to recommend this to those who love science-fiction that blends with the paranormal, who love unconventional love stories, who love surprising thrillers and mysteries, fantastic characters who all have their own stories and a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to get off.

Real World by B.A. Tortuga *Dual Review* (2nd Edition)

B.A. Tortuga - Real World Cover njx74aqTitle: Real World

Series: Love is Blind 02

Author: B.A. Tortuga

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (344 Pages)

Publisher: Turtlehat Creatives (10th October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 – 4 1/2 Hearts Combined

Blurb: Dan White is trying to acclimate to civilian life after a long career in the military with multiple combat deployments.

Now he’s home in the Austin area, living with his brother Dixon, Dixon’s husband, Audie, and their two nine-year-olds. During the New Year celebration, Dan meets Abraham Weldon, and the connection is instant.

There’s a kiss. There’s a dance. There’s a proposition.

Then Dan finds out Weldon is bisexual. And a dad. With five kids. Five kids, one of whom is a blind fifteen-year-old.

Widower Weldon has been in love twice before in his life—with his high school best friend, Blake, and with his wife, Krista, who he met in a Dairy Queen as she was crying over a positive pregnancy test. Love number three hits Weldon like a hammer when he meets Dan.

But since Dan isn’t interested in a guy with kids, they might only get one night together.

ISBN: B07YYX1ZWC

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewers: Lisa & Pixie

Lisa’s Review: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts 

Now I have to admit that I am not a fan of bisexual characters nor with children or female parts. Also every time I read a story where the wife tragically died leaving her husband and children behind just drives me nuts. Also the fact that she was his best friend in highschool doesn’t really connect with me either. It seems to be used quite a bit which for me is a dull moment. I want something unique and I hate to say it that this was not unique. What was unique was he married his wife, when he found her crying over being pregnant with another man’s child.

Abraham was in love with his best friend and the mother of his children. However that all changed when she passed away and left him alone with their five kids. Although the fact that his oldest is a blind teen who is not biologically his child, and as a normal teenager wants his real daddy. That was the only unique part of the whole story. It does show that Abraham is a nice guy. So his hooking up with Dan was not all that new for me. He hangs out with his friends and meets Dix’s brother Dan and of course something happens. However he just could no resist the temptation.

Dan is a military man who has been in for most of his life and is dealing with his memories. Now as many military personal he has PTSD and has trouble dealing with being a civilian at times. Now what caught my attention was the fact that his brother is blind, and Abraham’s oldest son was blind, see the theme going there. The he meets his brothers friend Abraham, and sparks fly. The problem seems to be those five kids that he has. And according to Dan, he doesn’t like kids. Really were going to go there, just seems a bit to cliche again.

Now over all this story was quite good and I did enjoy reading it. I am surprised by the amount of heat these guys have going on, even when they are fighting with each other. I liked the fact that the kids were so active in this book and even though I don’t much care for that aspect of the story it felt good. Now I will be the first to admit that I didn’t read book one so I was missing parts of the story. Which means I will have to go read the first book to check it out. It was a very catchy story that did intrigued me quite a bit. The flow was even paced and made for an enjoyable read.

Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Dan is recently out of the military, staying with his brother Dix and wondering what he will do with his life now. While celebrating New Year Dan meets Weldon, Dix’s neighbor, and its instant lust, but Weldon has five children and Dan isn’t ready for that type of commitment. Weldon is looking for permanence from any person he has a relationship with, but there’s something about Dan that he just has to have a taste of, they might only have one night together but it’s a night that neither man will forget.

This is a superb story where love sneaks in and knocks both men for six. Dan is still finding his feet after being in the military for years, he’s finding it difficult to find a job and he suffers from the occasional nightmare from his time in combat. A relationship is something he isn’t looking for but he gets knocked off his feet by Weldon and his family. Weldon has a fantastic family; it’s been over three years since his wife died and he’s now looking for someone to share it with, Dan is honest and caring and Weldon wishes he was ready for more than just hook-ups.

Weldon’s children Jakob, Emma, Madison, MacKenzie & Caleb are little stars of this story; they are absolute holy terrors/cherubs and make you grin. While Weldon and Dan are dancing round the relationship dilemma and Dan accepts that he might want more than just a fling with Weldon the kids are all in the background and have an impact on Dan that he never thought would happen… they wormed their way into his heart.

The story is very easy going for the most part, Dan and Weldon fall into a relationship after Dan sorts himself out, but danger lurks when Jakob keeps secrets. This story isn’t just about Dan and Weldon, it’s about building a new family, dealing with settling into a new way of life and helping children deal with growing up.

I loved how this story was written, there is angst but it isn’t really coming from the adults (except parenting angst, there’s plenty of that!), we see how Dan and Weldon deal with their relationship (really easy going), we see the children dealing with a new man in their dad’s life, we see the normal sibling teasing & secrets and how it affects them and we see a strong family being built before our eyes.

I recommend this to those who love fantastic characters, who adore rambunctious children, who love a dash of tension and angst, and love characters who become exceptional when they love the right man.

Dinner at Jack’s by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Jacks Cover ns7djmTitle: Dinner at Jack’s

Series: Romance With Recipes 03

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (235pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562206

Publisher: JMS Books LLC (18th December 2019)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds.

Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?

Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

When Beau gets divorced from his cheating husband there’s only one place he thinks of going to lick his wounds, to the small town he grew up. Not sure what to do now Beau spots an ad for a personal chef and decides to check it out, it leads him to a man he never thought he’d see again.

Maisie is desperate when she posts an ad for a chef, her son has retreated into himself and is often snarly and surly, and she hopes that good food will tempt her son but the first visit doesn’t go too well.

Jack can’t remember anything of the night that changed his life, he’s terrified to leave his room and he hates the man he’s turned into. When his mom hires a chef in a desperate attempt to get Jack to engage in life, Jack is resentful but Beau begins to chip away at Jack’s blocked memories.

This is a great story that fits in perfectly with the other Romance with Recipes books (Dinner at Home, Dinner at Fiorello’s), it’s a touching story of budding love and healing. Beau is a fantastic character who is feeling slightly wounded after his divorce, when he gets a challenge in Jack he’s determined to bring Jack back to the land of the living and to being the man he knew one magical evening many years before.

Jack is suffering, he’s scared to live, there’s something lurking in his memories that has him terrified and has taken him from being a man who embraces life to one who shuns it. Jack isn’t a very nice character when we first meet him, in fact he’s downright nasty but as we learn what he has been through we understand that it’s a coping mechanism so he doesn’t have to re-join the world. When he meets Beau his behaviour doesn’t chase the man away and Jack soon learns that maybe that’s a good thing.

The story is really well written and the storyline is great, it’s a story that surprised me as I figured that the story would be straight forward and the blurb covered everything, and yes that’s true but there’s a little bit more that had my breath catching and a twinge of sadness struck me for what was lost by an act of hatred and bigotry. Rick R. Reed writes in such a way that even the expected comes as a surprise and he can tease feelings from you that you don’t expect.

While there is a touch of romance developing between Jack and Beau there is a lot of healing and facing the past before we get to that point, so don’t expect a lovefest because there’s a lot of ground to cover especially for Jack. On a side note Jack’s mother Maisie and Beau’s father Niles are great characters and it was so sweet to see their little romance play out as well.

I recommend this to those who love stories that have a little meat to them, characters who know sorrow and pain, men who have suffered but who begin to heal and bloom, and a romance that is just beginning.

Dinner at Fiorello’s by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Fiorello's Cover 45hfy7Title: Dinner at Fiorello’s

Series: A Romance With Recipes 02

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Length: Novel (214pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562183

Publisher: JMS Books LLC (8th December 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.

Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking.

When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more — something real, something true — to separate the good from the bad and find the love — and the hope — that just might be their salvation.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Henry knows what he wants to do with his life now that he’s graduated from school and it isn’t what his wealthy father has planned for him, but he doesn’t know if he will be brave enough to go after what he wants until he spots a help wanted ad for a little Italian restaurant called Fiorella’s. Vito was blessed with a good life until a tragic turn of events took what he loved most, now he lives quietly, keeping to himself and working as the chef at Fiorella’s. For over a year nothing has breached the shell he lives in until a blond ‘bubble dancer’ begins to crack his shell, but Vito doesn’t want his safe shell shattered and Henry’s life is falling apart around him. Will either man take a chance on something more or will they retreat to the safety or the world that they know.

Fiorella’s is another wonderful story from Rick R. Reed that touches our hearts. Henry is the typical rich kid who has had everything offered to him on a platter except the love of his parents, his mother is cold and distant and his father is a powerful attorney who has Henry’s life mapped out for him. Henry wants to take a chance of grabbing his dream though, a dream that would have him cooking for other people, a dream that his father would look down on but with only the summer free before he starts collage he decides to grab the chance he is offered. Vito is perfectly with his lonely life working as the chef at Fiorella’s, at least that’s what he wants everyone to believe, the loss of those he loved the most still weighs him down and he never wants to open is heart to that kind of hurt again. Having Henry come into his life has Vito tempted to live again. As Henry’s life begins to fall apart and he turns to Vito, but cracking Vito’s secretive shell isn’t easy.

Henry is a young man who doesn’t want to be caged into a life he won’t enjoy, but going against his father’s wishes isn’t easy especially when he gets no support from his mother. As Henry moves into the world of adulthood he learns that life isn’t easy or going to fit into what he wants, it’s a hard world with realities he might not like and he has to grow up. Vito knows that life is far from easy; he now keeps himself to himself with no interest in love. We don’t get an easy romance, in fact Vito seems to barely tolerate Henry, what we get is a young man on the verge of making his own adult decisions and a jaded man who has turned his back on life.

This is a beautifully written story, we are made to feel both men’s pain in this story, Henry’s pain as his life changes and his solid family base is shaken and Vito’s bleeding pain as he tries to let go of the past. There are some poignant moments as Vito loses himself in his dreams and memories and as he begins to open up to Henry but we also have his anger as he feels that he’s being forced to let go of the past. With Henry we get his excitement of beginning his life, the fear of going against his father, the devastation of his family not being what he thought and the twisting feelings he has for Vito. These two men need each other and it takes a large part of the book to get to that stage, but it fits as we get to know both Vito and Henry, it’s the pace that suits both of them.

I recommend this to those who love stories of embarking on your own path in life, of being poked back to life and the living, of a tentative new love blooming, of grabbing life with both hands and facing the fall out, and of two men who embark on a new stage in their lives.    

Back Door Into Purgatory by Rory Ni Coileain

Rory Ni Coileain - Back Door Into Purgatory Cover s kdms9fdkTitle: Back Door to Purgatory

Series: SoulShares 09

Author: Rory Ni Coileain

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (221 pgs)

ISBN: 978-1626015227

Publisher: Riverdale Ave Books (1st October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes Fae love stories aren’t what you expect.

The Marfach—devourer of magick, long-imprisoned mortal enemy of the Fae race—is free of its Antarctic prison.

The Demesne of Purgatory—Fae, humans, a Fade-hound puppy, a Gille Dubh, and a darag—is all that stands between the monster and the power it needs to destroy both the Fae Realm and the human world.

The only clue they have as to how to kill the unkillable is a cryptic note from the Loremasters:
“Osclór, Nartú; Tobar, Soladán; Nidantór, Breathea; Glanadorh, Coromór, Farthor; Scian-omprór, Nachangalte; Crangaol, Síofra; Gastiór, Laoc, Caomhnór; Fánadh, Ngarradh.”
Opener, Strength; Wellspring, Channel; Unmaker, Judge; Cleanser, Equalizer, Sentry; Blade-bearer, Unbound; Tree-kin, Changeling; Binder, Warrior, Guardian; Wanderer, Sundered.

As they rebuild Purgatory from the rubble the Marfach left behind, they have to stand together, using everything they know—everything they are to their partners, lovers, husbands. Everything SoulSharing has made them.

And not everyone who enters the final battle will leave it.

Warnings: Flatulent puppy

Purchase Link: Riverdale Ave Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order.

The Fae and their SoulShares know that they have a huge challenge ahead; they have to finally kill the Marfach and destroy the Pattern if they want to save the Fae realm and Earth. Which considering they have no idea how to do either, the Marfach is unkillable and the Pattern has been sealed by the Loremasters from their side.

This is a fantastic conclusion to the SoulShares series; it’s got love, danger, action, mystery and a huge twist. I was gripped by this story and the way it played out.

We rejoin the guys as they try to figure out how they are going to move forward in their plans, and as typical Fae are wont to be their planning is more of a bragging of their skills and how they will all single handedly tear the Marfach to pieces. The SoulsShares all know the risks they are facing, and when a cryptic message arrives from the Loremasters they know the only way forward is for them to all work together.

Kevin is terrified though, he is haunted by a dream and when the dream comes true his world is shattered.

We get to enjoy brief snatches of each of the couples & throuple from the first eight books, but this books focuses on the final battle with the Marfach and the aftermath. I really don’t want to give anything away so that’s all I can say about the storyline.

Rory Ni Coileain has wrapped this series up nicely; the writing is superb and grips you from the start. The entire storyline is wrapped up perfectly although I was hoping for a glimpse of reunion between all eight couples at the very end (you’ll understand when you read it 😉 )

I have to say that I was extremely satisfied with how the series ended, there was nothing left hanging or left open. This series truly has ended and while I am sad to say goodbye to the guys, I’m pleased with how it all finished.

I recommend this to those who Fae, danger, a long reaching plot, hope, great characters, an interesting storyline, and a great ending.

Back Door Into Purgatory by Rory Ni Coileain Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Rory Ni Coileain - Back Door Into Purgatory Banner2

Hi peeps! We have Rory Ni Coilenin popping in today with her new release Back Door Into Purgatory, we have a great exclusive excerpt, a fantastic $20 Amazon GC giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway, so check out he post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Rory Ni Coileain - Back Door Into Purgatory Cover csdbh7dh

Back Door Into Purgatory

by
(SoulShares 09)

Rory Ni Coilenin

Sometimes Fae love stories aren’t what you expect.

The Marfach—devourer of magick, long-imprisoned mortal enemy of the Fae race—is free of its Antarctic prison.

The Demesne of Purgatory—Fae, humans, a Fade-hound puppy, a Gille Dubh, and a darag—is all that stands between the monster and the power it needs to destroy both the Fae Realm and the human world.

The only clue they have as to how to kill the unkillable is a cryptic note from the Loremasters:
“Osclór, Nartú; Tobar, Soladán; Nidantór, Breathea; Glanadorh, Coromór, Farthor; Scian-omprór, Nachangalte; Crangaol, Síofra; Gastiór, Laoc, Caomhnór; Fánadh, Ngarradh.”
Opener, Strength; Wellspring, Channel; Unmaker, Judge; Cleanser, Equalizer, Sentry; Blade-bearer, Unbound; Tree-kin, Changeling; Binder, Warrior, Guardian; Wanderer, Sundered.

As they rebuild Purgatory from the rubble the Marfach left behind, they have to stand together, using everything they know—everything they are to their partners, lovers, husbands. Everything SoulSharing has made them.

And not everyone who enters the final battle will leave it.

Warnings: Flatulent puppy

.•.•.**❣️ Riverdale Ave Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N | Kobo | iBooks ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Back Door Into Purgatory by Rory Ni Coileain Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Dinner at Home by Rick R. Reed (2nd Edition)

Rick R. Reed - Dinner at Home Cover h84fjnTitle: Dinner At Home

Series: Romance With Recipes 01

Author: Rick R. Reed

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (206pgs)

ISBN: 9781646562114

Publisher: JMS Books (20th November 2019)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: It only takes a few days for Ollie D’Angelo to lose his boyfriend, his job, and his home. Instead of mourning what he doesn’t have, Ollie celebrates what he does: the freedom to pursue his real passion—cooking. He begins Dinner at Home, a home-catering business, and it takes off.

Late one night, Ollie catches Hank Mellinger, a streetwise hood down on his luck, about to rob his car. Ollie soon discovers that appearances aren’t necessarily what they seem. Hank isn’t a criminal caught red-handed, but a hungry young man trying to make a life for himself and the four-year-old niece he’s trying desperately to take care of.

Instead of calling the cops, Ollie offers Hank a job and a way to pull himself up by his bootstraps. Together, they discover they can really cook… and that their shared passion for food just might lead to a passion for each other.

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Ollie wakes up one weekend thinking everything is perfect, he has a loving boyfriend, a wonderful home and a great job and then reality strikes as his boyfriend dumps him, he has to find a new place to live and he gets laid off from work. Ollie moves his focus to his freedom to do what he now wants: cooking. Hank fell in with drugs but after a stint in jail is trying to get back on his feet, when he finds himself having to take care of his niece, Addison, it becomes a struggle just to earn enough to buy food. Starving he goes looking for some quick cash but is surprised and ends up finding his saviour, Ollie, who offers him a job and a safe environment for his niece. Both Ollie and Hank discovered more on that dark night, they discover a shared passion for food and each other.

This is an amazing story of a man with a huge heart who, instead of wallowing in self-pity, embraced the opportunity to change his life and invited others to do the same. Ollie is an incredible character, he suffered the blow of being dumped by his boyfriend followed quickly by losing his job and he began to move forward with his life instead of stewing on what had happened. Hank is, amazingly, a character that you come to admire; he dabbled with drugs but cleaned himself up and genuinely wants to make something of his life and he keeps trying no matter what obstacles are thrown in his way. They might both come from different walks of life but their core is very similar, a love of food and the need to help and share with others.

While it might seem that food has a lot to do with this story (just wait till you get a load of the amazing recipes at the beginning of some chapters) it’s the love and comfort that is represented by the food that really shines through, a quite meal for two in the comfort of their own home, a lonely man needing a meal for one and a bit of company or even a family meal where the entire family attends and can relax, and for Ollie and Hank it’s the comfort of working together to make those meals that draw them together. It isn’t a rushed ‘oh my god he’s hot, lets jump into bed’ relationship, it’s one that is built up between them without them really realizing it and which is pushed into the forefront of their minds by a sudden burst of jealousy.

The entire story is wonderful; you have Hank and Ollie building a family unit with Addison and Rosa (another young person in need), then you have the sudden loss of a member which rocks the boat and nearly tears them all apart but they work to accept the changes. Hank and Ollie are beautiful together, they make a great couple for all that they seem so different and their love will get them through anything that life might throw at them.

I recommend this to those who love stories of dragging yourself up from the cesspit and making a new life for yourself, who love men with huge hearts who will hold a hand out and offer help, finding love when you least expect it, building your own family to love and getting your happy ever after through sheer hard work.

Dog Tagged by James Brock

James Brock - Dog Tagged Cover s mner738Title: Dog Tagged

Author: James Brock

Genre: Military Romance

Length: Novella (147pgs)

ISBN: 9780463073025

Publisher: James Brock (13th August 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Drill Sergeant Clay Norris has his military life running right on schedule.  Career focused he appreciates that he joined up when his sexuality is at least acknowledged under Don’t Ask, Don’t tell, even if he doesn’t get to act on his urges as much as he likes.

In formation with his new trainee group he locks eyes with Chevrolet Banks and his life, their lives, are changed forever.

Dog Tagged is an insta love military romance based on real life incidents.

Purchase Link:  Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes 

Review: Clay has his world turned upside down when he sets eyes on Chevy, for the first time he’s met someone who consumes his thoughts but they are both in the Army during the time of DADT and Clay has some hard choices to make when he is confronted by his commanding officer.

I loved this story, absolutely loved it. James Brock has written a realistic hard story about life in a military under DADT, it’s not sugar-coated and it’s not a gentle romance, it’s a story written with truth in every line.

The story is all from Clay’s POV, his thoughts, his feelings and his wants. We don’t really get a chance to know Chevy, only what Clay discovers about Chevy. Both characters are wonderful though and Evan, who becomes Clay’s best friend, is a fantastic character.

There is a hell of a lot of military detail in this story which I just adored, you get fully immersed in the life of Clay because of this and understand the pressure that these guys are under to keep their feelings to themselves. And while you do wish that Clay could have fought against his commanding officers actions you know that if he did then the story would have finished just as it was getting started.

For the length of this book there is a lot that goes on, homophobia, near death experiences, break ups, going wild on the town, capture, rescue, and make ups. I also want to say a thank you to James Brock for not having his MC’s be unrealistic heroic Marines or Special Forces, which many military stories focus on, as this gives us a chance to get a realistic view of normal grunts moving up the ranks.

Readers if you are looking for a sweet soft military romance then this isn’t for you because this story might have insta love but it isn’t an easy ride, and there are other men being sexed up by Clay (but no cheating).

I recommend this to those who love military stories which are immersed in military life, who love stories of hope, great friendships and an eventual happy endings.

Bishop by A.E. Via

A.E. Via - Bishop Cover s bnjk83Title: Bishop

Series: A True Lover’s Story 01

Author: A.E. Via

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (336pgs)

ISBN: B07YJ64VNP

Publisher: Via Star Wing Books (27th September 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: At only thirty-two, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. His gang was his family, the streets his home. Until the crew he’d always called his brothers betrayed him. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad’s trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he’s no longer the alpha—a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can’t read or write. Illiteracy had never been an obstacle for him on the streets, he didn’t need to know how to read Moby Dick to survive, he needed to know how to read people… and that was a hustle he’d learned hard and fast. Now, he had to change his life.

Bishop’s only support system was a young, inexperienced dad who’d insisted he call him Mike all their life—since they looked more like brothers than father and son. And his hot-tempered, childhood, best friend from ’juvie, Trent. Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn’t afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn’t hesitate to come to his defense… a man that saw past Bishop’s grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn’t intimidated by his stern features and his silence.

Edison hadn’t grown up the way most of his peers had. He’d been raised by a single father who’d owned an old-fashioned barber shop where Edison was taught how to not only shave with a straight razor, and shine shoes, but also how to treat others, to not judge, to be a gentleman, to be respectful and speak without profanity. But, the biggest lesson he’d learned, was to always be himself. His lack of friends and a social life wasn’t his fault. No matter how much weight he gained, no matter how many times his staff called him a square, Edison did not need to change.

Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He’d made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn’t expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did—as if Bishop was somebody. Mike and Trent warned him not to mix business with pleasure and he didn’t intend to.

No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a very, very HFN.
Warning:
This book is a M/M contemporary romance, a hardened man’s struggle to find real love. There are no police chases or doors being kicked in, in this one. But, don’t worry. Bishop is still intense enough to keep you on the edge.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords

Review: Recently released from prison Bishop has turned his life around with the help of his father Mike, Trent his best friend has been by his side from childhood and Bishop is determined that neither of them will fall back into the old ways. Working at his dad’s landscaping company gives Bishop options he’s never had before and meeting a man at one of the job sites changes his life further, making Bishop determined to tackle his illiteracy.

Edison has worked hard for his position in the company he works in and while he is lonely he isn’t about to change himself for others. Meeting Bishop has him longing for something he’s never had before, and Bishop’s past isn’t something that will turn Edison away from him.

This is an amazing story that kept me reading. This story isn’t like A.E. Via’s exciting action packed stories, it’s a slow burn love story with two amazing regular men. Each man has his issues and they handle them in different ways.

Bishop has confidence in himself in some aspects but in others he’s unsure and outright scared, Edison is confident in his work life but his social life is a total disaster and that includes his interaction with work colleagues. Each man alone struggles through their issues but together they find the confidence to tackle their problems.

God, when I started reading his book I had my doubts because just contemporary isn’t my thing, I like danger and action, angst and anger thrown in but this time around A.E. Via snatched my attention and made me enjoy it with her amazing writing skills and her wonderful characters.

A.E. Via hit straight to my heart with Bishop and Edison because although Bishop is built and hunky with a dash of danger Edison could be any man on the street with a bit of a paunch and his love of food. While Edison has had a great childhood and has a wonderful job that he loves Bishop has had a much different childhood with a very young dad who treated him like a brother and his education was on the streets.

I loved how A.E. didn’t have Edison on a diet, working out to lose weight, she had Edison loving himself and accepting that he wasn’t a stick thin model. Bishop is written as a man who admits his mistakes and is honest from the beginning with Edison but his fear of admitting his biggest secret was touching and so damn real.

The way that Bishop’s struggles were written was so touching, it wasn’t brushed over or made to seem like a simple solution was at hand, it also showed how Mike, Bishop’s dad, and his best friend Trent had his back and helped him in any way that they can. Mike and Trent are amazing and I can’t wait to see more of both of them in the future.

The relationship between Bishop and Edison is slow burn and amazing, these two together finding their way is wonderful, I loved watching as they fell in love and sorted out their relationship which does have a couple of hiccups along the way. The way that Edison sticks up for his love for Bishop is something to aspire to have, an unending belief in the love that you have where doubts can’t crawl in is just special.

If I could I’d give this book 10 hearts, it’s a fantastic love story that doesn’t skimp on character building or make Bishop and Edison super confident, it doesn’t make them perfect men or have them sorting problems with a quick fix. It has them facing twisted meddling with fears and doubts, it has them confronting back stabbers with quiet confidence, and while they’d love to take things into their own hands they know when to step back and let others do their jobs.

I recommend this to those who adore true love stories with wonderful characters, dealing with bitter men with quiet confidence, and working to overcome their problems without quick fixes. Those readers who are expecting danger and action will be disappointed but you just might fall in love with Bishop and Edison anyway.

The Shoreless Sea by J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Shoreless Sea Cover s njew374Title: The Shoreless Sea

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (381 pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-138-2

Publisher: DSP Publications (15th October 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: As the epic trilogy hurtles toward its conclusion, the fight for the future isn’t over yet. It could lead to a new beginning, or it might spell the end for the last vestiges of humankind.

The generation ship Forever has left Earth behind, but a piece of the old civilization lives on in the Inthworld—a virtual realm that retains memories of Earth’s technological wonders and vices. A being named Lilith leads the uprising, and if she succeeds in setting its inhabitants free, they could destroy Forever.

But during the generation ship’s decades-long voyage, humanity has evolved. Liminals with the ability to connect with the world mind and the Inthworld provide a glimmer of hope. They’ll have to face not only Lilith’s minions, but also the mistrust of their own kind and persecution from a new government as homotypicals continue to fear what they can’t understand.

The invasion must be stopped, the Inthworld must be healed, and the people of Forever must let go of their past and embrace what they’re meant to become.

Purchase Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: The Shoreless Sea starts in 2207AD 19yrs after the end of The Rising Tide. The Shoreless Sea is spilt in three parts with the last part set in the year 2229AD. The first two parts are concentrated on the threat from the Inthworld while the third part is centered on the threat from the Government.

The Shoreless Sea is not a book that can be read as a standalone it must be read in order, the previous two books, The Stark Divide and The Rising Tide has the world building and some events that lead to this book, it will also help to understand the circumstances of characters when they later appear in the book.

Andy is again a central figure throughout the book, with her children Kiyrn & Belynn leading the charge in both part 1 & 2. There are an assortment of characters that we are introduced to throughout the story who add their own unique experiences to the storyline.

I’d love to go into great detail about this wonderful story but I think my head would explode so I’ll give you the basics, the Inthworld is dying and Lilith is determined to survive, she leads an uprising and it’s up to the Liminals to stop her (it is so much more intricate than that but like I said head explodes). Then there’s Government trouble where a bitter person decides that the Liminals are the reason for all their woes.

The story is wonderfully written dragging you into a situation far in the future, filled with characters who are diverse and unique. The world building is yet again exceptional; descriptions are written in such a way that you can imagine being there experiencing events along with the characters.

The one thing that stuck in my mind more than everything else is humanity just can’t seem to break its cycle. I mean here’s what is left of humanity in an ever growing world with a complete fresh start and in less than a hundred years there’s orphan kids living on the streets, drunks passing out in front of pubs and politicians trying to crush those that they hate. I would hope that humanity would learn its lesson but I have a fear that J. Scott Coatsworth is just a bit prophetical.

I’d recommend this to those who adore science fiction, love epic storylines, amazing characters, intricate plots and brilliant endings.

The Shoreless Sea by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Shoreless Sea Banner

Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with the tour for his brand new release The Shoreless Sea, we have a brilliant exclusive excerpt, a fantastic $25 Amazon GC, & Three eBook sets of his Oberon Cycle trilogy giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

J. Scott Coatsworth - The Shoreless Sea Cover jweu37

The Shoreless Sea

(Liminal Sky 03)
by

J. Scott Coatsworth

As the epic trilogy hurtles toward its conclusion, the fight for the future isn’t over yet. It could lead to a new beginning, or it might spell the end for the last vestiges of humankind.

The generation ship Forever has left Earth behind, but a piece of the old civilization lives on in the Inthworld—a virtual realm that retains memories of Earth’s technological wonders and vices. A being named Lilith leads the uprising, and if she succeeds in setting its inhabitants free, they could destroy Forever.

But during the generation ship’s decades-long voyage, humanity has evolved. Liminals with the ability to connect with the world mind and the Inthworld provide a glimmer of hope. They’ll have to face not only Lilith’s minions, but also the mistrust of their own kind and persecution from a new government as homotypicals continue to fear what they can’t understand.

The invasion must be stopped, the Inthworld must be healed, and the people of Forever must let go of their past and embrace what they’re meant to become.

.•.•.**❣️ DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | iTunes ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “The Shoreless Sea by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”