Tag: Pixie’s Reviews

Starved Monster by Jude Marquez

Title: Starved Monster

Series: Cerith Kingdom Chronicles 02

Author: Jude Marquez

Genre: Historical, Medieval

Length: Novella (172pgs)

Publisher: Jude Marquez (December 29, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: On the happiest day of their lives, an enemy waits for the perfect chance to strike…

After the attempted war and take over of their kingdom, Evander and Alyx have finally reached a place where they have found peace. Their wedding and coronation waits and after that, five blissful days alone for their honeymoon.

Nothing is ever as simple as it seems…

With Evander and Alyx gone, strangers attempt an invasion. With the royal family either kidnapped or on the run, no one is safe and there are enemies and dangers everywhere. The country is in shambles when the news of their Kings’ death starts to reach the furthest corners.

A ravenous monster waits…

With the help of a few remaining friends, Evander and Alyx make their way to the enemies keep. Along the way they are challenged and make new friends. But with the life of their family on the line and new secrets revealed, will they arrive in time?

The Starved Monster is Book II in the Cerith Kingdom Chronicles. It is highly recommended that you read the first book, A Hundred Others, for this series to make sense. This book features MM sexual scenes, heroic rescues, daring kings, and a steamy love match. This book does end on a cliffhanger and is intended for audiences over 18 years old!

ISBN: B07MDQ9WJR

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:

All hell breaks loose as soon as Evander and Alyx head for their honeymoon. I applaud the effort of those left behind to keep things in order and to try to stop the takeover. Once Evander and Alyx are attacked they both know something is wrong at home and rush back.

A wonderful continuation from the previous book with plenty of action, betrayal and romance. Loved the entire story and am looking forward to the next book.

Fantastic read.

Pixie’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:

Holy hell, this series just keeps getting better and better.

While Evander and Alyx are on their honey moon on a remote Island the unthinkable happens, not only are they attacked but their entire family and kingdom are targeted and it’s a race against time with limited aid for Evander, Alyx and their family and friends to reclaim their Kingdom before it’s too late.

I loved this story, it has action, adventure and heart in your mouth moments, a truly stunning storyline that has you shaking your kindle in frustration as you get to the last pages.

New characters are introduced that add to the amazing array of characters from A Hundred Others, while some characters have harrowing backgrounds every single one of them are strong, it’s a strength of character that shines through the lot of them, men, women and children alike. Not a one of them breaks under the pressure pushed upon them, they might bend a little but all of them keep going with strength behind them. And I loved that, I really appreciate an author who knows how to write a character of strength without making them overbearing or toxic in their attitude.

The storyline is fantastic, it’s perfectly woven to keep you turning the pages in anticipation. It grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go, not even at the end… because that ending holy crap, it was an ending that nearly had me screaming in frustration because it was such a twist that I had no idea was heading my way. I mean damn they had just been victorious and the author just backhands you while cackling evilly, the author then follows it up with a gut punch murmuring ‘suck it up buttercup, you’ll have to wait for the next book’.

So I recommend this to those who adore medieval fantasy, amazing characters, a wonderful storyline, and sadistic authors who leave you battered and bruised dangling from a cliff.

A Hundred Others by Jude Marquez

Title: A Hundred Others

Series: Cerith Kingdom Chronicles 01

Author: Jude Marquez

Genre: Medieval, Fantasy

Length: Novel (189pgs)

Publisher: EmCee Publishing (November 23, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Blurb: An approaching enemy…
An uncrowned Prince…
A commoner with a destiny he could not realize…

Alyx Reimund is a servant in the home that used to be his father’s. Beaten, abused in ways he dare not recount, he longs for the day that he might feel a steady and kind hand. A chance encounter brings him face to face with the Crown Prince, a man so handsome and brave, surely he was made from Alyx’s own dreams.

Crown Prince Evander De Loughrey heads one of the fiercest armies in all the lands. He wields his power with less violence than his father before him, wishing only for an end to all the wars he had been on, wishing for someone to wake in his bed with him, to love him as he is not for the power he will one day have.

When the two meet, it is as though fate had drawn them together. But will they be able to keep each other, and the royal family, safe? Will their kingdom survive an unknown enemy? Will they be able to know peace and harmony with each other.

This novel features MM sex scenes, lots of dashing knights, and plenty of sweetness to match. A Hundred Others is meant for the 18+ crowd who enjoy a lot of sweet with some of their heat.

ISBN: B07KTJRHD9

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:

An interesting story of two men who have been abused but meet one fateful day that changes their lives forever. Evander is fiercely protective and determined. Alyx is discovering that he is more than what his stepmother thought. I loved these two. The things they have been through made them stronger.

I loved that Evander and his family was there for Alyx when he needed them the most. A great beginning to an incredible series.

Fantastic read with twists and turns and romance.

Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

This really is a fantastic story, that surprises you with it’s twists and turns.

Well guys, when I started reading this story I thought it was gonna be another Cinderfella story with the prince riding to the rescue, but that was soon disabused when Alyx turned around and took things into his own hands and Evander turns up just after the event.

Both Alyx and Evander know severe abuse, they have both had to fight their abusers in the only way they know how and come out the other side scared but stronger.

Their relationship is beautiful to watch unfold, and just because they find their true love doesn’t mean that happy ever after falls in their laps.

Evanders family are incredible, they rally round the couple and while the family have secrets, they are good secrets that have come out of an horrendous struggle. 

I loved this story and can only recommend this to those who love medieval fantasy stories, strong characters, a love that shines above all else, and a great cast of supporting characters. 

Murder At Oakschott Hall by Jim Austen

Title: Murder at Oakschott Hall

Author: Jim Austen

Genre: Mash up, Historical, Mystery

Length: Novel (204pgs)

ISBN: B07NJ2L79L

Publisher: Flying Heron Press (February 19, 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: They have eyes for each other. But someone is eyeing them for murder.

In the Junior students’ dormitory at Oakschott Hall, a heavy gaslight falls from the ceiling, crushing the head of a student sleeping beneath it. Was it simply a tragic accident? To avoid publicity, the Headmaster asks Colin Revell, a young Oxford University graduate and former Oakschott student, to quietly investigate.

While interviewing the faculty and staff, Colin meets Max Lambourne, a handsome don who was wounded and gassed in WWI. When Colin tries to help Max overcome his trauma and depression, the two men fall in love and begin an erotic affair.

But when another student dies—diving at night into an empty swimming pool—murder is suspected. Students and faculty all come under suspicion, and rumors proliferate when Scotland Yard intervenes. Meanwhile, during all this confusion and wild theories, the murderer sees Colin and Max as threats. Unbeknownst to the two lovers, their lives are now in danger.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is a mash-up of Murder at School by James Hilton, so uses much of that story’s plotline and its characters. The gay romance element was added by Jim Austen.

So when I first started reading this I didn’t know it was a mash-up, I only found out about half-way through and being honest it didn’t make a difference to me.

Colin comes across as a bit sex mad, most thoughts seem to linger on sexual feelings, reminiscing, and fantasising… it was a bit off putting until he met Max and then his sexual thoughts petered off a bit. Another thing is that after the first couple of pages my mind seemed to want to read the book in a droll tone, and I can safely say that that was also Colin’s influence because he just seemed to be soooooo droll about everything until he gets his teeth in the mystery and thankfully my mind also jumped on board to drop the drollness. Okay enough about that lets move on.

Colin (for some reason) gets a note from the headmaster at Oakshott Hall, where he was once a pupil, asking him to investigate a mysterious death, but while he’s investigating the headmaster suddenly changes his tune but not before Colin meets the lovely Max. Colin heads home regretting not getting to know Max better, but Colin soon has another chance with Max when another death occurs at Oakshott Hall, the first dead boys’ brother. And so the true mystery begins.

Now I did enjoy this story but I did feel like throwing my kindle at times because of how dense everyone seem to be concerning the culprit, it was just so incredible that everyone believed the culprits innocent act. And the twist… very well played out.

Colin’s relationship with Max was a sweet little thing, very intense and passionate for both of them. I can’t say much about how well suited they are because we don’t really get to know Max that well. But the author did well to get their relationship off the ground considering it’s a mash-up and the characters we’re both straight men in the original story.

So the story is enjoyable and interesting, the outcome was exciting, and the characters are interesting. If you love historical mysteries, men finding love, and a surprising twist then you’ll enjoy this story.

The Hands We’re Given by O.E. Tearmann

Title: The Hands We’re given

Series: Aces High, Jokers Wild 01

Author: O.E. Tearmann

Genre: Science Fiction, Cyberpunk, Futuristic, Dystopian, Transgender

Length: Novel (350pgs)

ISBN: 9781724835499

Publisher: O.E. Tearmann (3rd September 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Aidan Headly never wanted to be the man giving orders. That’s fine with the Democratic State Force base he’s been assigned to command: they don’t like to take orders. Nicknamed the Wildcards, they used to be the most effective base against the seven Corporations owning the former United States in a war that has lasted over half a century.

Now the Wildcards are known for creative insubordination, chaos, and commanders begging to be reassigned. Aidan is their last chance. If he can pull off his assignment as Commander and yank his ragtag crew of dreamers and fighters together, maybe they can get back to doing what they came to do: fighting for a country worth living in. Life’s a bitch. She deals off the bottom of the deck. But you play the hands you’re given.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Aidan is about to embark on his first command and he’s nervous as hell. The Wildcards were the most famous base in the Democratic States Force but since the death of their last Commander they’ve become an unruly force and it’s Aidan’s job to turn them around and make them efficient again or the base will be disbanded.

This is a great story for those who love futuristic/dystopian settings. America’s Government has fallen and seven corporations have taken over, these corporations have their own rules for their territories. Citizens are rated and if you displease those above you then you are dropped down the ranks. Depending on which corporation territory you live in then just being yourself could get you dead.

Democratic States Forces (Dusters) are fighting back the best way they can, but it’s a tough fight that’s lasted for over sixty years. Wildcards are a team who has always succeeded but when their long term Commander dies of cancer the team grieves hard affecting their performance and attitude. Aidan is brought in to repair the team but it’s a tough challenge especially when he’s dealing with his own problems and depression.

We meet the Wildcards and can see the fracturing in their team straight away, Wildcards is a family unit who are grieving for the man who brought them all together, and while they try to keep it together they resent outsiders coming in and ordering them about.  

Aidan finds a home at Wildcards; he’s been rejected at his home base and knows that his life is forfeit if some of the Corporations get their hands on him. Aidan is scared to death of how people will react if they discover his secret, and although he knows it could be dangerous he finds himself falling for Kevin, the logistics officer, and Kevin has his own secrets he’s keeping.

This is a really great story, we see a group heavily affected by the death of someone who was important to them, we see a young man struggling to find a place for himself while whipping them back into shape, we see a romance beginning to blossom, and we see people fighting back against the cruel grip of selfish leaders.

I enjoyed this story, I liked the way that there was a good mix of personal interaction between the characters and the missions they took part in, meaning that neither was overlooked so we become invested in both the characters and their mission to fight against the corporations.

The romance between Aidan and Kevin is perfectly woven, both men accepting the other and their secrets but not making it too easy on either of them. The romance is just a tiny part of the story, because at the end of the day they have much more important things to focus on.

I really liked all the characters and enjoyed seeing them all together; it truly is like a large extended family and with any large family when new people come into it they have to find their own place without upsetting the status quo.

There is danger as they guy’s head out on missions; we also see personal struggles, fears, and anger. 

Just don’t expect to see hands on fighting because these guys are an invisible force, they make raids, help refugees to escape the corporations, and come up with ways to help their forces while disrupting the Corporations as much as they can.

I’d recommend this to those who love futuristic dystopian stories where the oppressed fight back the best way they can, where love is discovered, where a family is rebuilt, and where something precious can be built in a desolate Country.

Summerfield’s Angel by Kim Fielding

Title: Summerfield’s Angel

Series: The Christmas Angel 02

Author: Kim Fielding

Genre: Historical (1888), America’s, Holiday

Length: Novella (113pgs)

ISBN: B07K684L6C

Publisher: Kim Fielding (2nd December 2018)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.

When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Alby returns to New York City after a freezing hard winter finished the Nebraskan ranch he worked at, he’s decided to try and track down the family he hasn’t seen since he was thirteen but the building they used to live in is long gone.

When Alby pauses to admire a Christmas Angel in a department stores window he meets Xeno who offers advice, and when Alby keeps bumping into the man outside the department store Xeno makes his interest clear.

This is a wonderful little story that transports you to the streets of New York City in 1888, the setting is brilliantly described and you can immerse yourself in what life was like back then.

Alby is a wonderful character who is comfortable in himself and his skills, he might just be a ranch hand but he still manages to find a job working with horses with the help of Mr. Caruthers the manager of the YMCA. But it doesn’t stop him from being drawn to the department store and Xeno.

Alby is the focus of this story and we learn about his life from childhood to adulthood, you find out some interesting little tidbits about America in 1888, we root for Alby as he tries to find his family and hope that his families fortunes had turned and they were all okay.

While we find out a bit about Xeno it’s in short bursts and while he might come across as a bit forward (hell you don’t just flirt and compliment a guy in 1888), we don’t actually get what he was thinking or what signs he’d seen that would indicate that Alby might be amenable, he comes across as a man who knows what he wants and will aim to get it.

Other than not getting Xeno’s side of the tale I enjoyed this story and admired both men, their relationship is sweet and Xeno’s father very accepting for that time. That they could build a life together and have acceptance from those closest to them was just wonderful and leaves you with warm fuzzy feelings.

I recommend this to those who love historical romances, who adore characters who are interesting and sweet, and who adore happy endings. 

Operation Toy Rescue by Sarah Hadley Brook

Sarah Hadley Brook - Operation Toy Rescue CoverTitle: Operation Toy Rescue 

Author: Sarah Hadley Brook

Genre: Fantasy, Christmas

Length: Short (66pgs)

ISBN: 9781634867801

Publisher: JMS Books (15th December 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Jules Evergreen lands in trouble at the North Pole and gets shipped off to Snow Hope Island for ninety days, he never expects to take up the cause of the forgotten toys waiting for new homes. Falling for his new boss is not on the agenda either, but his heart has other ideas.

Felix Winterson has grown up on Snow Hope Island and now runs the place. He isn’t thrilled when party boy Jules arrives, and Felix tries hard to ignore the man’s charms. He has other problems, anyway. For years he’s tried to get Santa to look at the growing inventory of damaged toys in the warehouse, to no avail.

When Jules comes up with a plan to save the toys, the men find themselves working closely together. As Christmas Eve looms, there’s a lot at stake. Can they save Snow Hope, convince Santa to rescue the toys, and fall in love all at the same time?

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: I was pleasantly surprised by Operation Toy Rescue it turned out to be a delightful story with a well-balanced love story mixed with a brilliant storyline.

Jules has been exiled from the North Pole to Snow Hope Island for ninety days for his naughty behaviour. After a short time at Snow Hope he begins to get ideas for saving the misfit toys that are banished there, his passion for his new job leads him to a close working relationship with Felix.

Felix loves Snow Hope Island it’s all he’s ever known but he feels sad at all the toys who will never have a child to love them, when Jules challenges him to consider fixing the toys and finding homes for them it gives him hope. Working closely with Jules has him admiring him and it’s not long before he’s hoping for more.

This is a lovey story that warms your heart as Jules and Felix fall in love while rescuing the fate of damaged toys. It’s a gentle love story that has a touch of tension in it, not only is it a race to prepare the toys for Christmas but a figure from Jules past surprises them both.

I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining story and think it’s a perfect Christmas story. It’s sweet, cute and while there are not huge amounts of passion there are still some sexy times that are just perfect for the relationship and a story of this length.

I recommend this to those who adore cute Christmas stories, for characters discovering love, a brilliant storyline and a very happy ending for all.

Home For Christmas by R.J. Scott

Title: Home For Christmas

Series: Texas 09

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Christmas

Length: Novella (173pgs)

ISBN: B07KQYLWXY

Publisher: Love Lane Books (28th November 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Can Connor show River a real family Christmas?

When Connor finds River on the roof of the campus admin building, he doesn’t know what to do. His friend is drunk, and shouting into a snowstorm, a bottle of vodka in his hand. The easy part is getting River down; the hard part is insisting River comes home with Connor for Christmas.

River doesn’t have a family, or any place outside of college that he calls home. Not that it matters to him; he’s happy being alone for Christmas in his budget motel, watching reruns of Elf. Only, Connor keeps telling wildly improbable stories of the perfect family celebrations at his parents’ ranch in Texas, and it’s wearing River down. He didn’t ask to be kidnapped. He didn’t want to fall in love with the entire Campbell-Hayes family. But he does.

From one Christmas to the next. This is Connor’s year to rescue River, and himself, for them both to mess things up, make things right, fall in lust and finally, for Connor to show the man he loves what being part of a family can mean.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Home for Christmas is a sweet and warm story, where two young men begin to find their place in the world and one of them discovers hope and love.

Connor has had a blessed life with his family; he’s never known what it’s like to be all alone with little hope. River has been alone for many years, college is all he has now and after a bad diving practice he’s drunk, on the edge of a roof.

When Connor finds River on the roof, he’s worried about his friend and secret crush. River is annoyed with Connor because of all the sweet stories he tells about his family. When Connor persuades River to come home with him, River just doesn’t believe that Connor’s family is as wonderful as he makes out, but the Campbell-Hayes family sneaks past River’s walls.

This really is a sweet story; Connor has grown into a compassionate man but he still has a little bit of little boy in him when he thinks about disappointing his dads. Connor knows what he doesn’t want to do but doesn’t know if he can tell his dads, finding the strength to admit the truth is down to River, as he sees River’s determination to follow his passion. River tries to be hardened with being alone, but his yearning to be part of a family he’s never had peeks out. River knows what he wants out of life and he’s going to grab it with both hands, but he doesn’t think he will get love because he’s always been cast away before.

These two young men both think the other doesn’t want them, but spending time together they finally realise the truth and discover a love that they both need.

I enjoyed this story, it was lovely to see Connor all grown up and him discovering his own forever love. River is an amazing character, his passion for his future is wonderful and his discovery of love and family is very sweet.

Connor and River together give hope to those young men out there who are alone, who have been discarded during their youth, who feel they don’t deserve love.

I recommend this to those who love sweet love stories, who adore determined men, who love the discovery of love and family and a very happy ending.

Operation Toy Rescue by Sarah Hadley Brook Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Sarah Hadley Brook - Operation Toy Rescue RTBanner-16

Hi guys! We have Sarah Hadley Brook popping in today with the tour for her new Christmas release Operation Toy Rescue, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Operation Toy Rescue

by

Sarah Hadley Brook

When Jules Evergreen lands in trouble at the North Pole and gets shipped off to Snow Hope Island for ninety days, he never expects to take up the cause of the forgotten toys waiting for new homes. Falling for his new boss is not on the agenda either, but his heart has other ideas.

Felix Winterson has grown up on Snow Hope Island and now runs the place. He isn’t thrilled when party boy Jules arrives, and Felix tries hard to ignore the man’s charms. He has other problems, anyway. For years he’s tried to get Santa to look at the growing inventory of damaged toys in the warehouse, to no avail.

When Jules comes up with a plan to save the toys, the men find themselves working closely together. As Christmas Eve looms, there’s a lot at stake. Can they save Snow Hope, convince Santa to rescue the toys, and fall in love all at the same time?

.•.•.**❣️ JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Operation Toy Rescue by Sarah Hadley Brook Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Summerfield’s Angel by Kim Fielding Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Kim Fielding - Summerfield's Angel RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Kim Fielding popping in today with the tour for her new release in the Christmas Angels series Summerfield’s Angel, we have a fantastic giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Summerfield’s Angel

(Christmas Angel 02)
by

Kim Fielding

After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.

When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.

This story is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.

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

Continue reading “Summerfield’s Angel by Kim Fielding Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!” →

Home For Christmas by R.J. Scott Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

R.J. Scott - Home For Christmas RTBanner-8

Hi guys! We have R.J. Scott visiting today with the tour for her new release Home for Christmas, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway and my review so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Home for Christmas

(Texas 09)
by

R.J. Scott

Can Connor show River a real family Christmas?

When Connor finds River on the roof of the campus admin building, he doesn’t know what to do. His friend is drunk, and shouting into a snowstorm, a bottle of vodka in his hand. The easy part is getting River down; the hard part is insisting River comes home with Connor for Christmas.

River doesn’t have a family, or any place outside of college that he calls home. Not that it matters to him; he’s happy being alone for Christmas in his budget motel, watching reruns of Elf. Only, Connor keeps telling wildly improbable stories of the perfect family celebrations at his parents’ ranch in Texas, and it’s wearing River down. He didn’t ask to be kidnapped. He didn’t want to fall in love with the entire Campbell-Hayes family. But he does.

From one Christmas to the next. This is Connor’s year to rescue River, and himself, for them both to mess things up, make things right, fall in lust and finally, for Connor to show the man he loves what being part of a family can mean.

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

Continue reading “Home For Christmas by R.J. Scott Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree by Selina Kray

Title: The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree

Series: Stoker & Bash 02

Author: Selina Kray

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (401pgs)

ISBN: B07JD6CM4J

Publisher: Selina Kray (30th October 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When will She open Rebecca Northcote’s box?

Finding lost poodles and retrieving stolen baubles is not how DI Tim Stoker envisioned his partnership with his lover, Hieronymus Bash. So when the police commissioner’s son goes missing, he’s determined to help, no matter what secrets he has to keep, or from whom.

When a family member is kidnapped, Hiero moves heaven and earth to rescue them. Even if that means infiltrating the Daughters of Eden, a cult of wealthy widows devoted to the teachings of Rebecca Northcote and the mysterious contents of her box. The Daughters’ goodwill toward London’s fallen women has given them a saintly reputation, but Hiero has a nose for sniffing out a fraud. He will need to draw on some divine inspiration to rattle the pious Daughters.

Like weeds gnarling the roots of Eden’s fabled tree, Tim and Hiero’s cases intertwine. Serpents, secrets, and echoes from Hiero’s past lurk behind every branch. Giving in to temptation could bind them closer together—or sever their partnership forever.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This is the second book in the Stoker & Bash series and can be read as a standalone but I’d advise reading The Fangs of Scavo to get the background of both Tim (Kip) and Hiero.

As we re-join Bash and Stoker we discover that Stoker isn’t happy with their work, after having an exciting role in The Fangs of Scavo he’s frustrated with the cases they have been taking part in. But now Stoker has been tasked with finding the police commissioner’s missing baby son. Stoker is excited with the promise of writing his own ticket when he solves it but he’s been sworn to secrecy, even from telling Bash.

Bash swears to move heaven and earth to find Callie’s mother when she disappears during a day out, with his eye on the Daughters of Eden as the culprits the gang set out to rescue Lillian from their clutches.

Stoker’s and Bash’s paths cross and they end up teaming up, but with Stoker still keeping secrets and his slight resentment towards Bash it proves to be a trying time and puts pressure on their relationship.

This is a great story from Stoker and Bash; it has a dark tone to it in certain parts because of some of the subject matter, baby farming. While the Daughters of Eden aren’t baby farming it is touched upon and a dead baby is discovered, which is distressing.  

I really enjoyed catching up with Stoker and Bash and embracing their characters again, Stoker is still plain and unassuming, disappearing into the background and often overlooked and forgotten. Bash on the other hand is as flashy as ever, attention grabbing and still lives to be the centre of the spotlight.

Bash is really affected by events; his memories of his past assail him and he eventually shares his last secret with Stoker. Stoker finally sees the true heart of Bash. While they do have some rocky moments their love finally connects true and their relationship moves on to a new level.

This story has a lot of mystery and intrigue, there’s danger and some horrid moments. The Daughters of Eden have dark secrets and Bash and Stoker are determined to root them out even if it does put their lives in danger.

I recommend this to those who adore historical mysteries, fantastic characters, danger and action, and an ending that has you hoping for the next book.

The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree by Selina Kray Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Selina Kray - The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree RTBanner

Hi guys, we have Selina Kray popping by today with the tour for her new release The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree, we have a great excerpt, an awesome giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree

(Stoker & Bash 02)
by

Selina Kray

When will She open Rebecca Northcote’s box?

Finding lost poodles and retrieving stolen baubles is not how DI Tim Stoker envisioned his partnership with his lover, Hieronymus Bash. So when the police commissioner’s son goes missing, he’s determined to help, no matter what secrets he has to keep, or from whom.

When a family member is kidnapped, Hiero moves heaven and earth to rescue them. Even if that means infiltrating the Daughters of Eden, a cult of wealthy widows devoted to the teachings of Rebecca Northcote and the mysterious contents of her box. The Daughters’ goodwill toward London’s fallen women has given them a saintly reputation, but Hiero has a nose for sniffing out a fraud. He will need to draw on some divine inspiration to rattle the pious Daughters.

Like weeds gnarling the roots of Eden’s fabled tree, Tim and Hiero’s cases intertwine. Serpents, secrets, and echoes from Hiero’s past lurk behind every branch. Giving in to temptation could bind them closer together—or sever their partnership forever.

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

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The Rising Tide by J. Scott Coatsworth

Title: The Rising Sky

Series: Liminal Sky 02

Author: J. Scott Coatsworth

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (380pgs)

ISBN 13: 978-1-64080-627-6

Publisher: DSP Publications (30th October 2018)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Earth is dead.

Five years later, the remnants of humanity travel through the stars inside Forever, a living, ever-evolving, self-contained generation ship. When Eddy Tremaine and Andy Hammond find a hidden world-within-a-world under the mountains, the discovery triggers a chain of events that could fundamentally alter or extinguish life as they know it, culminate in the takeover of the world mind, and end free will for humankind.

Control the AI, control the people.

Eddy, Andy, and a handful of other unlikely heroes—people of every race and identity, and some who aren’t even human—must find the courage and ingenuity to stand against the rising tide.

Otherwise they might be living through the end days of human history.

Purchase Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is the second book in the Liminal Sky series and follows on from The Stark Divide so I’d advise that the books must be read in order.

The Rising Tide begins five years after the end of The Stark Divide with Eddy, now the Sheriff, starting an investigation into missing and slaughtered sheep. Eddy stumbles across something that shocks Eddy, Andy, Colin and the Immortals; it will also turn your stomach.

Before delving further into the story I would advise brushing up on the characters in The Stark Divide, because I went into this story cold and it took a bit of time for the characters to fall back into my memory. This story can’t be read without having all the background and characters stories that are fully fleshed out in The Stark Divide; you wouldn’t make it past chapter one without scratching your head and wondering what the hell you’d fallen into.

When we finished book 1 we knew that Davian would cause some problems in the future, and now we finally discover just what trouble Davian causes and boy is it a doozy.

The Rising Tide is split into three parts, Rendezvous 2171, Coup 2181, and Flight 2188. This really is an amazing story and while it has gay, lesbian, Trans and asexual characters I would actually say that this is a more mainstream story. There’s no romance as such and no one character to focus on. Each part sees progression for all the characters, their lives growing and changing, new main characters coming forward and some main characters being lost. As with the previous story there is a core of characters who have the centre light, as they age and roles change the younger generation take the spotlight.

There are shocking revelations, danger, depravity and sheer horror at times in the story; we also have love, understanding and forgiveness. There are several relationships being built, restored, explored and let go, I’d love to delve deeper but with so many main characters there’s just too many to describe. The main focus of this story is family, friendship and the adventure of surviving as a whole world inside a living world/ship, the last of humanity, the hope of the future, and free will.  

This is an amazing story, the world building, the character development and story development which keeps you gripped as you discover what’s happening, are so fully flesh out that you get immersed in their world, you feel for the guys as they struggle to put their world to rights and battle an evil that wants to rule with an iron grip to serve his wants and whims.

As I reached the end of the book I began to wonder what could be next, the evil has been vanquished, safeguards have been put into place to protect the world mind, the last of humanity have begun to establish Governments for its cities and begun to rebuild after the devastation… so what is next??? I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.

I recommend this to those who love deep science fiction stories, who adore a storyline that pulls you along in its wake, who love interesting characters, who love the sheer instinct to survive, and an ending that leaves you feeling fulfilled but wondering what could be next for our intrepid survivors.

The Rising Tide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with his brand new release The Rising Tide, we have a brilliant exclusive excerpt, a fantastic $25 Amazon GC,& paperback giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Rising Tide

(The Liminal 02)
by

J. Scott Coatsworth

Earth is dead.

Five years later, the remnants of humanity travel through the stars inside Forever, a living, ever-evolving, self-contained generation ship. When Eddy Tremaine and Andy Hammond find a hidden world-within-a-world under the mountains, the discovery triggers a chain of events that could fundamentally alter or extinguish life as they know it, culminate in the takeover of the world mind, and end free will for humankind.

Control the AI, control the people.

Eddy, Andy, and a handful of other unlikely heroes—people of every race and identity, and some who aren’t even human—must find the courage and ingenuity to stand against the rising tide.

Otherwise they might be living through the end days of human history.

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

Continue reading “The Rising Tide by J. Scott Coatsworth Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Aliens, Smith and Jones by Blaine D. Arden (2nd Edition) Dual Review

Title: Aliens, Smith and Jones (2nd Edition)

Series: The Primrose Files 01

Author: Blaine D. Arden

Genre: Science Fiction, Contemporary

Length: Novel (236pgs)

Publisher: Cayendi Press (October 1, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

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

Blurb: “It’s not all about serving coffee and typing reports.”

Working for a secret organisation specialising in alien cover-ups, Connor Smith is no stranger to the abnormal or dangerous. His love life on the other hand… not so exciting. Until he reluctantly agrees to a blind date and meets the perfect bloke, Jason.

Things are finally falling into place for Connor, so of course that’s when he attracts an alien stalker.

Noah Jones, ex-alien, has been stranded on Earth and forced to live as a human since 1648. Alone and detached from the world around him, Noah has spent centuries observing and recording humankind. In all that time, he’s only experienced a connection with a human once… until he finds Connor.

Even knowing Connor is in a relationship, Noah can’t ignore their potential bond, or stay away.

While dealing with missing alien artefacts, a dangerous and shadowy group of collectors, and the ever-present Noah, Connor finds his orderly life crumbling around him. At least he still has the perfect boyfriend…

When Noah goes missing, Connor is forced to face the feelings growing between them and the mounting evidence that Jason isn’t who he says he is…

NOTE: This is the second revised/re-edited edition. It was previously published by Storm Moon Press.

ISBN: B07HB3HQ4D

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewers: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Connor works for an organization that keeps track of aliens and artifacts and tries to prevent attacks. His best friend Isa is constantly setting him up though nothing pans out until Jason. On the surface Jason seems perfect. But nobody is perfect in my opinion. Then there was the mind attacks on Connor and the culprit found in Noah an alien.

Now I found Connor to be, I don’t know the word to use here, clueless, ignorant He should have known something was off about Jason. I could not believe he was that clueless consiering what his job was. it felt unrealistic to me. Noah was interesting and I liked his character. His backstory was fascinating especially his reasoning for doing what he did to Connor.

I think I would have enjoyed the story more if not for Connor’s character. I don’t think his character quite fit his job description and he left me feeling stunned at times that he could not see what was right in front of him. Never the less, I still enjoyed the story.

Great read.

Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts

Connor works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Connor seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Connor.  Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Connor work for them or against them?

This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself.  Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Connor has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Connor is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.

Aliens, Smith, and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Connor’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.

What happens between Noah and Connor because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. There is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters.

The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Connor finally get it together.  Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.

I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.