Tag: Pixie’s Reviews

Poke Check by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Title: Poke Check

Series: Harrisburg Railers 04

Author: R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novella (178pgs)

ISBN: 9781785641138

Publisher: Love Lane Books (14th February 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: One scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough.

Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way.

He’d given his heart to a man in a secret affair, and that man walked away, leaving Stan shattered. Now Erik is back in his life, and he has the same tumultuous effect he had on Stan’s heart as before. This time it’s not just a kissable mouth and sweet blond curls that Erik has brought to Harrisburg, there’s a soon-to-be ex-wife and a precious baby.

Despite the vow Stan made to hate Erik forever, he’s now finding it harder and harder to turn away.

Erik Gunnarsson’s dream had always been to play in the NHL, he just never imagined he’d land a contract with the Railers. Who would have thought that fate would put him on the same team as Stanislav Lyamin; the man whose heart he’d callously broken?

Secrets and lies had defined their summer relationship, and the choice that Erik made to end it all haunts him still. In the middle of a messy divorce and with a baby in tow, Erik finds himself back in Stan’s life. Now all he has to do is be the best dad he can be, prove to the team that he deserves the chance to stay on the roster and try his hardest to get Stan to forgive him.

Is it possible to persuade a man who hates you to give love a second chance?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: This story is part of a series and I strongly recommend reading the entire series in order.

Whoo hoo! We finally have Stan’s story and it a true beauty!

As Erik Gunnarsson walks into the Harrisburg Railers changing rooms he’s filled with trepidation not because he is about to meet his new team mates, but because he’s about to come face to face with the man he walked away from after a whirlwind summer of love. Stan doesn’t want to see the man who took his heart and stomped on it, but as he doesn’t have a choice he sucks it up and decides to ignore the man, but when he meets Erik’s baby son Noah he can’t resist as the sweet little baby worms his way into his heart.

This is a wonderfully written story that tugs at your heart strings as Erik’s struggles to be a single parent and a hockey player on a strict budget and Stan has to struggle with his heart as he faces the man he loves again.

I loved this story, getting to see from Stan’s eyes and his unique thoughts was just amazing, he is such a down to earth loveable guy who adores his sister and mother. He just melts your heart so completely that he could kill someone in front of you and you’d just ‘aww’ him. Erik is amazing, he really is, he walked away from Stan with many regrets and paupered himself to have his son. He’s done everything he can to be the best dad he can be and now he’s in a new town living in a crappy apartment and struggling to balance his life as a dad with his life as a hockey player. Damn, you just want to take him home and mother the hell out of him and Noah.

This is a fantastic story where two characters are just perfect for each other; they are so well written that you can imagine actually meeting them in everyday life. Their story is just brilliant, their relationship woes are fully fleshed out giving you something to really invest in, Stan is a stubborn Russian while Erik is an easy going slightly stressed Swede each man has his own worries and together they strike sparks.

I recommend this to those who love sports stories, who adore hockey players, who melt at strong Russian’s with a soft centre, who adore Swede’s who would give up everything for a tiny baby, who love a tense and passionate reunion, and a wonderful happy ending.

Poke Check by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey - Poke Check RTBanner

Hey guys! We have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with the tour for their new release  Poke Check, we have a great new excerpt, a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Poke Check

(Harrisburg Railers 04)
by

R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

One scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough.

Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way.

He’d given his heart to a man in a secret affair, and that man walked away, leaving Stan shattered. Now Erik is back in his life, and he has the same tumultuous effect he had on Stan’s heart as before. This time it’s not just a kissable mouth and sweet blond curls that Erik has brought to Harrisburg, there’s a soon-to-be ex-wife and a precious baby.

Despite the vow Stan made to hate Erik forever, he’s now finding it harder and harder to turn away.

Erik Gunnarsson’s dream had always been to play in the NHL, he just never imagined he’d land a contract with the Railers. Who would have thought that fate would put him on the same team as Stanislav Lyamin; the man whose heart he’d callously broken?

Secrets and lies had defined their summer relationship, and the choice that Erik made to end it all haunts him still. In the middle of a messy divorce and with a baby in tow, Erik finds himself back in Stan’s life. Now all he has to do is be the best dad he can be, prove to the team that he deserves the chance to stay on the roster and try his hardest to get Stan to forgive him.

Is it possible to persuade a man who hates you to give love a second chance?

Continue reading “Poke Check by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Dead Fall by Meredith Russell

Title: Dead Fall

Series: Dead Things 02

Author: Meredith Russell

Genre: Zombie, Post-Apocalypse, Science Fiction

Length: Novel (239pgs)

ISBN: B078T1XZ1Y

Publisher: Love Lane Books (31st January 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Since the events in Chicago, Devin and Noah dare to believe that a future is possible, and there is hope. For them and humanity.

Noah struggles to find his place at Devin’s side. Stricken with survivor’s guilt and a driving need to make a difference, Noah leaves his lover to investigate the only lead he has to stop the undead. Himself.

Devin has fought to stay sane in a world of horror for too long and his one shining light is Noah. When Noah heads off on some misguided venture to search for answers, Devin knows he can’t bear to be the one left behind again.

They are two men who have nothing, and everything, to lose.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Dead Fall picks up less than two months after Dead Things so the stories must be read in order.

While Devin has settled back into life at the prison he’s still keeping his distance from Noah, he might have decided to give Noah a chance but letting go of the past is hard. Noah is still struggling with what his immunity could mean for so many people but life goes on with him unable to really help. Trying to fit in and find his place is not easy but at least he has Devin, well the little that the man gives him.

When news reaches them of Chicago the survivors at the prison become restless, and with Corden gone his little followers can only think about themselves and what they can get. With the prison in turmoil Noah thinks there’s only one place he can get answers, and to save the others he heads off alone.

This is a great addition to the Dead Things series. The story moves along at a fast pace, with lots of things going downhill. Devin is trying to help Jack keep control as there is a murmuring of trouble from those who had Corden’s favour, but that’s the least of their problems when they hear what has happened in Chicago. When Noah tears off trying to find a reason behind the cure Devin quickly follows refusing to let the one man who means so much to him go. But what they return to shocks them to the core.

We met new people in Dead Fall, new people who might know more about the outbreak than anyone knew. Noah heads face first into danger with Devin following very close behind. This story follows the in same vein as Dead Things with some pretty gruesome scenes with lots of blood… lots and lots of blood. We also discover that sometimes we readers wish we could be one of the characters because at one point I wanted to grab a gun and march some selfish gits out the prison and feed them to the zombies *grrrrr*

We find that without a strong manipulative personality in charge that some of the survivors are really just out for themselves and couldn’t give a damn about the others. Seriously there was one point my jaw dropped and I could only shake my head in disbelief at the selfish evil actions of some people.

Devin and Noah’s relationship progresses a tiny bit, just always remember that this series isn’t so much about romance but about surviving and discovering something special from the ashes. Their relationship is being developed in a time of hell, with zombies, disgruntled survivors and a military/scientist group who have been looking for someone like Noah for a long time.

I recommend this to those who love grisly zombie apocalypse, a hint at the truth, facing danger at every turn and still a hint of hope for the future.

Dead Things by Meredith Russell (2nd Edition)

Title: Dead Things (2nd Edition)

Series: Dead Things 01

Author: Meredith Russell

Genre: Zombie, Post-Apocalypse, Science Fiction

Length: Novel (288pgs)

Publisher: Love Lane Books (27th August 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Devin thought fighting a war in Afghanistan had shown him the worst kind of horrors.

It turned out he was wrong.

A deadly virus has infected the world population, leaving only a few survivors and creating monsters. Devin is part of a group who have found refuge in a secure place. He risks his life daily to scavenge the cities and highways for food and supplies.

On one fateful venture, Devin finds a man with the potential to change the dark future of blood and heartbreak into one of hope and second chances.

He finds Noah Weber.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Devin is part of a small group of survivors living in a prison after a deadly virus outbreak. On a scavenging trip, Devin comes across another survivor, Noah, who has managed to survive living out in the open, who the zombie bites doesn’t infect, and who could just be humanities savior. But the journey to survival is harsh, with blood, loss of life and an egomaniac leading the way. Will there be a future for any of them?

This is a very grim and bloody zombie story, which has a glimmer of hope and maybe developing new relationships after you have lost your whole world. Devin nearly lost everything when the virus struck, but with himself and his sister safe in one of the only safe places in the country, he at least has life. But, when he comes across another survivor he is made to face the fact that although he has life…he is not living. Noah lost everything when the virus struck, he has survived by himself since those first bloody days and now he has been dragged to ‘safety’ where they inject him and want his blood. The only one he trusts is Devin, but Devin holds him away at arm’s length. Can Noah crack the shell that Devin has built around him?

I really enjoyed this story as it has a slightly darker outlook on life, after a virus outbreak that turns the population into zombies. Both the characters of Devin and Noah are really well written, with both of them reacting differently to how the disaster has affected them. Devin draws into himself and continues on, because he has people relying on him. While Noah, grips life with both hands and tries to get as much joy as possible or it could just be that he is around humans who aren’t trying to eat him.

This isn’t a huge romantic, sex-filled story, far from it. It is a story of new hope and maybe new beginnings. It is a story of starting to lay old ghosts to rest and of a glimmer of happiness in the future. This story also isn’t for the faint hearted as it has some pretty gruesome scenes with lots of blood, some with characters we are just getting to know and we don’t get a hearts and flowers happy ending. What we get is the beginning of something that could be special, and a new hope for all humanity.

So, I am going to recommend this to those who love grisly zombie stories, finding the beginning of new love amid harrowing times, of an egomaniac who just hasn’t got a clue and of hope for the future.

Contour by Meg Harding

Title: Contour

Series: Shape of You 01

Author: Meg Harding

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (215pgs)

ISBN: B078WNKVDK

Publisher: Meg Harding (24th January 2018)

Heat Level:  Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jamie “Roxy” Albright has one great love in his life and room for no other. He lives and breathes makeup. Men are nothing more than temporary distractions and romance… well, that isn’t worth his time. With a burgeoning career as a YouTube makeup artist opening doors to never before dreamed of opportunities, time isn’t something Jamie has and distractions aren’t something he can afford.

Instagram model and shirtless wonder Tyler Jackson is quickly falling for elusive Jamie. How it went from a seemingly innocent message to feelings, he’ll never know. Their chemistry is instant and fiery hot, and Tyler’s never been that good at self control. The challenges are endless, though. There’s Jamie’s walls to break through and a country worth of space between them. And just when things are starting to look up, life throws a wrench in the works.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Jamie has had a love of makeup since he was five and now at twenty-three he successfully YouTube‘s makeup advice and has become a bit of a celebrity. He hasn’t got time for deep relationships or romance but when he finally gets up the courage to message Instagram model Tyler he discovers that maybe he wants to make time for more than just a quick fling.

Tyler posts endlessly on Instagram whether it’s pics of himself or his dogs, he has a bit of a modelling career but when he’s contacted by a true beauty he’s amazed that someone so amazing would be interested in him. But with the miles between them and both of their careers taking off spending time with Jamie is proving to be hard, but when you discover the one that’s meant for you sometimes a sacrifice has to be made.

This is a cute story of two men falling into something that proves to be much more than either of them expected.

Contour is a book of its time, Instagram and YouTube play a huge part in Tyler and Jamie even knowing the other exists never mind actually messaging each other or meeting, if not for the online world these two would never have met or discovered just how perfect they are for each other.

For quite some time in this story Tyler and Jamie are apart, their contact is through messages (which we get to enjoy) until they can be together but they hardly ever phone each other… is that a thing now? I couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t have at least phoned each other a couple of times, but maybe my age is beginning to show *shrugs*.

At first Jamie seems to be very flighty and self-centred but we quickly warm up to him as he does show to be more than just a vapid empty head. Tyler comes across as a true sweetheart who adores his dogs and is a general nice guy. Together they make a great couple, but they do live hundreds of miles apart, so a bit of tension does rise.

I liked this story but it didn’t rock my world, while Tyler and Jamie were an interesting couple and their together time was special I felt that their apart time was very impersonal as they just messaged or texted each other while getting to know each other. I don’t know about other people but to me messages and texts are just so impersonal, like you can’t really be bothered to just ring someone and speak to them. Hearing someone’s voice and talking brings nuances that just aren’t there with the written word, hearing the joy in a voice, a suppressed smile, a teasing tone, or hearing the tiredness or the restlessness is what makes a connection and for me that was missing.

But the story is interesting and the characters are fun and sweet, it’s a great story for a lazy afternoon.

Dead Fall by Meredith Russell Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Meredith Russell - Dead Fall RTBanner

Hiya guys, we have Meredith Russell stopping by today with the tour for her new release Dead Fall, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my reveiew, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Dead Fall

(Dead Things 02)
by

Meredith Russell

Since the events in Chicago, Devin and Noah dare to believe that a future is possible, and there is hope. For them and humanity.

Noah struggles to find his place at Devin’s side. Stricken with survivor’s guilt and a driving need to make a difference, Noah leaves his lover to investigate the only lead he has to stop the undead. Himself.

Devin has fought to stay sane in a world of horror for too long and his one shining light is Noah. When Noah heads off on some misguided venture to search for answers, Devin knows he can’t bear to be the one left behind again.

They are two men who have nothing, and everything, to lose.

Continue reading “Dead Fall by Meredith Russell Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Contour by Meg Harding Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Meg Harding - Contour RTBanner

Hi guys! We have Meg Harding stopping by today with her new release Contour, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Contour

(Shape of You 01)
by

Meg Harding

Jamie “Roxy” Albright has one great love in his life and room for no other. He lives and breathes makeup. Men are nothing more than temporary distractions and romance… well, that isn’t worth his time. With a burgeoning career as a YouTube makeup artist opening doors to never before dreamed of opportunities, time isn’t something Jamie has and distractions aren’t something he can afford.

Instagram model and shirtless wonder Tyler Jackson is quickly falling for elusive Jamie. How it went from a seemingly innocent message to feelings, he’ll never know. Their chemistry is instant and fiery hot, and Tyler’s never been that good at self control. The challenges are endless, though. There’s Jamie’s walls to break through and a country worth of space between them. And just when things are starting to look up, life throws a wrench in the works.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “Contour by Meg Harding Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester

Title: Lost In Time

Series: Lost In Time Universe 01

Author: A.L. Lester

Genre: Time-Travel, Historical (1918 – 1921), Paranormal

Length: Novel (202pgs)

ISBN: 9781634865319

Publisher: JMS Books (6th January 2018)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is Detective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Lew searches desperately for his foster sister Mira when she messes with The Border, something she doesn’t understand; now Lew is stuck in 1919 trying to find his feet and his missing sister… but something is lurking in the shadows, something that followed them from the Outlands.

Alec Carter has settled back into life as a police Inspector at the station he served at before the war, when he’s called into investigate mysterious deaths at a hospital. Stumped, it isn’t till a brutal murder that he gets any leads and his suspicion rises about the photographer who has secrets.

This is a great story that plunges you into the life of London in the 1920’s, it adds a twist of paranormal and a dose of forbidden longing.

The story is mainly from Lew’s perspective with Alec’s perspective thrown in at times; there isn’t a real romance just a promise of something lingering throughout the story. The story is mainly focused on finding Lew’s sister and then finding the creature that is hunting in London, we discover slowly over time the role of the Workers and The Border and what they think the creatures are.

I really liked this story and enjoyed following Lew along as he gets settled in a new time and finds his feet. Alec looks to be an interesting man and I can’t wait to see how their relationship progresses in future books.

The storyline is good and flows quite well once you understand the concept of The Border and how both Mira and Lew found themselves in the 1918 & 1919. We discover that Mira and Lew have more allies than they thought and that there just might be lives for the both of them in the time they discover themselves in.

I recommend this if you love time-travel, historical’s, mysterious creatures from another place, and the beginning of something forbidden between two men.

Blackbird In The Reeds by Sam Burns

Title: Blackbird In the Reeds

Series: The Rowan Harbor Cycle 01

Author: Sam Burns

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (186pgs + 14pgs excerpt from Wolf in the Holly)

ISBN: B078QF4YTS

Publisher: Sam Burns (4th January 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Devon Murphy has never believed that there were fairies at the bottom of the garden, but when he’s in an accident on his way to his grandmother’s house and comes face to face with the biggest, baddest wolf he’s ever seen, he’s forced to reconsider.

When his grandmother asks him to look into a string of suspicious accidents, he finds a much bigger mystery to unravel. From his childhood best friend to the too-attractive Deputy Wade Hunter, everyone in Rowan Harbor seems to have something to hide. Devon has to get to the bottom of it all before the accidents turn deadly.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Devon returns to the town he was born in and discovers that the townsfolk are not as normal as they appear…. and neither is he.

This is an enjoyable story where a man returns to his roots and discovers the truth about the town he comes from and about himself. A truth that was kept from him by his grandmother.

Devon reconnects with old friends and makes new friends, helping one of them to discover if her accidents are really accidents or if something more sinister is going on. Along the way he meets the delicious Deputy Wade Hunter and sparks fly… no they really do, and Devon is getting fed up of everyone making a big deal out of it like they know something he doesn’t.

Devon is a loveable character who just seems to go with the flow most of the time, he’s had problems with dating in the past so he steers clear of men but there’s something about Wade that draws him in. Their relationship seems to explode suddenly when Devon discovers the truth about himself and the townsfolk. It seems to go from a very small trickle of scenes with Wade to suddenly Wade being a main character, if it wasn’t for the early references in the story by townsfolk about Devon and Wade I would never have guessed that the two were destined to be a couple.

The story is easy to fall into, it’s a relaxing read and interesting, especially as little tidbits drop about the paranormal aspects of the townsfolk. The characters are great and some of them make it more interesting with their quirks, I can’t wait to find out what Jesse’s story is.

I recommend this to those who love easy paranormal reads, wolves, vampires, fae and witches living everyday lives, a dash of mystery, and a relationship that develops suddenly and a great ending.

Deep Edge by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Title: Deep Edge

Series: Harrisberg Railers 03

Author: R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary, Sports

Length: Novel (194pgs)

ISBN: 9781785640933

Publisher: Love Lane Books (1st December 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: One man’s passion, another man’s lies. Can love fix even the darkest of hearts?

Trent Hanson is a figure skating phenom adored by millions around the world. His whole life has been dedicated to the sport he loves even when the sport – and his own family – have turned against him. From the playground to the Olympics to his parent’s living room, Trent has fought against bullies and homophobes to be the out and proud gay man he is. But the constant fighting has left Trent tired, lonely, and skittish. All those fears will have to be shelved though when he’s hired to spend the summer working with the Harrisburg Railers ice hockey team. Who would have guessed that the man fate has decided to pair him off with is Dieter Lehmann, all-around sex god and a man who seems to have everything to prove and doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants.

Dieter has spent too many years languishing in the minors and a secret addiction to prescription painkillers means his career is in a downward spiral. His ex is blackmailing him and he’s close to walking away from it all. But when he’s called up in the run for the Stanley Cup to cover injuries he has a taste of what it’s like playing in the NHL and he realizes that a place on the Railers roster is what he wants more than anything. More than listening to his heart, and even more than caring for the infuriating figure skater who gets under his skin. When he crosses the line to get what he wants, he knows he has lost his way. He has to change, but is it too late for both his career and any chance he might have at love?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Trent was left nearly destitute when his step-father spent nearly all of Trent’s hard earned money on gambling, women and booze, now Trent is having to help a bunch of hockey players the finer art of skating in a bid to save his skating rink and his mother’s home.

Dieter is loving playing for the Harrisberg Railers and is very happy with the contract they’ve just offered him, but Dieter has a couple of secrets and one of them could destroy his career forever.

This is a brilliant addition to the Harrisberg Railers series, hot hockey players discovering love when they least expect it… wonderful.

Trent is a bit of a diva, he’s been dragged down by his step-father but he refuses to stay down, but really training hockey players is the last thing that his fabulous self wants to be doing. Setting eyes on the sexy Dieter sends Trent into raptures, he’d like nothing better than to climb Dieter like a tree and when Dieter returns his interest Trent thinks he’s found a man worth keeping.

Dieter has his whole career in front of him now he’s got a contract with the NHL, but his own bad habits could pull everything from out under him. Meeting Trent has Dieter fascinated with the sexy man but Dieter has a lot to think about, between the blackmail and his nasty pain pill habit the future is no longer looking rosy.  

I enjoyed this story for the most part, Trent’s and Dieter’s relationship is one that isn’t built on clouds, it’s built on hard work and understanding. Their passion for each other sets the pages on fire, even with just a meeting of the eyes across a room. They talk and support each other helping each other as they struggle with their own demons. They really are perfect for each other.

The part I hated was Trent’s mother’s forgiveness of Trent’s step-father and her trying to get Trent to forgive him. It really stuck in my craw her crying out ‘but I love him’, ‘he’s a changed man’ and trying to make Trent feel guilty for not instantly forgiving the man. Seriously this man bullied Trent all his life, he’s homophobic, he stole all of Trent’s money, cheated on Trent’s mother and now he wants forgiveness because he’s in prison and is being treated for his addictions. Oh hell no, if someone did that to my son and myself I wouldn’t give a damn if he was an alcoholic, sex addicted, gambler who had suddenly found remorse and been blessed by God himself, he was still a homophobic prick who had bullied a young boy. There’s no forgiveness for that.

Other than that little part of the story this is a really enjoyable story with great characters and a wonderful love story.

I recommend this story to those who love men on ice, sexy times, dealing with addiction, finding love, support and understanding, and a very happy ending.

Love Happens Anyway by R.J. Scott

Title: Love Happens Anyway

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Novella (154pgs)

ISBN: B077WSVY2B

Publisher: Love Lane Books (2nd December 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Hiring a boyfriend for Christmas; what could possibly go wrong?

Derek is facing yet another Christmas where his life feels out of control. He has a new career that doesn’t feel like his, and parents who would just love to see him settled down. All he needs is a temporary buffer for the parties he has to attend, and for his parents to leave him alone. Enter, Luke.

Luke is twenty-thousand dollars short for the renovations on Halligans; his family’s bar in New York’s Financial District. A favor for a buddy has him agreeing to play the part of boyfriend to a guy with more money than sense.

But when the spirit of Christmas works its magic on the two men, and they begin to fall for each other, Derek runs scared, and Luke needs space.

It doesn’t matter what obstacles you throw in the way of love, or how much you run in the other direction, because, when you’re least expecting it, whether you want it or not, love happens anyway.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Review: Derek CEO of his family’s ad agency, he’s also well loved by his parents but the pressure to settle down has had him coming up with a fantastic boyfriend… a boyfriend his parents really want to meet. In desperation he hires a complete stranger to save the day, not realising that Luke really is the man of his dreams.

Luke has had his life crumple about him and in a last ditch attempt to save his family’s bar he agrees to be a pretend boyfriend in the run up to Christmas, Derek turns out to be the man that Luke could easily fall for but can he convince Derek and himself that what was built on lies could be made real.

This is a super sweet story that is just perfect for a cold winter’s night. Both Derek and Luke are wonderful characters, their attraction to each other is instant but their circumstances have them both holding back.

Derek is feeling the pressure from his parents to settle down, he also feels hemmed in at work; unsure of what he’s doing and if he’s doing things right. Luke lost his career due to injury, and he could also lose his family’s bar if he doesn’t come up with a way to get the money for it. These guys meeting solve each other’s problems but then what are they to do when they both want more?

This is a really cute story, we fall for both Derek and Luke, and both men reach out to us with their individual circumstances and feelings. We are drawn into their budding relationship, how they come to lean on each other and respect each other, and finally as they fall in love.

It’s a feel good warm fuzzy story, you can’t help but be drawn in from the first pages and you keep reading to discover how the guys will explain away their real relationship when the fake one is over… after all Luke’s name really isn’t Marcus 😉

RJ Scott knows what her readers love, but she also welcomes new readers with her warm sweet stories of two hot men falling in love. Writing this story she hit a big nugget of gold, loveable characters, interesting storyline, cute kittens and snowmen… what more could you want in a sweet romance set at Christmas.

I’d recommend this to true romantics, those who love hot men finding love, overcoming personal fears and embracing family.

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!

A.L. Lester - Lost In Time RTBanner

Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with the tour for her new release Lost In Time, we have a brilliant guest post by A.L., a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Lost In Time

by

A.L. Lester

Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is D etective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Continue reading “Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Guest Post, Review & Giveaway!” →

Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

A.L. Lester - Lost In Time RTBanner

Hi guys! We have A.L. Lester popping in today with the tour for her new release Lost In Time, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Lost In Time

by

A.L. Lester

Lew’s life is pleasantly boring until his friend Mira messes with magic she doesn’t understand. While searching for her, he is pulled back in time to 1919 by a catastrophic magical accident. As he tries to navigate a strange time and find his friend in the smoky music clubs of Soho, the last thing he needs is D etective Alec Carter suspecting him of murder.

London in 1919 is cold, wet, and tired from four years of war. Alec is back in the Metropolitan Police after slogging out his army service on the Western Front. Falling for a suspect in a gruesome murder case is not on his agenda, however attractive he finds the other man.

They are both floundering and out of their depth, struggling to come to terms with feelings they didn’t ask for and didn’t expect. Both have secrets that could get them arrested or killed. In the middle of a murder investigation that involves wild magic, mysterious creatures, and illegal sexual desire, who is safe to trust?

Continue reading “Lost In Time by A.L. Lester Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Blackbird In The Reeds by Sam Burns Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Sam Burns - Blackbird In The Reeds RTBanner

Hi guys! We have Sam Burns popping in today with the tour for her new release Blackbird in the Reeds, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Blackbird In The Reeds

(The Rowan Harbor Cycle 01)
by

Sam Burns

Devon Murphy has never believed that there were fairies at the bottom of the garden, but when he’s in an accident on his way to his grandmother’s house and comes face to face with the biggest, baddest wolf he’s ever seen, he’s forced to reconsider.

When his grandmother asks him to look into a string of suspicious accidents, he finds a much bigger mystery to unravel. From his childhood best friend to the too-attractive Deputy Wade Hunter, everyone in Rowan Harbor seems to have something to hide. Devon has to get to the bottom of it all before the accidents turn deadly.

Continue reading “Blackbird In The Reeds by Sam Burns Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Genetic Snare by Laura Baumbach

Title: Genetic Snare

Series: Details of the Hunt 02

Author: Laura Baumbach

Genre: Sci-Fi, Historical, Futuristic

Length: Novella (167pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (November 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Betrayal, passion, adventure, primal sex, and a fight to the death. Mating a 26th century Oracan Bounty Hunter with a 18th century Earth pirate has its little glitches.

Bounty hunter Talos bows to pressure to bring his lifemate home for the completion of his strict warrior culture’s bonding ritual. Aidan, displaced 18th century Earth pirate — light- fingered, sly, charming, and understandably naive about the new world he’s been thrust into — can’t wait. Even if it turns out someone wants him dead. The 26th century looks different, but it turns out to be a lot like his old life!

ISBN: 978-2-641-220637

Product Link: MLR Press

Reviewer: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts: Travelling to Talos’ home was a trial. Not because of the journey but the completion of the bonding ritual. I found that the tests seemed designed with the Oracans in mind but was pleased that Aidan took it all in stride and did what he needed to do.

This adventure was not without it’s dangers. So many hidden dangers were throughout this story but one was left unexplained. I assume it will be explored in another story. The trials along with the people intent on harm for their own gain made for an intense and interesting read.

Great read and addition to the story.

Pixie’s Review ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts: Oh I have waited many many years for this beauty and I can honestly say that I was not disappointed in the least. 

Talos and Aidan have to travel to Talos’ homeworld Oracan so they can finish the bonding ritual, but before they even set off trouble heads their way. Aidan has to prove himself worthy of Talos and it’s a difficult journey especially as someone is gunning for Aidan.

This is a brilliant addition to the Details series, Aidan and Talos are both as lovable as before and their relationship has grown in leaps and bounds. Aidan is really put through the wringer as he takes part in the Oracan ritual that would approve him of becoming Talos’ mate, it’s a real challenge for a human taking part in an event that has only been designed for Oracan’s but the sly pirate has a couple of tricks up his sleeve. 

This is a great story that has yet again brought to life a cheeky character that you can’t help but love, Aidan is such a fantastic character that you would believe it would be hard to find a match for him but Talos with his no nonsense attitude is the perfect foil. There is plenty of action and a dash of danger, a brilliant storyline and a love that knows no bounds *sigh* I loved this story!

I’d recommend this to those who love great science fiction, a relationship pushing the boundaries, a  dash of danger, action galore and a wonderful ending.

Details of the Hunt by Laura Baumbach (2nd Edition)

Title: Details of the Hunt (2nd edition)

Series: Details 01

Author: Laura Baumbach

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (372 pages)

Publisher: MLR Press (February 2007)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: A 26th century, time-traveling, bounty hunter snatchs a 18th century Earth pirate in a deal to enrich the archeoalogical knowledge of mankind, but as he develops an attraction for the likable, free-spirited prey, he attempts to alter the deal, threatening both his own personal code of honor and the strict rules of conduct of his race. Will the love of a wily, cock-sure, young pirate be enough for the stoic hunter to risk exile from his own people?

ISBN: 978-1-934531-92-1

Product Link: MLR Press

Reviewer: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts: I was blown away by this story. I can not imagine living in the seventeen hundreds only to be transported seven hundred years in the future to find all is changed. I don’t know how Aidan never aged once he was transported.

Talos takes a hunt to acquire and transport pirate Aidan Maymon. The buyer was a oily little creep named Barlow whose intentions were not on the up and up. Along the way Talos’ mating instincts take him for a drive. One he fights.

Aidan for his part is not happy and tries to escape every chance he gets but ultimately has to rely on Talos in this strange new world he finds himself in.

Great read.

Pixie’s Review ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts: Details of the Hunt was one of the first stories that I ever read in the MM genre and it blew me away with it’s fun light hearted tone while keeping a slightly serious aspect on the morality of the Hunts. I’ve read it many times over the years and it’s always fresh and always kept me entertained.

Talos is just doing his duty when he goes to pick up a blackhearted pirate from Earth 1769. He doesn’t expect the pirate to be completely different than what he expects and he certainly didn’t expect to be drawn to the man. The Hunt details must be fulfilled though and Talos must weigh his duty against the life of his mate.

Aidan is on the verge of death when he is snatched from the jaws of a shark by his very own Ceme sea god, but discovering everything that he’d ever known is long gone and he’s expected to just accept that he’s been brought from the past to be handed over to a sleazy git as punishment for his crimes several centuries before… Ha he wasn’t a pirate for nothing.

This is an amazing story that drags you into the future with fascinating aliens and a wonderful Johnny Depp type pirate. The story has you laughing and it also has you contemplating the morality of Aidan’s situation. There’s action and danger, love and loss, cheekiness and seriousness, and some amazing sex between two males who discover love when neither of them expected it.

I’d recommend this to those who adore science fiction, pirates and exotic aliens, to those who love a bit of action and danger, to those who adore fantastic characters and a storyline that has many twists and turns.

The Solstice Prince by S.J. Himes

Title: The Solstice Prince

Series: Realms of Love 01

Author: S.J. Himes

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (173 pages)

Publisher: SJ Himes (November 24, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: .The Solstice Prince is Book #1 in a brand new epic fantasy romance series, Realms of Love, by bestselling author SJ Himes.

Rescued from slavers, healer novice Jaime Buchanan finds himself alone and free in Pyrderi, a kingdom of magic, mythical creatures, and a culture as open and kind as his homeland was cruel and close-minded.

Despite his rescue, Jaime is not left without scars, both mental and physical. Traumatized by his experience and hiding his gift, Jaime struggles to earn his place in the kitchens of Angharad Palace, the heart of Taliesin City. His former life as a student of the healing arts leaves him at a disadvantage in the kitchens, and his damaged state is becoming more apparent by the day.

One day, when necessity and fate intervene, Jaime meets someone unexpected—Prince Maxim, youngest son of the Pyrderian king, a sword master and a devastatingly kind man. Unaccustomed to powerful people with compassion and heart, Jaime flees. A cascade of events reveals Jaime’s hidden talents of healing, and he finds himself not in chains, but at the beginning of a new life.

This swift change of fortune opens Jaime up to new possibilities, including a smitten prince who cautiously courts Jaime, easing him away from his fears and reminding him that compassion and love can make him strong. The winter solstice is quickly approaching, and Prince Maxim shows Jaime the enjoyment and excitement to be found in a land that embraces the ice and cold, and the mysteries of all things magical. He learns to see the man under the royal mantle, and Maxim is more than even Jaime suspected.

The winter solstice is nigh when tragedy strikes, and Jaime learns that his past of grief and sorrow can be a pillar of strength for his solstice prince. If there is one thing that Jaime believes above all else, it is in the healing power of love.

ISBN: B077JCMB8M

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty & Pixie

Shorty’s Review: I assume this is set up for the rest of the story as not a lot happens in this story. I loved this authors series Wolfkin Saga. This story is not like that one as it’s mostly about Jamie and Maxim getting to know one another and Jamie coming into his own so no action, battles, etc. Never the less it’s a sweet story.

I love how patient Maxim was with Jamie. Jamie for his part was a strong character who learned what he was meant to learn in a timely fashion. I’m awaiting the next book to see what else happens in the series.

Great read.

Pixie: I really enjoyed this story, and I have to agree with Shorty that this book is nothing like S.J. Himes Wolfkin Saga or her The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. While both those series are filled with danger and thrills The Solstice Prince is a gentle sweet story. 

It’s still filled with amazing details with brilliant characters but it’s more of innocence and discovering ones own worth, with a gentle love story that has just a touch of grief. 

This really is a highly enjoyable story that I would recommend to those seeking a gentle love story in high fantasy setting with wonderful characters.

Deep Edge by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

RJ Scott & VL Locey - Deep Edge RTBanner

Hi peeps, we have R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey stopping by today with their new release Deep Edge, we have a great new excerpt, a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter that giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Deep Edge

(Harrisburg Railers 03)
by

R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey

One man’s passion, another man’s lies. Can love fix even the darkest of hearts?

Trent Hanson is a figure skating phenom adored by millions around the world. His whole life has been dedicated to the sport he loves even when the sport – and his own family – have turned against him. From the playground to the Olympics to his parent’s living room, Trent has fought against bullies and homophobes to be the out and proud gay man he is. But the constant fighting has left Trent tired, lonely, and skittish. All those fears will have to be shelved though when he’s hired to spend the summer working with the Harrisburg Railers ice hockey team. Who would have guessed that the man fate has decided to pair him off with is Dieter Lehmann, all-around sex god and a man who seems to have everything to prove and doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants.

Dieter has spent too many years languishing in the minors and a secret addiction to prescription painkillers means his career is in a downward spiral. His ex is blackmailing him and he’s close to walking away from it all. But when he’s called up in the run for the Stanley Cup to cover injuries he has a taste of what it’s like playing in the NHL and he realizes that a place on the Railers roster is what he wants more than anything. More than listening to his heart, and even more than caring for the infuriating figure skater who gets under his skin. When he crosses the line to get what he wants, he knows he has lost his way. He has to change, but is it too late for both his career and any chance he might have at love?

Continue reading “Deep Edge by R.J. Scott & V.L. Locey Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →