Hi guys, we have Morticia Knight visiting today with the tour for her new release Honeymoon Their Way, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so guys, check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Honeymoon Their Way
(States of Love 07: Nevada)
by
Morticia Knight
Chad has pined for Raudel since high school, but he’s been avoiding him ever since Raudel caught him in an excruciatingly embarrassing moment. So when Chad’s sister invites Raudel to join them for her weeklong prewedding celebration at Lake Tahoe, Chad is horrified. He brainstorms his escape, until reality crashes down and he discovers he’s bunking with Raudel in the last available bedroom at the lakeside retreat.
Thrown together by the bridal party from hell, Chad and Raudel unite and attempt to survive Chad’s bridezilla sister, a crazy grandmother, an overbearing mother, and the search for the perfect chocolate fountain. Despite the little time they have together, they reconnect when unexpected discoveries come to light. Love may find a way amid the nuptial chaos, but it’s unlikely to be exactly the way they expect.
Blurb: Dale is working his way through college as an exotic dancer. While he prefers to keep his performances public, it’s tough to say no to the private dances, even though they’re risky. Three songs, just dancing, no touching—Dale can do this and be handsomely compensated.
For Italian businessman Adriano “Gen” Genovese, the handsome cowboy tempts him into wanting more than one dance. Gen convinces Dale to indulge in another dance and a night in his decadent hotel room. He introduces Dale to a glittering world of wealth on a scale Dale has never even imagined.
As the romance between the down-home Texas student and the millionaire playboy heats up, they come to realize the only risk they face is losing their hearts.
First Edition published by Torquere Press, 2006.
Second Edition published by Smashwords Edition, 2012.
Review: Dale works in a club as an exotic dancer to help pay his way through college, and he’s okay with it as long as the clients just look, when sexy Italian businessman, Gen, asks to chat with him after Dale privately dances for him Dale takes a chance and it turns his world around. Gen stumbles across Dale when he’s convinced to visit the club during business; he’s instantly caught by the sexy cowboy and finds himself returning and enticing Dale for more than just a dance.
This is a sexy little number with blazing passion sparking between Dale and Gen, while there isn’t really much of a storyline other than the progression of Dale and Gen’s relationship it’s still an entertaining novella that is great when you want a hot sexy read.
We learn the basics of both Gen and Dale but nothing really in-depth, but we do get a good sense of both characters. Dale is a man with a good heart and sweet nature; he wants to stand on his own two feet and finds it hard to accept help from Gen even when he really needs it. Gen is a pretty down to earth guy and treats people with respect, even though he’s a big businessman and has his own private jet, he wants to take care of Dale but respects Dale’s wishes.
Gen and Dale are explosive together and very hot, we see the progression of their relationship which is peppered with lots of very hot sex and we see the fall in love in typical B.A. Tortuga style, it sneaks up on them and bam they’re in love.
I recommend this to those who love great characters, lots of steamy sex, watching a sexy cowboy and an equally sexy businessman fall in love, and who love novellas that are just the perfect sexy read.
Blurb: Chad has pined for Raudel since high school, but he’s been avoiding him ever since Raudel caught him in an excruciatingly embarrassing moment. So when Chad’s sister invites Raudel to join them for her weeklong prewedding celebration at Lake Tahoe, Chad is horrified. He brainstorms his escape, until reality crashes down and he discovers he’s bunking with Raudel in the last available bedroom at the lakeside retreat.
Thrown together by the bridal party from hell, Chad and Raudel unite and attempt to survive Chad’s bridezilla sister, a crazy grandmother, an overbearing mother, and the search for the perfect chocolate fountain. Despite the little time they have together, they reconnect when unexpected discoveries come to light. Love may find a way amid the nuptial chaos, but it’s unlikely to be exactly the way they expect.
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Review: Chad’s sister is getting married and has invited her best friend Raudel, the man Chad has avoided for years since an excruciatingly embarrassing episode, learning that he has to share a room with the man has him horrified until Ruadel lays all his cards on the table, now the pair just have to live through the crazy bridezilla from hell’s wedding.
This is a brilliant story of two men who have always secretly longed for each other reconnecting and clearing up misunderstandings to finally be together. Along the way they have to face a bride (Lindsey) who’s on the edge, a mother (Kate) who’s been driven to drink and a grandma who just doesn’t give a damn and speaks her mind.
I loved this story, besides having a cute love story between Chad and Raudel we have some laughs from watching a bride become unhinged, a mother coming apart at the seams and a delightfully wicked grandma who doesn’t pull her punches.
Chad and Raudel make a great couple once Chad gets over his embarrassment from the long not ever forgotten incident, they quickly make up for lost time and dive head first into their relationship, in fact so quickly that Lindsey enters the Wrath of bridezilla.
The connection between Chad and Raudel is solid and though they do move quickly it does feel right, it isn’t forced, and you can see how much they love each other… it does surprise in that respect but still feels right.
I recommend this to those who love funny lively stories, who adore stories where love smacks men on the head, who love great characters and a fantastic happy ending.
Blurb: Their love will either inspire change in the world or tear it apart.
Former starship captain Jason Kim and his lover, Ferran, are starting a life together on Ferran’s native planet. The Perel matriarchs reluctantly allowed their marriage in the hopes of securing better diplomatic relations with humanity, even though the decision ignites anger from traditionalists. Ferran’s family accepts Jason and the love the two men have found, but other influential families are less accommodating and much less willing to welcome an outsider to their isolated, subterranean world. Some of their enemies are willing to go as far as eliminating Jason permanently. Tensions are quickly building toward a breaking point that might push Perelan into a bloody civil war.
If Jason and Ferran have any hope of surviving the coming conflict, they’ll have to rely on their devotion to each other more than ever before. But that won’t be easy when a figure from Jason’s past reappears to make them question everything.
First Edition of Opening Worlds published by Storm Moon Press, 2011.
First Edition of Changing Worlds published by Storm Moon Press, 2012.
Review: Jason is not happy to find out that he has to transport three Perels to their home world, he has nothing against them personally he just isn’t impressed with their loose morals. Ferran is on his homeward journey when he meets Jason and he becomes intrigued by him, as Ferran gets closer to home it becomes harder for him to face the life he must face.
This is a sweet and gentle romance that leaves you with a warm heart and a gentle smile. Jason split with his ex a year ago and they parted on bad terms, when one of the Perels show an interest in him he knows that a relationship is futile as he knows that the Perel is returning home for good. Ferran also knows that a relationship with the human won’t last but is desperate for a little happiness before he returns home.
I enjoyed this story as both characters got to know each other and developed a friendship before they made love for the first time and it is making love and not just sex. We find out that Jason was hurt in the past by his last love and has avoided any type of relationship since but when he meets Ferran he starts to change his mind, Ferran is so sweet and gentle that it’s no wonder that Jason fell for him. Seeing these two fall for each other is really touching and you root for them to find a way to be together although it doesn’t look good.
Finding the solution is just the beginning as Jason has to learn about living on an alien planet which has strict rules on what roles men can and can’t have, he also discovers that not everyone is happy to have him on their world. Ferren is over the moon that his mother has found a way for him to keep his love, and when danger heads their way it changes Ferren in ways that have never been seen by the Perels before. The way the story developed is fantastic, watching as Jason tries to fit into Ferren’s world is interesting and watching these two men stand by each other and love each other to overcome the obstacles is just amazing.
I have to recommend this to those who love science fiction, with a fantastic storyline, great characters, a dash of danger and a true love story.
Blurb: Gus Goodwin witnesses a young man acting strangely at his occult shop—and a day later the same youth is found brutally murdered at a secluded Radical Faerie sanctuary in the mountains. Gus and his private detective boyfriend, Niall Valentine, once again find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.
First to cross their path is Professor Alex Kittridge, Gus’s ex-boyfriend. Then into the picture stumbles Autumnsong, the biggest enigma they’ve ever encountered, to complicate the already confusing case. As Gus and Niall try to decipher the meaning of the cryptic poems left at the murder scenes, their pasts not yet laid to rest put a strain on their relationship.
Gus and Niall must uncover a slew of secrets within a spiritual group of queer social rebels before the vile killer strikes again—or the investigation could very well end up being their last.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order.
Gus is suspicious of a young man in his shop; he puts it out of his mind though when the young man buys a necklace until he later receives the same necklace covered in blood. Then Gus and Niall find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation involving a spiritual religion, the Radical Faeries. Gus and Niall with the aid of Virgil Hughes (homicide detective) search out clues to the murderer’s identity before they strikes again.
This story is a great addition to the Wheel Mysteries series, we get the chance to see Gus and Niall again as their relationship grows from strength to strength and they investigate another puzzling pagan religion connected murder.
As they move forward to discover why the young man was murdered they find a connection to Autumnsong, who we’ve met in previous stories, and Autumnsong knows more than he is saying. We also meet new characters who bring some tension to Gus and Niall’s relationship and we are introduced to the religion Radical Faeries… I have to say that I enjoy discovering new-to-me pagan type religions that Susan Laine includes in her books.
The storyline is brilliant, we are led on a merry dance as the guys dig into this investigation and the reason for the murders is just so senseless that we shake our heads at the unjustness of it all. We discover that there’s a connection to all the books and the Cabal are dead centre in the middle of it all, just what are Gus and Niall going to face in the future?
I do have to hold my hands up and admit that over the series Gus has actually grown on me and I’ve come to cherish him as much as I’ve always cherished Niall, he can still be a pain in the arse with his stubborn ‘I know best’ attitude and he’s again faced with great danger after running headlong into a situation where he doesn’t stop to think about the consequences, and Niall and Gus have their first big fall out as Niall takes Gus to task. *whispers ’Go Niall, tell him like it is’*
I recommend this to those who love mysteries and suspense, great characters, a dash of danger, an interesting investigation and a very happy ending.
Blurb: What’s a Viking to do when he ends up on a Florida beach, surrounded by a world he doesn’t understand, with a hyperactive stockbroker as his only guide? Go back to Chase’s hotel, naturally. Chase thinks Bjorn is eccentric at best, a lunatic at worst, or just maybe the real thing: a Viking from the days of yore. It isn’t easy for Bjorn to admit, but he needs Chase’s help to navigate the confusing modern age. While Chase is trying to clean Bjorn up and help him fit in, Bjorn’s sworn enemy also makes the trek through time. Jorund is eager to plunder this new land and finish the job of killing Bjorn’s family line, all in one blow. Bjorn and Chase will have to set aside their vast differences and work together if either of them wants to survive.
Review: Bjorn’s triumphant return to his village after long years of A-Viking takes a sour turn when he discovers his father’s dead and his killer has claimed the title of Jarl, beaten back to the shore by a greater force taking to the seas again seems his only option… until he’s caught in a terrifying storm with Jorund chasing him at his back. Waking up to a strange man and stranger land Bjorn can only keep a grip by hiding his fear and accepting the help of the strange man Chase.
Chase is supposed to be having a relaxing holiday when he stumbles across a man on the beach in old fashioned clothes, a terrible attitude but unsteady on his feet, feeling sorry for the man Chase takes him in but soon learns that he isn’t just concussed but is a genuine time-travelling Viking who has an enemy close on his tail.
I really enjoyed this story with its humor; it’s a great short story with two great characters and a cute storyline. There isn’t much substance to it but its fantastic entertainment, I just loved Bjorn’s creative swearing, ahh they sure did know how to swear back in Viking times!
There isn’t much in the way of a relationship; they meet, they lust, they have scorching hot sex, they get rid of the baddie and then happily ever after, so yeah don’t be expecting a huge romance in these 56pgs but what we do get does make up for it just through the pure entertainment of watching a Viking try to make sense of the 21st Century.
So I recommend this to those who want a fun read that has hot men, who love time-travelling stories that are short and succulent, and who love great characters and a hot Viking tale.
Hi peeps, we have Jordan Castillo Price and her brand new release PsyCop Briefs Vol 01, we have some great teasers, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
PsyCop Briefs Vol 01
by
Jordan Castillo Price
Victor Bayne sees dead people for a living…and he sees them off the clock, too. After all, ghosts don’t confine their appearances to a psychic medium’s work hours.
From the mundane to the macabre, these PsyCop shorts feature stolen moments between the novels. Get a glimpse of Vic’s life with Jacob between cases, from both men’s viewpoints. Gain new insight on their psychic talents by accompanying them on odd jobs, shopping runs and family visits, or simply enjoy some downtime in the cannery.
The twenty short works range in length from flash fiction to novelettes, woven together to create a novel-length narrative of Vic and Jacob’s relationship from a fresh perspective. The stories are gleaned from various sources: anthologies, newsletters, and web, with four all-new pieces to tie the collection together and delve deeper into a PsyCop’s domestic life.
Coffee O’Clock Thaw Mind Reader Stroke of Midnight No Sale Most Likely To… Jock Straps On Sale Piece of Cake In the Dark Let the Chips Fall Memento Impact Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns Waiting Game On the Road Wood Off the Cuff Locked and Loaded Inside Out Witness
Blurb: Galen Frost buys a house and a bait shop in a small Florida town to get away from his life as a semipro football player. When he meets good-time bartender Shane Barton, the heat between them is instant and intense—like the burn of good whiskey.
Galen and Shane don’t have much in common beyond their healthy libidos and their love of a good time, but the intoxicating heat brings them together like rain on the ocean, whipping up a frenzy of weather… good and bad. When trouble blows ashore, they will have to ride out the storm that breaks between them as Galen’s past rears its ugly head.
First Edition eBook published by Torquere Press, 2005.
First Edition paperback published by Torquere Press, 2006.
Review: Holy cow, let me just hose myself down because this baby is scorching hot!
Galen spots a hot bartender and is instantly hooked, when Shane spots a sexy customer he can’t wait to taste the man. The two hit it off and the sparks fly and just when everything seems to be going great between them a blast from Galen’s past sweeps in and drives a huge wedge between the new lovers.
This is one hot story that has a bit of a storyline but not much of one. This is a story that I would class as erotica because these two passionate men just can’t keep their sexy hands off each other. I’d estimate that about 80% of this story involves hot heavy sexy time so if you want something to rev your motor then this is it for all the hot and heavy going on I’d say its 5 Hearts.
The dash of storyline that we do get involves a nasty man from Galen’s past and Galen’s lashing out at Shane in reaction. It adds a bit of tension to the story, it also shows Galen and Shane just how much they love each other as well. I was disappointed that scum guy didn’t really get what was coming to him other than having Galen beat the crap out of him, I know that’s pretty harsh but the guy deserves castration, so only 3 Hearts for the storyline.
I recommend this to those who want plenty of hot sexy times, great characters, watching two men fall in love and a great ending.
Hi guys, we have Sue Brown popping in with her new release Morning My Angel, we have a fantastic new excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link
Morning My Angel
(Angel Enterprises 01)
by
Sue Brown
Josh Cooper, top US security field agent, is sent on an inter-agency assignment to London, when a partner in his firm goes missing in suspicious circumstances. Used to working in sole charge of his well-honed team, he clashes heads with the handsome, but pompous Cal, his UK co-operator and superior. Josh’s gut tells him something is wrong. He’s being kept out of the loop and Cal’s agenda is running on a different path.
He also has a personal issue to deal with. He’s involved in a cyber-relationship with “Charlie”, an unknown man who connected with Josh by accident. Their banter has led to deeper respect and a sexual interest, but now Josh is faced with a growing attraction to Cal. Between this conflict and the tension of the mission, Josh’s heart and head are overworked and confused. Things can’t get much worse.
Then Josh discovers the enemies he’s seeking have a new target: him.
Hi guys, we have Faith Gibson popping in with her new release The Ghost in the Mirror, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Ghost In the Mirror
(Samuel Dexter 01)
by
Faith Gibson
What do you do when you have no memories of your life except the one moment that took everything away?
My name is Dex and I’m a Marine. Somewhere in the horrors of the sand overseas, an explosion took out not only most of my unit but also my memories of everything that happened before that day. When my memories don’t return, the explosion also ends my career in the military. That one moment costs me everything.
Starting from scratch sucks. I don’t even know what foods I like or what types of music I listen to. Am I a boxer or briefs man? Do I like women or men? I also have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life from this point on.
While adjusting to my new life, I start seeing things — things that no one else can see. I think that maybe my head injury caused more than amnesia. When one of my “visions” won’t leave me alone, I have no choice but to believe in ghosts.
Along with the ghosts during the day, at night I dream vividly of two men. But are these two men merely dreams, or are they memories? When one man steps through the door of my hospital room, I have the answer. This man literally tries to lead me down memory lane, culminating in a searing kiss. Too bad my brain isn’t cooperating, because this man is breathtaking.
With the help of my sassy grandmother, I begin to rebuild my life.
I am Samuel Dexter, and these are my stories.
WARNING: This book contains scenes that might be considered triggers for some. Sam is a Marine involved in an explosion. This book also (mildly) describes children being kidnapped in the past and their remains found later.
Hi guys, we have Alyson Pearce stopping by today with her new release The Viscount and the Artist, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
The Viscount & The Artist
(The Eccentrics 01)
by
Alyson Pearce
Andrew Cardwell is a man driven by duty to his country and to his family. After the death of his uncle, he’s determined to provide security and stability for his family as the new Viscount Cardwell—even if that means marrying and producing an heir. Surprising himself, Andrew decides to sponsor a young artist named Jeremy for the season, to help him find a patron. What he doesn’t anticipate is how well Jeremy fits in his bed…and his life.
Jeremy Leighton knows what it’s like to be a disappointment. The only son of a vicar, he’s refused to follow the path his father set for him, choosing his passion for art, instead. He accepts Andrew’s proposal, hoping to prove to his father—and himself—that he can succeed as an artist. After spending time with Andrew in and out of bed, Jeremy struggles not to fall for the damaged viscount, knowing the season will likely end in Andrew’s engagement.
Between a meddling cousin, a widow on the hunt for a new husband, and their own doubts about the relationship, how can Andrew and Jeremy shed the expectations of others to find true happiness?
Hiya guys! Today we have Rick R. Reed stopping by with the tour to his upcoming new release Dinner at Jack’s. We have a little guest post from Rick where he introduces us to Ruth, Rick also lets us have a peek at a new exclusive excerpt, we also have a fantastic giveaway and my review! So check out the post, enjoy and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Dinner at Jack’s
(A Romance With Recipes 03)
by
Rick R. Reed
Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, has returned to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother Maisie in that same small town, angry at and frightened of the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?
Slowly, the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love.
But will Jack’s demons allow it? Jack’s history harbors secrets that could just as easily rip them apart as bring them together.
Blurb: Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened of the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past?
Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love.
But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.
Review:This story is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.
When Beau gets divorced from his cheating husband there’s only one place he thinks of going to lick his wounds, to the small town he grew up. Not sure what to do now Beau spots an ad for a personal chef and decides to check it out, it leads him to a man he never thought he’d see again.
Maisie is desperate when she posts an ad for a chef, her son has retreated into himself and is often snarly and surly, and she hopes that good food will tempt her son but the first visit doesn’t go too well.
Jack can’t remember anything of the night that changed his life, he’s terrified to leave his room and he hates the man he’s turned into. When his mom hires a chef in a desperate attempt to get Jack to engage in life, Jack is resentful but Beau begins to chip away at Jack’s blocked memories.
This is a great story that fits in perfectly with the other Romance with Recipes books (Dinner at Home, Dinner at Fiorello’s), it’s a touching story of budding love and healing. Beau is a fantastic character who is feeling slightly wounded after his divorce, when he gets a challenge in Jack he’s determined to bring Jack back to the land of the living and to being the man he knew one magical evening many years before.
Jack is suffering, he’s scared to live, there’s something lurking in his memories that has him terrified and has taken him from being a man who embraces life to one who shuns it. Jack isn’t a very nice character when we first meet him, in fact he’s downright nasty but as we learn what he has been through we understand that it’s a coping mechanism so he doesn’t have to re-join the world. When he meets Beau his behaviour doesn’t chase the man away and Jack soon learns that maybe that’s a good thing.
The story is really well written and the storyline is great, it’s a story that surprised me as I figured that the story would be straight forward and the blurb covered everything, and yes that’s true but there’s a little bit more that had my breath catching and a twinge of sadness struck me for what was lost by an act of hatred and bigotry. Rick R. Reed writes in such a way that even the expected comes as a surprise and he can tease feelings from you that you don’t expect.
While there is a touch of romance developing between Jack and Beau there is a lot of healing and facing the past before we get to that point, so don’t expect a lovefest because there’s a lot of ground to cover especially for Jack. On a side note Jack’s mother Maisie and Beau’s father Niles are great characters and it was so sweet to see their little romance play out as well.
I recommend this to those who love stories that have a little meat to them, characters who know sorrow and pain, men who have suffered but who begin to heal and bloom, and a romance that is just beginning.
Blurb: None of the matches caught his eye as much as the matchmaker himself.
Growing up poorer than poor didn’t leave Navashen Bhattathiri many options for life outside of school. All of his concentration was on keeping his scholarships. Sixteen years later, he’s fulfilled his dream and become a doctor. Now he’s returning home to Lexington and is ready to prove himself to the world. In doing so, he reconnects with Brent Carpenter—high school classmate, real estate agent, all-around great guy… and closet matchmaker.
Brent makes it his mission to help Navashen develop a social life and meet available, interesting men. Unfortunately Navashen’s schedule is unpredictable, and few of those available, interesting men value his dedication like Brent does. Brent’s unfailing friendship and support convince Navashen he’s the one, but can he capture Brent’s heart when the matchmaker is focused on finding Navashen another man?
Review: When Navashen moves back to Lexington, where he grew up, his first point of contact is Brent an old school classmate and real estate agent. Brent is keen to make Navashen feel welcome and sets about helping Navashen find a social life that doesn’t revolve around his work, and maybe helping him to find a man to spend time with.
Navashen is just happy to spend time with Brent and he loves the way that Brent treats his younger brother and wishes Brent would look his way for more than just friendship. When Navashen finally gets the courage to ask Brent out things start to look up, until Brent overhears Navashen’s mother and Brent’s insecurities take over,
This is a cute little story of friends to lovers, but I wouldn’t say it actually fit in with the Dreamspun Desire line; it missed its mark for being a romance as there really wasn’t any and I couldn’t feel any romantic connection between Navashen and Brent. Maybe if we also got Brent’s view point I could have seen his true feelings for Navashen but almost from the moment Navashen moved back to Lexington Brent seemed determined to hook him up with someone else.
Navashen does show his feelings for Brent in a subdued fashion, he just doesn’t think that Brent would be interested in him, so it’s actually through Navashen’s frustration that he and Brent get together and we learn that Brent felt the same way. We then have the hiccup with Brent’s insecurities and again it’s Navashen who has to make the effort, it was frustrating for me as a reader not to be able to smack Brent for being such a dickweed.
While I liked Navashen and Brent as characters it’s actually Akshat (Navashen’s younger brother) that steals the show, he is so amazingly sweet and loving and it’s wonderful to see his progress through the story as he finds his independence with Navashen’s help. So while I don’t rate this story very high for the actually ‘romance’ I do rate it highly for Navashen and Akshat and their brotherly relationship.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th September 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Jackson “Jacko” Smith is dyslexic, but like many people affected by the learning disability, he is highly intelligent. His best friend Sammy Collins helps him get through school and unlocks his potential. Jacko progresses through the ranks of local government until Mother Nature intervenes and the straight boy and the gay boy become a couple.
As Jacko and Sammy start a family and challenge social mores, Jacko enters politics, horrified at the direction the Australian government is taking. With Sammy by his side, he can achieve anything and rises through the ranks to the highest office in the land, driving Australia away from its British colonial roots and engaging with its neighbors in Asia like never before. Economic growth results, and while most Australians are supportive, a small group of extremists might endanger everything Jacko has built—including his life.
Through the love and the strength of their partnership, Jacko and Sammy rise above their ordinary lives. Because love is never ordinary.
Review: This story is written from Jacko’s point of view, in fact its Jacko himself writing it as a type of memoir. It begins with Jacko’s early life and the struggle he had with dyslexia, it picks up further and branches out when Jacko first meets Sammy when they are both ten years old. We then have the teenage years and all the typical activities of teenagers before it fills out more as Jacko and Sammy begin relationships with other people.
The story does have a lot of political dealings, and after Sammy and Jacko finally get together there isn’t much focus on their relationship other than brief glimpses as they get married and start a family. That isn’t to say that their relationship isn’t front and centre because it is, it just means that it’s more of a constant in the background just coming forward to emphasis certain points at times.
The story has a lot of focus on Jacko’s work life and how he progresses through life wanting to improve the working man’s life, he quickly moves up in the workforce before being drawn into politics and again making a rapid progression through the ranks. While Jacko works hard so does Sammy, they make a dynamic couple who change the face of politics’ and help to make several other gay men overcome their fears of acceptance.
I actually really enjoyed this story, it gives you a deep understanding of everyday life of Jacko and Sammy and their love for each other, and it also gives you a great understanding of the political world we find ourselves in with Jacko showing us the way Government should be run.
There are several times that Jacko and Sammy face adversity from bigots and haters but this wonderful couple rise above and show everyone what an astounding couple they are, there are also some hard hitting moments for Jacko and Sammy and there is no sugar-coating of the topics or glossing over the impact of the moment, we share their pain as they push through to come out stronger the other side..
I should also give mention to Jacko thinking himself as straight, he just loves Sammy beyond all reason, and there are also other men who have similar feelings. Some people won’t like that as apparently there’s no such thing as ‘gay for you’, me personally I believe there is, I just think that there isn’t a name/label for it yet.
I recommend this to those who love political stories where change can happen, who adore couples who love each other beyond reason, and who adore happy endings.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th September 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When easygoing Texas artist Dakin McBride makes his way to Ottawa, Canada, for a showing, he meets Jeff Tamrin, the fastidious manager of the Sussex Gallery. Despite coming from different worlds and being opposites in almost every way, the attraction is immediate, and soon Dakin and Jeff negotiate their own brand of diplomatic relations, forgetting all about art or seeing the sights the city has to offer. They get wrapped up in the moment, each of them intrigued by what he feels for the other.
The more they get to know each other, the more they like what they see. Dakin has a life to go back to in Texas, though, and Jeff has his own in Canada. Is there any way for their budding romance to survive the thousands of miles separating them? The relationship seems doomed, but at the same time, it feels too right to give up without a fight.
Review: Jeff is organising an art show at the gallery he works at when he comes across leather worker artist Dakin, being approached by the sexy Texan has Jeff’s blood heating and Jeff knows he can’t let the opportunity pass. Dakin falls hard and fast for the manager of the gallery hosting his leather work and as the time approaches for him to return to Texas he’s dreading leaving the sexy Canadian behind.
This is a fantastic story of two men connecting instantly but their lives in two different countries threaten to pull them apart. Jeff is an efficient manager and loves his job, meeting one of the artists has him questioning just what he wants out of life. Dakin loves his life on the ranch and selling his leather work helps to pay the bills, meeting Jeff at the gallery has him wishing for more but his roots grow deep in Texas, but can he turn his back on the love he has found.
First of all this book is hot! Jeff and Dakin are explosive together, their attraction jumps off the page and it’s not long before they are jumping into bed! They are a very physical couple but they also connect on an emotional level, their relationship is fast paced and I suppose you could say its insta-love, and I can tell you its insta-lust.
This is a great story for a quick injection of happy easy love, hot sex, hot men and a happy ending… what more could you ask for?
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28th September 2016)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Something in Jake’s relationship with Connor is changing, and not for the better. The only thing that’s been growing between them recently is silence, and when Connor starts lying about where he’s been and slipping out of bed at night, Jake fears the worst.
Jake gets the surprise of his life when he finds out what Connor has really been doing. It couldn’t be further from what he’d expected. Instead of ending the relationship, Connor has been building up to taking the next step together with a huge romantic surprise for Jake.
The scare shows Jake what’s really important, and the ordeal might make them stronger and bring them closer together than ever before.
Review: When Jake’s boyfriend, Connor, seems to be working more and more hours and spending less and less time with him he begins to think something is seriously wrong with their relationship, when he catches Connor in a lie Jake thinks it’s the end of them but Connor has been hiding a different secret.
Connor and Jake are a well-established couple, but just lately they seem to be drifting apart, it doesn’t help that they have a roommate so they never seem to have any alone time. And well the blurb really says it all, there’s no mystery to the story as it’s all laid out before we even open the book so all we have to do is enjoy the story.
The story really is enjoyable and it’s great to watch Jake’s reactions to everything, we see his beginning despair as he thinks his relationship is crumbling, the shock as he realises Connor has lied to him and the relief and joy when he realises he was completely wrong. We really don’t get much from Connor at all as he’s very much in the background until the last part of the story.
This is a great story for those who want a little angst, who love established relationships, who love men still trying to provide the best for the men they love, and a happy ending.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd September 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Michael Cook has left his abusive lover and settled in the small town of Banning, Illinois. Having nowhere else to go, he checks into the Raven’s Rest Inn and soon learns that the haunted reputation of the hotel is well deserved. Michael gets a job at a local café, where he meets Trey Ramsey. Though Michael has misgivings about starting up a new relationship, Trey seems to be the complete opposite of Michael’s controlling ex, so he decides to give Trey a chance.
Life at the Raven’s Rest becomes increasingly frightening when the ghost of Coleman Hollis appears in Michael’s room. Coleman seems to want something from Michael, and the mystery deepens when Michael discovers he’s the spitting image of Coleman’s lover from years ago. Together, Michael and Trey must discover why Coleman’s spirit is drawn to the Raven’s Rest—and to Michael.
Review: After five years Michael has left his psychologically abusive lover and is hiding out in a small town. Staying at the local Inn, Raven’s Rest, he’s told the story of its ghosts and becomes fascinated by one of them especially when he sees the ghost of that past resident, Coleman, a young man who disappeared many years before. Michael decides to stay in town and stumbles across a job in a small café as well as Trey, a laid back guy who sparks Michael’s interest.
Michael and Trey begin to look into Coleman’s story after an altercation with the ghost and they discover a sad story of young love torn apart and destroyed. While getting to the bottom of the mystery of the ghost Michael still has to deal with his ex when Kevin comes hunting for him.
This is brilliant story where a man running from his ex-lover stumbles across a ghost story that leads to a decades old mystery. Michael has suffered from mental abuse from the man who was supposed to love him for years, Michael’s finally found the courage to leave him but he knows Kevin will follow him so he heads for a small town. It’s the beginning of a ghostly adventure of mystery and murder, and discovering new love.
I really enjoyed this story, it flowed really well and Michael and Trey connected from the instant they met, their romance moves quickly but fits them perfectly. The mystery part of the story was excellent, with Michael determined to get to the truth and discover just what happened to Coleman. It’s a terrible tale of bigotry and murder.
Both Michael and Trey are excellent characters and there are also one or two other jewels floating through the story like Jesenia (who wears a badge labelled ‘The Town Witch’) and Gloria Ramsey (Trey’s mother), they both add to the story and bring some lightness to the story as well. I also liked the fact that Michael got some closure with Kevin as well, there is a confrontation where Kevin loses it but he does finally accept that his actions drove Michael away and hopefully he’ll learn a lesson from losing Michael.
I recommend this to those who love ghost mysteries, finding peace with yourself, discovering new love, dodging danger and an excellent ending.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16th September 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Architect Elliot Graham has bought and restored dozens of historic homes to their original splendor. As in his personal life, he loves them and leaves them, selling them off without looking back. But there’s something about the old plantation house he finds in South Carolina—a connection he can’t explain. He feels as though he recognizes the house, as if within its crumbling walls he might find something he doesn’t even realize he’s lost.
Ben Myers had promised his lover and soul mate, Patrick, that he would wait for his return. Ben has kept his word ever since Patrick left him to wait at the plantation house—during the Civil War. For the first time in many long years, Ben is no longer alone, and he reaches out to Elliot in dreams. Elliot tries to convince Ben that Patrick isn’t coming back, and Ben’s devotion is about to change not only his lonely existence, but Elliot’s life as well.
Review: Elliot has a great life as an architect buying homes, restoring them and selling them, moving from place to place and enjoying one night stands and short flings, but when he buys an old plantation house in South Carolina he finds himself drawn to the house and the spirit that lurks there. Ben swore to his lover, Patrick, that he would wait for him and Ben has waited a long, long time for Patrick to return to him, now there’s a man who calls to him and Ben shares with Elliot in his dreams.
This is an amazing story that is slightly bittersweet. Elliot has never been able to settle, almost like he is constantly searching for something on a subconscious level, so when he finds an old house that strikes a chord with him he begins to think about settling down. Discovering the house is haunted doesn’t actual phase him all that much because he has a connection to the ghost Ben through his dreams, his best friend Sheri (or Cher as Elliot calls her) and his new friend Daniel (Darrell as Elliot calls him) both have some good freak out moments about it though.
We discover, through Elliot’s dreams, Ben’s life with Patrick, the love they shared and the lives they lived; it’s bittersweet and heart-aching when you see the scenes of them going to fight in the civil war. We see a lot of Elliot’s life and his friendships with Sheri and Daniel, Elliot’s relationship with Daniel starts hot and heavy but quickly turns to that of just friends (jealous ghost!), we watch as Elliot starts to suffer from devastating health and it’s just so painful to watch.
The story really is wonderful as we see Elliot fall in love with his ghost Ben, but it’s also painful to watch because Ben knows something that Elliot doesn’t so Elliot is both trying to get Ben to cross over but also trying to find some way of keeping him around. I can’t really say much more otherwise I’d give everything away so there you have it!
The story is beautifully written and it flows wonderfully, each character shines in their own way but it is all from Elliot’s point of view and Ben’s really only around when he’s typing messages, moving the odd object and in Elliot’s dreams. And the ending! OMG grab tissues… you will need them!
I recommend this to those who love soul mates, love stretching through the years even past death, great characters, hot sex, and an incredible ending that will leave tear trails down your face.
Blurb: A fist fight, a snowstorm, a stolen kiss in the barn… and a second chance at love.
Ford Nixel has two law offices, two fancy condominiums, and all the right connections. In short, he has everything he wants.
The last thing he needs is his Uncle Ty’s stake in the Leaning N, a ranch that’s been in the family for generations. Ford hasn’t even been to the ranch in over a decade, not since he left his boyfriend Stoney behind and headed back to college alone.
Ford arrives at the Leaning N to find Stoney, now a single father, right where he left him. A fist fight, a snowstorm, and a stolen kiss in the barn later—Ford knows none of the heat between them has dissipated.
Review: When Ford’s Uncle Ty asks for his help Ford doesn’t hesitate to rush back to the ranch he hasn’t set foot on in twelve years. Ford returns to the Leaning N not looking forward to seeing his ex-boyfriend Stoney, the man who preferred the ranch and knocked up Ford’s cousin. But even with twelve years and a child putting distance between them Ford’s feelings for Stoney haven’t changed and when Stoney reveals a secret Ford can’t fight how he truly feels for Stoney.
This is a great story that has two men reuniting and finally putting the misunderstandings between them to rest. Ford is a great character who is struggling with his resentment for Stoney, having to work with Stoney proves to be like getting blood from a stone, they clash, bitch at each other and Ford wants nothing more than go punch Stoney. Stoney is a solid character who doesn’t believe he is any good at anything other than being a cowboy, Stoney resents Ford coming home, and he resents Ty asking him to work with Ford but if the Leaning N is going to keep going he needs Fords help.
I really like how this story was written, while Ford and Stoney’s relationship plays out throughout the story we also have them learning to work together, moving forward to improve the ranch, we have Ford trying to find his place as the people who work on the ranch are like family and we also have some great characters who shine like Quartz (Stoney’s son) and Geoff (the vegan cook).
The story is easy to follow and is well paced; there are some hot moments between Ford and Stoney and some tense moments (snowstorm), the relationship doesn’t instantly strike up again when Ford and Stoney meet again in fact it takes quite some time before they are even in the same room without them wanting to punch each other. B.A. Tortuga has again written a story that produces some warm and fuzzy feelings and while it does have tension it isn’t angsty.
I recommend this to those who love second chance love stories, who adore characters who can put the past behind them for a new future, and great characters who are determined to get a happy ending.
Title: Private Dances
Title: Honeymoon Their Way
Title: Changing Worlds (2nd Edition)
Title: The Disciple
Title: A-Viking (2nd Edition)
Title: Rain and Whiskey
Title: Dinner at Jack’s
Title: A Matchless Man
Title: A Nice Normal Family
Title: From the Get Go
Title: More Than Okay
Title: Raven’s Rest
Title: Waiting for Patrick
Title: Commitment Ranch