Tag: Portia’s Reviews

When Souls Collide by N. J. Nielsen

Title:  When Souls Collide

Series:  Lancaster’s Way 01 (Father’s Day 2012- 06)

Author:  N. J. Nielsen

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  MLR Press (June 15, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Question: What is the stupidest thing an openly gay man could do?

Answer: Move to Texas and marry a woman.

Tossed off the Golden Spur with nothing but the clothes he was wearing and his newborn son. Riley Stuart contemplates his life. He gave up everything he knew to come halfway around the world to find things don’t always work out like you planned. On her deathbed his wife outs him to her family — her very bigoted family.

Noah Johnson finds a naked man and infant in his barn. What are they doing there, and where did they come from? In the course of helping Riley get back on his feet somewhere along the way he felt their souls collide.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=NJN_WSCL

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Riley is having a very bad day.  His wife’s body hasn’t even been laid to rest and her family has already decided that a gay son-in-law and a Eurasian grandson are not welcome in their home.  Without a backwards glance, Riley and his son, Kai, are dumped on the side of the road…in the rain to fend for themselves. Thousands of miles away from Riley’s native Australia, with fifty-seven dollars and some change and the clothes on their backs.

I really enjoyed When Souls Collide.  If you haven’t read any of N. J. Nielsen’s other titles, this might be a nice place to start.  She is obviously a firm believer in HEAs.  Riley is a real sweetie.  When his online friend finds herself pregnant, with a conservative family screaming that she have an abortion, he doesn’t hesitate to offer her marriage.  Unfortunately, there is no disguising Kai’s Asian heritage.  Even before Karen’s death, Riley’s life has been a living hell.  Winding up butt-naked in a barn is just par for the course.

Noah’s family is too cute, assuming that his gay guest is the answer to his pitiful love life.  Noah isn’t willing to believe that the hottie that he found is going to be interested in a relationship.  And even if he does, Riley is going home as soon as he can raise the funds…isn’t he?

I really enjoyed this Father’s Day read.  My only complaint is that Riley and Noah’s romance evolved really quickly.  Not the intimacy…I could have got on board for that, but the I love you forevers.  Not quite instalove…but pretty close.  Mind you, there are all kinds of crazy people in the town, trying to keep them apart…but, I still think Riley should have made Noah work a little harder. 😉

But, because Nielsen created such a great supporting cast, I choose to overlook that.  There are several cowboys that would make very nice leading men, if N. J. ever decides to revisit this corner of Texas.

I’m recommending When Souls Collide for readers who like lonely cowboys, sexy Aussies and sweet baby boys.

The Mystery of Ruby Lode by Scotty Cade

Title:  The Mystery of Ruby Lode

Series:  N/A

Author:  Scotty Cade

Genre:    Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Gay, Historical, Paranormal/Alternate World, Romance, Thriller, Western

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (May 26, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts                                                                       

Blurb:   Something left behind in the abandoned Ruby Lode gold mine attacks four friends, exploiting their weaknesses and insecurities, threatening their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives. Can they solve the mystery of Ruby Lode in time to save each other?

After six long months of research, adventure seekers Bowen McAlister, Cyrus Curran, Duff Gentry, and Lockhart Dawson are on their way to Boulder, Colorado to explore Ruby Lode, an abandoned gold mine. Duff, a born psychic, senses something isn’t quite right, and the closer they get, the more his unease grows.

Something left behind long ago in the deep shafts and drifts of Ruby Lode makes its presence known by exposing dark, heavily guarded secrets.  Preying on each of their weaknesses and insecurities, Ruby Lode’s own destructive secret threatens their sanity, friendship, and ultimately their lives.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This story contains elements of rape/near rape.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/849/?zenid=5b689a0780bf14b69461002bfeb4fb57

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Normally, I begin a review with a bit of a blurb.  But, I have to preface that with a bit of a confession.  I am always nervous when an author jumps genre.  I know, that sounds petty, but oh well.  Sue me.  I like when my favorite writers are predictable and consistent.  But, every now and then, one of them surprises me.  Scotty Cade shocked the hell out of me…in the nicest possible way.

Now as a writer, I can tell you flashbacks can be hard to pull off.  If you put them in the wrong place, or cover the wrong time frame, you can lose your reader.  Scotty Cade pulled wove flashbacks into this entire story brilliantly.  The Mystery of Ruby Lode begins at the beginning, in the spring of 1914.  Frink and his best friend Counter are two young prospectors trying to strike it rich.  Realizing that they lack both experience and equipment, they hook up with two other miners to better their odds of actually striking gold.  Before they can pull a single piece of ore out of the ground disaster strikes.

Then, we jump to present day.  The four friends have been on this type of adventure before.  But, this time is different. This time not only their lives are in danger, but their very sanity.

This is a fabulous romantic suspense.  I can’t say that enough times.  Absolutely brilliant.  The pacing was just right.  The flashbacks that are woven into the main story let us stay just a head of the four friends.  And the touch of paranormal is so well done, that it if you don’t believe if ghosts, you might.

For those of you who are wondering, there is some really hot sex, but it is always tempered with the intimacy of lovers…at least in the present day. 😉 And in true Cade fashion, these are grown ass men, who don’t play head games with their lovers.  Each has a secret that must be revealed in order to solve The Mystery of Ruby Lode, all trusting that their secrets will be safe, with their closest friends.

I am recommending this one for, of course, all the Scotty Cade fans…trust me, he delivers.  And anyone who loves a good cold case mystery with a touch of paranormal thrown in.  Highly recommend.

Tor by Lynn Lorenz

Title:  Tor

Series:  Werewolf Fight League 01

Author:  Lynn Lorenz

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (April 2nd, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   To the Werewolf Fight League, Tor is a champion fighter. To his master, he’s nothing more than a slave. When Tor’s mate Jin is killed in a brutal cage fight, Tor never wants to fight again. His master, Marrack has other plans for him.

Sky is a beautiful young sex slave, trained to perform sex on whoever buys him. But Sky is special; he’s a virgin and the man who owns him will be very lucky to be the first.

When Marrack buys Sky for Tor, his plan to get Tor back in the cage is set in motion. How could the big were resist mating the beautiful boy? Marrack has one month to get Tor back into shape and fighting again. Everything is riding on this –Tor’s reputation, Sky’s freedom, and Marrack’s money.

Will Tor find love again with a slave boy, or will Tor be betrayed by his new mate?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM them and elements, exhibitionism, master/slave, violence (including rape).

Readers with a history of rape or sexual abuse may find elements of this story disturbing.

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/WereWolf-Fight-League-1-Tor.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Tor is the WWFL heavyweight champion…technically.  One month ago, he was almost fatally wounded and his mate was raped and killed, in front of him.  Now, he refuses to fight.  His body has healed, but his heart is still grieving.  Unfortunately, as a slave, he is still under his master, Merrick’s control.  And Merrick is betting that the beautiful, virgin sex slave is exactly the man to bring Tor back to fight ready status.

This was a really enjoyable read.  The world that Lynn Lorenz has created is very different from the normal Were/shifter romance.  In this world, Were are feared by humans and breed and enslaved.  The fighters of the WWFL only fight to protect their mates.  In exchange, they are given relatively comfortable existences, albeit under guard.

This is a very sexy romance.  Sky is a virgin when Tor claims him.  Having the big, sexy were as his personal plaything is better than anything he’d been taught in his harem. Their play sometimes takes on a mild bondage tone, but never anything too hardcore.

Of course, Lynn Lorenz can’t write without sneaking in a bit of angst.  Amidst all that hot lovin’ questions loom.  Will Tor accept Sky? Not just as his mate, but as his love?  Will Sky stay with Tor or accept a deal for his freedom?  And all the while, Tor’s dead mate, Jin, is the unseen “other man”.

I really enjoyed this story.  It is dark, in places, but beautifully written and paced.  Highly recommend this for readers who are drawn to darker paranormal, sexy werewolves and beautiful sex slaves.

Riding with Heaven by L. C. Chase

Title:  Riding with Heaven

Series:  N/A

Author:  L. C. Chase

Genre:   Romantic Suspense

Length:  Short Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (June 5th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts                                                                       

Blurb:   When his flight home for his brother’s birthday is canceled due to a Category 5 hurricane on the Eastern seaboard, art major Evan McGrath places an ad on Craigslist for a rideshare from Colorado to South Carolina. He hadn’t expected an immediate reply, nor had he expected to fall head-over-heels for the handsome and mysterious driver, Lucas Briscoe.

As the miles disappear behind them Evan grows more and more attracted to the enigmatic Lucas, and the desire is mutual. The only problem is that a serial killer dubbed “The Domino Slasher” has just escaped a federal prison transfer, and funny little coincidences keep pointing toward Lucas – who looks like Heaven incarnate, but who could be the Devil in disguise.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, violence.

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/Riding-with-Heaven.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Hurricane Rex has derailed Evan’s flight plans home. Thankfully, an impulsive listing on Craig’s List has yielded a ride share to South Carolina.  He was all set to endure 3 days in a car with a stranger. But, after meeting Lucas, he’s thinking these 3 days might be more like riding with Heaven.

I. Loved. This. Book.  This is definitely one that goes into my “should be a movie” pile.  Evan and Lucas are steamy together.  After the “is he…isn’t he” question gets answered, they screw their way from Denver to the Carolinas. But, it was the suspense element that had me clicking my eReader at the speed of light.  Oh, yeah.  I forgot to mention, there’s an escaped serial killer on the loose and uh…it might be Lucas. The author had me guessing right up until the end.

This one has it all; lots of hot sex, great chemistry between the main characters, beautifully executed suspense and a brilliant climax. I recommend this title to readers who like their loving explicit, the good guys smart and snarky and the bad guys not so easy to spot.  Highly recommending.

911 by Scarlet Blackwell

Title:  911

Series:  Men in Uniform

Author:  Scarlet Blackwell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (05/19/2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Cop Damon is a 9/11 survivor, still traumatized and still grieving the loss of his firefighter soul mate. Will Christmas in New York ten years after the tragedy bring him closure and perhaps a new future?

Ten years after the horror of 9/11 and the loss of his firefighter partner Justin, former NYPD cop Damon Summerfield is back in New York for Christmas with his family. Still deep in mourning with no end in sight, he visits Justin’s favorite bar near Ground Zero and there meets Simon, a member of the FDNY and fellow survivor of 9/11. Damon can’t bear to give their attraction a chance, not when he thinks Simon’s job will tear them apart someday…

Can Simon help Damon with his grief and can they build a future together?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains a HFN ending.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/856/?zenid=4edf8c2768e5f45fa9ba1160badcccc3

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Damon has spent the last 10 years grieving the lover he lost in 9/11. Now, on his first trip back to NY in as many years, he meets a man who ignites a part of his soul he assumed was buried with his dead lover.

911 is pretty intense for a novella.  Both Damon and Simon lost men they loved in the terrorist attack.  But, where Simon had a wonderful support system to help him heal, Damon isolated himself in Montreal; existing, but never really dealing with his loss.  911 is as much about Damon letting go as it is about his moving on.  By going to his dead lover’s favorite NY bar, visiting Ground Zero, even just talking to his family, Damon finally begins to heal.  I loved the ending of this book…  It’s more a promise of a future, then a HEA.  This is exactly how it should be until Damon is emotionally stronger and ready to be a full partner in a healthy relationship.  Any relationship.  But, especially in a relationship, where his new partner is in the same high risk profession as his last lover.  Very well written; intense on several levels and highly recommended.

Switching Payne by Amber Kell

Title:  Switching Payne

Series:  N/A

Author:  Amber Kill

Genre:   Contemporary, MMM ménage

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (May 19, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   An abusive childhood causes a barrier in Payne’s relationship with Braxton. When they meet Flame a solution to their problem might be at hand. While the path to love is never smooth, three men prove harder to balance than two.

Payne’s abusive past raises a barrier in his relationship with Braxton, but they love each other enough to work around it. When they meet Flame, a solution to their problem might be at hand.

While the path to love is never smooth, three men prove harder to balance than two and Flame isn’t sure if he’s ready to be part of a trio. But Brax and Payne are determined to make Flame part of their family and the combined power of men in love won’t be denied… even when death tries to knock on their door.

After two life-altering events, Payne realizes in order to keep the happiness he’s found, he can’t let the past rule control his future.

Product Link:  Https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1063/?zenid=0b1a9180f25390fd63ed07f2316f7bf9

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Braxton and Payne have been lovers for three years.  They are still very much in love, but due to horrific childhood trauma, Payne suffers from some pretty major sexual dysfunction.  Rather than either man risking triggering Payne’s mental demons, when the mood strikes them, they invite a third into their bed.  Well, Payne’s bed, because Brax just watches; anything to keep Payne happy.  At least that was the pattern…until they meet Flame.

I really didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did.  I rarely see survivors of sexual trauma accurately depicted in a realistic manner.  Especially not the type of abuse that Payne endured.  And I speak from almost twenty years of dealing with victims professionally.  But, I think Amber Kell did a pretty good job with Payne.  I also really like that Brax and Payne were given a reasonable time to build their relationship, before adding a third. And even then, all three men are open with their attraction and their concerns.  Which made me believe their ménage could work outside the bedroom.  The characters are very well crafted. And, by that I mean, they complement one another.  Where Brax is straight alpha male, Flame is more nurturing.  Both men are obvious with their devotion to Payne, but we also see them begin to develop a relationship that is separate, if not quite equal.

A couple of things trigger Payne’s “switch”.  And, again I felt they were realistic events, not simply plot devices. I totally bought that he was emotionally ready to add a third to his existing relationship and expand his sexual role with both of his lovers.  If anything, I think Brax could have stood to open up a bit more…

Amber Kell never ceases to amaze me with her mastery of the novella.  For all its heavy subject matter, Switching Payne is not maudlin.  Neither is it sappy sweet.  It’s just a really nice romance between three wounded men, who somehow make it work for them.  Highly recommend.

 

The Absent-Minded Astrophysicist by TN Tarrant

Title:  The Absent-Minded Astrophysicist

Series:  A Mind Is a Sexy Thing

Author:  TN Tarrant

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Dr. Liam McGregor is a well-respected astrophysicist, astrobiologist and geologist, and he’s only twenty-three. With no family, few friends, and no romantic prospects, he’s gotten used to being alone. Focusing on his various scientific projects and taking care of his decidedly unusual cat help keep the loneliness at bay.

Jareth Manning is starting life over, a new town, new job, after the loss of his husband. The last thing he expected was for the most absentminded, and beautiful, man he’d ever seen to take up residence in his heart. Nor did he expect to find himself a willingly humble slave to Her Imperial Highness, Empress the Cat. But Jareth has learned that love doesn’t come around often, so when it does, hold onto it with both hands.

Jareth is willing to be patient, if Liam is willing to take the risk, after being badly burned before.

They just have to survive Liam’s past returning.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1049/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Liam has not had a normal childhood.  Recognized as a genius very early, he has always been the odd duck out.  Someday he’ll get around to doing the stuff that other twenty-somethings do, but right now, he has a galaxy to map.

I really enjoyed this book.  Too often geeks are portrayed as just closet freaks. They just need the right person to come along a boom…all of their gawkiness will evaporate during the afterglow.  That only works in fairy tales.  In real life, someone as isolated as Liam is going to have serious issues.  He’s never mingled with his peers, his parents were both MENSA, and he had multiple doctorates before he left his teen.  Poor Jareth, who is still grieving from the senseless death of his husband, is the perfect man to let Liam wrap his head around the logistics of romance.

There were several things that endeared this book to me.  The first was the level of thought and scholarship that went into the medical components.  I love when a book deals with sensitive issues without getting too maudlin.  In this case, Jareth had to deal with months of chronic pain.  Chronic pain is a very real issue and the author presented it brilliantly.  The other thing I liked was the length of time from meeting to mating.  Jareth courted Liam.  There is no other word that adequately describes the walks and the dinners and the cuddling.  Liam was damaged enough to jump into bed with Jareth long before they did.   When they finally get down and dirty, there is no doubt in Liam’s mind that he is cared for.  Their lovin’ is sweet and erotic and well worth the wait. Oh…and I loved the Liam’s “baby” (a real scene stealer that one.)

This was my first TN Tarrant read.  Not sure if she even has a backlist, but know that I’ll be Googling her name to find out.  Highly recommend.

Don't Judge a Book by Scarlet Blackwell

Title:  Don’t Judge a Book

Series:  A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Scarlet Blackwell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:   Bring together the unlikeliest of couples–a car thief and a librarian–and watch the sparks fly. Darren and Rhys are ill-matched but their hearts aren’t listening.

Bookworm Rhys lives in the idyllic town of Hawks Bridge and spends his days working at the local library, his evenings quietly reading. He thinks it’s all about books and even the occasional interruption ‘real life’ throws his way cannot change his beliefs.

When car thief Darren arrives to do his community service, Rhys’ world is turned upside down. Rhys thinks the man is uneducated, only to find him reading classics. He expects him to behave like the criminal he is, only Darren doesn’t. While Rhys isn’t exactly out and proud, Darren is in denial about his sexuality.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1056/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Rhys is a librarian’s assistant.  He spends his days filing books and helping patrons.  He loves his job and is content to spend his evenings reading alone in his apartment.  Darren is a youthful offender assigned to Rhys’ library for community service in lieu of jail time.  He just wants to do his hours and get the hell away from Rhys.

This book is wonderful.  Darren and Rhys start in on each other from the very beginning.  Darren sees Rhys as a pretentious geek and Rhys sees Darren as an illiterate Philistine.  Neither is really aware that all that animosity is masking a whole heap of sexual tension.

Rhys is out and proud and tends to gravitate towards men who are only interested in casual hook-ups.  Darren has never been with another guy, but he can’t seem to keep his hands off of Rhys.  I loved that these two are from a different space than usually found in UK romance.  They’re young, working class stiffs; they cuss, drink and are absolutely beautiful together.  The lovin’ is hot and the overall tone is kinda gritty and urban without falling into that genre fully.  It would have been nice to see more of their home lives, but we get enough to know where each is coming from.

Darren is a bit of an idiot…at first.  But, he manages to make it to happily ever after in one piece.  He might not have started the book “gay, but admits, by the end, he’s “bent as fuck.” J  Highly recommending.

Professor's Keeper by Nicole Dennis

Title:  Professor’s Keeper

Series:  Silver ~ A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Nicole Dennis

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts                                                                               

Blurb:   Professor Alistair Tarrellton knows everything about algorithms but little about relationships. After ex-Marine Rhys Blackwood rescues him from a botched robbery and a panic attack, Alistair finds himself with a new keeper, but can he afford the distraction?

Child prodigy, scientist, and, Professor Alistair Tarrellton knows research, not people. Hiding behind glasses and an overstated vocabulary, he faces panic attacks and headaches if situations become too uncomfortable. As head of the college’s bioinformatics area of study, he teaches classes and runs two labs, but he prefers to hide in his private one at home.

A stop at the grocery store on his way home one night puts Alistair in the middle of a botched robbery. While a panic attack freezes him, he watches former Marine Rhys Blackwood take command with ease, and one touch from this powerful man pushes away Alistair’s fear. Rhys quickly invites himself into Alistair’s home and life, and while part of Alistair doesn’t believe he can afford the distraction of a relationship, the rest of him wants the other man to never leave.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/1057/?zenid=8c9520ab3c8fee76c28aa1f3ccf7d664

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Alistair is the quintessential goofy professor.  He got his first college degree while kids his age were still learning to tie their shoes. He is a certified genius with zero social skills.  He may be able to map the human genome with his eyes closed, but he could really use a keeper in his personal life.  Rhys is a wounded soldier who finds taking care of Alistair is more fun than rehab.

I hate to say it, but this is the first Nicole Dennis book that I enjoyed start to finish.  She writes really sweet romances that just don’t appeal to my jaded nature.  Professor’s Keeper was sweet but not too sappy.  Alistair is the cutest thing.  He reminds me a lot of the Criminal Minds character Dr. Spencer Reid.  He uses big words when he’s nervous. (* Note: I would have given this story a higher rating, except for the fact that sometimes Alistair fell out of character and used words that were not consistent with his history or education.) Rhys may be big and strong, but since being forced to leave the military, he’s kind of lost.  Taking care of Alistair gives him a reason to wake up in the morning.  He is organized and patient and just what Alistair need.  And sexually, Alistair takes to intimacy like a duck to water.  I got a bit nervous, when after only 4 hours Rhys invited himself to move into Allister’s home.  But, while they shared a living space, Alistair asked the right questions to let me know he was not a complete codependent git.  The guys take things pretty slow and everything is not champagne and roses.  Trust me, when I say, Alistair can throw one hell of a temper tantrum. The I Loves you came early, but it wasn’t too far outside the realm of plausibility.

I also had a few hiccups with medical procedure and the whole burn rehab process, but most people wouldn’t notice.  Me…major distraction.  All in all, like I said, this is a sweet romance and I enjoyed reading it.

Prove Me Wrong by Bethany Clark

Title:  Prove Me Wrong

Series:  Silver ~ A Mind is a Sexy Thing

Author:  Bethany Clark

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 28, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low-Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Eccentric genius extraordinaire Tennyson Mycroft isn’t used to challenges. When Kristian Dawlish bursts into his life Tennyson’s reality is upended. What starts off as a bet quickly becomes serious. Tennyson has to decide how far he wants to take it.

Coping with a genius is never easy and Tennyson Mycroft takes it to a whole new level with his quirky attitude and all-too-accurate ‘psychic’ abilities. He’s never let anyone get close to him. And thinks he’s perfectly happy as a solitary professor. Then Kristian Dawlish arrives on campus and suddenly everything is in uproar.

The pair engage in a battle of wits as Kristian tries to prove Tennyson is a fraud. A bet is made in a moment of lust, but soon Tennyson longs for more. Will Tennyson come to terms with the fact he is as susceptible to emotions as everyone else, and finally drop his walls? Even if he does, is Kristian willing to take the risk? Follow them on their journey filled with laughs, nosy students, and a discovery that uncertainty isn’t always a bad thing.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/1055/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Tennyson is the quintessential academic fruitcake.  He enjoys pushing the limits of social norms and making people squirm.  He’s not exactly effeminate, but he opens the book in purple shoes.  He’s an arrogant sod who looks down at the masses with utter disdain.  When Kristian finds out Tennyson claims to have psychic abilities he scoffs at the very possibility.  Tennyson, feeling generous, proposes an interesting wager.  Kristian has ten opportunities to debunk Tennyson’s claim.  Despite his skepticism, Kristian agrees, even to the part where he pays for every loss with a kiss.

I almost didn’t read this book.  I assumed, incorrectly that “Kristian” was a female.  Something told me to order Prove Me Wrong, anyway.  I am beyond thrilled that I did.  Despite being written in 1st person (Tennyson’s) POV, my least favorite, I loved this book. The writing is fluid and perfectly paced.  Poor Tennyson, for all his genius, is clueless as to intimacy and relationships.  His feelings scare the bejeezus out of him, but his natural curiosity makes him forge on.

Kristian and Tennyson’s relation is so sweet.  It’s almost like they accidentally fall in love. For most of the book, it is mostly stolen kisses and cuddles.  Tennyson is amazed at how satisfying dinner and a movie at home can be.  Little by little their lives intermesh until they look up and realize what all their friends suspect…their dating. J  The secondary characters that help them are great.  I loved how by allowing himself to care for Kristian, Tennyson opened up to other relationships. Relationships with people who had been in his life, but he never really noticed.

My heart practically stopped when Kristian had an assphat moment near the end, but the ending left me with a smile on my face.  Exquisite.  Highly recommend.

Kissing Orion by Amber Kell

Title:  Kissing Orion

Series:  A Vampire’s Kiss 01

Author:  Amber Kell

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  2nd Edition, Silver Publishing (April 21, 2012); originally published in 2009 by Literary Road Press

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Detective Aaron Bradshaw sweet talks his way into a vampire club, hoping to get the local master’s cooperation for a drug bust. Little does Aaron know Master Orion plans to keep Aaron for his mate.

Aaron Bradshaw’s boss orders him to acquire the vampire Orion’s cooperation in their police investigation. Little does Aaron know sweet talking his way into the club is the first step in establishing a long-term relationship with a vampire.

The master vampire, Orion, has been alone for a long time. One look at the sexy detective and Orion decides who he wants to keep by his side. But Aaron’s insistence of throwing himself into danger drives Orion insane.

How can he keep his lover safe and still let Aaron do his job–hunting down drug runners in Orion’s club?

He may not be able to…

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/880/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Orion knew the moment he laid eyes on Aaron that they were supposed to be together.  Aaron isn’t into vampires, as a rule, but he’s willing to make an exception for the sexy vamp.

Kissing Orion is classic Amber Kell with a twist.  Originally published in 2009, it is being reissued by Silver Publishing.  As with many Kell tales, there is a nice suspense thread.  In this case, drugs are being dealt out of Orion’s night club and Aaron is the lead detective on the case.  Orion is a very typical alpha man; possessive, arrogant, etc.  But, the twist is he’s so sweet.  There is nothing he won’t do to make Aaron happy.  Their relationship is very much a pairing of equals.  The big strong vamp with the weak little human gets old.  This was a refreshing deviation from the usual vamp/human duo.

Anyway back to the story.  I was just about to be unhappy with the nice neat ending when Kell threw a major twist in the mix.  Not quite a cliffhanger, but damn close. Secrets are revealed and Orion again shows himself to be the perfect partner for Aaron.  Loved it. There sure had better be a book two or Amber Kell is going to have a very irritated reviewer on her hands.  Highly recommend from the beautiful cover art, straight through until the happy-ever-after.

Flipped by Olivia Brynn

Title:  Flipped

Series:  Silver Sparkle Short Story

Author:  Olivia Brynn

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Short Story

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (April 21, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Carter and Mario have been best friends for years. Their joint project to flip a house for a profit brings them closer than they thought possible, but is their friendship is too precious to sacrifice for a night of lust?

Carter Hope would do just about anything for his best friend. When Mario Gutierrez gets the bright idea to buy an old house together to flip, Carter swears he’s out of his mind. Unfortunately, Mario is hard to resist. After one weird conversation at a bar and one meaningful look across an empty beer bottle, Carter isn’t sure he’s not the one flipping for his friend. They’re both tops, so to make this work, one will have to give in and roll over.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/838/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Carter and Mario have been best friends for years.  Carter is quiet and reserved, Mario…not so much.  Jumping on the real estate trend, the guys buy a beautiful old house in need of a little TLC.  The plan is to fix it themselves and then “flip it “, for a hefty profit.  To save on living expenses, Carter and Mario both move into the property.  Now these two confirmed “tops” are seriously considering doing a little “flip” to the bottom side of lovin’.

This is the sweetest story.  Carter and Mario are a beautiful team.  They’ve shared all the major milestones of growing into manhood together.  But, they’ve never consciously considered taking their friendship to another level; at least not enough to risk their friendship.   Not until a night of clubbing sparks a kernel of interest that refuses to go away.  There is nothing to do but let nature take its course.  The only problem is both men are “tops”.  Carter’s one and only experience, as a bottom didn’t end well and he hasn’t put himself in that vulnerable a position since.

The interaction between Carter and Mario is great.  Their friendship is strong and underpins all their interactions.  The loving is steamy and very well-written.  Mario is just what Carter needs to let go and really enjoy being loved on by another man.

I love “friend to lover” romances.  Flipped is sweet without being sappy, sexy but intimate.  Highly recommended.

Set Me On Fire by AJ Jarrett

Title:  Set Me On Fire

Series:  Men in Uniform

Author:  AJ Jarrett

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Kelly Lynch wanted to become a firefighter to help people and give his life meaning. But his accident-prone nature has his boss thinking he’s an utter fool. He never planned to fall for Nate Anderson, but now that he has, he’s realizing loving is easy; it’s understanding and comprise that is the hard part.

Nate has been attracted to Kelly since his first day at the station house, and watching the younger man day in day out is frustrating to say the least. Kelly’s latest stunt almost got him killed, and for fear of losing Kelly, Nate decides to discourage the man of his dreams from his own dream.

Will Nate’s demanding ways push Kelly away, causing the flames of their love to smolder and die? Or can Kelly prove he has what it takes to become a firefighter Nate can be proud of, in and out of the bedroom?

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/807/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Kelly is a brand new firefighter…and not the best one, at that.  Nate is his lieutenant and always coming down on him about one screw-up or another.  After a serious breach of protocol endangers not just Kelly, but another fireman, Nate has had enough.  Unfortunately, yelling at Kelly is the last thing he wants to do when they end up alone in Nate’s office.

Set Me On Fire starts out strong.  It literally begins with Kelly fighting for his life in a house fire.  I thought the firefighter who comes to his rescue would be his love interest, but I guess AJ Jarrett thought that would be too contrived.  So, when Kelly is finally safe and Nate lights into him, I was confused by intrigued.  Their chemistry was hot from moment one.

I love both these characters.  Nate is a big ole Alpha male willing to do what it takes to get his man.  Kelly is a bundle of nerves, half the time, but willing to stand up for himself and by no means a pushover.  However, my favorite character is Nate’s big brother and boss, Andy.  He flips from boss to brother mode as needed.  It’s a shame he’s already married.

There’s just enough tension to make this a nice page-turner.  Nate means well, but his alpha nature is a bit much at times.  And god knows Kelly might be head over heels in love, but he wasn’t taking any crap from the man.  My only complaint?  I wished it had been longer.  These two are great together and I really appreciated peeking into their world.  Personally, I really liked the fact that the emergency medical procedures were realistic.  Highly recommend.

 

Light Outside the Closet by Stephani Hecht

Title:  Light Outside the Closet

Series:  Haven Coffee House Boys

Author:  Stephani Hecht

Genre:   YA LGBT, Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Extasy Books (March 1, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Sometimes the dark feels safer than the light.

Being a gay teen is hard enough, but when Christian’s strict father is transferred to a different city and Christian has to go to a new school, he discovers how much worse things can get. Fortunately, before he sinks into depression, Christian finds a new group of friends, who are also gay. Christian soon learns that his friends have their own problems, from desperately seeking attention to abusive family members.

Product Link:  http://www.extasybooks.com/light-outside-the-closet-5-2/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Christian is the new kid in school.  But, as a military brat, he’s used to that.  Luckily, even before school starts, he makes friends, other LGBT teens just trying to make it through senior year.

I hated this book.  Hate that in this day and age, teenagers are still having to deal with bigots and bullies at school.  My mama-heart spent much of this book pissed as hell.  Pissed because the issues and concerns of the characters were a bit too real for me.  Real in that they reminded me of my teenagers’ friends who are struggling with their sexuality, sometimes with little or no support at home.

No, Light Outside the Closet is not a maudlin survey of adolescent psychology.  Life Outside the Closet introduces, what I’m calling, the many faces of gay adolescence.  Taylor is effeminate and “out”.  Christian is out, but looks straight enough to pass.  James is so deep in the closet, he’s practically in Narnia.  One character is bi-racial and you might not know it, but RuPaul is the only acceptable gay man in the minds of many African-Americans.

This basically is Christian’s story.  Well, maybe not.  It is very much an ensemble cast.  Stephani did a good job introducing their world.  But, back to Christian, he has a crush on James, but James’ cousin, Devlin has a crush on Christian.  All very Pretty Liars.  But, when James makes a decision that affects other lives, well…let’s just say feelings change.  More than anyone, I think James learns about himself. And, honestly, I worried that he might not make it to the end of the book alive.

This is labeled YA romance, but don’t let that stop you from reading it.  The emotions are so well-written that anyone who enjoys romance will enjoy this story.

So, yeah, I hated Light Outside the Closet.  And I hope Stephani is cuddle up somewhere with her computer, writing book two.  I can’t wait to hate that one, too. 😉  Highly recommend.

Built 4 It by Daisy Harris

Title:  Built 4 It

Series:  Love Bots

Line:  Twilight

Author:  Daisy Harris

Genre:   Paranormal/Science Fiction

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave Publishing ( January 4, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:   When a riot erupts in Built4’s stein-building lab, the alpha stein Kee drags a submissive young lab assistant into his cage. Kee’s been studying the human. Ben’s sad eyes and slender form call to Kee—urging him to equal parts lust and possessiveness.

Prisoner to the alpha, Ben surrenders to the stein’s fierce determination and gentle seductions. He’s long hated his job, feeling like a monster for following his boss’s orders, especially once he’s seen intelligence flickering in the alpha’s green eyes.

If Kee’s to escape, he needs Ben’s help to learn about the world outside the laboratory—a world full of people, sex and experiences Kee’s only beginning to discover. And guilt-ridden over the things he’s done, Ben can only forgive himself if the alpha forgives his sins first.
Product Link:  http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9852-built-4-it.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Ben is a low-level lab technician.  His duties include the care and feeding of steins, genetically engineered creatures that are deemed less than human.  He knows it’s wrong, but he can’t help being drawn to the Alpha of the group.  Every experiments, every termination he’s involved with, is just a little harder to perform as he feels closer to the alpha stein.

This was a very interesting read.  Kee is the largest of the stein.  He is their natural leader.  He watches Ben and knows the other man in not like the scientist that bring pain.  During hours in his cage, he has learned how to speak and understand language.  He knows he and his friends are slated for termination.  He has already lost his lover, of sorts.  But, doesn’t have the words to describe his feelings. Only his fascination with Ben and his feelings of obligation to the other steins keeps him from utter despair.

When Ben and Kee can finally begin to get to know one another, I enjoyed how Harris kept their interaction plausible.  Kee didn’t all of a sudden start using million dollar words and understanding calculus.  His evolution is gradual and Ben misinterprets plenty, before they wind up on the same page.

This is a well-written story that left plenty of room for another addition to the series.  There’s a touch of action, a bit of intrigue and a taste of lovin’.  Highly recommend.

Sinders and Ash by Tara Lain

Title:  Sinders and Ash

Series:  N/A

Author:  Tara Lain

Genre:   Contemporary Fairy Tale

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Amber Allure (04/01/12)

Heat Level:  Moderate-Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb:   Work hard, stay anonymous and don’t expect much. That’s resort housekeeper Mark Sintorella’s philosophy of life. After being kicked out of his family home at sixteen for being gay, Mark knows what it takes to survive. But how is he going to stay anonymous when he wants to be recognized as a great fashion designer? And how can he control his expectations when he’s desperately attracted to Ashton Armitage, the son of the fifth richest man in America? If Ash doesn’t find a woman to marry, he’s going to lose his inheritance, but he can’t seem to resist the beautiful kid who cleans fireplaces while hiding behind a black cap and heavy glasses. And then this crazy elf of a man, Carstairs Pennymaker, has Mark running around looking like a fashion model wearing gorgeous women’s clothes. The clock strikes twelve and the wedding follows the ball. Two beautiful princesses line up for attention. But one isn’t interested, and one isn’t even a woman. Who will be the bride? And will the shoe fit? Only the fairy godmother knows for sure…
Product Link: http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/SindersAndAsh.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Mark “Sinders” Sintorella is a throwaway kid who landed on his feet.  He might not have a glamorous life, working as a housekeeper in a ritzy resort, but he is saving money and one day he’ll be able to attend a fashion design school and really start living his dreams.

This is my favorite read this week…so far; a modern retelling of Cinderella…kinda.  There are no wicked stepmothers or evil step sisters, but there is a quirky fairy god father and a handsome prince, a bit of cross-dressing and mistaken identity and a lot of fun.

This is one of those books that would make a great made for TV movie.  Mark has been on his own since he was sixteen.  He learned the hard way that sometimes being invisible is a good thing.  He works hard, and is happy to stay in the background.  Falling in with Mr. Pennymaker’s mad schemes is fun and seemingly harmless.  In truth, the potential to meet high rollers in the fashion industry is an opportunity too tempting to pass up.  Falling in love with Ash is not in his five-year-plan.  Especially, given that Ash is deep in the closet and looking for a wife…of the female variety.

Ash has never had a reason to advertise his orientation.  On rare occasions, he pays discreet men to scratch that itch.  Not until Sinder did it occur to him that he could live a life other than the one laid out for him by his parents.  And the whole marriage clause in his grandfather’s will isn’t helping.  It’s hard to build a relationship, when you’re courting another woman.

The support cast of players are cute…especially Ash’s mom.  I can see her at a Pride Rally, as long as she has the right thing to wear.

Tara Lain is brilliant.  She writes love stories that feed my romantic soul.  Sinders and Ash is sweet and sexy and I highly recommend it.  I hope she is somewhere thinking of other poor charges that Mr. Pennymaker can work a little magic for.

Stolen Dreams by Sue Brown

Title:  Stolen Dreams

Series:  N/A

Author:  Sue Brown

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb:   In a moment of madness, Morgan cheated on his best friend and lover, and Shae walked out without looking back. Five years on, and Morgan has a new life. He is engaged to a tempestuous and passionate Hollywood actor, Jase, and his career as an assistant movie director is thriving.

The last thing Morgan expects is for Shae to walk back into his life. It is clear from the start that he is still deeply attracted to Shae, and that feeling is returned. What is also obvious is that everyone else can see it, including his fiancé.

As Morgan and Shae get to know each other again, they discover the extent that friends meddled in their lives to keep them apart five years previously. Morgan finds that he cannot deny the fact he is still in love with Shae, but he is engaged, and Shae has secrets that he is not prepared to share. Morgan has some hard decisions to make as he struggles not to hurt the men that he cares about.
Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/785

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Five years ago Morgan cheated on Shae.  Shae walked away and Morgan slowly climbed back out of the bottle to build a pretty good life.  He has a job he loves, owns a successful business and is planning his wedding.  Then Shae comes back.

I was hesitant to pick this book up.  Sue Brown’s The Night Porter kinda scarred me.  I think folks across two counties heard me scream with the ending of that book.  Luckily, earlier this year, Sue released The Light of Day and fixed her earlier lapse in literary judgment.

I began this book peeking behind every page waiting for Shae or Morgan to do something really stupid to mess up their second chance.  I didn’t have to wait long.  If this whole writing thing doesn’t work out for Sue Brown, she should have no problem writing for daytime TV.  There are more lies between these pages than would be allowed in an episode of Pretty Liars.  One by one, the lies are unearthed.  He said, she said, they did…it’s not-stop.

There was a slight lag in the middle where I almost gave up on these Shae and Morgan’s willingness to commit 100%.  And Shae’s HUGE lie of omission had definite unforgivable potential.  By the time that came out, I was fully invested and needed to know if Happy-ever-after was even an option for these two.

The ending was nice.  I liked the fact that both the main characters and their friends were multi-dimensional.  With few exceptions, you might not agree with their actions, but you could see their motives were not malicious.

So for now, Sue Brown can stay on my To Be Read Pile.  Especially, if she promises hard liquor with purchase the next time she tries one of those innovative -cardiac-arrest-inducing endings. J  Highly recommend.

Chulito by Charles Rice-González

Title:  Chulito

Series:  N/A

Author:  Charles Rice Gonzalez

Genre:   YA Urban Romance, Coming of Age

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Magnus Books (December 13, 2011)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb:   Set against a vibrant South Bronx neighborhood and the queer youth culture of Manhattan’s piers, Chulito is a coming-of-age, coming out love story of a sexy, tough, hip hop-loving, young Latino man and the colorful characters that populate his block. Chulito, which means “cutie,” is one of the boys, and everyone in his neighborhood has seen him grow up–the owner of the local bodega, the Lees from the Chinese restaurant, his buddies from the corner, and all of his neighbors and friends, including Carlos, who was Chulito’s best friend until they hit puberty and people started calling Carlos a pato…a faggot.
Chulito rejects Carlos, buries his feelings for him, and becomes best friends with Kamikaze, a local drug dealer. When Carlos comes home from his first year away from college and they share a secret kiss, Chulito’s worlds collide as his ideas of being a young man, being macho, and being in love are challenged. Vivid, sexy, funny, heartbreaking, and fearless, this knock out novel is destined to become a gay classic.

Product Link:  Chulito: A Novel *Note:  There was no buy link on publisher’s website for this title.*

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  In a lot of ways, Chulito is like a lot of urban 15 year olds.   He shares an apartment with his single mother, he sells drugs and he’s a high school dropout.  But, Chulito has a secret…he’s gay.

Oshun be praised!!! I loved this book!!!  Okay, had to get that out of my system.  Now, let me tell you about my Reviewers’ Find of the Week.  According to his website, Charles Rice-González has a bunch of fancy degrees and is a very busy guy.  He is the director of BAAD, The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance and is a community activist. I am just thankful that he didn’t let real life get in the way of his writing Chulito.  This is the most authentic YA novel, of its genre, I’ve ever had the privilege to read in a long time.

Chulito is a young man and as such, very much a victim of the pact mentality.  He’s lived in the same building forever, had the same friends and is comfortable in his little world.  But, when he sees his openly gay friend kiss another guy, something inside him clicks.  It takes him a minute to realize the feeling gnawing at his gut is jealousy.  And even after he comes to acknowledge his attraction, he is too immature to break free from the pack.

This is an amazing coming of age story.  Chulito is forced to examine what it means to be a man.  His environment is steeped in Latino machismo.  His picture of manhood has been shaped by his neighborhood.  A working poor ghetto filled with drug lords and gangs. I spent much of this book praying he didn’t get killed before he figured it out.  The language is raw and some readers might be offended by the liberal use of urban vernacular and racial epitaphs.  I could do an educational rant on the intracultural use of the word “nigga”, but I won’t.  Just know that the N-word can be used as a term of endearment.

Throughout the book, Chulito wears many masks.  Each is real at the moment.  One minute he’s 100% gangsta, getting his hustle on, the next he’s a slobbering love-sick fool, wanting only to be with Carlos.  Luckily,  Rice-González has crafted an amazing support team for him in the persons of Kamikaze, Julio and Brick.  Through them, Chulito learns that no one is all good or all bad.  And regardless of what path you choose, a real man will forge his own way and take responsibility for his choices.

The story is set in the Bronx and  Rice-González did an excellent job bringing that world to life.  It’s easy to imagine the author as a young man in this vibrant world; not just some generic Latin world, but Newyorican New York, a unique blend of Black speech, Latin passion and New York rawness.  Chulito made me homesick for the energy of the city.  I saw the young men that I grew up with and loved as a teenager.

I have no doubt that Chulito will appeal to a wide range of readers.  His message of self-acceptance will resonate with adults who have crossed over to a world outside the pack and young people still finding their way.

I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I gave away the ending, but know that I cried.  Cried for the thug who loved another dude, for the young man who dared to dream and for the community that loved them both.

Chulito is beautifully written, wonderfully crafted; an exquisite addition to LGBT YA fiction.  If this book doesn’t receive any awards, it won’t be because I didn’t nominate it.  I am the newest Charles Rice-González fan.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to track him down and do an interview with him, at some point.  In any event, I hope he finds the time to craft another wonderful story in Chulito’s world.  Highly recommend.

Decision We Make by R. J. Scott

Title:  Decisions We Make

Series:  N/A

Author:  RJ Scott

Genre:   YA Romance

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Love Lane Books (January 22, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Daniel Keyes is an orphan, fostered by the Walker’s. The product of a lonely childhood, he is thrown into the chaos of the Walker family and into the life of his new foster brother Jamie.

This story is the journey of Daniel and Jamie finding their place in the world. Through Jamie being a victim of hate crime to coming out to family and friends, there are many decisions the boys have to make before they become men.

Product Link:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thedecisionswemake-673763-145.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Daniel came to live with the Walker family after his mother’s suicide.  The quiet, shy musical prodigy is immediately taken under the wing of the family’s middle child, Jamie.  From the moment they meet, their bond is strong and unbreakable.  But, as the boys approach their high school graduation and Daniel comes out to the family, everything is about to change.

Not every adult fiction writer can transition well into the world of young adult romance.    RJ Scott is one that can.  Decisions We Make is a really well-written story.  Most of it is from Daniel’s POV.  It is heartbreaking to see how the decisions that he makes are painted with a brush dipped in the pain of loss and insecurity. *Note:  That was a really cool sentence, huh?* Jamie is his perfect compliment.  There are lots of flashbacks into the boys growing up years, but these are well-crafted and not at all distracting.

The Walkers are a tight-knit family that I wished every LGBT kid could have grown up in.  The parents are very upfront with both their concerns and their support.  Mark is the perfect big brother, ready to fight if anyone hassles the boys about their “new” relationship.  And their little sister never failed to make me smile with the stuff that came out of her mouth.

This book is not all flowers and kisses.  Some really bad things happen that bears evidence to the fact that some folks are filled with bigotry and hate; folks who become the victims of a scorned young woman, bent on revenge.  But, the “incident” did cause the boys secret out into the open.  I really felt for Daniel.  He would love to just love Jamie, but, he also worries that loving Jamie may bring rejection from the rest of the family.

The ending is great and I hope we get to see Jamie and Daniel as they head off to UCLA.  As a mom, I closed this book knowing most teenage romances don’t last, but hoping that this one does.  Highly recommend.

Brothers in Arms by Kendall McKenna

Title:  Brothers in Arms

Series:  N/A

Author:  Kendall McKenna

Genre:   Action/Adventure

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Jonah Carver is a Marine. He experiences a scorching night with former commander, Kellan Reynolds, but then they lose touch–to Jonah’s regret. When a V.I.P. is killed on Jonah’s watch, the FBI arrives; including Kellan! Once reunited, sparks fly.

Jonah Carver is a Marine and combat veteran. He and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted.

When an investigation into government corruption, and the murder of U.S. troops, ends in the killing of a V.I.P. on Jonah’s watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, Jonah begins to believe in second chances and sparks fly.

Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to bring the investigation to an end. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need.

When Kellan is kidnapped, Jonah has to find and rescue him. If he doesn’t, not only will the investigation unravel, but he’ll lose Kellan for a second time–for good.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/780?zenid=e2ed59be411a5871d3e308de495f8013

Reviewer:   Portia

Review: Jonah is a career soldier.  He is a highly trained RECON Marine.  They are the baddest of the bad, the toughest of the tough.  They are not babysitters. This story begins with Jonah and his team baby-sitting a government investigator.  Unfortunately, knowing what he is investigating is above their pay grade.

In my fantasy world, where I am queen, I would love to believe that Brothers in Arms is the result of my mad rantings.  In the real world, I know Kendall McKenna’s debut novel was already “headed to the presses”, when I asked the M/M collective for something new.  Nonetheless, Brothers in Arms definitely fits the bill.

I cannot imagine how much research went into this book.  There is a mind-blowing amount of detail to military life, both before and after deployment. But, I can appreciate the skill with which McKenna draws pictures with words of a war zone.  Names that appear daily in my, became real places populated with real people as I turned page after page. The words and actions of the marines were sometimes horrifically realistic, at other times tender or silly.  While I read, I was transported to the unforgiving heat of the desert.  Heat that is so constant, it is almost a character.

Jonah has swag for days, a real man’s man.  But, he is also the true leader of his platoon.  Sometimes, he forgets that the new guys haven’t “been there and one that”.  Till his memories of Kellan’s words guide him. I love him.  And Jonah and Kellan together…smokin’ hot.  Set before the repeal of DADT, their lovin’ is mostly secretive touches and glances across the room.  But, on the few occasions when they actually get to do the nasty…they get raw and dirty with it.

But, this is so much more than a romance.  Actually, it is a war thriller with a very nice little suspense thread running through it.  Corrupt government officials, gun running and dodging insurrectionists make for some very nice action scenes.  Then there are enough unanswered questions, that even if Jonah and Kellan don’t make it back to the desert, the intrigue can continue.

My only complaint?  What the hell happened with Yarwood?

Highly recommending this title and looking forward to seeing what else the brilliant mind of Kendall McKenna will produce.