Tag: Portia’s Reviews

The Vicar of Passmore by Mark Adlers

Title:  The Vicar of Passmore

Series:  N/A

Author:  Mark Adlers

Genre:   Contemporary Humor

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  eXtasy Books (February 15, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:  The country gives you more than fresh air.

When the townsfolk of Passmore get wind of the fact their Vicar’s new verger, Wilson Rooney, is gay, a series of events spark the start of both his and the vicar’s adventures when it comes to keeping the rather interesting flock of Passmore within the fold. Not only that, they’ll have to gain the approval of the parish council before Wilson can be accepted. No small task when it’s headed by one of the most conservative parish council leaders ever to have walked the face of God’s green earth.

Can the vicar get Wilson accepted into the community? Or will his efforts result in a disaster that will divide the town they have been trying to keep together since the decline in population has hit them hard. Time will tell, but not before love blooms in the most unexpected way and the vicar uses some rather unorthodox methods to get his parishioners to see the light about Wilson and his lifestyle choice.

Product Link:  http://www.extasybooks.com/the-vicar-of-passmore-4/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  This book opens before Wilson even gets to town.  The mayor of Passmore is having fits at the very idea of hiring an openly gay man.  The poor vicar is caught in the middle of a debate that has the potential to rip the quiet little village apart.

Okay…confession time.  Once upon a time, when I first started reading M/M fiction, I read a free sci-fi piece off of Mark Adler’s website.  The main character had a detachable penis…I don’t think I ever finished reading that one.  Since then, Mark and I are friends across social media and I love his humor and slant on life.  But, sadly, I have never been tempted to purchase one of his books…until now.

I am a huge fan of the BBC sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley, which ran from 1994 – 2007.  From page one; I felt like I’d been dropped into the tight-knit world that is an English village.  And I giggled through till the end.  This is not your traditional romance. Wilson finds true love, sure.  But, the cast of characters that we meet and fall in love with are amazing.  Mrs. Clump, who misses her dearly departed submissive husband, Mr. Noel, her next door neighbor, who feels he has come to an age where clothing is optional…even to do yard work, and my personal favorite, Farmer Scott, a simple farmer who is very “fond” of his animals. As with all good parody, there is a subtle tread of social commentary, but if you aren’t looking for it…you’ll probably miss it.

I feel confident saying, if all clergy were like the Vicar of Passmore, Karl Edmondson, the world’s houses of worship would be filled to overflowing.  He takes his job as shepherd of his flock serious, but loves and respects each one individually.  I hope this is not a one-off.  I would love to revisit this village again.

Take Me Home by Sloan Parker

Title:  Take me Home

Series:  N/A

Author:  Sloan Parker

Genre:   Romantic Suspense

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Loose Id (December 13, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Aspiring television writer Evan Walker has been in love with his best friend since high school, but Kyle doesn’t do boyfriends. Never has. Never will. Evan knows it’s a bad idea to give in to desire when he wants more than a friend with benefits. He has a new dream job. Now all he needs is the dream partner.

Kyle Bennett is a mystery novelist with a severe case of writer’s block. He needs a change. He has three days on their cross-country train trip home for the holidays to figure out how to tell Evan he’s staying there for good. He also has to write the overdue pages for his editor. Only, he’s a little too distracted by the close quarters in their sleeper compartment—and Evan’s ass—to get much done.

The sparks that fly between them are hotter than ever. Good thing they have a real-life mystery to focus on: why people all around them, including Evan’s new boss, want to get their hands on a journal that once belonged to Kyle’s grandfather.

When a blizzard traps them in the mountains, Kyle and Evan steam up the train’s windows and must finally face their true desires.

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/Take-Me-Home.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  It’s not often that I anticipate a book.  When you read for a living, it’s hard to get excited about every book that lands on your desk.  But, I’ve been waiting for a new Sloan Parker, for what seems like forever.  Breathe has been one of my favorite books since the beginning.

So, when I started Take Me Home, I was a little let down…for a minute.  I had to pause and tell myself, Lincoln and Jay weren’t coming back; this was Kyle and Evan’s story.  When I stopped comparing, my interest level rose and I could enjoy Take Me Home as the standalone it is.

The romantic build up was really gradual.  Knowing Sloan is a romantic, I was pretty sure Kyle and Evan would end up together, but there are several moments when I couldn’t be sure either would let down his guard enough to risk falling in love.

But, to be honest, it’s the sub-plot concerning Kyle’s grandfather’s journal that really had me turning pages.  This is listed as a contemporary romance, but could easily have been dubbed a romantic suspense.  (Now listed as LGBT Suspense)

The mystery unfolds brilliantly, as Kyle and Evan take their romance to the next level.  There were enough plot twist and turns to keep me guessing and as I am a card-carrying mysteryholic…that’s saying a lot.

Breathe is still my favorite Sloan Parker novel, but Take Me Home is already on my list of books to read again.  There’s something hot about the instant love of paranormal mates.  Love at first sight can be so sweet.  But, nothing beats a Friends-to-lovers romance for me.  And Sloan Parker mixed just the right amount of angst and sensuality to make this a very entertaining read.  Highly recommend.

Bad Boyfriend by K. A. Mitchell

Title:  Bad Boyfriend

Series:  Bad in Baltimore

Author:  K. A. Mitchell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Sometimes it’s good to be bad. Real good…

Bad in Baltimore, Book 2

After Eli Wright came out, his parents threw him out. In the five years since, he’s made his own way, lived by his own rules, determined to never change himself—not for anyone. He’s not against finding Mr. Right, but Mr. Right Now will do just fine.

Quinn Maloney’s reward for ten years of faithfully keeping his closeted boyfriend’s secrets? A hell of a wake-up call to go with his morning coffee. Not only did Peter have affairs, he went straight to marry his pregnant girlfriend—and Quinn was to never reveal their history.

With the baby’s baptism looming and Quinn expected to put on a polite front, he decides he’s had enough of playing the peacekeeper. One wink from a much younger, eyeliner-wearing guy in a bar, and Quinn’s found a perfectly outrageous date for the occasion.

The date goes better than he ever imagined. And so much worse, as Eli convinces everyone they’re madly in love. That wasn’t part of the plan, but the more Quinn learns about the man behind the makeup, the more he wishes it was true.

Product Warnings

Contains an absolute bastard of an ex-boyfriend. Not responsible for sudden uncontrollable urges to punch him in the teeth. Also not responsible for any overheating or sudden urges brought about by explicit sex with a little BDSM thrown in. 

Product Link:  http://store.samhainpublishing.com/bad-boyfriend-p-6558.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I can honestly say, I have never read a K. A. Mitchell book that I didn’t like.  Bad Boyfriend has everything that I’ve come to expect from K.A. Mitchell; namely, a very well-written story with believable characters who muddle through to their HEA.

Strictly speaking, this is Quinn’s story.  He’s the first character we meet and I instantly pegged him as the sweet guy next door.  Then enters Peter.  From scene one, he rubbed me the wrong way and I kept my fingers crossed that Mitchell had a nice house fire planned, he could be trapped in.  No such luck.

But, luckily, Peter was dumb as a brick and dumps poor Quinn.  If he hadn’t, Quinn wouldn’t have met Eli and despite their differences, Eli is perfect for Quinn.

The guys from Bad Company feature quite heavily in Bad Boyfriend.  But, if you didn’t read book one of this series, Bad Company, Bad Boyfriend still works as a standalone.

This was really an enjoyable read.  Emotionally, it was a lot more angsty than the holiday novellas I’ve been gouging on this week.  And there were a few instances where my Kindle was in danger of being thrown across the room.  I hate when men make bone-headed decisions, because they’re too proud to ask questions.   But, obviously, that is a fabulous plot device, designed especially to endanger Kindles all over the world.

Highly recommending this title.

A Brush with Darkness by Erastes

Title:  A Brush With Darkness

Author:  Erastes

Genre:   Historical – Florence, 1875, Paranormal

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Carina Press (March 19, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

After making a grisly discovery one night, I needed proof that there was still goodness in the world. I never dreamt it would come to me during my next commission–with a subject whose very name means light…

Yuri was glorious in his otherworldly beauty, surrounded by a bright halo of iridescence, but I detected a fierce darkness lurking underneath the surface. Sketching all night, I could hardly wait to capture his likeness in a painting. For Yuri has stimulated not only my creative urges, but my sexual ones as well.

His very presence infuses me with joy and passion, but what will happen if my patron should discover our trysts? Dependent on his good graces, I can’t afford to lose his support. But I fear the time will soon come when I must choose between restoring my family’s fortunes and obeying the temptation of the muse before me…

Previously published as Chiaroscuro, newly revised by author.

Product Link:  http://ebooks.carinapress.com/02B45553-0F33-4B4B-AF28-1CB2E4FEAA94/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={F2D717D2-8B77-4B48-B6D7-5274564E0685}

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Michel di Fiesole is the only son of a business man, now deceased.  The circumstances of his father’s death are a bit shady, but Michel has neither the contacts nor resources to make further inquiries.  Luckily, he does have enough talent to secure his father’s former business associate, Signor Bettano as a patron.  For two years he has painted the portraits of the Florence elite.  Now, he has been commissioned to create a portrait of a man, who literally takes his breath away.

This was my first Erastes novel.  I have several of her works on my Kindle, but always seemed to skip over then, in favor of something shorter or more contemporary.

I could just kick myself.

The language of this book is magical.  There is a lilt to the cadence that was just beautiful.  Her use of language sets a wonderful tone that is historically accurate.  It is not just true to the period, it’s just absolutely beautiful.  As I read, I could almost head Patrick Stewart or better yet, Jason Statham voice in my head.  I would love to see this title turned into an audio book.

Michel is a dear.  He would love to tell his patron to drop dead.  But, he takes his responsibilities to his family seriously.  He will endure any amount of personal discomfort, in order to see to their needs.

I wasn’t sure of Yuri’s intent, at first.  He is so beautiful and so intense.  But, he also proves to want Michel for more than an evening’s entertainment.

This book will not appeal to everyone.  I happen to love the poetic styling of the 19th century British writers. And A Brush with Darkness is very much in that vein.  But, the story is very well-written.  Even if you don’t think of yourself as a historical romance lover, you will enjoy this book.  You would be amazed at how steamy sex can be, when you have to remain true to a historical period.  The mystery that is interwoven adds a darkness that is very satisfying.  Not to mention that little matter of Yuri’s avocation.

If you haven’t tried Erastes, I highly recommend A Brush with Darkness as your introduction.  It’s just long enough to weave a tale of intrigue with just a taste of the paranormal.  Highly recommended.

 

Reward by Jambrea Jo Jones

Title: Reward

Series:   Alliance 04

Author:  Jambrea Jo Jones

Genre:   Science Fiction

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Total E-Bound (February 27, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Book four in the Alliance Series

Vacation can be its own reward.

James Rodrick deserved a vacation. Running around the galaxy protecting people can be a rough road. His first officer was nicely settled and a cure for a deadly disease had been found. Time for a break. Alphonse Carter was not what the doctor ordered. A con man on the run does not a vacation make.

Alphonse Carter lived life high on the hog pretending to be something he wasn’t. His undercover identity was discovered and now he must flee before he is caught by the wrong side. Hijacking a captain with Alliance ties wasn’t in the cards, but he had to take what he could.

Will mistaken identity cause havoc or romance?

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1556

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  The fourth installment of the Alliance saga opens with James Roderick on vacation.  Well, actually, it’s more of a pity party, but let’s not quibble with details.  James’ first mate oopsed up and fell in love and ran off to live with his lover.  James is happy for them, but he wouldn’t mind finding his own “happy-ever-after”.  Alphonse/Ali is up to his eyeballs in an undercover operation gone bad.  He’s just trying to get off the planet and keep his ass alive.

If you’ve read my reviews, you are probably aware that I have a serious girl-crush on Jambrea Jo Jones.  No one feeds my love of MM sci-fi like she does.  Reward has all the action adventure, steamy sex…all through that space ship, and intrigue I’ve come to expect from JJJ.  If you haven’t read the other Alliance books, relax…Reward does nicely as a standalone.

The guys of Reward are a bit rougher than some of her other male characters.  James is an ex-Alliance pilot, who hates all this Alliance.  He’s loyal and smart and a good guy to have around in a fight.  Alphonse, on the other hand, fights dirty and is well…Alliance to the born.  James and Alphonse’s attraction is immediate and off the charts.  Sex is not a problem for these two.  Unfortunately, that is the only easy thing in their lives, right now.  The road to their HEA is littered with spies, betrayal, and oh yeah…literal bombs.

I loved everything about this book.  But, especially, the fact that these two are all man.  Alphas males to the core.  They work hard, play hard and love hard.  They also complement one another and do what it takes to keep the other safe and happy.

I think you should read this book, for no other reason, that to keep Jambrea feeding my addiction.  I really need Angel’s story written faster.  😉  Highly recommend.

The Librarian by Lee Brazil

Title:   The Librarian

Author:  Lee Brazil

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Breathless Press (January 6, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Valentine Michaels has just taken a vow of celibacy. Adrian Grey intends to take full advantage of that vow to re-create his relationship with Val.

Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he’s gone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own style salon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he’s put years into proving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer of straightness aren’t the only roads to success. They’d turned their backs on him, and he proved he didn’t need them to make it.

His love life is no better than his working life. His relationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse, anger.

Adrian has his own agenda for helping Val: he’s been in love with Val since they were freshmen. The intervening years of listening to Val’s gossip about his lovers and relationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those years ago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—his man.

Product Link:  http://www.breathlesspress.com/librarian

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Ten years ago, Adrian and Val were roommates in college.  For one week, they were even a bit more.  But, even though their romance didn’t survive, their friendship has endured.

I loved this story!!!  I almost didn’t read it.  The title kinda threw me.  I think of librarians as little old ladies with auditory issues; not a sexy Dominant with a Master’s in Library Science. Not to mention one with a brilliant mind and a killer body.

Truly, this has got to be one of the best seductions ever written.  Adrian has waited ten years for the man he loves to get a clue.  Since that obviously isn’t happening, Adrian takes matters into his own hands.  Poor Val doesn’t know what hit him.  I almost wanted to feel sorry for Val, but he has spent so many years looking for love in all the wrong places.  A sneak attack was definitely in order.  There was a hint of bondage, but honestly, there is way too much love and respect for that to fly.

This story is well written.  Adrian might be the title character, but this is really the story of Valentino’s seduction.  And the beautiful thing was that most of that seduction was with their clothes on.  The lovin’ is hot and I can’t remember the last time I smiled so much, while reading a book.

I only pray that Lee Brazil stays in a nice, sweet relationship.  Cuz, if he ever goes prowling…no one would be safe.  The man’s mind is deliciously wicked. Highly recommend.

Behind the Mask by Lisa Worrall

Title:   Behind the Mask

Series:   The Masquerade Trilogy 03

Reviewer’s Note:  This is a stand-alone, that does not necessarily need to be read in order.  I labeled them chronologically for clarity.

Author:  Lisa Worrall

Genre:   Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Silver

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  The Downe’s Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball has been an annual event for over a hundred years and where, four years ago, Gabe met Mike.

It’s been over six months since Mike’s death and Mike thinks that Gabe is ready to move on. How does Gabe know this? He receives a letter and a ticket to the ball, from Mike. Gabe isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to move on, but in deference to Mike’s memory, he attends the ball.

What Gabe doesn’t know, is that his best friend, Tom, the one constant in his life since college, has also received a letter from Mike. Will Gabe be able to move forward and remember a long forgotten love, or will his world come crumbling down around his ears, again?

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/behind-the-mask-ebook-p-729

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Six months ago, Gabe lost this lover to cancer.  Four years ago, they’d met at the Masquerade Ball.  Several weeks before this year’s Ball, a letter arrives for Gabe from his dead lover, Mike, urging him to go to the Ball and hopefully find his new “Prince Charming.”  In the letter, Mike assures Gabe that this is not going to be a P. S., I Love You kinda thing, but he neglects to mention that he’s working from the grave to give Gabe his forever love.

I am convinced Lisa Worrall is some kind of literary medium. That is the only explanation for her ability to write well across so many genres.  In A Nanny for Nate, she showed her sweet side.  In Thirst, she went to dark places.  And now with Behind the Mask, she’s made angst sexy.

Gabe goes through many of the stages of grief on this journey.  It’s not over the top, but definitely adds an air of realism.  And when he finally makes it to acceptance, I loved it.  He starts out content to wallow in his grief, but when he‘s ready to accept the love that had always been his, he’s willing to fight for his forever

And, even though, this is technically Gabe’s story, I loved Tom the best.  He has been there for Gabe, through thick and thin, but he’s ready to take their relationship to another level.  I really felt his pain.  He loved Gabe enough to step aside once.  I was on pins and needles to see if he would take the high road a second time.

There isn’t a lot of sex in this book, but what’s there is very sensuous and loving.  The story unfolds in such a way that you have to turn the page.  Very well plotted and paced.

I can honestly say, I’ve never read a Lisa Worrall book that I didn’t love.  Highly recommend.

The Slave's Mask by Patricia Logan

Title:  The Slave’s Mask

Series:   The Masquerade Trilogy 02

Reviewer’s note:  This trilogy is comprised of three stand alone novella.  I have labeled them in chronological order only for clarity.

Author:  Patricia Logan

Genre:   Historical – Civil War era, 1863

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (February 3, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Blurb:  Infamous American blackguard and blockade runner, Captain Anthony Charles, has made a fortune in gold, running contraband between England and the Confederate States at the height of the Civil War in 1863. Anthony knows good brandy and fine cigars and his English clients appreciate him for it, but the captain also craves young submissive men. When he wins a young prostitute at an auction, Francois becomes his slave for seven days.

Francois has turned to prostitution to survive, but he is more than a whore. While most men who enjoy his favors treat him cruelly, he is stunned by this temporary owner’s kindness. Being a slave to this blue-eyed Master is no difficult task. Both men find that love may not be as elusive as they thought. Will the separation of oceans and time test their love or bring pain beyond bearing?

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/the-slave-s-mask-ebook-p-731

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Anthony is a blockade runner, in London for only a short time.  He has a definite kink. He likes his lovers slender, young and submissive.  From the moment they meet, he knows that Francois will be perfect to satisfy his every sexual need.  Their first encounter was sexy and set the tone for the rest of the novella.  Anthony is the best kind of Dominant; forceful yet thoughtful.  Francois is fascinated with the sea-captain who masters his body without making him feel like the whore he is.

This is an excellent read, whether you are into BDSM or not.  There are different levels of bondage throughout the book, but it’s more about power and control than pain.  The Slave’s Mask is by far the steamiest of the Masquerade Trilogy.

But, it is also a beautiful love story.  Anthony does not even realize how lonely he is, until he meets Francois.  Francois has accepted his life in the brothel and has long ago given up hope of a better life.  What was supposed to be a week of carnal pleasure, morphs into so much more.

There were a few sections that I felt author rushed.  I would have liked to see more of the time while the men were apart.  But, that aside, I really enjoyed this book.  Highly recommend.

The Layered Mask by Sue Brown

Title:  Layered Mask

Series:   The Masquerade Trilogy 01

Reviewer’s note:  This trilogy is comprised of three stand alone novella.  I have labeled them in chronological order only for clarity.

Author:  Sue Brown

Genre:   Historical – Regency

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (February 3, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Threatened by his father with disinheritance, Lord Edwin Nash arrives in London for one season to find a wife. While there, Nash discovers he is the lamb, the sacrifice of the society matrons, to be shackled to one of the girls by the end of the season.

During a masquerade ball, Nash hides from the ladies vying for his attention. He is discovered by Lord Thomas Downe, the Duke of Lynwood. Nash is horrified when Thomas calmly tells him that he knows the secret that Nash had hidden for years and that he sees through the mask that Edwin presents to the rest of the world.

What will happen when the time comes for Edwin to return home with a suitable bride?

Product Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/the-layered-mask-ebook-p-730

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Lord Downe is not quite a confirmed bachelor.  As heir to one of England’s oldest and richest titles, he knows that some day he will have to find a wife and “do his duty.”  Edwin has never partaken of manlove, but he knows women do nothing to spark his carnal nature.  He also knows that as his father’s only son, he must “do his duty.”

This is definitely historical romance done right.  Sue Brown brings the madness of the ton to life brilliantly, as she has Downe courting Edwin.  And whether he knew it or not…that is exactly what he was doing.  Morning rides, secret conversations, and stolen kisses, all lead up to some hot bedroom action.

Due to their stations in life, neither man is free to follow his heart.  But, neither are they willing to let each other go.  I found it fascinating to learn how a man found ways to be together in a time when loving another man could get you killed.

This story is beautifully crafted.  There were a few tense moments there at the end, where all hope seemed lost.  But, the final solution was brilliant (if not a tad convenient.)  Highly recommend.

Packing Heat by Kele Moon

Title:  Packing Heat

Series:  Heat

Author:  Kele Moon

Genre:   Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Loose Id (January 31, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Blurb:  Dark and brooding firefighter Brad Archer has spent months denying his attraction to his roommate, police officer Gavin Connolly. Gavin is just the kind of guy he likes: tall, tough, and buff enough to actually handle Brad’s big size and rough nature.

To hide his real feelings Brad holds the handsome, seemingly straight cop at arms’ length until a shooting at work leaves Gavin a little too vulnerable to ignore. What starts out as a simple attempt to comfort his roommate blows up into something wild, sexual, and wholly unexpected when Gavin wants more from Brad than a strong firefighter’s shoulder to lean on.

The sexual magnetism drawing the two of them together forces secrets to be revealed, and though the sex is mind-blowing it may not be worth weathering the storms their relationship could stir up. In order to protect him, Brad realizes he loves Gavin enough to let him go. The problem is—the stubborn cop may not let him.

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

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/Packing-Heat.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  You might not know it, but Kele Moon is the only writer who ever made bondage sexy, for me.  So you can imagine my surprise that while Packing Heat is uber sexy, not a single whip is in the mix.  There is a great scene with handcuffs, but hey, Gavin is a cop…

This really was a great read.  I loved the fact that both Gavin and Brad are strong, sexy men.  Both have very dangerous jobs and can really be there for each other.  There were quite a few times when I wanted to pop the back of Brad’s head.  His thinking was a bit warped, at times.  It was okay for him to be openly gay, at the fire station, but somehow, Gavin shouldn’t have to deal with homophobic jerks on his job.  Huh?

I must admit, Gavin is my favorite.  He doesn’t really understand why Brad does it for him, but he is more than willing to explore the sexual possibilities.  And when he realizes what Brad has been trying to ignore, that they are perfect for each other, he has no problem welding those handcuffs.

Kele Moon does an amazing job of getting into her character’s head.  While it irritated the hell out of me that Brad was willing to throw his relationship away, because we spend so much time in his head, I understood where he was coming from.  Same with Gavin.  He may start out looking like your typical bi-curious guy, but he is hiding a few secrets that blow that theory out of the water.  By the end, it was hard to tell who was the seduced and who was the seducer.

This story is very well-written and has a nice pace.  The sex is steamy, rough at times, but always loving.  Not quite “gay for you”, but close.  I really enjoy Kele Moon’s BDSM Eden series, but Packing Heat is a series I will have on automatic pre-order.  I really hope she’s somewhere creating another hot couple of men looking for love in all the wrong places.  Highly recommend.

 

The Gallows Tree by RJ Scott

Title: The Gallows Tree

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Length: Novel (232pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (7th January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Cody Garret arrives in England to restore Mill Cottage, but he’s actually come to heal. What he doesn’t count on are Sebastian Toulson-Brown and the destinies woven into the story of the mill, including the sycamore trees that surround it.

Cody Garret is only just finding his way after an abusive relationship ended with his ex in prison. Coming to England to restore Mill Cottage is his way of running so he has time to heal. His goal is simple—hire a company to help make the mill cottage saleable then go back to the States.

What he doesn’t count on is meeting Sebastian Toulson-Brown, the brother of his contractor and the man who may be able to show him he can stop running.

But first Cody and Sebastian must deal with the ghosts of lost loves and the destinies that are woven into the story of the mill and the sycamore trees that stand on its land, one of which might be the gallows tree.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/the-gallows-tree-ebook-p-706

Review: Cody hasn’t come to terms with his past and now he is as far away as he possible can be from the man who haunts his life… sleeping or waking the fear is never far away. Sebastian is quite keen on welcoming the Yank into his village and with the teasing of his two brothers he finds he just might have a chance with Cody.

A really great story that brings together the past and the present while weaving a tale of hardship, fear, trust and love. When Cody starts to hear voices he puts it down to stress but when something appears before him he begins to think that he has lost his mind, with the help of Sebastian he starts to dig into village history only to find it might be the ancestors of not just his family but of Sebastian’s as well.

This is a great story as Cody learns to face his fears, learning to trust and falling in love with a man who would never hurt him. Sebastian helps Cody to put the ghosts to rest and supports him silently when he most needs it. The sex between them is touching and loving and the mystery surrounding the ghosts is… ha so not saying.

I will recommend this to anyone who likes any of the above and if you also liked the Fitzwarren Inheritance Trilogy then you will love this as it is in the same vein.

Portia’s Two Cents:   It’s rare when Pixie and I read the same books, and even rarer when we agree on a rating.  The Gallows Tree is a book we both loved.  I agree with her and just wanted to add my two cents.  Honestly, it took me a minute to get into this book.  We spend a lot of time, in the beginning inside, Cody’s head and a screwier place would be hard to find.  I only kept reading because I love RJ and trusted that she had a plan.  And what a wonderful plan. 

 The Gallows Tree is a typical RJ Scott angst filled drama, but it is also a brilliant thriller with a touch of the paranormal.  Definitely darker, than say, The Christmas Throwaway.  I feel like I’ve experienced a shift in the evolution of RJ Scott.  And I’m glad I kept reading.  It’s nice when a successful author takes chances. Churning out the same ole’-same ole would be easier…but, how boring.

 Not sure what the next RJ Scott release will look like.  Paranormal?  Sweet?  Romantic Suspense?  Who knows?  Frankly, I don’t care.  If she writes it…I will read it.  Full stop.

 

 

In From the Cold by Mercy Celeste

Title:  In From the Cold

Series:  The Cold Series 01

Author:  Mercy Celeste

Genre:   Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher:  Self-published; re-released(November 11, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥41/2Hearts

Blurb:  For eighteen years, Nathan Truman and Quinn Anders were best friends. One born of wealth and privilege, the other born to working people, Nathan and Quinn shared everything. Sports, music, first kiss, first love.
For sixteen years, Nathan has tried to forget Quinn. Tried to forget the stolen moments they’d shared as kids. He joined the Marines, married, not once but twice, went into law enforcement. He forgot.
For sixteen years, Quinn couldn’t stop remembering. He fell into addiction, found music, lost himself, and became a country music superstar. He never forgot.
Sixteen years after their one night together, tragedy conspires to reunite them.
Nathan and Quinn struggle to deal with their past while the present slowly crashes around them. Brought together by grief, their tentative new beginning may very well come to a sizzling end, leaving them both out in the cold forever.

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  This was so not what I was expecting from Mercy Celeste.  All the other books of hers, that I’ve read, were nice angsty contemporary romances.  Boy meets boy.  Boy acts the fool.  Boy forgives Boy.  Boys live happily ever after.

In From the Cold was that and so much more.  The suspense of this novel was pretty intense and there were several scenes, near the end, that were amazingly horrific.  If lifetime ever gets a clue and starts making LGBT moves, this would make a great movie.

“If you loved it so much, why not rate it a 5?”  Well, now that Mercy has opened the door to romantic suspense, I want more.  I want to see the evil in the bad guy, the fear in the good guys.  There’s a taste of that in In From the Cold, but I want more…sue me, I’m greedy.

There are 2 more books planned for this series and I look forward to seeing if Mercy can do it again.  I think she can.  Buy the book, read the book…then you decide.  Highly recommend!!

Prodigal by A. M. Arthur

Title:  Prodigal

Author:  A. M. Arthur

Genre:   Paranormal, Horror(??)

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Musa Publishing (October 26, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥41/2Hearts

Blurb:  After escaping its mysterious grasp twelve years ago, Ethan Wilde never thought he’d return to Kingston, North Carolina—until the murder of an old schoolmate draws him back to the hometown he fears and the love he left behind. Rooted to Kingston by a force he can’t explain, Jesse couldn’t leave with Ethan when he asked, and it’s a choice he’s always regretted. A choice based on a terrible secret they share with four others. When they were nine years old, the six of them were taken into the woods, and no one is exactly sure what happened to them. Only that they came out changed. Marked. Twenty years later, the evil that hunted them is back and it’s collected two souls already. Ethan and Jesse’s love defeated the monster once, but are old feelings strong enough to save the survivors a second time

Product Link:  http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=71

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Let me start by saying, if I’d known what this book was about, I would not have touched it with a ten-foot pole.  See, I am basically a wimp.  I say that nightlight in the bathroom is for my kids, but truth be told…I’m scared of the dark.

Prodigal scared the bejezus out of me…and I like it.  From word one there is a dark tone to this book.  You don’t know what drove Ethan from his hometown, but you do know that death is bringing him back.

The romance is secondary to the mystery, for sure.  And there is just enough paranormal to make reality even more frightening.  Page turning anticipation kept me reading well in the wee hours.  This book, for me, was absolutely fantastic.  Like I said, I’m pretty much a newbie with the genre, but, I’m pretty sure I’ll pick up  A. M. Arthur’s next book.  But, Trust me…I’ll be reading it with the lights on.  Highly recommend.

Three by S.Dora

Title:  Three

Author:  S. Dora

Genre:   Contemporary, Ménage, MMM, May/December, Light Bondage

Length: Novel

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Even a happy single thirty-something, living mainly through his intellect, has certain needs. They’re met by an open-minded, adventurous young gay couple more than willing to invite him to their bed.

Can a single man in his thirties be truly happy? To Owen Bartlett, writer of books and articles about the history of mathematics, the answer is a resounding yes. But he still has some very human needs.

So when he meets Sebastian and Davin, a young and attractive couple, and they ask him to spend the night with them, he isn’t going to refuse. The intensity of the sex the three men share that night goes beyond anything Owen has ever experienced, certainly when he discovers Davin craves to be dominated by his partners, and Sebastian is all too willing to give his lover what he needs.

Owen is certain it was a one night thing only, but he couldn’t be more mistaken.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of (anal) double penetration and suggestions of dominance and submission.

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1439

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I don’t know what I was expecting, but Three wasn’t it.  This has got to be the most erotic MMM ménage I have ever read.  Sebastian and Davin’s seduction of Owen was quick and sexy.  Owen can’t believe these two beautiful, younger men want him to share their bed.  But, who is he to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Somehow, that one night stand is repeated again and again.  Now, I’ve promised honest reviews, so here goes.  If you are looking for an angst filled drama suited for the Hallmark Channel…skip this one.  Three doesn’t have the most complex storyline and the characters are only developed enough to give them three distinct voices.  But, this is an exquisitely written erotic romance.  The two plus one love affair works for these gents.  I even loved the ending which, though a bit different, left me satisfied.  Highly recommend.

 

Tangled Shadows by Tina Christopher

Title:  Tangled Shadows

Author:  Tina Christopher

Genre:   Paranormal, MMF Ménage, Sci-Fi

Length: Novella

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave (December 7, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  After losing not only her ship but also three days of her memory in a freak explosion, Space Captain Brooke Deverell wants only to forget her troubles for one amazing night and fulfill her wildest fantasy. She gets that and more from Vampire Nikolai and ArchNaema Galen. The men have long been lovers and welcome her into their world of extraordinary sensuality. For one blissful night, Brooke believes she’s found her soul mates—but her happiness is short lived when she realizes she’s actually been kidnapped. The men hunted her down under the assumption she sold her crew and human cargo to Feral Vampires as blood slaves. After realizing her amnesia is real and of a paranormal nature, they find themselves at an impasse. To prevent a galaxy-wide war they must work together. The three discover their sensual partnership can heal her mind. But for a complete and successful union, Brooke has to decide if she can forgive the initial deception and open her heart to the two men who stir her blood.

Product Link:  http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9744-tangled-shadows.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  How Tina Christopher got this far in her career without setting off my radar is amazing.  Nick that…she is amazing.  She managed to combine an excellently plotted sci-fi adventure with realistic MMF ménage loving, to create a world I hope she will visit again in the future.

Galen and Nikolai assumed getting into Brooke’s head would be easy.  After all Nikolai is an ancient vampire and Galen is of the Naeme race, powerful being somewhere between angels and demons.  Image their surprise to find mental shield in place that even Brook cannot penetrate.  I don’t know if what they do next is regulation interrogation on any planet, but it was smoking hot.  And the fact that the triad is equal, emotionally and sexually, was a huge plus for me.  We get to experience the genuine love and affection between the guys and watch as they break down all of Brooke’s carefully constructed defenses.

But even if there weren’t a whole lot of deliciously nasty sex scenes in this book, I think I would still have enjoyed it. The whole deal with Brooke’s amnesia and subsequent search and rescue was very entertaining.  *side note* Brooke is kiss-ass with a sword.  There weren’t a lot of secondary characters that don’t end up dead, but I’d pay money for a story about a certain fireball throwing rescuee.

This was my first Tina Christopher read and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I can’t wait to find out if this was a one-off or if she really is that good with world-building, erotic romance and action adventure.  Highly recommend

 

Mistletowed by Tara Lain

Title:  Mistletowed

Author:  Tara Lain

Genre:  Erotic Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Loose, Id. (December 13, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Five friends, one piece of mistletoe. Christian Elliott has the perfect life — right girlfriend, right job, right house and car. How come he’s only really happy when he’s with his best friend, Jason? Melanie Cantrell has everything she wants. Why can’t she stop cheating on her boyfriend with her yoga teacher? Buttercup Allender adores her stable life with Winston. But she can’t give up her secret desire for BDSM.

Stir them all together at a holiday party with a beautiful rock god and a submissive stockbroker and what do you get? It could be love or they could all be Mistletowed.

This book is predominantly a romance between two men and features primarily male/male sexual practices; however, it contains m/f and m/m/f scenes and therefore cannot be classified as strictly LGBT.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, light BDSM elements (D/s, spanking), male/male sexual practices, ménage (m/m/f).

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/Mistletowed.aspx

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I know there are still a couple of weeks until Christmas 2011, and I have quite a few Holiday reads still sitting in my inbox, but, so far, this has been above and beyond, my favorite holiday read.

To call it a comedy of errors is putting it mildly.  All the neat little relationships we see in the beginning aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.  Watching them unravel and reform was absolutely delightful.  It’s amazing what a little magical mistletoe can do for one’s love life.

I’m not going to ruin it for you, by telling anymore, but I will say that there are MF, MM and MMF elements to this story.  So yeah, there are girly bits, but the MM storylines are dominate.

This story is extremely well constructed; sometimes it is humorous, sometime erotic, but always entertaining.  Highly recommended.

 

Night Terrors by Stephani Hecht

Title:  Night Terrors

Series:  Night Wardens 01

Author:  Stephani Hecht 

Genre:   Paranormal/ Action Adventure

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  eXtasy Books (November 1, 2011)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Since the beginning of time, an elite group of human warriors called Wardens protected mankind from all supernatural threats. Born into this destiny, a Warden’s duties passed from father to son…until the supernaturals made peace and the Wardens were no longer needed. Since then, knowledge of their existence has faded into myth and legend.

Recently, the peace has been broken as civil wars and infighting fragment the supernatural species and the Wardens are needed again. One Warden, Rev, could not be more unprepared for what lies ahead. In an instant, he goes from college student to literally fighting for his life as he’s forced to enter a dark world he wants no part of. To make matters worse, his stubborn, by-the-book mentor, Jess, has little patience for a Warden who’s inexperienced and bumbling at best.

Just as Rev thinks things couldn’t be worse, he realizes he’s falling for his hard-ass mentor. Will Jess return the feelings? Or will Rev be dealing with a broken heart while trying to save the world?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/night-terrors/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Stephani Hecht has done it again.  She has created a series that is absolutely Chocolicious.  In this first book, she does quite a bit of world building.  The peace that allowed the warrior protectors, known as Night Wardens, to go into semi-retirement is broken.    Rick, a Warden, has been allowed to go off to college; an activity he thinks is a complete waste of time.

When evil shows up on campus, Rick’s calm little world disintegrates in a heartbeat.  He is thrust into a role he was literally born to fulfill.  Luckily, he has a sexy Guardian to watch his back.

I loved every aspect of this story.  Stephani Hecht took her time building up sexual tension between Rick and Jess.  But, damn…when she finally let them tangle in the sheets…damn!

One of the nice things I like most about Hecht series is how she introduces main characters from later books as secondary plays in the current book.  I’m dying to know if Ari and Adam are going to be a couple of if she has other plans for them.  And what kind of man could tame Brad?

All in all, Night Terror is a fabulous read.  It is gritty and nasty, funny and sexy and absolutely perfect.

 

The White Cat by Jennifer Thorne

Title:  The White Cat

Series:  Silver Sparkle Short Story

Author:  Jennifer Thorne

Genre:   GLBT Fairy Tale

Length: Short Story

Publisher:  Silver Publishing

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Érard is a lost and wandering prince. Cat is a fairy guardian waiting for his prince to come. They both must discover ‘destiny’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and love can be found in the most peculiar places.

Shipwrecked on a strange shore, Érard is intent on completing his quest and winning the kingdom.

Transformed before birth into an animal by his mother’s ill-fated contact with fairy magic and left for dead, Cat has been raised by the fairies with the anticipation that one day his prince would come. When his prince does finally arrive, half drowned and lost, Cat fears abandonment once more, and allows Érard to believe that he is female.

Érard leaves to win back the title to his own kingdom, but returns, drawn back by friendship and a love that the prince doesn’t entirely understand. Cat begins to realize that he does not wish to live without his prince. But, will Érard accept and love him for who he truly is?

Sometimes, compassion can solve what swords cannot, and love does truly conquer all.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/the-white-cat-ebook-p-650

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I have read plenty of GLBT “fairy tales, and have yet to find one that really floats my boat…until now.  I loved fairy tales as a child and read them well into high-school and beyond.  Not the Disney variety, but the dark tales of the Brothers Grimm and the magical stories of Andrew Grey.  This is a tale that could fit nicely into a canon of classical tales.

Érard is the eldest of royal triplets.  The young men have been sent on a quest by their father, the king.  Not long after beginning his journey, Érard is swept overboard and presumed dead.  But, of course, Érard is not dead.  That would have made for a very short tale indeed.  Instead he finds himself in a deserted place and wanders until he stumbles onto the home of Cat, a beautiful magical creature.

The language of this tale is phenomenal.  An air of mystery shrouds the entire piece.  Little by little, the bits fall into place until the required happily ever after is achieved.

Like all good fairy tales, sex is alluded to more than shown, so if you’re looking for an erotic story…this ain’t it.  What this is is an extremely well paced, entertaining story where good vanquishes evil and love conquers all.  Brilliant!!!

 

Salvation by Jambrea Jo Jones

Title:  Salvation

Series:  Alliance

Author:  Jambrea Jo Jones

Genre:   Sci-fi, MMF, Futuristic

Length: Novel

Publisher:  Total-E-Bound

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Salvation: Can three people save each other?

Rock is a gun runner who was set in life. The only thing missing is a partner. He thinks it could be Sela, but he wants to be sure he isn’t after her because she reminds him of an old crush. When Dr. Alexander d’Ado explodes onto the scene, he is a goner. Can he have his cake and eat it too?

Zander is a scientist who lives for his work. He is usually oblivious to anything else. When his ship explodes around him can he find salvation in two roughened warriors? He has no idea why someone would be after him, but the three race to find out before someone kills him.

Will the trio find love while on the run?

Product Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1218

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Okay, let me start by saying that Jambrea Jo Jones is now among a handful of romance writers that do MMF the way I like it.  There’s no leg of this triad that is stronger than the other.  The love and the loving are divided evenly among all the lovers.  That being said, Rock, Sela and Zander are the perfect Triad.  Watching them fall is love was a true pleasure.

The first thing I liked about this book is that even though I jumped into the middle of series, I didn’t feel like I was missing key elements of the storyline.  The world building and back-story were easy to follow.  For those of you who did it right, Rave and Kain from the first book, Retribution, are in there and sexy as ever.

Favorite character?  That would be a hard choice.  Sela spends a lot of time trying not to fall in love with not one man, but two.  Rock is such a he-man, but you always know that his heart is in the right place.  Then there’s Zander, sweet geeky Zander who falls in love with two warriors and is constantly questioning his ability to pull his weight in their unconventional relationship.

I loved this book on every level.  Whether in pairs or all together, the sex with these guys is off the chart hot.  And not just erotic, get ya hot hot, but sensuous loving that allows each to be vulnerable with and strong for the others.  I can honest say I’m looking forward to the next MM book, Freedom, scheduled to release 12/05/2011, like a kid at Christmas.

If you love a story with smoking hot loving, uber bad guys and a happy ever after, Salvation should definitely be on your to-read list.  Trust me.  You will not be disappointed.  Excellent writing that you can always expect from Jambrea Jo Jones, fabulous plot twist and characters you can’t help but love.  Highly recommend!!!