Tag: Portia’s Two Cents

The Hunting by L.F. Blake

51y6+8rPc9L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: The Hunting
Series: N/A
Author: L.F. Blake
Genre: Paranormal
Length: 60 pages
Publisher: L.F. Blake (January 19, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: It’s been two years since Eric’s lover disappeared without a trace. He’s finally managed to move on, mostly by burying himself in work. That is, hunting down rogue werewolves. But he never did figure out how to forget the first and only love of his life. And he’s never stopped feeling guilty for what he believes was his part in Jackson’s death.

Only Jackson isn’t dead.

When Eric’s latest hunting assignment brings him to his old hometown, the place where he first fell in love with Jackson, he finds his high school sweetheart waiting for him, with one big problem: Jackson is a werewolf.

Torn between duty and love, Eric has one night to decide if he can stand to lose his lover again… by firing a silver bullet into his heart.

Product Link: http://amzn.to/1nJHNHz

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I can honestly say that L.F. Blake has a wicked gift. This story is very intense with a lot of darkness to it, which for me was not my type of story at all. I was hoping for a lost love story with a bit of twist.

However this one was just a bit off.

Eric had been in love with Jackson, but not as much as Jackson was with Eric. Eric was a werewolf hunter and had hidden it. After Jackson’s disappearance and what he thought was death, he was in shock to find Jackson was definitely alive. The murders happening to some evil people leaves him to believe werewolf was involved. The biggest problem was Jackson was back as a werewolf.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but was glad for the ending in a way. I can’t say I didn’t like it because I did, but it was definitely not my cup of tea. However it caught my attention and now I have got to see what other books this author has out. I just hope for a bit of a story with a lighter tone to it.

 

Portia’s Two Cents:  I Love surprises.

I bought this as a Kindle Freebie. I’ve had mixed results with those things. Most are absolutely dreadful, but every now and then, I come across and author that I am thrilled to discover.

L.F. Blake is in that category.

The Hunting is deliciously dark. Eric comes across as a bit lost. He’s good at this job, as a Hunter, but I got the impression, he wasn’t happy. There are just too many unanswered questions surrounding his lover’s disappearance.

Speaking of said lover, Jackson is too hot. But his reappearance raises a host of ethical dilemmas for poor Eric.

My only complaint is that The Hunting wasn’t longer. I would have loved to entered the story sooner and lingered longer. Hopefully, L.F. Blake will return to this alternative reality and finished Eric and Jackson’s story.

A must read if you like good guys who do bad things, and werewolves that don’t play nice.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Boyfriend for the Weekend by Diana DeRicci

51ew9M0UE4L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Title: Boyfriend for the Weekend
Series: Boyfriend, #1
Author: Diana DeRicci
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 164 Pages
Publisher: MLR Press (August 20, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Can pretending to be in love lead to a real forever ever after happiness?

Jayden Sindler is a member of the wedding party for his sister’s wedding and has been warned to bring someone with him to keep the single hunting women at arm’s length. Luck presents itself in the form of Nash Vargas. Invited to accompany Jayden, Nash convinces him to playact as something more believable-boyfriends.

But what happens when acting turns into real affection? And will there be a future after the weekend?

ISBN: MLR-1-02015-0442

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

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Diana always gives you a love story that always intrigues you and keeps you captivated. Her stories have a serious tone to them but there is a hint of humor that makes it a lot more fun for me to love. I have read a few stories by Diana and have put her on my automatic buy list. So when I got this story I was a bit disappointed with it.

Jayden was expected at his sister’s wedding, but he was not going alone. He hired Nash to pretend to be his man. He didn’t want women to come up to him thinking he was available. Although he had not expected the heat that he felt with Nash.

This story is a spinoff of the Arbor Heights series, so I was expecting a bit more to it. The plot is well written and enjoyable. I loved the characters but not the fake boyfriend part. It shows the homophobia up front. Although his family is good with it all. It shows how they meet, but to get the full taste of them you have to read the next book. Which for me is a great welcoming because I can’t stand not having a happily ever after.

Now other than certain aspects of the story that I didn’t much care for, this was an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read the second book, and I can guarantee as soon as I finish writing this I will be starting on the next book.

I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

Portia’s Two Cents:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

This book was soooo cute and left me with a smile.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

My Life Without Garlic by Bailey Bradford

25460975Title: My Life Without Garlic
Series: The Vamp for Me, # 1
Author: Bailey Bradford
Genre: Paranormal / Comedy & Humor
Length: Novella (107 pages)
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (June 12th 2015) Available for Early Download May 15th 2015
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Some things in life just might be worth giving up garlic for.
It was simple curiosity that led Augustin to the vampire dating site—he thought it must be a joke started up by a bunch of weirdos. Man, was he right—but it just so happens that those weirdos really are vampires, and when one shows up at his place, Augustin’s world is turned upside down.

First he’s got a psychotic vampire to deal with. Then he’s got one who is much more fun hanging around.

Except now that Augustin knows that vampires exist, he can’t be left alive. Or can he? When an alternative is offered up, Augustin doesn’t care for it, either. After all, he doesn’t want to be whisked off to some disgusting vampire den.

Tony’s the vampire next in line to lead the coven. He wants to be a fair man, and that means arguing against killing Augustin. If he’s also attracted to the sarcastic, adorable man, where’s the harm in that?

The attraction between Augustin and Tony is undeniable, but deny it is what they both try to do. Someone is going to have to bend or break.

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously available on the author’s blog.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-587-1

Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/my-life-without-garlic

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: From the start Augustin pulled me into the story and I could really connect with him. He is not perfect, far from it. He knows it and accepts it. But that doesn’t mean he lets others put him down. He gives as good as he gets, and damn does his mouth get him in trouble.

It all starts when Augustin gets bored and while surfing the net he discovers a vampire dating site. Curiosity gets the better of him and he keeps trying to create a profile, only it doesn’t work. Little does he know that vampires are real and they are mentoring the site. Augustin has just opened a whole can of trouble.

Tony is one of the vampires who comes to investigate the human. Not too much is given about his past other than he was dying of a disease when he was made into a vampire thirty years ago. The attraction between Tony and Augustine is there from the start. But Tony really needed to work for Augustin to give in.

This book rocked, hands down. I spent most of the time laughing my ass off. The snark and smartassery is insanely hilarious. The interactions among not only Tony and Augustin were funny, but also with the secondary characters.

“Calm your tits,” Augustin said, “and put your damned fangs away. I swear to God, if I find a fingernail file anywhere around…”

That is just one of the zingers Augustin says throughout the book. This book simply has me rolling in laughter. Not only that but I could not put it down once I started reading. I needed to see what next off the wall thing Augustin would say or do. He definitely keeps Tony on his toes.

Plus the chemistry between Augustin and Tony is hot and steamy. They are very sexy together.

All in all it was funny, sexy, and very well written and paced. I simply enjoyed this book to the ultimate. I cannot say one bad thing about it, except I didn’t want it to end.

This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait for the next one.

Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

To say that I love Bailey Bradford is like saying I like to breath…duh. She is just an amazing author who just does it for me. But, I have to admit, I did not see My Life Without Garlic, and Augustin coming.

Leigh is right when she calls Augustin snarky, what she didn’t mention, that his little smart mouth will have you gasping, belly laughing and blushing.

Yes, there is a tightly written plot, and passionate romance, but my gawd, there is so much humor, that I just had to pop in and add my two cents.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Speak No Evil by Alexa Snow

81IMDGpri1L._SL1500_Title: Speak No Evil
Series: N/A
Author: Alexa Snow
Genre: Fantasy/ Paranormal
Length: Novel (291 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (January 27, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Blurb: Jamie Kincade’s world is turned upside down when Sebastian, a young man who doesn’t speak and who shares the ability to see ghosts that Jamie’s had since childhood, enters his life. Jamie finds Sebastian fascinating on multiple levels, and is determined to help him learn to speak again. But he can barely keep his thoughts – or hands – off Sebastian, who wants him and makes no attempt to hide it.

The age difference between them – Sebastian is almost 15 years Jamie’s junior – is a problem for Jamie, but Jamie’s reluctance isn’t the only thing keeping them from focusing on the potential they might have as a couple. The collection of ghosts Jamie has been living with in relative harmony for more than a decade has no intention of leaving Sebastian alone now that he’s here. T

heir desperate attempts to get Sebastian’s attention are a distraction Jamie would be grateful for if they didn’t upset Sebastian so much. Jamie is torn between wanting to send Sebastian away for his own good and wanting to drag him off to bed, and with Sebastian tempting him both deliberately and subconsciously, it can’t be long before Jamie’s self-control snaps…

ISBN: 978-1-62300-319-7

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/speak-no-evil.html

Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I really enjoyed this story. It had just the right mix of suspense, angst and paranormal for me. Jamie isn’t so much damaged as shy. He’s found a way to do him, and is okay with pretty much being a hermit.
Sebastian is definitely damaged, and with good cause. He’s been through so much, and chosen silence as his coping mechanism of choice. But, even without speaking, he is such a well-balanced character and I adored him.

I enjoyed the pace of both the romance and the “suspense,” and felt that I was watching a realistic romance unfold. Sebastian wanted to knock boots from day one, but Jamie made him work for it.  But, both of them realized that what was happening to them was special. Not just in terms of their abilities, but the trust that would be their foundation.

Sprinkle in a few ghosts, some pretty hot sheet time, and families mending and this was the perfect weekend read for me. I hope that Alexa Snow lets these do a bit more “housecleaning” in future.

Highly recommend.

Shorty’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Very well written book although very long and drawn out story about two men who can both see ghosts but only one of them can communicate with them.

Jamie is an older man who is an editor that finds a young man named Sebastian in his shed. Sebastian can see, hear and communicate with ghosts but can’t speak. He wasn’t always unable to speak though. Jamie can only see the ghosts.

There are a few instances in the book were there was a ghost and twice the different ghosts attempted to interact with Sebastian but he freaks out. There is one ghost who can physically hurt them as happens once to Jamie when he’s pushed down the stairs and once to Sebastian when the ghost grabs him and leaves marks as well as later in the story. The scenes involving any paranormal occurrences were over quick except for in the last two paranormal occurrences regarding different ghosts.

It seemed that most of the book was about the two men getting to know one another and having sex when Jaime was ready to. When Jamie sister’s husband dies in a car accident, they both go to see her and find out that when Jamie touches Sebastian while he’s talking to a ghost that Jamie can hear them as well and communicate with them. Interesting read.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Love on an Owl's Wing by Charlie Richards

22028377Title: Love on an Owl’s Wing
Series: Kontra’s Menagerie, #18
Author: Charlie Richards
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter
Length: Novella (117 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-77111-931-3
Publisher: Extasy Books (May 1st, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: On the Road: Sometimes intervention comes from the most unexpected places.

Having been married at one time, over a century before, Luc Laurent never expects to find another to spend his life with. His confusion is understandable when his son hands him an extra helmet and tells him to hang onto it. Luc understands later that afternoon when he rolls his motorcycle to a stop in front of a fellow shifter’s home and discovers that the shifter’s cousin, Dylan Sudderson, is his mate. While the fact that his mate can walk only with the aid of crutches concerns Luc, it’s certainly not the deal-breaker. Dylan seems to think it is. Luc is far more concerned about the fact that Dylan is human, so very young…and in the closet. While Dylan is more than happy to get physical with Luc behind closed doors, he’s afraid of losing his parents if they find out he’s gay.

What will it take to convince Dylan to not only come out of the closet, but also accept that Luc shares his spirit with a European Eagle Owl?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/love-on-an-owl-s-wing/

Review: This is book eighteen in this series and they need to read in order. It will help you get to know the characters of each book and give you an insight into their lives. I have always loved Charlie’s books. She has one amazing gift at telling a story. I hope she never stops either. I always have loved the paranormal world. It gives you a fantasy that you can lose yourself into every time you pick one up. When it comes in a romance, it is even better. You will love Luc and Dylan.

Dylan was injured pretty badly by a drunk driver and since he was human, he wasn’t healing as fast. He was interested in guys, but was afraid to tell his family. However, that changed when he met Luc. Luc is everything he ever wanted in a man, and he wanted him more than he thought possible. However, he was afraid of what his parents would say.

Luc knew he wanted his mate. From the first time, he not only seen him but also got his smell. He knew that there might be some trouble but he definitely wanted him. Now all he had to do was figure how to tell him that he was a shifter. He turned into a European Eagle Owl.
Talk about a sweet and hot story. The sex is tender and very loving. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I loved it, but then again with Charlie it is usually a given. This book has everything you ever want in a story, love, sex, danger, excitement, two hot men, and adventure.

Portia’s Two Cents: I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this episode. Luc is to die for hot, and I’ve been waiting for him to fall, for a few books now. Dylan would not have been my choice for him, but hey…I’m not Fate. But, my biggest disappointment was the lack of action. Charlie has a way of weaving romance with action, like nobody else, and I missed that in this title.

To Kiss a Killer by Amber Kell

18000966Title: To Kiss a Killer

Series: Banded Brothers #5

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: MM / Fantasy – Paranormal

Length: Novella (108 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (August 18th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb:   What would you do to protect your family? For Aden, the answer is anything.

Aden Gale has always protected the boys he chose as his. Gallen Theos refuses to become another one of Aden’s projects. He might have been bespelled by his father but he was Aden’s mate and he refused to take anything less than a full partnership. If the cool-eyed killer thought he could wiggle away for Gallen’s own safety, well he had a lot to learn about the tenacity of sorcerers.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=103&product_id=4097

Thommie’s Review:  ♥♥ 2 Hearts

It’s so disappointing when you have a book in your hands, with great premises and promise, and it comes up short and lacking.

Here we have book #5 of Banded Brothers series that introduces us to Aden’s story and his mating with Gallen, the sorcerer we met back at To Enchant an Eagle #3. It’s also the first of the spin-off series to come named Dragons of Seattle.

In this book, Aden is facing his retirement. He’s tired of being nearly killed on a daily basis and figures it’s time to stop. However, he can’t imagine how his life would be any other way and finds himself restless. Thinking he’s of no use anymore, now that his son is all grown up. But, when he’s faced with being the mate of a Sorcerer, his mind spins in all directions. He’s too old for Gallen (it doesn’t matter that Gallen is 100 years old, he looks twenty for crying out loud), his life is too dangerous and could endanger his mate, and he’s mortal and thus will die in a few years, meaning his mate might die too with him or at best live a miserable life after he’s gone. Not to mention there are dragons around Seattle that seems focused on him lately. Oh did he forget the mob family dead set on him and his dearest? God, how about Gallen’s controlling psycho Father? How do you protect your mate from a powerful sorcerer?

You can see how exciting the premises are. They are full of possibilities; possibilities lost in my opinion in such a short, short book. With the amount of events happening in this story, the pace and time frame are too fast, too furious. We go from one intense incident to another, without the luxury of time and development to properly feel the story unwrap and the emotions stick within us. The surprise of Aden being Gallen’s mate is totally lost, so is Gallen’s surprise at finding that it’s Aden who is his true mate and not Eaton. The fact that both men don’t take a moment to communicate, rather jump to conclusions is a bit annoying. The fact that Aden seems to effortlessly leap from denying the bond to nearly devouring Gallen in a heartbeat leaves you reeling with the speed and indecisiveness. The human criminals that come around the corner, the paranormal ones that pop out of nowhere, the actions scenes that are done and over with in the blink of an eye, and the end that is such a cliffhanger, stopping the story in a most abrupt way. The sexual bond that came, went, and lost all its intensity and importance when Gallen’s mom pops in the middle of the bedroom. Agrrr!

Perhaps I’m expecting too much, or perhaps I’m too damned picky. I just wish – and it’s not the first time I say this – that this author’s books were a bit more substantial. I wish they had space to grow and provide time for the read to feel the full impact of the story. The imagination involved is quite remarkable, yet they always leave me wanting, not for more, but for the one I have in my hands to be, I don’t know heavier, stronger, with greater impact. And thing is, they can achieve all that if they weren’t so rushed. In the end, I’d rather wait a year and have a truly great book in my hands, than go through the frustration of this fast spinning of a tale that leaves you a bit hollow inside.

Portia’s Two Cents:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

This is the story that I’ve been waiting for, forever.  I don’t know if it’s because Aden is not paranormal, but he has always been my favorite character in this series.  I don’t know how it would feel trying to read this title as a standalone, but having read the 4 prior books, I loved the action with just a bit of steamy romance. The pace worked for me. I felt like I was getting another episode in a weekly drama, and not knowing everything was just fine.  I don’t know how Amber keeps track of all the characters in her series, each maintaining a distinct voice, but I give the highest praise for writing that keeps me coming back for more.

It's All Geek to Me by J.L. Merrow

ItsAllGeekToMe_500x750Title: It’s All Geek to Me

Author: J.L. Merrow

Genre: Contemporary Romance with a shot of Geek

Length: Novella (51 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (February 10th 2014)

Heat Level: Mild

Blurb: Jez is on a mission of mercy: to replace a tragically deceased comic book for his injured best mate, Tel. Venturing into the Hidden Asteroid bookstore in London—the temple of geekdom itself—Jez is bowled over by the guy behind the counter.

Rhys is the poster boy for hot geeks: tall, gorgeous, and totally cool. Jez is desperate to impress him, so he bluffs his way through comic book jargon . . . and then dashes back to the hospital to beg Tel to teach him how to speak Geek.

Tel’s happy to oblige, and Jez is over the moon when Rhys asks him out. He’s even more thrilled when they discover a shared love of rugby, something he won’t have to fake for Rhys. The question is, how long can Jez keep up the deception, and what will happen when Rhys realizes he’s going out with a Fake Geek Guy?

Purchase Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/its-all-geek-to-me

Tam’s Review: Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2.5Hearts Jez wanders into the local bookstore one afternoon in search of a comic book for his best mate. He’s struck speechless by the guy at the counter. Rhys comes across as the proverbial geek, and Jez enlists the help of his pal so that he too can master the language. Jez doesn’t consider himself to be anything above average and doesn’t think he can be himself and stand a chance with the tall, slender and gorgeous Rhys.

Jez spends the next day getting geeked up with Tel, his best pal, in preparation to go back and make an impression on Rhys. Jez transforms into a fairly convincing Geek and that first date turns into a trip to comic con, which turns into a wild, yet verbally awkward, sexy night. In the end, both Jez and Rhys have a confession to make.

I’m not a huge comic book fan, so a lot of the comic/geek speak was foreign to me. I am, however, a huge Star Trek and Battlestar fan from back in the day. And I know how hard-core fans can be, so I was able to see where the author was going with this story line. It’s not your typical M/M romance, that is for sure. The two ML were obviously comfortable with their sexuality, but the sex was written slightly awkward, so the story didn’t blend well in that aspect.

I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. Just an okay read, but hard-core Geeks, sci-fi and comic book fans are sure to love this little short story.

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **

http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Portia’s Two Cents:  Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Well, I speak Geek proficiently, and I LOVED this book.  It didn’t have the angst that I’ve come to expect from J.L.Merrow, but it showed her playful comedic side and I thought it was brilliant.  Rhys is a hottie, who happens to be a nice guy.  Jez is a nice guy, who doesn’t realize he’s a hottie.  I was rooting for them from speechless moment one. I loved every misunderstanding, every misstep and the awe with which both came into the relationship.  It was just two nice guys falling in love and I really enjoyed watching them do it.

My only complaint is that Tel is straight.  I’d have saved of my money to read about the guy who could tame that hard-core geek.

Facing the Truth by S. Dora

Title:  Facing the Truth

Series: Calling the Shots 01

Author: S. Dora

Genre:  M/M-BDSM

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total-e-bound

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Sometimes the question being asked might not be the one that actually needs to be answered.

When twenty-two year old Tom asks his older, conservative lover Isaac for an afternoon of kinky sex, that experience turns out to include much more than bondage, adult toys and spanking.

Both are surprised to discover Isaac’s need to dominate his lover as much as his lover needs to be dominated by him.

Excerpt From: Facing the Truth

“Isaac…?”

Isaac Newhouse knew that voice like he knew his own thoughts. “Yes, Tom?”

“I was thinking… You’re not going to get angry at me? Or think I’m weird?” The twenty-two-year-old looked genuinely shy, and Isaac wondered if it was about something other than sex. Because after the vibrator, the blindfold and the handcuffs, what could possibly make Tom worried that his lover would frown in disapproval?

“Why don’t you tell me? Probably the worst you’ll hear from me is ‘sorry, this time it’s no’. And you know very well there isn’t much of a chance of that. I admit I lack somewhat in the fantasy and imagination department, but luckily I have you for that.” Isaac smiled reassuringly. “Unless you’re asking me to go to a bar, pick up a stranger and have sex with him while you’re watching us, because that is one of the very few things I’m unable to give to you.”

“What…? You think I’m some kind of pervert?” Tom huffed. “It’s nothing like that at all. I want you to tell me what to do. That’s all. As long as it has something to do with sex, of course, in case you’re thinking about the kitchen floor needing a good scrub.”

Isaac scratched his head. He loved Tom with all his heart, mind and body, but during moments like this he couldn’t help but wonder if they even lived on the same planet. “Tell you what to do? Why? When I’m in the mood, you’re always more than willing to have sex. What more could I possibly ask of you?”

“This was a stupid idea.”

“Not stupid.” Isaac touched his lover’s shoulder. “Please don’t say that. But do I understand correctly? You want me to ask you to perform a number of sexual acts over the day and you promise to do them?”

“Sort of.” Tom shrugged. “It’s the weekend, we have two days to ourselves and I’ve been having fantasies about being dominated by my strong older man.”

“Oh.” Isaac fell quiet.

“Please don’t think what I think you’re thinking. I don’t want you to be a domineering brute who couldn’t care less about me. I love you for being sweet, patient, introverted, old-fashioned you. Knowing you, you’re going to order me to do things I love anyway.” Tom gave Isaac a quick kiss. “Just pretend you’re a bit more dominant than we both know you are, please?”

Isaac kissed him back. “Promise you won’t be disappointed?”

“That would be a first. Perhaps you don’t have a natural talent for kinky stuff, but you’re willing to give almost anything a try because of me. And oh, man, that is really something.” Tom now stood even closer to Isaac.

Very, very close.

“Getting excited about what I might ask of you? Wondering if it’s something we’d usually do anyway? Perhaps I’m going to order you to go to the drawer where you keep all the sex toys and lube. Or perhaps…” Isaac teased his lover.

Tom ghosted his lips against Isaac’s ear. “You think this might be the perfect moment to confess I bought some new stuff online?”

“You did, eh? Then I have to personally inspect the sex toys drawer to see if I actually approve of what you’ve bought. Now, you be a good bloke and make us a cup of tea while I take a look at what you ordered at the web-store for grown-ups.” Isaac patted Tom’s behind and walked straight to their bedroom, knowing when he got back there would be two mugs of hot tea on the table and one extremely eager Tom waiting for him on the couch.

He recognised most of the objects—the half-dozen different brands of lube, the handcuffs and the blindfold, the vibrating, bright red dildo and… Oh…

Tentatively, he took the larger-than-average butt plug in his hand. The solid weight of smooth black silicone was something he both could and couldn’t imagine pushing inside his lover’s arse, keeping him stretched and ready for almost immediate use. Once the plug was fully inserted, the flat round disk would be the only reminder of what was hidden inside. Isaac realized Tom could wear the plug while fully dressed.

He didn’t even look at the other recent purchases. This was more than enough for now. He placed the plug on the bed, together with a full bottle of lube. After getting a towel from the cupboard, he looked one more time in the toy drawer and hesitated at the sight of the leather cock ring, remembering the last time Tom had used it. He tried to ignore the erection pushing against the fabric of his cotton boxer shorts.

Although, why should he?

 

Purchase Link:  http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1579

Reviewer: Cat

Review:  Facing the Truth is a very beautifully written story of two men in a long-term committed relationship, taking whatever steps necessary to fulfill the needs of their partner.   I am a hopeless romantic at heart.  There is nothing I like better than a romance that has two people so madly in love with each other that they would do anything the other needs. (Well perhaps a really good chocolate).

This story is about 39-year-old Isaac Newhouse and his much younger lover, (21 years) Tommy.

They have been together about two years and love each very much. Isaac loves Tommy so much that he is willing to step out of his comfort zone and learn  how to be a dominate. This is quite a big step considering he is anything but dominating.  But, he knows Tommy has these needs and is willing to explore this new sexual desire to please his lover.  Isaac has a few qualms about this. He is also afraid that if he can’t take this step and trust Tommy to not go overboard, and to keep the games safe, he may lose him.

So Does Isaac give Tommy what he needs?  Does this change their relationship? Does Isaac find out things about himself and Tommy he would rather not know?

I’m not going to tell ya. You will have to read it for yourself.  Why not? It is short and sweet and extremely hot.

Portia’s Two Cents:  This was an interesting book.  It’s not often you are given an opportunity to peek into the beginning of a D/s relationship.  Tom recognizes his own submissive nature and ask Isaac to dominate him.  Isaac is floored with just how much he loves having Tom submit to him.  This is his story.  Between some scorching hot love scenes, these two talk a lot.  And somehow, those conversations added to the sensuality of the book.  And I have no idea whether the author is male or female, but the dialogue had a masculine authenticity I liked.  *mini rant– Regardless of orientation, men tend to view life in terms of tasks/goals.  When I am reading and a male character starts rambling off tasks, I hear a feminine voice in my head…very distracting.*

I also liked that Isaac was open with his insecurities.  Again, normally, when you meet a Dom, he has already identified his personal kinks and at least begun training to safely dominate his partner.  Isaac is on square one and watching him embrace his nature was very enlightening.  There is more “plot” in Facing the Truth, then there was in Three, but the raw sensuality is the same.  I highly recommend this title for those of you who like a bit of kink with your loving without it being over the top.