Tag: Pride Publishing

Coming Out Twice by Sydney Presley

Sydney Presley - Coming Out Twice CoverTitle: Coming Out Twice

Author: Sydney Presley

Genre: Thrillers, Suspense, Paranormal

Length: Novella (68 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (February 21, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Trapped in their closets, the only thing to do is come out twice.

Salford and Ruby, vampire-wolves, have been born into The Clan, into the Level where killing is expected. Hating their jobs eliminating humans who have discovered vampire-wolves exist, they long for better times, where bloodshed isn’t the order of the day. But that isn’t about to happen any time soon—not while Albert, one of The Clan’s twelve Leaders, oversees everything they do.

Ruby, a cross-dresser, has spent many of his previous centuries trapped in the closet. Lately, though, he’s been able to wear what he wants and can express his love for Salford in public. Knowing how freeing that has been, he wishes The Clan laws were different and that he and Salford didn’t have to kill, freeing them from that dreadful closet, too. But it would take a strong person to ask The Clan to consider a vote that would allow Ruby and Salford to be exempt from having to kill, and Ruby isn’t sure he’s the right man for the job.

With a London gang discovering vampire-wolves exist, and Salford having dreams that tell him what they must face next, Salford and Ruby must eliminate the men who are after them. But someone else is also a danger—someone closer to home. Someone who should have vampire-wolves’ best interests at heart, but doesn’t…

ISBN: 978-1-78651-540-7

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/coming-out-twice

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Unique and highly entertaining. Ruby and Salford couldn’t be more different tha night and day. Ruby loves to dress up in heels and pretty dresses and has a great personality. Salford is more reserved but serious and thoughtful. I loved the fact that they were both vampire and wolf which was rare. 

Not all approved of them and their relationship. Amid trying to lay low they have to work for The Clan by killing others that threaten their existence. But both Ruby and Salford do not want to do it anymore. They set out to find a way out of it. What they discover is a sinister plot that puts Ruby’s life in danger from someone who should have been watching their backs. 

I loved everything about story. It intriguing, mysterious at times and action packed at others. The whole story was well written and flows smoothly as you immerse yourself into a power struggle of epic proportions. 

Highly recommended.

Patience by Helena Stone

Helena Stone - Patience CoverTitle: Patience

Series: Dublin Virtues 01

Author: Helena Stone

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (170pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-78651-536-0

Publisher: Pride Publishing (28th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Patience is a virtue. But what if you wait too long?

While Xander Ekman’s dream of becoming a successful artist has come true, his love life has gone from bad to worse. Sick of the endless string of one-night stands, he accepts the challenge when his best friend, Erik, bets him that he can’t be celibate for a month. Now all he needs is a reminder to keep his distance in the heat of the moment.

Troy Moriarty doesn’t have time for love. He’s too busy trying to keep his recently opened tattoo parlor afloat. Besides, ever since the man who was supposed to be his business partner abandoned him to run the shop on his own, he has a hard time trusting others.

When Xander turns to Troy for a tattoo that will remind him to be patient, the attraction is instant. But faced with Xander’s month of celibacy, Troy’s trust issues, and a nemesis lurking in the background, their relationship may be doomed before it has a chance to begin.

Purchase Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/patience

Review: Xander’s life as an artist is working out for him but his love life is abysmal, the men he meets only want one night stands and Xander yearns for something more. Xander’s best friend is concerned about him and challenges him to swear off sex for a month and Xander accepts the challenge. On impulse Xander walks into a tattoo shop to get a tattoo to remind him to think things through and take his time but he meets a man who makes him wish he’d rejected the bet.

Troy is busy establishing his new tattoo parlor when a customer walks into his shop and brings back memories of Troy’s fractured trust, but Troy puts aside the memories of the man who left him high and dry to help the man out. The two reconnect at an artist showcase and over the course of a month become close, until the man who hurt both of them blazes back into their lives.

This is a great story of two men who have both been hurt in different ways finding each other and beginning to build something good between them. First we have Xander who is a talented artist but lacks confidence in finding a man who truly wants him, he’s a nice guy who has been worn down by rejection and sometimes Troy’s reactions have him confused but he’s determined to cling to his hope that Troy is different from the other guys he’s met.

Troy is a lovely man who has had his trust broken by Shane, a man who he thought was a good friend and his secret crush, meeting Xander has him torn at first because he’s seen the man before and he can’t help but wonder if Xander is of the same mindset as his ex-friend.

In this story we follow along as Xander’s and Troy’s friendship develops into something more, we get to see the perspective of both men so we get to enjoy the developing relationship from both sides and we know exactly what’s going through both men’s minds as they traverse their new relationship.

The characters in this story are well written and we get to know them pretty well, not only do we get to enjoy Xander and Troy but also their best friends Eric and Lorcan, I’m hoping we’ll see more of Eric and Lorcan in the future because there’s certainly some chemistry there.

I enjoyed this story, I found the characters to be engaging and entertaining, I enjoyed that their relationship is taken at a slow pace and that trust is built between them. Shane is an ideal bad guy with his selfish attitude, I just hope we’ve seen the last of him because Xander and Troy weren’t the only ones wanting to punch him 😉 . I love Eric and Lorcan because they were perfect supportive friends; they’re the type of guys that you’d love for your own friends so you can turn to them for advice and a night at the pub.

I recommend this story who love everyday contemporary romances, taking a slow paced relationship and adding a bit of tension to spice it up, great characters, a dash of hot sex and a very happy ending.

Patience by Helena Stone Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Helena Stone - Patience RT Banner

Hi guys, we have Helena Stone popping in today with her new release Patience, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Helena Stone - Patience Cover

Patience

(Dublin Virtues 01)
by

Helena Stone

Patience is a virtue. But what if you wait too long?

While Xander Ekman’s dream of becoming a successful artist has come true, his love life has gone from bad to worse. Sick of the endless string of one-night stands, he accepts the challenge when his best friend, Erik, bets him that he can’t be celibate for a month. Now all he needs is a reminder to keep his distance in the heat of the moment.

Troy Moriarty doesn’t have time for love. He’s too busy trying to keep his recently opened tattoo parlor afloat. Besides, ever since the man who was supposed to be his business partner abandoned him to run the shop on his own, he has a hard time trusting others.

When Xander turns to Troy for a tattoo that will remind him to be patient, the attraction is instant. But faced with Xander’s month of celibacy, Troy’s trust issues, and a nemesis lurking in the background, their relationship may be doomed before it has a chance to begin.

Continue reading “Patience by Helena Stone Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Scenes from Adelaide Road by Helena Stone

Helena Stone - Scenes From Adelaide Road CoverTitle: Scenes from Adelaide Road

Author: Helena Stone

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (164 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (1 Dec 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Can a young man find the courage he never knew he had when faced with losing everything he holds dear?

A few months before his final exams in secondary school, nineteen-year-old Lennart Kelly discovers he’s inherited a house on Adelaide Road in Dublin from a grandfather he never knew. Having been ignored, bullied and abused for as long as he can remember, Lennart can’t wait to leave behind his father and the small town he grew up in. Moving away as soon as he finishes his exams doesn’t cure his deep-rooted insecurities though.

Meeting twenty-three-year-old Aidan Cassidy in a gay club on his second night in Dublin, scares Lennart. Used to being ignored and ridiculed, he doesn’t trust the attention he receives and can’t believe a man like Aidan could possibly be interested in him. It takes infinite patience and understanding from Aidan to slowly coax Lennart out of his shell.

But the past refuses to stay where it belongs and Lennart’s father is determined to take the house in Dublin off his son by whatever means necessary. Just when Lennart is learning to trust and embrace life, a violent attack threatens everything he holds dear. Suddenly Lennart is in danger of losing his house, the man he’s grown to love and maybe even his life. If Lennart wants to protect Aidan and safeguard his future, he’ll have to find the courage he never knew he had.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-867-4

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/scenes-from-adelaide-road

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I have to admit, I was a little shallow when it came to actually choosing to read this book – I chose it because I live in Adelaide and if I can’t read about my own city I can at least read about a road that goes by the same name in Dublin. That aside, Scenes from Adelaide Road is a fantastic book that is really a coming of age for a couple of Irish lads who are trying to break free from their pasts and make their way in the world.

Lennart is from the West Country and moves to Dublin after finding out that he inherited a house from a grandfather he had never known was alive. He grows up the victim of bullies and no matter how much he tried to blend in, he was always a target. With only his father left to raise him, the man makes no effort to hide the fact that he hates his own son and expects Lennart to fail at everything. After only a couple days in Dublin, Lennart plucks up the courage to go to a gay bar where he meets Aidan. Aidan’s upbringing has been completely opposite. While he has been the victim of some bullying he has a loving and supporting family who would do anything for them.

Out of home and living together in Lennart’s inherited house, there is an element of self discovery. In addition to learning about each other and exploring a relationship, they also learn about the grandfather that Lennart had never been able to meet because of his selfish and horrible father. In some ways Lennart’s grandfather is the heart of the story and the heart of the drama, because Lennart’s father comes back in his life in a really horrible way. I love the attraction between the guys and the development of the characters, especially Lennart who learns to stand up for himself.

This is the type of story that appeals to many types. Although, almost in the realm of young adult it does not feel like one, instead this more about breaking free of the horrors of bullying and learning to stand up for yourself. Lennart is a strong character that I think is universally relatable and very appealing despite being so broken.

Fahey's Flaw by Jenna Byrnes

Jenna Byrnes - Fahey's Flaw CoverTitle: Fahey’s Flaw

Series: Kansas City Heat 9

Author: Jenna Byrnes

Genre:  Crime, Mystery

Length: Novella (100 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 6, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Can KCPD detectives keep the latest designer drug off the streets and out of the hands of teenagers?

There’s a new drug of choice in town, and the detectives of the KCPD Vice Department are working fast to keep it away from unsuspecting students looking for a cheap high. Detective Wynn Fahey’s son, Connor, is thirteen going on thirty. His recent announcement that he’s gay causes concern for his mother and her new husband, and the parents of the boy he’s been caught in a compromising position with.

Wynn struggles to help his son adjust, not having gone through the same issues since he didn’t come out until he was divorced with a child. When the new five dollar Insanity drug invades Con’s school, the boy is forced to grow up faster than his parents would have liked. Will the love and support of handsome English teacher Reilly O’Keefe be enough to sustain Wynn and Connor, or are they in too deep to scrabble their way out of danger?

ISBN: 978-1-78430-929-9

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/faheys-flaw

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Kansas City Heat collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

I love the way this author can put together a book that not only fascinates you but draws you in. I had a blast reading this and look forward to reading more by Jenna. The characters are beautifully written with big hearts, however if you cross them, they have no problem putting you down.

There is a new drug out there that is sold extremely cheap and is ending up in the hands of teenagers. It has the police department searching for a way to stop it. It brings it even closer to home, seeing as Wynn’s son is thirteen. Wynn seems to have many problems at hand on top of the damn drug. His son has come out gay, and Connor’s mom’s husband is not taking it to well.

On top of that Wynn is falling for Connor’s teacher. It would seem Reilly feels the same way. Now they just have to figure out how to stop the danger from hitting close to home.

I can honestly tell you that this is going to be one of those types of series that you can’t put down and have to read more than once. It is the perfect story for me and gave me all that I needed. In fact I think that this one is my favorite.

I love the way all the feelings they felt was involved in this story. I had a blast reading it and I can’t wait to read the next story. When Jenna puts out a book I am usually there to eat them up. I would definitely recommend reading this book. Trust me it will keep you laughing, crying, loving and having fun.

Price of Freedom by Helena Maeve

Helena Maeve - Price of Freedom CoverTitle: Price of Freedom

Series:  Shadow Play # 2

Author: Helena Maeve

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (102 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 10, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Some stories just aren’t meant to be told.

From warzones to domestic scandals, Ulysses has built a career as a high-profile journalist at the expense of both family and relationships. Now his dogged pursuit of the truth has cost him credibility and job security. Discredited and depressed, he hunts for the story that will re-establish him as a trustworthy name in British journalism.

Stumbling across a string of mysterious murders that spans the breadth of the continent may prove a godsend. Yet catapulted into a world of spies and outstanding blood debts, Ulysses finds himself collaborating with elusive Robin, a man on the run whose past is as dark as the desires he awakens in Ulysses. Their chemistry is incendiary, breathtaking, unlike anything Ulysses has ever known. And chances are the fallout will prove proportional.

As Robin’s dealings land him in the crosshairs of the British intelligence services, Ulysses is faced with a choice that may cost him his life. .

ISBN: 978-1-78430-843-8

Reviewer: Shorty

Product Link:  https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/price-of-freedom

Review: This is book two in the Shadow play series. Ulysses, journalist, was a very ambitious man. He wanted the top story and did what it took to get it until he was discredited. Robin a man with a dark past corroborates with Ulysses to find out the truth about some murders. Which puts both men’s lives in danger.

I really liked the mystery part of the story. The way Ulysses sought out facts was fascinating. But I have t say I was intrigued by the mysterious yet sexy Robin. As more details about his past are revealed I was wondering how they would make it out alive. 

I liked the story though I felt it was a little drawn out. 

Gods of Vengeance by Thom Collins

Thom Collins - Gods of Vengeance CoverTitle: Gods of Vengeance

Author: Thom Collins

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Pride Publishing (March 21, 2017)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: United in passion. Driven by vengeance.

Owen Hazard, a young farmer is dead. Murdered while he tried to prevent a robbery on his land. His older brother, Captain Mark Hazard, returns home for the funeral. Owen’s best friend, Riley runs the local pub. He has information about the night Owen was killed – he knows who was responsible. The police are doing nothing. Vengeance is their only option.

United in their passion for each other and a thirst for revenge, Riley and Mark must take the law into their own hands if there’s to be any justice for Owen

ISBN: 978-1-78651-562-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/gods-of-vengeance

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Two men come together to kill those responsible for another’s death.  Owen was murdered trying to stop something, although it is said a robbery gone wrong, everyone knows it is a lie.  Now his brother and his best friend must prove who did the killing and make Owen’s death right.

Now I had heard, not read, that this story was in “The Brothers in Arms Anthology”.  There is murder, revenge, violence and so much more in such a short story.  The problem with it was the way it was told.  It just came off very choppy and did not flow like it really should have.  I also didn’t much like the idea of two men committing murder, even if it was for someone they loved.  I am sorry to say that this book was definitely not for me.

One Night With You by Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer - One Night With You CoverTitle: One Night with You

Author: Megan Slayer

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 54 Pages (short story)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (21st February 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Stars

Blurb: One night to find the man of his dreams in the least likely place…

Airman Tate Gibson thought going to a party at the local college with his friends would take his mind off of his troubles. He’ll head back to Korea in two days time—after the funeral of his baby sister. He’s always taken responsibility for her and he’s not ready to deal with her being gone. He wants a man to help him deal with his sadness and give him a reason to get through his deployment.

Raine crushed on his neighbor across the hallway, but once he spots the hunky airman his thoughts center on Tate. He wants to strip the handsome blue-eyed man down and lick him everywhere, but geeky guys like Raine never get the man. He’s stuck playing the perpetual wallflower.

Will one night tear them apart before things get hot or will it be enough to bring these two wounded souls together for a long-term engagement?

ISBN: 9781786515254

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/one-night-with-you

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: The day before the funeral, he decided to go visit his best friend, who is still in college. He needs a friendly shoulder to cry on. Someone that he can talk o about his loss, and the way his family is treating him. When he reaches his friend’s dorm, he’s hosting a very loud and boisterous party. He doesn’t stay, and decides to leave. He meets Raine in the hallway.

Raine considers himself a geek, and not someone that other guys want to have a relationship with. He was on the way to the party, when he meets the handsome Tate. They started talking and ends up in  Raine’s dorm room drinking beer. They start making out and have sex. Raine just can’t believe that someone as hot as Tate wants him. Tate spends the next couple days with Raine, and the he have to report back to work in Tokyo. Will the time that they spent together show Raine that yes, he’s worthy of Tate’s love, and although they keep in touch with each other. Will the distance bring them closer together?

This author did a good job on this story; it told the pain of losing a sister and the heartache of a parent blaming him for his sister’s death. A parent should never put that blame on anyone. Tate is on leave from the Air Force for a week for his sister’s funeral. She died in a vehicular accident, and his mom and family members blame him for her death. His mom had asked him to take care of his little sister, and he also blames himself, although he wasn’t the cause and wasn’t in the country.

Resuscitating Love by Devon Rhodes

Devon Rhodes - Resuscitating Love CoverTitle: Resuscitating Love

Author: Devon Rhodes

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (40 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (31st January 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: If Hill keeps putting cowboys ahead of his marriage, even being a cardiologist won’t help David fix their broken hearts.

Hillard ‘Hill’ Pearson, the new events director of the American Royal, has worked hard to get to where he is. This is his first year as director, and the huge responsibility of the more visible position has taken over his life. Yes, he could be considered a workaholic, but he’s put fifteen years into the event he’s loved since he was a kid, and now is his chance to shine.

When David Weinstein finally convinced his long-time partner, Hill, to marry him, he thought it would bring them closer together. Instead, they’re not even to their first anniversary and their relationship is suffering. David’s finally at a stage in his medical career where he has regular hours, but he can’t seem to connect with his husband when he’s free. Now, with the event that he’s sick of hearing about underway, he feels like he’s making all the effort with no return.

Can Hill and David resuscitate their love before David gives up on the promise of forever?

ISBN: 9781786515056

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/resuscitating-love

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: Who doesn’t to read about Cowboys? The Boots, the snug jeans and the swagger in their walk. David and Hillard, ‘Hill’ has been together for about fifteen years, but married only one year. As much as they love each other, they’re drifting apart, and David wants to do anything that he can to stop that. Hill was promoted in his job and he is now the Events Director, and the job is so time consuming, that he misses lots of important dates with his husband David. On this particular day, David is waiting for Hill, way past the time that they had agreed upon. David wants to celebrate the anniversary of their first date, but Hill forgets, and therein lies the distance that David feels is growing between them.

 Yes, Hill loves his job, and has worked very hard for his position in the company, and he doesn’t want to do anything that can jeopardize it, but he have to compromise or he will lose the best thing in his life and it isn’t his job. Will a talk from his Boss convince him to pull up his boots, and find his priorities where his husband is concerned, or will he lose his husband to his work?

I love this author’s work, and I would recommend this story to anyone that wants a quick read about a couple and the heartfelt emotions the author showed in this story.

Coming Back Home by Megan Linden

Megan Linden - Coming Back Home CoverTitle: Coming Back Home

Series: Harrington Hills  #3

Author: Megan Linden

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (85 Pages)

Publisher:  Pride Publishing (February 14, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: He thought his mate would never come back. He was wrong.

Jack Harrington told everyone who asked that he’d gotten over Connor a long time ago. And while he still hasn’t managed to convince himself, he moves on with his life. He doesn’t have a choice. Connor is gone for good.

Or is he?

Connor Warden didn’t plan to ever come back to Harrington Hills, but with an infant in tow, that is exactly what he does. His daughter needs a pack and he is going to give it to her.

When Jack and Connor’s lives literally collide again, will they be able to go back to what had been and find their connection once more? Or is the divide between them too deep to ever fully get over? 

ISBN:  978-1-78651-527-8

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/coming-back-home

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  Each book in the Harington Hill’s collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.  

 Connor and Jack had something back when they were kids, but then Connor decided he really didn’t want to live in Harrington Hill’s any longer.  It had broken Jack’s heart and left him reeling.  He had always thought Connor was his mate, but now he didn’t know heads or tails.  Now that Connor was back and with a baby in tow, he was thrown for a loop.  

Connor loved his mother but when she passed, things got tough with his father.  He wanted out and away from the man, even if it meant leaving Jack behind.  He had not known to even ask the man if he wanted to go with him, he just ran.  Then a one night stand left him with a daughter and he knew he had to go home.  

Things between these two are strange but how it is actually told leaves quite a bit out.  It felt like something was missing from the story.  Even with that being said, it is still an enjoyable read.  The build-up between these two actually goes smoother than one would expect and maybe that was what was wrong.  There was no arguing or letting his feelings really come out with Jack.  I think that it went too easy for Connor and even though he wasn’t a bad wolf, it just didn’t roll like I wanted it to.  It did give me an ending that was close to perfect, it just felt off.  Other than my issues with it, the story is a fun one.  

I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to see what the next book will bring, or at least I hope there is another story coming.  It would be great to see what is going to happen with the guys in the future.  

Spoil of War by Helena Maeve

Helena Maeve - Spoil of War CoverTitle: Spoil of War

Series:  Brothers in Arms Anthology

Author: Helena Mauve

Genre: Futuristic, Science Fiction, Ménage / Mutiple Partners

Length: Short (51 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (February 28, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: One man’s prize is another’s nightmare.

When Briar’s partner Kai returns from the Federation’s latest skirmish with a handsome prisoner in tow, Briar is both envious and wary. It is common knowledge that the tribespeople of Ganymede are violent brutes who delight in murdering and enslaving their enemies, and Dallan can be no different.

As an officer with the Federation’s propaganda machine, Briar has produced plenty of material to substantiate the need to wage war in the asteroid belt. Kai, for his part, has slain many enemies while on active duty and watched just as many of his friends perish in combat.

For a foe to save rather than end his life is unusual in the extreme. Sparing him the horrors of a prison camp seems like a fair exchange, even if the only alternative he can offer is thralldom.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released as part of the Brothers in Arms anthology with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-530-8

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/spoil-of-war

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Briar is not happy when when Kai comes back with a prisoner to keep. He’s jealous of Dallan and uncomfortable around the man. The thing I wanted more of was Kai’s background and more about how Dallan came to be Kai’s prisoner and what exactly happened. There’s hardly anything about him except for the basic stuff. So I was disappointed with that. 

I felt the book was too short for the information needed to make it a great read. Aside from that it was entertaining for a short story.

Dragon's Breath by Stephani Hecht

Stephani Hecht - Dragon's Breath CoverTitle: Dragon’s Breath

Series: Dragon’s Soul 03

Author: Stephani Hecht

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short Story (62 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 3, 3017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes, to save another, you have to look at your own weaknesses first.

Ever since Nicholas saw the small Dragon in chains in the scrying bowl, he knew that he had to save him. For some reason Nicholas is drawn to the other man and he won’t rest until he knows he’s safe.

Tommy has been a captive from the day he was born. When he is rescued by Nicholas he feels an instant connection to him. But Tommy is afraid to let his guard down and let anybody get close to him.

Can Tommy overcome his abusive past? Or will it doom him and Nicholas from finding love?   

ISBN: 978-1-78651-518-6

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/dragons-breath

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  Each book in the Dragon’s Soul collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.  

Over the years you come to cherish and love certain authors more than many others.  It is the way they tell a story that will have you wishing you were right there with them.  And sometimes you wished you were the one falling in love.  This author has moved up the line to be one of my top favorite authors and from the way her stories are told, she will probably stay there.

Her characters are quirky as hell; protective to the point of, well, you can guess that answer.  I still have my ultimate favorite ones but many start to work their way into my heart.  Her stories also are full of action, suspense and danger plus some hot sexy time for our guys.  They catch my attention the moment I start reading and keep it all the way to the very last word.  This story gave me everything I could ask for in a story and so much more.

Tommy is a beautiful dragon, whose mother sold him into slavery.  For dragons that is punishable with death.  Nicholas knew from the moment he saw him in the scrying bowl that this man was for him.  Now he just has to get Tommy to believe and trust.

This story is perfect for when you are trying to take a break or when you just need the sun to shine for you. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It also gave me everything I could want in a book.

I can honestly tell you that this is going to be one of those types of series. One that I will have to read over and over. I love the way all the feelings they felt was involved in this story. It was the perfect story for me and I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next story.

By My Side by Jennifer Wright

Jennifer Wright - By My Side CoverTitle: By My Side

Author: Jennifer Wright

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 55 Pages (short story)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (12 January 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Noah has suppressed his urges for other men for years, but when a sexy bartender comes crashing into his life, all bets are off.

Due to his career as a lawyer and his father’s strict ways, Noah has always ignored the side of him that craves the touch of another man, not wanting to upset the calm waters of his life. But when he’s out one night celebrating his friend’s first win in a courtroom, Noah is taken aback by the raw lust that consumes him when he meets Shea. He wants to ignore what he feels for the man, but when Shea introduces a tantalizing side of sex that Noah has been dreaming of, he finds it impossible to keep Shea out of his life.

Shea’s been heartbroken before by a man who wouldn’t come out of the closet for him, and he doesn’t think he can go through that again. Can Noah let go of his fears of coming out to the world? Will the pleasures Shea gives him in the bedroom have Noah seeing what really matters in the long run?

ISBN: 9781784309428

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/by-my-side

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: The author did a good job on this story, and I like it, but was somewhat puzzled, at the way the part of the BDSM section was just injected into the storyline, without it even being talked among them as it being a part of their sexual preference. Noah is attracted to men, and have been for years, but he doesn’t want anyone to know, so he hides behind the women that he hook up with, so his secret won’t be revealed. He was in a relationship with a guy in college, and when his dad found out about it, he was read the riot act, that with his family name and prestige, he shouldn’t be carrying on like that to sully the family’s name.

Noah and his best friend are out one night at a bar celebrating his friend’ first courtroom case, he’s at the bar waiting to order his drinks, when he sees the bartender, and has an instant attraction for the guy, but he tries to shrug it off. It doesn’t happen, as he secretly spies on him all during the night that he’s at the bar. Shea is an out and gay man, and he refuses to go back into the closet for anyone. He was in love with a guy years ago, and was hurt badly, when the guy denied they relationship.

Days go by, and Noah is still thinking about Shea, debating with himself, if he should go ahead and approach Shea, and what would happen when his family and best friend find out. Noah and Shea finally hook up, and the sex is steamy hot, and everything that Noah has been missing in his life. Will his feelings for Shea finally convince him to live his life without worrying about others opinions, or will he forever continue to live the rest of his life hiding who he is.

I would recommend this short story for anyone looking for a quick read with a little BDSM.

Melbourne Heat by Elizabeth Lapthorne

Elizabeth Lapthorne - Melbourne Heat CoverTitle: Melbourne Heat

Author: Elizabeth Lapthorne

Genre: Paranormal, Shape shifter,  BDSM

Length: Novella (103 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (8 Dec 2015)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: In the steamy Melbourne summer nights, two men meet by chance in the Botanical Gardens.

Spencer, against his better judgment, agrees to meet a new client in the Botanical Gardens. While waiting, he bumps into Charles, who is out paintballing with some mates. Spencer agrees to have a quick bite to eat with Charles, not knowing the sequence of events that will unfold from such a simple action.

Charles is a shifter with plenty of secrets and Spencer has unwittingly brought someone else into the mix—another shifter, eager to stake his claim. Even after such a short time, Charles can’t imagine giving Spencer up. He’s willing to fight for what’s his. Spencer has also found himself falling in love with Charles, despite the secrets that surround him. Passion and danger collide and soon both men will have decisions to make. Ones with serious consequences.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-880-3

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/melbourne-heat

Reviewer: Prime

Review: As an Aussie, anything set in Australia I am going straight to, particularly when it is a shifter romance. Melbourne Heat is a sexy paranormal romance set in the titular city where Spencer, human, meets Charles, a shifter, by chance at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. For fans of the paranormal/shape shifter genre this is a fairly satisfying and quick read.

The use of the Australian slang was pretty good, though I have to say there were a few errors that may bug other Aussies, but on the whole it was comforting and amusing to see my kind of “speak” in a MM romance. In fact, there is the amusing misunderstanding between Charles and Spencer when Charles is trying to explain that they are mates, as in “soul mates”. Needless to say Spencer at first think Charles is saying mates as in “friends”. Doctor Who fans think of the Donna Noble telling Ten “you’re not mating with me, sunshine” but in reverse.

The sexual tension and attraction between Spencer and Charles is great. Fans of BDSM books just need to know that although there is the warning of bondage, there is very little actual BDSM and it is very light because the BDSM is not an important aspect in the relationship between Spencer and Charles. However, unfortunately this story suffers from, really, not a lot of character or story development – which is quite sad because I really enjoyed Lapthorne’s writing style.

The Pill Bugs of Time by Angel Martinez

angel-martinez-the-pill-bugs-of-time-coverTitle: The Pill Bugs of Time

Series:  Offbeat Crimes 02

Author: Angel Martinez

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (90 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (September 20, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Relationship and communication issues plague Officer Vikash Soren, but those are nothing compared to facing stick-throwing tumbleweeds, pill bugs and…time travel?

Vikash Soren, the perfect police officer except for his odd paranormal ability, never seems to lose his temper. Always serene and competent, he’s taken on the role of mediator in a squad room full of misfits. But on the inside, he’s a mess. Unable to tell his police partner that he loves him, Vikash struggles silently, terrified of losing Kyle as a lover, partner and friend.

But life in the 77th Precinct doesn’t leave much room for internal reflection. A confrontation with a stick-throwing tumbleweed in Fairmount Park leads to bizarre consequences involving pill bugs, statues and…time travel? If Vikash manages to survive the week and stay in one point in time, he might be able to address normal things like relationship problems. He just needs Kyle to have a little more patience. Maybe a few centuries’ worth.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-472-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/the-pill-bugs-of-time

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: In this second book in the Offbeat Crimes series we are treated to Officer Vikash Soren POV. Vikash is more serious than Kyle was in the first book. But I still enjoyed the difference.

I felt bad for Kyle as his Vikash is still in the closet and has problems expressing how he feels to Kyle. The secondary characters in the story added a delightful funny element to an already fantastic adventure/action packed story. 

I simply love this story. It has time travel, weird creatures, paranormal aspects and two lovers who are still feeling each out all the while confronting threats as they appear. A page turner and a story that enthrals you from start to finish. I loved it.

Highly recommended.

Building A Home by Megan Linden

Megan Linden - Building A Home CoverTitle: Building a Home

Series: Harrington Hills 02

Author: Megan Linden

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (128 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 11, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Dating a younger guy wasn’t anywhere in Zack’s plans, but can he ignore the instincts of his wolf?

Zack Harrington noticed David Dewitt the first time the guy showed up in Harrington Hills, but their first meeting was far from perfect. A few months later Zack still can’t forget about him, and now when the two of them belong to the same pack, their paths cross even more. The problem is, David is barely twenty-two and Zack still remembers how stupid he was at that age.

David knows he’s young, but he’s tired of hearing about it all the time. He’s not a kid and he hates being treated like one, even—or especially—by the hot deputy sheriff. But as they get to know each other better and the sparks between them turn hotter, David’s willing to leave that behind.

Can they move past the age difference and their own personal hang-ups?
Or will they ultimately fall into a trap of miscommunication and hiding?

ISBN: 978-1-78651-466-0

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/building-a-home

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in the Harrington Hill’s collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.  

I have been reading romance and paranormal’s for over 30 years and can honestly say that I love a good paranormal romance more than any other kind of story.  It was not until 5 years ago that I started read m/m romance stories.  There is just something about them that pulls me in faster than any other story.  Now usually there is fighting and danger, so this story was peaceful and really different.  If it wasn’t for the fact that they did change shapes in the story I would have believed it to be a contemporary story.  So it was a nice change to the same old, same old.

Zach is about eight years older than David, and he sees that a relationship between them might not be so good.  But damn he just can’t keep his eyes off the man.  Ever since he came into town with his brother to join the pack, he has been staring at the man.  Now in this one there is no talk about fated mates or mate’s period.  Well there is but not the way one would expect.  Zach is a tough cop in a small town that is surrounded by werewolves and humans.  They seem to co-exist like any other town.  So he has to figure out what to do with his attraction to the sexy wolf.

David is very young, and has been given a hard time with it by his brother, his bosses and customers.  However now he is the boss and he is still being treated like the kid.  Even the deputy is doing it, but damn David wants that man.  So read the story if you want to see what happens with these two men.

This story is perfect for when you are trying to take a break or when you just need the sun to shine for you. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It also gave me everything I could want in a book. I can honestly tell you that this is going to be one of those types of series. One that I will have to read over and over.

I love the way all the feelings they felt was involved in this story. It was the perfect story for me and I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next story.

A Sound Beginning by Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams - A Sound Beginning CoverTitle: A Sound Beginning

Author: Jeff Adams

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (36 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (8th March 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts 

Blurb: Voice-over artist Harry Moore has decided to take his business to the next level by hiring contractor Diego Ramos to renovate his San Francisco loft into a state-of-the-art home office and recording studio.

They hit it off immediately and Harry is soon hoping to make their business relationship a little more personal, but Diego has responsibilities to consider before he can date anyone, especially a client.

Can Harry and Diego design a sound future for themselves?

ISBN: 9781786513830

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/a-sound-beginning

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: This is a very nice short story and I really enjoyed reading it. It was well written and I’ll be looking for this author’s work again. Everyone wants to find that one person that completes them. It’s been a year since Harry became single again and he’s lonely. Yes, he has a thriving business that keeps him busy, but he wants to start fresh again, and he has a strong attraction towards his contractor.

Harry wants to do some improvement and renovations to part of his home, and he has hired Diego and his team for the job. Diego feels the same attraction to Harry, but doesn’t want to start anything until he’s finished the job that he was hired to do. Plus, he’s raising a teenage son, and doesn’t want any fallout because of it. The relationship growing between them is great and I love the flow of it. No drama or interference. I was sorry there wasn’t more of it. I would definitely recommend this light read.

Safe Haven by Caitlin Ricci

Caitlin Ricci - Safe Haven CoverTitle: Safe Haven

Author: Caitlin Ricci

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (151 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (November 8, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Being alone was what Blake had always needed before his new team of bodyguards arrived. Now things might be very different.

At seven years old, Blake’s life was destroyed when he and his parents were abducted and he watched them being murdered. Now, twenty years later, he refuses to leave the house and he lives in a constant state of fear. He has a bodyguard around the clock, a housekeeper who has never seen his face and an uncle who checks on him often but isn’t all that close to him. Blake likes his isolation where only his cat really knows him.

His bodyguard of eight years is ready to retire, leaving his life in turmoil again. Blake isn’t good with people in general, and new people are the worst. But he needs someone in his house all the time to make him feel safe. His uncle hires a team of bodyguards to replace his old one—Malcolm, CJ and Rex. They come highly recommended, and they’re good at what they do.

They’re also together and it’s a relationship that Blake is instantly fascinated by. He’s never been interested in another person before, and he hasn’t had a real friend since his parents died, because he has refused to leave the house. But with the three of them trying to be there for him, he begins to want a life he has been convinced up to now would be completely impossible.   

ISBN: 978-1-78651-479-0

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/safe-haven

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  I have read several stories by Caitlin Ricci, and I have to admit that I really do not care for her short stories.  So here I was trying to get my list down, and I was just groaning to myself at it.  Then I saw this story and it sounded interesting plus it was quite a bit longer than many of the other ones that I have read.  It is a very unique type of story that I have not came across in quite some time.  

Blake and his family had been abducted when he was seven years old.  They had brutally killed his parents pretty much in front of him. When he was rescued, which I never really found out how, his uncle tried to keep him safe.  He couldn’t leave his family home, so his uncle hired him a body guard that would help him.  Robert was the only one, other than his uncle who actually saw him.  Even his housekeeper of fifteen years had not had that pleasure. But now it was time for Robert to retire, and guess what he was getting three new body guards.  Talk about a stressful thing for Blake.

Malcolm, CJ and Rex were a threesome and have found their fourth.  Rex is more forceful, CJ is more tender and Malcolm is the mixture of the others.  Where his uncle takes care of the money, the home, Blake needs to feel safe.  It feels so damn lonely the way he lives, talking through a monitor, but Rex starts getting him out of his shell.  However it will take all three of them to get him through his panic.

It is a slow burn romance, but very little sex in a way.  When you look at multiple partners such as this, you think major sex, but with this type of story it just worked perfectly.  I was quite pleased with how this story turned out and hope that Caitlin continues this style of writing.  It was a very touching story and I enjoyed every bit of it. 

Volatile BY Avylinn Winter

Avylinn Winter - Volatile CoverTitle: Volatile

Author: Avylinn Winter

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (213pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-78651-454-7

Publisher: Pride Publishing (23rd August 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Like a depressed moth drawn to a wild flame, Chris hoped that flame would brighten his life, not burn him alive.

Chris Sinclair fades into a gray world after losing his mother to cancer. When forced to attend a concert, as a last attempt to coax him out of his shell, he discovers that life might not be as bleak as he first thought.

Dante Heron holds the audience between the tips of his fingers and the delicate bow, playing the violin as if every heart is his to command. However, something darker brews behind the façade, and Chris is determined to solve the enigma.

When Chris is offered the job of traveling around Europe with the famous violinist, he surprises himself by accepting. With no idea of what awaits him, he’s thrown into a world where emotions rule and rules are bent.

They’re a perfectly dysfunctional match, but then there’s always calm at the heart of the storm.

Purchase Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/volatile

Review: Chris feels lost after his mother’s death, he can’t stop remembering that he was a terrible teenager and suffers guilt for how he treated his mother during those years. Nothing really seems to catch his interest until he meets a violinist who draws emotions out of him with his music.

Dante is isolated as a famous violinist, he’s never had real friends and he’s stuck in a loop of loneliness. Chris sparks something inside him but getting through to Chris is hard when Chris sinks into himself constantly.

I have to admit that I had a hard time with this story because it’s all from Chris’s point of view; Chris is a really hard character to connect to so I actually became annoyed at his attitude of pitying himself all the time. God I wanted to knock the crap out of him at times, he just came across as totally numb and drab, hell he might have depression but even people with depression have some spark of life in them at times.

Now Dante was a very interesting character and I would have loved to see inside his head, he’s temperamental, demanding and oh so damn lonely, he would have been an amazing character to see this story through.

Their relationship is actually awkward, lots of misfires and no really conversing between them. There was a lot of back and forwards between them, neither one opening up to the other which led to silence between them when they should have been talking. *sigh* It was just so frustrating. And it became harder and harder to see a connection between them because of it.

I actually was going to give this story a 2, it was the last chapter that saved this book because that was when Chris seemed to actually have some spark and feeling.

I recommend this story to those who like dysfunctional relationships, a good storyline and decent characters.

Binding The Edges by L.M. Somerton

L.M. Somerton - Binding The Edges CoverTitle: Binding the Edges

Series:  Tales From the Edge # 8

Author: L.M. Somerton

Genre: Bondage and BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic Romance

Length: Novella (120 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (January 10, 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Never let go of the one you love.

After recent traumatic events, Olly is finding it hard to get his head around what happened. While he tries to deal with a maelstrom of emotions, renovations at The Edge are in full flow, alongside preparations for tenth anniversary celebrations. Joe, his Dom, recognizes Olly’s delicate state of mind and does his best to reassure him. A trip to the New Forest with their friends, Aiden and Heath, helps the healing process.

Returning home, Olly and Aiden focus on preparations for the party. When Aiden is called away, Olly takes a walk to clear his head, keeping his eye on a brewing storm. To his horror, he discovers Mark Vickery, an old enemy, has landed on the island by boat and is out for revenge.

With Olly missing and the storm raging, Joe, Heath and Aiden set out on a rescue mission that unfolds in a way none of them expected. Can the storm wash away the past or will Olly and Joe’s future be destroyed by a twist of fate?

ISBN: 978-1-78651-519-3

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/binding-the-edges

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: A fabulous ending to an amazing series. Olly is struggling to live again after tragic events take place. With the help of Joe, Aidan and Heath, Olly feels somewhat normal. But the damage has been done by Mark yet again. I seriously hated Mark. He was full of himself and so very cruel. 

From Olly’s antics and Joe’s constant support the journey to finalize plans begins. But not all is kosher as Joe gets word that Mark has been released from prison. With a threat looming over their shoulders Joe wants to make sure Olly is protected at all costs. 

I loved the entire book. The humorous antics and the seriousness as well as the twists and turns mixed well to create a masterful story to culminate the ending. Fantastic read. Highly recommended.