Dallas in Wonderland by Evan Gilbert

Title: Dallas in Wonderland
Series: N/A
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: Contemporary/MMM Ménage
Length: Novella (89 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20 May 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Dallas Fox owns porn movie studio Wonderland and for him, sex is all about business. He hasn’t felt passion in a long time, so he is surprised when he develops an attraction for Johnny Roman, a college student who has recently become a porn actor for the studio, and Miguel Duarte, an office assistant. Dallas is even more surprised when he realizes they are as interested in him as they are in each other. Those attractions violate Dallas’s number one rule: no mixing business and pleasure.

Dallas slowly lets his guard down, and eventually winds up in bed with both Johnny and Miguel. Their painful backgrounds are similar, and they begin forging bonds that could grow into something much deeper. Miguel, however, faces a threat that could endanger them all and destroy any chance of finding the romance they want and need.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-992-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6390

Reviewer: Prime

Review: A story about the owner of a porn production company with two of his employees – one an actor and one an office assistant – this is every bit as hot and sexy as one’s mind would conjure such a story to be.

Porn producer Dallas enjoys life but wouldn’t mind getting his shot at real love. Then there is Miguel he’s struggling for work and money but he grabs his opportunity to be an office assistant when he had actually gone to audition to be a porn actor. Then there is Johnny, the son a Baptist Deacon and engineering major at college, he does porn to make the money he needs to get by while he studies. So there you have it, three complex characters which need to come together and seriously do belong together.

And it is at this point comes biggest downfall of this story, because there is just too much going on. Each character has a brief explanation of a traumatic past or a horrible family, but there is just no way to appreciate the levity of it all when the plot is going along so fast. Beyond the guys getting together, Johnny faces problems with his family and Miguel faces problems from the murder of his roommate (Miguel’s family issues are in his back story, of course!).

At this point I’m just going to add the observation: there is the entirely too random appearance of a mob boss (who does serve a purpose) in the end but again, it was lost in all that was going on and ended up leaving me confused for a while. In between all this is Dallas, who is taking care of his men. There are lots of romance and lots of sex, but I don’t think the three little words were ever uttered.

In the end there is not only potential for a much longer story with these guys. Hell, this story could be expanded considerably into a very satisfying and hot both. But I also think that the chemistry between the guys, which explodes off the page, could also have a chance to breathe and develop further.

Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable book and a somewhat quick read. If you just want to indulge into some very sexy reading, this will do it for you. There is enough hot sex to leave you wanting more from these guys. I personally long to read a happily-ever-after for Dallas, Miguel and Johnny.

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

Beneath the Palisade: Justice by Joel Skelton

Title: Beneath the Palisade: Justice
Series: Beneath the Palisade #3
Author: Joel Skelton
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (298 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13 April 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts
Blurb: Despite a spirited inner debate pitting right against wrong, Owen Grady is lured off a forest trail by a handsome stranger. Just as he is about to surrender to an urgent desire, Owen realizes he is making a mistake and attempts to leave, but the rejected man wrestles Owen to the ground and discloses he is a cop. Wrongly accused of sexual misconduct, Owen seeks legal help.

Ambitious young lawyer Brent Burns is a junior partner at Burns & Callahan, a law firm located within the Men’s Center in Two Harbors, Minnesota. He takes on Owen’s case, determined to prove him innocent. But Brent can’t possibly predict the obstacles on the bumpy road to an acquittal—not the least of which is an ethical taboo involving his heart, which threatens to defeat him before he ever sets foot in the courtroom.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-844-3

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6256

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Justice is the third book in Joel Skelton’s series Beneath the Palisade. While the main story is based around different romantic couples, it is best to read this series in order. However, I’m just going to put it out there, this is my favourite book in the series.

The characters (and to some extent the writing) have come a long way since book 1. Although, in this one we are moving away from the Palisade B&B and more towards the men’s centre which was for the most part Alex and Harper’s plan to support the local [not always gay/bi] men.

We get to meet up again with Brent – who we first saw in Reliance (book 1) as Harper’s PA at the law firm in the city. Now that Harper is back practicing law, as a sort of extension to the men’s centre, Brent was invited in to be a partner to his new, small firm. It is through here that Brent meets Owen. Brent is immediately sure that Owen is innocent and will find a way to help the guy. It also should be pointed out that despite the circumstances the guys are immediately attracted to each other.

As a reader we first meet Owen when he goes experiences a horrific series of events, including physical and sexual assault. He’s now been charged with a crime that he is innocent of but is drowning, not sure what to do. Owen is a great guy. He’s a passionate music teacher and all around nice guy who is loved by students and parents alike. And that is why it is so easy to feel sympathy for Owen’s plight, feeling his desperation as the book progresses.

We don’t see the POV of other characters so much as we did in the first two stories, which I think has made this book feel a lot more meaningful, though undoubtedly the previous books had plenty of emotion. I like that we get to hear from Ian and Harper, they kind of link the story together as Brent looks on to his mentor for both professional and personal advice. Harper is a bit of a dick at one point, but I like that in the way that we get to see that this guy is human.

This is a fun and fascinating read. People that like the whole courtroom drama thing will enjoy this the most, but readers of the series, I think, will be more than happy with the addition.

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

The Long Slide Home by Kate McMurray

Title: The Long Slide Home
Series: The Rainbow League #3
Author: Kate McMurray
Genre: Contemporary/Sports
Length: Novel (204 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Nate and Carlos have been the best of friends since their childhood playing baseball together in the Bronx. For the past few years, Nate’s been in love with Carlos, though he’s never acted on it and Carlos has never given any indication that he returns Nate’s feelings. Nate has finally given up, determined to move on and find someone else, especially now that Carlos has shacked up with his boyfriend, Aiden.

Carlos doesn’t understand why Nate has suddenly gotten weird, acting cold and distant at team practice for the Rainbow League. But if that’s how things are going to be, Carlos is done trying to figure Nate out. But then Aiden reveals he has a violent side, and Carlos needs his best friend’s support.

On top of that, he starts to realize his feelings for Nate might not be limited to friendship. But in the aftermath of his relationship with Aiden, and with Nate having problems of his own, the timing is all wrong to make a real relationship work.

As emotions run high, both have a hard time figuring out what is real and what is just convenient.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-972-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6741

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I was really looking to reading this book and it did not disappoint. Let me give you some background: this is the third book in Kate McMurray’s wonderful series, The Rainbow League which is set around a group of friends who play in New York’s Rainbow League, playing baseball. Truthfully, the books could probably be standalone stories which focus on a different romantic couple. However, there is a lot of interaction from minor character who also become main characters in their own stories, and since I just love this series, I think it all needs to be read.

The Long Slide Home is probably the perfect example of what I was just trying to explain. The MCs of this book are Carlos and Nate, long time besties whose relationship has undergone a number of subtle changes over the last few years. Their back story was gently simmering in the back ground of books 1 and 2, which happens over the said few years.

Now Carlos and Nate have their own story and I was so damn excited to read it!

Its great meeting up with our favourite couples from the past and catching up with those guys – the characters are rich and deeply developed. Now that it’s Carlos and Nate’s time to shine they have been developed even more, despite the fact that a number of the broad facts were already known. Namely, we knew 1) Nate was falling in love with his BFF, 2) Carlos was completely oblivious and he was crushing on baseballer from another team, Aiden, who he subsequently went with, 3) Nate is very much loved by Carlos’s family, who took him in during his difficult childhood, and, 4) the guys love baseball.

All of these points that I made are looked into much further. We get to see Nate’s headspace and how he has reacted to his best friend/the man he loves being in a relationship with a man Nate could not bring himself to like.

I liked that we also got to have a peek into Nate’s past, his actual biological family and his connection with Carlos’s crazy, big and loving family. Carlos’s frame of mind is also interesting – he seems to be either in denial or completely oblivious about everything to do with his boyfriend, Aiden, and Nate. Aiden has successfully kept the friends apart for at least half the time him and Carlos together.

Sadly, it seems that it is Nate that is more heartsick and can actually see what is happening. I particularly love Nate’s character and while the violence that Carlos faces is all too in life, its Nate I have empathy for, who will do anything to save Carlos.

Interestingly, Aiden, who always came across as a smooth asshole we get to see more of. Seeing how manipulative and possessive he was to Carlos sent warning to bells to Nate, but everyone else did not seem to notice. I found that interesting but I figure that’s because the guy’s character is so slick and slimy. Part of me is somewhat interested in Aiden going through a journey of healing and treatment (I hope that isn’t too much of a spoiler).

At first there seems no end to the issues that Carlos and Nate must face both individually and together. But for me, who has seen their story bubbling along from the start, it is satisfying to finally see their story come to a head.

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

Redesigning Max by Pat Henshaw

Title: Redesigning Max
Series: Foothills Pride, #2
Author: Pat Henshaw
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (98 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29 July 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires Fredi to revamp his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and Max is just too hunky for words.

When Max comes on to Fredi, the designer can’t imagine why. But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max’s dilapidated cabin into a showplace. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-317-2

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6690

Reviewer: Prime

Review: When I read book 1 of this series, What’s in a Name? I had no idea that it was the start of the series. Now that I’ve devoured book 2, Redesigning Max, it is official, I love Pat Henshaw’s books.

But let me back track for a second: although both Foothill Pride books can be read as a standalone book with no real over arching plot, I have to say it is just a simple pleasure getting to know the guys of book 1, Jimmy and Guy, before you’re reacquainted with them again in book 2 as minor characters.

Thinking on it, I’ve decided that I’ve become a fan of Pat Henshaw’s writing. The characters just feel so real and in turn they are relatable to the reader. I love the personalities of the self-confessed twinks and the really quiet, stoic type of manly man.

Redesigning Max is about interior designer and architect, Fredi (not Fred). While sipping coffee, waiting for a client at his best mate’s cafe, Jimmy from book 1, he is approached by the rather socially inept Max. Max inherited a cabin and after asking another local, was recommended to hire Fredi to do the job. Fredi is full of energy and is very personable. He is, however, also a consummate professional.

Max on the other hand is socially awkward after a rough childhood of being ignored by his guardians. The two guys seem a bit odd together at first. But as the saying goes, opposites attract and the attraction between the guys goes from wonderfully awkward to super hot and sizzling.

And the really awesome part of it all? Book 3 in the series, Behr Facts, is due out and we get a sneak peek at the end of this book!

Cannot wait for more!

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

Twelfth Night by Racheline Maltese and Erin McRae

Title: Twelfth Night
Series: Love’s Labours 2
Author: Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (68 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Michael and John, a May/December couple, navigated the repercussions of their gay-for-you love affair in the hothouse of a summerstock theater production.

Back in New York City at the conclusion of their show’s run, John is overwhelmed by his obsession with Michael and the difficulties of learning to date again after the death of his young son and his recent divorce. John gradually comes out to his colleagues, his football rec league friends, and even his ex-wife.

But when he invites his parents over for Christmas to meet the person he’s been seeing, the holiday—featuring Michael’s family’s amateur production of Twelfth Night—quickly turns into a French farce of potentially catastrophic proportions, forcing John finally to take the lead in claiming his evolving identity as he takes the next step in his relationship with Michael.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-494-0

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6728

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Twelfth Night is the second book in the Love’s Labours series by Racheline Maltese and Erin McRae. This sequel follows straight on from Midsummer and it is important that you read it before starting on Twelfth Night.

We pick up the story of twenty-five year old Michael and forty-two year old John soon after they had attended some weird summer drama camp for adults (that’s honestly how I remember it in my head). They’re both back home in the big city, New York, though they live in different boroughs. They now face reality after their summer idle has ended and now must navigate their lives together, which includes John getting the courage to jump out of the closet.

There weren’t many Shakespeare in-jokes and puns like the first, which I found a little disappointing, because they kept me amused previously. I will admit that this one isn’t as filled with as much drama or angst as the first installment.

However, it is a nice and enjoyable way to see that these guys, still with their fantastic chemistry, have a chance at getting their happily ever after.

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

After the Final Encore by Scotty Cade

Title: After the Final Encore
Series: Encore #3
Author: Scotty Cade
Genre: Contemporary/Country
Length: Novel (200 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24 July 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Heaerts
Blurb: Country superstar Billy Eagan’s career is soaring. He’s topping the charts and winning award after award. He and his manager and life partner, Ian Dillon, have been virtually inseparable for almost five years, solidifying their relationship as well as Billy’s skyrocketing stardom.

After a secret kiss between the two of them at an awards show is caught on camera, a tabloid newspaper outs Billy and Ian as lovers, which could sabotage Billy’s career on the bigoted Nashville music scene.

To make matter worse, an old adversary rears his ugly head and threatens to end everything Billy and Ian have worked for—including their lives.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-253-3

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6675

Reviewer: Prime

Review: After the Final Encore is the third book in Scotty Cade’s Encore series. While the prequel book (Before the Final Encore) can be missed, to read this one you need to have at least read the Final Encore.

After the Final Encore picks up the story of lovers Ian and Billy 5 years after the Final Encore, where Billy’s country singing career seems to know no bounds and Ian is not only his dearest friend and lover, but also Billy’s manager. Ian and Billy are still wonderful characters and the chemistry between them is still there. There are also a few familiar minor characters readers will recognise even though this book is completely Ian and Billy.

After being together for 5 years, the very private lovers who both work within the cut throat business of Nashville face the scandal of being outed. This is where I was a bit non-plussed by the plot because it started as the guys trying to deal with the fall out (and doing admirably well, I also liked the touches of dialogues of when they went to LA to do some PR), and then we are faced with a blast from the past that isn’t so pleasant.

In the end, it’s nice to revisit the guys. Like the previous book, this isn’t the type of book that you sit back and psychoanalyse; simply enjoy it for what it is. The guys still have the sizzle between them and their characters are also relatable, despite one being a country singer super star. What else could we want other than two hot southern boys making their way together and through life? The drama also helps a lot as well.

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

Mad About the Hatter by Dakota Chase

Title: Mad About the Hatter
Series: N/A
Author: Dakota Chase
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Length: Novel (190 pages)
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (20 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: This isn’t his sister’s Wonderland….

Henry never believed his older sister, Alice’s, fantastic tales about the world down the rabbit hole. When he’s whisked away to the bizarre land, his best chance for escape is to ally himself with the person called the Mad Hatter. Hatter—an odd but strangely attractive fellow—just wants to avoid execution. If that means delivering “Boy Alice” to the Queen of Hearts at her Red Castle, Hatter will do what he has to do to stay alive. It doesn’t matter if Henry and Hatter find each other intolerable. They’re stuck with each other.

Along their journey, Henry and Hatter must confront what they’ve always accepted as truth. As dislike grows into tolerance and something like friendship, the young men see the chance for a closer relationship. But Wonderland is a dangerous place, and first they have to get away with their lives.

ISBN: 9781634761505

Product Link: https://www.harmonyinkpress.com/books/mad-about-the-hatter-by-dakota-chase-324-b

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Mad About the Hatter is just a lot of fun with not a lot of romance, but a lot of friendship and adventure. Add to that this being something of a spinoff of Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (there are elements of both these classics here), much like the book Wicked, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This is a young adult (Henry, the MC is some weeks off of 18) but honestly if you don’t like young adult fiction it’s really easy to switch that part off in your mind if you just want to read a gay romance with some classic characters.

Ok, so it’s clear that I loved this book. The characters are quirky, the plot is fun and somehow in between all that you see a normal sibling relationship (well, for siblings that find it difficult to get along anyway).

The story starts with Henry. He and his sister, Alice, do not have an easy relationship, despite the fact that their only other family is their possibly alcoholic father and mysterious/random Uncle Leonard.

The main problem is that Alice likes to talk about her time in Wonderland which Henry knows that logically could not have happened at all (but she has a husband and kids, go figure, I was siding with Henry there). Then his sister gave him punch and then…
We meet up with the Mad Hatter.

The story is set after the story of Through the Looking Glass. The Red Queen seems to be getting more insane by the day and is having people beheaded left, right and centre. When Hatter is sent after “Boy Alice”, we have the quirky adventure throughout Wonderland not unlike the original. We also meet other familiar characters, aside from the Red Queen, including Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat (I thought of him as Stephen Fry’s voice like in the latest movie) as well as that opium fiend Caterpillar.

As I said there is not a lot of romance, there is very little in the way of sex but there are some rather sweet moments between Hatter and Henry. I particularly liked the end but it left me thinking “but I want more!!!!” I was practically crying because it ended as I was thinking this too.

What more can I say? We meet some quirky familiar faces and sights, as well as some new embellishments by the author. A wonderful and fun read, particularly of any fan of the original story.

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

Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Charley Descoteaux - Buchanan House 960x350

Hi guys, we now welcome Charley Descoteaux with her brand new release Buchanan House, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Prime’s review, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Buchanan House

Charley Descoteaux

Eric Allen, thirty-three-year-old line cook, moved in with his grandmother, Jewell, after a disastrous coming-out when he was in middle school. She raised him, and he cared for her when she fell ill. When Jewell died she left everything to Eric—angering his parents and older brother. The inheritance isn’t much, but Eric and his bestie Nathan pool their money and buy an abandoned hotel on an isolated stretch of the Central Oregon Coast. The hotel isn’t far from Lincoln City—a town with its own Pride Festival and named for a president—so they christen it Buchanan House after James Buchanan, the “confirmed bachelor” president with the close male friend.

Eric and Nathan need a handyman to help them turn Buchanan House into the gay resort of their dreams. Eric finds Tim Tate in the local listings and over the months leading to opening weekend Tim reveals himself as a skilled carpenter with many hidden talents. Eric falls hard for Tim, but before he can see a future with the gorgeous handyman he has to get over twenty years of being bullied and shamed by his birth family. It would be much easier if Eric’s brother Zach weren’t trying to grab part of the inheritance or ruin opening weekend.

Dreamspinner

Continue reading “Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux

Title: Buchanan House
Series: N/A
Author: Charley Descoteaux
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (136 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Eric Allen, thirty-three-year-old line cook, moved in with his grandmother, Jewell, after a disastrous coming-out when he was in middle school. She raised him, and he cared for her when she fell ill.

When Jewell died, she left everything to Eric—angering his parents and older brother. The inheritance isn’t much, but Eric and his bestie, Nathan, pool their money and buy an abandoned hotel on an isolated stretch of the Central Oregon Coast. The hotel isn’t far from Lincoln City—a town with its own Pride Festival and named for a president—so they christen it Buchanan House after James Buchanan, the “confirmed bachelor” president with the close male friend.

Eric and Nathan need a handyman to help them turn Buchanan House into the gay resort of their dreams. Eric finds Tim Tate in the local listings, and over the months leading to opening weekend, Tim reveals himself as a skilled carpenter with many hidden talents. Eric falls hard for Tim, but before he can see a future with the gorgeous handyman, he has to get over twenty years of being bullied and shamed by his birth family.

It would be much easier if Eric’s brother Zach wasn’t trying to grab part of the inheritance or ruin opening weekend.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-454-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6718

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a real interesting book that has a really interesting historical background as to the name of the book/the B and B that is brought by the MC and his best mate. This is the second Charley Descoteaux book I’ve read (previously read and reviewed The Pinch of the Game) and I have to say that this one, with all its sweetness and a touch of angst and drama, is my favourite of the two.

I have to say, that there really is one MC of this book, Eric, whose family except for his grandmother rejected him when he revealed that he was bisexual. Years later and now with his grandmother dead, Eric’s bestie Nathan has a plan for the pair to buy an Oregon resort, fix it up and open it up to the gay community. Eric’s love interest is Tim, a handyman who is hired on to help the guys with the odds and ends that need to be fixed up. He really doesn’t come through as an MC as such, not really until the last quarter of the book. I would have loved to have heard more from Tim.

There are a whole other host of minor characters that paint Eric and Tim’s world with colourful and sometimes eccentric personalities. There is also the clash of Eric’s biological family giving him issues, something that I wasn’t completely satisfied with when it was only resolved with a quick phone call and no real explanation.

As I said this is a really sweet book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is about a guy trying to make a fresh start and making a pretty good go of it. All in all it is an uplifting sort of book and something that I think would appeal to a general audience.

The historical side note, said in the blurb, the guys name their resort after President James Buchanan – who was a bachelor with a “very close male friend”. Totally fascinating, even if you aren’t from the States, this book has me wanting to read up about Buchanan, though I wish a bit more background was incorporated into the book.

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

Top Me Maybe? by Jay Northcote

Title: Top Me Maybe?
Series: The Secrets Collection
Author: Jay Northcote
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (34 pages)
Publisher: Blanket Fort Press (3 June 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Duncan has a secret fantasy, but is Tyler the right man for the job?

Tyler’s new policeman boyfriend, Duncan, is gorgeous. Tall, broad, and über-masculine, he’s the epitome of the dominant top—in appearance at least.

When they discuss their sexual fantasies, Duncan confesses to a secret desire that surprises Tyler. Luckily for Duncan, Tyler’s happy to oblige and is determined to give Duncan a night to remember.

ASIN: B00YVE2T0U

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YVE2T0U

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a super quick read, but it is also lives up to its name in every way, including being super sexy and full of steamy sex between two hot guys.

Tyler and Duncan have only been dating for a few weeks and Tyler is absolutely ga-ga about his new boyfriends. He is sure that Duncan can be the one. Tyler is versatile in bed but so far with Duncan has only ever been a bottom. This is basically a story about a couple in the early stages of a relationship testing out their sexual boundaries, because Tyler would love to top Duncan if he got the chance.

The characters are hot, but they are both also sweet. Duncan is like a teddy bear that I want to cuddle. This is a great story to kick back if you want to switch off for a short while which will appeal to anyone who enjoys a bit of exploration between their characters.

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

Craving's Creek by Mel Bossa

Title: Craving’s Creek
Series: N/A
Author: Mel Bossa
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: Novel (220 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (18 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Fourteen years ago, on a sun-drenched summer day on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend, Alistair, he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared.

But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident.

Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him—until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet.

Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair not only has never died, it’s stronger than ever. Stronger than God. But it may be no match for the church…and the repressed memories that are slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart.

Warning: Contains a drunken confessional, a self-destructive clergyman, and a fight to the spiritual death for love.

ISBN: 9781619229952

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5537/cravings-creek

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Craving’s Creek is a complex and intense storyline which is nowhere near as light-hearted as I assumed from the title alone. In fact, it’s more complex than the blurb implies as well.

The story is about Ryde, he was just a normal kid on a camping trip when something horrible happened to his best friend/first love, Alistair. However, of course it is never that simple, Alistair also comes from a highly religious family and everyone but Ryde seems to have Alistair earmarked for the priesthood.

Skip ahead a few years we find that Ryde had not coped with things very well – he is an alcoholic although with the support of his family is now recovering. During this process Ryde encounters Alistair again. But things aren’t always as they seem. Alistair is totally different and not just because of the horrific event he went through. It’s complicated but there is hope that Alistair will get better, as well will Ryde.

This is the second Mel Bossa story I’ve reviewed and not only have I just realised I’ve given this book the same rating, but also the same issues I had with ‘Where You’ll Find Him’ arise here in ‘Craving’s Creek’.

To quote myself: “Some of the more serious and deeper emotions were more difficult to connect with, which I found disappointing…”

Okay, this is an intense book and this feeling I got because this is a deeply psychological read. Both MCs live in their heads, somewhat, Alistair more literally than Ryde.

The book also deals with multiple mental disorders. Unlike some stories, I was pleased that the issues here were not grossly underrepresented or made light of (something that really pisses me off). However, there was so much going on here that things were not always so clear in the beginning, whether unintentionally or intentionally, I think this type of book with the issues it touches needs to be clear and concise from the get go.

Primary example of this, we are told that something horrific happened to Alistair. That is true, though I would vouch in some ways it was more horrific on Ryde. This “accident” was left shrouded in mystery for too long in my opinion. Part of me just wishes it was put on Front Street so we could move onto the subsequent issues that need to be dealt with because Alistair did not get the help he required in the first place. As to where Alistair’s “fits” or “migraines” fit in to everything, I still have no clue.

I’m fairly sure that was not too spoilerish! And one final quote from my previous review which is also very relevant to this story. “I felt that sometimes the story stopped and started up again in some places”. In this story, I am sure that this stopping and starting aspect is all a part of the charm and the psychology.

Sometimes, as the saying goes, “using five words used when one would suffice”, and this aided to the stop/start feel of everything. I suppose, that isn’t always a big deal in most cases. But I’m impatient and have simple needs – a flowing story in a somewhat logical order so that even the chaos of the characters makes sense.

Overall, this is a fascinating story. The mental issues raised, while not novel, are dealt with well enough and not a complete mind-fuck (in a good way). I think a lot of my issues with this one comes down to that it tried to be too psychological without putting up some mind-bending roadblocks (although there was a good mystery front that needed to be bolstered) and sometimes it was just too wordy with descriptions/explanations.

* I’ve probably used the word “psychological” in this review when what I should really be saying is “mental health” or “mental health issues” or something along those lines. However, in this case I see these as being interchangeable when speaking in context of this book. *

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

All Man by Jay Northcote

Title: All Man
Series: N/A
Author: Jay Northcote
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (44 pages)
Publisher: Jaybird Press (8 Aug 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: “You’re the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover.”

From the moment Gareth walks through the door of the salon to fit some new sinks, Jules can’t take his eyes off him. Jules has always been attracted to men who are his polar opposite, so burly Gareth is Jules’s fantasy man.

At the weekend, Jules gets into a tough situation with another bloke in a gay club and Gareth comes to his aid. Gareth rejects Jules’s subsequent advances but leaves him with the hope that his attraction isn’t completely one-sided. Fantasy could become reality.

With Gareth’s work at the salon nearly done, he’ll soon disappear from Jules’s life for good. Time is running out. Jules needs to prove to Gareth that he’s tougher than he looks and that his feelings run deeper than gratitude.

ASIN: B013KAQU6O

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B013KAQU6O

Reviewer: Prime

Review: First off, I’m going to reiterate the author’s note. While All Man is a spin-off from Jay Northcote’s Top Me Maybe, where the MC here was a minor character in the latter. This is not part of a series and both stories are completely standalone.

This is a nice quick read. It is sexier than it is sweet, where we are introduced to Jules, who is a hair dresser working in a salon with his friends Tyler (from Top Me Maybe) and Shelly. He meets Gareth, a total bear, while giving the man a haircut. The attraction is instantaneous.

The only thing that really bothered me about the story was the insta-love between Jules and Gareth. I love the spark and the sexual tension between the guys. They are well written and matched characters. Yet, I was just not keen on the insta-love that pulled these guys together.

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

The Cool in You by Mike Warren

Title: The Cool in You
Series: The Cool in You
Author: Mike Warren
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (154 pages)
Publisher: Mike Warren Publishing (2 Oct 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: This book is about older gay brothas who still have it going on and wonder why most gay books are about younger gay men who are in their teens, 20’s 30’s. Are older gay brothas not considered attractive, sexy, smart and therefore, no longer wanted by society? This book is about when one’s taste grows up and living your life as an older gay man who still have it going on!

ASIN: B00O542UAK

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cool-You-Mike-Warren-ebook/dp/B00O542UAK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the second book I read of Mike Warren, which I did right after devouring his book Church Brothas. There are no words that I can conjure that can convey just how much I love the strong writing style of Mike Warren. I love his way with words and how he can weave so much drama with a large crowd of generally likable, but flawed characters.

The Cool in You (title inspired by the Babyface song) is, as the blurb says, “older gay brothas” – guys approaching fifty but still young at heart and still keen to find love. The MC is James Parker and his band of friends and family.

James’ friends Angela, Juan, Kenny, Frankie and James’ nephew, Terry, are almost MCs in their own right. Rather than being a romance, there is an essential element of drama to the book, this is about life, love for friends and family, the search for romantic love, friendship, loyalty, grief.

I love that Mike Warren so blatantly put pieces of himself (including his own cameos) into the book. It made me feel the passion he must feel when he wrote these characters. Each character is so distinct and well-developed it’s impossible to get confused.

I also enjoyed the parts where he wrote about the publishing process (something a personal journey to each author) as we read about James feeling rather unsatisfied by the range of gay romances on the market. Mike through James makes some fantastic points and I can only assume that this book is the result of him thinking on the lack of romances with older men.

By the end of it I was left with many questions. I wanted to know what Angela was going to do after a sudden change in her life. I wanted to know more about Terry’s back story and wondered how this would shape his future. I wanted to see more about the sweetness in characters Kenny and Frankie. While I wanted Juan to find some sort of HEA. Then there is James – the main, main guy. My heart broke for him, but I wanted to see more…

The best part of all… book 2 just recently came out. **doing happy dance in my office chair**

Cannot wait to get my hands on it and read the continuing story.
This really is not a book where age matters. I believe that everyone can read it and enjoy it because in the end this about people living their lives and making the best of great and terrible situations.

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

The Pinch of the Game by Charley Descoteaux

Title: The Pinch of the Game
Series: N/A
Author: Charley Descoteaux
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (98 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (24 June 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Being a witch doesn’t mean one can beat the devil forever.

Jeffrey Overton, unemployed IT professional turned poker player, pushes his luck once too often and runs afoul of the host of an illegal card club. The man sent to escort Jeffrey to a “meeting” about his supernatural winning streak arrives at Jeffrey’s crappy North Portland apartment, lock-picking tools in hand and a charm to block Jeffrey’s magick.

Head muscle for said host, Mike Wells, is a Daisy from Daisyville. He isn’t a witch. What he lacks in magickal talent he makes up for in brawn, so he doesn’t expect the guy he’s after to overpower him. But once Mike renders Jeffrey helpless, he’d rather seduce him than bring him in.

Jeffrey and Michael ditch the “meeting” and end up hunting some of the same people they ran from, trying to get Jeffrey back into his own body. And that’s only part of the adventure.

The pair travel halfway across the country on the quietest road trip in history and find missing people, empire-building witches, and maybe even the families they’d both thought lost to them.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-906-8

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6421

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I really had to think on this book after I finished reading it. It certainly is different and not in an entirely bad way. The characters and the world that was woven are quirky, even if it is filled with danger and, generally, a lot of odd people. Then again, I suppose that should not be wholly unexpected in fiction.

The story follows Jeffrey, he’s smart but he is also an unemployed IT guys and something of a gambler. And of course, the gambling gets him into trouble, which even Jeffrey knows is something he can’t get away from even if he is a witch. It’s through this that he meets Michael. Michael is sent after Jeffrey who is simply the muscle that needs to grab Jeffrey so that the man can (in a sinister sense) pay his debt.

This is a fast pace story with a good dose of insta-love, which is really needed if you want to consider this story a romance because part of the magick in the book involves body switching (which only appears in the blurb as a throwaway line that does not particularly make much sense).

You need to concentrate while reading this because things happen extremely quickly and the explanation is not always real detailed to make the reader stop and think. For example the word “Daisy” is used throughout the book and the best I could understand is that is simply a non-magick person (Muggle!). Jeffrey trying to find his is body is a big part of the plot and leads into a little twist in the plot which had me thinking, “don’t these guys ask more questions before going off to do something?”

All in all, I loved interactions between Michael and Jeffrey, even when Jeffrey was not in his real body. Jeffrey is hilarious – he is sarcastic and irreverent. Michael is the strong and stoic type, ready to be anyone’s hero.

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

Long Lost by Trina Solet

Title: Long Lost
Series: N/A
Author: Trina Solet
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (147 pages)
Publisher: Trina Solet (24 May 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Blake Adler is back in town on a mission. Years ago Blake’s father cut him out of his life so completely that he never spoke of him. Now that his father has passed away, Blake finally gets to meet his younger brother and sister. But Blake didn’t come back to Meadowview for a reunion with his lost family. He’s desperate to find the man he can’t live without and win back the love he threw away.

Blake and Reese were once best friends. They could have been more, but Blake screwed up the most important relationship of his life. Now he wants to fix things with Reese, if he can only find him.
Blake isn’t the only one looking for Reese. No matter how far Reese runs, trouble follows him. Wild and vulnerable, he always had it rough. The one good thing in his life was Blake.

Now Reese is taking a big risk coming back to town. It might be worth it if he can reclaim the man he can’t stop thinking about, the one who rejected him, and the one he loves more than anyone.

ISBN: 9781311118516

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Long-Lost-Romance-Trina-Solet-ebook/dp/B00Y8CBO2O

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a fun and sweet book by Trina Solet, who has branched out a bit recently from the usual formula of gay guy with a kid, meets his match and falls in love. Okay, so there are kids involved here, but this more about one guy getting his life on track by catching up (or being chased by) the people who he had never really realised love him the most.

Firstly, we are introduced to sixteen year old fraternal twins Finn and Dee Dee, who know that they have a half-brother from their father’s first marriage out there somewhere. They had tried to search for him before but think they see him at their father’s funeral.

But when the man disappears they are relentless in the search for the brother they are intent on meeting and becoming family with.
This is when the twins’ half brother comes in. Blake basically resents everything about the father that had abandoned him at the age of five when his parents divorced.

When his father became terminally ill he didn’t even call Blake. Blake has had a rough life between two neglectful parents. But when he had been in high school there had been one person – Reese – the boy from “the wrong side of the tracks”. He had been fool enough to let love slip through his fingers then, but now he was intent on finding Reese. He just didn’t realise that his stubborn siblings would insinuate themselves into his life and help him in the end.

Then there is Reese. Now he really has had a hard life. What makes it worse is that now his past is coming back to haunt him in the form of a mad man who is stalking him. He loves Blake, hurts from the rejection but more than anything will do anything to keep the man he loves safe.

There is a lot of emotion going on here, but at the same time it is funny. Finn and Dee Dee are pretty much the comic relief in this book. Part of me wonders if Finn, who is bisexual, will get his own story, too. That would be awesome. But for now, I really loved this story.

The only thing that I am going say bad is that sometimes I felt the flashbacks by Blake and Reese seemed to drag on a bit. I felt like we were stopping mid action and my mind did not like the switch in pace, no matter how brief.

Anyone who loves the “crazy kid” type of character will love this. As I said before, Finn and Dee Dee bring in a lot of life and laughter into a book filled with dark emotions. Also, anyone who loves to read best friends becoming lovers. There really isn’t any mystery though there are some sinister aspects to the plot and despite the heavy emotions it is low on angst (which for me is a great thing).

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

Cheeky Hipsters and Jocks by Posy Roberts

Title: Cheeky Hipsters and Jocks
Series: The Secrets Collection
Author: Posy Roberts
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (50 pages)
Publisher: Blanket Fort Press (12 June 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Jack has a secret hidden in his pants, and Eli thinks he knows what it is.

Jack Cox has a secret he’s kept hidden for years until a fellow hockey player discovers a scrap of silk and lace hiding in his pocket. Elijah Mitten notices how anxious Jack is as the hot-pink fabric makes its way around the locker room, and when Jack throws it in the trash like it means nothing, Elijah guesses what’s beneath his stoic façade and possibly his pants.

When Elijah shows up on Jack’s doorstep looking for answers, Jack won’t admit anything. But when Elijah takes matters into his own hands, Jack has to make a decision: share his secret and risk losing hockey or keep it hidden forever

ASIN: B00YZP85OE

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cheeky-Hipsters-Jocks-BFP-Collection-ebook/dp/B00YZP85OE

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one real fun book that you can just kick back and read when you go a spare hour (there about) on you. And just as the title says, it is both sexy and cheeky.

Jack and Elijah both play on the same hockey team – at the moment, Elijah is the captain. Jack has always admired Elijah from afar, and I suppose that is one secret. However, the even bigger secret is Jack’s love for wearing sexy panties (manties! I love that word!).

A bit of locker room antics allows Elijah to build up his courage to be more to Jack than a team-mate. The end result is a smoking hot attraction to two ordinary guys who just seem to belong together.

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

Threefold Love by Ki Brightly

Title: Threefold Love
Series: N/A
Author: Ki Brightly
Genre: Contemporary/MMM Ménage
Length: Novel (230 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 17th, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Captain Xavier Hobbs, a decommissioned combat engineer, was chronically lonely in the Army. But once he is back to being a civilian, with no family and nothing to ground him, he drifts. All he wants is a real home, a real life, and love—but that is easy to wish for and hard to make happen.

When he meets Andrew Landry, a high school English teacher, Xavier thinks he has found everything he has ever wanted, maybe even someone he can trust with his scars—the ones on his mind and body. Andrew’s quick wit and outgoing personality reel Xavier in slowly but surely. But he isn’t certain which way Andrew swings, and doesn’t dare to do more than hope the friendly man is actually flirting.

Then, on what Xavier idly wishes were their first date, disaster strikes in the form of Duncan McNeil, a fellow Wiccan and Andrew’s fiancé. Xavier’s hope is smashed to pieces, but Duncan and Andrew may have a different point of view. All they need is a little magic, some hope, and a lot of love to put everything back together.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-698-2

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6278

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the first book I’ve read by Ki Brightly and as a story Threefold Love hits all the right notes to make me want to investigate the author more. It hot and steamy, it’s also sweet and loving, with a dash of angst and longing all thrown into one story.

As the name of the story implies, Threefold Love, sees the beginning sizzle of attraction as three men begin to see that there could be a lot more than a guilty fantasy. Xavier was a civil engineer in the army when he resigns his commission he tries to piece together his life and gets himself a job as a janitor at a private school. This is where he meets Andrew, a teacher at said school.

The two are instantly attracted to each other, but Andrew is with Duncan. After also meeting Duncan, Xavier finds himself attracted to both men.

The story is told from Andrew and Xavier’s perspectives, where Duncan is seen through these guys’ eyes. Part of me is a little disappointed that we didn’t get any Duncan POV at least once or twice through the book. There are a number of interesting things that pop up in the story which I wish were explored a bit more. For example, I hope this isn’t a big spoiler, but Duncan and Andrew are Wiccans.

A lot more could have been done there and let the reader explore this intriguing religion other than make them appear like Ghostbusters. The other thing is that Xavier admits to PTSD, but again this was hardly touched in the story. I point out these two specific examples because it seems like they are just there when they could have been woven further into the plot.

Regardless, the tension – both sexual and otherwise – is undeniable. These three guys together are just awesome. This is a fun read and if anything has left me wanting to know more about all three guys (as I just said above).

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

The Purest Intentions by Shawn Bailey

Title: The Purest of Intentions
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (109 pages)
Publisher: Dark Hollow Press (January 9th, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Cartoonist Alexis Rhodes is well-known and very popular in his small community. Not only is he a gay activist, but he also teaches art at the local elementary school. A freelance artist, Alexis works from his home, and when he gets bored watching and drawing cartoons he cooks for his friends and visits the bars near the beach.

It’s on one of those occasions he meets the very attractive Madison Alleman, and has a one night stand. Things get complicated when Madison moves into the building Alexis lives in, but one-night-stand or not, the attraction is still strong.

Will the fact that Madison has a six-year-old son make a difference in Alexis’s pursuit?

ISBN: 978-1-942176-52-7

Product Link: http://www.darkhollowspress.com/#!thepurestofintentions/c22n8

Reviewer: Prime

Review: There are two things that made me instantly love this book. Firstly, I am a big fan of Shawn Bailey’s writing – it is uncomplicated, not at all fussy and the characters are full of soul. Secondly, the book is set in San Diego and after a recent visit to the city, I absolutely love it. (The book is set within “the gay neighbourhood”, Hillcrest, and it is a beautiful area of San Diego).

Yes, this is Hillcrest, San Diego.

My adoration for San Diego aside, the story is about Madison and Alexis. Madison is a young widow who moves from Boston to San Diego. His boss, Bill, finds Madison an apartment in Hillcrest by simply asking his brother if the apartment building he owns has any vacancies. Madison has a number of issues and is unsure of himself.

He’s only ever been with one woman and his experience with men, he at least knows he’s gay, is just as limited. However, he also has a very cute and very smart little 6-year-old boy, Scotty. It’s not quite love at first sight but Alexis knows right away that Madison could be the one for him. Madison may be lonely but throw in Alexis’s crazy and big family, it makes the story an absolute joy to read.

Alexis and Madison are quite contrasting characters. As I just said, Madison is lonely and Alexis has an over abundance of family with loving parents and six brothers. Both men are quite high achievers, but Alexis is not so obvious in terms of his success. He tries to come across as somewhere between the starving artist and the surfer dude, when he is all that as well as a teacher and land lord.

Madison is the struggling single dad that is successful in his career and yet would do anything for his son. However, all in all, both have a heart of gold.

This is a sweet story – if anyone likes the whole coming together as a family type book, this is excellent. The story itself is a slow burn and in the end does not disappoint. In the end that is what this is about, two guys trying to figure out their place in life and their place in each other’s lives.

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

The Baker by Serena Yates

Title: The Baker
Series: Workplace Encounters, #6
Author: Serena Yates
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (133 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15 July 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in the family-owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.

Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own.

Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.

ISBN: 9781634762113

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6646

Reviewer: Prime

Review: The Baker is the sixth book in Serena Yates’ Workplace Encounters series. However, none of the books are related and are stand alone stories. This is the second edition of The Baker, with Dreamspinner Press re-releasing the whole series. I read the first edition and could not tell the difference for the most part (my memory is a tad dodgy, though). I could not find exactly how the word count has changed on this new edition.

Once again, it seems that the clunky wording which I criticised in the first few books is there but it is not the problem that it had presented before. Although the author’s writing style will not agree with everyone, it can be rather wordy at times. The blurb also continues to be good and accurate compared to the first few books.

However, the themes of the previous books (closeted MC and MC facing losing their job/business) are there are again but it was presented very differently than in previous books.

The story is about Ian, who comes from a very traditional Scottish family in Wyoming. I suspect the family remained traditional because of the family’s bakery which had been started up by Ian’s grandfather and passed onto his father. Ian loves the bakery and he loves baking. The bakery is famous in town, probably because of Ian’s a-hole father’s “secret recipes” which he refuses to tell even Ian, who is set to inherit the bakery.

Around New Years, things change. Ian hears about a new Scottish festival the town’s mayor wants to hold and have a bake contest with the bakery front and centre. Ian also meets Cameron, a police detective who discovers the bakery one day. Ian has to fight his chauvinistic and homophobic father for a job and the bakery he loves, as well as falling for the hunky detective.

This series is good for an enjoyable, light right where you don’t need to apply too much brain power to understand. This has a bit more drama in it than the other books, but nothing wholly unnecessary. The Baker is certainly the best book in this series, so far. I love both Ian and Cameron and their chemistry was wonderful!

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

Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn by Thursday Euclid

Title: Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn
Series: N/A
Author: Thursday Euclid
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (286 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (June 15th, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: With a sold-out tour looming and intense media attention on their every move, the Artificial Hearts are the hottest rock act in the world. It’s just a matter of time until newfound fame illuminates a past Asher Beauregard would rather leave in the shadows. When he meets Leo Harpstedt, the irresistible frontman for the opening act, undeniable chemistry draws them together, but Asher’s secrecy and emotional scars keep Leo at a safe distance.

Posh and well-adjusted despite the blue hair, Englishman Leo comes from a world that Asher, a Louisiana-born high school dropout, can’t imagine, never mind inhabit, but as first the Artificial Hearts’ manager and then the tour throw them together, the tension between them grows uncontrollable. Leo’s seeming confusion about his sexuality and Asher’s refusal to let go of the persona and be vulnerable threaten to destroy the tender friendship they’ve built living and working together.

With help from his drag queen stylist, lesbian sound tech, and a lead guitarist with secrets of his own, can Asher overcome the public revelation of his deepest secrets and seize this chance at love?

ISBN: 978-1-62300-930-4

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/asher-beauregard-attempts-to-give-a-damn.html#product_tabs_description

Reviewer: Prime

Review: I’ve heard of Thursday Euclid before but this is the first time I’ve read one of his books (though I just discovered that I have a short story in my never-ending unread pile). Asher Beauregard Attempts to Give a Damn proved to be a good introduction to the author’s writing because it is based around one of my favourite scenarios: rock star who is broken inside and uses drugs to make it better.

So the book is basically what the title says. Asher Beauregard is a rock star who basically doesn’t care about much outside of music and to deal with his demons he resorts to drugs and alcohol.

Probably not at all uncommon in this world. Then Asher meets Leo, he’s lead singer for the support band on Asher’s band’s tour. Where Asher is gritty and broken and all Cajun, Leo is English and refined and pretty damn well-adjusted to the world/reality. With Leo’s appearance, Asher’s perspective begins to change and his world is about to be rocked, and not always in a good way. It’s up to Leo if he is strong enough to support Asher through the turbulence to follow.

This story is just… wow. It blew me away. This does not put on the rose-tinted glasses viewing the world of drugs and alcohol. Or more accurately, the world of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. It is an intense read and a very gritty read. If you don’t like either or intense or gritty, particularly when it comes to drugs, this is probably not the book for you.

The chemistry between Asher and Leo is explosive. I loved it, although sometimes it almost levelled on soap drama proportions I understand that this was used to portray to “rock” and the drug lifestyle. Asher also had so many demons to fight, it seemed like it was insurmountable.

Admittedly, Asher sometimes seems a bit too incoherent through the book, but remember this is a character that has become reliant on drugs as a crutch just to live. Meanwhile, Leo, whose life has been vastly different to Asher, is everything that is sweet and strong (and I love him too!).

This is an intense book; it’s probably going to leave you tired and still thinking about it at the end. You really need to take it slowly to get the full enjoyment and effect out of it. At first I thought, “Nope, not going to like it”. Then I slowed down and read it between other books and my appreciation for the story just went up.

In the end, it has left me wondering, what’s in store for Leo and Asher? Will Asher finally clear his head of the drugs and alcohol? I’m left wondering what Thursday Euclid has in store for us!

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

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Buchanan House

Charley Descoteaux

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: