Hi guys, we have Michael Mandrake and Remmy Duchene stopping by today with their new release Love At The Right Tempo, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Love At The Right Tempo
by
Michael Mandrake & Remmy Duchene
Violinist Frederick Tremblay is one of the biggest names in classical music. When it comes to work, he’s all in. There is only time for music and working to make his dreams come through but none for love. Hell, he barely makes time to eat. When he agrees to play at an acquaintance son’s birthday party he figured he’d go in, make his rounds then go home—but his plans change when he walks into the path of Vaughan Singleton.
Vaughan “Sin” Singleton is the disowned heir to a candy empire. After he came out, his life basically ended and he had to start over from scratch. Joining the military was the thing to save him and also the one thing that brought him to his knees. Forced to retire, slinging alcohol wasn’t his dream but he needs something to pay the bills and to assist with easing back into civilian life. When he meets Frederick, Vaughan isn’t looking for love, but one unguarded moment changes everything.
From different sides of the track, Frederick and Vaughan have much to teach each other. But what is to become of their new romance when Frederick’s quirks come to light and Vaughan’s brother shows up?
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th November 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Wealthy real estate mogul Christophe Lafavre has everything—except any love life to speak of. Though he has a brilliant head for business, when it comes to relationships, he’s often left fumbling in the dark.
To put a stop to the whispers about his pitiful social life, Christophe takes a suggestion from a friend and goes to a club on masquerade night. There, he meets an elusive hottie who calls himself Raj, and though Christophe cannot see Raj’s face, there’s definitely a connection. Over the phone and online, Christophe and Raj get to know each other. Their conversation is easy and arousing. It’s hard for Christophe to believe the strength of the feelings he’s developing toward a man who is still essentially a stranger, but he can’t get Raj out of his head. They eventually give in to their physical longing—but still Raj refuses to show his face or divulge his identity.
When it comes, the revelation will rock Christophe’s world and redefine more than one relationship in his life.
First Edition published as If I was Your Man by Breathless Press, 2013.
Review: I absolutely love Friends to Lovers stories, and after reading the excerpt for this story, I was so hyped up to read this, but the first half of the book is all hot and steamy, and I was breezing through this, until it started to drag on for me. Christophe and his business partner, have been best friends for years, they also co-own a thriving company together. The idea behind the Masquerade piece injected into the story is brilliant. Christophe has everything that he can want in life, except for a significant other. His past lovers are nothing to speak about, because they don’t stay around long enough.
A friend told Christophe that the club they frequent will have a Masquerade night and that he should check it out. He’s free that night, and he goes. There he meets Raj, but Christophe thinks that he’s egotistical. They dance together, and then Christophe reluctantly leaves the bar, but not before they exchange information on how to contact each other. Couple days past and they started messaging each other. Now Raj knows everything there is about Christophe and he wants him, but Chris is the cautious type and doesn’t want to be hurt again by another man. Further into the story, the sex scene in the restaurant is so steamy and hot, but the moment froze over fast when Raj reveals himself to Christophe and that he’s in love with him. Christophe freaks out now, and says some pretty hateful things to Raj and then runs out of the restaurant.
At the office, things are very strained with Christophe and Raj/Jas. Chris doesn’t want to see or talk to Jas, so he hides out in his office, Jas decides that he can no longer work at the company with the way that Chris feels about him with the deception. He works from at home, and then he leaves the country without letting anyone knowing. So after talking with an employee and family members, Chris decides that he can’t live without Jas, and the way that he makes his body sing in bed. So he goes looking for Jas to beg for forgiveness. It then drags out for me, but hopefully for Christophe, he can convince Jas to give him another chance.
Hi guys, we have Remmy Duchene & BLMorticia popping in today with their upcoming release Wounded Pride, we have a brilliant guest post from BLMorticia and a great excerpt, so guys, check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Wounded Pride
(Wounded 02)
by
Remmy Duchene & BLMorticia
Renford Kline is straight… right? He got over his experimentation in college and moved on. Then how does he explain his blush-inducing fantasies about Brian Daystar? Fantasies he’s having when he should be focused on his career move from attorney to professor. When Brian comes to New York, Renford knows he’s in trouble. Everything about Brian attracts him—from his tight body to his beautiful, dark, hair—but Renford is straight… right?
Brian Daystar needs a break. He’s been working nonstop to turn his Montana ranch into a safe haven for at-risk youth—so much so that he can’t even bring himself to care when he finds out his partner, country star Corey, is cheating on him. Their relationship has been over for a long time, but it might take his feelings for Renford to make Brian accept it.
Both men have decisions to make. Renford must come to terms with who he truly is, and Brian is going to have to decide if he will shun his happiness or embrace it.
To familiarize yourself with all the characters, reading Wounded Hearts is recommended.
Blurb: Zane Ashford’s stint in the NYPD comes to an abrupt halt when he is injured in the line of duty. After waking up partially blind in one eye, all he wants to do is crawl into a hole, but his friends and family won’t leave him alone. Reluctantly, he lets his best friend talk him into time away on a ranch in Montana. But the moment he gets there and meets Cyrus Abrams, Zane begins to contemplate murder.
Cyrus Abrams is vulgar, ornery, stuck in his ways, and not about to change for anyone, no matter how good Zane Ashford looks in those jeans. The more they lock horns, the more Cyrus begins to see Zane in a whole new light. But Cyrus has a past, one that left him in big trouble and more broken than he cares to admit—a past no one told Zane about. Cyrus fears that when Zane finds out, everything will come to a screeching halt.
Review: Hot damn this was one sexy book. The first thing that drew me in was the cover, and then the title, then the blurb and my heart just started beating fast. The cover showed me that it was going to be hot and sexy, mixed in with a bit of humor. Not a lot but just the perfect amount added in. Then there is the fact that one of the guys used to be a cop and damn my palms just started sweating. A man with the gun just heats you up. Then the title showed me that there is a bit of angst that will pull at you and maybe just a bit of tears added in. Then the blurb just captivates you and makes you want to grab it.
Zane was injured in the line of duty and he was pissed to say the least. He wanted to just give up and stay hidden. However thanks to his family and friends, his ass was about to go on a little trip to see a ranch. Now this is just not an ordinary ranch mind you, for there is one sexy man there who is going to rock Zane’s world.
Now Cyrus is just the man for the job. He is a stuck in the mud, and crazy to boot. He also can swear like a sailor or maybe a sexy man looking for some hot loving. These two just can’t seem to get along, that is until Cyrus sees a man with potential and heat. He wants this man, now all he has to do is to get the guts to say something. Or maybe just make a move now that would be hot.
I had a blast reading this and look forward to reading more by these two amazing authors. Now I have had the chance to read many books by these two and I have got to say that this one is my favorite so far. I would definitely recommend it.
Ravinder Raja never saw himself as a jealous person, but when his best friend, Alfred, begins preparations to get married, Ravinder can’t help feeling alone. While kicking his best-man duties into high gear, he finds a job in India working as the PR rep for a wounded security company. He just wants is to get away from all things ‘wedding’ until he has to face the music. He never expected Thaddeus Mastersons and the way his body will betray him when it comes to the sexy ex-hacker.
Thaddeus Masterson got into some serious trouble when he was young. But now, reformed and fresh off working with the FBI, he’s decided to go back into business for himself—legally. When a friend’s company is brought to its knees by hackers, Thaddeus reluctantly packs his stuff and jets off to India. It’s the last place he expects to find love. But as they say, love always finds a way.
Review: I’ve read a few books by this author already and I’m always in-love with the characters. I ABSOLUTELY love this series. Was very sorry when the story ended.
Ravinder and Alfred (from Intoxication 1) are the best of friends, they’ve known each other for years and share most of the same interests. Now that Alfred is getting married Ravinder is doing his Best man duties for Alfred’s up-coming Wedding and Ravinder is seeing the Green eye-monster. Ravinder never saw himself as the jealous type, but it is raring it’s head to see how happy Alfred is and he is still alone with no love interest in sight.
Ravinder has accepted a job offer, but it is in India. He starts his new job, and there in Mumbai is where he meets the ex-hacker Thaddeus Masterson. On first sight. Ravinder isn’t impressed, but Thaddeus is totally infatuated at the sight of Ravinder and wants to possess him body and soul. As they work together to complete the job that Thaddeus is hired to do, they can’t resist the heat between them. Will Ravinder find his Cum Whisperer?
I love this series and recommend that it should be read in order.
Blurb: Alfred Leung’s life is in the crapper. From his gold-digging, racist mother and a cheating ex-boyfriend to his hang-ups about sex—everything in his existence depresses him. Add to it spending his days serving faux French food in a diner. It isn’t how he planned on spending the rest of his life—the fates have definitely conspired against him. Just out of a relationship, he decides to focus on work and going back to one of the things that makes him happy—photography. Then Darius Stark in his Armani suit walks through the door of the diner, and Alfred’s world is about to take on a spin he never saw coming.
Darius Stark hasn’t been with a man in years. Men see the suit and run screaming in the other direction or they tear-ass toward him because they see dancing dollar signs. He decides to focus on his business, but soon he’s buried himself so deeply in his work that years goes by without someone to love. Finally, he sees Alfred and wants him, but Darius is about to find out not everyone thinks he’s almighty and that some men are flawed.
Review: Darius Starks is a man that have given up on Relationships and Love. He’s tired of people looking at him and seeing Dollar signs, being with him only when they want something or they’re afraid of him. Alfred not to long got out of a bad relationship, where his ex cheated on him, and another having hang-ups about Sex. They both want to be Loved for who they are on the inside, and not for their outer appearance.
Alfred’s mother is a piece of work, she’s Racist, she doesn’t approve of her son being Gay, but yet she wants him to stay in a bad relationship because it benefits her, money-wise. She doesn’t care if her son is happy or not.
From the moment, Darius walked into the Diner that Alfred works in, Alfred becomes weak in the knees and has an instant attraction to Darius, but thinks that there’s no way that Darius would look at him in a sexual way. After a misunderstanding at their second meeting. Darius sets out to change Alfred’s mind about him.
Hi guys, we have Remmy Duchene stopping by today with her upcoming release Trust and Control, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt for you to check out, so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Trust and Control
by
Remmy Duchene
Wealthy real estate mogul Christophe Lafavre has everything—except any love life to speak of. Though he has a brilliant head for business, when it comes to relationships, he’s often left fumbling in the dark.
To put a stop to the whispers about his pitiful social life, Christophe takes a suggestion from a friend and goes to a club on masquerade night. There, he meets an elusive hottie who calls himself Raj, and though Christophe cannot see Raj’s face, there’s definitely a connection. Over the phone and online, Christophe and Raj get to know each other. Their conversation is easy and arousing. It’s hard for Christophe to believe the strength of the feelings he’s developing toward a man who is still essentially a stranger, but he can’t get Raj out of his head. They eventually give in to their physical longing—but still Raj refuses to show his face or divulge his identity.
When it comes, the revelation will rock Christophe’s world and redefine more than one relationship in his life.
First Edition published as If I was Your Man by Breathless Press, 2013. This edition has been re-written, revised and re-edited.
Koi Pyktis is the last of the Shivers and, lately, he’s been feeling as if the whole world is in love, leaving him the odd Shiver out. Though he has his eyes on Kofi’s friend, Christophe Sidler, he knows he must keep his hands off him. His father’s enemies are out there and they seem hell-bent on starting a war between the Shivers and anyone else they want.
Christophe Sidler has loved Koi Pyktis since the moment he laid eyes on the studly Greek. But he’s fresh from mourning his mother, getting his feet wet in the business world and trying desperately not to put his foot in his mouth around Koi.
However, what will Christophe feel and say when he finds out what Koi really is, and where will Christophe stand in the battle ahead?
Review: Koi Pyktis, along with his brothers Ciro and Osaki, are other worldly protectors of our race. Call them demi-gods, immortals or Shivers, and Koi is the last. His brothers have met their mates and though they would still come when called if needed, Koi feels the need to handle everything on his own and allow them peace with their partners. While Koi cares more for the human Christophe Sidler than mere friendship, he avoids any attachment for fear that his enemies will go after Christophe, so he continually pushes the man away.
Christophe doesn’t understand why Koi pushes him away. His moods run hot and cold, much like the weather and the random rain storms and typhoon like mood swings. Once Koi, Ciro and Osaki let Christophe in on their secret, things start to make more sense. But an enemy has discovered that the unbeatable Koi has just one weakness, love, and will stop at nothing to destroy that love and bring Koi to his knees.
I’ve been with this series from the start and while I am always anxious to see what’s going to happen to this brotherhood of immortals also known as Shivers, this book was a bit chaotic. There was so much going on and at times, I couldn’t keep up, I got confused and had to skip back several pages to be sure I was in the right persons head. What made it even more confusing was, sometimes I thought I was reading one character, when it was actually another.
The world building though continues to amaze me, this world of immortal men and their human lovers. How their moods affect things like the weather, how fiercely loyal they are and how they love with every fiber of their being. They are passionate creatures and all those emotions really jump off the page while reading. Christophe was just as fierce as his lover was and determined to stand by his side, regardless, and I loved that about him.
Overall, it was an okay read for me. Had it not been so chaotic at times, more stars would have been given. I would still recommend this series to any fans of PNR/Supernatural type reads or those that like stories with a twist on the Olympus, Greek Gods, and Demi-gods trope. Start at the beginning though, the stories will read and flow better that way.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Country Soul, 2nd Edition Series: N/A Author: Remmy Duchene Genre: Contemporary Western Length: 120 pages Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 17, 2016) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: When Jackson Rawlings comes out of the closet, he loses everything: from his record label to the self-confidence he needs to perform on stage. Jackson feels as if the world is out to get him. Broken and afraid, he escapes to Hallesford and the ranch he calls home. All he wants is to live out the rest of his life peacefully and out of the spotlight.
But the fates just love interfering in his life.
Marques Lopez is the owner of Phoenix Records, and not only does he hate what happened to Jackson, he feels Jackson Rawlings has plenty more to contribute to the music industry. He ventures into small-town USA to find the singer and when he does, Jackson is a mere fragment of the man he used to be.
To make matters worse, Marques’s body and heart step in to present him with a choice between business and pleasure—unless he could have his cake and eat it too….
First Edition published by Silver Publishing, 2011.
Review: I have never really thought I would actually like stories about music or country boys. However after reading this I think I changed my mind. I knew that prejudice was still going strong, but these days one would think differently about gay country singers.
I would have loved to stand up and shout at Jackson’s old producer.
Jackson was one hot country singer who had the carpet pulled out from under him. His label decided they didn’t want to be associated with a gay singer. Now all he wanted to do was to make music, but it wasn’t until a sexy man showing up that might be able to change his mind.
Marques wanted Jackson to sing for him, but after meeting the man he wanted more. He just has to help the man heal and to see that he was very much wanted. He was wanted as a singer by many and he was wanted as a man by Marques.
It really is hard to write a good review when you can manage to give the story away. However I have to tell you that this story not only has the romance, but it seems to have an underline message about drinking that pulled my heart-strings.
I have to say that something was missing but it doesn’t take away from the story at all. I had fun with it and look forward to reading more by this amazing author.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Captive to his Wonder Series: N/A Author: Remmy Duchene Genre: Interracial/Contemporary Western Length: Novel (216 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 19th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Shipped off to boarding school at a young age, Bradley Ellesbury Jr. lacked for nothing, except the love and approval of his father. Now with his father’s recent passing, Bradley feels the sting of disapproval one last time with the reading of the will.
Forced to leave behind his glamorous Parisian lifestyle, Bradley returns to the small town of Foster Creek to do precisely what his father forbade—sell the ranch. Meeting the infuriating cowboy his father hired to run the place only makes him more determined to go against his father’s wishes.
Too old to be playing mind games with twenty-something know-it-alls, Jace Cornielle stays only because he promised the old man. Somewhere between picking fights and making snarky comments, Jace and Bradley move from annoyance to attraction. Then Bradley learns losing the cowboy means he loses everything. ISBN: 978-1-63216-474-2 Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5825 Reviewer: Prime Review: This is really difficult for me to rate. I really liked it and enjoyed it, so even though I hate to give it three hearts, I really don’t want to. To break it down, I really liked the first third of the book, the second third was okay and the final third was excellent.
Bradley returns back to the small town where he grew up after the death of his father. His father had sent him to boarding schooling in Paris as a fourteen year old and Bradley had simply stayed there. Jace is a vet and also the foreman that had been hired by Bradley Sr. to run the family ranch/farm because he wanted it to stay in the family and knew his son would otherwise sell.
Jace is a very mature type person as well, which clashes with Bradley’s more child-like personality. Bradley really didn’t come from a happy family and as a result, he’s a bit childish and selfish to start off with, particularly when it comes to his father’s estate.
The attraction between Bradley and Jace is odd too. It works, they work. They are completely hot together. However, it is an explosive attraction, which basically ends them in fighting just about all the time. The “disaster” that occurs in the last third doesn’t stop the couple from blowing up at each other, which gripes me because one of the men isn’t at full health at the time. To put it bluntly,
Bradley has a natural tendency to sabotage all the relationships in his life. He has held onto the bitterness and resentment that he held towards his father for many years. Although through his relationship with a childhood friend, Rebecca, and her daughter, you see a different side of Bradley. And as for Jace, yes, he is mature but he is stubborn as well. He also seems fond of standing on his soapbox and preaching in my opinion. Yet he too has a kind heart, as seen with his interaction with down-on-his-luck teen, Sam.
Many of the minor characters are wonderful: honourable mentions go Bradley’s friend Galen who puts up with a lot, as well as the people on the ranch, Sam, Weston and Danny, as well as Rebecca in the town. And also, Jace’s younger brother, Sean.
The story flows, but it relies on the two men fighting. As for characters, I really would have liked to see a little more development from Bradley. I say this because he had signs and actually started to act as though he had changed, but then he didn’t really in the end.
Finally, this story features one of the things that irritate me at times: age gap. So Bradley is 29 and Jace is 42, so that’s an age gap of 13 years. The way Jace carries on the age gap is wider and as if Bradley is 21, so I found him condescending at times, which is why the two argue so much.
It seems from my review that this is a book predicated on arguments. It isn’t really. It’s about two men with difficult personalities going through a difficult situation. I feel as if Bradley and Jace’s story hasn’t ended and I would love to read more about these two guys.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Title: Ma Cheri Series: Romance on the Go Author: Remmy Duchene Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Length: Short (33 pages) Publisher: Evernight Publishing (August 5th 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts Blurb: Gaël Leveraeu put his foot in his mouth after a one-night stand with the sexy Shawn Rhodes. The moment he walks away, however, Gaël knows he made a mistake. He wants more from Shawn, but did he screw everything up before it even started?
Shawn Rhodes never partakes in one-night stands, but there was something about Gaël. After Gaël leaves, Shawn tries to get on with his life but a flower delivery brings Shawn back to face the possible feelings simmering just beneath the surface.
Review: Two months ago, Gael and Shawn had a one-night stand. Now neither can stop thinking about the other. But they are an ocean apart. Gael finally gives in and starts sending flowers with little notes. Gael wants Shawn again for more than one night. He starts by slowly seducing him with delivers and notes apologizing. Then one of Gael’s friends has a surprise delivery of his own, Shawn.
This was cute. Two men who usually go for the quick and easy find someone they can’t stop thinking about. It’s a short so there is not much story, but I did enjoy it. I think this could have been better as a longer book. It was enough to whet my appetite but not leave me full. I kind of want more with these two men.
Good for a little fast pick me up.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Dance for Me Author: Remmy Duchene & Allison Cassatta Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance Length: Novel (228 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (March 19th 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Lo… When they dance into your heart and falling can’t be helped …ve
Alexander Benton is used to getting what he wants. With his wealthy parents MIA most times, he is left to rule Julliard and half of Manhattan with impunity. He hides his misery behind meaningless sex and condemning behavior.
Augusto Catalan grew up poor. To make a living, he dances at a local gay performance club and survives on the poverty line. His crappy New York apartment and simple life make him happy—except for the death of his lover, his brother being in a war zone and his life-long dream of getting into Julliard slipping away with each passing day.
When Alex meets Augusto, he knows there is no way this ghetto boy is getting into /his/prestigious school. Then he sees Augusto dance.
Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ACRDDANC Review: Alexander Benton is rude, ostentatious, entitled, domineering and handsome. He has spent his life with a silver spoon up his ass the product of money and an upper class life style. The only thing Alex has missed out on is love. True, unyielding, undying and unconditional love. His parents are never around and the one person that he trusted and gave his heart to, tore it apart. In an effort to remain indifferent, he’s only done the occasional hook-up or his latest friends with benefits, which are more benefits than friends.
Augusto Catalan is polar opposite of Alex. He has worked hard to get where he is and came from practically nothing. The Spanish-American dancer wears his pride on his sleeve and has had the love of his parents and adopted brother, along with his boss and long-term partner’s father for as long as he can remember. After the death of his lover to cancer, Gus never wanted to open his heart or his life to another man. He can’t take a chance of being hurt that deeply ever again. That is until he meets Alex.
Alex and Gus butt heads from the start. They really, truly can’t stand one another. The mutual disdain is insurmountable, and the sexual tension couldn’t be cut with a pair of garden sheers! Gus knows he should walk away from the brash dancer, but he can’t help himself, and one stolen kiss later, the two can’t seem to stop thinking about each other.
Sparks fly and passion ignites when they stop running, and stand still long enough to get their arms wrapped around each other. But can a person really change who they are? Will Alex be able to give up the control he so desperately clings too in order to capture and hold on to Gus’s heart? And if he can, will Gus open himself up to love and be loved again?
Cassatta and Duchene have delivered a well-written and highly emotional love story set in a world surrounded by dance. Alex is an accomplished ballet dancer and Gus is a striving fresh new dancer, just enrolled at Julliard. They really come together and compliment each other, learning from each other’s weaknesses and gaining from each other’s strength.
My only teensy issue was the slight resemblance of instalove at one point in the story, and a little misplaced angst here and there. But overall, this was a fun, fast read that got my blood pumping and left me with a smile on my face.
If you like a passionate love story between a couple of sexy guys that have to learn how to bend and move to please each other (pun intended!) with a Happy ending (!!) then this is the story for you.
Title: Head over Heels Author: Remmy Duchene Genre: Contemporary/Interracial/Suspense Length: Novella (141 pages) Publisher: Evernight Publishing (June 6th 2014) Heat Level: Mild Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2.5Hearts Reviewer: Tams Blurb: Firefighter Christian Shane, badly scarred from a fire that ravished a city block, runs away from New York to Beacon Cove, hoping to hide away in his family’s beach house. All he wants is to be left alone.
Case Jenkins never met a sexy, muscled stud he liked. They were always jocks and always dicks—plain and simple. He was too much of a nerd and not built like a brick house. But when he sees Christian Shane, he can’t control himself. Nothing worth having ever comes easy, and Case isn’t quite sure he has enough patience. But there’s a madman trying to burn down the world, and in the end, both men must come to terms with their feelings.
Be warned: m/m sex
Purchase Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/head-over-heels-by-remmy-duchene/ Review: Firefighter Christian Shane is left broken after he was injured and almost killed in a fire. Feeling completely out of sorts, he decides to spend his time off and the rest of his recovery at his family home in Beacon Cove. Case Jenkins as well is seeking solace at the house he bought in the Cove when he won the lottery. He’s secluded himself in an attempt to write a novel, but he is lacking inspiration as of late. That is, until he meets the tall, scarred and lonely man on the beach that is staying in the house next to his.
The attraction is immediate, the chemistry undeniable, but both men are scarred both inside and out and getting close almost proves impossible. They continually come together only to wind up apart after pride, confusion, miscommunication and distrust get in the way. When Christian learns one of his best friends and fellow firefighter has been killed in a fire, a fire that is eerily similar to the strange fire that almost killed Christian, he rushes back to New York, leaving Case behind, hurt and confused once again. But this time, Case decides to stake his claim once and for all and follows.
While the premise for this story had potential and the characters were flawed and believable, the typos and breaks in the story made it difficult to read at times. Everything felt rushed and hectic, not enough time spent in some areas that could have been explored more fully. And the threat was slightly anticlimactic for me. That being said, there were facets of this story that I really enjoyed. The friendships that each man shared, Christian and Mas, Case and Bethany, were endearing and relatable and there was an obvious passion between the two male leads.
Blurb: High school history teacher, Jake Salvatore has been in love with champion bull-rider Dusty Parker for years but has never found the courage to tell his friend how he feels. To enjoy some down time, Dusty comes back to his small hometown during his winter break, but Dusty’s stay is anything but restful. An unexpected snowstorm strands Jake and Dusty together and despite the cold winter night things heat up. Jake has to face his shyness and his apprehensions from a traumatic childhood. Can Dusty convince his lover that their relationship is worth the work so that they can both experience the ride of their lives?
Review: Okay, so I started reading the story thinking it was going to go one way, and then it took me onto a silently different path. The blurb suggests that the story is simply about one man pining after another and the reader assumes that through some predictable plot twists, the men will end up together. Well that’s true, but it’s only part of the story.
Jake is the quintessential broken man. The book opens with the reader catching a glimpse of Jake’s inner pain, and knowing that it will play a pivotal role in the romance to come. What the rest of the story reveals is the cause of Jake’s inner turmoil and how Dusty is the man who will come along and help Jake to save himself. But these men will have to work at their HEA. Jake will need to make some tough admissions to the man he’s loved for years and Dusty will need to learn to forgive when Jake makes bad decisions. The story will take the men from being snowbound in Canada to being in tropical balmy Nevada. They will need to employ the use of best friends and siblings in order for them to navigate their way back to each other.
There is lots of steam in the book to make anyone’s hair curl pleasurably. The sex in this story, however, serves as both good and evil; and, for Jake to come into his own and heal himself, his sex with Dusty must not only be hot and steamy, it must also be healing and restorative.
In a nutshell, this is the story of how Jake will find his peace from his inner demons and allow himself to trust and be happy with the man whom he’s loved for years and who will love him back if given the opportunity.
Blurb: Anderson “Andy” Hartley Jr. lives the life of a playboy with Daddy’s money, but without love. If his father finds out Andy’s gay, the game’s over. So he restricts his sex life to the pool house and seems content until he meets the gorgeous new groundskeeper, who just might turn his life upside-down. Merrick “Maverick” Washington is African-American, an ex-SEAL, and recently released from prison after his false conviction was overturned. Working for a rich white dude who looks down his nose at him is one more blow to his spirit. But any job is a step toward self-sufficiency, and Maverick’s not willing to risk that for a spoiled brat. Then Andy tugs at more than Maverick’s body, and he’s starting to wonder how things would shake out if they both overcame their fears and let their worlds collide.
Review: Andy Hartley leads a life of decadence and privilege. After his moms death his already strained relationship with his father only got worse. He avoids his father whenever possible and keeps the truth about his sexuality from him for fear of being cut off and kicked out. He keeps his secret well confining his trysts to the pool house, well out of his father’s range, until Merrick comes along.
Merrick is a gay, African-American, ex navy seal and alleged ex con. He’s out of prison with his conviction overturned but still, no one will hire him. When a friend gets him a job, as the grounds keeper for influential Anderson Hartley, he jumps at the chance. Andy doesn’t hide his attraction to Merrick, but he’s scared to risk the first paying job he has found for the spoiled rich kid. Soon enough though, the mutual attraction takes over. When Andy’s father notices and confronts them, Andy doesn’t deny anything and his worst fears are realized.
As the story progresses Andy and Merrick grow closer and fight through their inner demons and personal doubt to maintain their relationship. A couple of twists and turns along the way give them both unexpected financial stability as well. Andy has fallen completely in love with Merrick. But when he says those three little words will his heart be broken if Merrick doesn’t feel the same?
Duchene and Cassatta have managed to write a love story where there is struggle, loss, and uncertainty from the ML without adding any angst! None! Zip, zilch, nada. This story is about two grown ass gay men that each has a little doubt for one reason or another if their relationship will work. The story is conveyed well and kept completely on the adult playing field, I loved it! When these two get going in the bedroom it is passionate and sensual. Andy has always been the one in control and he quickly learns that Merrick has a controlling side, and it turns him on even more.
This is a must read for us hopeless romantics! Two gorgeous alpha males falling in love and figuring out how to keep it together and keep it real. Oh, right, there is a HEA as well… Bonus!!
Blurb: When Christophe’s best friend tells him he needs to get out more, he reluctantly agrees. He never imagined that one bold step would change everything.
Christophe LaFavre is a Real Estate mogul. When it comes to business no one does it better. But when it comes to love, he just can’t seem to get it right. When his best friend talks him into going to a club to meet someone, he does it. What he didn’t expect was to find someone who made his body burn from the very first time their eyes meet through their masquerade masks. To make matters worse—this stranger is hell bent on teaching Christophe a few lessons, lessons that burns his body and tempts his heart.
Review: Christophe LaFavre is self-assured and confident at work, in his love life, not so much. When his best friend and co-worker Jas nags him to go out and have some fun, he relents. He didn’t expect to stumble upon a man who could set him on fire with just a look. And there is something about his eyes and his voice that Christophe finds familiar, but he can’t place it.
I loved this book at the start with the mystery and passion between Christophe and the stranger. A little over half way through it took a bit of a nosedive into cliché’s and angst. There is some pretty hot, consensual sex that involves tabletops and chairs as well and not necessarily in that order or at the same time! Overall, though this was a fast paced, slightly sexy novella that is right up your alley if you’re in the mood for a quickie.
Blurb:Anderson’s life changes when he discovers his father murdered. Then solving a complicated serial murder case only gets worse with the intense, growing feelings.
Literature professor Anderson Williams has a date with his father but arrives to find him dead. When he meets NYPD officer, Leo Sung Kim, he doesn’t expect his body’s reaction and he tries to keep his hands off. But as a deranged killer gets closer, he’s forced into a tight space with the sexy cop.
Leo’s seen horrible things as a cop. But the latest serial killer is worse than anything he’s encountered. He’s instantly smitten with Anderson and tried to stay professional. But how does one avoid a brainy, sexy man with sad brown eyes?
Even as Leo fights his emotions, the killer gets bolder. When the smoke clears, Leo could not only lose his heart but his life.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This is a re-edited re-release of THE ORCHID MURDERS.
Review: Literature professor Anderson has a standing Friday night date with his dad, Jazmon. This week though, he is running late and when he arrives he makes the devastating discovery of his father’s body. Homicide detective Leo is taking the case; Jazmon had been a friend of his. Finding the killer is his first priority, but he has a fierce attraction to the son, Anderson. Anderson and Leo are thrown together when the killer seems to be targeting both of them. They also have a mutual attraction to work out, as they become close the killer gets more daring and it ends up with both men fighting for their lives and their love.
This is a great mystery, suspense story that has loss, love and hope threaded throughout. Anderson is smart, sexy and suffering from a devastating loss. Leo is dedicated, hot and suffering the same loss. Both men come together in a time of need and while Leo is stumped in his investigation he becomes close to Anderson. Anderson finds it hard to believe the sexy detective is serious about him and tries to shield his heart. But, when Leo is in danger he realizes he has to take a chance. Leo just wants to find the killer of his friend. He doesn’t want it to overcast the relationship he wants to have with Anderson, but his own feelings might just drive them apart.
I really liked how this story was written and the mystery of who the killer was and why. I must admit to constantly thinking back to the opening scene and wondering what part it played in the story. Anderson and Leo are great characters who both deal with a lot as they tentatively embark on a relationship. Both of them unsure of what the other really wants from them. Then we have the hunt for the killer and the mystery of why he is killing his targets and why Leo and Anderson are in his sights. It has just the right amount of puzzle so you try to fit the pieces together and you end up with a strong idea of who the killer is. But, the reason has you scratching your head until it is fully revealed.
I recommend this to those who adore mystery, suspense, hot men fumbling with a relationship during trying times, high tempers and confused feelings, hot sex and sweet love and a very climatic ending.
Blurb:It’s been years since Ashton fell in love with a boy, but now that boy is a man who makes Ashton burn for more.
Ashton Clarke is a stripper. Some nights he dances on stage at the Nuts and Bolts, other nights he gives private dances to the club’s rich patrons. When he is sent to give a private dance to a birthday boy and he turns around to see J.C. Sparta sitting there, he runs. Nobody from Ashton’s past knows that his parents cut him off from the family fortune when he came out, forcing him to strip to make ends meet.
But that’s not the only reason Ashton runs. J.C. Sparta was the one man he loved but never confessed it. When J.C comes back again and makes him an offer, how can he possibly refuse?
Review: Ashton was disowned when he told his parents he was gay. Now, he makes his living stripping. It’s a job that pays the bills, but one night he turns around and his client is none other than J.C., the boy he once fell in love with. J.C. is celebrating his birthday with a lap dance bought for him by his best friend, but when the dancer turns around he’s startled to see Jeremy (Ashton). Jeremy who he remembers from school, but what was he doing stripping? J.C. needs to see him again and hopes he can give him an offer he can’t refuse.
This is a lovely short story of seeing past the trappings surrounding a man and to the person they really are. Ashton lost everything when he came out to his parents, only his best friend Bo stood by him and helped him navigate the real world and now J.C. has walked into his life. But, Ashton is wary of trusting him, after all the only person he knows he can trust is Bo. So does he take a chance with his heart? J.C. has been bitten in the past and he is wary of jumping in with a man again, but when he sees Jeremy (Ashton) again after all these years he throws caution to the wind and takes a chance that Ashton wants him and not his money.
Both Ashton and J.C. are wary men, but as they come together both of them seem to realize that they have found just what they need in the other man. You can understand Ashton’s cautiousness, because of how he lost not just his parents, but all his friends when he came out. only one person standing beside him and being there for him, so when J.C. comes to him it makes him wonder what J,C, really wants. J.C. is willing to take the chance that Ashton wants him, the man, and not the businessman, he knows it’s a risk, but he wants Ashton and wants to show Ashton that they would be good together.
The dynamics of the relationship is fluid, although Ashton likes to be spanked by J.C., he also takes control as well. The sex between them is very hot and at times feels desperate, as though they must have it now. Although the relationship felt a bit rushed, it seemed to suit both their personalities and worked well for them. Although they make an interracial couple, there is no real focus on that; they are just two men who want each other.
So, if you want a story of seeing beyond the surface, new beginnings, hot passionate sex and trusting your instincts, of realizing that the timing is perfect for you and no lost regrets, then this is the book for you.
Title: Trust and Control
Title: Faded Into You 
Title: So Into You
Title: Koi
Title: Country Soul, 2nd Edition
Title: Captive to his Wonder
