Tag: Retro GLBT Reviews

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh

{34764C47-4BE8-45CA-9D37-462596263D13}Img100Title: Nine Lights over Edinburgh
Series: His for the Holidays
Author: Harper Fox
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Novel (123 pages)
Publisher: Carina Press (December 6th, 2010)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Detective Inspector James McBride is riding high on the belief that he’s about to bust a human-trafficking ring. But just five days before Christmas, his unorthodox methods catch up with him and his world comes crashing down.

McBride tries to concentrate on his new day job as security for the visiting Israeli ambassador. He even starts to feel a renewed sense of self-worth when the leader of the Israeli team, the aristocratic Tobias Leitner, takes a bullet for him in the line of duty. But he can’t forget the trafficking case, especially when his investigations result in the kidnapping of his own daughter! McBride has no one to turn to for help—no one, except Toby.

Can these two very different men work together to bring about a holiday miracle—and heal one another’s heart in the process?

ISBN: 9781426890949

Product Link: http://ebooks.carinapress.com/14384AF6-BC6A-43EE-9792-F62BF31CC4F5/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=34764C47-4BE8-45CA-9D37-462596263D13

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is one intense read! And the start of the first chapter had me amused because it sounded like one of the 1940’s PI type introduction. And the fact that he’s “McBride” is just so… so tough and Scottish (got to love a braw laddie, especially in his kilt!). It may be marketed as a Christmas story, but this is not the happy lighthearted read that many of us would expect. This is more cop-show suspense. Nonetheless, do not let that get in your way of enjoying the book.

James McBride is an Edinburgh DI – he’s forty, divorced, lonely, workaholic… paints a pretty sad picture, really. He’s also confused about his sexuality, and so he should be after the prologue. I’m going to go as far as saying he is a knight in tarnished armour and the object of his affections is more a prince charming than a damsel in distress.

Tobias Leitner isn’t one to shirk his responsibilities, even with a surly DI accompanying him. We barely just meet Toby before he puts himself in the line fire to protect James. There is certainly a spark between the men immediately.

The story is complex, probably too complex for its length, so unfortunately there isn’t quite as much development shown in terms of James and Tobias, or the emotion between the characters. There is just so much going on in the latter half that I had to pause a few times to keep track. Likewise, the plot outlined in the blurb in regards to the kidnapping of James’ daughter, Gracie, didn’t seem quite so important, because it happened in the last half of the book and didn’t really take up too many words.

Probably doesn’t help that James and Tobias don’t actually meet until almost halfway through. Because of this, the story isn’t as romantic as one would expect, but again, that’s okay! Thankfully, this one has a happily ever after, which eases the darkness and the intensity that I had just experienced reading the story.

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

The Face in the Window by Cheryl Headford

71xnDpK7yFL._SL1425_Title: The Face in the Window
Series: N/A
Author: Cheryl Headford
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (289 pages)
Publisher: Featherweight Publishing, MLR Press (November 8th, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 1/2 Hearts
Blurb: There are those who can’t see and those who don’t want to, but we’re all blind sometimes.

Ace is blind and Haze is damaged. They live in different worlds and not everyone is happy when they become boyfriends. Haze is struggling with the after effects of a traumatic event in his past that has left him at the mercy of an uncontrollable rage. When Ace’s brother steps up his campaign of torment against Ace, they’re all in danger from Haze’s outbursts, though it isn’t until things get completely out of control that the healing can really begin.

But with Ace unseeing and Haze perched on the edge of a cliff, will either of them survive long enough to benefit?

ISBN: MLR-1-02013-0162

Product Link: http://www.featherweightpublishing.com/BookStore.php?YA=CH_FACEINWNDO

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: To me this story was about two young men who help each other overcome things that have happened to them while at the same time wanting to live a normal happy life. As they become closer, someone doesn’t like it and tries their best to hurt them in one way or another.

It surprised me that Ace’s parents treated him like an embarrassment rather than a son. I was horrified by the way, his brothers treated him. I just didn’t understand how anyone could treat a disabled person like that. Ace seemed like a very independent young man to me who was more than capable of doing things by himself without the need to constantly be supervised. When he did need help, he would ask for it. I was very impressed with him.

Although I understood why Haze had rage issues, I felt that Ace helped him a lot when it would hit. I really felt horrified at what Haze had been through in the past but was also glad he and Ace found each other so Haze could finally move on from the past.

Very well written however, I didn’t understand why there was the number 1 after some sentences in the book. I also didn’t understand why Logan got away with what he did with only a talking to. Other than those two things, it was a really good book to read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The author did a very good job with the details and capturing the emotions of the main characters as well as other characters at various times throughout the book.

Fantastic read. Highly recommended.

Chameleon Wolf by Stormy Glenn and Joyee Flynn

51nfi27LS4LTitle: Chameleon Wolf
Series: Delta Wolf, #1
Author: Stormy Glenn & Joyee Flynn
Genre: Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Vampires/Werewolves
Length: Novella (128 pages)
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (May 10th, 2010)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Zac Sheehan is a Delta wolf, the council enforcer, sent out to eliminate those that broke the rules. It’s a lonely existence, leaving him on the fringes of werewolf society. All Zac wants is to find his mate and live in peace.

While on a mission, Zac finds the one thing he’s been looking for all of his life, his mate. Matt is everything Zac ever wanted in a mate, loving, caring, and drop dead gorgeous. Zac couldn’t be happier, or so he thinks. But as another mission looms, Zac discovers that things could be more dangerous than he thought.

The wolf he’s been sent to eliminate is Matt’s other mate.

ISBN: 9781606019955

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/chameleon-wolf

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This book has everything in it you could want romance, passion, action, danger, and sexy shifters. I loved the chemistry between Zac, Matt, and Aiden. These three worked very well together when things turned dangerous. They each brought their own strengths and skills into to play when it was needed.

Very well written story that keeps your attention all the way through to the end. I loved the car chase and the fights/take down scenes very detailed it was as if I was there witnessing what was taking place. I was very happy the Alpha, who seemed as though he wasn’t all there to begin with got his in the end along with the council member who helped him.

Fantastic read with passionate sex between Zac, Matt, and Aiden that added a hot break in between the danger. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series. Highly recommended read.

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

Mate of Two Vampires by Dakota Dawn

91Qta-B1loL._SL1500_Title: Mate of Two Vampires
Series: Vamp Mates, #3
Author: Dakota Dawn
Genre: MMM Ménage a Trois/Paranormal/ Vampires/Werewolves
Length: Novel (145 Pages)
Publisher: Siren Publishing (August 27th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Pierce Linden is dead to his family. Being transgender and gay in a small town has made Pierce an outcast. Not able to find a partner, he focuses on his spice business. As he works alone, Pierce longs for a family to love.

Things change dramatically when Pierce’s business draws the attention of a killer as well as two vampires.

Needing to see Pierce, the alluring voiced spice grower Darrin McLauchlan does business with, he drives over to Pierce’s place. Darrin arrives to see a charred home and a blood trail that leads to Pierce. One whiff of the beaten man has Darrin’s possessive side rearing up and his fangs coming out.

Being a young vampire, Darrin mists Pierce to the wrong room and right to Zotikos Vaughter, a vampire who’s more than happy to find his mates. Zotikos immediately takes over and mists his mates home to bond with them.

Zotikos lets the beast in him free when he finds out someone is trying to kill his mates. Will he be able to save them?

ISBN: 978-1-62740-297-2

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/mate-of-two-vampires

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is part of the Vamp Mates series and they should be read in order. Each story is about a new romantic couple, well in this case trio. What is better than two men giving into their lust and rocking their world? Three men going at it. I must admit that the female parts give me the willies. However once you start reading it you can’t help but be drawn into their worlds.

Pierce is a gorgeous man, born into a female’s body. His family had not only disowned him, but they basically said that he was dead to them. He was a transgender that had not gone through the surgery. He wanted someone to love him, but figured that would never happen. So he focused on his life and on his plants. He sold herbs to a winery, but had never met the man he spent time on the phone with. He wanted the man that he talked about, but figured he would treat him just like all the others.

Darrin was a baby vampire, not sure in what he was doing most of the time. He had been talking to Pierce for over nine months but had never met him. When he placed a phone call and didn’t get any answers he knew something was up. Focused on getting to Pierce he had not realized that this man was his mate. Things were going to get interesting. He had been a vampire for two years and needed to control his urges. He knew he had to take things slowly. However when Pierce is attacked a second time, he mist him to the wrong spot. The good news is he found their other mate.

Zotikos is over eight hundred years old and has just now found his two mates. Things were looking up for him now. The bigger problem was they had problems ahead of them. The dangers coming for Pierce has them all on edge. Things were spicy and hot, but what they did not need is someone interrupting their bonding time. Zotikos would do everything in his power to protect his mates.

This is an amazing story that just makes your blood pressure spike. I had a blast reading it and cannot wait to read the other books in this series. It caught my attention with the first chapter and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything I could want in it, although there was just a tad bit that drove me nuts.

I had a blast reading it and would recommend reading this story. It gave me sexy men, not two but three of them, vampires, feisty mates, excitement, danger and some very hot sex. Although I have not known much about transgender I was amazed the way, Pierce is so strong and vibrating with desires. I also could see his fear about how others would take him. It made it all so very real to me.
　
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Almost Heaven by Kimberly Gardner

51WN3ji9ZtLTitle: Almost Heaven
Series: Exception to the Rule #1
Author: Kimberly Gardner
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (90 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (September 28th, 2010)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: When Chris meets Kevin at his brother’s school, he instantly gets hot for teacher. He can only hope that the sexy guy is gay. Later, when Kevin shows up at the gym where Chris works, Chris is sure he’s got him hooked. A shared kiss is absolutely electric but then Kevin turns tail and runs. What the hell? Maybe he’s in the closet.

Yes, in fact, Kevin is in the closet, Deep in the closet. He has to be. He’s going to be a priest. While he’s very attracted to Chris, he simply can’t pursue it. Giving in to that attraction would ruin his life. Still, he can’t deny what he feels so instead he vows to stay away from Chris.

But steering clear is not so easy when what you’ve found is Almost Heaven.

ISBN: 978-1-60737-873-0

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/almost-heaven.html

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is the first book in the Exception to the Rule series. However, it is a stand-alone. In fact, I read and review book 3 of the series before going back to read the previous volumes. It certainly added a bit more insight when I think back on book 3, but the information was in no means vital.

This is the shortest book of the series, but it is still a fantastic read. For anyone who has a fetish for priests, this is the book for you (or rather brother/deacon – whatever the terminology, it’s been 10 years since high school religious education class). It puts an interesting twist on the common ploy of one experienced partner and one, well, virgin. It’s also a twist on the “deep in the closet” type story.

I absolutely love the two main characters, Chris and Kevin. Chris is a manly man, for lack of a better description. He has a red mustang, very nice indeed! But he is also the protective older brother, although it isn’t said in the book he seems to have helped his mother raise his younger brother as there is no father in the picture (explanation never given as to why). Chris meets Kevin when he goes to pick up his brother from school. Kevin is a teacher there, he just also happens to be training to be a priest.

Kevin may not be experienced or streetwise but he is far from naive. The poor guy is conflicted and has to put his priorities in order so that he can at least find contentment in his life. I like the spark between them, Kevin is all cuteness and sweetness, while Chris is a manly man.

However, I now come to the problem of actually knowing what’s going to happen because of book 3. This story ends rather abruptly and while we know what resolution Kevin comes to, we don’t actually know exactly what he is going to do. But that’s minor details and for anyone worried about this, take it from me, don’t get too concerned because we will get glimpses further down that track that tie together the tiny threads left behind in here!

I also find myself fond of the minor characters, including a memorable scene with a sister of Kevin’s, as well as Chris’s younger brother Mark and the boy’s mother, Carolyn. Mark sticks out in my mind because he was a prominent minor character in book 3 and the next book (also my next review), is his story. Kevin’s uncle is also a charming character.

I loved the simplicity of the storyline. It was easy to follow and we got straight to the point with no unnecessary drama, which is what makes it totally my kind of book. I may have said this before with Kimberly Gardner’s series, Playing for Keeps, but I find her writing style easy to read and enjoyable, which is probably helped by an editor, but you are sure to know what I mean.

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

A Dangerous Liaison by Penelope Rivers

51wpOafa2ILTitle: A Dangerous Liaison
Author: Penelope Rivers
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (108 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-627620-07-9
Publisher: Amira Press (July 10, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: After Percy meets Dr. Hunter Finch at his sister’s wedding, he is immediately enraptured. This continues even after he discovers, to his horror, that the man he had a fling with was actually his Archaeology 2010 professor. Even though his professor keeps pushing him away, he is determined to win the man’s heart and keep it.

Unfortunately, that’s when Percy discovers things aren’t what they seem. His beloved professor is the Beta of a werewolf pack and since Percy has been involved with him, the opposing group of werewolves is after him. Percy’s life is flipped upside down in a way he has never imagined. In college, he expected to learn from books. He never expected to learn about werewolves and love.

Purchase Link: http://www.amirapress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=417&zenid=9eb78194cf714768749a8e9d3a976b1a

Review: This was an amazing read. I was quite surprised with it. I think Penelope is going to be one of my top five favorite authors and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next story. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.

I loved Percy. He was a blast to read about. Percy couldn’t stand who his sister was marring. However, it soon came out that what he had it all wrong. He also was about to learn that werewolves were in fact real. Talk about a love interest gone totally batty. He leaves the wedding and finds a very sexy man who is a bit lost. It turns out that he is the best friend and bestman to the groom. One fascinating sexual experience leads Percy on a run.

Hunter knows that he has not only found his mate but their soon to be alpha. Damn was the boy young though. He tries his hardest to stay away from the chosen one, but Percy is a persistent bugger. Then Percy and his best friend are attacked and Hunter shifts and protects. Which of course is the introduction to the poor lad to werewolves. Talk about a freak out, you will be laughing your ass off and crying at the same time.

He is about to find out that the feelings he has are because they are mates. Hunter’s old alpha passed on, leaving Hunter with the pack that he is losing his mind over. Dividing times between pack and work is driving him nuts, but he wants Percy to grow a bit before telling him the truth. Things don’t work out the way he planned it. Percy is more forceful than most.

This story was a blast to read and I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters, the way they just mix and are so full of passion. It has a serious tone to it but there is just a hint of humor in it that made it so much better to me.

I would recommend reading this amazing story. Especially if you love two very sexy men, werewolves, excitement, adventure, action and lots of danger. Not to mention the hot sex going on.

Tomcat Jones by Willa Jones

51vZLxWHIhLTitle: Tomcat Jones
Series: Tomcat Jones, #1
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Paranormal/Shifter
Length: Novel (258 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-5-59632-913-3
Publisher: Loose-ID (April 21st, 2009)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Tery
Blurb: T.J. Jones never believed in love. A shape-shifting tomcat, he’s had problems with one-night stands involving men who were horrified to find out what he was.

After getting burned one too many times, he decides he’ll shoot instead for becoming a grouchy lifelong bastard of a bachelor.

That’s before he runs into MacGowan, a smoking hot beach boy with an open heart and a sweet smile. MacGowan, an ingenuous, open-hearted sex bomb, wants T.J.’s body, his love, his friendship, and his trust.

T.J. doesn’t dare tell MacGowan that he’s a tomcat on the inside, but soon finds he has no choice when MacGowan’s developing wizard’s powers force the issue. Not only is he unwittingly MacGowan’s familiar, but MacGowan’s powers make him unable to control his shape shifting.

Purchase
Link: http://www.loose-id.com/tomcat-jones.html
Review: Tomcat Jones takes you on a wild ride of a budding Supernatural romance. Author Willa Okati has created some funny situations for her characters to fall into. They are Misfits who find kinship within their oddities. It’s sweet how T.J. and MacGowan struggle with their new magical abilities and new love. T.J. try’s to hide his shape shifting from MacGowan who’s just found out he’s a Wizard.

I liked their kooky, but good-natured best friends. T.J. “Straight” BFF Arden makes a good bi-curious wingman. And Shavey MacGowns buddy is an over protective nice guy always looking out for him. The two best friends end up finding their own love connection. Mr. Jontan the Wizard and his psycho feral cat Sur Lune make good villains. Their sadistic torture of the boys made me laugh.

Okati writes hot, vivid, detailed sex only soul mates could have. T.J. and MacGowns journey to work out fears and insecurities is very realistic. Many people go through this when meeting a dream lover. This was a magical trip about finding true love and Man on Man romance! These are characters I want to know what happens next. I will definitely read the two follow-up books. You should read them in order to know the back-story.

The Hunter's Omega Mate by Marcy Jacks

91Xn29E2+vL._SL1500_Title: The Hunter’s Omega Mate
Series: DeWitt’s Pack, #2
Author: Marcy Jacks
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (84 pages)
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc (September 21, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: When Tristan Scott ran away from his pack to avoid the roving eye of a cruel alpha, he never expected to save the life of Isaac Foster as he was drowning in the river, nor did he think the gorgeous man with purple eyes would be his mate, or a hunter of werewolves.

Isaac has hunted werewolves ever since watching his family being murdered as a kid. He hasn’t had time for relationships, but there’s something about Tristan he can’t get enough of. Their easy time together is shattered when they’re attacked and Tristan is forced to transform to defend them. Isaac cannot believe it, and threatens to kill Tristan should the two ever meet again. But meet they do.

They cannot separate themselves from each other, regardless of their enemy status, and soon they must decide whether or not a hunter really can love a werewolf without it jeopardizing both of their lives.

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-hunters-omega-mate
ISBN: 978-1-62241-515-1
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Tristan, a handsome omega wolf, meets sexy Isaac who’s a hunter and his mate, after saving him from drowning. They get to know each other better and have wild passionate sex. The next day they run into Tanner, another alpha’s brother who wants Tristan in his harem. Tanner tries to take Tristan but Isaac interferes. Tristan ends up transforming into his wolf to try to protect Isaac. Isaac ends up killing Tanner but is mad that Tristan is a wolf so he sends him away.

Tristan runs back to James pack to warn them about the hunters in the area and to accept Deacon’s offer to be in his harem to stop his attacks on the pack. The hunters find them during Tristan’s initiation ceremony into Deacon’s pack.

This book was wonderfully written. Love, passion, adventure, action, and drama are all throughout this story. I loved how smoothly the story unfolded. It was a fantastic read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal books.

Breaking Up With the Alpha by Shannon West

7af36a4178a158a6c29e970530ff9551.image.266x400Title: Breaking Up With the Alpha
Series: Dark Hollow Wolf Pack, #6
Author: Shannon West
Genre: Paranormal, Shape-Shifter, Werewolves
Length: Novella (102 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61885-462-9
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (November 21, 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Nicky’s living his happily ever after with his handsome mate Marco. He thinks he’s finally getting his life together now that the Hunters are gone, and he and Marco have the relationship he always wanted. When Marco falls desperately ill, Nicky sees his world crashing around him. Nicky’s prayers are answered when Marco awakes, but he’s horrified to discover that the illness attacked the blood match, and Marco has no memories of Nicky and their life together.

Even worse, Marco has reverted back to the overbearing, dominant alpha Nicky first met. Desperate to regain what they had, Nicky agrees to the D/s relationship he never really wanted, but unable to be submissive, he asks Marco for a separation, only to discover that Marco can’t let him move on. In despair, Nicky runs away. Can Marco find him and regain what they had? Or will they lose each other forever?
Purchase Link: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=480
Review: This was an amazing story. Each book in the Dark Hollow Wolf Pack Series focuses on a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, we recommend reading the series in sequential order. It keeps me from getting a bit lost in the stories and gives me an insight in to their world. A world that captured my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end.

I love the way each character just mixes with the others. How fast they are to defend what is theirs and what they believe. I love the way the pets or as they are also known as mates can bring the alpha’s to their knees sometimes. The alpha’s are still in charge but they are slowly learning how to bend for their mates. This story tore me up more than any story I have ever read. It brought me to tears with what happened.

Nicky and Marco had been mates for over two years. One night they had been going to save one of their wolves from capture, when Marco had been injected with a concoction. It had slowly started making Marco mad and very ill. So ill, in fact, it had dissolved their blood match. Marco couldn’t remember Nicky at first, but he knew he was his mate. However, with the dreams he couldn’t remember the important parts, so he was always aggressive with Nicky. Even getting close to be violent with him. It was slowly making him loose his mind. So much so that he wanted their mating dissolved. He had considered their mating wrong, and that the only reason he mated with him was because of the blood match. He destroyed Nicky with his behavior and his choices.

Nicky couldn’t be around Marco and his pack any longer and left. He knew what would happen if he did. He would go feral, but he just couldn’t take in any more. He loved Marco with all of his heart but he also was slowly beginning to hate him. Ending his relationship was the worst thing in his life but he knew he could make it. He just didn’t know how. He loved Marco and wanted him back. It took the time Nicky was gone for Marco to realize what he had done.

I hated this book so much, but I also loved it. Kind of the way Nicky felt I suppose. To be hurt the way he had been hurt must be the worst feeling in life. I think this was one of the strongest stories that Shannon has written. It made me feel so much. I would recommend reading this book but you need to start with book one. It will tell you more about Nicky and Marco.

This story will give you everything you could want in a story. It gives you two very sexy men, a strong-willed alpha, a quirky and feisty mate, excitement, dangerous situation, devastating attitudes and grief, anger and pain. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading it and kept it all the way to the end.

An Improbable Wolf by Lavinia Lewis

91xhpLONLDL._SL1500_Title: An Improbable Wolf

Series: The Desert Sanctuary Series, Book One

Author: Lavinia Lewis

Genre: Paranormal/ Wereshifters

Length: Novella (101 Pages)

ISBN: 978-1-78184-144-0

Publisher: Totally Bound (December 2nd, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Can werewolf Jace Bryson find and capture the wolf that attacked his mate before he finds Deacon and finishes the job?
When wolf Jace Bryson—leader of the special ops task force in the Sanctuary—hears there has been another wolf attack in Las Vegas, he quickly assembles two teams to investigate. Upon arrival, he discovers that wolf Deacon Fairchild, the victim of the latest attack, is his mate. Even more surprising is the fact that Deacon used to be human…

Humans afraid of catching ‘the wolf virus’ have hunted shifters almost to the brink of extinction, but they have been mistaken. Werewolves are not made—they are only born…until Deacon.

When a human is murdered, Jace must find the wolf responsible and stop him, before people become aware of the wolf’s ability and rage a war upon the shifters in the Sanctuary that could mean the end of the life they have become accustomed to.

Jace’s problems become exacerbated when he discovers the attack on his mate was anything but random. It was personal and the culprit is only getting started. Will Jace find the wolf responsible in time to save his mate’s life?

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/an-improbable-wolf

Review: This is book one in the Desert Sanctuary series and they should be read in order. It makes everyone easier to figure out. I actually had to read this book twice, it was that good. It was missing bits and pieces here and there but other those minor fractions it is an awesome book. I love how Lavinia spins a tell that will have you dreaming about it later. You can close your eyes and just see everything going down the way it is told. Jace Bryson is the leader of the special ops task force in the Sanctuary. They protect not only their werewolves selves but also the humans from attacks from rogues. Werewolves are not mad, they are only born, or at least that was the way it uses to be. Till he hears, there has been another wolf attack in Las Vegas. He quickly assembles two teams to investigate. What he finds is not only his mate who was at one time human that is when he was brought in to the hospital, but he leaves as a werewolf.

Deacon is one among many that were attacked he just happens to be the one that turned a belief all the way around. He was attacked by a rogue and then the next thing he knows he is a werewolf and mated to the leader of the special ops task force sent out to protect everyone. He is lost especially when he is brought back to Sanctuary. He is afraid of what happens now that he is a werewolf. However, there is the one that attacked him coming at him full force. There are many factors at risk now. The rogue that attacked him, kills another human and is focused on him. Jace realizes that he has to do everything in his powers to protect not only his mate but also his people. With the fear already out there, many of the hunters have taken out a lot of the werewolf population and now this death could start a war.

I loved this story. There are twists and turns with it. It will catch your attention from the start and keep it all the way to the end. It did mine and I had to read it twice. I love the surprise that Deacon finds when he wakes up to not only the werewolf part but also his mating. He also finds out that he has such strength and power coming from him. If you love paranormals, werewolves, fights, death, danger, and excitement then you will love this book. Not only that but it has two very sexy men and the love they have for each other will make your breath stop. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Not My Wolf by Eden Cole

notmywolfTitle: Not My Wolf

Series: My Wolf, (Fenrir Wolves) #1

Author: Eden Cole

Genre: Shifter Romance

Length: Novella, 50 pages

Publisher: Amira Press (February 17th 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Tams

Blurb: As Alpha of his Rocky Mountains Fenrir wolf pack, Corey has a lot on his plate. He thinks things are only getting better when his erotic dreams indicate he’s about to meet his mate. His Beta and best friend invites him on a double date, and Corey agrees, hoping this woman will be his one. To his shock and disbelief, he’s attracted to her brother instead—the big, muscular, overbearing man with a southern drawl. Corey refuses to believe that this cowboy is the one meant to be his mate, but the way his body reacts to one touch is making it hard for him to deny. Devin is aggressive, combative, and he won’t listen to any of Corey’s commands. They butt heads constantly, that is when Corey’s not trying to resist Devin’s hard body. But when Devin gets into trouble with a rival pack, Corey will move heaven and earth to get him back and claim him for his own.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Not-My-Wolf-Book-ebook/dp/B004OEIRNA

** This book was free on Amazon at the time of posting **

http://www.amirapress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=321

Review: When Corey agrees to go on a blind date with his best friend and pack beta, the last thing he expects to find is his mate, who is actually his blind dates brother! He refuses to acknowledge his growing attraction to Devin. He refuses to admit he is gay. Not only that, Devin is an alpha male wolf as well so the two would never be compatible. When Devin is taken by a rival pack, Corey finally not only accepts but also admits his feelings for the other wolf, and sets out to take back what is his.

Devin and his sister have escaped their abusive pack, or so they thought. Not only is Devin head strong and stubborn but he will do anything to protect his sister. He’s never hid his sexuality so when he meets his mate he’s not at all surprised it’s a man. His mate turns out to be delusional and just as stubborn as Devin is. He sets out to seduce Corey and make him so sexually frustrated he will have no choice, but to claim Devin.

This is by far one of my favourite shifter series. Character development, writing and plot building were predictable, and yet unique. Confusing, I know, you’ll just have to read the books. Corey is dead set on not claiming Devin, while Devin is dead set on being claimed. The push and pull make for some very intense sex and an intriguing read. I’ve read several of Cole’s books and I will tell you, she knows her way around the male anatomy. If you’re looking for something short, fun, fast and sexy as hell just pull her up by name.

Malachi's Word by Lissa Matthews

81p+eJn5vBL._SL1500_Title:Malachi’s Word

Series: The Bar Next Door, 01

Author:Lissa Matthews

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (50 pages)

Publisher:Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (November 6th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer:   Cat

Blurb:   Drunken confessions. Sobering friendship. And two cowboys gambling on love…

The Bar Next Door, Book 1

Could he love me? Malachi has wanted to know the answer since his best friend, Daniel, confessed to being gay. He has never forgotten that long-ago conversation, or the secret hope that another confession would follow: that Daniel is in love with him.

Daniel is—and always has been—in love with Malachi. But how is he supposed to share that information without risking the only friendship that has ever mattered to him? He couldn’t handle it if he were kicked out of Malachi’s life. The best Daniel could do was move home to Texas, buy a little rundown ranch to work outside Austin, and visit the watering hole where Malachi tends bar.

Malachi knows that something heavy is riding his friend and he’s tired of watching Daniel’s downward spiral of too much beer and too many meaningless flings. Enough is enough.

Except, when he gets Daniel home and some strong coffee down his gullet, the truth comes pouring out. A truth that nearly knocks Malachi out of his boots.

Courage like that doesn’t come easy…and Malachi can only pray his answer is enough to turn lifelong friends into forever lovers.

Product Warnings
This little tale tries to contain a gay bar, a lot of beer, a hot cowboy with a pitchfork, another one with a serious addiction to boots and coffee, and a secret yearning between the two for hot blooded, can’t wait to get naked, just leave your boots on sex. Oh, and there are doughnuts…

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/malachis-word-p-7107.html

Review: Malachi is part owner of The Bar next Door with his friend Eli.  Mal has to sit every night and watch his best friend Daniel hit on guys and get sloppy drunk, wishing it could be him going home with Daniel and wondering why he does this every night. Daniel got a ranch near Mal’s bar so he could at least be close. He has always loved mal since they were boys but knew if he ever told him he would lose him. After his stint in the service, he could no longer be so far away so he did the only thing he knew to do, move to the same town.

This is actually a very interesting story, however I felt like I was in the middle of a series not on the first book. I loved how Mal and Daniel had the same feelings and was afraid to tell the other. I liked all the characters and can’t wait to read Eli’s story, which is next.  I adored the little warnings in the blurb and front of the book.

If you like, friends to lovers, bars, cowboys, and donuts this is for you!

The Fall by David L. Dawson

15713052Title: The Fall

Author: David L Dawson

Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction, YA

Length: Novel (314 pages)

ISBN: B00734OB42

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services Inc (October 5th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Eric

Blurb: The future of planet Earth is bleak.  Two warring gods have decimated the planet.  Fanatical religious cults, cannibals and cat/human hybrids are just some of the dangers out there.  A young boy called Ben Casper lives in a crumbling shopping mall called The Glass Palace with his family. He’s just come back from a rites of passage into the brutal outside world that officially makes him an adult. Now he must get married and be trained to take over from his father as Mayor. Except he sees things differently now.  He doesn’t want responsibility. The only things he truly wants is to go back out into the world and win the love of Brian, who happens to be his best friend’s brother.  Only he might have responsibility thrust upon him when he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to kill the gods and save the world; a plot that could lead everyone he loves into mortal danger…

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Fall-God-Slayers-Quartet-ebook/dp/B00734OB42/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1393519955&sr=8-5&keywords=david+l+dawson

Review:  Interesting, fresh, a brand new take on Gods and Goddesses, this book is everything perfection when it comes to science fiction. It truly is the next Hunger Games and as long as The Stand essentially. I found this novel addicting, strong, and well written.

David Dawson truly does have a vision when it comes to writing science fiction. He truly does have a strong understanding on what it means to be out of this world. The author provides very strong characters that face so many complications it will make your head spin. I couldn’t get enough of it once I started. I stayed up into the late hours reading this novel.

The characters were fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of how well this book is written. He shows how powerful it can be when it comes to writing first person perspective. He shows—the author—what can happen if we set our minds to something. The more I read, the more immersed into the storyline I became.

Altogether, this novel is just beautiful. Strong writing, strong storyline, and excellent characters this is a book well worth the time you put into it. He truly does have the power to take you away from your problems. I highly recommend this book.

Dark Beginnings: The Demon Within by J.E. Marshall

1202DARKBEGINNINGS-430x645Title: Dark Beginnings: The Demon Within

Series: Dark Beginnings, Book 1

Author: J. E. Marshall

Length: Novel (285 Pages)

Genre:  Paranormal

Publisher: Extasy Books (February 15th, 2007)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Meet Christien James and Julien Cabrera. Unspoken attraction is what brought them together. Distance and family is what keeps them apart. Now, for an unbridled lust and longing that may never be quenched Christien finds himself doing unspeakable things in the name of, Lucian Cabrera, Julien’s father. These acts will test the very boundaries of his sanity, and for Christien, the darkness of his twisted deeds threatens to turn him into a monster that no one can stop. It’s in this darkness that Christien indulges in the rapturous pleasures of heat and hot, torrid passion. His name is Jack Carmichael. With Jack, Christien discovers the true meaning of love and desire. For Jack, Christien will drop all the walls and barriers of his life and heart and reveal who he really is. There’s only one catch… Jack is dead.

Product Link:http://www.extasybooks.com/j-e-marshall/dark-beginnings-the-demons-within/

Review: Some day’s when things get rough, I pick up a book and lose myself in it. J.E. has a gift of storytelling that boggles the mind. I have always loved a story with twist and turns, with lots of danger, anger, and excitement. This story was a bit hard to get into at first but once you start you just can’t stop. It was also very sad.

Christien is a lost young man beaten and sad, until he gets mixed up with Julien. Julien is the son of wealthy crime family. They are both killers but one has a soul where the other does not. Christien had fallen for Julien, but over time, he let that go. Married a woman whom he had gotten pregnant only for that to end when she realized he didn’t love her. For you see Christien was actually gay, he could pass for bi but in truth was not. He hid himself so that Julien’s family would not find out. Julien is difficult and you really don’t hear that much about him throughout the book, but only in the beginning and the end. The more you read about Christien you just want to smack him upside the head, but you see the truth of how lost he truly is. He has been doing so much twisted stuff that he was beginning to turn into a monster unless he is given the chance to change. Christien and Julien are attracted to each other, but their families kept them apart. Then there is Jack who is the best one could be, well if one is a ghost or spirit. Jack had also worked for Julien’s family but he stole from them and died for it. Christien had loved Jack only to end up killing him. Love triangles are never simple, and this one has a catch you’ll have to read to believe. The sex that you read about is hot and full of passion but it leaves something out.

It is a really good book, just not something I really could see myself reading more than once. There is a lot of evil throughout the story, full of amazing twists and turns. It has lots of danger, excitement, and criminal activities. I felt that it was missing something, I just don’t know what. It came off, as real life criminal activity to me, just wasn’t my cup of tea. I felt more like crying then anything with the story. It has such a serious and sad tune to it. It shows what happens when those two roads appear before you and you take the wrong turn. I just wished there something more to it, something it was missing I just don’t know what exactly. I really didn’t care much for this story. It was well written and did have an amazing plot and story line that will shock you. It left me hanging wandering about the next book to hit this series.

Master of Illusion by Blak Rayne

11729506Title: Master of Illusion

Series: Benevolence #1

Author: Blak Rayne

Genre: Dystopian / Futuristic / Mystery (m/f-m/m)

Length: Novel (338 pages)

ISBN: 9781554879069

Publisher: eXtasy Books (June 15th, 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:Something evil lurks in the streets of Avalon. From the spread of an illicit drug called Ice to the black market slave trade. The year is twenty-three thirty, nearly two decades after WWIV and the world, as we know it, is a very different place. Under the rule of one government and a questionable military, no one is safe. Laws are convenient for those who legally prey on the weak. Forced into slavery, one man seeks freedom. Obligated to his profession, the other seeks justice. Exploitation, human trafficking, and drugs— brought together by corruption, fate, a bounty hunter meets a slave, and their lives are forever changed.

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/blak-rayne/master-of-illusion/

Review: This is a dystopian story set in the 24th century. The human race has suffered through two more world wars and the results are devastating when it comes to technology – that has nearly wiped out – and quality of life. Among things that have changed are the political maps. Governments have fallen and there one worldwide Crown now governing. Homosexuality is also now punished by death or jail. However, there are loopholes that allow the deviants to exist. Slavery is lawful. A person may choose to become a slave and according to law he/she is equal to his/her master, bound to obey him for as long as a contract exists and the master is bound to provide for his/her slave. It is only like this that a master can gain a male slave, aka have homosexual sex, but they must not reside in the same house. Blond people are rare, so they are the most valuable slaves, to be cherished and shown off as a trophy or icon of power. But the truth is not so ideal, far from it. A slave, no matter what the law says, is a slave…

So this entire slave thing is very, very similar to what geisha used to be once upon a time, the idea at least. Now I’ll be honest here, this entire theme and story is very, very enticing. I could have adored this book. The mystery had excellent premises, the characters were plenty and that could have provided for a really interesting read. Our main character Sloan is charming and with a bit effort could have been a real badass to be remembered while the Beautiful Dragon (main slave character) could have charmed our pants off. BUT!

Yup, there is a big, huge even, but there. In my opinion, this book shouldn’t have hit the shelves yet. It was unfinished, unpolished, with too many typographic errors, a disturbing case of head hopping, and in serious, SERIOUS need of revision. The plot-holes were tremendous, events being mentioned and then forgotten down the road, the thread of thinking weaving right, left, and not making sense most of the times. Overall, the impression I got out of this book was that there was no serious editing performed here.

As for the erotic part of the story, that too needed a huge amount of polish. The chemistry failed to present itself and some relationships in the story and actions that were connected to those relationships made not one sense. The bonds and emotions had the possibility to take you over but never made it and the erotic scenes needed too many eyes on them to spot and point the fact that the characters jumped from one scene to the other in no sensible order, for example the couple would be in the car heading home and in the same paragraph and next line they’d be in their apartment… It is not a case of small things like this, rather the amount of small things that made it impossible to appreciate the book.

Again, I must stress the point that this idea/theme was highly intriguing. If properly worked/edited this would have been an incredible book. As it is, it’s not recommendable.

Finding Home by Cameron Dane

CamDan_FindingHome_coverlgTitle: Finding Home

Series: Quinn Security, #1

Author: Cameron Dane

Genre: Multicultural/Contemporary

Length: Novella (97 Pages)

ISBN:978-1-59632-700-9

Publisher: Loose Id (May 13th, 2008)

Heat Level: Moderate to Hot

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb:Picking pockets and stealing cars, Adam Reyes does what he must to survive. Working Chicago’s O’Hare airport, he feels pretty confident when he spots his next mark.

Security expert Rhone Quinn can’t believe the wiry kid who grabs his cell phone almost gets away with it. Logic says turn the teen over to the cops, but Rhone is a man who trusts his instincts, and his gut tells him to offer the young man a job and a chance to begin a new life. Little does Rhone know that when he makes that choice it will forever change his life, too.

Over the years that follow, a mentor relationship turns into a unique, abiding friendship. It eventually leads to true equality between Rhone and Adam when Adam becomes a full partner in Quinn Security. Unbeknownst to Rhone, as time passes by, Adam is also falling deeply in love. With Rhone. Who isn’t gay. And who doesn’t know that Adam is.

Then, one day, Rhone discovers the truth. Will Rhone’s new awareness of Adam’s feelings bind the men together even more intimately, or tear them apart for good?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/quinn-security-finding-home.html

Review: I love this book and think that it is an absolute must have in anyone’s library. It has wonderful characters who are full of passion, fire, love, gentle and compassion. The world inside this book would make anyone lose themselves inside of it. It caught my attention from beginning and kept it all the way to the end.

Adam had been kicked out of his home because he was gay and he did everything he could to survive the streets. Then one day he pick pocketed the wrong man or in his case the right man. Rhone is part owner of Quinn Security and knew that he had to help this young man. For ten years, they had the best friend status down, but for Adam he wanted more. Then one night with the help of their business partners, it comes to head. The sex is hot, full of passion that the heat would burn you from the inside out. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses, but as with many friendships, it is just a beginning.

Cameron has a good hit on his hands and I am glad to get a chance to write about it. The characters are full of warmth and you can’t help but love each one. The only problem I had with this story was that it took too long to get to the sexual side of this relationship. To force Adam to watch the man he love be with women, when it should have been him that Adam was making love to. But as with many other thoughts, I suppose it makes them want to keep their feelings for life. I love this book and can’t wait to read the next book.