Hi guys, we have Trevann Rogers stopping by with her book House of the Rising Sun, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
House of the Rising Sun
(Living After Midnight 01)
by
Trevann Rogers
Sex. Rebellion. Rock and roll.
Cheyenne is a half-human incubus whose star is on the rise in the Unakite City rock scene. His father, the leader of the supernatural races, would prefer he keep a “low profile”, but screw that. Cheyenne has as much music in his veins as royal incubi blood.
Alexander’s future is all set—finish law school, join the family firm, and marry someone who’d be good for business. Not that he has a say in any of it. He’s barely met the woman his father expects him to marry.
As Cheyenne’s musical career takes off, his carefully constructed life begins to unravel, exacerbated by an ex-lover who can’t let go, a crotchety barkeeper with a dirty mind and a pure heart, a drag queen who moonlights as a nanny, and Alexander—who’s not sure if he’s falling for the incubus or the rocker.
Cheyenne denies who he is, while Alexander hides what he wants. Together, they learn that getting what they truly want means being who they truly are.
Hi peeps, we have J.L. Merrow stopping by with her new release Blow Down, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Blow Down
(Plumber’s Mate 04)
by
J.L. Merrow
Death is what happens when you’re making other plans.
The last thing newly engaged plumber Tom Paretski needs is to stumble over another dead body. He’s got enough on his mind already as the reality of his impending marriage sinks in. Not only is his family situation complicated, his heroism at a pub fire made him a local celebrity. Now everyone and their uncle wants a piece of his psychic talents. Hired to find a missing necklace, Tom and his fiance, private investigator Phil Morrison, wind up trying to unmask a killer – and there’s no shortage of suspects, up to and including the local bishop himself. As Tom and Phil try to uncover the truth, they find themselves pulled in all different directions by the conflicting pressures of their families and their own desires. But the murderer they’re up against is a ruthless schemer who won’t hesitate to kill again. If Tom and Phil aren’t careful, their love – and all their plans for the future – could be blown down like a house of straw.
Warning: Contains a bishop of questionable Christian charity, a necklace of questionable taste, and a plumber of questionable nationality who may be running out of time.
Blurb: Love can slip through the smallest crack in the door.
While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer.
And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson.
Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.
Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason.
Review: Each book in the Perspectives Series collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. Although it can be read as a standalone story.
Sometimes you find an author that just amazes you with their writings and A.M. Arthur is one of those authors. Although I must admit that I don’t much care for stories that has porn in them. I have never really been into those stories, so I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to read this book. The title and cover are the first things that caught my attention, so I was like…go for it.
My first thought from the blurb is that this story was going to be a story full of pain and very emotional with a lot of ups and downs to it. I felt more for Jon because of his past and how he had come out of an abusive relationship that made him very ill in my eyes. He has problems with eating and body issues, so for him the porn industry lets him focus on sex and lets him show off his body.
Then there is Isaac who was completely deaf, due to his father beating him as a child. He had lost his mother to suicide and his father was murdered. The problem was it left Isaac afraid to leave the home. When he meets his grandfather for the first time, he is a bit frightened. However he also got to meet Jon. Their friendship strengthens and they slowly fall in love.
Even after what Jon went through, he helps Isaac see that he is safe with him. I loved the kitten quite a bit.
Isaac’s grandfather’s health issues are troublesome for them both, as Jon thinks of the man as a father to him. You see how they both are affected by it, and how Jon reacts is painful for them both. I absolutely loved how Isaac comes to Jon’s aide when Jon’s abusive ex shows up and it gave me hope that he is healing all the way.
Now other than the porn aspect of the book, this story was tender, well written and heart breaking at the same time. It doesn’t have the full on drama effect that I had thought it would have and for that I am grateful. It has a romance that is slow burn, fully developed story and characters that made it the way it is. I loved the way the story just seemed to flow off the pages.
It was very sweet and I enjoyed reading it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have A.M. Arthur stopping by today with her new release The Heart As He Hears It, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Aerin’s review. So enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
The Heart As He Hears It
(Perspectives 03)
by
A.M. Arthur
While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer.
And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson.
Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.
Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason.
Hi guys, we have Charley Descoteaux stopping by on the last day of her Torque blog tour, we asked Charley what she would do if she had millions of dollars, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Torque
by
Charley Descoteaux
Sometimes letting things get complicated is the best way to figure it all out.
Mick Randall is on the run, from the biker culture he grew up in and his impossible vision of love. Alaska should be far enough to escape his old life—until he rolls into a wrecking yard and gets lost in a pair of pale, bottle-green eyes.
Scotty Bell has spent years learning to channel his fiery temper into the heat of a welding torch. His sexual heat has always been slower to ignite, but one look at Mick rouses confusion alongside desire. In all his life, he’s only been attracted to one other person—his best friend, Mercy Taylor.
Mick lands a temporary job at the yard, and finds an uneasy crash pad at Scotty’s place…where the ragged ends of his emotions get tangled up in Scotty and Mercy’s relationship.
But when Mick hears a Harley engine from his past bearing down on him, his first instinct is to go back to the half-life he’d been living. Lest his secrets destroy the only two people who’ve ever made him feel whole.
Warning: Contains references to abuse, subversive ideas about sexual identity and gender expression, and a free-range bisexual on a mission.
Blurb: The heart doesn’t take requests. It calls the tune.
Greg Douglas’s wife surprised him with an early 25th anniversary gift: a divorce. Staying with friends Ethan and Rhett seems like a good idea, just until he gets back on his feet. The guys have an even better idea to take his mind off his troubles—take him out to explore the other half of his bisexuality.
After a quarter century suppressing his hidden desires, he’s not waiting any longer. Especially not after laying eyes on the gorgeous deejay at Wilde’s.
Deejay and single dad Sailo Isaia isn’t looking for anything serious. He’s definitely not out to be a sexual teacher, never mind to a man almost two decades his senior. But as Greg gets the hang of having a male lover, Sailo can’t help himself. They both keep coming back for more. And more. And more.
But a few nagging questions hold Sailo back from giving his whole heart. Is this just Greg’s midlife crisis and rebound fling? Or a chance to fill that empty space—forever—for both Sailo and his beloved son?
Product Warnings: Contains an older guy who’s waited half his life for this, a younger guy who didn’t realize how lonely he was, and some very hot visits to the upstairs VIP lounge at Wilde’s. Author is not responsible for readers who can no longer look at a leather booth the same way again.
Review: Even though I couldn’t remember who Greg was for the life of me, I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. Not only was it beautifully written, but the characters are very real and very easy to connect with. This was the perfect blend of fiction that could very well be a real life story because nothing was exaggerated or far-fetched. The characters’ reactions are easy to understand and felt very real. And the sex was…….*falls over dead or in a sex-induced coma* hot!!!
Greg is in his late forties, has been a family man his whole life and has a lot to show for all the years spent with his wife: three beautiful children between the ages of 18 and 23, a cute granddaughter he loves with all his heart, 25 years of beautiful, priceless memories and……. a brand new divorce certificate with the ink still wet. Two weeks before their 25th wedding anniversary Greg’s wife tells him things between them are no longer working and she wants a divorce.
Blindsided, brokenhearted and confused, Greg temporarily moves in with his long-time friends Ethan and Rhett. Ethan and Rhett help Greg realize that his marriage was over a good while before his wife decided to end it. But, that doesn’t mean Greg doesn’t hurt still. What hurts him the most is the feeling of failure. Especially once he learns his wife has been cheating on him.
I have to say when I realized Greg was living with the (in) famous duo I was terrified a threesome was going to happen. Because, we know how much Ethan and Rhett love to bring a third in their bedroom. Fortunately, they helped him get laid, but they didn’t exactly do the laying. Greg decides it’s time to be 100% honest with himself and admit he’s bisexual, even though he’s never acted on his attraction towards men.
Ethan and Rhett take Greg to Wilde’s for a night of fun, and Greg literally stumbles across Sailo, the beautiful deejay. Sailo is 10 years younger than Greg and he’s the father of a six-year-old boy he is co-parenting with a lesbian couple that are also his best friends. Right from the beginning they acknowledge Sailo is Greg’s rebound. That this is the first time Greg gives into his attraction towards men and there are absolutely no expectations that their sexual relationship might be something more.
I really liked Sailo and Greg together, because they had an instant, believable, natural chemistry that was just enough to keep the sexual tension simmer throughout the book. While Greg and Sailo indulge in many deliciously hot sexual adventures, the sex wasn’t gratuitous and I didn’t feel like there was too much of it. Oh lord, did those two set the sheets on fire!!! And to make it even better, Greg is a gay sex virgin…yum!
There is a beautiful friendship that develops between these two and I loved how frank and honest Greg was when it came to his feelings towards his ex-wife and his emotional state after the divorce. The divorce wasn’t swept under the rug just because Greg discovered the delights of gay sex, and that’s very realistic because there’s no way someone gets over the past 25 years overnight.
Another thing I absolutely loved is Greg’s relationship with his children, especially his sadness and angst when it came to his middle child, the kids’ easy acceptance of their father’s sexuality, and how nicely they accepted Sailo as part of their family.
This doesn’t sound good enough for you yet? What if I tell you there’s an amazing epilogue a year later that shows Greg and Sailo as a solid couple that celebrate their Christmas together with their families? That’s heartwarming and beautiful and the perfect way to end a book. The only thing I wanted and didn’t get is Sailo’s POV, but I don’t think it took away from the overall story.
I’m in love!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Hard Candy Series: Bend or Break, #7 Author: Amy Jo Cousins Genre: Contemporary Length: 133 pages Publisher: Samhain Publishing (March 22nd 2016) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: How to get over someone? Get under someone else—as soon as possible.
Vincent Lim always assumed his best friend (and occasional hookup) Austin would be waiting for him—that eventually they’d end up together. But now that Austin’s in love with another man, Vinnie is at a loss.
After the world’s most awkward one-night stand with a dance major, Vinnie knows the drill. Minimize the embarrassment by pretending they’ve never met. Yet Bryan’s vibrant spirit and calm center lure Vinnie like a shelter from an emotional storm.
But Vinnie’s thrown off his game by the rest of Bryan’s total package. Vinnie’s a rowing jock with a single-minded focus on living up to his parents’ academic and social expectations. Bryan might as well be outfitted with glittery butterfly wings—with plenty of pride to match. Vinnie’s haphazard attention to a lover won’t cut it this time.
Physically, they can match each other stroke for booty pop. But for the lovers to meet on common ground, they’ll have to find a way to get moving in the same direction.
Warning: Contains one uptight rower, a dancer who can rock a skirt like nobody’s business, yoga lessons, and the benefits of being very bendy.
Review: I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad that this series is over, I have somewhat mixed feelings. I kind of want to celebrate its over because it was time to end this and I think this book is a nice strong end to this series.
I though Vinnie and Austin will get their happy ending together, but it wasn’t meant to be. I wasn’t very disappointed and I’m not sure that’s a good thing or not, but I’d like to think I just rolled with the punches. If Vinnie and Austin didn’t want to be together, who am I to force them?
Vinnie is this serious guy, all intense and focused in his studies to the point of obsession. He’s very proper, all slacks and khakis and button down shirts. Vinnie isn’t a very sexual being; in fact, the only times he has sex with Austin is when he’s had a lot to drink. Vinnie made me very sad, for him and in general, although I can’t figure out the exact reason why. What Vinnie needs is someone who’s the exact opposite of him, someone who can shake up his very monotonous life.
The person Vinnie needs is none other than flamboyant, effeminate Bryan, a dancer and yoga advocate. Bryan knows he stands out but doesn’t give a shit what people think about him. He doesn’t like to tone it down, even though Vinnie would very much like him to. He wears hot pink shirts and high-heeled boots, and if Vinnie is ashamed of him, then he can go to hell. Bryan doesn’t like to let other get close to him, because he’s been hurt and abandoned by the very people who were supposed to love him unconditionally.
Vinnie and Bryan’s relationship is more about enjoying each other’s company and genuinely liking to spend time together. They do yoga together, study together, make out and sensually explore each other’s bodies.
Neither Vinnie nor Bryan are too crazy about penetrative sex, but that works for them and makes them even more perfect for each other. Their sexual relationship is more sensual and intimate rather than steamy and dirty. I prefer a mixture of both, but in this case I though the lack of steam was fitting.
Their relationship isn’t perfect, because they have to deal with a homophobic parent and some homophobic douche bags who are students at the same campus. Problems arise, some more dramatic than others, but as long as Vinnie and Bryan focus on what’s important and don’t lose faith in one another they should be fine.
It’s been nice hanging out with these guys and their significant others, I wish them the best! And I’m certainly looking forward to Amy’s future stories, so let’s hope we won’t have to wait too long.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Love Me Like a Rock Series: Bend or Break, #6 Author: Amy Jo Cousins Genre: Contemporary Length: 154 pages Publisher: Samhain Publishing (March 22nd 2016) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: In art and in love, it’s the rough edges that make things interesting.
Having grown up with artistic implements always in hand, there’s almost nothing Austin can’t make real. Except for one thing—an official relationship with his best friend, rowing teammate and occasional hookup, Vinnie.
The combination of emotional and sexual frustration fuels a spark between Austin and the nude model in his drawing class. Austin isn’t used to having trouble focusing; models are merely challenging subjects to be rendered on paper. But the geology TA’s direct blue gaze is powerful enough to drag Austin’s focus away from his physique.
After a quick and very dirty post-class encounter, all the reasons that Austin has been waiting for his best friend go fuzzy in his mind. Sean is nothing like Vinnie. Sean is persistent, pays attention, and makes it clear he wants to be together.
But if Austin can’t get his head and his heart on the same page, he could lose his friend, or his lover. Or both.
Warning: Contains rock geeks, tent sex, a dictatorial cox whose idea of a good time is drawing naked dudes, plus one naked dude who wants to be more than a good time.
Review: I feel like jumping with joy and doing cartwheels and all that crazy stuff that shows I’m happy with this book! After the disaster that Rafi’s book was (Real World wasn’t that great either) I was cautiously optimistic that Austin’s story would be a lot better. I wanted the same quality writing I got used to getting from Amy and not even the fact that Austin and Vinnie weren’t going to be happy together didn’t deter me from giving this book a try.
The first thing that convinced me this was a turn in the right direction was the use of a ginger character. I just LOVE gingers! Apparently, Austin does as well. Because even though he’s still hoping for a relationship with his long-time friend Vinnie, he doesn’t lose the opportunity to ogle Sean. The model in his art class. Or rather, he doesn’t exactly ogle Sean per se, because Austin can’t take his eyes off of Sean’s dick.
This book was humorous, and I liked the vibe and chemistry I got from Austin and Sean. Those two couldn’t keep their hands off each other and had sex pretty much whenever the need struck them.
There isn’t much angst. But the difference between the expectations those two had when it came to their relationship created enough intensity to keep things interesting. Sean wants something serious from Austin, and he doesn’t fail to let Austin know.
Even though Austin is still hung up on Vinnie, he can’t help but start to see how much better Sean is. How much more alike they are. Austin isn’t used to being wanted, but has always dreamed about it. So little by little, he starts to see Sean for who he really is… a devoted, dedicated man. One who always makes Austin feel wanted and feel certain he’s got Sean’s attention at all times.
I would’ve really liked to have Sean’s POV as well (the story is told in Austin POV only). But, I appreciate how well written and powerful Sean’s character is. He is easy to understand and connect with, and his personality comes through loud and clear. The dialog was so well written, at times I felt like I was seeing things through Sean’s POV, especially during their first camping trip.
You see, Austin NEEDS that first cup of coffee at the beginning of each day, only coffee makes him poop. Austin knows nothing about pooping in nature, so when told he needs to dig his own hole, he’s horrified. For Austin, digging his own poop hole is akin to digging his own grave, at least that’s what I got from the whole thing. That’s some seriously hilarious shit (no pun intended) you don’t want to skip on.
This was awesome, and I almost wanted to give if 5 stars, but it wasn’t quite there. I wanted it to be longer and maybe see some resolution between Vinnie and Austin. I know we’ll probably get that in the next book, but I’m not good at waiting.
Great book!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Clockwork Heart Series: Clockwork Love, #1 Author: Heidi Cullinan Genre: Steampunk Romance Length: Novel Publisher: Samhain (February 2nd, 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: As the French army leader’s bastard son, Cornelius Stevens enjoys a great deal of latitude. But when he saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts, he’s well aware he risks hanging for treason. That doesn’t worry him half as much, however, as the realization he’s falling for his patient.
Johann Berger never expected to survive his regiment’s suicide attack on Calais, much less wake up with mechanical parts. To avoid discovery, he’s forced to hide in plain sight as Cornelius’s lover—a role Johann finds himself taking to surprisingly well.
When a threat is made on Cornelius’s life, Johann learns the secret of the device implanted in his chest—a mythical weapon both warring countries would kill to obtain. Caught up in a political frenzy, in league with pirates, dodging rogue spies, mobsters and princesses with deadly parasols, Cornelius and Johann have no time to contemplate how they ended up in this mess. All they know is, the only way out is together—or not at all.
Product Warnings Contains tinkers, excessive clockwork appendages, and a cloud-sweeping tour of Europe. A little absinthe, a little theft, a little exhibitionism. Men who love men, women who love women, and some who aren’t particular.
Review:Clockwork Heart is a wonderful start to the new Heidi Cullinan series, Clockwork Love. Set in an alternate world, where ManLove is not exactly forbidden, but neither is anyone waving rainbow flags.
Cornelius is a tinker surgeon. He has spent the past several years apprenticing with one of the premier Master Tinkers. When he comes across a gravely wounded enemy soldier, his surgeon heart acts before his good sense can kick in. Helping this soldier, much less adding clockwork will be considered treason. Not a good look, when your father is the head crazy in charge of the military.
What can I say? I loved every single moment between these pages. Cornelius is an absolute gem. Nerdy and slutty…what’s not to love? Johann is his polar opposite. Strong and silent, Johann is questions his attraction to Cornelius, but doesn’t fight it very hard. 😉
There is fabulous world building, which is usually my down point with Steampunk. All of Heidi Cullinan’s science is plausible. And for me that was a huge selling point for my reading pleasure.
Several interesting side characters are introduced, and I’m curious as to whether a certain captain and his part-time Asian playmate will end up in their own romance…or wind up sharing a lover. Not to mention a certain Frenchman with some snazzy clockwork of his own, who need some love.
All in all, this was a fabulous read from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Trust Me if You Dare Series: Romano and Albright, #2 Author: LB Gregg Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy Length: 158 pages Publisher: Samhain Publishing (21 Dec 2010) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts Blurb: Hard help can be good to find.
Romano and Albright, Book 2
Feisty New Yorker Caesar Romano has a knack for getting into a jam, and this week is no exception. When his pregnancy-hormone-buzzed business partner sweet talks him into working a solo gig for his famous ex, Caesar attracts the worst kind of attention.
It’s only the beginning. Hit on by a lusty German, stalked by the paparazzi, victim of an unexpected airbag attack—and desperate for some part-time help—Ce’s running out of time, staff and patience. But what’s really got him poised to run? A looming brunch with his sexy lover’s esteemed family.
PI Dan Albright is a man of many gifts: investigation, security, sex talk and driving Caesar nuts in and out of the bedroom. Hired to protect an outrageous soap star from a deranged personal assistant, Dan’s got his hands full refereeing rival actors, locating one four-foot-eleven woman…and convincing Ce that he’s playing for keeps.
Hey, nobody ever said taking a relationship to the next level was a waltz in the park.
Review:Trust Me If You Dare is the second book in LB Gregg’s Romano and Albright series. You really do need to read the first one to get a feel for things, particularly since this where our titular couple, Caesar Romano and Dan Albright, actually meet and get together.
The guys are back in another adventure and Caesar is just as accident prone and just as prone to melodrama and histrionics as he was in Catch Me if You Can.
The great thing about this book is that it is natural flow off from book one, it certainly helps that the story picks up immediately after book one has ended (you can tell this by keeping track of Caesar’s cousin, Joey, and Caesar’s BFF, Poppy. In fact we meet up with most of the minor characters we met in the first book with a few additions, like Gunter, who is a soap star and is hiding in Shep’s (Ce’s ex) apartment.
There is a lot more charm and chemistry between Dan and Caesar too, which, for me, made for a much more enjoyable book as we go through danger and other sorts of hijinks with the couple. I’m also relieved to add that Dan actually felt like a major character, too, which I hadn’t felt in the first book. I think throwing some jealousy into plot certainly helped bring the relationship to a higher level.
Just as funny and just as crazy as the first.
This is a sitcom style cop/thriller/mystery, enjoyable from start to finish.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Out! Series: The Shamwell Tales, #3 Author: JL Merrow Genre: Contemporary/Humor/ British Length: 322 pages Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 19th 2016) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Blurb: When the costs are added up, will love land in the black?
Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small part of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Divorced when he could no longer deny his sexuality, he’s sworn off his workaholic ways and moved to Shamwell with his headstrong teen daughter to give her a stable home environment.
His resolve to put his love life on hold is severely tested when he joins a local organization and meets a lively yet intense young man who tempts him closer to the closet threshold.
Patrick Owen is an out-and-proud charity worker with strong principles—and a newly discovered weakness for an older man. One snag: Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter, and Patrick will be damned if he’s going to start a relationship with a lie.
Between Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and a camp, flirtatious ex-colleague who wants Mark for himself, Patrick wonders if they’ll ever be on the same romantic page. And when Mark’s former career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, it could be the one stumbling block they can’t get past. Product Warnings: Contains historically inaccurate Spartan costumes, mangled movie quotes, dubious mathematical logic and a three-legged pub crawl.
Review: I suppose this series is more comedy than anything else, innit? After a particularly intense book I chose Out! as a pick-me-up, because I knew it was going to be funny and light and I desperately needed something like it.
If you’ve read the previous books in this series, than you should be familiar with Patrick (remember that broken shin of his he got while playing cricket? Yep, that Patrick!). I know I’ve been hoping he would get his own book at some point, only Mark is definitely NOT someone I would’ve imagined as Patrick’s other half.
I’m not sure I liked Mark that much, although I can’t think of a reason why I didn’t. No, I can’t say I disliked him or hated him, and he was even funny most of the time. As a character I liked him a lot. As Patrick’s love interest…not so much. I didn’t think they were good together, and he whole age difference between them was so overdramatized, it annoyed the crap out of me.
Mark Nugent and his spitfire daughter, Fen, have recently moved to the small village of Shamwell in order for Fen to get a fresh start. Mark is closeted and old-fashioned, and he kind of acts like he’s 50 instead of 39. He makes such a big deal of the 14 years between him and Patrick. Everybody does. Like he’s old enough to be his father instead of just accepting it as it is. It drove me the hell insane!
Fen however, is hilarious, the epitome of teenage girl, with enough drama to drive everyone insane. She’s a smart cookie that one. Got her father all figured out and she’s playing him like a fiddle. But under her Goth exterior and smart mouth lays a girl with a heart the size of London. I really loved her for being so accepting and mature when it came to things that were really important.
I really liked the characters, especially the secondary ones, because they took away the focus from Patrick and Mark. Yeah, I KNOW that’s not supposed to be a good thing, but since I didn’t like them together that much, and I got extremely frustrated with Mark playing martyr in order to protect his innocent daughter (hah, what a joke!), the hilarious secondary characters made it all better.
Christ those guys can drink, as it seems like they’re known by bar owners everywhere.
This book, like the previous ones, is very lacking in the steam department, although this one is slightly more X-rated than the rest. We even have a sex scene, pretty descriptive and funny, although I didn’t enjoy it as much as i hoped i would.
5 STARS for the characters, especially Fen and David, I really loved them all!
2 STARS for the romance and unsuccessful matching of Mark and Patrick!
3.5 stars is my final rating.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Hi guys, we have the amazing and blasphemous (she doesn’t drink tea!) J.L. Merrow with her new release OUT! We have a fantastic guest post from J.L. and there’s a fabulous giveaway, we also have Aerin’s review of OUT! so enjoy the post and leave a comment for the giveaway. <3 ~Pixie~
OUT!
(Shamwell Tales 03)
by
J.L. Merrow
When the costs are added up, will love land in the black?
Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small part of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Divorced when he could no longer deny his sexuality, he’s sworn off his workaholic ways and moved to Shamwell with his headstrong teen daughter to give her a stable home environment.
His resolve to put his love life on hold is severely tested when he joins a local organization and meets a lively yet intense young man who tempts him closer to the closet threshold.
Patrick Owen is an out-and-proud charity worker with strong principles—and a newly discovered weakness for an older man. One snag: Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter, and Patrick will be damned if he’s going to start a relationship with a lie.
Between Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and a camp, flirtatious ex-colleague who wants Mark for himself, Patrick wonders if they’ll ever be on the same romantic page. And when Mark’s former career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, it could be the one stumbling block they can’t get past.
Warning: Contains historically inaccurate Spartan costumes, mangled movie quotes, dubious mathematical logic and a three-legged pub crawl.
Title: Myth Adventures Series: Mojo Mysteries, #3 Author: Ally Blue Genre: Paranormal / Mystery Length: Novel (162 Pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (October 6th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: Something evil is going down in Atlanta…
Adrian Broussard and Greg Woodhall are attending OutlantaCon, Atlanta’s annual gay geek conference, and are looking forward to a weekend of cosplay and general nerdy fun. As they mingle with other conference goers, though, Adrian feels a strange, cold energy emanating from a man dressed as a satyr.
Encounters with storybook creatures roaming the streets only increase the chilly tendrils teasing Adrian’s sixth sense—strong enough to cause disturbing visions of Greg’s existence being erased.
When a girl at the conference goes missing, then turns up dead, clues literally drop in their laps as Adrian begins to fear the cold, alien energy is engulfing the whole city. And in danger of swallowing up his lover. To Adrian’s horror, his worst nightmare is realized.
Now both he and Greg must call on reserves of strength and resourcefulness they never knew they possessed to save Atlanta, and each other.
Review: Each book in the Mojo Mysteries collection features Adrian and Greg. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters from Bay City Paranormal Investigations also, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. In fact I would start with Bay City first because that is where you will meet our sexy men.
Our sexy duo is attending Outlanta Con conference for pretty much gay geeks. They get to dress up and have fun, plus some hot sex. What is better than that? Well until Adrian’s mojo hits. There is some strange things happening and boy they need to find out what.
Then a girl is murdered and the murderer is just a young man. A young man who has no idea of what the hell is going on. Adrian and Greg know he is innocent, and then Greg ends up in an alternate time. Wow things are going to heat up.
Adrian will do anything and everything to get his love back, including going there and bringing him back. He will have to deal with a creepy escalator and a freaky cop to get his man. Whereas poor Greg is just trying to keep alive from all of the strange creatures he is coming across.
I loved the warning that comes with this book which to me gives you more entertainment. It has weird critters, Hell-Lanta, regular Atlanta, creepy escalators, cosplay geeks, temples and mojo powers.
I had a blast reading this. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me almost everything I could want in a book.
I would definitely recommend reading this story. Trust me it will keep you laughing, crying, loving and having fun.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: What He Left Behind Series: N/A Author: L. A. Witt Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (238 Pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (August 18, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts Blurb: Can you ever have a second first time?
Josh Carver thinks it’s just another lunch with his best friend, Michael—until Michael confesses he just turned down a date with his hot veterinarian crush. It seems Michael’s abusive ex left him more scarred than Josh realized.
Josh and his husband, Ian, have done their best to help Michael leave his horrific past behind, but even Josh is stunned when Ian suggests that Josh help Michael with his fear of physical intimacy. After all, it isn’t like it would be the first time—Josh and Michael were once each other’s firsts.
A hesitant first kiss, and Josh and Michael’s natural attraction eases the way. But with Michael still balking at the prospect of sex with someone new, Ian steps into the breach.
Everything is fine and dandy until emotions become so entangled, their friendship—and a marriage—could be at risk.
Review: L.A. Witt has a gift of telling you a story that makes you feel like you are right there with them. They are beautifully written with big hearts and they just mix perfect with each other. They will do everything to help each other and their friends. This story was perfect in most ways but it seemed to be missing something for me to truly love it. However it did not take away from the story. I had a blast reading this book and learning about the guys.
Josh and Ian have been married for a while and would do everything for each other. Josh had at one time when they were younger been with Michael. Now they were all friends. However Michael had been with a very evil man and had been hurt by it. So hurt in fact that he was scared of having sex with anyone. It tore the guys apart knowing that their friend had suffered. So Ian comes up with a plan.
Ian thought at first Josh could help Michael would overcome what happened. However things started getting strange with the fact that here he was having sex with his best friend but was worried about his husband. Then they came up with an idea for Ian to also help. Things sure do heat up between these three. Now they need to figure out if it was helping or falling in love.
See I can see wanting to help someone, but to take the chance of screwing your marriage up is beyond me. It turns out really good for the guys, but I just can’t see it happening in real life. Although I know a few couples who have triad relationships, it just seems like it could destroy something good. Now for that feeling out of the way, this was one hell of a story and I loved it.
I would definitely recommend reading it. Lori always gives you characters that you will fall in love with and usually one of them has a story about himself that will have you in tears. This was the case of this story and I can see myself reading it more than once.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Craving’s Creek Series: N/A Author: Mel Bossa Genre: New Adult Romance Length: Novel (220 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (18 Aug 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: Fourteen years ago, on a sun-drenched summer day on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend, Alistair, he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared.
But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident.
Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him—until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet.
Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair not only has never died, it’s stronger than ever. Stronger than God. But it may be no match for the church…and the repressed memories that are slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart.
Warning: Contains a drunken confessional, a self-destructive clergyman, and a fight to the spiritual death for love.
Review: Craving’s Creek is a complex and intense storyline which is nowhere near as light-hearted as I assumed from the title alone. In fact, it’s more complex than the blurb implies as well.
The story is about Ryde, he was just a normal kid on a camping trip when something horrible happened to his best friend/first love, Alistair. However, of course it is never that simple, Alistair also comes from a highly religious family and everyone but Ryde seems to have Alistair earmarked for the priesthood.
Skip ahead a few years we find that Ryde had not coped with things very well – he is an alcoholic although with the support of his family is now recovering. During this process Ryde encounters Alistair again. But things aren’t always as they seem. Alistair is totally different and not just because of the horrific event he went through. It’s complicated but there is hope that Alistair will get better, as well will Ryde.
This is the second Mel Bossa story I’ve reviewed and not only have I just realised I’ve given this book the same rating, but also the same issues I had with ‘Where You’ll Find Him’ arise here in ‘Craving’s Creek’.
To quote myself: “Some of the more serious and deeper emotions were more difficult to connect with, which I found disappointing…”
Okay, this is an intense book and this feeling I got because this is a deeply psychological read. Both MCs live in their heads, somewhat, Alistair more literally than Ryde.
The book also deals with multiple mental disorders. Unlike some stories, I was pleased that the issues here were not grossly underrepresented or made light of (something that really pisses me off). However, there was so much going on here that things were not always so clear in the beginning, whether unintentionally or intentionally, I think this type of book with the issues it touches needs to be clear and concise from the get go.
Primary example of this, we are told that something horrific happened to Alistair. That is true, though I would vouch in some ways it was more horrific on Ryde. This “accident” was left shrouded in mystery for too long in my opinion. Part of me just wishes it was put on Front Street so we could move onto the subsequent issues that need to be dealt with because Alistair did not get the help he required in the first place. As to where Alistair’s “fits” or “migraines” fit in to everything, I still have no clue.
I’m fairly sure that was not too spoilerish! And one final quote from my previous review which is also very relevant to this story. “I felt that sometimes the story stopped and started up again in some places”. In this story, I am sure that this stopping and starting aspect is all a part of the charm and the psychology.
Sometimes, as the saying goes, “using five words used when one would suffice”, and this aided to the stop/start feel of everything. I suppose, that isn’t always a big deal in most cases. But I’m impatient and have simple needs – a flowing story in a somewhat logical order so that even the chaos of the characters makes sense.
Overall, this is a fascinating story. The mental issues raised, while not novel, are dealt with well enough and not a complete mind-fuck (in a good way). I think a lot of my issues with this one comes down to that it tried to be too psychological without putting up some mind-bending roadblocks (although there was a good mystery front that needed to be bolstered) and sometimes it was just too wordy with descriptions/explanations.
* I’ve probably used the word “psychological” in this review when what I should really be saying is “mental health” or “mental health issues” or something along those lines. However, in this case I see these as being interchangeable when speaking in context of this book. *
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Blurb: With the quiet help of his wealthy family, Sebastian “Baz” Acker has successfully kept his painful past at bay. But as the end of college draws near, his friends—his buffer zone—are preparing to move on, while his own life is at a crippling standstill. With loneliness bearing down on him, Baz hooks up—then opens up—with Elijah Prince, the guy Baz took a bullet for last year. The aftershocks of their one-night stand leave giant cracks in Baz’s carefully constructed armor. For the first time, the prospect isn’t terrifying.
Accustomed to escaping his demons by withdrawing into his imagination, Elijah isn’t used to having a happy herd of friends. He’s even less comfortable as the object of a notorious playboy’s affections. Yet all signs seem to indicate this time happiness might be within his grasp. When Baz’s mother runs for a highly sought-after public office, the media hounds drag Baz’s and Elijah’s pasts into the light. In the blinding glare, Baz and Elijah face the ultimate test: discovering if they’re stronger together…or apart.
Warning: Contains sex in a Tesla, sex in a cupboard, sex under a piano, kinky role play, and a cappella RuPaul songs. Just a couple of boys groping, battling, and then finally loving their way to becoming men.
Review: What a hot mess….putting these two flawed characters together was either going to be genius or dangerous but it turned out maybe a bit of both. Through this series, Baz had always pulled my heart strings, though I did have sympathy for Elijah. The two together were explosive, passionate and at the same time tender and beautiful. Both these characters have a lot of secrets and a past to unveil.
I may be biased because I lurved the first two books in this series so much, but I will also admit to needing to do some musical research before spouting too much about Lonely Hearts. Now the Lonely Hearts reference I get, but I just didn’t put Elijah and Ru Paul together musically. So I did my homework, Supermodel brought back memories, but I had to give Sissy That Walk a thorough listen.
Maybe I wanted more anger and aggression from him, but what I got from this combo is that Eli really was just totally misunderstood. Elijah had some really good reasons and really terrifying experiences to build up that hard and thorny shell around his heart. I was really worried when he began to expose it for Baz.
Yes, I was rooting for the hard-hearted Eli to keep his armor. I’m a sick bitch, right? But sometimes it’s a survival mechanism that can do us good. Thank the muses, that Heidi gave Baz an even bigger pair of balls and a constitution to stand up to Eli despite his physical weaknesses, because they wound up being a perfect complement to each other.
This hot angsty story contains political machinations, a little less song and dance, and a lot more fast cars, drugs and sex. And did I mention big tender hearts and a giant romantic streak…..just when I thought it was Baz that was all romance….Eli surprises me.
But wait…one of the best parts….we get to visit with Ed and Laurie again!!!!!!! If you somehow missed reading Dance With Me, first….what the hell? And second, go grab that baby and read it. Preferably before Lonely Hearts, but if you don’t- read it anyhow and find out what you’re missing. All together with Walter/Kelly, Aaron/Giles, Ed/Laurie, and the ever increasing supportive community around them, Cullinan builds a world of good people. Those I hope would reflect me and my community. I’ll just overlook the fact that she names one of her villains Giselle. I love to read Heidi’s books because I’m drawn to heroes and heroines that have hurdles to jump, the under dogs that have to fight for happiness and win it! But the truth is, none of these characters should have to fight these odds for love, and it’s a lesson we can apply to our own communities. People misunderstand this genre, but the truth is it’s a mirror to our society, one that helps us examine the problems, reflect on our own issues and hopefully find solutions. Both Baz and Eli found a community that loved and supported them in the end, and that shouldn’t be a fairytale.
Title: Rite of Summer Series: Treading the Boards, #1 Author: Tess Bowery Genre: Historical Length: Novel (304 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (2 June 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Blurb:There are terrors worse than stage fright. Like falling in love.
Violinist Stephen Ashbrook is passionate about three things—his music, the excitement of life in London, and his lover, Evander Cade. It’s too bad that Evander only loves himself. A house party at their patron’s beautiful country estate seems like a chance for Stephen to remember who he is, when he’s not trying to live up to someone else’s harsh expectations.
Joshua Beaufort, a painter whose works are very much in demand among the right sort of people, has no expectations about this party at all. Until, that is, he finds out who else is on the guest list. Joshua swore off love long ago, but has been infatuated with Stephen since seeing his brilliant performance at Vauxhall. Now he has the chance to meet the object of his lust face to face—and more.
But changing an open relationship to a triad is a lot more complicated than it seems, and while Evander’s trying to climb the social ladder, Stephen’s trying to climb Joshua. When the dust settles, only two will remain standing…when they’re not flat on their backs.
Product Warnings Contents under pressure. Contains three men, two beds, one erotic piercing, and the hottest six weeks of summer the nineteenth century has ever seen.
Review: Rite of Summer is the first book in Tess Bowery’s series, Treading the Boards. As far as I can tell, not only is this the first book but the second book appears to totally unrelated to this story.
The story introduces long-term lovers, composer Evander Cade, and violinist Stephen Ashbrook. Stephen and Evander are supported by Evander’s patron, a duke, who made it clear from the start that Stephen and Evander were a package deal. That’s great for musicians in London who would otherwise be struggling.
Yet, that is not entirely true.
Stephen seems to have his own connections in London and other prospects if he weren’t exclusively only playing Evander’s music. Evander is a very controlling presence and from the start you can tell that something needs to happen between these guys because the control seems to border on abuse. While at a house party their benefactor is hosting, the couple meet Joshua Beaufort. He’s an extraordinarily talented artist and his Society benefactor is in fact a cousin.
The attraction between the men is almost instantaneous (even if some people seem a tad bit distracted at times). The best part is, I suppose, depends on how you look at it, but the blurb tell us ultimately what to expect. Only two of the men are going to remain standing, the question is which two men of the trio are going to end out together?
The plot is very simple and felt as though the characters were just let loose, letting the pieces fall where they will. Which, for the most part, is how a lot of the most enjoyable books are written or, at least, this is how it feels like they have been written. The characters are wonderfully written, though I think Evander in particular could have had more details/development.
Stephen is a great character, in many ways he is the primary of the three main characters. He goes through a bit of a roller coaster through the story and generally learns a lot of valuable lessons along the way. The same could be said for Joshua, who joins (in more ways than one) an already long-established couple. However, like Evander, there were times where he could have done with a bit more of something.
I apologise, I really can’t put my finger on what I felt was missing when it comes to these guys. But I suspect a lot of it is because a majority of the story is from Stephen’s side.
Anyone who likes a historical MM story will no doubt enjoy this, especially those of us that like the whole Georgian/Victorian eras of English history. An exact year is not specified but we are either at the start of the French Revolution, or a couple of decades later around the height of the Napoleonic Wars. I like how the author put in a bit of a dose of reality as to how homosexuality was treated at that point in history, including the laws of both England and France at the time.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: In the Dark Series: Children of Night, # 1 Author: P.G. Forte Genre: Paranormal & Alternate Worlds / Holiday / Vampires / Suspense Elements Length: Novel (225 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (December 8th, 2009) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Blurb: When you live forever, you’re bound to make a few mistakes.
1969 San Francisco. World-weary Conrad Quintano should have known better than to fall in love with a human—much less Suzanne Fischer, the barely legal, adventure-seeking hippie beauty known as Desert Rose. And the very last thing he should have agreed to do was to raise her babies and protect them with his life. But even twelve-hundred-year-old master vampires can find it hard to reject a deathbed request—especially when issues of love, guilt and blood are involved.
Present day. Raised in virtual isolation, twins Marc and Julie Fischer have always known they are vampires. But they never knew their parentage—or their unique status in the vampire world—until their “uncle” Damian comes to fetch them home. The family reunion, however, isn’t what they expect. They’re thrust into a world for which they’re totally unprepared. And the father they expected to see, Conrad, is missing.
How to find him…and whom to trust? Solving the mystery of betrayal and vampire family values will prove the Beatles had it right. All you need is love…and an occasional side of blood.
Product Warnings: While reading this book you may experience any of the following, an increased desire to wear flowers in your hair, dress in tie-dye or nap during the day. Other symptoms may include an intolerance to sunlight, an aversion to garlic-flavored tofu and a pronounced urge to bake…or get baked.
Review: Conrad, a powerful vampire, goes missing and the mystery begins to deepen the further you read. I loved the fact that Damian, Conrad’s love interest, came to his aid even though Conrad had sent him away years before. It showed how much they still cared for one another even centuries later. Loved Damien’s upbeat character.
Suspenseful at times and mysterious this story draws the reader in the ever growing mysteries to find out the end result. The twins Marc and Julie are born vampires and not made vampires, which in this story was not normal. Julie seemed more reserved than her twin Marc who was inquisitive. Their mother was a human woman named Desert Rose who Conrad fell in love with and had children. But she passes away after their birth.
One of things I really liked in this book was that there was no judgment on who you were within this story. So many stories have discrimination and judgment in them regarding who a person is with that it was refreshing not to see it in this story. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious throughout.
Very interesting story with a lot of flashbacks that give insight to the mystery woman even though I thought there were a too many. This story has so many twists and turns that it was hard to keep them straight at times.
It was an intriguing read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Life, Some Assembly Required Series: The Rebuilding Year, #2 Author: Kaje Harper Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (327 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing (June 9th 2015) Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: After spending the first part of his life chasing pretty girls, love has finally come to Ryan in the form of John, a tall, lanky, red-headed landscape architect with wide shoulders and a five-o’clock shadow.
For the first time in his life, love feels easy. Hell, he even ran into a burning building for John and his son, and he’d do it again if he had to. But telling his father and brothers “I’m gay. I’ve met a man”? That’s a bumpy ride he’s not looking forward to.
For John, loving Ryan is as natural as breathing. Now if only the rest of his life would fall into place. Dealing with his teen son is complicated enough, but with his ex-wife causing trouble and his daughter wanting to move in, John’s house—and his relationship with Ryan—threaten to split at the seams.
Would one month without a new surprise knocking him upside the heart be asking too much? If the sound of Fate’s laughter is any indication, the answer must be yes…
Review: This story gives you more of a taste of Ryan and John. They have finally realized that they were in love. Strange for two straight men but for these two it is perfect. Although with life nothing is easy but one must always strive for more. I received books one and two, and started reading book one when I realized that I had read it once before when it first came out.
It was when I was beginning to get into m/m romance stories and realized that I loved them more. However after reading book one yesterday I realized that it hit me even more now. I had such a great time reading about the guys once more. Then I started reading this story and even though I did want to smack the guys around and definitely John’s ex-wife, it was amazing.
Ryan is in love with John and is having a bit of difficulties with the idea of telling his family. Whereas John blurted it out to everyone. Things were looking up, even though John’s ex-wife is a total bitch especially to Ryan. Now on top of that they have John’s son living with them and his daughter wanting to. His ex’s new husband is a total dick who is so full of hate that if he fell off the planet no one would miss him. Here he is threatening to take Mark back home and Cynthia is no better. However when his ex needs help, who does she run back to. Yes you got it back to John.
Ryan seems to be put on the back burner when Cynthia and the kids come live with them. She is very pregnant and wants John back. John is at her beck and call, it just pisses a person off. The whole time Ryan’s family is not so happy with Ryan suddenly being gay and in love. It is going to take some time to get them all where they need to be. John realizes how Ryan feels, but he doesn’t know how to make him see that he is still the one he loves.
This story was just as good as the first book, if not even better. I would have loved to give it more than five stars. It has hot sex, feisty teenagers, gorgeous men, danger, and so much damn temptation that it has you begging for more. It gave me everything I could want in a story and so much more. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. I even stayed up past my bed time to read about these two.
It has been some time since I have read one of Kaje’s books and I have to say that I am not disappointed. I loved it and look forward to reading more by this amazing author.
I would recommend reading this book.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Ashes of the Day Series: Children of Night, #4 Author: P.G. Forte Genre: Paranormal & Alternate Worlds / Vampires Length: Novel (233 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (May 21, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2 ½ Hearts Blurb: Only blood can break your heart.
Children of Night, Book 4
New Year’s Eve, 1999. The world is braced for Y2K, but that’s not the only ticking time bomb in Conrad’s life. Damian wouldn’t be the first vampire to find a way to die, but Conrad is determined he will not be one of them.
Present day. Damian struggles to trust that fate could possibly be kind enough to give him a love as perfect as Conrad’s. Conrad balances on the keen edge of his own fear that one more slip of his formidable control could drive his lover away—permanently.
Julie learns the hard way it’s not just interspecies relationships that seldom work out. Even between vampires, love is not a smooth course.
Meanwhile, intrigue and conflict within the nest continue to grow, fueled in no small part by Georgia’s slipping hold on a deadly secret. Marc works to consolidate his position as leader of the ferals—and discovers that being a walking anomaly has certain advantages. Including some that are totally unexpected.
Product Warnings: Contains more love triangles, more power struggles, more tears and teeth gnashing, and even more graphic scenes of ManLove between moody, domestically inclined vampires than in previous editions. Definitely not recommended for anyone suffering from ALSSD (Auld Lang Syne Sensitivity Disorder) or with aversions to ballrooms, evening clothes, sarcasm, or close-quarter stiletto combat.
Review: This the fourth book in the Children of the Night series. The plot of the story seemed about the same as the rest of the books with only a few new things added here or there. The back and forth of flashbacks regarding Conrad and Damian was a little confusing at times to me. I was hoping for more to this story than there actually was.
Marc sets out to find out about his origins while at the same time gets closer to the rogues that Conrad wanted nothing to do with. Marc struck me as a very strong and dedicated young man to accomplish all this by himself. I was impressed with his character.
All throughout I found myself continuously having to stop as I couldn’t focus. I was disappointed that there was no progress in this book from the others. Though well written this book lacks much needed advancement in the story to keep the readers engaged in the story.
I didn’t like it myself, but I’m sure others would enjoy it where I didn’t.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Heart As He Hears It
Title: To Live Again
Title: Hard Candy
Title: Love Me Like a Rock
Title: Clockwork Heart
Title: Trust Me if You Dare
Title: Out!
Title: Myth Adventures
Title: What He Left Behind
Title: Craving’s Creek
Title: Lonely Hearts
Title: Rite of Summer
Title: In the Dark
Title: Life, Some Assembly Required
Title: Ashes of the Day