Caught! by J.L. Merrow

Title: Caught!
Series: The Shamwell Tales #1
Author: J.L. Merrow
Genre: Contemporary/ Humor
Length: Novel (276 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (August 19th, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Aerin
Blurb: You can run from the past…but the past runs faster.

Behind Robert’s cheerfully eccentric exterior lies a young heart battered and bruised by his past. He’s taken a job teaching in a village primary school to make a fresh start, and love isn’t part of his plans. But he’s knocked for six—literally—by a chance encounter with the uncle of two of his pupils.

Sean works in pest control, rides a motorbike, and lives on a council estate. On the face of it, he shouldn’t have anything in common with Robert’s bow tie, classic-car style, and posh family background. Yet Robert is helpless to resist Sean’s roguish grin, and a rocky, excruciatingly embarrassing start doesn’t keep the sparks between them from flaring.

Despite Robert’s increasingly ludicrous attempts to keep his past where it belongs, his past hasn’t read the memo. And soon his secrets could be the very things that drive Sean away for good…
Warning: Contains the alarming misadventures of a pest control technician, a stepsister with a truly unfortunate name, and a young man who may have more bow ties than sense.

ISBN: 9781619222250

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5117/caught

Review: Wow, what a charming and funny read, it was absolutely delighting! I enjoyed it from the first page to the last and I can’t wait to read the next in this series.

I loved the main characters and I adored some of the secondary, but the kids’ antics were the cherry on top. I laughed so much while reading this book; Robert is the main reason for which this book was such a success. He’s one of our main characters, a posh and quirky teacher who’s been hurt in the past, so he now keeps mostly to himself. Robert is hilarious, likeable, and unique, but he is also insecure; he loves bowties and wouldn’t know casual clothes if they bit him in the ass.

Sean is Robert’s love interest…..GINGER alert! Wowza, Sean was hot as hell!!! Sean is a pest control worker, a great uncle, a wonderful brother and a skillful lover! He likes Robert and all his quirks and he’s a very solid, well-rounded character. Sean’s bisexuality fuels Robert’s insecurities, but Robert’s education and uptight style makes Sean feel like he’s not quite good enough for him.

There are a few touching moments, a couple of blistering hot sex scenes and a ton of hilarity. The secondary characters add to the fun and drama and the end result is a complex, funny book that you must read, especially if you like hot British blokes, meddling best friends and troublemaking kids.

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

A King Undone by Cooper Davis

Title: A King Undone
Series: Noble Pleasures #1
Author: Cooper Davis
Genre: Paranormal/Alternate Worlds/ Historical
Length: Novel (254 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 9, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts
Blurb: Sometimes you have to risk everything, to follow your heart…

In a world where gentlemen openly court and marry fellow noblemen, the threat of scandal still lurks behind every velvet drape for kings and princes. Such has been the fate for King Arend Tollemach, forced to sacrifice his heart on the altar of regal duty.

Now that his wife is dead and his royal obligations are at an end, he’s ready to take an unthinkable risk. King Arend seeks a concubine from Temple Sapphor, a secretive, gated world where he will finally shed his virginity—as least as it pertains to making love to a man.

Julian never thought he’d spend ten years on the temple shelf, passed over again and again. Just when he despairs of ever finding placement in a nobleman’s bed, Arend walks into the temple. A lonely eyed, beautiful king who could easily steal his heart.

Arend discovers he has no problem opening his bed to the exquisite concubine. The problem lies in finding the key to his long-shuttered heart.

Product Warnings
Contains a beautiful, virgin king desperate to bed another man, a concubine who fantasizes about being claimed and revered by a strong monarch, and a sea of scandal set against a sensual, palatial backdrop.

ISBN: 9781619224278

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5273/a-king-undone

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: In a time of kings and concubines it is frowned upon any king or noble marrying another man without scandal. Arend had his hopes and dreams taken from him the day he told his father, the king, he betrothed himself to a male prince. Incensed his father demands he marry a female and immediately break off the engagement with the prince. Heartbroken, Arend does as his father orders. Years pass and he is now the king. After his wife passes, he finally gives in to his own wants and brings a male concubine into his palace.

Julian has been passed over many times in the temple. All he wants is to feel loved and needed after so long being alone. His brother sold him to the Temple when he was assaulted and then accused of leading the man on.

Julian seems like an intelligent, smart, strong man who has made the best of the life that was taken from him. Arend seems for all the word a confident man. These two seemed well matched together despite several people trying to them apart.

It really broke my heart at what both Julian and Arend went through when they were younger. No one has the right to sell someone nor do they have the right to demand they marry someone they have no wish to be with simply because of how someone else wants things to be. Everyone deserves to be happy with whatever life they choose to live. Wonderfully written fantastic story that I absolutely enjoyed reading.

Can’t wait to read more in this series.

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

Bad Behavior by K.A. Mitchell

Title: Bad Behavior

Series: Bad in Baltimore, #5

Author: K. A. Mitchell

Genre: BDSM/Kink

Length: Novel (290 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain (December 16th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: In a life full of yes, no is the sexiest word he’s ever heard.

David Beauchamp might as well be in jail. After one too many misunderstandings with the law, he’s chained to the city by the GPS and alcohol sensor strapped to his ankle. Awaiting trial, cut off from usual forms of entertainment, he goes looking for a nameless sexual encounter—and winds up with almost more than he can handle.

Reality comes crashing back the next day with a summons for another random drug test, and the man behind the badge turns out to be the very man who took him for one hell of a ride.

Probation Officer Tai Fonoti is used to handling other people’s problems, but he’s horrified when one of the clients his boss dumps on him is the sweet piece of ass he screwed the night before. It makes getting a urine sample a pretty loaded situation.

That single encounter left Beach craving Tai’s unique brand of control and discipline. But while Tai relishes laying down the law in the bedroom, the letter of the law stands between them and kinkily ever after.

Warning: This book is kinky. I mean kinky. With lots of sex. It describes a fully consensual, intense D/s relationship, which changes a character’s life. It includes impact play and bondage along the way to a very happily ever after.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Behavior-Baltimore-K-A-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00MHL2URG

Reviewer:GiGi

Review: I love it when a bratty man finds someone to lay down the law! In this case, both figuratively and literally, David “Beach” Beauchamp finds that very man for him. Not only does Tai have a kink for control in the bedroom, he can’t help but let it carry over into all aspects in his life. He trains and controls dangerous creatures, from the probation participants that are part of his job, to a dog rescue with a violent past. Tai’s ability to train and dominate oozes from his pores.

Beach is a player. He doesn’t take relationships, jobs, or his life seriously and rebels at every corner. The only thing keeping him tethered to reality and avoiding another bad decision is his ankle bracelet, ordered by the court; until he meets Tai. From a wealthy background, with a troubled past, we’re painted a picture of a brat who is so careless; he’s starting to pull his friends down with him.

His bathroom trick in a local bar gives him a taste and dominance that’ he’s been subconsciously yearning for, too bad it’s his parole officer he’s craving.

Beach decides to attempt a bit of blackmail with his parole officer only to get shot down with a definite no, to his actions, and his bad behavior. Turns out hearing “no,” is almost as big a turn on as the domination Tai gave him in that bathroom. Soon the two tumble into further exploration of Beach’s need for dominance, that bleeds out of the bedroom and into everyday life.

As Beach explores his need for Tai’s dominance, Tai fears failure the likes of which he recently experienced with his ex. Not only does he question his ability to handle and train Beach, he worries about the trouble he knows he could get into with his job.

The sexual content is very steamy, especially if you like the D/s kink as I do! There are some S/M scenes involving punishment that are difficult for both Tai and David, but really seem to help define their relationship.

Lots and lots of tangles, and twists, especially as Tai uncovers David/Beach’s past. There are many surprises and lots of characters I know come from other books in this adventurous, fast-paced series. I have not read the other Bad in Baltimore books, and I know they would add another level to Mitchell’s storytelling, yet Bad Behavior is written well enough to stand alone.

Definitely worth a read and I look forward to cracking open the other four books in this series too!

The Reluctant Berserker by Alex Beecroft

Title: The Reluctant Berserker

Series: N/A

Author: Alex Beecroft

Genre: Historical/Paranormal

Length: Novel (347 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (February 25th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Wulfstan, a noble and fearsome Saxon warrior, has spent most of his life hiding the fact that he would love to be cherished by someone stronger than himself. Not some slight, beautiful nobody of a harper who pushes him up against a wall and kisses him.

In the aftermath, Wulfstan isn’t sure what he regrets most—that he only punched the churl in the face, or that he really wanted to give in.

Leofgar is determined to prove he’s as much of a man as any Saxon. But now he’s got a bigger problem than a bloody nose. The lord who’s given him shelter from the killing cold is eyeing him like a wolf eyes a wounded hare.

When Wulfstan accidentally kills a friend who is about to blurt his secret, he flees in panic and meets Leofgar, who is on the run from his lord’s lust. Together, pursued by a mother’s curse, they battle guilt, outlaws, and the powers of the underworld, armed only with music…and love that must overcome murderous shame to survive.

Warning: Contains accurate depictions of Vikings, Dark Ages magic, kickass musicians, trope subversions and men who don’t know their place.

ISBN # 1619217430

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/4923/the-reluctant-berserker

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: It’s an interesting enough struggle to be dropped back in time to a land of barbarians, a land where Christianity is fighting to overtake Pagan religions, therefore, cleverly incorporating them. The Viking Berserker is a fighter, a warrior, the strongest of the strong, not a man to mess with…so how can he allow himself not only to fall to his attraction of men, but to his submissive desires as well? So many fabulous struggles, and I love that in my reading pleasures.

This is the emotional and political turmoil that Leofgar stumbles into…and easily ignites that Berserker’s rage. Wulfstain takes out all his frustration on the little musician that not only ignites his ire, but his lust. It’s a game of kiss or kill, and luckily, Leofgar escapes.

When the two come together again, both on the run, they pull together and explode apart many times. Each trying to understand themselves and their attraction, each vying for strength and recognition of their abilities and places in the world.

Through harrowing adventure, escape from killers, fighting for the suppressed, and finally fighting for each other, Wulfstain and Leofgar see that weakness and strength mean many different things, in the world, and to each other. That they each have unique strengths and personal weaknesses and that they complement each other making them stronger together.

The Reluctant Berserker is a long read, but there are many small adventures along the way, keeping the pace steady, and keeping my interest throughout. A fun step back in time, in some cases a historical that plays around with facts a bit, but puts me in another time and place nonetheless.

The Dream Alchemist by Joanna Chambers

Title: The Dream Alchemist
Series: Somnus, #1
Author: Joanna Chambers
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 2nd 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: When the sun goes down, their passion awakens…and so do their nightmares.

Centuries ago, a man with Bryn Llewelyn’s dream walking ability would have been a shaman or a priest. In this time, he’s merely exhausted, strung out on too much caffeine and too little sleep.
Sleep means descent into Somnus—an alternate reality constructed of the combined dreaming consciousness of ordinary humans. A place he’d rather avoid. Trouble is, his powers don’t include the ability to go without sleep indefinitely. At some point, his eyes close…and his nightmare begins.

As a teen, the treatment that cured Laszlo Grimm’s sleep disorder stole his dreams—and his ability to feel emotion. Petrified of needing more “treatment,” he clings to familiar rituals and habits. But lately his nightly terror has returned, and when he meets Bryn in the real world, the man seems hauntingly familiar. Not only that, Bryn awakens feelings in Laszlo for the first time in years…

Slowly Bryn and Laszlo realize they are both unknowing pawns in a plan of unspeakable evil. And that their powerful attraction could release the destinies locked within them—or be the instrument of their doom.

ISBN: 9781619224254

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5265/the-dream-alchemist

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Bryn Llewelyn lives on Red Bull with Vodka and caffeine in an attempt not to sleep. When he sleeps he doesn’t dream, he wakes in an alternate reality known as Somnus where Bryn is a sleepwalker. His gift in Somnus is continually evolving though, and most recently, he has shown a talent for alchemy as well. When the shadow of a man tries to catch him in Somnus, intent on doing wickedly sexy things to Bryn, he tries harder to stay awake when he is in reality. Then he meets that man at a party and everything changes.

Laszlo Grimm was treated for a sleeping disorder when he was a child and since then, he doesn’t dream. He is completely unaware of his trips to Somnus while he sleeps, until he meets Bryn and is told that they are sharing their dreams. Laszlo can’t figure out if Bryn is crazy or if he is losing his own mind, but there is something in the back of his mind telling him that what Bryn is saying is true. And then Bryn proves it to him.

The world building and character development was very unique in this story, but it was also slightly overwhelming. It took a while for the connection between Somnus and reality to really start to blend. They weren’t cohesive in the beginning. Then the story sort of fell off toward the end, and there was so much content between the dream walking, alchemy and almost zombie esque persona of Laszlo when he was in Somnus that it was confusing and scattered at times. But then there were some seriously sexy and passionate moments between Bryn and Laszlo that makes me want to see where there story goes after this book.

This is the first book in a series and while it was a little chaotic and confusing, the world of Somnus and the relationship between Bryn and Laszlo has piqued my interest and I am curious to see where Chambers takes this story in the next book. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, the twilight zone and a touch of mystery and suspense then you’ll likely love this one.

*on a side note; apologies if this review is short or elusive, it’s a hard story to sum up and not give spoilers*

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

Must Loathe Norcross by Summer Devon

Title: Must Loathe Norcross

Series: N/A

Author: Summer Devon

Genre: Contemporary/Civic Mystery

Length: Novel (180 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain (November 25, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: When it comes to love, there’s no such thing as traveling light.

Born wealthy and ambitious, Grady once worked hard and played hard—so hard, it brought him to the brink of ruin. Now, after a five-year retreat into the contemplative life, he’s dipping a toe back into the real world.

Assigned to write a series of articles about a Connecticut valley’s small towns, Grady checks into a local hotel. And meets a bellhop who seems determined to show him around…and maybe indulge in a more intimate tour later on.

When Josh’s boss half-jokingly suggests he get on a first-name basis with the writer who could make or break their town’s reputation, Josh jumps at the chance. He dreams of seeing the world, but the man he thought might be his ticket out turns out to be less influential—and more attractive—than he expected.

Together they uncover a strange plot to detour Norcross’s tourist dollars, a plot that leaves Grady bruised and angry. Now they’ll have to decide how far they’ll go to save the town…and how far they’ll fall for each other.

Warning: Steaming-hot room service, delivered by a cute bellboy in uniform. Stolen towels will not be tolerated, but stolen hearts? Help yourself!

ISBN # 9781619224605

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5216/must-loathe-norcross

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: If you’ve ever served in any small town political capacity, or you’ve had to attend those endless chamber of commerce or city meetings…you will totally relate to this cute, funny little story. If you haven’t ever experienced those duties…you may have a hard time relating, but it’s still cute to see how many hats Josh wears.

Grady just came out of self-imposed solitary living among monks, trying to give up the vice that caused him so much harm. Once on the outside he agrees to help out his cousin, a famous travel writer, by taking this assignment to tour the towns of Norcross and Westbrook, and review for him, under his assumed identity.

If you come form a small town, maybe one with a dying or dead manufacturing past, you understand how important tourism is to the local economy and identity. So the small town of Norcross is investing a lot of time and manpower to make a good impression on Grady, or who they believe to be Geoffrey Michaels. Even to go so far as to pressure their local jack-of-all-trades, Josh, who also happens to be gay, to offer his “personal” touch to the tour.

The gig is quickly up and Josh and Grady realize the pressure they are both under, but still the sparks fly, the chemistry boils over and a love affair quickly ignites. The two also figure out what Grady’s cousin was going for when he mentioned to Grady that he must “loathe Norcross” and write about it. A bitter feud between two small towns, plus money and corruption soon uncover a plot to destroy Norcross businesses and reputation, and take opportunity away from this small valley town…

I never thought small town politics could be fun and sexy, but Summer Devon makes this twisted romance a great hub to spin this story out from. Again, it packs a bigger punch if you have civic service experience, but is still charming without it.

p.s. I do so love that bartender…Uncle Jackson. I need a bigger T-shirt collection…

David's Selfie by Daisy Harris

Title: David’s Selfie
Author: Daisy Harris
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (103 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (November 18th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Sometimes a guy’s best angle is below the belt.

When David, a single father, vows to get laid just once before the year ends, he doesn’t figure on losing his cell phone—and with it one very revealing picture. Lucky for him, his phone is found by a disarmingly handsome man who might be perfect for the kind of casual Christmas fling David is after.

Go-go dancer Craig never would have guessed that the guy with the cute cock shot would turn out to be a doctor. Or that he’d find himself lying about his night job and worrying David will find out the truth. To complicate matters, each of their hook-ups requires days of planning. Yet before he knows it, Craig has a new boyfriend, and possibly a whole new family.

David’s ready to dive head-first into something new, but if Craig’s going to commit, he’ll need to come clean about his job, his past, and—most of all—the naughty picture that drew him to David in the first place.

Warning: Contains a male exotic dancer and extremely intimate photography. May contain traces of Zumba, bad roommates, and sad childhoods. Call your doctor if after six hours you still can’t get the grin off your face.

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5204/davids-selfie

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: David is a 30-year-old doctor who’s raising his 3-year-old daughter Maia by himself. He struggles to get back into the dating scene and his means to doing that will give you a good chuckle. He is just a normal guy who’s a little out of shape physically and he’s handsome but not stunning. According to Craig, he’s simply “nerdalicious.”

Craig is a hunky smokin’ hot go-go dancer and Zumba instructor. But that’s not all he is. He’s also a former foster child who has some self-esteem issues. He’s defensive and a little insecure because of his job, but he does it to pay for his masters degree studies. He likes David just the way he is and it’s obvious Craig’s character has depth, because for him, the type of person David is means a lot more than his physical appearance.

I’m a sucker for a story that includes a child and I was impressed that even though Maia is a very important part of David and Craig’s relationship, she didn’t take over the whole story. She is sweet and adorable and behaves exactly like a 3-year-old is supposed to behave.

This is a low angst story, there’s sweetness and tenderness, but make no mistake, the sex is hot and dirty and rough. I was surprised by David’s dirty side, I kept thinking to myself, “Well, Holy shit, Doc!!!”…

But the best part for me was the epilogue… forward 10 years, we get to briefly see their relationship is still strong, they’re still happy together and Maia is being the trouble making, foul-mouthed 13-year-old she’s supposed to be.

I recommend this to anyone who loves a low angst romance with awesome characters that will leave you feeling happy.

Sleigh Ride by Heidi Cullinan

Title: Sleigh Ride

Series: Minnesota Christmas, 02

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, BDSM, Con-non-con

Length: Novel (194pgs)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (November 11th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5Hearts

Blurb: The way to a man’s heart is on a sleigh.
Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian.

It’s clear Gabriel Higgins doesn’t want him, either—as a Santa, as a boyfriend, as anyone at all. But when Arthur’s efforts to wiggle out of the fundraiser lead to getting to know the man behind the story time idol, he can’t help but be charmed. The least he can do is be neighborly and help Gabriel find a few local friends.

As their fiery arguments strike hotter sparks, two men who insist they don’t date wind up doing an awful lot of dating. And it looks like the sleigh they both tried not to board could send them jingling all the way to happily ever after.

Warning: Contains a feisty librarian, a boorish bear, small town politics, deer sausage, and a boy who wants a doll.

Product Link: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5222/sleigh-ride

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I always knew that librarians were sexy, and Cullinan threw in some kinks for fun! This is a fast-paced read full of details and drama. I always love the challenge of turning a cynical man into a love-struck ball of passion and Arthur Anderson fits that bill!

This second Minnesota Christmas tale fits right in with the language, lifestyle, and atmosphere of the first. Small town, both broad and narrow minds, traditions, family and a mischievous mother are all part of the sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking plot to bring Arthur and Gabriel together.

Don’t let the glasses and kids’ story time hero fool you, this small town librarian is a lusty one, but he’s in denial of the kinky side of his passions. Arthur may think he needs big strong one night encounters, but what he doesn’t know is that Gabe can handle whatever Arthur dishes out, and they may have much more in common that what lies on the surface.

There are a few small town stereotypes complete with anti-gay bashers, but even Arthur is guilty of stereotyping. He first overlooks Gabriel as weak, snobby, over educated, but one encounter at library story time open his eyes to how important Gabriel is to this town, and thus to Arthur. What starts as Arthur’s mom’s attempt to save the library budget, quickly becomes Arthur’s pet project, but can it become more?

So much great entertainment is crammed into this wonderful story! I’d be amiss to overlook the very sensual scenes, where Cullinan whips out her kink writing skills. A bit of D/s, a bit of consensual non-con, a little rough trade, and a lot of chemistry!!!!

I highly recommend this read, and not just for the cold winter months, but for hot winter nights!!!!

Fever Pitch by Heidi Cullinan

Title: Fever Pitch

Series: Love Lessons #2

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/College Days

Length: Novel (285 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (September 30th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes you have to play love by ear.

Aaron Seavers is a pathetic mess, and he knows it. He lives in terror of incurring his father’s wrath and disappointing his mother, and he can’t stop dithering about where to go to college—with fall term only weeks away. Ditched by a friend at a miserable summer farewell party, all he can do is get drunk in the laundry room and regret he was ever born. Until a geeky-cute classmate lifts his spirits, leaving him confident of two things: his sexual orientation, and where he’s headed to school.

Giles Mulder can’t wait to get the hell out of Oak Grove, Minnesota, and off to college, where he plans to play his violin and figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. But when Aaron appears on campus, memories of hometown hazing threaten what he’d hoped would be his haven. As the semester wears on, their attraction crescendos from double cautious to a rich, swelling chord. But if more than one set of controlling parents have their way, the music of their love could come to a shattering end.

Warning: Contains showmances, bad parenting, Walter Lucas, and a cappella.

Product Link: http://www.heidicullinan.com/Fever-pitch

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Okay, Heidi-baby is sneaking her angst back in now…but still, if Love Lessons #1 was woven around a Disney fetish, Fever Pitch is practically a musical, in fact that’s how my weird mind started imagining these fellas, moving into a dramatic scene and breaking out in song.

Poor Aaron is always hiding from himself, until he makes the decision to follow a high school tryst, Giles, out to college. He only picks the school because Giles is there, but once he faces him off and is seemingly rebuffed, Aaron makes efforts and has no problem fitting in. Only problem is it isn’t the pre-law crowd that Aaron finds his home with, but the music department, and the a cappella choir. He finds such swift success with the music department that he decides to switch majors but know his father will soon find out and facing that wrath is scary as hell.

Speaking of scary as hell, his roommate truly gave me the creeps along with the “toads” he hangs out with. Cullinan truly did well on the creep factor there! I really don’t’ want to give away the most interesting things about Aaron’s roommate, let’s just say, fuel plus fire can only lead to explosions and not good ones.

And Giles, that damned boy got things so screwed up with Aaron, he can only stand back, and try to be friends. Good thing Giles is a great guy, with very supportive parents to convince him to be patient. They wind up working together on some major musical programs and soon the lust reignites….YAY!

But all this fun and good times can’t last long. Aaron’s dad will discover many truths about his son and behave abhorrently. Thank goodness for good ole, Walter from Love Lessons #1. The moral of this story is to pay it forward. Be a good example for the youth of the next gen, be there for a friend in need. Walter took this to heart and is always there to help both Aaron, Giles and the creepster roommate.

This fever-pitch storyline crescendos into a huge explosive scene dredging up everyone’s past and creating a serious crossroads for all characters involved.

This story has more drama, more angst, and more twist sand turns than book one. I love them both for different reasons, though this one left us hanging with the tasty plot for book three. And I for one can’t wait!

How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps by Josephine Myles

Title: How to Train Your Dom in Five Easy Steps

Series: N/A

Author: Josephine Myles

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM

Length: Novel (295 Pages

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (September 23rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes the little head really does know best.

Jeff White’s needs are simple. All he wants is a submissive to help him explore the dominant side that his ex-girlfriend couldn’t handle. Problem is, inexperience in both dating and domming has resulted in a string of rejections.

What he needs is an experienced sub willing to show him the ins and outs of controlling a scene. Unfortunately, the only one willing to take him on is male, and Jeff is straight. One hundred percent, never-gonna-happen straight.

Easygoing painslut Eddie Powell doesn’t care that Jeff is younger, working class, and shorter. Eddie likes a bit of rough, and Jeff fits the bill perfectly. The trick will be convincing him to follow Eddie’s five-step training program—which would be easy if Eddie wasn’t starting to have feelings for the rough-around-the-edges landscaper.

Once Jeff lays his hands on Eddie, things definitely get out of hand. But it’ll take more than hot, sweaty, kinky sex to persuade him to come out of the closet—especially to himself…

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/train-your-five-easy-steps-p-73624.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: Hot, sweet, fun and a bit of pain for both body and soul are dished up by Jeff as he’s trained my his male sub Eddie.
I’m not huge on the gay-for-you plots, but this is more bi-for you, and the main character does not stay oblivious for long. Jeff has had some obvious marital and relationship problems and just can’t seem to figure out why.

Eddie sees the hot piece of rough meat that Jeff is and wants a bit right away. He manages to plot and scheme his way into Jeff’s bed, on his knees as a sub to help Jeff with his “problems” and introduces him into the finer tuned aspects of being a good Dom.

Before long, Eddie sees deeper layers to Jeff, layers he finds he’s starting to love and want a real bond with. Jeff is getting more and more confused each day by the fact that his successes in learning to become a better Dom are with a guy. But he finds himself attracted to more than submissive behavior in Eddie, he enjoys their banter, their easy friendship, and yes, Eddies sexual response to him.

The closer they grow together, the more nervous Jeff gets about discovery, and also about accepting that he might just bit a bit gay (or a lot!!), and Eddie fears for his own heart.

Cant’ tell you much else without giving the drama away, but Five Easy Steps is a lot of sexual fun, and yet has plenty of “aww that’s sweet” moments in it. Some of the sexual scenes are a bit clinical feeling, but they are set up as lessons after all. Over all a good entertaining read with some fun British lingo.

Double Blind by Heidi Cullinan

Title: Double Blind, 2nd edition

Series: Special Delivery, #2

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM/Ménage

Length: Novel (350 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (re-release March 14th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Know when to show your hand…and when to hedge your bets.

Randy Jensen can’t stand to just sit by and watch as a mysterious man throws money away on the roulette wheel, especially since Randy’s got his own bet going as to the reason this guy is making every play like it’s his last day on earth. The man’s dark desperation hits Randy right in the gut. Half of him warns that getting involved is a sucker’s bet, and the other half scrambles for a reason—any reason—to save the man’s soul.

Ethan Ellison has no idea what he’s going to do with himself once his last dollar is gone—until Randy whirls into his life with a heart-stealing smile and a poker player’s gaze that sees too much.
Randy draws Ethan into a series of wagers that leads to a scorching kiss by midnight, but he isn’t the only one with an interest in Ethan’s vulnerability. Soon they’re both taking risks that not only play fast and loose with the law, but with the biggest prize of all: their hearts.

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its original release.

Warning: This story contains high-stakes poker, gangsters with a weakness for kittens, foursomes, and kinky consensual sex.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/double-blind-p-73245.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a perfect second installment in the Special Delivery Series! I absolutely fell for Randy in Special Delivery and knew that spitfire of a man needed his HEA, I just wasn’t sure how, or who would pull that amazing feat off. Double Blind lets us get to know Randy in a different way, and for a while apart from Sam and Mitch. But don’t worry. This just wouldn’t work without the lovely newly married couple and a fun foursome!

Randy shows his submissive, yet assertive side, his hostess skills, and his heart in this sexy story. He takes a risk on a defeated heart, by laying out all his cards for Ethan Ellison. Ethan is the perfect angry, wounded man, in need of a wake-me-up experience and Randy surely gives it to him in the form of risky business and hi-octane sex.

As Randy teaches Ethan the skills he employs in his night job, that of card shark, he begins to see the strength in him come shining through. Problem is Ethan doesn’t trust, not the people he works for, not the stability of the job, and not that he would have a future with Randy. Thanks to some of Randy’s close and critically important friends, Sam and Mitch, Ethan begins to loosen up, see what a home could be, and trust.

While Ethan is regaining his confidence, Randy begins to worry he’s gotten too big for his britches and may get into deep trouble with the casino and the retired gangster he initially sought out for help. But when all seems to be tumbling down around them both, Sam, Mitch and the rest of the gang come together to lay it all down and gamble on a new future. Will it work, or will all be lost? You’ll just have to read and find out.

This book is fun, fast paced, hot and kinky, yet soft and sweet as a baby kitten. Hearts are broken and mended, and lives are saved and rebuilt! This whole series is a winner in my book!

November Rain by Daisy Harris

Title: November Rain
Series: Fire and Rain, Book 4
Author: Daisy Harris
Genre: Contemporary/ Multicultural
Length: Novella (121 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61922-258-8
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (September 2nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Detective Joe Klamath is used to guys falling on their backs at the arch of his commanding eyebrow. Yet he can’t seem to get a read on a cute, department-store sales guy. The vagrant who just walked in, though? He’s easy to read. He’s dangerous.
Joe’s training kicks in, but as he wrestles the gun-wielding man, he gets shot.

Raised in a conservative Ethiopian community, Elias Abraham keeps his natural attraction to men under wraps. But Joe’s heroism moves him to care for the man who saved his life. After all, Joe is hurt. Chances are slim he’ll demand the types of things boys in college always wanted. Sex acts Elias wasn’t—and possibly never will be—ready for.

Gradually, Joe’s easy confidence softens Elias’s resistance. But as Joe’s healing progresses too slowly for a man of action, and trouble brews in Elias’s family, Elias begins to wonder if he can handle the pressure. Because though he hasn’t given all of his body, he’s already given all of his heart.

Purchase Link:
Review: This story caught me off guard. I wasn’t really expecting the way it turned out. I mean I knew that in the end Joe and Elias would end up together but how they got there was the surprise. Joe comes off as a jerk in parts of the story but then you realize that it might be a way to block what comes at him. He was supposed to go to his ex’s wedding, but he didn’t want to go looking like he was down. He was pissed at the way it came around but he didn’t want it to seem like he was hurting from it. So he decides to get dressed up for it, which meant he needed to go shopping.

What he had not expected when he went to the store was to find a very cute and tempting sales clerk. Elias was raised in a very conservative Ethiopian community were Elias could not tell anyone that he was gay. So he had always kept his attraction to men under wraps. Never dating or going out with other men as friends. His only relation living in America was his brother and his wife, but he was afraid of what they would say and do. He lived with them and knew that they would kick him out if they ever found out or worse he would be dead to them. That is at least what he expected from them.

What he had not expected was a very sexy detective looking for clothes or saving his life from a crazy vagrant carrying a gun. Joe had gotten hurt helping him, so it was up to him to help Joe heal. The problem was his feelings were messing with his head and somehow it was just very difficult to explain it to the hardheaded detective he was falling in love with. Joe didn’t understand why Elias hid it, but he would deal with it. The problem was Joe had a temper and being injured wasn’t making it easy to deal with.

I found myself getting caught in this story. It was fascinating and exciting, trying to figure out what they would do next. I love the fact that every time Elias shied away from Joe he could not think about him or want to see him. You can just feel the love that each man was feeling. It was like watching to bull’s charging at each other. They were passionate and full of fire, even if they start slow, because of Joe’s injury.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cops, tender-hearted men, excitement, a bit of danger and falling in love. This book has all of that and so much more that will drag you in. It caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end.

Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan

Title: Love Lessons

Series: Love Lessons, #1

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/College Days/Disney Fetish

Length: Novel (379 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (October 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Love doesn’t come with a syllabus.

Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus.

Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door.

Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his worldview.

As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.

Warning: This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/love-lessons-p-73022.html
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a perfect happily ever after, not too much angst and suffering, which is surprising for this author. Normally her writing is super edgy, angsty, dark and highly kinky. But it’s pleasant to know her repertoire goes beyond those tasty nuggets into the super sweet, awe shucks, twu-wuv wins out happily ever after. This series is all about discovering yourself, finding help and love in others, creating a community when going off to college, and starting your life. Sweet, fresh outta the closet freshman virgin is stuck rooming with the tomcat of campus and due to Kelley’s morals and Walter’s fear of commitment and abandonment, they steer clear until the sparks can’t be avoided. It’s so damn precious, and a fun loveable read.

Yes, there are plenty of dysfunctional families, but compare to so many in this genre, a little manic depression almost seems mild, almost. But I feel there is a strong personal connection with the mother’s mental illness to the author’s experience here, it’s authentic, and I feel Walter’s guilt and pain.

My favorite part of this story has to be when the sweet apple cheeked virgin seduces the campus man-whore and knocks his socks off! Yep, Kelley’s a virgin, but he knows what he wants and he knows he has Walter by the balls and the heart.

Okay I have another favorite part. The college advisor, aka the prof everyone talks to, is a focus in each of these books. It’s important to believe there are still great professors like this out there. That part of the job is guiding, and supporting your students, not just spewing a lecture, marking down grades and grabbing a paycheck. Everyone has a fond memory of a prof that helped them, inspired them, and mothered them a bit in the right direction, or at least I hope so.

The writing is always smooth with this author, she has good editors, and the woman knows how to pull you in. Yes, there were some areas that my cynical heart wanted to grumble at, but like the Disney movies Kelley is so fond of, you can’t help but like the sweeping romantic gestures and the fact that the boy gets the boy in the end!

Sweet, romantic read, highly recommended to recharge your feel good batteries.

Pushin' Buttons by E.M. Petrova

Title: Pushin’ Buttons

Series: Knocking Boots Ranch 01

Author: E.M. Petrova

Genre: (MMF) Western, Red Hots!!!, Ménage & More, Cowboys

Length: Novel (186 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61922-051-5

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (June 10th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: It’s all in her head. Until she falls into the hands – and hearts – of two cowboys.

Sexual dysfunction. The words make Sybill cringe, but after one too many failed relationships, she has to face reality. Her O-button is broken, big time. Sick of sitting on the sexual sidelines, she books a week at Boot Knockers Ranch. If a passel of rugged cowboys vying to bring her bliss can’t get her off, nothing will.

Hugh had planned to sit out this week’s rotation of sexual therapy, but when he spots sultry Sybill, he pulls rank. His bone-deep urge to possess her isn’t enough to coax elusive orgasms out of her body, though. And his resolve to give the lady whatever she needs wavers when she shyly makes a mind-blowing request.

Riggs stepped aside when Hugh muscled in to claim Sybill, but he jumps at the chance to fulfill her ultimate fantasy – a threesome. But once they come together, all barriers are stripped away, exposing his love for the one man – and woman – he’d break every last rule to make his own.

Warning: This ain’t your daddy’s ranch. Contains cowboys administering sexual therapy to frustrated ladies – and each other. Fresh batteries recommended. You’re gonna need ’em!

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/pushinrsquo-buttons-p-73455.html

Review: Pushin Buttons is the first book in this series. I will say it felt like a series that was already established since it didn’t talk much about the background of the Boot Knockers Ranch. It almost felt like a spinoff or second book. I would have liked to know why it was formed, whose Idea, it was mentioned the Cowboys owned and ran it but never said which cowboys or why. I would have liked a bit more detail on that. Also, Hugh kept mentioning a first love Travis but we got very little on that.

Having said that, I loved the story. Here is a little about the story.
Hugh is the Master of Games or the leader. He usually only fills in if one of the men needs a break, is off. He also does a few thirds if Riggs needs one. When he sees Sybill, he wants her in ways he has never wanted a woman and fights for her. Riggs also wants Sybill though she isn’t his chosen client for the week he too fights for her, not caring if he is breaking the rules. (Which there seems to be a lot of rules between the men, which I would have liked to know more about.) When Hugh wins, that leaves Riggs with no client for the week.

Riggs and Hugh secretly hook up on their down time and have several threesomes with clients. Riggs wants more with Hugh. Hugh has been burned nice and keeps his heart shut off. Will Sybill break those barriers? Will Riggs be left out in the cold? Will Sybill ever be able to orgasm? I’m not telling. You will have to read the book.

It is a character driven story and I absolutely loved all the characters. There were a few cowboys mentioned in short spurts and I hope that means we will be getting stories on them soon. The cowboys give sexual therapy to women with problems. This story is about Sybill, a guest at the ranch. She has come for therapy because she can’t find sexual release and has never had an orgasm. She is a scientist, not a skinny model type on the outside but on the inside she is sexy, fun, and eclectic. I loved that this character is not your average romance beauty. She isn’t perfect, she is very likeable. Hugh is mysterious and sexy and Riggs is just plain hot.
The plot of the story is very sexual since it is a sex therapy ranch. There is a lot of sex and I will say it is extremely steamy and never gets monotonous.

If you like hot cowboys, dude ranches, strong female characters, broken men, broken women, a sweet romance, a sexy ménage, and lots of steamy hot sex, this is definitely for you.

Enlightened by Joanna Chambers

Title: Enlightened
Series: The Enlightenment series, Book #3

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical (Industrial Revolution England)

Length: Novel (192 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (May 6th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Five months ago, David Lauriston was badly hurt helping his friend Elizabeth escape her violent husband. Since then, David has been living with his lover, Lord Murdo Balfour, while he recuperates.

Despite the pain of his injuries, David’s time with Murdo has been the happiest of his life. The only things that trouble him are Murdo’s occasional bouts of preoccupation, and the fact that one day soon, David will have to return to his legal practice in Edinburgh.

That day comes too soon when David’s friend and mentor takes to his deathbed, and David finds himself agreeing to take on a private mission in London. Murdo is at his side in the journey, but a shocking revelation by Murdo’s ruthless father leaves David questioning everything they’ve shared.

As tensions mount and the stakes grow higher, David and Murdo are forced to ask themselves how far they’re prepared to go—and how much they’re prepared to give up— to stay together. And whether there’s any chance of lasting happiness for men like them.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/Enlightened-p-73400.html

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.

From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.

David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.

But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.

The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.

A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!

Mark of Cain by Kate Sherwood

Title: Mark of Cain
Series: N/A
Author: Kate Sherwood
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (351 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61922-021-8
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (5-20-2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4½Hearts
Blurb: When a man is consumed by hatred, is there anything left to love?

After a tough day of counseling sessions, Anglican priest Mark Webber is looking forward to a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant. When he sees who’s bellied up to the bar, though, he reaches for his cell phone to call the police.
It’s Lucas Cain, the man who killed Mark’s brother three years ago. Apparently, he’s out of jail and hanging out with his old crowd, which has to be a breach of parole, right?

Pulled over upon leaving the bar, Lucas blows a clean breathalyzer and hopes this isn’t a harbinger of things to come. He’s ready to build a sober, peaceful life. His friends aren’t ready to let him move on, though, and he ends up taking refuge in an Anglican halfway house.

Thrown together, Mark and Lucas find common ground in the struggle to help a young gay man come to terms with his sexuality—and the fight against homophobic townsfolk. As attraction grows, the past is the last stumbling block between them and a future filled with hope.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/mark-cain-p-73410.html
Reviewer: Tootsie
Review: Mark of Cain, by Kate Sherwood, is an incredible story about overcoming fear, loss, bad mistakes, and pain. I have many titles by this author, in my own library, and I have yet to read one that did not touch me on some level. She has an incredible perception with expressing, thru her characters, emotions that feel visible to you, the reader, instead of just words on a page. She has taken two characters, who are both damaged souls, in one way or another, are from completely different backgrounds, and brought them together and they clicked. They were able to find comfort in each other, whereas before, they were just stumbling along.

Thru some bad mistakes, drinking, and mean tempers, Lucas Cain, after 3 years, is being released from prison. He killed a man, accidentally, but he considers himself a murderer, along with the rest of the towns’ people. He wants to do right for himself and for others, but his old friends are having a hard time understanding the new Lucas. They want to continue being the rough and rowdy boys and feel Lucas should fall back in line. Lucas, however, is not okay with this plan. How will his homeboys feel when he separates from the pack? How will Sean, his once best friend, feel when Lucas no longer wants to deny his sexuality? Lucas ends up staying at a halfway house where he will remain, as long as, he doesn’t violate his parole. He soon discovers he may have one or more persons working against him.

Mark Webber, priest and confidante, loves working with the children/teenagers in the community. He wants to be a safe place they can come to if they are questioning their sexuality. He finds comfort in the church, his routine prayers, and he feels confidant he has the support of the parishioners and the church. He also likes to be a helping hand at the halfway house, and be support, if needed. He has the support of his family, as long as, he doesn’t mention he is gay. Up until now, that wasn’t a hardship. He doesn’t understand why, the one man he should hate, the man who killed his brother, is also the man he is falling for. Everything around him seems to be coming apart at the seams. His relationship with Lucas, his father is sick and dying, and the one place he felt comfort – his church, has put him on probation. How will Mark’s mother react when she discovers who her son is falling in love with?

The church wants him to walk away from Lucas. Will the church support him, if that is not a consideration? With so many things working against them, will they ever be free to love each other, as they want? Mark doesn’t do sex, just to do sex. He wants a committed relationship. However, time is not on their side. Thankfully, Lucas wants the same thing, and having sex with Mark, is one thing that is very right. In the privacy of his home, he and Lucas, no longer hold back from expressing their feelings. They love each other with everything they have. While the sex is not that explicit, you get the feeling it is everything they need. It’s been a long time since either one had any sexual romps. So, together, they discover what the other likes and how to satisfy each other.

This was a fairly long story, so there are many twists and turns. The author does an incredible job with the progression of the storyline. There are many amazing side characters that enrich the story, greatly. Many times, I would catch myself laughing, aloud, at the banter and the humour these wonderful characters possessed. You, definitely, can see the growth and the maturity many of the characters go through. You will also have moments of holding your breath, afraid of what is getting ready to take place. I love how the author has the MC’s working together to overcome their problems, rather than splitting them up, only to make up, at the last few pages. There will be sad moments, but at its core, it is a love story. A love between, Lucas and Mark, which will not be broken, by anyone. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a feel good story, little angst, a lot of laughter, and a HEA. I may have my fingers crossed for another story with a very troubled soul, a man who is definitely broken in spirit and heart. He was once Lucas’ best friend, now he doesn’t want to be friends with anyone. I hope we have not seen the last of these amazing characters. Thank you Kate Sherwood, for another incredible read.

No Distance Left to Run by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

Title: No Distance Left to Run
Series: The Distance Between Us, #4
Author: L. A Witt and Aleksandr Voinov
Genre: Red Hots, Men in Uniform, Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novel (193 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61922-214-4
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (May 13th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: The night before Chris and his best friend Joshua were sent thousands of miles apart on their respective Mormon missions, they finally gave in to their mutual desire. Left trying to make sense of what happened, Chris’s already shaky faith crumbled altogether a year later, when Joshua suddenly died.

Inconsolable, ostracized by his family and the only community he’d ever known, Chris found his way on his own. Now he’s going to school and loves his job as a bartender at Wilde’s. Years after Joshua’s death, he’s finally moving on.
Then a familiar face rocks his world. Joshua isn’t dead. He’s back in Seattle to make peace with his dying father, with a new name, a new accent…and old feelings for Chris that are alive and well.

Forgiveness doesn’t come easy for anyone, but just as Chris is accepting that the man he loves isn’t going to run away this time, their families threaten to pull them apart all over again…

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/distance-left-p-73406.html

Review: I was quite surprise by this story. It was not what I had expected and to my surprise, I actually liked it a lot. It brings things home to you. It makes your heart sing to see to men get what they want in the end. It will also make you cry to know the pain that they went through to get to where they are in the end. I have never really understood why people have so much hate in their souls and hearts. Nor do I understand why people can’t understand that you should be allowed to love whom you want. This story gives you two wonderful men who have the desires to be with each other and the way the church tries to put an end to it. So much so, that it drives one man to pretend he is dead and start a new life somewhere else. He left so much behind.

Chris had fallen in love with Joshua and when he learned he had been killed it nearly drove him insane. Now many years later he finds out Joshua is alive and is going by the name of Julien. He doesn’t know whether to be extremely pissed off or to actually forgive him. He hasn’t seen him in so long but when Julien comes back to try to make amends, he has to see where it will go.
Julien is very much in love with Chris and it has left him with a lot of fears and pain. He knows that he has caused not only pain to his family but to the man he loves also. He wants to fix things with his family but he is not going to give up a life with Chris. You can feel the love that they have for each other.You can also feel the pain when everyone seems to want to fix them, to keep them apart.

I can’t believe what these two men most have felt and gone through to get them to this point in time. To have the strength to go against everything they had been taught is an amazing lesson some should learn. I can say that these two authors have put together a story that everyone should read at least once in their lives. To see what some people do go through when they are dealing with families. I wished that everyone would feel the way these two men love one another. It would be a gift to be able to love so deeply and to be love back in the same strength.

I would recommend this story to everyone who wants to feel such strength, such love, and such loyalties. It also doesn’t hurt that these two men are hot and they are showing signs of being kinky. It will be an amazing read.

A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi guys, today we have Sarah Granger with A Minor Inconvenience and a fantastic giveaway, there’s also a guest post and excerpt to enjoy and of course Tams review, so have a look around, enjoy our post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

A Minor Inconvenience

Title: A Minor Inconvenience
Author: Sarah Granger
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Release Date: 14^th January, 2014
Genre: M/M Historical Romance

Duty, honor, propriety…all fall in the face of love.

Captain Hugh Fanshawe returned from the Peninsular War with a leg that no longer works properly, thanks to a French musket ball. Now his fight against Napoleon is reduced to quiet, lonely days compiling paperwork at Horse Guards headquarters.

His evenings are spent dutifully escorting his mother and sister to stifling social engagements, where his lameness renders him an object of pity and distaste. But his orderly, restricted life is thrown into sudden disarray with the arrival of Colonel Theo Lindsay.

Theo is everything Hugh is not-a man of physical perfection and easy yet distinguished address. Surprisingly to Hugh, Theo appears to be interested in making his acquaintance. Lindsay turns out to be a most convivial companion, and Hugh finds great pleasure in his company. Their friendship deepens when they become lovers.

In spite of himself, Hugh falls desperately in love. But when a French spy is suspected at Horse Guards, Hugh discovers nothing is as it seems.and the paper he shuffles from day to day could be the instrument of his lover’s death.

Warning: Contains gallant English officers in love, dastardly French spies, skintight pantaloons (sometimes on the floor) and gleaming tasselled Hessians.

Continue reading “A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger

Title: A Minor Inconvenience
Author: Sarah Granger
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (264 pages)
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 14th 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Duty, honor, propriety…all fall in the face of love.

Theo is everything Hugh is not—a man of physical perfection and easy yet distinguished address. Surprisingly to Hugh, Theo appears to be interested in making his acquaintance. Lindsay turns out to be a most convivial companion, and Hugh finds great pleasure in his company. Their friendship deepens when they become lovers.

In spite of himself, Hugh falls desperately in love. But when a French spy is suspected at Horse Guards, Hugh discovers nothing is as it seems…and the paper he shuffles from day to day could be the instrument of his lover’s death.

Product Warnings
Contains gallant English officers in love, dastardly French spies, skintight pantaloons (sometimes on the floor) and gleaming tasseled Hessians.
Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/minor-inconvenience-p-73184.html
Review: If Jane Austen were to write a gay romance novel.

Hugh Fanshawe returned from the war with an injury that ends most days in agony. The former Captain now works as a paper pusher at the Horse Guards headquarters. He takes care of his mother and sister, but he’s essentially lonely and just going through the motions. His life is mundane but comfortable, that is until he meets Theo Lindsay. Colonial Lindsay is every bit the distinguished gentleman, and soon enough Hugh discovers that they share the same interest, each other.

Secrets abound throughout, whether it be Hugh and Theo and their hidden attraction, or the traitor that has blended into their lives. A sweet, gentle and romantic relationship between the two men quickly blossoms. But Theo is hiding a secret, a secret that could tear the budding twosome apart.

What I loved most about this book was the seemingly genuine style from the time period that has been woven throughout this story. The wording, the phrasing, the clothing and the mannerisms are exactly what I think of for the time. There was the constant underlying threat as well, the possibility of Hugh and Theo being discovered. Two men being together intimately at the time was frowned upon and could suffer severe consequences if discovered. And their influential positions only added to the urgency of keeping the romance secret.

The romance aspect thought was a bit lacking for me. While I appreciated the author staying true to the period piece she was writing, I wanted more details instead of hints and innuendos when Hugh and Theo were in the bedroom. Overall the story kept me intrigued and I was anxious to see how it all came together. I think fans of historical romance will be pleased with this one.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Tough Love by Heidi Cullinan

Title: Tough Love

Series: Special Delivery Book 3

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Contemporary/BDSM/Drag

Length: Novel (408 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (April 8th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: Special Delivery, Book 3

Crescencio “Chenco” Ortiz pulled himself up by his garter straps after his father’s will yanked the financial rug from under his spank-me pumps. He doesn’t need anyone, yet when Steve Vance steps into his life, the prospect of having a sexy leather daddy on tap begins to take on a certain appeal.

There’s a hitch when he learns Steve is friends with Mitch Tedsoe—the half-brother Chenco never knew except through his father’s twisted lies. Despite his reservations, soon Chenco is living his dreams, including a performing gig in Vegas. Now if only he could get Steve to see him as more than just a boy in need of saving.

Steve’s attraction to Chenco is overshadowed by too many demons, ones he knows his would-be lover is too young to slay. Yet as he gets to know the bright, determined young man whose drag act redefines fierce, Steve’s inner sadist trembles with need. He begins to realize Chenco’s relentless tough love might be the only thing that will finally set him free.

Warning: This story contains glamorous drag queens, exhibitionist secondary characters, and no-holds-barred BDSM play, including water sports. Readers advised they may well leave this novel feeling uncharacteristically fierce.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/tough-love-p-73306.html
Reviewer: GiGi

Review: I’m going to begin with the end, and that so much happened so abruptly that it left me wanting more, and that’s a good thing! Being that this baby was already 408 pages. I understand the poor author didn’t want to make us read an encyclopedia, but damn, there are so many new directions, so much drama, just so damn much!!!

Okay, enough with my rant. Tough Love fits beautifully in this collection of Special Delivery stories. Mitch and Sam were mouth-watering, we all knew Randy needed something special and Ethan fit that bill, but what I didn’t see coming was how very special Mitch’s unknown little half-brother would be. Chenco, Crescencio, Ortiz, is a hot little package of stress, survival, angst, and the strength of a queen. His alter ego, Caramela, a strong as steel drag queen, is a very interesting illustration of the alter ego and strength in us all. Only Chenco gets to let her out physically instead of just figuratively. Only even with the strength of Caramela within Chenco, his life is going to hell and he’s about to reach a breaking point when he learns he’ll become homeless after the long-awaited death of his hideous father.

Enter a big Papi with the need to help, the need to control, the need to direct Chenco, to help him free his pain and give it to him. Oh yeah, did I mention big Papi Steve is a sadist, oh, that first release was pulse pounding, hot, and just, yeah. What also fits this book into the series are the very hot, very edgy, very kinky erotic scenes. You will not be disappointed if this is what you’ve come to expect from Cullinan.

Problem is, both of these characters have problems, big problems, big flaws, and even though we see them overcome them, there are plenty of issues left unresolved, at least for me on Steve’s part, by the end of this story.

Tough Love illustrated two main needs, both taboos in most social circles, the lifestyle, and persona of a drag queen, and the very real needs of sadists/masochists or those taking the BDSM lifestyle seriously. Through her words, and the characters actions, we see the needs, and the execution, the resolution of that need in both areas. Drag isn’t about a man in a dress, and those living the BDSM lifestyle aren’t playing spank me please games, they’re venting a need in a way that is productive, and safer for the world at large.

We also get to see more of Crabtree in Tough Love, and I grow to like him and fear him more and more. Though I feel he failed here, I think that peek into his past and look at his present could lead to a much bigger story. Can’t’ wait to find out!

I could not put this book down. In fact, I had a death grip on my poor Kindle. When my hubby suggested I turn it off and get some sleep, the crazed look in my eyes made him back away slowly, roll over and accept defeat. As long as you enjoy kink, I highly recommend Tough Love, I know I’ll be rereading it again soon!

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A Minor Inconvenience

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