Tag: Sanhaim Publishing

After the Rain by Daisy Harris

81VGqRQjw-L._SL1500_Title: After the Rain
Series: Fire and Rain, Book 2
Author: Daisy Harris
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (161 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61921-979-3
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (February 11th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: They’re going to need a bigger tent.

Henri’s list of bad exes is as long as his arm, but nothing prepared him for his latest, heart-stomping breakup. He thought he couldn’t feel more abandoned, until his ride for a group camping trip bails, leaving him stuck driving for hours with a guy who is absolutely not his type.

After breaking up with his girlfriend of five years, firefighter Logan is working up the nerve to explore his interest in men. He knows he’s gay. He just hasn’t had the guts to do anything about it…until now.

Henri’s big-city attitude and tight jeans push every last one of Logan’s buttons, and when he and Henri have to share a tent, Logan is thrilled. He should have realized Pacific Northwest weather would get wet—forcing them to strip naked.

Though the steam between him is thicker than coastal fog, Henri’s not sure he can let himself fall for another man. Not even the guy who finally treats him right.

Product Warnings
Contains bad ex-boyfriends, even worse weather, and more than your average amount of sex in a tent. May not be suitable for those with germ phobias, outdoor aversions, or fear of damp shoes.
　
Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/after-rain-p-73229.html
Review: This is part two in this series but you should start with book one. Although it can be read as a standalone book. It was a lot better than book one and I am glad for that. It was told with a bit of humor and seriousness to it. I am actually pleased with it. It still has a very small bit of homophobic people to it however. This one was more about a jerk of an ex who slept around on Henri.

He even told Henri that he had a STD that he shouldn’t worry about but maybe should get tested anyway.
Logan had broken up with his long time girl friend because he knew that what they were was wrong. He was completely gay and needed to live his life to the fullest. Now all he had to do is figure a way to meet men. He wasn’t old enough to go to the club’s so he was kind of clueless. However when his friend and coworker invited him to go camping, well what does a boy from Texas say but agree to go. It also might have something to do with the hottie that was friends with his coworker. And that said hottie was going camping also.

Henri almost bit his tongue off when he saw Logan, but he comes across as an ass to Logan. He is scared and you can tell it by the way he acts to Logan. And Logan takes some of it but mostly he is just as lost as ever. However, when these two get over whatever is their main issue things start to heat up.

This is a really cute story that you can love. You will love Logan and Henri. They come off as so true to the ones you would consider friends. I especially love Henri, he over comes his pain from a cheating ex, gets over his fear of a possible std, and falls head over heels for Logan and camping. Although you could give him some time, well a lot of time before trying it again.

I loved the humorous parts to it. I would recommend this story because Logan is one hell of a hot fireman and EMT. Henri is just as sexy as can be, their camping in Canada, running into freezing water butt naked and lots of good times.

The Only One Who Knows by L.A. Witt and Cat Grant

18400295Title: The Only One Who Knows
Series: The Only One, #1
Author: L. A. Witt & Cat Grant
Genre: Men in Uniform, Gay Contemporary
Length: Novel (220 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61921-925-0
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: When Navy SEAL training pushed Lieutenant Josh Walker to his limit, Chief David Flint’s stern heart-to-heart—more like boot-to-ass—helped Josh realize his potential. When the holidays found them alone together and sharing a mutual attraction, they couldn’t help breaking a few regulations. And nearly breaking some furniture in the process.

Years after their short-lived fling, Senior Chief Flint returns to SEAL duty and finds himself under the command of the man he’s never been able to forget: Lieutenant Commander Walker. And Josh hasn’t forgotten David, either. Rules be damned, they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Despite their discretion, another SEAL catches on and threatens to expose their relationship, forcing Josh to bend to a blackmailer’s demands to avoid strife within the team just before a dangerous mission. David is the last man he can confide in…and the first to pick up on Josh’s tightly screwed-down stress.

When a life-or-death decision calls Josh’s leadership into question, coming clean could cost him what he values most. His coveted trident…and the man he loves.
Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/The-Only-One-Who-Knows-p-73181.html
Review: This is book one in this new series. I can guarantee that you will love it. The moment you open the book up you will be caught with the first paragraph. You will fall in love with Josh and David. You can’t help it. They are the strongest men you will ever meet. Josh is just trying to survive Navy Seal training, but Chief David Flint pushes him to be the best. He sees the potential in Josh and can tell that this man is going to go far. The only problem that they seem to be having is their attraction to each other.

They had one night of hot passionate sex, but David puts a stop to any further action even though he wants this man more than anything he has ever wanted. Although Josh keeps pushing him for more. He keeps his mind on the goal, wanting to get his twenty years in and retire. He wants to do more than what he is doing now.

A few years later, David comes back to do what he was trained to do. The only thing he see’s in his sight is the man he left behind after one hot night. One Lieutenant Commander Josh Walker, who just happens to be his Commanding Officer. The heat is still there between them, and they decide that this time there is no calling quits. Even though they can’t be out, they plan on being with each other.

They had been doing really good at keeping it secret, but had made one fatal mistake one night. One of his men had seen them and taken a picture so that he could blackmail Josh into making his papers look real good. He wanted promoted and the only way he could do it was to black mail for it. Knowing that they could all lose their jobs, Josh decides to handle it after their tour is over. However when David gets injured, Josh helps to keep him alive. The truth comes out.

I can guarantee that you will love this book. It comes with everything you will ever love. Hot, sexy men in uniform, Navy Seals, danger coming from all directions, tours of duty showing their strengths, and hot sex. I definitely recommend this wonderful story to anyone who loves men in uniform. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Relief Valve by J.L. Merrow

ReliefValve72lgTitle: Relief Valve

Series:  Plumber’s Mate, Book 2

Author: J.L. Merrow

Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal

Length: Novel (357 Pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (March 25th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: “If you dig up the past, be prepared to get dirty. “

“ The Plumber’s Mate, Book 2″

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing since plumber Tom Paretski and P.I. Phil Morrison became connected at the heart, if not always at Tom’s dodgy hip. Neither of their families has been shy about voicing their disapproval, which hasn’t helped Tom’s uneasy relationship with his prickly older sister, Cherry.

But when Cherry is poisoned at her own engagement party, the horror of her near death has Tom’s head spinning with possible culprits. Is it her fiancé Gregory, a cathedral canon with an unfortunate manner and an alarming taste for taxidermy? Someone from her old writers’ circle, which she left after a row? Or could the attack be connected to her work as a barrister?

Phil is just as desperate to solve the case before someone ends up dead-and he fears it could be Tom. At least one of their suspects has a dark secret to hide, which makes Tom’s sixth sense for finding things like a target painted on his back…

Warning: Contains a strong, silent, macho PI; a cheeky, chirpy, cat-owning plumber; and a gag gift from beyond the grave that’ll put the cat firmly among the pigeons.

Product Link:http://store.samhainpublishing.com/relief-valve-p-73290.html?osCsid=0b0a7658cb3241abb4efce7e72c894d3

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: A quirky book full of good dry British humor, cheekiness, sarcasm and a plumber with paranormal abilities. Specifically he finds things, hidden things, and while this helps him find leaks fast, it can also get him into trouble fast, as we learned in book one. Book two leaves us off watching the relationship grow between Tom and Phil. Are they meant to be a lasting thing? Is it too soon to swap keys or talk about forever plans? Tom is left to ponder this question as he helps his big sis prepare to take vows of her own, to a very odd and somewhat creepy clergyman. The plot thickens as his sister first gets in touch with Tom to discuss the passing of their dear old Auntie Lol, and the odd request she had given him to go to her old home and find his hidden bequest.

Of course, we know Tom by now, and even though he’s the one for a knack of finding things, trouble seems to want to find him, and his big sis. During an engagement party Cherry is poisoned, trouble is was it intended for him, or her? The odd animal stuffing fiancé, Greg also seems suspicious, even more when he hires Phil to do some work for him, and keep it secret from Cherry.

As if death, murder, and creepy soon to be brother-in-laws weren’t enough excitement, a wayward book club introduces Tom to long-lost family…though I can’t give more away than that!

Will Cherry, Phil, and Tom escape some madman’s murder attempts? Will Tom and Phil get closer, or drift apart? And what the heck does Cherry see in big, tall, and creepy Gregory? So many questions to answer and a long, winding, crazy path of a story to get you there! Merrow’s sense of humor kept me reading, and fingering the murderer was tough, both good qualities in any murder mystery if you ask me! I recommend you grab this series, and read in order, as we see many characters from the past come into the future.

Beguiled by Joanna Chambers

18444431Title: Beguiled

Series: Enlightenment #2

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical

Length: Novel (234 pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 24th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Enlightenment, Book 2

David Lauriston couldn’t be less interested in King George IV’s first visit to Edinburgh. But with Faculty of Advocates members required to put on a minimal show of patriotism, David makes an appointment with his tailor for a new set of clothes—only to run into a man he hasn’t seen for two long years…Lord Murdo Balfour.

Much has changed since their bitter parting, except their stormy attraction. And when Murdo suggests they enjoy each other’s company during his stay, David finds himself agreeing. After all, it’s only a temporary tryst. Amidst the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit, Murdo’s seduction is more powerful than David ever imagined possible. But when other figures from David’s past show up, he is drawn into a chain of events beyond his control. Where his determination to help a friend will break his body, threaten his career, and put at risk the fragile tenderness he’s found in Murdo’s arms.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/beguiled-p-73168.html?osCsid=dfef4ea26f6f23394e23ef6e4056c8e1

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: Did I mention how much I enjoyed Provoked? I dug right into that wonderful book, filled with tension. Beguiled takes of running with tension, and Murdo has been holding on to David’s rejection for a couple of years now. Their past encounters were rife with passion, yet they lived in two different worlds, with different ideals, and went separate ways. Murdo feel’s it was David’s idealism that separated them in the first place and he’s determined to get under his skin and have him again. It’s not an accident that Murdo decided to go to Edinburgh after all, not just family commitment…Murdo went seeking David.

David has been busy working his way up with his friend Chalmers’ help and influence. He owes him a good showing for the King’s visit and amidst his long hours and heavy caseload agrees to get fitted for a new suit so he can meet his commitments and attend several patriotic events. Of course, David wasn’t prepared to see the man who exposes his weaknesses, that tempts him at every turn, Murdo Balfour. The sparks fly once again, David and Murdo battle back and forth between passion and frustration, pride and what David sees as weakness in himself.

Once again, political station, commitments to friends and political disagreements act to force David and Murdo apart. But a tragic injury to David forces them together. Giving them time to build on their passion, or time for an angry husband to catch up with David and finish the threat to his life? Will David and Murdo take this time to get closer, to find a solution to their predicament, how long can they hide their true relationship? I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!

My only complaint is the cliffhanger…I know there is going to be a very angry, very dangerous, politically powerful Lord coming after David in the very near future, but can Murdo protect him? Ugh…eagerly awaiting the next bite of passion from these two!

Let It Snow by Heidi Cullinan

LetItSnow72lgTitle: Let It Snow

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Genre: Holiday

Length: Novel (185 pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (November 26th, 2013)

Heat: Moderate

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Mickie

Blurb: The weather outside is frightful, but this Minnesota north woods cabin is getting pretty hot.

Stylist Frankie Blackburn never meant to get lost in Logan, Minnesota, but his malfunctioning GPS felt otherwise, and a record-breaking snowfall ensures he won’t be heading back to Minneapolis anytime soon. Being rescued by three sexy lumberjacks is fine as a fantasy, but in reality, the biggest of the bears is awfully cranky and seems ready to gobble Frankie right up.

Marcus Gardner wasn’t always a lumberjack—once a high-powered Minneapolis lawyer, he’s come home to Logan to lick his wounds, not play with a sassy city twink who might as well have stepped directly out of his past. But as the north winds blow and guards come down, Frankie and Marcus find they have a lot more in common than they don’t. Could the man who won’t live in the country and the man who won’t go back to the city truly find a home together? Because the longer it snows, the deeper they fall in love, and all they want for Christmas is each other.

Warning: Contains power outages, excessive snowfall, and incredibly sexy bears.

Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/let-it-snow-p-73107.html

Review: Let It Snow is the Goldilocks and the Three Bears version I always wanted to read! Heidi Cullinan weaves that magic that she weaves so well ONCE AGAIN! (No surprise there!)

Frankie, the main character is so adorable and endearing with his insecurities and open heart; his strength of character is so obvious to everyone but himself, you find yourself wanting to just wrap him up in cotton wool…but that is not our job, it’s the job of a lonely, bitter, gorgeous bear with a grizzly attitude named Marcus!…and when the two come together, they SIZZLE! The transformation that their love, (YES, LOVE), produces; grows these characters into two wonderfully strong, sexy, and loving men; and is a joy to read. You find yourself rooting for them every step of the way, and hoping they can find a way to make their love last forever.

The cast of supporting characters is a fun one, and I personally would not mind reading continuation(s) of this book to check back in on Frankie & Marcus; as well as to read about the happy endings so many of these SCs deserve! This book is full of sexy bears, wonderful characters, plenty of laughs, hot sex and a great story! I highly recommend this book, as well as this author!

Let It Snow was a heart-warming and lovely story with characters that grab you, and a story that will make it hard to put down! ENJOY!

Provoked by Joanna Chambers

17730557Title: Provoked

Series: Enlightenment, Book 1

Author: Joanna Chambers

Genre: Historical/1800’s Scotland

Length: Novel (218 pages)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (July 23rd, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5

Blurb: When a man loses his heart, he has no choice but to follow…

Enlightenment, Book 1

Lowborn David Lauriston lacks the family connections needed to rise in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. Worse, his latest case—defending weavers accused of treason—has brought him under suspicion of harboring radical sympathies.

Troubled by his sexuality, tormented by memories of a man he once platonically loved, David lives a largely celibate life—until a rare sexual encounter with a compelling stranger turns his world on its head.

Cynical and worldly, Lord Murdo Balfour is more at home in hedonistic London than dingy, repressed Edinburgh. Unlike David, he intends to eventually marry while continuing to enjoy the company of men whenever he pleases. Yet sex with David is different. It’s personal, intimate, and instead of extinguishing his desire, it only leaves him hungry for more.

As David’s search for the man who betrayed the weavers deepens, he begins to suspect that his mysterious lover has more sinister reasons for his presence in Edinburgh. The truth could leave his heart broken…and more necks stretching on the gallows.

Warning: Contains mystery and danger set in 1822 Scotland, and a forbidden love between two men that will leave you on the edge of your seat—until the next book.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/provoked-p-72886.html

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I know its a great book when I stay up reading until 2:30 in the morning on a work night! I couldn’t put it down, and I was sighing dramatically when I realized book two was not ready to devour yet! I will be begging for it, for certain. I really enjoy historical romances, I really truly love m/m romance, I get all hot and bothered over Scottish men, and I love a bit of intrigue…this book contains it all! The drama, the angst, the steamy hot and erotic sexual encounters. Chambers has really developed complex characters in both David and Balfour; they each have concrete reasons for being the way they are, how they react to their life situations, and how they see themselves in the peerage. The book opens with an intense scene of a public hanging and decapitation, and really sets the tempo for the tension I felt throughout the book. It’s edgy, it’s philosophical, and it’s exciting throughout.


I really enjoyed how the author is building up tension and magnetism between the two main MC’s, and that they are both drawn to and repelled by each other throughout the plot. I’m also surprised and intrigued by the fact that the bleeding heart idealist David is the rough and gritty lover, and the brutish lord Balfour is the more sensual, intimate lover. That was a nice twist. The drama unfolds as David and his bleeding heart agrees to help Euen, the brother of the executed men he advocated for in court. He wants David’s help tracking down the spy that got his brother killed, and that path may just lead to Balfour! You just know no good can come of it. You see the train wreck coming but can’t help but turn the pages even faster.

As the characters paths begin to align the book becomes nail-biting, and at the same time the sexual confrontation is also coming. The end of book one was at once painful, and settling. I really truly felt sorrow for David’s self-sacrifice for his ideals, and understanding in him accepting what love and family he has as his best comfort in the world. But I know I want so much more for him. I’m left irritated a bit with Balfour, and my mind is whirring with the many possibilities that may lie in store for David and Balfour in the next book! If you enjoy reading about the Ton and you love a hot, angsty romance, this book is for you! I couldn’t put it down!

The Gentleman's Keeper by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

17592491Title: The Gentleman’s Keeper

Series:   N/A
  
Author: Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon
 
Genre: Historical

Length: Novel

Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd. (July 9th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4

Blurb: Confronting the darkness of his past, he finds the light of his future.

After years gadding about Europe, Everett Gerard can no longer avoid his responsibilities. Word has come that a child bearing the unmistakable Gerard stamp has shown up at the family estate—and he realizes it’s time to face his demons.

As his carriage nears the gates of home, he fights the urge to flee the memory of the horrible crime he witnessed as a child. Yet the Abbey delivers surprises and delights he never expected.

Miles Kenway was content with his quiet life as the Abbey’s bailiff, until the wild child, clearly a bastard son of some Gerard, upends his peace with constant pranks and mischief. And when the master of the house arrives, an unsettling attraction heats Miles’s blood.

As they clash over the fate of the ancestral land, they battle a powerful desire to grapple in ways that could disrupt the delicate balance between master and servant. But when the boy’s real sire appears, they must unite as only true fathers can to protect the boy whose mischievous charm has captured their hearts.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/gentlemans-keeper-p-72874.html

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: Dee and Devon spin a magnetic tale of two very different men coming together under social and familial difficulties, finding love through a common goal. Namely, to raise and care for a wild, abandoned boy whose heart, not his parentage, matter. The obvious struggles of social class, master/servant, hiding their romantic nature, and raising a wounded, insecure child combine to create plenty of drama, heat, and suspense. I was ensnared by the characters so much I wanted more! I wanted to see this family blend, observe the sister’s reactions, see how they handled raising the boy as more years advanced. I do enjoy family drama and historical romance. and if you do too, I’d recommend this read!

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

familymanTitle:  Family Man

Author:  Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (262 pages)

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing (March 12th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:  Sometimes family chooses you.

How does a man get to be forty without knowing whether he’s gay? That’s a question Vince Fierro is almost afraid to answer. If he is gay, it’ll be a problem for his big, fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, he can’t help but wonder if he’s been playing for the wrong team.

There’s only one way to settle it, once and for all—head for Chicago’s Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood.

Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother’s ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he’s straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek to the sultry strains of Coltrane, Trey finds himself wanting to help Vinnie figure things out—no promises, and no sex.

It seems like a simple plan, until their “no-sex” night turns into the best date of their lives and forges a connection that complicates everything.

Warning: This book deals with alcoholism, broken promises, and overbearing little sisters.

Product Link:  http://store.samhainpublishing.com/family-man-p-7287.html

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  A comforting read.

There’s just something really warm about this story that makes reading this fun and easy. I read this over a couple of cold, wintery evenings, and it was like having hot chocolate and marshmallows. Yum.

The pace is superb for a light read. There is no major angst or any dramatic unexpected turns, the story is simply about two sweet guys, Vinnie and Trey, who let themselves show their attraction to one another and it simmers and grows into love.

The two perspectives worked for me as well. Trey’s perspective is in the first person and Vinnie’s is in the third—both are skillfully written and pleasant to read. Though, I felt a touch more connected with Trey most of the story.

This was a smooth, fast read with a simple plot. If you’re looking for a break in-between more angst driven stories, this is a great option.

 

A Road Not Taken by Jennifer Thorne

Title: A Road Not Taken

Series: N/A

Author: Jennifer Thorne

Genre: MM Contemporary

Length: Novella

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (September 4th, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Taking the road less travelled may lead you home.

Eco-house builder Jascha doesn’t think twice about taking in stray animals. Stray people? This would be a first. But there’s something about the stranded young man—who’s carrying nothing in his car but a hidden gun—that warns Jascha not to leave him alone.

Stuck in a soul-sucking bank job, Peter has given up on finding meaning in his life. Long ago he cut himself off from his creative side, unable to get over the feeling that everything about himself is wrong. He thinks there’s only one thing left to do—until the pushy, charismatic Jascha happens along what was supposed to be a deserted road, and Peter lets himself be bullied into following him home.

In the days that follow, Peter gets more of a crash course in the hippie lifestyle—natural food, meditation, yoga—than he can handle. But every time he begins to relax around his new friend, their spark of attraction twists him back into a ball of nerves.

Jascha tells himself it’s a mistake to get involved with a man whose gaydar is seriously broken. In spite of everything, love happens. The only question is if love is enough to save both their lonely souls.

Product Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/road-taken-p-6978.html

Reviewer: Thommie

Review: Jascha is an eco-house constructor, a happy-hippy guy who always will see life with a joyful eye. He’s on his way home when a car stopped in the middle of nowhere gets his attention. The guy in that car, besides being way cute, gives him the chills. His sadness and suicidal vibes are nearly palpable and Jascha makes a split-second decision to save him no matter what.

Peter has spent all his life being pushed around and denied his true desires by nearly everyone. His father always seemed to find his doings “nonsense” pushing him to be more “man”, his high-school and college years are tainted by memories of bullies pushing him around, and his one and only sexual experience left him with pain and an STI. In his worse mental state, having taken the decision to end his life, he meets Jascha who literally changes his life. But his low self-esteem and insecurities will always be there and shadow his every step.

This is a pretty intriguing story. The take on eco-friendly environment and lifestyle was something I liked a lot. Jascha is such a happy guy he got my attention immediately and Peter, well, he got me a little bit confused at the beginning, and I disliked him quite a lot later on. All his insecurities and mental issues had me reeling. It wasn’t until I reached the near end of the story that I got a likening for Peter. The way he finally took his life in his own hands and made some solid decisions about the reality of his situation was unexpected and left me with a good feeling. Their relationship was a bit unrealistic for me to enjoy. More often than not I’m totally against “flash-speed-falling-in-love-relationships”. They just don’t work for me, and the way Jascha’s and Peter’s relationship went from “we barely know each other” to “I love you and want to live with you” was more than annoying for me. In my opinion this story needed more space and development. It would give a good deal of emotions at its dramatic twists that were lost in the short narration, but as I said it was pretty intriguing and I ended up liking it. I recommend this if you want to read something new and fresh, with a nice writing style and some earth-loving meaning. Personally, that is what I loved the most.

 

Bad Boyfriend by K. A. Mitchell

Title:  Bad Boyfriend

Series:  Bad in Baltimore

Author:  K. A. Mitchell

Genre:   Contemporary

Length:  Novel

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Sometimes it’s good to be bad. Real good…

Bad in Baltimore, Book 2

After Eli Wright came out, his parents threw him out. In the five years since, he’s made his own way, lived by his own rules, determined to never change himself—not for anyone. He’s not against finding Mr. Right, but Mr. Right Now will do just fine.

Quinn Maloney’s reward for ten years of faithfully keeping his closeted boyfriend’s secrets? A hell of a wake-up call to go with his morning coffee. Not only did Peter have affairs, he went straight to marry his pregnant girlfriend—and Quinn was to never reveal their history.

With the baby’s baptism looming and Quinn expected to put on a polite front, he decides he’s had enough of playing the peacekeeper. One wink from a much younger, eyeliner-wearing guy in a bar, and Quinn’s found a perfectly outrageous date for the occasion.

The date goes better than he ever imagined. And so much worse, as Eli convinces everyone they’re madly in love. That wasn’t part of the plan, but the more Quinn learns about the man behind the makeup, the more he wishes it was true.

Product Warnings

Contains an absolute bastard of an ex-boyfriend. Not responsible for sudden uncontrollable urges to punch him in the teeth. Also not responsible for any overheating or sudden urges brought about by explicit sex with a little BDSM thrown in. 

Product Link:  http://store.samhainpublishing.com/bad-boyfriend-p-6558.html

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  I can honestly say, I have never read a K. A. Mitchell book that I didn’t like.  Bad Boyfriend has everything that I’ve come to expect from K.A. Mitchell; namely, a very well-written story with believable characters who muddle through to their HEA.

Strictly speaking, this is Quinn’s story.  He’s the first character we meet and I instantly pegged him as the sweet guy next door.  Then enters Peter.  From scene one, he rubbed me the wrong way and I kept my fingers crossed that Mitchell had a nice house fire planned, he could be trapped in.  No such luck.

But, luckily, Peter was dumb as a brick and dumps poor Quinn.  If he hadn’t, Quinn wouldn’t have met Eli and despite their differences, Eli is perfect for Quinn.

The guys from Bad Company feature quite heavily in Bad Boyfriend.  But, if you didn’t read book one of this series, Bad Company, Bad Boyfriend still works as a standalone.

This was really an enjoyable read.  Emotionally, it was a lot more angsty than the holiday novellas I’ve been gouging on this week.  And there were a few instances where my Kindle was in danger of being thrown across the room.  I hate when men make bone-headed decisions, because they’re too proud to ask questions.   But, obviously, that is a fabulous plot device, designed especially to endanger Kindles all over the world.

Highly recommending this title.

Carnal Compromise by Robin L. Rotham

Title: Carnal Compromise

Author: Robin L. Rotham

ISBN: 978-1-60928-591-3

Genre: Comtemporary,  MMF Menage

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (August 9, 2011)

Length and Format: Novel 396 KB

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

From the Publisher:   Joe Remke has just one qualification for his lovers—he wants them gone before sunrise, which makes his new bunkmate AJ about as safe as a woman can be around him. It also makes his determination to sleep with his boss downright stupid, because if Brent ever gives in, he’ll be looking for a new job.

Ladies’ man Brent Andersen knows sex with his right-hand man Joe is inevitable, but he’s not going down without a fight. Putting the new female hired hand in their cramped RV was a stroke of genius, taking the heat off him while protecting her from the horny guys on his custom farming crew.

AJ Pender’s hard-bodied roomies may hide their feelings for each other from the rest of the crew, but they aren’t fooling her—Brent and Joe are hot for each other, and it’s all she can do not to cry at the thought. If they ever found out she fantasizes about being the meat in their farmer sandwich, they’d probably die laughing.

Fortunately for Brent and Joe, fantasies have a way of revealing themselves and AJ’s are right up their alley. But even threesomes have their risks, and AJ can serve as a buffer for only so long before the tension between them explodes.

About the Author (From Amazon):  When I complained of being bored the summer before 7th grade, my mother (who worked at a bookstore at the time) handed me a stripped copy of Victoria Holt’s The Shivering Sands–and I was hooked. I became a voracious reader and an aspiring author, bringing home stacks of books from the library every single week. The next year, I did a school report on Ms. Holt and wrote to her asking for information. In reply, she sent me an autographed photo and a lovely two-page hand-written letter in which she encouraged me to follow my writing dreams. Sadly, both the photo and the letter were lost over many moves, but my writing dreams remained.

My Review:  I am usually hesitant to read books involving threesomes because too many of them seem to be all about the sex and not enough about their relationship and character development. I think that Ms. Rotham did a good job finding balance with AJ, Joe, and Brent but I had parts I enjoyed more than others.

At the beginning of this book, Joe and Brent are very close friends. They have known each other for years and while Joe (who is bi) openly acknowledges his attraction to Brent (who has always considered himself straight) the two have no awkwardness between them at all. They share the occasional woman between them, work together with easy camaraderie, and are comfortable together. I love that the author had the 2 male characters already have a bond between them before the sex came into play.

AJ is a bit on the feisty side, which I like. She seems to hold her own with the guys pretty well. Her active imagination has her fantasizing about being with Brent and Joe and she is mortified to be interrupted by them during a very private moment but it just gets the boys moving a little faster to get her into bed.

I would have played that first sex scene out a little differently than the author chose to. I don’t want to give away any plot details but suffice it to say that Joe is a bit of a jerk. While it has been hinted at that he has some serious commitment issues, we don’t really understand WHY. In face, we don’t really know a lot about ANY of the characters history before they end up in bed. We know they are close and enjoy each other’s company but not really what makes each one tick. I think that throwing a little bit of back story into the book as it progressed would have helped me understand the characters better.

I liked the characters, the sex scenes were hot and well written, and I liked the story itself. I just would have rearranged things a bit so that the character’s histories and feelings were a little bit more well understood before the bedroom scenes hit.

Overall, though, a good story and I will certainly be checking out other books by this author!

 

The Closer You Get by L. A. Witt

Title: The Closer You Get

Author: L. A. Witt

Genre: M/M Contemporary

ISBN: 978-1-60928-552-4

Length: Novel (394 KB)

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (November 15, 2011)

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Heat Level: Explicit

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:   The virgin isn’t the only one with something to lose…

Self-described manwhore Kieran Frost is loving the single life. Two years after moving to Seattle, he still has his friends with benefits, Rhett and Ethan, plus a never-ending supply of gorgeous, available men wandering through the bar where he works. A relationship? Spare him the drama and heartbreak. He’s got no complaints about his unattached lifestyle.

When Rhett’s daughter introduces him to newly-out-of-the-closet Alex Corbin, Kieran’s interest perks up. After all, the quiet ones are always the freaks in bed. But Alex isn’t just shy and reserved. He’s a virgin in every sense of the word, having never even kissed anyone else.

Kieran is no one’s teacher, and his first instinct is to run like hell in the other direction. But his conscience won’t let him throw the naïve kid to the wolves for someone else to take advantage of. The plan is to introduce Alex to his own sexuality, pull him out of his shell, and then go their separate ways.

It’s the perfect, foolproof plan…assuming no one falls in love.

Product Link:  http://store.samhainpublishing.com/the-closer-you-get-p-6532.html

About the Author: (from Amazon)

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who, after three years in Okinawa, Japan, has recently relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two cats, and a three-headed clairvoyant parakeet named Fred. There is some speculation that this move was not actually because of her husband’s military orders, but to help L. A. close in on her arch nemesis, erotica author Lauren Gallagher, who has also recently transferred to Omaha. So, don’t anyone tell Lauren. She’s not getting away this time…

My Review:   I have read a number of L. A. Witt’s book in the past but let me say that this has got to be one of my favorites so far! I read it straight through in about 2 days and then when back and bought the book leading up to this one, The Distance Between Us. That one didn’t disappoint me either so I recommend buying both!

When we are first introduced to Kieran in The Closer You Get, he is a bit of a wild man and is having the time of his life bar tending at a popular gay bar and enjoying a wonderful friends-with-benefits relationship with his 2 best friends. Those two best friends, Ethan and Rhett are the subjects of the previous book and happen to be happily committed to one another while sharing some very sexy threesome moments with Kieran. Suffice it to say that Kieran knows his way around the bedroom.

As a favor to Ethan’s daughter, Kieran agrees to a blind date (of sorts) and ends up meeting Alex, a slightly shy and newly out of the closet young man who has just moved to the area from a very gay unfriendly town. Now that Alex is free to express his sexuality, he isn’t quite sure how do go about doing it. Kieran has LOTS of ideas but doesn’t really know how to handle an inexperienced virgin! He also doesn’t want to let Alex go! They come to a mutual agreement…Kieran will teach Alex everything he needs to know about being gay and there will be no falling in love!

There is a sweet getting to know you phase, hesitant explorations, passion when Alex finally starts to feel comfortable with his sexuality, and the eventual falling in love. Kieran lets Alex lead the way and in the beginning there are some insecurities, a few small mistakes, a LOT of sexual frustration and a whole bunch of really tender moments. There is also a bit of freaking out when the word ‘love’ gets thrown in the mix!

The thing I loved about Kieran is that he is really sweet. Yes, he gets around quite a bit and declares from the get go that he is only in it for the sex but he is a nice guy. I liked him…that is important to me in a main character!

Alex is shy but Ms. Witt does a great job of hinting at the devil inside…one that has had to hide his sexuality a little too long but who wants to come out and play! He does not always take a passive role in this relationship, even though he is clearly the less experienced of the two.

Overall, a wonderful story with characters I really enjoyed. The passion between them is amazingly hot but is well balanced by the tender emotions they clearly feel for one another. This is one that I will keep in my library to read again!

Barging In by Josephine Myles

Title: Barging In

Author: Josephine Myles

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (September 20, 2011)

ISBN: 978-1-60928-592-0

Genre: Gay Contemporary

Length: Novel

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewed By: Artemis

From the Publisher:  

When the boat’s a rockin’, don’t come knockin’!

Out-and-proud travel writer Dan Taylor can’t steer a boat to save his life, but that doesn’t stop him from accepting an assignment to write up a narrowboat holiday. Instead of a change of pace from city life, though, the canal seems dull as ditchwater. Until he crashes into the boat of a half-naked, tattooed, pierced man whose rugged, penniless appearance is at odds with a posh accent.

Still smarting from past betrayal, Robin Hamilton’s “closet” is his narrowboat, his refuge from outrageous, provocative men like Dan. Yet he can’t seem to stop himself from rescuing the hopelessly out-of-place city boy from one scrape after another. Until he finds himself giving in to reluctant attraction, even considering a brief, harmless fling.

After all, in less than a week, Dan’s going back to his London diet of casual hook-ups and friends with benefits.

Determined not to fall in love, both men dive into one week of indulgence…only to find themselves drawn deep into an undertow of escalating intimacy and emotional intensity. Troubled waters neither of them expected…or wanted.

About the Author:    English through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. She blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She’s beginning to suspect he enjoys it.

Her first novel, Barging In, a gay romance set on the English canal, will be available from Samhain Publishing in September 2011.

My Review:   Dan has spent his life being out and proud and sleeping with just about every available guy that will drop his pants for him. Robin, on the other hand, isn’t completely comfortable with his sexuality and he REALLY dislikes the fact that he wants Dan with something akin to obsession. Dan is on assignment as a magazine photojournalist and is determined to mix a little bit of pleasure in with his business trip. There is just no way he is going to let Robin’s tattooed and pierced body get away without sampling the goods! These two characters are so completely different but the author does an amazing job at bringing each of them to life.

Robin’s comes from money but a troubled past has him ditching the wealth and taking up with a community of boaters…picture gypsies on narrowboats floating from port to port in the canals of England. Dan comes from a family that had very little growing up but he is the carefree, live life to the fullest character. I enjoyed the way their developing relationship allowed Dan and Robin to balance one another out as the story progressed.

I thought the setting of the story was truly unique and I have never seen another book like it. Now, I love cowboys and FBI agents as much as the next girl but after a while you want to see something a little bit new! Ms. Myles did a great job of describing life on the water, including all the technicalities of living on a boat. There are no long hot showers or gourmet meals when you are living with a small water tank and a galley kitchen. I really got the feeling that I understood what living on the canal would really be like.

The physical relationship between the two is both sweet and hot. Dan and Robin decide to just enjoy the week that Dan is visiting with no strings attached. Their time in bed is passionate and intense and when the week is up, neither one of them is ready to say goodbye.

I will say that I was surprised at which character accepted the intensity of his emotions first and actually had the courage to utter the ‘L’ word. I won’t say who it was but for some reason, it wasn’t who I expected!

Overall, an amazing book. I loved the characters, the descriptive setting, and the passionate interactions between Dan and Robin. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

 

Muscling Through By Jl Merrow

 Title: Muscling Through

 Author: J.L. Merrow

 Genre:  Contemporary, GLBT, Comedy

 Length: Novella

 Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Heat Rating: Hot

 Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5Hearts

Reviewer:  Pixie

 Blurb:  The bigger they come, the harder they fall… in love.

Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.

Larry’s intrigued to find there’s more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry’s class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.

Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al.

Contains comic misunderstandings, misuse of art materials, and unexpected poignancy.

Review:  I have got to say that I was completely charmed by Al; he is lovable, sweet and admits even to himself that he’s not exactly the brightest tool in the box. Larry is little, pretty and dead clever (Al said that and I won’t argue).   The story is written from Al’s perspective and is humorous throughout, we see these two men from completely different backgrounds come together and neither one tries to change the other, which is completely refreshing, and their lives seem to mesh together really well.

Al seems to completely miss the effect he has on Larry, while Larry is overwhelmed by what he means to Al.   These two men make you want to know them, you can imagine sitting in a pub having a pint with the pair of them and having a grand time of it.

The sex scenes weren’t very detailed but they were hot and plentiful. There doesn’t seem to be much romance but you have to remember that this is Al’s POV who is a big, beefy, working-class boy, an Ex-bouncer and manual worker who wouldn’t see romance even if it hit him with a plank of wood.

So my honest opinion is that this is a poignant romance which is really well written and I loved it.