Tag: Shawn Bailey

The Purest Intentions by Shawn Bailey

24420351Title: The Purest of Intentions
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (109 pages)
Publisher: Dark Hollow Press (January 9th, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Cartoonist Alexis Rhodes is well-known and very popular in his small community. Not only is he a gay activist, but he also teaches art at the local elementary school. A freelance artist, Alexis works from his home, and when he gets bored watching and drawing cartoons he cooks for his friends and visits the bars near the beach.

It’s on one of those occasions he meets the very attractive Madison Alleman, and has a one night stand. Things get complicated when Madison moves into the building Alexis lives in, but one-night-stand or not, the attraction is still strong.

Will the fact that Madison has a six-year-old son make a difference in Alexis’s pursuit?

ISBN: 978-1-942176-52-7

Product Link: http://www.darkhollowspress.com/#!thepurestofintentions/c22n8

Reviewer: Prime

Review: There are two things that made me instantly love this book. Firstly, I am a big fan of Shawn Bailey’s writing – it is uncomplicated, not at all fussy and the characters are full of soul. Secondly, the book is set in San Diego and after a recent visit to the city, I absolutely love it. (The book is set within “the gay neighbourhood”, Hillcrest, and it is a beautiful area of San Diego).hillcrest

Yes, this is Hillcrest, San Diego.

My adoration for San Diego aside, the story is about Madison and Alexis. Madison is a young widow who moves from Boston to San Diego. His boss, Bill, finds Madison an apartment in Hillcrest by simply asking his brother if the apartment building he owns has any vacancies. Madison has a number of issues and is unsure of himself.

He’s only ever been with one woman and his experience with men, he at least knows he’s gay, is just as limited. However, he also has a very cute and very smart little 6-year-old boy, Scotty. It’s not quite love at first sight but Alexis knows right away that Madison could be the one for him. Madison may be lonely but throw in Alexis’s crazy and big family, it makes the story an absolute joy to read.

Alexis and Madison are quite contrasting characters. As I just said, Madison is lonely and Alexis has an over abundance of family with loving parents and six brothers. Both men are quite high achievers, but Alexis is not so obvious in terms of his success. He tries to come across as somewhere between the starving artist and the surfer dude, when he is all that as well as a teacher and land lord.

Madison is the struggling single dad that is successful in his career and yet would do anything for his son. However, all in all, both have a heart of gold.

This is a sweet story – if anyone likes the whole coming together as a family type book, this is excellent. The story itself is a slow burn and in the end does not disappoint. In the end that is what this is about, two guys trying to figure out their place in life and their place in each other’s lives.

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

Naughty Nekos by Shawn Bailey

naughtynekosTitle: Naughty Nekos
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Interracial/ Paranormal/ Shape-Shifter
Length: Novella (146 Pages)
Publisher: Siren/Bookstrand Publishing (March 11, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Middle-school teacher Jordan James is walking home from school late one evening in the rain and sees a black cat in a box trying to keep dry. He takes the poor thing home, dries it, pets it, and feeds it some milk. The cat looks at him with beautiful green eyes and purrs at him. At that moment, the lonely introvert Jordan decides to keep the kitty as a pet.

Sasha the cat gets caught in a torrential rain fall on a deserted street in Tokyo, Japan and finds protection in a discarded box. Then along comes a man with an umbrella and a briefcase who offers him shelter from the storm. He is everything Sasha has ever wanted in a master…kind, considerate, and handsome.

But can he risk sharing his secret with someone who looks like he’s afraid of his own shadow?

ISBN: 978-1-63259-036-7

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/naughty-nekos

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is a very unique story that was a fascinating tale. I must admit that there is something about it that makes it a tad bit hard to actually fall in love with but the story comes pretty close. It is told in such a way that will keep you captivated and also wondering at the same time. I was trying to figure out how the others will meet their mate when this did not state a series, so I will sit back and hope for one.

Jordan is originally from the United States but teaches in Japan. There is a mixture of feelings coming from him about it all. He has a soft heart for others, and he proves it when he picks up a cute kitten that was stuck in the rain. Won’t he be surprised to find out that cute little kitten is in fact a full-grown man?

Sasha is a shape shifter who is also a demon. He and his brothers had been once human, until a witch cast a spell and transformed them. They had been sold several times and used for making money. Their last master was quite evil and wanted them back.

The one who holds the book of shadows and the orb controls them. When Jordan saves him, not only is he turned the hell on but he has found their new master. Now if only Jordan is just up for the whole thing. Let’s just say Sasha is very ready to fill Jordan up.

This is a cute story that has a bit of danger in it that will keep your attention. It gave me almost everything I could ask for in a story. I had a blast reading it and would recommend reading it. Sasha at first seems like a little cutie but he is in fact very strong and protective of his new mate. I am not too sure which one I love more though.

Guess I will just have to read it more than once.

Faded Star by Shawn Bailey

FadedStarTitle: Faded Star
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Contemporary/Interracial
Length: Novella (59 pages)
Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (October 26th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: A news report about his sexuality, followed by a car accident, leaves movie star Heath Evans helpless and bitter. Physical therapist Seiji Kichida has lived a lonely life till now, but the future looks brighter for both men as they find healing and hope in each other.

Drunk and distraught over a news report about his sexuality, movie star Heath Evans accidentally drives his truck into a freeway embankment. Expecting to be ostracized by family and fans alike, he welcomes death.

Physical therapist Seiji Kichida doesn’t let the often rude actor faze him with his insults and stereotypical comments. His job is to tend Heath’s injured body, not heal his injured soul, but lonely Seiji has idolized Heath since he first arrived in America. Can he help Heath face his future as an openly gay man? He’ll need to stand up to Heath’s rage, but will he succumb to the actor’s sensual glances and tender advances?

ISBN: 978-1-61124-690-2

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2055-Faded-Star.aspx

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is an enjoyable coming out story. Call me twisted, but I’m also partial to reading about someone having to overcome some physical injury, as in Heath’s car crash in this one.
To be honest, this story probably doesn’t cover all of Heath’s issues. He’s a closeted actor whose ex (also an actor) out him, so Heath gets drunk, then drives his car before nearly killing himself in the crash.

The issue that I don’t of Heath’s that isn’t touched on is alcohol. I don’t think he is an alcoholic but something needed to be addressed there. Particularly because Seiji, Heath’s new nurse, is instructed before he starts the job, to keep all alcohol and drugs locked up. However, all that aside, Heath is an interesting character. He’s about as unlikable as you can get for a main character, but it didn’t take long for me to come to an understanding about him.

Seiji is a wonderful character. I loved him from the start. He’s strong and more than competent at his job. I like that his background is of a poorer Japanese family that immigrated to the US or a new life – I like that it provides a different view of Japan we normally see with all its pretty lights, massive building, lots of money and businesses, karaoke and anime. I enjoyed his whole demeanour and just how understanding and protective he is when it comes to Heath. Really, as he is meant to, he makes Heath a better person.

A random side note: I also found it interesting how chapter one started out from the POV of Heath’s sister. It would have been cool to hear more of her, even though she is a minor character.

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

Dream Boy by Shawn Bailey

DreamBoyTitle: Dream Boy
Series: N/A
Author: Shawn Bailey
Genre: Contemporary/New Adult/Sports/Interracial
Length: Novel (148 pages)
Publisher: Amber Allure, Amber Quill Press (July 13th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Being gay and in love with the most sought-after college quarterback did nothing for Hiro Aoki’s heart except make it break every time he saw Christian Hill parading around town with pretty girls on his arm. Christian also dated debutants and got invited to the most popular parties, while Hiro and his friends stayed home on weekends studying and trying to improve their GPA. What good did it do Hiro to be smart when the love of his life didn’t return his feelings?
But to Hiro’s surprise, when he agrees to tutor Christian in math, he realizes the football star may be harboring a secret longing for him also. Can the two young men actually become lovers and keep their growing relationship a secret from their families, the rest of the students, and the bullies on the football team?

ISBN: 978-1-61124- 630-8

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1995-Dream-Boy.aspx

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is my type of book: I love a good romance that features at least one athlete and I love a book that features someone of the “geek” or “nerd” persuasion. I’m also a bit partial to the college age romances. Being that I’m a nerd myself and I happen to think many athletes are hot, it’s not hard for me to enjoy this. If you’re someone who is critical of stereotypes in books, this might be a difficult read. For everyone else, this was a fun read. It’s cute and sweet, both the stories and the characters.

Hiro and Christian are basically polar opposites and despite the fact that they’ve known each other since primary school, they never had the opportunity to become friends. Well, Hiro did try to he does explain in the book what happened when they were children. All that’s important to know at this point that Hiro is the Student Council President and Christian is the quarterback – so they’re really are leaders in their social own circles.

However, both guys are really nice and it’s interesting to see how things change around them as their relationship changes throughout. The start of their relationship is basically stereotypical and clichéd – the first of many I might or might not point out. However, it is an immensely enjoyable stereotype. Hiro especially is absolutely adorable!

This leads me to the cast of minor characters. I’m not sure if there are going to be more books about these characters. Not all the members of the student council are not outright gay, just most of them are it seems. Some of them are just seem fluid, more into people than gender. Among all the duties of the student council, most of these guys also tutor some of the struggling students. The football team has their token bigot (who is probably gay), as well as a couple other nice guys. Perhaps it is stereotypical, but more than one member of the football team requires some tutoring.

It’s a well-paced book and the plot is straightforward. In saying that, I never found my attention wandering or was bored. If you’re like me who has just read a number of more action orientated stories, this is a definite change in pace. But it’s a good change of pace. This is one of those books you either love or hate, it’s fun and I loved all the characters.

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

Scratch Me, Bite Me, Love Me by Shawn Bailey

91ap6wpg-NL._SL1500_Title: Scratch Me, Bite Me, Love Me

 

Author: Shawn Bailey

 

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

 

Length: Novella (123 pages)

 

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (9th October 2012)

 

Heat Level: Explicit

 

Heart Rating:♥♥♥3HEarts

 

Reviewer: Pixie

 

Blurb: Investigative reporter Ian Jackson thought he’d seen just about everything until he happens upon a young man skinny-dipping in a pond in the woods. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Ian enjoys taking the gorgeous man’s picture—secretly—until four wolves interrupt the forbidden fun. Moments later, both the blond cutie and the wolves disappear.

 

Blaise Durant was having a ball allowing the handsome photographer to take his picture, until his brother Buckley and a couple of his cousins showed up and ruined everything. Things don’t get any better for him when his older brother Corbin, the leader of the local Loup Garou, finds out what happened. Corbin forbids Blaise to ever see the photographer again. Blaise has never listened to Corbin before. What makes him think he’s going to start now?

 

Blaise wants Ian so bad he can taste him, but will quenching his thirst put the entire Loup Garou nation in jeopardy?

 

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/scratch-me-bite-me-love-me

 

Review: Ian Jackson has been hired for a tourist project, but while filming the local wildlife he comes a young man skinny-dipping in a pond. What shocks him even further is when four wolves appear. Wolves aren’t known in the area. But before Ian can do anything, the young man and wolves disappear. It isn’t long before Ian discovers a world he never knew about, but what can he do when the man he lusts after turns out to be truly his. Blaise doesn’t want to mate with a female. He wants the sexy photographer who took his photo at the pond. But when their worlds collide and Ian is placed in danger, just what will Blaise do?

 

This novella has a very good premise, is well written, and has an interesting collection of Loup Garou. Blaise hates the restrictions that his older brother is always placing on him. He also hates that his brother is trying to get him to mate with a female, when all he wants is a man. Blaise sets his sights on Ian, but there are many obstacles in his way. Least of which, is Ian taking photos of things he shouldn’t. Ian is fascinated by the man he sees at the pond, but he has a job to do and if that job just happens to take him to that young man all the better. But he discovers something that should be kept hidden and places himself in danger. Both these characters are fun to get to know and they keep you reading.

 

I thought this story was quite good. Blaise’s determination to stand against his brother is good and Ian’s hope of romancing Blaise is cute. Their romance was a bit slip shod though and left a lot to be desired. I liked the idea of different Loup Garou. But it was quite confusing of what the structure actually was because nobody seemed to take it seriously. Just doing what they wanted with no fear of reprisals. The one thing that threw me, though, was that nobody did anything to punish the cougars that attacked Ian, and Ian let it slide.  

 

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, good characters, hidden secrets discovered and a happy ending.

 

What Child is This by Shawn Bailey

9375991d30aad614e7898cf76dcc408d.image.300x450Title: What Child Is This?

Series:  Holiday Wished Themed Stories

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Contemporary/Christmas

Length: Novella (97 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (December 21st, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Paris Cullier arrives at the Ames Peach Farm to begin a job as housekeeper. His new boss, Wyatt Ames, is tall, handsome, and just the sweetest guy Paris has ever met. Wyatt’s parents recently died in an accident and left the farm for Wyatt to manage. But it isn’t until he meets Wyatt’s two-year-old, motherless son, Jeff, that Paris realizes he has been sent to the farm for a reason… to help Wyatt make a proper home for his son. Paris has always wanted a family, and for once in his life, he prayed his Christmas wish would come true.

Product Link: http://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/12/14/what-child-is-this-by-shawn-bailey/

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: If you’re looking for a feel good, low-angst, sugary sweet Holiday story, this is it!

In fact, Paris is so sweet and perfect he’s left me feeling inadequate! I think this story should be in the fantasy category, because I personally don’t know anyone who keeps house, cooks, entertains, does accounting, and childcare quite as perfect as Paris does. (Well, and keeps a smile and plenty of energy while doing it!)

A cute Christmas story about a sweet subby orphan finding his Christmas wish!

Wicked Harvest by Shawn Bailey

011b91e6ba9ed0d6402964f36a6f106d.image.300x450Title: Wicked Harvest

Series: Magic and Mayhem stories

Author: Shawn Bailey 

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novella (74 pages)

Publisher:  Silver Publishing (October 26th 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   Death and Grim, masters of the underworld, pair a senior reaper, Jonathan Kennedy, with Morgan, a prince of the Seelie Court, for the annual Soul Harvest. The mean-spirited Jonathan doesn’t want a partner–until he lays eyes on the handsome fairy prince.

Morgan’s good looks captivate Jonathan and he lets the fae know whose boss by ravishing him in the bedroom on the morning before the hunt. Swept away by Jonathan’s great body, Morgan promises he won’t pull any pranks while they work together. Morgan wants to become Jonathan’s apprentice after the harvest and he means to keep his word.

Morgan gets a little nervous when they travel to Asia with Automos, a death angel. Especially when they’re up to their armpits in tragic events and Morgan learns, his magic is useless against a natural catastrophe.

Death wonders if he’s done the right thing by partnering up the duo and hopes Morgan won’t freeze up when Jonathan needs him. But Morgan has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/wicked-harvest-ebook-p-60316.html

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Jonathan is a senior reaper who is used to working alone. When he learns he’s been paired with a newbie he’s less than pleased. That is until young Morgan walks into the room. Jonathan is immediately smitten with the fae prince and wastes no time showing him who is boss, in and out of the bedroom.

Morgan is anxious to prove himself, and the attraction is definitely mutual. With the help of a death angel assigned to them, they set out to reap the most souls this year. Natural disasters and unforeseeable catastrophes assist the threesome in winning the event. Once the reaping comes to an end, will Jonathan continue to mentor Morgan, in and out of the bedroom?

Fast paced and fresh, this book was just a lot of fun to read. Jonathan dominated Morgan from the start, taking him to his bed to prove that dominance. But Morgan has talents of his own, and they would not have won the reaping without his inventive idea. These two have some pretty hot sex, several times. Even Death and Gandymede get in on the sexcapades with a couple of sexy fae given to them as gifts from Morgan.

If you’re looking for something fun and sexy to read this Halloween, give this one a try. Its short but the content still has meat, it’s not just about the sex, and there is the story of the reaping as well. Recommended for fans of paranormal romance, fae and certain underworld characters.

 

Little Boss by Shawn Bailey

b51ce0cc41309c7970ad6f324b8b48a7.image.300x450Title: Little Boss

Series:  Tokyo Host Club, Book 2

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Romantic Suspense with D/s elements
Length: Novel (173 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (September 28th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3

Blurb: Exotic dancer Kasey Donovan witnesses a crime and can identify one of the culprits after the guy holds a gun to Kasey’s head and uses him as a shield to escape the police. To top off the week, the man ends up becoming the new owner of Club Taurus, the host club where Kasey works. Nagi Takamori, son of a Yakuza crime boss, runs into trouble when he tries to collect a debt for the organization. He gets out of the situation by using a blond-haired, blue-eyed stranger as his shield to escape. Nagi, also known as Little Boss, is raised to believe the best kind of witness is a dead one, but when he discovers his savior works in a newly acquired club, he comes up with a better alternative and makes Kasey his lover.

Product Link: http://spsilverpublishing.com/blog/2013/09/21/little-boss-shawn-bailey/

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: The publishers put this book under the genre of comedy/crime, but I found nothing funny about it. It was mainly about an exotic dancer becoming a questionably willing sexual partner to a crime boss. One he knew had violent tendencies and had earlier held him at gunpoint during a gang confrontation. Kasey is kind of like a male Geisha but not as classy: dancing, being eye-candy, performing for, and entertaining rich men. I think the books interest lies in the fascination of gang life, mafia style, and living on the edge. Giving a more human story to sex workers and mob bosses.

In the end Kasey and his best friend leave the crime life and clean themselves up, but Kasey comes back to Nagi. I’m a bit confused; maybe this should be fantasy genre instead. Or Yaoi? There are some pretty steamy scenes, so maybe it does fall a bit into BDSM, too. Little Boss was entertaining, but could have been more.

A Gentleman's Gentleman by Shawn Bailey

AGentlemansGentleman400x600Title: A Gentleman’s Gentleman

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Contemporary, Family

Length: Novella (144pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (15th June 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The last thing rock star Channing Anderson can handle is being in a relationship. But when the father of three takes one look into the deep violet eyes of his sons’ dapperly dressed tutor, he instantly changes his mind.

Divorced rock singer Channing Anderson is looking for a tutor for his five-year old triplets–Dominick, Destin, and Drake. They boys are a handful, and it doesn’t help matters Channing is a soft touch. He never had time for them when he was on the road and left most of their rearing to Addie, their mother. Addie left him for another man, gave him custody of the boys, and went on about her life. Channing’s sister, Virginia, thinks Channing is in way over his head. Along comes an English-born valet to put some order into the boys’ lives and a second chance for love and family in Channing’s heart.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/a-gentlemans-gentleman-ebook-p-1484.html

Review: Rock star Channing is getting desperate, his son Dominick has been kicked out of yet another school and there are no more schools to turn to in the Greater Boston area…public or private. Virginia (Channing’s sister) comes up with a plan to hire a tutor. Broderick (Brodie) is set to make a new start in America. Discovering that he will have three charges instead of just the one he was told about might be a bit more challenging, but he thinks he can manage just fine. Channing is swept away from the first second he lays eyes on Brodie and sets about coaxing the sexy tutor into his bed. Brodie isn’t sure of his feelings though and Channing wonders if he can pursued Brodie to make their family complete.

This is a wonderful family story that warms the heart as you see the perfect family coming together. Channing came out of the closet after his divorce, his ex-wife walked out on him and their children without a backwards glance. But, being a rock star and a parent is a struggle especially when one of your children are commonly viewed as Satan’s spawn. Taking the chance on an overseas tutor, Channing comes to realize that Brodie is a blessing. Brodie embraces his new job in America, and falls hard for the father. But, his sexuality confuses him and he doesn’t want to risk the well-being of Dominick, Destin, and Drake, when he has just started making progress with them.

I enjoyed this light-hearted, feel good family story. the triplets are absolutely gems, each child unique in their own way, but oh so loveable. Channing is a wonderful father who is having a bit of a time of it and who finds himself attracted to Brodie. Quickly falling in love with the man as he gets to know him better. Brodie sweeps in like Mary Poppins, nothing ruffles his calm, and he soon puts the triplets in their place. Falling for their father wasn’t in the plan and he is really sweet as he tries to figure out how he really feels. Addie (Channing’s ex-wife) is an extremely nasty woman and you are actually glad that she left the children in the first place. The writing is pretty good and the relationship was okay, it didn’t quite rock my world though.

I recommend this to those that love family stories, three cute cherubs, a rock star and tutor falling in love and a very happy ending.

 

Soul Mates by Shawn Bailey

SoulMate400x600Title: Soul Mates

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (111pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (18th May 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Edna Murphy places a personal ad to find her son, Jovan, a mate. He rarely dates anyone, spending his time working or fishing with friends. Gemma Costas answers, hoping to hook her son Galen up with a nice young man.

Edna Murphy places a personal ad to find her son, Jovan, a mate. He spends most of his time working or fishing with friends and rarely goes out on a date. She wants him to find someone nice and settle down.

Galen Costas drives his mother crazy. He cooks dinner three times a week, does the grocery shopping, and cleans and arranges the furniture. And he doesn’t even live in the same house. Gemma thinks he needs a life and takes matters into her own hands by answering a lonely heart ad.

Jovan and Galen click the moment they meet. But their match made in heaven could be ruined by a man from Galen’s past.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/soul-mate-ebook-p-1467.html

Review: Edna loves her son to bits, but he still lives at home and is shy. So she takes matters into her own hands and places an ad for a soul mate for her son, Jovan. Gemma adores her son, Galen, but he is a worrywart and tries to look after his parents constantly. When she sees an ad placed by another mother she answers in the hopes of distracting Galen and finding a bit of space. When Galen and Jovan met the sparks are instant and the pair click, but Galen’s own penchant for shiny cars and a conniving ex-lover nearly ruins their perfect match.

This is a great little cutesy story of opposites attracting and interfering mothers. Jovan is shy, hardworking and has few really good friends and he still lives with his parents. He doesn’t want to leave them alone and he quite likes having his mom look after him. Galen is successful, energetic, high maintenance and loves looking after his parents, he cooks for them and cleans and visits them every day. When Galen and Jovan meet they are perfect together, Galen has someone to look after and share things with and Jovan has someone to look after him and spend lots of time with. Their parents are ecstatic that their boys have found the perfect partner, but Galen’s ex-lover turning up nearly wrecks what Galen and Jovan are building together.

I did enjoy this story, Galen and Jovan’s instant attraction to each other was hot and both their parents are wonderful if a little interfering. Although the storyline moves quite quickly it’s a simple boy meets boy, boy falls for boy and begins to have a happy ever after when boys ex turns up trying to tempt boy with shiny toys, boy does something stupid and learns his lesson. Both Jovan and Galen are excellent characters, with their love for their parents shining through and the rapid development of their relationship was actually perfect for them, their sex life is very hot and Galen really does like to switch it up.

I will recommend this to those who love soul mates meeting, hot sex, making mistakes, forgiving the one you love and a nearly perfect happy ending.  

 

Crimson Butterfly by Shawn Bailey

Crimson-Butterfly-by-Shawn-Bailey_thumbTitle: Crimson Butterfly (Tokyo Host Club, #1)

Author: Shawn Bailey

Genre: Gay MM/ Contemporary

Length:  Novel (183 pages)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (November 3, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Police detective Kaname Mori goes to the rescue of Hideki Shimizu after seeing him being brutally beaten by a gang of thugs. After taking the young man back to his home to administer medical assistance, Kaname learns that Hideki is not only a host at a local club, but also the son of a Japanese ambassador. After releasing Hideki to his family, Kaname returns to his normal life. But two months later, he receives a call from the ambassador that Hideki has disappeared and he wants to hire Kaname to find him.

Straight-laced Kaname goes undercover into the notorious red-light district of Tokyo and enters Haruka, a club swimming in gorgeous male hosts willing to spend time with him for the cost of a bottle of champagne. Will Kaname find Hideki or will he get swept up into the world of desire and sin?

Product link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/nuevos-lanzamientos-c-1/products_id/1236/language/es/?zenid=839f092adbb7b0a4371cffa524c635d2

Reviewer: Heart

Review:  At first glance, Crimson Butterfly has all the predispositions for being one of those books that will be talked about and that just stand out. The culture combined with cops and rent boys and you pretty much have an m/m reader’s wet dream. In most cases anyway.

Kaname is a cop who one night, when off duty, stumbles on a young man being beaten. He helps him out and takes him home. Eventually, finding out that Hideki’s father is an ambassador and that Hideki himself is a host in a gay club. While they part ways in that occasion, later on they meet in similar circumstances, where Kaname is again coming to the rescue and Hideki starts showing his first signs of what I can’t call anything different than bratty behavior.

While I did like the setting and thought the book has potential, the characters kept putting me off, and I couldn’t get into the story as much as I would have liked.

 

I found Hideki to be a spoiled brat who flipped from serious to childish way too often. His behavior, as well as life choices, rubbed me the wrong way. But, his relationship with Kaname during the first half of the book seemed so indecisive I was convinced Kaname would go for Hideki’s friend, Kei. Kaname, on the other hand, seemed like an alright character at first, but I couldn’t connect with his personality at all. In this one scene, somewhere at the middle of the book, where he proclaims he’s not gay I kept expecting him to start laughing at the joke because seriously, from the first pages, his thoughts and descriptions of men certainly didn’t scream straight. In addition, the plot jumped too much for my taste without anything specific standing out or being well worked through.

I do like my books to be a bit more solid and a lot more conclusive. I guess I just prefer it to the point and straightforward instead of too many unnecessary flips. So, while I did like the writing and thought the book interesting, overall I expected a lot more.