Tag: Shorty’s Reviews

The Avenger Claims His Mates by Jo Penn

Jo Penn - The Avenger Claims His Mate CoverTitle: The Avenger Claims His Mates

Series: Milson Valley 02

Author: Jo Penn

Genre: Ménage a Trois, Paranormal Shape-shifter, Vampires/Werewolves

Length: Novel (193pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc. (September 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Blurb: Deakin Myers has a perfectly good, though slightly dysfunctional, mate, so why would he need another one? Ran Markson is more than enough for Deakin. Ran is gorgeous, cheeky, so relaxed he could slip into a coma, sweet, and just seems to stumble into trouble. And man, does he ever get Deakin hot!

When his mate has a little bit of trouble at his latest job and the local wolf pack become protective big brothers, Deakin may have hyperventilated and demanded a lawyer. Sure, the pack seem friendly—too friendly really. They keep trying to touch his mate. But they are saying all this stuff about Ran actually having a different name, needing protection, and that he is ill.

But then Ran is shot by an assassin sent by his ex-Alpha, a vicious creature bent on revenge. The local Avenger is called in to eliminate the threat, and all their lives take a very unexpected turn.

ISBN: 978-1-68295-502-4

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/the-avenger-claims-his-mates  

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Deakin and Ran have been on the move since Ran’s ex-Alpha is intent on harming Ran anyway he can and will stop at nothing to attain that goal. When Avenger Vicus is called in to eliminate the threat to Ran things take an interesting turn.

Deakin is part human, part sprite, has asthma and is a bit high strung at times. The way he acts at times was hilarious but understandable. Ran, is easy going and constantly getting into trouble. But I believe it was a result of what happened by his previous pack.

I loved the interactions between these two despite the situation they find themselves in. Avenger Vicus is used to people giving him a wide berth. He is unused to relationships but knows that Deakin and Ran are his mates. He will do all in his power to protect them.

Suspense, drama and action surround this addition to the Milson Valley series.

Prince of Cats Takes A Mate or Two by Jo Penn

Jo Penn - Prince of Cats Claims a Mate or Two CoverTitle: Prince of Cats Claims a Mate or Two

Series: Milson Valley 01

Author: Jo Penn

Genre:  a Trois, Paranormal Shape-shifter, Vampires/Werewolves

Length: Novella (168pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc.

Heat Level: Scorching

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Keeley James is a wary human but he adores his stunning mate, Vampire Lord Xavier Dalton.  When out of nowhere a huge Shifter pounces, claiming Xavier as his mate, Keeley reels. Confused, he runs.

Lord Xavier Dalton is a Vampire on a mission.  Always.  He is an important, valued member of his Coven and the High Council. He makes and breaks kingdoms, dotes on his little dreamy eyed human mate, and allows the big Feline to claim him, as is the paranormal way.  But the Tiger will have to prove he’s not just all roar to capture this icy Vampire’s heart.

Feline Crown Prince Drake Sanchez is not letting his little human wiggle out of his paws, nor allowing his stunning Vampire to pull the renowned Vamp chill on him, shutting Drake out while keeping secrets.  Both are his.  They’ll get used to it, he’s real good at getting creatures to purr.  This Tiger loves nothing more than protecting, heavy petting and cuddling.

Note: This book contains dubious consent.

ISBN: 978-1-68295-225-2

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/prince-of-cats-claims-a-mate-or-two

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I wanted to really like this book but I could not, though I did love the plot of the story. The story seemed to be all over the place. Drake was a little brash regarding Keeley and Xavier was a little too overprotective of Keeley. 

I thought they were all mates so I did not understand the distance in regards to being together between Xavier, a vampire and Drake, a shifter. It confused me. Keeley was a little over the top with the games he played with Drake but that was to be expected with what he had been through not to mention another paranormal mate which threw him in panic mode.

The whole back and forth panic, running, battle of wits between the three got tiresome quick. Now I love sarcasm but this was not it. I thought mates were supposed to want to be together? Maybe it’s just me but the book felt off to me.

The Copper Horse Boxset by K.A. Merikan

K.A. Merikan - The Copper Horse Boxset Cover sTitle: The Copper Horse Boxed Set

Series:  The Copper Horse

Author: K.A. Merikan

Genre: Victorian, Historical, Fantasy

Length: Novel (590 pages)

Publisher: Acerbi & Villani Ltd. (November 21, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: London

1907, twenty years into the zombie Plague

Reuben is a baker living in the slums of London, sharing a room with his father and an extended family of cockroaches. Poor, uneducated, and repressing all his sexual desires, he leads a life of misery, only sometimes sprinkled with gin and a rough tumble in a filthy back alley.

But when he is abducted into Bylondon to be the slave of a wealthy crime family member named Erik Dal, his values are put to the test. His new master is obsessed with all things equestrian, and Reuben soon learns that if he obeys and performs well as Erik’s horse, he might just get everything he yearns for: pampering, foods he never even dreamed of, and shameless sex with a demonically handsome young man in leather riding boots.

As Copper, Erik’s treasured dun stallion, Reuben must submit to his new master’s obscene fancy of possessing another man completely. That is, if he yearns for treats and not the lick of a riding crop. Fake tails, harnesses, and a new haircut to his ginger mane help Reuben transform into Copper, but the fear of losing his dignity in the eyes of society might just prove to be a bigger restraint than any bit, bridle, or handcuffs.

All that for the small price of his freedom. Though at times, Reuben feels it’s his soul that Erik is after instead.

Genre: m/m erotic romance, bdsm

Themes: class differences, slavery, steampunk, alternative lifestyle, Victorian, master/servant, captivity, ponyplay, animalization, kink, organized crime, violence

ISBN: B01N55SOUC

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Ponyplay-Stablegirl-erotic-romance-ebook/dp/B01N55SOUC

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Copper Horse: Fear ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

I really did not know how to feel about this story of Reuben, a poor baker, who is taken advantage of by a manipulative man, Erik, who makes him his pet horse. This was serious business not just some role play scenario. I found myself angry on Reuben’s behalf and wondered what Erik’s problem was.

We see throughout Reuben’s introduction on being a pony with all that entails.

The Copper Horse: Pride ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Erik is fighting his feelings for Reuben as Reuben is trying to be better than he was in the first book. I felt that Erik was changing for the better. I liked him more in this book than I did in the previous story. The mens feelings for one another become more pronounced in this addition.

Jack’s Punishment ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Jack’s punishment for helping Copper try to escape is being sent to the kitchen in Mr. Fry’s hands. Unbeknownst to Jack Mr. Fry has wanted Jack since he saw him. Jack feels the same. 

It was a hot little read with plenty of steam. I really loved how these two seemed to melt the other.

The Copper Horse: Love ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Erik is betrayed and so flees with Reuben to London. With both of their lives uprooted both do some heavy soul searching and come to terms with their new lives. Erik has to put his trust into people who are friends but is still leery of them and rightly so after what happened. Reuben is confronted with the fact that Erik lied to him.

Emotional yet engaging I truly liked this story. I really felt for these two men and felt their emotions throughout.

All in all it was an interesting boxed set although I did not read the m/f story.

Dead Camp 3 by Sean Kerr

sean-kerr-dead-camp-03-coverTitle: Dead Camp 3

Series:  Dead Camp # 3

Author: Sean Kerr

Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical, Horror, Paranormal, Vampire

Length: Novel (272 pages)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (October 14, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: To understand the present, you must first understand the past.

As Wewelsburg Castle burns, Eli carries Isaiah to safety. So much is lost, Malachi is gone, the Demon from Eli’s terrible past is reborn into the world already at war, and to make matters worse, Gideon is back. Yet, before Eli can even reach the sanctuary of his home, he learns a painful truth about Gideon, the truth of why he left him, and Eli can barely hold onto his own sanity. Eli quickly understands that not everything in life, or death, is black and white, and sometimes to protect the ones we love, we have to make the greatest sacrifice of all.

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0858-9

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/sean-kerr/dead-camp-3/

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I love this riveting series so much. This book continues from the last as Eli reels from the events that took place. He struggles to move forward as secrets are revealed and characters that were mentioned are brought to a brighter spotlight. As per usual this addition is spellbinding and jaw dropping.

It was interesting to see that even though Eli is in all the books we really did not know who he truly was. I was glad to see questions I had throughout the series were answered in startlingly clarity. This is truly a wonderful gripping book. 

Filled with twists and turns that you gasping and others that leave tears in your eyes this story packs a punch. I loved the history and timeline even though it was an ugly period it was still fascinating to see it all play out in the authors writing. 

I will give no spoilers only say that to read the book. Highly recommended.

The Real You by N.J. Neilsen

N.J. Neilsen - The Real You CoverTitle: The Real You

Series: Wardens of the Guild 01 

Author: N.J. Nielsen

Genre: Angels and Demons, Contemporary, Paranormal, Vampires

Length: Novella (126 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 4, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The age-old war between good and evil is bringing changes, and with change comes fear—especially the fear of what is to come.

Isiah Gillis and Claudius Reynar are twins in every sense of the word. No one can tell them apart, yet they’re not related. Since meeting, they’ve learned that they’ve become the subject of a legend, something neither of them wanted.

Their first day warden, Gabriel, tries to kill Claudius and Isiah by turning their True One, Mitch, into a weapon against them. Instead, Mitch now shares his body with Remi, a powerful demon lord who enters their lives—a demon lord who claims them for his own.

Not everyone is happy that the legend has been fulfilled, and they will do everything in their power to tear apart the strong bond the four men possess. Laramie realizes he has to separate from Mitch or risk losing one of his mates so completely that it could break them all.

When old and new enemies alike step forward to destroy who they are, Isiah, Mitch, Claudius and Laramie gather family and friends to fight in the war to save them all. Can things be set right before evil intentions win? 

ISBN: 978-1-78651-473-8

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/the-real-you

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Isiah and Claudius look exactly alike except for they are not family. Mitch, a human, needs somewhere to live. His friend introduces him to the twins who happen to have an extra room. The price, watch over the twins as their guardian.

I loved this book. It has so many twists and turns that left me holding my breath and surprised. Someone wants the twins dead. One of those someone’s is Gabriel, Isiah’s cousin. But alas all is not as it seems. There is more going on than even these men know.

There is corruption, action, suspense, romance all throughout. I found myself immersed in the story before I knew it and was not disappointed with the direction it took. I’m very glad this is a series so there will be more to come. 

Highly recommended.

Closely Guarded by Michael Mandrake

Michael Mandrake - Closely Guarded CoverTitle: Closely Guarded

Series: PROTEKT # 2

Author: Michael Mandrake

Genre: Multicultural, Thrillers and Suspense

Length: Novella (168 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 25, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Promises are meant to be broken sometimes. Can Kimball complete the mission and keep his feelings for fellow agent Darien in check in the process?

Darien Mosely, aka BA Pointe, is a former NYPD officer with a chip on his shoulder. He came to PROTEKT in search of a new identity and career after being accused of killing a man in cold blood. Darien’s keen perception is what has made him an asset, but his cockiness has often landed him in hot water.

Kimball Emerson, aka Justice Masters, is an important figure in PROTEKT. Being a former army sergeant, he’s used to keeping secrets and being in danger on a regular basis. As one of the prime figures in the organization, he is counted on to be the finisher and, for the group’s latest task, he’s been called upon to find the leaders of a Russian mob. It should be easy enough with all his knowledge and special skills but not with his close friend Darien Mosely along for the ride.

Kimball made a promise to his fiancé that he’d come back in one piece and not watch his partner’s ass, but he isn’t sure he’ll be able to keep the latter. Darien and Kimball have been best friends for five years and, at a Christmas party several months ago, they shared a kiss that left an indelible mark on their relationship.

This latest mission calls for focus and calmer heads if they are to find the offenders who are bringing illegal drugs into Russia. The question is, how can they do it with mutual feelings and the threat of extreme danger looming over their heads?

ISBN: 978-1-78651-484-4

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/closely-guarded

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Kimball and Darien are two of the top agents in PROTEKT. They are the best of the best and damn good at their jobs. Attraction leads to a kiss at a party and then leads to the men hiding their feelings. Kimball is in a relationship and Darien is a love ‘em and leave them type. They have so far been able to avoid the other since the kiss until now.

A new mission throws the two men together again and tensions are high when a threat emerges to eliminate anyone who stands in their way. It is a race against the clock to discover who the culprits are before anyone is killed. Meanwhile Kimball has secrets that are best kept hidden for everyone’s safety. 

I loved this book. Mystery, suspense, action and drama are entwined into an amazing plot that keeps the reader spellbound as we see how everything plays out. This is brilliantly written with the right amount of snark and angst from Darien as well as the seriousness from Kimball for one hot ride into the unknown.

The actual mission is proceeded with extreme caution by the time team as well as unknown persons at work with PROTEKT. All the characters had their roles to play and boy did they play them well. I usually guess what all is happening well before the end but this story had me guessing about some things until they revealed. 

I cannot say enough good things about this book to do it justice so just go read it. Fantastic story all around. Highly recommended.

Equipoise by Kim Fielding (2nd Edition)

Kim Fielding - Equipoise CoverTitle: Equipoise (2nd Edition) 

Series:  Ennek 03

Author: Kim Fielding

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (204 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (November 29, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Ennek, the son of the Chief, and Miner, a former slave, have escaped the totalitarian city-state of Praesidium and remain fugitives. Having defeated two mighty wizards, they begin to realize complete freedom can be as dangerous as absolute power. Now Ennek and Miner must face battles, corruption, and further journeys through lands both new and familiar.

As they grow more secure in their relationship, they learn the greatest challenges sometimes come from very close to the heart and everything of value has a price. With the help of a few allies, they seek equipoise—a balance for themselves and for their world.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-188-7

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/equipoise-by-kim-fielding-333-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This is the third book in the Ennek series. Ennek and Miner have finally come home. Only to find things have changed since they have been gone. It is a struggle to accept the changes of this new society while at the same time dealing with their own fears.

It was a wonderfully written, if not slow, ending to an intriguing story. I loved seeing how both the MC’s interacted with each other and others. They faced foes head-on and struggled to make a life for their selves in a world where nothing is certain.

As the story progressed I hoped for Ennek and Miner’s chance to live a peaceful life without all the drama that usually ended up happening. All in all it was a great ending to a really good trilogy.

Great read.

A Christmas Kiss by Annabelle Jacobs Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Annabelle Jacobs - A Christmas Kiss Banner 1

Hiya guys, we have Annabelle Jacobs popping in today with the tour for her new holiday release A Kiss for Christmas, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Annabelle Jacob - A Christmas Kiss Cover

A Christmas Kiss

by

Annabelle Jacobs

Keeping secrets from your best friend isn’t right, but it’s easier than admitting you’ve fallen in love with him. 

Sharing a late-night kiss with his best friend, Alex, is Riley’s dream come true. Waking up to discover Alex was too drunk to remember anything is more like a nightmare. Scared the truth could destroy their friendship, Riley keeps quiet and pretends nothing happened. 

Alex can’t shake the feeling that he said or did something stupid on their group’s drunken weekend away—why else would Riley be avoiding him? Although the explanation he finally gets sounds plausible, Riley’s still acting strange, and trying to figure out why that is unearths emotions Alex has worked hard to bury. 

Riley knows not telling Alex how he feels is probably selfish, but he wants one last normal Christmas before he has to come clean and face the potential fallout. 

He should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.

Continue reading “A Christmas Kiss by Annabelle Jacobs Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

Harey Situation by Bailey Bradford

Bailey Bradford - Harey Situation CityTitle: Harey Situation

Series: City Shifters # 2 

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Paranormal, Shapechangers and Morphers

Length: Novella (95 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (September 20, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: This time, it’s a real bunny shifter and you know the saying about doing something like bunnies…

Oliver Biggerstaffer comes to Texas from Boston, looking for a job and a new life. He’s hoping the advertising firm he interviews for will hire him, and he can put his past where it belongs—behind him. No one will know who or what he is—a snake shifter. 

Except he’s interviewed by Jagger Osterman, a bear shifter, and he meets a cute bunny shifter at the hotel where he’s staying. Oliver can’t hide his shifter status from them. And he doesn’t want to, once he meets them—especially the bunny, Peter Ruiz. It’s lust at first sight, but Oliver wants to take things slow as long as he’s staying at the hotel Peter’s working at. 

Peter wants to get laid, and he wants to get laid now. The sexy snake shifter he’s attracted to has morals and ethics and things most of the guys Peter’s screwed around with before lack. 

Oliver treats Peter like a person, not a body to have sex with, and if they can survive a series of weird accidents that might not be accidents after all, then Oliver and Peter just might have a happy ending all their own. 

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and kidnapping.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-503-2

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/harey-situation

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Oliver is a snake shifter has moved to take on a new job. He meets Peter, a bunny shifter, while staying at the hotel where he works. Oliver has been having weird accidents and doesn’t understand why. To keep Peter from being affected he tries to send him away with no success. 

Peter is frustrated by Oliver’s constant pushing him away for one thing or another. He does the only thing he can do; he goes against Oliver and stays. This was an interesting story with drama, mystery, suspense, and humor. I loved the combination of these genres as they complemented each other throughout.

I loved this addition to the City Shifters series and highly recommend it.

Dangerous Waves by L.M. Brown

L.M. Brown - Dangerous Waves CoverTitle: Dangerous Waves

Series: Mermen & Magic # 3 

Author: L.M. Brown

Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (224 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (October 4, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: A blind merman fleeing the sunken city of Atlantis is torn between the family he left behind and the love he swims toward.

When Dax lost his family to a shark attack he swam away from everything he had ever known. Now he has come to Atlantis, hoping to reconnect with those he left behind. When he finds his birth clan torn apart, he realizes his journey is just beginning.

Kai is an Oracle, a blind merman, who only has sight when he has a vision. Atlantis, a sanctuary for so many merpeople, is his prison. Desperation drives him to beg the Atlantean Goddess of Love for help.

With the goddess’s promise of love to tempt him, Kai persuades Dax to take him along when he leaves the sunken city.

Although Dax has some reservations about traveling through the ocean with a blind merman in tow, he quickly discovers Kai isn’t as helpless as he appears. Attraction comes easy, but Kai doesn’t seem to feel the same way.

Kai knows he must seduce Dax if he hopes to win his heart, but his inexperience may be his downfall. With Dax’s former lover waiting at the end of their journey, he knows time is running out.

A goddess can only help so much, especially when another immortal would see them part. If the two stubborn mermen want a life together, they will have to learn to communicate and fight for their love.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-463-9

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/dangerous-waves

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This is book three in the mermen and magic story. Kai and Dax are decreed to be together which I did not completely understand as I thought, from the previous books, that oracles were meant to be alone since they cannot go up on land.

However, I did find the struggles these two men faced head on almost as a set up for them to fail. But they conquered them and won out to a point. I truly felt sorry for them as the restrictions and rules in Atlantis seem out of date to me. But such is the law in Atlantis. 

Dax and Kai faced many obstacles in their quest. A lot happens in this book that made it worth the read. It was a great addition to the series that enjoyed reading to the end.

Great book.