Once in a Snowstorm by Ofelia Gränd

ofelia-grand-once-in-a-snowstorm-coverTitle: Once in a Snowstorm

Series:  Nortown 01

Author: Ofelia Gränd

Genre: Contemporary, Holidays and Celebrations

Length: Novella (102 pages)

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing (December 8, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Daring a snowstorm might not be the smartest thing Aiden has ever done, but he can’t stand being in his flat a moment longer. With only three days to Christmas, he doesn’t want to be alone. He wants a place to belong, wants people around him who won’t look down on him. He might not find all that at his mother’s place, but at least it’s better than being alone in the city. If he can make it there, that is.

Tristan is looking forward to a quiet night in front of the TV, but instead, he has to save an idiot in designer clothes from freezing to death in his forest. Tristan tries not to notice the man’s good looks, just like he has tried not to notice any man’s good looks for the last seven years. He knows where relationships go and is far better off living alone, with his dog, in his cabin.

Aiden is driving Tristan mad with his bratty comments and irresponsible ways, and Aiden is going crazy from Tristan’s judgmental attitude. Luckily, in a few days, the weather will clear up, and the two men won’t have to be together any longer. But will a few steamy nights with the grumpy lumberjack change Aiden’s mind about wanting to leave? And will Tristan still want to go back to his peaceful, predictable life without fear of getting his heart broken?

ISBN: 978 1 78645 006 7

Product Link: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/?n1=publications&id=192

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Tristan lives in the mountains with his faithful dog by his side. I do not want to call him a recluse but there is not really a lot of interactions with others as a result of where he lives. He seems content for the most part if not a bit lonely.

Aiden took a bit for me to warm up to as he seemed arrogant and that irritated me until I got to know him better. His mother and the way she is is the reason for Aiden’s arrogance. When Aiden sets out in the middle of a snowstorm and gets stranded Tristan rescues him.

These two do not immediately hit it off. With Aiden’s attitude it’s a wonder Tristan did not throw him back out. But alas as the story progressed the attraction between them proved much stronger. I liked the interactions between these two as it felt real to a degree.

Hold The Line by S.E. Jakes & Stephanie Tyler

s-e-jakes-stephanie-tyler-hold-the-line-coverTitle: Hold the Line

Series:  Inked # 1 

Author: S.E. Jakes & Stephanie Tyler

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (81 pages)

Publisher: SEJ / Stephanie Tyler LLC (November 10, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Holding on loosely has never been such a challenge…

What happens when a tattoo artist and a Delta Force soldier keep a promise and take a cross-country trip together? Quinn and Con are about to finally meet and find out. Quinn thinks he’s the responsible one, but he quickly learns that he needs to loosen up if he’s got any shot of holding onto Con.

***

All proceeds from this novella will go to Hope For The Warrior. 

This novella was previously published in the Danger Zone Anthology, again with all proceeds going to Hope For the Warrior..

ISBN: B00PHQIWK2

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Line-Inked-SE-Jakes-ebook/dp/B00PHQIWK2

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Con, a delta force soldier, is asked to go with Quinn, a tattoo artist and Scott’s brother, to go on a road trip together which turns out for the good. I liked the interaction between the two characters but felt it would have been a much better story with more descriptions thrown in. 

These two are super hot together when they are not fussing. I normally like Jakes books but this one seemed off to me somehow. It was still an enjoyable read watching these two men and their actions toward each other and others.

Good read.

The Vampire and the G.I. by J.P. Bowie

j-p-bowie-the-vampire-and-the-g-i-coverTitle: The Vampire and the G.I. 

Series: The Vampire and… 02

Author: J.P. Bowie

Genre: Erotic, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Suspense, Romantic, Vampires

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Wilde City Press (August 3, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts

Blurb: The Middle East War is finally over and veteran, Cole Everett, is trying to build a new life in Los Angeles and reconnect with his cousin, Sean Martin, a private investigator. His hopes stall when he learns that Sean’s mate, Arturo, is a vampire. It might be 2034 and vampires are an accepted part of society, but Cole can’t accept that anyone would willingly mate with the undead. That is, until he meets Arturo and is introduced to the incredibly handsome Rafael Barrantes. Attracted to Rafael, Cole has to rethink everything he thought he knew about vampires.  Taking a job as a security guard for a high-tech company, Cole becomes suspicious when all is not what it seems with so-called ‘government contracts. He can’t decide if he should play it safe and call the cops, or take a chance on his newfound vampire friends. Safe and secure, or caution to the wind?

ISBN: 978-1-925506-21-1

Product Link: https://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/the-vampire-and-the-g-i/#.V8Fy7DFrg4c

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Cole, Sean’s cousin, is looking for a fresh start after his military enrollment comes to an end. He decides to visit Sean and is shocked that his cousin is with a vampire. He panics and leaves. Cole has a low tolerance for the paranormal until he is introduced to Rafeal.

I loved that the story did not start with Cole and Rafeal. Instead it built up to them meeting, Cole coming to grips with his bigotry and seeing there are things out there that are worth taking a chance on. Sean and Arturo are still very much in love in this story and it shows throughout. 

I simply loved the entire story. The two couples blended well together and the story flowed from one to the other and dealt with different issues going on. All in all it was a great read.

Abandoned Angel by Jeff Erno

jeff-erno-abandoned-angel-coverTitle: Abandoned Angel

Series:  Life Without Parole 03

Author: Jeff Erno

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance

Length: Novella (82 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (August 12, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Some say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but how can a heart that’s broken feel anything but pain?

Waking one morning to learn Trey had been whisked away, transferred to another facility, Jeremy fears he and Trey might never see each other again. When he learns from the local news that Trey has been sent back to county to face a retrial, he doesn’t know whether to pray for his acquittal or to hope for his return. Jeremy has to forge a new path, discover a way to move on with his life without Trey. The two will likely never see each other again, but Jeremy can’t forget so easily. He turns to others for support and falls into the arms of another man, but will his new love ever really take the place of Trey?

ISBN: 978-1-4874-0805-3

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/abandoned-angel/?series_id=1363

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: With Trey’s second trial looming before him it sets Trey on a collision course with his memories and the reason why he pleaded guilty. Jeremy knows that Trey did not abandon him yet and seeks the protection of another inmate named Darrin, the preacher. I never liked Darren despite his preacher ways. He seemed fishy and shady to me. That became even more prominent when he finally got his hooks in Jeremy.

We are also introduced to CO Corey Levine who is gay and finds himself very much attracted to the new prisoner Robert “Bobby” Howard. The feeling is mutual with Bobby and Bobby flirts every chance he gets with the Cory.

This is such a good yet emotional and tense series. Most of the characters have their own agendas for why they do what they do in prison be it for love or protection. The whole series so far is an enjoyable read into what prison life may be like.

A Chance for us by Jake C. Wallace

jake-c-wallace-a-chance-for-us-cover-sTitle: A Chance for Us 

Series:  New Vampire Justice 02

Author: Jake C. Wallace

Genre: Erotic Romance, Urban Fantasy, Vampires

Length: Novel (274 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 11, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Love between a young man with a broken mind and the jaded New Vampire Justice officer who cares for him might be the last hope to stop a human-vampire war….

Justin Masters is stuck in a nightmare. Waking after seven years in a catatonic state, he falls desperately in love with the straight NVJ officer who saved him. Between that and dreams of being tortured and taking pleasure in the pain, which bleeds into his waking hours, Justin’s sure he’s starting to crack.

The growing unrest in the vampire world should be Max Kincaid’s focus, but Justin’s struggle, along with Max’s confusing feelings for his ward, have him reeling. When Justin’s attacked, his resulting needs might be more than what Max can provide, but he’ll be damned if anyone else will touch Justin.

As the NVJ investigates humans missing from a high-end bite club, they uncover a deeper plot that traces back to Justin. If those who want him have their way, there will be bloodshed. Justin and Max are in a fight to save Justin not only from those who would use him, but from his own mind.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-722-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/a-chance-for-us-by-jake-c-wallace-7760-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This is the second book in the New Vampire Justice series and is best read in order.

This is a dark book at times about kidnapping and torture of humans and vampires alike at the whim of a frightening new evil. Max is part of the NVJ and is responsible for Justin, a man who was taken and done horrible things to in the last book.

Justin still has nightmares and flashbacks to what he endured and struggles to gain his sanity back. I felt sorry for Justin as I read what exactly he went through. But I was glad Max was there to offer some kind of stability and guidance when Justin became lost in his memories.

I loved the interaction between the NVJ team as they investigated the disappearances and stopped at nothing to find the culprits. Though this story is dark and intense at times it does have a HEA. Well written with amazing details that grips the reader from start to finish. 

This is a wonderful addition to the series. Cannot wait to see what else happens in the series. Highly recommended.

Black Snow by EAB

eab-black-snow-coverTitle: Black Snow 

Author: EAB

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (350 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Prince Brier Snow has lived in the shadow of King Snow’s exalted memory. However, his fate changes when he nears his majority and Lirend’s steward queen attempts to dethrone him by exploiting an obscure requirement in the late king’s will: a yearlong sabbatical.

Brier travels to the desolate land of Aire to train under the Ceve guild, scorned refugees of war, including their guarded leader, Roland. Brier’s skillful master unlocks hidden potential, and what begins as a dutiful bond turns into ill-fated affection. When Brier returns to the capital, he’s carrying proof of his indiscretions with Roland—and his condition grows more apparent with each passing day. An affair with the huntsman is a scandal Brier’s enemies can use against him, but the birth of an heir is a burden even Brier is not sure he can bear.

Roland Archer, a man with a murky past, is skeptical of the contract to train the prince but willing to do anything for the guild’s freedom. Despite his best intentions, he is smitten by Lirend’s future king. Roland has resigned himself to solitude, but fate has other plans—for him, for Brier, and for Lirend’s oppressed subjects. Can Roland help Brier face a power-hungry queen and a country torn asunder? Either they will bring equality to a land that desperately needs it, or they’ll be thwarted by cunning enemies and an illusory curse.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-720-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/black-snow-by-eab-7730-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Prince Brier Snow is sent to Aire to be trained by Huntsmen Ronald and the guild. What he finds is something he never thought he would find. But all is not as it seems and there are many hidden secrets that could destroy the young prince.

I really enjoyed reading this wonderfully written story. The way some of the citizens were treated because of the blood that ran through their veins was deplorable. I truly felt for those who were trapped in servitude with no choice and those who had everything taken from them for one reason or another. 

The ups and downs Roland and Brier went through were heart-breaking. Despite those people that would see them apart for whatever reasons they had I still cheered them on. The descriptions were beautifully written and captivated me. 

I assume there will be another book with how this one ended. I certainly hope there will be as this book was really good.

Matthias by Alexis Duran Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

alexis-duran-matthias-banner-s

Hi guys! We have Alexis Duran stopping by today with her instalment of the Order of the Black Knights series Matthias, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Shorty’s review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

alexis-duran-matthias-cover-s

Matthias

(Order of the Black Knights 02)
by

Alexis Duran

From Louisiana swamp rat to revivalist huckster to skilled con artist, Matthias Krall clawed his way out of poverty using his natural gifts of grift and manipulation to become the leader of an exclusive retreat center. Exploiting the guise of spiritual guru, Matthias seduces the rich and powerful into turning over their lives and fortunes to his control. But wealth and a small cadre of loyal followers can’t protect Matthias from the betrayal he knows is imminent. Everyone wants what Matthias has, except for one man who wants to destroy it. Dylan Connelly is a reporter who’s determined to prove the charismatic recluse is not only a fraud but a murderer.

Irresistibly drawn to Dylan despite the warnings in his gut, Matthias lures Dylan to his island retreat, determined to destroy his enemy once and for all.

Multi Author series

Continue reading “Matthias by Alexis Duran Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Matthias by Alexis Duran

alexis-duran-matthias-cover-sTitle: Matthias 

Series: Order of the Black Knights 02

Author: Alexis Duran

Genre: Mystery, Suspense

Length: Novel (240 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 2, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Order of the Black Knights 

From Louisiana swamp rat to revivalist huckster to skilled con artist, Matthias Krall clawed his way out of poverty using his natural gifts of grift and manipulation to become the leader of an exclusive retreat center. Exploiting the guise of spiritual guru, Matthias seduces the rich and powerful into turning over their lives and fortunes to his control. But wealth and a small cadre of loyal followers can’t protect Matthias from the betrayal he knows is imminent. Everyone wants what Matthias has, except for one man who wants to destroy it. Dylan Connelly is a reporter who’s determined to prove the charismatic recluse is not only a fraud but a murderer.

Irresistibly drawn to Dylan despite the warnings in his gut, Matthias lures Dylan to his island retreat, determined to destroy his enemy once and for all.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-848-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/matthias-by-alexis-duran-7709-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Dylan, a reporter, has had a crush on Matthias since meeting him at college. Ten years of hurt at the rejection by Matthias has made him bound and determined to get to the bottom of the secretive Matthias.

Matthias is a ruthless business man all about taking money from the rich with his hypnosis and magnetism. He stops at nothing to gain his wealth. Jace, a rock star, became too clingy so Matthias had him removed elsewhere. Matthias was too pretty for his own good and knew it. He used his looks to his advantage and slept with anyone he wanted.

When Matthias invites Dylan to his resort in order to destroy him things do not go as planned. He is attracted to him and so begins Dylan’s mission to weave through the complex Matthias to see what makes him tick.  I liked this story much better than the first in the series. However it is a bit slow at times and as a result had to and starts several times so it did not hold my interest straight through like most books do. 

I would have liked a better balance to the story as opposed to the action, etc taking place near the end. Most of the book is drama driven and while that in itself is not bad I wanted more. Interesting and good read.

Lonely Dragon Needs A Mate by Marcy Jacks

marcy-jacks-lonely-dragon-needs-a-mate-cover-sTitle: Lonely Dragon Needs a Mate

Series:  Dragon Smugglers in Space 01

Author: Marcy Jacks

Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction, Shape-shifter

Length: Novella (124 pages)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (September 24, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Tomas has always been a slave on the shark planet of Raxsor, but not anymore. He took twenty of his friends and ran away. Running away is almost a mistake, until he learns a famous smuggler is on the planet, and Tomas needs to convince the captain to take him and his friends to Earth.

Axel Rogan is an alpha dragon shifter, jaded after the sharks killed his best friend, and he only wants to sell his goods and get off this stinking planet. When he meets Tomas, however, it changes everything. Tomas is his mate, and Axel feels his inner dragon roaring for what is his.

Discovering Tomas is an escaped slave, and that the sharks will be after him, nearly causes a panic, but Axel will not give up his lover without a fight. The sharks have their work cut out for them when they try to take the man Axel would lay down his life for.

ISBN: 978-1-68295-480-5

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/lonely-dragon-needs-a-mate

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Tomas is the leader of the escaped slaves. Axel, a dragon shifter, is the captain of the smuggler’s ship. Tanner and Axel strike up a bargain to gain protection from shark shifters that are after the slaves. The deal is for the escaped slaves to mate with the crew members. 

But alas, the shark shifters come after them and despite them being mated hatch a plan to take them back. Action, adventure, danger and romance are intertwined in the exciting first book of dragon smugglers in space.

Highly recommended.

Guardian by Jordan Taylor

jordan-taylor-guardian-cover-sTitle: Guardian

Author: Jordan Taylor

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short (40 pages)

Publisher: NineStar Press (March 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: On a blustery November day in London, Gavin catches a bus from Waterloo Station to his office. He makes this journey five days a week, year after year, alone. Or so he thinks.

He does not know that his guardian angel accompanies him each day of his life, watching over him—loving him as all guardians must. His guardian’s feelings, however, fall into baser depths. As all guardians know, it is taboo to feel carnal love for a human ward. Such a relationship would not be viable—or healthy. Gavin’s guardian knows this. Lives and breathes this. And yet, to lift Gavin from depression, he is willing to attempt the impossible: to manifest as a human for Gavin and finally meet the love of his immortal life face-to-face.

ISBN: 978-1-911153-14-6

Product Link: http://ninestarpress.com/product/guardian/

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: A bittersweet story about a guardian and the human, Gavin, he is tasked to watch over. We never know the guardians name only that he feels deeply for Gavin. He does everything he can to break through Gavin’s depression and help him get through it.

The way he helps Gavin is by becoming human for twenty four hours. Finally able to be with Gavin a short amount of time in the flesh he gives into his desire. It was a struggle reading this book and seeing how much the guardian loved Gavin but knowing they would never be able to fully be together broke my heart.

The ending to this book had me in tears as the guardian did what others probably wouldn’t and found someone else for Gavin to be with. I personally do not know if I could watch the person I loved be with someone else. 

Great read.

The Captain's Encounter by T.J. Land

t-j-land-the-captains-encounter-cover-sTitle: The Captain’s Encounter

Series:  Adrift 02

Author: T.J. Land

Genre: Erotic Romance, Ménage, MM, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Length: Short (61 pages)

Publisher: Nine Star Press (April 11, 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Blurb: The captain’s luck is finally changing. After four years of being lost in space, his starship, The Prayer, has found an inhabitable planet to land on. The whole crew—and his lovers Thomas, Rick, and Zachery in particular—are happy to set foot on terra firma again, not least because the planet comes with plenty of trees to hide behind for those…intimate occasions. But the fertile landscape hides a secret. When the captain finds himself abducted by an alien life form, he’s got limited time to get back to his crew before they succumb to infighting. Only the alien is so very attractive…

ISBN: 978-1-911153-43-6

Product Link: http://ninestarpress.com/product/the-captains-encounter/

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: This is the second book in the Adrift series and picks up where the first lends off. They land on a planet not knowing there is intelligent life on it. As a result the captain goes missing and that leads to a search and a whole lot of sex going on. I loved how different each personality was and how they interacted. 

There was a lot of laughing on my part throughout the story. It was a great adventure to be sure with some hot and heavy sex to add spice to a lost crew intent on making a home somewhere.

Great read.

Murmuration by T.J. Klune

t-j-klune-murmuration-coverTitle: Murmuration 

Author: T.J. Klune

Genre: Historical Americas / Science Fiction

Length: Novel (324 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 28, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: In the small mountain town of Amorea, it’s stretching toward autumn of 1954. The memories of a world at war are fading in the face of a prosperous future. Doors are left unlocked at night, and neighbors are always there to give each other a helping hand.

The people here know certain things as fact:

Amorea is the best little town there is.

The only good Commie is a dead Commie.

The Women’s Club of Amorea runs the town with an immaculately gloved fist.

And bookstore owner Mike Frazier loves that boy down at the diner, Sean Mellgard. Why they haven’t gotten their acts together is anybody’s guess. It may be the world’s longest courtship, but no one can deny the way they look at each other.

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

But something’s wrong with Mike. He hears voices in his house late at night. There are shadows crawling along the walls and great clouds of birds overhead that only he can see.

Something’s happening in Amorea. And Mike will do whatever he can to keep the man he loves.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-455-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/murmuration-by-tj-klune-7660-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Wow, just wow. What a story. It is 1954 in a small town called Amorea. Everyone is nice. There are no cars or children and everyone knows everyone. Mike is smitten with Sean and has been courting him for years trying to get up the nerve to ask him out.

But things are not what they appear. Right from the beginning of the book I got the feeling that something was not quite right. This feeling became stronger the further I read. People disappearing, fuzzy memories, feeling a sense of dé·jà vu at times and strange dreams lead the reader on psychological mystery unlike any I’ve read before. 

I went through all the emotions and still cannot settle on just one. Brilliantly written with the right amount of unsurety, drama, and a feeling of helplessness left me a wreck afterwards. But despite all that I loved this book.

The slow burn between the two MC’s fit perfectly with everything else going on in the story. One of the best books I’ve read so far this year. I’m sure it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but you won’t know until you try it.

Highly recommended.

Defiant Revival by L. Rockwood


l-rockwood-defiant-revival-coverTitle:
Defiant Revival 

Author: L. Rockwood

Genre: High Fantasy

Length: Novel (300 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 28, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: To free the kingdom from the depravity of Cardinal Aldrious, Prince Micah Helvendeere must take his rightful place as ruler.

Unfortunately, the prince has been dead for a year.

Billiam Grimhart, former page to the prince, knows Micah’s assumption of the throne is the last chance to purge Casperland of the cardinal’s corruption. And for that to happen, the prince must be revived. Only one person stands a chance of achieving the nearly impossible: exiled enchantress Shemmy DuBois, a raunchy bog witch with an affinity for corpses and a heart of gold. Billiam sets out to coax Shemmy to their cause, despite what wading through piles of bodies will do to his favorite shoes.

If he can accomplish it, Billiam might finally get to consummate his love for the prince—something Shemmy is keen to witness. But first, they’ll need to steal Micah’s body, brave a land inhabited by vicious faeries, and accept the help of accomplices as vile and perverse as their enemies. They might be far from typical heroes, but sometimes those are the only people who can get the job done.

If you like dark and edgy high-concept fantasy that’s not for those with delicate sensibilities, join Billiam, Shemmy, and their Faelock allies as they stage their revolution.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-850-3

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/defiant-revival-by-l-rockwood-7702-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Billam, son of the captain of the guards, takes his father’s place as leader. This story takes place after the young prince is dead and everyone associated with the former king has been disbanded from the castle. A third party is telling the tale who is part of the former guards and alliances to the former king.

There is corruption and deceit from an evil cardinal who is power hungry. Billam along with his ragtag group attempt to revive Micah, the prince, by way of Shemmy, an enchantress and former noble. It is an amazing journey fraught with danger at every turn as Billam sets plans in motion that will bring his love back to him and rest power from the man that never should have trusted.

Though intense at times it was a wonderfully written story. Though I was confused at first as to why someone other than the main characters told the story but it was explained as to why. Billiam seemed determined to make things right again. I loved that he was willing to do anything for the prince. All the characters were intriguing and I imagined what they were like the further I read. I liked that it had more than just humans as it added an extra element of intrigue as you read. 

Good read.

Bitterwood by Rowan Speedwell (2nd Edition)

rowan-speedwell-bitterwood-cover-sTitle: Bitterwood (2nd Edition)

Author: Rowan Speedwell

Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Historical, Medieval

Length: Novella (167 pages)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (September 17, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Outrunning a winter storm in the north, Captain Faran of the King’s Guard leads his men and a young mage named Meric to shelter at Bitterwood Manor, the ancestral home of the Daenes. Faran and his troops have been searching for weeks for a mysterious, lion-like beast that reportedly haunts the uncharted northern woods. For Meric, finding that prophesied cat is a matter of life and death.

Though Faran is deeply focused on their mission, the enigmatic Joss Daene, Lord of Bitterwood, fascinates him. Strong and proud, Joss is everything Faran wants in a lover. More, if he were honest. But Joss belongs to Bitterwood, and Faran to his duty.

Together they will need to brave the oldest, darkest part of the Bitterwood in the coldest, deepest snows of winter to find the legendary cat. But time is running out—for Meric, for the kingdom, and for Faran and Joss’s fledgling love.

(Note: This is a revised second edition, previously published elsewhere.)

ISBN:  978-1-62649-433-6

Product Link: http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/bitterwood

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Fantastic journey of Captain Faran of the King’s Guard and a young mage named Meric who is dire straits as he needs to find a mythical cat in the haunted woods. Getting by a storm they travel to Lord Joss Daene and his sons. It is eerie that the symbol that represents the family is similar to what the cat looks like. 

Alas there are two different romances in this story. That of Joss and Faran who are hot and sexy together and then there is Meric and Eissa, Joss’ youngest son, these two hit it off right away and I thought it was sweet the way Eissa took care of Meric when he was too sick. It showed how caring and loving he was toward Meric when he needed him.

I loved all the little details throughout this story as it gave insights to certain things that helped the reader have a better understanding of the story.

The story as a whole was a magical quest I found intriguing if not a bit slow but still well worth the read.

The Cobbler's Soleless Son by Meredith Katz

meredith-katz-the-cobblers-soleless-son-coverTitle: The Cobbler’s Soleless Son

Series:  Pandemonium

Author: Meredith Katz

Genre: Bisexual, Fantasy, Genderqueer, Pansexual

Length: Short (41pgs))

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (August 24, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Everyone expects Renart Walker to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become the cobbler for their little demon-ruled town. That’d be the proper thing to do: keep his head down, live his quiet human life, and try not to get too involved with demons. But Renart has never been terribly concerned with proper, and he isn’t interested in a quiet life. His interests are a little more ambitious: he’s aiming to catch himself a demon prince.

As a human, he’d never be allowed to even get close to Prince Hrahez. The only solution is to make a bargain with a demon, and everyone knows what they want. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained, and he’s got a plan—but it involves tricking a demon. If it doesn’t work, nobody in town would want to be in his shoes.

ISBN: 9781620048290

Product Link: https://lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=92&products_id=1166

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Renart knows what he wants, a demon prince, and so hatches a plan to snag him one. Humans are nothing but slaves and cattle to the demons. There to do their bidding and nothing more in the small town. Renart is expected to follow in his mother’s footsteps but he rebels and goes on his path. 

There was not enough of the actual relationship between Renart and the prince beyond sex for me to call them a couple. It seemed that sex was the main thing in this story and I personally like stories with less sex and more actual plot. Plus there is a m/f scene in it as well which I did not like, it doesn’t take away from the story but it just wasn’t to my preference.

I liked the idea of this story but due to the many sex scenes the actual story seemed a little lost in the background.

Slave for Two by Morticia Knight

morticia-knight-soul-match-01-slave-for-two-coverTitle: Slave for Two

Series:  Soul Match 01

Author: Morticia Knight

Genre: Bondage and BDSM, Erotic Romance, Futuristic and Science Fiction, Ménage and Mutiple Partners

Length: Novella (155 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (September 20, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: What is destined cannot be changed.

Chris has had a monumentally bad month. First, an aggressive band of aliens invaded the Earth, conquered the world, and now he’s fighting for survival in the mountains with his family and the neighborhood bigot. Just because he’s barely out of his teens and a bit on the scrawny side doesn’t mean he can’t watch out for his mom, sisters and younger cousin. Chris keeps searching for the brighter side of things, but his humor is wearing thin. Fear can do that to a guy.

Lasar and Nary are a soul matched pair of warriors from Alashar. Lasar is Nary’s Ahna, the one who dominates him, and Nary is the Nasha, or submissive, to Lasar. Every Alasharian, regardless of orientation, needs the balance of the power exchange to exist peacefully within their lifelong soul match bond. When Lasar is awarded a war prize, he sends Nary to look over the recent arrivals.

Chris and his cousin Morgan are captured and sent to the slave cages where they discover from the other imprisoned young men that they are destined to be sex toys for alien pairs. When one of those aliens saves Chris and his cousin from being abused by the slave master, Chris hopes that the seemingly kind alien won’t be too horrible an owner.

Lasar and Nary are finally alone together with their new sex slave, ready to enjoy their reward. However, in the middle of their playtime a shocking event occurs that not only disrupts Chris’ world even more than it already has been, but also challenges everything that Lasar and Nary have always held dear. As Lasar searches for answers, he begins to question the reasons behind the Earth invasion and where his loyalties should really lie. As their Ahna, he must be the one who decides whether they will all be safer together, or apart.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes involving sounding.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-495-0

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/slave-for-two

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Earth is invaded by aliens with humans being either killed or captured. Chris is a human along with his mother, sisters and cousin, Morgan escape. While out on a supply run Morgan and Chris are captured. The slave master has plans for Morgan and Chris that are against the rules until Nary comes to the rescue and takes both home to his and Lasser’s home.

Lasser and Nary are a soul matched pair of aliens. They are learning almost everything they have been told about the invasion and the humans is a lie. Oh how I loved the suspense, drama, tense situations in this well written story. It will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath.

I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next book. Highly recommended.

Sweet Summer Sweat by Clare London

clare-london-sweet-summer-sweat-cover-sTitle: Sweet Summer Sweat

Author: Clare London

Genre: Paranormal, Horror

Length: Novel (210 Pages)

Publisher: Jocular Press (September 18, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: When you find a place where lust and sex rule life, and your every desire can be fulfilled, why would you ever want to leave?

Young runaway Scot and his boyfriend Jerry escape their deadbeat homes and families, hoping to leave prejudice behind them and travel to a new life in Las Vegas. Unprepared and naive, they’re lost almost at once, and shelter at a run-down, deserted motel in the middle of the scorching hot Nevada desert. A place with secrets, run by staff both gorgeous and uninhibited, and driven by a mysterious sexual connection Scot’s never even dared to dream. 

All but drugged by the lazy heat and the hedonism around him, Scot watches as Jerry is seduced away and realizes their relationship was nothing more than shared lust. Restless, Scot knows he wants true love and real understanding. Could he find it with the mysterious and elusive owner of the motel, Connor Maxwell? Connor seems to think so, every time he appears and pursues Scot for his own. But where does Connor come from? It seems the passion calls him into being at its own whim. 

Eventually, what binds Connor and his friends to the motel may be too strong for Scot to break through. Scot has ambitions to travel, to make something of his life – but is his only option to embrace life at the motel in his true lover’s arms? 

Or will that love be strong enough to release them both … 

ISBN: B01M0I09O5

Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Summer-Sweat-London-Clare-ebook/dp/B01M0I09O5

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Scot and Jerry run away from their homes to be together only to get lost and end up at a broken down seemingly deserted motel only to discover three other men, Conner, Vincent and Oliver living there. Jerry is immediately taken with both Vincent and Oliver and seems to slowly pull away from Scot.

Scot, unsure whether to stay or go is fascinated with Conner. Conner is mysterious and sexy. The motel has a magical quality to it that provides the characters with everything they could ever want. All they have to do is stay. But Scot has goals he wants to achieve as so begins the decision of whether to stay or go.

I liked the mysterious quality to the story though it never said one way or another what exactly was going on at the motel or those who were already there. It was almost creepy the way Conner, Oliver and Vincent acted at times. They seemed to be in a dreamlike trance at times.

Aside from that it was a well written story with a lot of hot sex. Scot, I felt sorry for as it seemed he left his home for bigger and better things and away from being controlled at home only to end up in the same situation somewhere else only with the person he’s been drawn to all his life, Conner.

Anubis by T.A. Chase

t-a-chase-anubis-coverTitle: Anubis

Series:  Earth Warriors # 2

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, shifters

Length: Novella (148pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (June 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: In returning to Petra, Anubis must deal with memories of his lost love while protecting his new lover.

Anubis has been an Earth Warrior for centuries and he never thought he’d return to the place where he died. Yet his next mission sends him back to Petra, his original home before the Gods chose to interfere in his life. He goes to Petra to authenticate some artifacts found at a dig site. There he meets Dr. Jamil Ahlid, the head archaeologist, and discovers someone he could love.

Dr. Jamil Ahlid has a once in a lifetime chance to dig at Petra and he discovers artifacts from an unheard of civilization. In doing so, he also uncovers something so dangerous that his very life could be forfeit. Meeting Anubis ends up being the best thing that happens to him. Especially when men come for what he’s found.

Anubis has to call on his brothers, but will they be enough to keep Jamil alive and the artifact safe?

ISBN: MLR-1-02016-0570

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=TACANUBS

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Anubis, an earth warrior, is sent on a mission to find out what artifact archaeologist, Jamil, has discovered. He finds he has to face his past while keeping his true self a secret from Jamil. 

I really enjoyed this story as I love stories about Egyptian gods and shifters. Well written with adventure, action, mystery and danger as Anubis must try and protect Jamil from someone who wants a powerful book that has been thought lost for centuries and will stop at nothing to attain it.

I loved the peeks into who Anubis was and what transpired all those years ago before he was killed and changed. It was heart-breaking to say the least. I also loved all the wonderful tidbits about the different artifacts throughout. I find it fascinating when an author combines ancient stories into modern ones with twists and turns. 

I certainly hope there will be more books in this fascinating series. Highly recommended.

Gryffon Hall by Alexis Duran

alexis-duran-gryffon-hall-cover-sTitle: Gryffon Hall

Author: Alexis Duran

Genre:  Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novella (156 pages)

Publisher: Loose ID (August 30, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Born the useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land. 

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the scoundrel he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

ISBN: 978-1-68252-188-5

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/gryffon-hall.html

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I really enjoyed the interactions between Wyler and Aeric. Wyler is basically given to Aeric in marriage at what Wryler thought would be his engagement announcement to another man. Aeric has a bad reputation among others due to his living on the edge of the forest and tales of vicious creatures.

We are lead into a mystery of who exactly Aeric is and what happened to others that have disappeared. Aeric was an amazing creature that I loved reading about but was missing crucial details. Along with supernatural creatures in abundance there is also Wryler’s unhappiness at being pawned off by his father.

I really wanted to love this story but there were many details that I wanted to know that were missing. For instance what exactly happened to Aeric when Rumple had him? During the interesting parts the story seemed rushed to me. 

All in all it was a good read but could have been so much better.

Bastet by T.A. Chase

t-a-chase-bastet-coverTitle: Bastet 

Series:  Earth Warriors 01

Author: T.A. Chase

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, mystery

Length: Novella (151pgs)

Publisher: MLR Press (17th May 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Kellan Largant and Bastet are drawn into an ancient battle while learning to love each other.

Kellan Largent is a grad student at Harvard. His thesis is on ancient Egyptian religious cults. While immersed in his research, he comes across an obscure reference to the Earth Warrior cult. Little does he know that one sentence in a dusty tattered book will engulf him in a battle between good and evil. A battle that could be the end of the world as he knows it.

The stray cat wandering the streets around Kellan’s house is more than an abandoned feline. Bastet has roamed the earth from the days when Egypt was young. He’s watched the pharaohs rise and fall. New gods come and go. His purpose has remained the same: Protect the earth at all costs and keep the secrets of the Earth Warriors from regular mortals. He’s sent to keep Kellan Largent from finding out the truth about the cult, but also to keep the unsuspecting college student alive.

One man will do anything for the spell that created the Warriors. He wants immortality and killing Kellan for the secret is just the beginning of the trouble he’ll cause to get what he wants.

ISBN:  MLR-1-02016-0555

Product Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=TACBASTT

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Bastet is one of eight brothers who are chosen by a Egyptian god and tasked with protecting earth. They are called Earth Warriors and have the ability to shift into whatever animal represents that particular god. Bastet’s animal is a cat.

Kellan is a university student at Harvard. While collecting information on his thesis he stumbles across the knowledge of Earth Warriors. Bastet needs to get close to him to find out what he knows so he meets him as cat then as a man. The attraction between the two is immediate.

Bastet is to keep Kellan from finding out the truth about the Earth Warriors and their existence but things do not go as planned when a man hellbent on finding the spell to make the warriors will stop at nothing from attaining it.

I liked the story as it contains mystery, suspense, drama, shifters and a great plot, that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps their attention. As well as the Earth Warriors themselves as I found them fascinating. I would like to more about how they came to be the earth warriors, why they were chosen and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.  

Great read.