Outcast by Alek Douglas

41zXjcQxnTLTitle:  Outcast

Author: Alex Douglas

Genre: M/M Sci-Fi

Length: Novel (221 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (January 9, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥3.25 Hearts

Blurb: Prez has been in the arms—or tentacles—of one too many brothel workers in his time. The memory of long-lost love is all he has, and it’s not enough. But no one in the Belaar-Andra system wants an alien half-breed for a partner, so life is as good as it can be. He’s making money, he’s going places, he’s got friends and a spaceship he loves,—a decrepit cargo ship named Outcast. And now he’s got a new co-pilot, from the remote world of Aldor. Lan’s mysterious and doesn’t say a lot, but as they get to know each other, Prez starts to feel something he hasn’t felt in a long time—hope.

But the past hasn’t quite released him, and the Outcast isn’t done yet. On its final mission to deliver a mysterious cargo for the Belaari government, long-buried secrets start to stir. When his old co-pilot—and best friend—is finally himself again, Prez has a difficult decision to make, but Lan has other ideas about his own destiny. A rich man at last, can Prez finally get the things he really wants?

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=3778

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  This was a little strange for me. That’s good and bad. I like unique stories and worlds, which this definitely had, but I just can’t get worked up about creature-type alien sex. Yes, there were tentacles, and I’ll let you use your imagination about how they were put to use 😉

Prez loses his co-pilot, Fleck, when he’s turned into a spider following a disagreement during a card game. It couldn’t come at a worse time, since his crew has the highest paying job of their career coming up. He hires Lan to be the new co-pilot of the Outcast until they can find someone to return Flack to his human self.

Unfortunately, for Prez, it’s all happening while he’s having a little downward spiral. Can’t really blame the guy with the past he has had. Prez was kidnapped from his home planet, and used as a lab rat to create a cure for a race that’s dying out. He’s free now, but the memories creep back in. He knows everyone looks down on his kind, and will probably always have to pay for sex with no affection since nobody wants a Ku-tah for a lover. The crew and Prez spend weeks out in space, so when they get to a port, they spend most of their time drunk and in brothels. This is how the first few days between Lan and his new coworkers are spent.

Lan comes from a more traditional planet. They don’t drink. They don’t speak out loud since they are all telepaths. They’re smart and super strong. Lan flees his home planet and is very happy to find a place on the crew of the Outcast. He doesn’t exactly understand them, but they seem nice and welcoming, if not a little bizarre. He’s especially drawn to Prez. Something about the man comforts him. Makes him feels things he’s never felt before.

Outcast had some ups and downs for me. I found the beginning a little confusing with all the aliens and their histories. The alien sex was imaginative, but odd. Some parts of the book were very clever, while some seemed overdone. I had hopes for the love story but it was missing something for me. I enjoyed some of the twists throughout the book and the characters kept me entertained. Over all I’d say I liked it but didn’t love it.

Five Star Review by Lara Brukz

5602050Title:  Five Star Review

Author: Lara Brukz

Genre:  M/M Contemporary Romance

Length:   Novella (105 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 11th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 to 3 Hearts

Blurb: Gay romance author Cade Montgomery is so thrilled when his latest book is given an excellent review by Eric Carillo that he sends Eric a personal e-mail thanking him for the rating. Occasional e-mails become frequent, and soon Cade and Eric are talking online almost every day. Their online relationship spans a thousand miles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Can their virtual romance survive in the real world? Because both men want to give their own romance a five star review

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2872

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: Cade is a romance author who has had his heart-broken and swore to never give it away again. Sex without attachments is what he likes. He strikes up a friendship with Eric after he reviews his book for an online gay book review site. Eric is a huge fan of Cade’s writing and quickly becomes a fan of the man himself. After months of flirting online Cade lets Eric know he’ll be in Seattle, Eric’s hometown, for work and would love to meet him. The physical attraction is there and an error in the reservation at Cade’s hotel leaves him staying at Eric’s house. It doesn’t take long until the two give up the fight and end up in bed. It’s so much more than either man thought but both know at the end of the week Cade goes back to Phoenix so they decide to enjoy every moment they’re together.

Hmmm… from the blurb this sounded like a fun read. What I read seemed more like a satire of a gay romance novel. Everything was just a little too sweet, a little too sappy, and a little too dramatic to be taken seriously. The situations were a little over the top. Drunk driving, stalking, death, disability and of course insta love/lust all wrapped up in one short book was maybe a little much for my tastes. It wasn’t as bad as some of the reviews I’ve read but I did cringe at some of the dialogue and soap opera-ish drama. I enjoyed the online flirting and can tell the author is probably a fun person in real life but it just didn’t translate well to paper. Too bad because I liked the premise of the story.

Charming Monsters by Kannan Feng

417bFmtK39LTitle:  Charming Monsters

Author: Kannan Feng

Genre:  M/M erotic horror

Length:   Novella (45 pages)

Publisher: Torquere (January 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: Wesley is a college professor with a deep and unhealthy fascination the darker side of things. When he starts writing a book on a series of serial murders, he comes to the attention of some very dangerous people. Jack is sent to silence Wesley, but discovers that he is far more interested in Wesley himself.

When Wesley looks up after his first class of the semester, he notices a very avid, very handsome student who asks all the right questions. When Jack follows him to an isolated study room in the library, it is only the beginning of a journey that will have unexpected consequences for both of them.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3783

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: So I’ll just start of by saying this was not really my type of read. I like dark but this pushed my comfort zone and left me a little squeamish. I however, don’t want to penalize the story for my uneasiness at the rough sex and fascination with inflicting and receiving pain. I guess everybody has their thing that gets them off.

Wesley has always been fascinated with monsters of the human variety. Maybe a little too fascinated. Researching the murder of four boys brings a dark stranger into his life. Though Wesley has is finally admitting his desire for pain he’s never actually acted on it. Jack, the dark stranger, sees what Wesley wants and the idea of giving it to him excites him. Jack acts on the desire in a bordering non-consensual way and thus begins this twisted romance.

Jack scares Wesley often but behind the fear is desire and the author makes a point of telling us Wesley is right there with Jack in the moment. Enjoying the rough sex and demeaning talk. I can try to understand all of that even if it’s nothing I’d ever enjoy, but the part that I found creepy was how both men liked to look at pictures of tortured boys. It was just too much for me once I knew that. Overall, the writing was good and I liked how aggressive Jack was to a point but this book isn’t for most. Not your average m/m read that’s for sure.

Forget Me Not by Adrianna Dane

6335018Title:  Forget Me Not

Author: Adrianna Dane

Genre: Contemporary

Length:    Novella (65 pages)

Publisher: Amber Allure (March 25th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥ 2.5 to 3Hearts

Blurb: It was a friendship that forged their relationship. It was passion that bound them together. And tragedy that tore them apart. Yet time and distance could not destroy their yearning. A failed marriage could not quench the memories. Nothing could make either forget what they had once shared…

Boyhood friends, now mature men reunited after eighteen years apart. One had saved the other’s life. Cooper Lynch is a man locked by his mer blood to the town of Raven’s Cove. He cannot leave. Ever. Bound by cursed blood and by ancient duty. Ian Lynch is a man who feels rootless, now at the crossroads of his life, when fate brings him back again to Raven’s Cove and the only person he’d ever desired. It was a love they had tried to deny. A love that was never meant to be. But one that changed both their worlds with a night of passion they could never forget.

Different worlds, different lives. Will this forbidden love defy the demands of fate?

Product Link:http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/ForgetMeNot.html

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: Cooper and Ian have regretted the paths they chose in life ever since their one desperate night together. Both men were obviously confused by the intense attraction they felt for each other after years of friendship. Cooper is worried he took advantage in Ian’s moment of weakness and Ian isn’t sure he remembers things being as amazingly passionate as the dreams he has about his one and only time with another man. Fate or Ian’s need for closure puts both men on the island together again. Their kids from failed marriages meet and become good friends forcing the men to confront each other and the feelings they’ve held onto for eighteen years.

This was a short, sweet and angsty story. I thought the mermaid lore was interesting and would have enjoyed more about it. It felt a little rushed at times. Everything happened rapidly and it felt that way. Some of the dialogue switched from modern to historical sounding at times, which threw me because that wasn’t how the character spoke in the beginning of the book.

Not bad but not great.

Love Lessons by Kelly Rand

LoveLessonsLGTitle: Love Lessons

Author: Kelly Rand

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:    Novella (74 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 16th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: College student Danny Davis has dedicated his life to singing and dancing. That commitment lands him a spot in a boy band heading to Europe to pursue a life of pop stardom. There’s just one thing he wants to do before he goes—so he places an ad in the campus paper stating that he’s looking for his first sexual experience with another man.

Danny begins a correspondence with a secret admirer who turns out to be his roommate, Kirk. Eventually they embark on an emotional and sexual relationship so intense that Danny considers not going on tour. Then a phone call from Kirk changes everything. Believing Kirk never loved him, Danny leaves to take Europe by storm. Six years later, he learns the truth

Product Link:http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3517

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This book takes place in the nineties and centers around a college student, Dani, about to set out on his first tour as part of a boy band. It’s been his dream since he can remember. Until then what Danny wants is some companionship. Male companionship. So he sends out a wanted ad for a friend, possibly more. Some of the letters aren’t at all what he wanted but one peaks his interest. They start a correspondence through letter only. What Danny can’t believe is that the man he’s been talking to is his roommate who he’s crushed on and what a wonderful opportunity to live out his physical fantasies before leaving for Germany. Danny falls hard and fast for Kirk and reconsiders his once in a lifetime opportunity because he can’t stand the thought of leaving what he and Kirk have.

What follows is fairly obvious but that made it hurt no less. One of my favorite nostalgic moments was when Kirk makes Danny and actual mixed tape. Brings back memories and definitely transports me back to those days. The story didn’t feel rushed. The characters were enjoyable and fun. The chemistry between the MCs was sexy but sweet in that new and first love kind of way. The ending was kind of left open so maybe we’ll see more from these boys.

Maybe This Time by Eva Clancy

MaybeThisTimeLGTitle:  Maybe This Time

Author:  Eva Clancy

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella (61 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (January 16th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:  Wrong place, wrong time.

Every few years, Will Hardwicke runs into Rob Cunningham, his first crush. Unfortunately, something always prevents them getting together. As teenagers, Will is too scared to publicly admit he’s gay. Years later, Will’s out, but Rob already has a boyfriend. It seems the stars are aligned against them.

Finally, Will gets another chance. This time, when Fate decides it’s time for his once-a-decade run-in with Rob, Will wants to ensure things are different. For the first time, Will and Rob are both out and available—it’s now or never.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3518

Reviewer: Showme

Review: I really enjoyed this. Shorter stories sometimes suffer from feeling too short and rushed but this felt like a complete story. Not to say I wouldn’t have loved more because I would have. This story proves that sometimes timing is everything.

For us, Will and Rob’s journey begins graduation night of high school. Will can’t wait to get out of his hometown and live his twin dreams: leaving home and coming out. Rob’s on the rugby team, handsome and popular and of course, he loves his hometown. Both guys plan on heading to different universities in the coming weeks. Will has been lusting after Rob for years. He went as far as trying to join the rugby team to get some time with Rob, who to his knowledge is totally straight. He’s a little surprised to see Rob slide into his booth and strike up a conversation. It makes Will a little nervous and he says some things he shouldn’t. He gets a flirty vibe from Rob but can’t bring himself to put himself out there and see if he’s right so the two go their separate ways.

Fate brings them together and tears them apart again. I was surprised at how much it hurt to see the guys walk away from each other and also surprised I’d have liked to sit through more.:D I really fell for the guys and wanted them to get their HEA. I’d recommend this book to everyone and I will.

 

A Hero of His Own by Susan Laine

17258805Title:  A Hero of His Own

Series:  Sailor’s Knot, 03

Author: Susan Laine

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (117 pages)

Publisher: Siren Publishing (January 30th 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb: Dan West is on his way to his friends’ place for some R & R from the Navy. But before he makes it to the small fishing town in Maine, a car accident changes his destination.

The injured young man, Patrick Prescott, turns out to be the mayor’s troubled son. He needs help, and Dan offers it. As a result, the lives of the two men become entwined. The old adage of saving someone’s life giving you responsibility over them seems to hold water.

Patrick is haunted by inner demons. His closeted life pushes him to recklessly pursue Dan at all costs, as though he actively sought his own ruin. But Dan has his own reasons for coming to meet his former CO, and that does not include getting in bed with Patrick, since he’s not in town to stay.

When two different worlds collide, even two men who are oceans apart in every sense must find a way to cope—together

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/a-hero-of-his-own

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This book started off promising. The blurb was intriguing, but I didn’t love it. Dan, the XO of a submarine for the Navy, stumbles upon the wreck in the country while on vacation. He calls his friends for assistance and they let him know it’s probably Patrick the town screw up. Dan goes to check on the man and quickly realizes the man is wasted and is indeed Patrick.  Dan tries to do the right thing by denying some pretty strong advances at the crash site, but a few kisses occur and Patrick dubs Dan his fiery Angel.

Dan feels some strange need to take care of the man after the strange moments they shared at the crash site. He can tell Patrick is scared and prepared to be ridiculed for another failure, but Dan tells him it’s just a bad day. Patrick knows he’s out of control. He’s has his own dreams but they’re being crushed under his father’s guilt and vicarious expectations. Dan instantly brings a calm to Patrick’s life. No judging or lecturing. He’s just there for Patrick who seems to need him. Patrick is drawn to Dan and after his kindness he wants him near while he fights the hangover and injuries. Dan takes him to his friend’s home to recuperate. Patrick and Dan quickly give into their lust, but Dan is leaving in a week and Patrick isn’t out in his town. So what does this mean for their budding romance?

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it weren’t for the continuity problems. A person shouldn’t be able to speak of the character of someone they’ve known for less than a day so strongly. If it was one time I could have over looked it but it just kept happening. If someone has repeatedly crashed their car drunk enough to have a reputation then police should be called regardless of the person’s stature in the community. Dan stating early in the book he’d always wanted to be in the navy then saying he just followed his brother. I feel like if I can see these things, someone else should have.

Also, all conflict in the book was resolved too easily.  Years of problems are reconciled after a few minutes of talking and it just wasn’t realistic at all.  I liked the premise of the book but sadly will probably remember the faults far outweigh the positives here.

Black Hawk Tattoo by Aundrea Singer

BlackHawkTattooLGTitle:  Black Hawk Tattoo

Author:  Aundrea Singer

Genre:  M/M contemporary

Length:  Novel (318 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (January 7, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  Toronto artist Gabriel Navarro splits his time between slinging ink and working on his master’s degree. He’s sure of his beliefs and his artistic integrity and naïve enough to think he’ll never compromise—until Iraq war veteran Jake MacLean shows up in his tattoo parlor.

Overcome with anger and survivor’s guilt, Jake is locked in a struggle to atone for sins he’s sure will never be forgiven. Desperate to get his life back on track and with nowhere else to go, he moves in with his sister in Toronto. He doesn’t expect to fall for Gabe.

Though Jake’s refusal to talk about what happened in Iraq frustrates Gabe, accepting Jake’s claims that he’s “fine” is easier than dealing with the truth. But pretty soon it’s clear Jake can’t control his panic attacks, and his condition is worsening. If Gabe can’t help him face his demons, Jake is headed for a crash—and there’s every chance he’ll take Gabriel down with him

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3496

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  Jake is an ex-soldier who hasn’t recovered mentally from a horrific helicopter crash during wartime. He suffers from a serious case of PTSD, but has no interest in seeking help. He’s pretty much a mess, and wanders around day to day in daze, just existing. Gabe is a nice guy who likes to help people when he can. He’s an art major who found a job as a tattoo artist, but has no tattoos. It’s certainly not stereotypical for either Gabe or Jake, which I find kind of refreshing. I also like the idea of a tough military man and a tatted up alternative guy, but that’s not what you get in this story. Not that that’s bad, just don’t expect it in this book.

The two meet when Jake decides he needs a large tattoo and walks into the shop where Gabe works. Their first few meetings are going over the tattoos, while Jake snaps at Gabe, and Gabe manages to insult him, but they’re attracted to each other, so both guys look forward to seeing the other.  Things kind of evolve quickly from there after one of Jake’s episodes sends him running to Gabe for help.

It didn’t seem like the two MCs had much chemistry. It was more “a nice guy who likes to help people” meets a “guy who’s a mess and needs help.” Then they both happen to be gay and attracted to each other. There were a few reasons given for why they liked each other but it just never really clicked for me. Jake was damn near impossible to like. I guess his character was well-developed, but when writing a romance I want to find some likable quality about one of the guys falling in love.

Gabe’s character was likable. He’s younger and quick to help anyone who needs it. He’s funny, even if he does sometimes say things he shouldn’t, or avoid things he should confront. He really wants to help Jake, but he also just wants to be with him, and avoids some scary signs of trouble from Jake.

This book overall felt high on drama and angst, but somehow seemed slow and heavy. I guess what you need to know before you pick up this book is that it deals with a serious topic and doesn’t really lighten up at any point. There were funny moments, so it’s not exactly a somber book, but it’s not your normal m/m romance either.

Something New Under the Sun by L.A. Witt

n424997Title:  Something New Under the Sun

Series:  Falling Sky (Book 02)

Author:  L.A. Witt

Genre:  M/M Cyberpunk

Length:  Novel (212 pages)

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing (January 21, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb:  Liam Lansing is heir to a prominent family of bio-modified vampires. That is, until he chooses the wrong lover and is cast down to the Gutter to scrape for his life.

Daniel Harding is heir to Cybernetix and a prince of the corporate Sky. That is, until his ideology drives his father to put a price on his head, forcing him into the Gutter.

But Daniel and Liam won’t vanish meekly into the smog. Together, they plan to rip open the hidden corruption that runs the Sky—for vengeance, for justice, and for hope. They strike against the corporations in a daring raid. When everything goes wrong, Daniel must betray his core beliefs to save the man he loves and protect his dangerous secret. Only through courage in the face of death—or worse—might he and Liam change the world they live in and create something new under the sun

Product Link:  http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/something-new-under-sun

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  If you haven’t read A Chip In His Shoulder by Witt, the first book in this series, then I’d highly recommend you’d do so before starting this. The Falling Sky series takes place in a world where the rich and powerful live in the sky, and the poor lower class lives in the gutters. They aren’t just separated by neighborhoods, but one lives above and one lives below.

People in the Sky buy mods, alterations to themselves, for almost anything you can think of, while the people below make these mods, while living in poverty and smog fanned down from the Sky.

In the first book, Liam, once an elite of his race, has become a cyborg vampire assassin after falling from his father’s graces. Five years in the gutter changes Liam. He’s hired to kill Daniel, the man he used to love, and the man who betrayed him. Daniel, has learned a lot since he made the biggest mistake of his life, so he’s not all that surprised to learn that his father has hired his lover to take him out.

Book two of the Falling Sky series picks up where the last one left off, with Daniel and Liam in trouble. They’ve escaped the Sky, but the danger continues. Neither man is under the illusion getting to the smog and crime ridden Gutter means they’re safe from Daniel’s father. There’s also the discovery that the UV mod does in fact exist. Since both men are wanted by the authorities, and Daniel, is a known member of the anti-mod movement, they need to get their hands on that mod for proof, and that means breaking into Cybernetix. To do this, they need the help of some friends like Gizmo, a mod and tech genius working out of a secret lab in the gutter with a mechanical arm and a great sense of humor. Daniel’s friends lend knowledge and through them, Liam and Daniel learn that Cybernetix is planning something far more diabolical than withholding the UV mod. They’ve developed a mutated biomod that threatens lives. This makes their mission about more than taking Daniel’s father down.

This world is wonderfully vivid. The picture is clear without long wordy descriptions. The storytelling keeps you comfortably on edge throughout most of the book. It is action packed and the love story feels real. The on-page sex in this book is sensual and intense. You can tell the guys don’t know if they’ll make it, and savor every moment they spend together.  There’s no angst. Liam and Daniel know they love each other.

Liam’s feedings seemed inconsistent, and the vampire lineage was kind of skimmed over. I would have liked to know more about them. Why were they created?  I wasn’t lost at any time but they were an interesting element that wasn’t explored much in the books. Gizmo was a fascinating character that I’d love to read more about.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anybody who enjoys reading about alternate realities and nonstop action where good battles evil with a love story.

Tell Me It's Real by T. J. Klune

TellMeItsRealLGTitle:  Tell Me It’s Real

Author: TJ Klune

Genre:  M/M Contemporary -Humor

Length:  Novel (350 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 15th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – More if Portia would let me 😉

Blurb: Paul Auster doesn’t. Paul doesn’t believe in much at all. He’s thirty, slightly overweight, and his best features are his acerbic wit and the color commentary he provides as life passes him by. His closest friends are a two-legged dog named Wheels and a quasibipolar drag queen named Helena Handbasket. He works a dead-end job in a soul-sucking cubicle, and if his grandmother’s homophobic parrot insults him one more time, Paul is going to wring its stupid neck.

Enter Vince Taylor.

Vince is everything Paul isn’t: sexy, confident, and dumber than the proverbial box of rocks. And for some reason, Vince pursues Paul relentlessly. Vince must be messing with him, because there is no way Vince could want someone like Paul.

But when Paul hits Vince with his car—in a completely unintentional if-he-died-it’d-only-be-manslaughter kind of way—he’s forced to see Vince in a whole new light. The only thing stopping Paul from believing in Vince is himself—and that is one obstacle Paul can’t quite seem to overcome. But when tragedy strikes Vince’s family, Paul must put aside any notions he has about himself and stand next to the man who thinks he’s perfect the way he is

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3581

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:   I’m just going to start off by saying how hilarious this book was. It is the funniest book I have read in a long time. I probably laughed out loud over one hundred times and spent almost the rest of the book smiling. I’ve told all my friends it’s a must read. I loved it!  😀

It starts off will a brilliant ramble from Paul in which he basically lays it all out on the table for us. He’s so over the top in the best way possible.  The cast from this book is amazing: Paul superstar drag queen best friend, the beautiful but not so bright love interest, the crazy parents who go way too far with trying to support their gay son, the Homo King jock, and Paul’s nana and her parrot who is totally offensive. Seriously, nobody but a parrot named Johnny Depp would get away with saying the things he says and still manage to make me laugh. There was some serious content but nothing so heavy to weigh down the humorous tone of the book. I’m sure I’ll read and reread this book because I gave up on highlighting every funny thing I came across. There was just too much!

Reading the story from Paul’s POV was so much fun. The way he thinks is so outrageous! His character could have easily been too much but Mr. Klune never let that happen. Paul is little self- conscious and sometimes shy. He has no problem being overly open and vocal with the loved ones in his life but not with sexy stranger way out of his league who won’t stop staring at him at the one gay club in Tucson.  His embarrassing attempt to stay hidden away from all the action doesn’t go so well when his drag queen best friend, Sandy, drags him to the stage for his thirtieth happy birthday song. Up close the stranger is more perfect than he could have imagined and way out of his league. Thinking it will never work out he slips out of the club without talking to him. Apparently the universe is dead set on them meeting because Monday morning the man he can’t stop thinking about from the other night is his new trainee, Vince.

Vince isn’t dumb, but he says some things that would make people think that. He just has his own way of viewing the world. He’s beautiful and kind. Every animal in the book loves him. Vince is totally enamored of Paul from that first glimpse in the club. Every hilarious moment with Paul after only captivates him more. Vince is very open and persistent about wanting a chance with Paul but Paul thinks someone like Vince is too good for him. The only thing standing in Paul’s road to happiness is him.

I’m hoping there is a sequel to Tell Me It’s Real. I just have to know what happens between Sandy and, well, you’ll know who when you read it. This ensemble is just too good for one go around.  I want more! This book will be added to one of my favorites list. It’s an absolute feel good book. I would recommend this book to everyone.

 

Venetian Masks by Kim Fielding

Feb 11 (2)Title:  Venetian Masks

Author: Kim Fielding

Genre:  M/M Contemporary

Length:   Novel (216 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 11th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4-4.5Hearts

Blurb: Jeff Dawkins’s last partner left him with a mortgage he can’t afford and nonrefundable tickets for a month’s vacation in Europe. Despite a reluctance to travel, Jeff decides to go on the trip anyway. After all, he’s already paid for it. He packs a Kindle loaded with gay romance novels and arrives in Venice full of trepidation. There he meets the handsome and charming expat Cleve Prieto, who offers to serve as his tour guide. Jeff has serious misgivings—he wasn’t born yesterday, and something about Cleve doesn’t sit right—but anything is better than wandering the canals alone. With Cleve’s help, Jeff falls in love with Venice and begins to reconcile with his past. For the first time, Jeff finds himself developing strong feelings for someone else. But he can’t be sure who that person is because Cleve’s background remains a mystery embroidered with lies.

Then a dark figure from Cleve’s past appears, and Jeff must choose whether to let Cleve flee alone or to join him on a desperate run through central Europe. Maybe Jeff will finally be able to see behind Cleve’s masks—if he survives the journey.(less)

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3568

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  This was a very good book that I read in one sitting which is very rare for me. Kim Fielding’s writing has a way of pulling me into her stories that’s lets me escape my reality and sink into one of hers stories.  It starts a little slow and rich in details, but soon I fell into the groove that transports me to the streets of Venice.

Jeff’s life has been turned upside down. He’s not exactly heartbroken about being dumped by his boyfriend of six years, but had become comfortable with his life and the change wasn’t welcomed. His mother insists on him taking the vacation his ex had planned for them as the plane tickets were non-refundable. His first two days in Venice are pleasant, but he quickly gets lonely. He’s approached by the handsome tattooed man he was caught ogling the day before to have dinner with him. Jeff thinks his vacation is looking up, but he’s disappointed to find Cleve only wants be his tour guide for cash and meals while he’s in Venice. He had been hoping that Cleve wanted him on a more personal level and not just his money, but he’s enjoyed the time they’ve spent together. Problem is he’s caught Cleve lying a couple of times, so he’s a little weary of the man. Jeff hires him on a trial basis. Cleve is fun and beautiful, but he knows you aren’t supposed to trust a drifter. Especially one so aloof about his past. Jeff can’t help his attraction to Cleve, who seems to want him too, but is he just doing it for the money? Cleve does have a rather sordid past that Jeff slowly discovers through sheer need to know about the man who has captured his attention so thoroughly. The details aren’t pretty, but Jeff realizes he doesn’t care.  He wants him. Someone needs to help Cleve and he’s willing to fight for the man he loves.

This book was funny, romantic and suspenseful. The attraction between the characters is there from the beginning, but Jeff, and the reader, don’t really trust Cleve so it leaves you conflicted about him.  Kim Fielding is officially an auto buy for me. Once again I don’t know if I can do her book justice in a review because she can weave subtle storylines and make them special and real. I highly recommend picking this one up.

Analyzing Emory by Lily Grace

AnalyzingEmoryLGTitle:  Analyzing Emory

Author:  Lily Grace

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novel (236 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (January 4, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.25Hearts

Blurb:  When a family friend offers him the job of resident psychologist at Chicago’s GLBT Center, Kyle Michelson jumps at the chance to reinvigorate his career, move on from his recent breakup, and get his life back on track. Kyle hopes returning to the familiar territory of his hometown will do him good, but meeting Emory Brenner at a club changes everything.

Anything but familiar, Emory leaves Kyle breathless from the start. There’s just one problem: Kyle wants more than a one-night stand, Emory doesn’t do relationships, and neither man can resist the other. Luckily for Emory, he never has to see Kyle again. Or so Emory thinks until he runs into him while volunteering at the GLBT Center.

Kyle makes Emory want things he never thought he could have and chips away at secrets Emory has kept locked away for years. On the surface, Emory’s recovered from his past: he has a job at a record store and a roof over his head. But putting his trust in another person, having a relationship, means opening himself to more pain—and that is a risk he can’t take

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3487

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet and sexy read, with a perfect amount of angst. This is basically a story about Emory discovering he deserves to be loved, and letting his past go. I was sucked in on the first page, and I didn’t want to put the book down.

Kyle moves back to Chicago after an amicable break up with his partner of four years. He decides to go out to his old bar to grab a drink, and is caught staring at a beautiful, younger man on the dance floor. He’s not the only one drawn to the man, so he’s shocked to see the man sauntering up to Kyle. The two have an instant attraction, and an easy playful banter. Kyle isn’t really one to go home with strangers anymore, but he can’t resist what Emory has to offer, even if he feels one night with this intriguing man won’t be enough.

Emory only does one-night stands. That’s the easiest way to get off without the complications. He likes sex but doesn’t do the morning-after thing. The other guys never seem to mind, not that he sticks around to find out. His mind-blowing night with the sexy doctor leaves him so sated and tired, he doesn’t manage to sneak out before his hook-up is already awake and cooking him breakfast. Kyle seems nice, and the sex was great, but he can’t risk Kyle getting to know the real him or the secrets from his past, even if he’d like to spend more time with him.  He says goodbye to the doctor, but knows he’ll have fond memories of their one night together. That will have to be enough, because Kyle is too good for someone like Emory.

What Emory and Kyle don’t expect is to end up working together. Emory volunteers at the center where Kyle’s new job happens to be. Both men have been thinking of the each other but, for Emory, it’s a reason to panic and get away. For Kyle, this is just the kick he needs to pursue the man he wants.

I love Emory and Kyle. They have that flirty banter I love to read.  Kyle is so sweet and always wants to help people, even if he doesn’t always go about it the right way. He’s never really met anyone like Emory, and he just can’t seem to let him go. There’s a wonderful speech in the book that explains what he finds in Emory that’s so beautiful. I read it three times, even highlighted it to come back to later.

Emory is such a brilliantly complex character; he’s been hurt and abandoned, done things he’s soul deep ashamed off. He honestly doesn’t think he’s worth human affection beyond sex, and it comes across so clearly in the story. There are layers to Emory, and it was a joy to peel through them with Kyle. Emory is difficult and frustrating, but kind and broken, so his character brought all kinds of emotions out of me during the read. He’s a wonderful character that I won’t ever forget.

I highly recommend this book if you like to read about a man getting everything he never thought he deserved but absolutely does.

My Room is a Jock? Well, Crap! by Wade Kelly

16225637Title:  My Roomate’s a Jock? Well, Crap!

Author:  Wade Kelly

Genre:  M/M Contemporary

Length:  Novel (262 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (December 31, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:  It’s easy to become cynical when life never goes your way.

Cole Reid has been a social recluse since he was fifteen, when he was outed by his high school baseball team. Since then, his obsessive-compulsive behavior and sarcastic nature have driven away most of the population, and everyone else hates him because he’s gay. As he sees it, he’s bound to repulse any prospective friends, let alone boyfriends, so why bother?

By the time Cole enters college, he’s become an anal-retentive loner—but it’s not a problem until his roommate graduates and the housing department assigns Ellis Montgomery to move in with Cole. Ellis is messy, gorgeous, straight, and worst of all, a jock!

During a school year filled with frat buddies, camping expeditions, and meddling parents, Cole and Ellis develop a friendship that turns Cole’s glass-half-empty outlook on its head. There must be more to Ellis than a fun-loving jock—and maybe Cole’s reawakening libido has rekindled his hope for more than camaraderie

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3482

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  I really wanted to love this book. Humor, and a jock/geek love story sounds exactly like my kind of book.  Sadly, I didn’t love it.

Cole is a geeky college student who doesn’t make friends easily. The one that he does have has graduated and moved away, leaving him without a best friend and roommate. Cole is a little eccentric and OCD, so sharing his living space with just anyone isn’t going to work. He doesn’t really have the option of waiting for a good match because he has one of the coveted apartments on campus. His only request to Sam, the man in charge of housing, is no jocks. But that’s exactly what he gets. Cole, understandably has a bad history with jocks after being outed and beaten up by one in high school. It only makes it worse that he’s ridiculously attracted to his new roomie Ellis, when he should hate him on the spot.

Ellis makes the choice to live on campus after commuting from his parent’s home the last two years. He could live in the dorms, but he needs the quiet to stay focused on his studies to keep his soccer scholarship. He’s a likable guy, but his new roommate seems a little crazy. Cole’s always freaking out at him for spilling milk, or not using a coaster, even though he cleans up after himself. A phone call from Cole’s old roommate helps Ellis understand Cole is a little better, and the two become friends. It’s a total surprise when Ellis kisses Cole one day. It’s confusing to both guys, but after that it’s almost impossible to ignore the chemistry between the two. The guys carry on being touchy-feely friends, and nothing much happens, but that amps up the sexual tension between Cole and Ellis.

Cole’s character was kind of all over the place. He’s socially awkward, but blurts out things he really shouldn’t. He’s negative, nerdy, but sassy at the same time. I just can’t get a good grasp on his character, as there are contradicting characteristics throughout the book. I do enjoy his potty mouth and made up words like “debaucherous”. He is alternately funny, then dramatic and silly.

I like Ellis, for the most part. He is confused with his feelings, but chose to ignore his issues more often than not, and ignoring things doesn’t help. This plays a huge part in silly misunderstandings throughout the book. He is also very mushy. Some people may enjoy it, but from complete denial to mush is just too large of a leap for me make in this situation.

Overall the characters, main and sub, are fairly immature and over the top. Doing things like sticking out their tongues and giggling, or calling their mother “mommy”, and letting her take away their cell phone for days… The guys are twenty plus years old! It is kind of ridiculous. Maybe I just prefer to think people of that age are a little more grown up?

Another big gripe is the random POVs. I actually enjoy a story written from the perspectives of both of the two main characters, and don’t mind another one thrown in, if it serves some purpose. I was so confused when a new, random, person would take over the storytelling, I had to go back and reread to know what was happening.

Overall, I had high hopes for this book that for me didn’t deliver.

Brute by Kim Fielding

16153646Title:  Brute

Author:  Kim Fielding

Genre:  Fantasy

Length:  Novel (270 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (December 3, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:  Brute leads a lonely life in a world where magic is commonplace. He is seven and a half feet of ugly, and of disreputable descent. No one, including Brute, expects him to be more than a laborer. But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and when he is maimed while rescuing a prince, Brute’s life changes abruptly. He is summoned to serve at the palace in Tellomer as a guard for a single prisoner. It sounds easy but turns out to be the challenge of his life.

Rumors say the prisoner, Gray Leynham, is a witch and a traitor. What is certain is that he has spent years in misery: blind, chained, and rendered nearly mute by an extreme stutter. And he dreams of people’s deaths—dreams that come true.

As Brute becomes accustomed to palace life and gets to know Gray, he discovers his own worth, first as a friend and a man and then as a lover. But Brute also learns heroes sometimes face difficult choices and that doing what is right can bring danger of its own.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3443

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: I don’t know if I can write a review to do Brute justice, but I will try. This is one of those special books you would see the cover on your shelf, pick it up to read a few pages, end up finishing the entire thing in one sitting, and fall in love with it.  Brute is a beautiful compelling story about a damaged hero, and his road to happiness. It’s told though Brute’s POV, and I think that’s what makes it so amazing. Reading this fabulously created fantasy world through his eyes was unique, and gave it a voice that could only be brought to us by the wonderful, gentle giant that is Brute. He’s not a big, stupid oaf like so many people seem to think, but he does have a different way of looking at things.

Brute hasn’t had a great life. He was orphaned under a dark cloud of shame, and dumped on an abusive uncle’s doorstep.  Most people would look at this and think ‘how horrible’, but Brute accepts this is all he’s worth, and that some people have less than him. He lives a very simple life once he’s grown and on his own. The only thing that he has going for him is his strength and size, that gets him a laboring job, which sets up his monotonous life of working, eating, and sleeping.  He knows he’s freakishly huge and ugly, and that he also prefers men. The only physical contact he knows is from saving up all year to pay a male prostitute double the usual fee for sex. Then everything changes for him, the day he saves the prince after a terrible fall. Brute loses his hand in the rescue, and a man who’s only worth is his physical strength needs his hand. Instead of a reward, the prince offers to find a job if Brute comes to the palace once he’s healed. Brute has no other options, and is quite excited about a chance at a different life, so he sets off to find out what life has in store for him now.

Once at the palace, he learns his job is to watch a single prisoner in a secluded tower. Brute is paid better than ever for his duty, fed the most wonderful food he’s ever tasted, bought a wardrobe, and his room next to the prisoner is much nicer than the one he used to rent. But he doesn’t understand why all that is provided to watch one man? He is instructed to report anything the man says at night, right away, to the guard on duty. Seems easy enough to Brute, but he soon learns why so many men have quit after a short time on the job. The truth terrifies Brute, but it’s important, and he likes having a purpose.  Brute’s tender heart can’t stand the way the man is treated, so he feeds him some of his good food, bathes him, gives him blankets, and talks to him. He shows the man a kindness that has been so long missing. To the prisoner, Brute is his savior, and the two fall in love despite their bleak chance at a happy ending. It’s enough to be touched and treated like someone truly cares, for Brute, but at the same time, he can’t stand to see the man he loves spend the rest of his life in that cell.  Will he give up his new life and friends and face possible death to set the man he loves free? Or will he just be happy for what he has, like always?

There are so many wonderful things about this book; I can’t possibly put them all in this review. The love story was slow but beautiful. The world building was wonderful. Everyday things seen through Brute’s eyes seemed so much more interesting, and I enjoyed every minute of this book.  Immediately after finishing this book I marked three more of Kim Fielding’s book to read. If I love them half as much as I love this book, I’ll be thrilled. I highly recommend this book. One of my favorite reads of 2012.

Midnight Clear by Mercy Celeste

midnightclearTitle:  Midnight Clear

Author: Mercy Celeste

Genre:  Contemporary Holiday Romance

Length:    Novella (20,600 word)

Publisher: Self-published (November 29th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Jake has lusted after his college roommate for four long years. Undeniably straight, Logan was out of reach. But was he? After the loss of his first love, Jake discovers that maybe Logan wasn’t as straight as he seemed.

Jake Benefield knows he has to let go of the crush he’s had on Logan Riley for four long years. He leaves to pursue a graduate degree only to discover love and loss. Home again, the last thing he expects is for Logan to confess his feelings for him. Can their friendship survive a cold Christmas one night stand or is Logan looking for more than Jake is ready to give him?

Note from author: Midnight Clear is a re-release formerly titled Need You Now. Other than title there are no significant changes to the story.

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/260138

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  Jake Benefield takes a job teaching in his home town after a tragedy forces him to make a change in his life. He just wants to work and try to go on with his life, but his friend Logan has plans for him. Logan throws a welcome home party and all the usual friends are there.  Jake has changed, but everyone else seems the same. Although Logan and Jake are still “friends”, a sexual encounter with a female friend years before caused a rift in that friendship and things have never been the same since. So, it’s a little awkward when Logan begs Jake to stay after and talk.

Luckily for us, the boys work through their issues and Jake finds out his secret about being gay is something Logan has already figured out. Jake has wanted Logan since the moment he saw him and had no idea Logan might feel something similar. Will giving into their lust mean ruining their on again friendship?

As always Mercy Celeste can write some hot sex. There was almost too much sex since the boys had a lot to work through, but they managed to have discussions between the teasing and biting. The ending was a little easy, but the boys didn’t really need more angst. There was plenty! I actually enjoyed some of the sappier moment from Jake’s former lover and that isn’t always well done. If you’re in the mood for a sexy holiday read with just a little heartache I’d recommend this.

Until Thanksgiving by Michael Rupured

UntilThanksgivingLGTitle:  Until Thanksgiving

Author: Michael Rupured

Genre: Contemporary

Length:    Novel (238 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 17th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 to 4Hearts

Blurb: Josh Freeman knows his best days are behind him. After his partner of seventeen years has an affair with a younger man, Josh buries himself in takeout boxes, half-smoked joints, and self-pity until his best friend gently kicks him in the ass and encourages him to try out a new job in Washington DC—at least until Thanksgiving.

Though DC has its share of troubles, specifically in the form of a murderer targeting gay men, Josh soon discovers its charms as well. Unlike his old home, DC is crawling with men who want to date him—apparently he’s not as overweight, out of shape, or over the hill as the man he once loved made him believe. In particular, Josh would love a chance with relocation expert Thad Parker, but Josh is sure Thad is seeing someone, so he looks for love elsewhere. He tells himself he and Thad don’t have anything in common anyway.

Then Josh learns Thad really is available. Maybe they can work it out after all. Suddenly the future seems bright again. Of course, Josh doesn’t know he’s the murderer’s next target

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3455&cPath=55_732

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: Josh Freeman has been stuck in a rut. His partner of seventeen years found another lover and Josh isn’t exactly the sharing type. This doesn’t help his self-esteem and he starts to believe in the gay and almost forty crap about your life being over. He has himself a little pity party until his best friend pushes him to take a chance on a promotion in DC. Josh has never left his hometown and a lot has changed for him recently but he decides his new life couldn’t be any worse than the one he’s living now.  A visit to DC leaves him nervous, but excited about his new start. The cute man who shows him around town upon his arrival is just a bonus.

Thad is a confident and sweet man who knows what he wants out of life. He’s happy waiting for love and he just might have found it thanks to his job. Thad’s in charge of helping the new employees find apartments and getting settled in DC.  Josh Freeman is not at all what he was expecting. The connection between the two starts the moment they shake hands at the airport.

So, Josh moves to DC and he likes it. He doesn’t really know anybody but his coworkers, including the adorable Thad. You’d think the guys would get together, more than friends, since they are obviously attracted to each other but they don’t. They hang out but a silly misunderstanding puts Thad in the “can’t have you so I guess we’ll just be friends” category. This leads to some casual sexual hook ups and dating with a new group of friends in DC all while Thad waits for Josh to realize they are meant to be. Based on the advice of someone Thad trusts implicitly he thinks building a friendship and some time is what Josh needs since Josh was hurt and newly single. Even though Thad isn’t quick to hook up, everyone has a laid back vibe about Josh screwing his way back to Thad. That sounded a little nasty, but everyone seems mostly okay with it even though it didn’t work for me. We’re told often and see that Josh is a relationship guy. He practically plans his future and changes his life over a hot guy who buys him a beer. Thad is always in his thoughts however.

I liked Josh with the other guys but it’s a little hard to get truly invested in a couple who spends more time apart than together. I wanted that feeling that I needed them together, but it never really happened.

Then there’s the psycho serial killer. He’s totally crazy. There were points where I could buy into why he was doing what he was doing, but he was a little over the top at times. Josh and the guys also went back and forth between worried about the serial killer and being oblivious to danger.

Phillip was great. I hope there is someone like him out there!  I’d like to know what happens with Greg and Ed. They were fun even if they kept stealing Josh and Thad time!

The last third of the book was super sweet with some drama. I can’t say I loved it but it was definitely worth reading.

New York Christmas by RJ Scott

15979878Title:  New York Christmas

Author: RJ Scott

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:    Novella (112 pages)

Publisher: Love Lane Books (December 1st, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts ~ liked it

Blurb: Christmas, and the man of his fantasies is back in Chris’s life.

It’s been far too long since Christian Matthews has seen Daniel Bailey. In fact the last time they met Chris was a senior in college and he was the TA tasked with helping Daniel who was a way too confident freshman.

Some years down the road, Chris is licking his wounds after being asked to leave the private school where he was teaching. He has no job, no money, and has to rely on his friend Amelia for the job and a room to live in. He needs a freaking Christmas miracle to make this Season anything other than a total loss.

Then Daniel comes back into his life and suddenly everything seems possible. Not only is Daniel still the man Christian wants more than anything, but this time Chris may well actually tell Daniel how he feels

Product Link: https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21:77efb23a90bf630795cfff356beaffd1

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This was my first Christmas read of the season and it’s a good one! It’s a sweet holiday story with just a little angst. RJ, of course, gave us a HEA wrapped in this lovely cover to enjoy this holiday season.

Chris is a little lost. He’s quietly let go from his prestigious teaching position at a private school. The threat of a scandal scares Chris into running, but the only thing he did wrong was trust a lover who betrayed him and now he’s paying the price. Ashamed and scared of what his future holds he hides out at his best friend Ame’s coffee shop. She needs the help and he needs to decide what to do with his mess of a life.  Chris seems to be at an all time low and what a time for the man he’s been holding a torch for since his senior year of college to walk back into his life.

Daniel is finally at a place in his life where he’s happy. He bucked his job at his father’s company and has a great partner in the NYPD, who has no problem with him being gay. Now, he needs to find Chris, the guy he’s wanted since freshman year, but knew he wasn’t a good enough man for at the time,  Daniel is a little shocked to find him  working behind a counter of a coffee shop, but he’s so happy to finally see him it doesn’t matter. The first meeting doesn’t go as well as he’d wanted, but he won’t give up. He can’t let go of his hope that he’ll finally get his chance with the one he let get away. Nobody has ever made him feel the way he did about Chris. His persistence pays off and the guys start seeing each other and lucky us that we get to read all about it.

This really was a sweet little read. The pace was nice. The guys didn’t fight their attraction, but took things slow at first, so it has a nice sexy build to their reunion. I guess if I had a complaint it was Chris’s lack of confidence at times. Although understandable considering his situation, but if a guy like Daniel keeps telling you how wonderful you are and it’s everything you’ve ever wanted to hear from him, don’t question it so much! Barely worth mentioning because this story left me smiling and happy with a little holiday cheer. New York Christmas is another great Christmas story from RJ Scott.

Catalyst by Claire Russet

CatalystMEDTitle:  Catalyst

Author: Claire Russett

Genre:  Science Fiction

Length:   Novel (200  pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (November 9th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~  Liked it

Blurb: For the past four years, Dr. Jason Finely and Colonel Rick Tennant have served on the Union space station Argo as its chief science officer and military commander. Jason is the brains, Rick is the brawn. They have become good friends, but Jason wants more.

Jason is a brilliant scientist, but his lack of confidence leaves him unlucky in love. And Rick is so committed to his job he’s oblivious that his best friend’s feelings for him go beyond friendship.

When Rick finally shows interest in him, Jason is thrilled. Then he discovers Rick’s sudden attraction may be the result of a threat to Rick’s life. If Jason hopes to discover the truth, first he’ll have to save his friend

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3333

Reviewer:  Showme

Review:  Jason Riley is a very smart guy and mostly happy with his job. It’s interesting and gives him the adventures he never knew he wanted. Jason secretly pines for Colonel Rick Tennant, his best friend and the man in charge of keeping him safe. Rick through Jason’s eyes is a beautiful and amazing soldier who would never give him the time of day. The author told us it’s because Jason prefers men and he thinks he’s beneath Rick’s notice as a possible lover. This I had a hard time believing because Jason never seemed shy or lacking in confidence. I could buy him thinking Rick wasn’t gay but nothing actually happened in the book to portray him as a ladies man. It was referred to that he had dated woman in the past but that was it. It was one of those instances where we were told one thing and the characters seem to tell another.

Rick’s character was more likable to me. He was a good guy and a good leader who cared about his people.  Though he tried to keep his emotional distance from his new team he spends his private time seeking out Jason. It’s friendly things like playing chess or watching movies but he it’s usually with Jason. To anyone watching them the relationship would seem like a friendly one. Rick feels responsible for Jason and even though Jason is very important to Argo, the space station, it’s more than just work. He does care.

Catching A Bit of Irish by Charlie Richards

Title:  Catching A Bit of Irish

Series: Wolves of Stone Ridge #13

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre:  M/M Shifter romance

Length:   Novella (113 pages)

Publisher:  eXstasy (October 1st, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts ~ Liked it

Blurb: Out of the Cage: A bit of Irish magic isn’t always a good thing!

Frederick Reb Drunger is accompanying his alpha and the alpha’s mate on vacation. He’s one of the wolves charged with protecting them while they all enjoy the sights of Ireland. He never expects to discover his mate is a human friend of the local Irish pack. That should make him easy to claim, since Daithi Murphy knows all about shifters. Except Daithi already has a boyfriend, Evan, who’s extremely possessive and not at all happy when Reb wants to get to know his mate. When an Irish goblin targets Reb, can he find the culprit behind the attacks and convince Daithi it’s worth uprooting his life and moving to Colorado with him?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&keyword=catching+a+bit+of+irish

Reviewer:  Showme

Review: This was the first book of the series I’ve ever read. Yes, I know it’s the thirteenth book but I like sexy tattooed shifters. I think I may have missed some of the back story that endeared me to the packs but followed along fine.  So you could read this as a standalone.

Reb is on bodyguard duty in Ireland at a pack party when Daithe catches his eye. He’s obviously with someone else, but doesn’t look happy. Reb is feeling an attraction and need to claim he’s never felt before. The sexy human with another man is his mate.

Daithe has stayed with his boyfriend for way too long. He knows he’s just passing the time but he’s comfortable and his family doesn’t accept him so he stays with him. Until at a pack party one night, a sexy American shifter claims Daithe is his mate. He feels the strong attraction to the man, but he’s sworn off shifters. Daithe can’t deny the pull between the two of them and decides to get to know Reb. Problem is, something is out to get Reb before they can see where those feelings take them.

I enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet. The bad guy was obvious, but didn’t take away from the romance. Not a ton of world building but I guess that’s not really needed with a series this long. I like the other supernatural beings thrown in with the shifters and the set up for the next couple. I’m not always a fan of the insta-love mate thing, but the guys did try to get to know each other. I honestly don’t know that I’ll seek out more books in this series, but I did find another book by the author to try.

Dirty Secret by Rhys Ford

Title:  Dirty Secret

Author: Rhys Ford

Series: Cole McGuiness Mystery #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Length: Novel

Publisher: Dreamspinner (September 28th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – OMG I loved it so much!!!

Blurb: Loving Kim Jae-Min isn’t always easy: Jae is gun-shy about being openly homosexual. Ex-cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis doesn’t know any other way to be. Still, he understands where Jae is coming from. Traditional Korean men aren’t gay—at least not usually where people can see them.

But Cole can’t spend too much time unraveling his boyfriend’s issues. He has a job to do. When a singer named Scarlet asks him to help find Park Dae-Hoon, a gay Korean man who disappeared nearly two decades ago, Cole finds himself submerged in the tangled world of rich Korean families, where obligation and politics mean sacrificing happiness to preserve corporate empires. Soon the bodies start piling up without rhyme or reason. With every step Cole takes toward locating Park Dae-Hoon, another person meets their demise—and someone Cole loves could be next on the murderer’s list.

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Reviewer: Showme

Review:  I truly loved this book.  I finished the first one minutes before starting the second one. If you read the first one you know how the author ended it. Thank goodness I didn’t have to wait. This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2012. It’s beautifully written and I’m completely in love with Cole and Jae.

This book picks up after the first in the series, Dirty Kiss. If you haven’t read that one don’t read any further. The murder mystery is new, but the journey is so wonderful you don’t want to spoil it. Scarlet hires Cole to find out what happened to a friend who disappeared the night of a raid on a gay bar in LA years before. This mixes Cole into some unfinished business within Korea’s southern chaebol.  The murder mystery this time around wasn’t as intense for me because it didn’t revolve around Jae, but it was still a damn good one with a nod to Adrien English. Literally, Cole thinks he’s hot…but don’t we all.

Let’s just start with my newest obsession, Jae and Cole. Their sex scenes are so steamy, but meaningful. They really are a special couple.  The love between them is so obvious, but Jae’s obligation to his family still hangs between them.  Cole and Jae are more open with their affection and the little touches and smiles make me swoon.  The pet names which can sometimes annoy me made me smile.  I came out of this one with much more hope things will work out for the guys. There’s no doubt it’s going to be painful, but that’s just makes what they have more beautiful. I have a better understanding of the shame gay Korean men carry around. It’s fascinating and heartbreaking. It’s a different kind of struggle to create some tension between Cole and Jae than I’m used to reading in this genre.

Cole’s family makes an appearance and it’s not all warm and fuzzy. I love Scarlet.  She does give me warm and fuzzies. We learn a little more about her lover and everything he gives up for the woman he loves. The prejudice Scarlet has to endure to be with her man even though she’s such a beautiful person. Bobby is a just pure fun and joins Cole in his investigative work again. Thank goodness he’s always there for Cole, because he needs all the help he can get. Even though I would love to gorge myself on page after page of Jae and Cole, I adore so many secondary characters in this series so every page was a joy. I wasn’t necessarily laughing while reading this book, but I caught myself smiling quite a bit.

I really recommend this series. I’m almost giddy about how happy I am to have found it and know this review probably didn’t do it justice. So just read it for yourself and you’ll know just how I feel. I can’t wait for the next one Dirty Laundry. My mind is spinning trying to think of where the author is going to take us after the way Dirty Secret ended. Yep, you will be left wanting more, but it’s not exactly a cliffhanger.  I think this author has created something special in this series