Hi guys, we have Silvia Violet popping in with her newest release Coming Clean, we have a great short exclusive excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Prime’s review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Coming Clean
by
Silvia Violet
An unexpected inheritance lands Jeremy a large house and plenty of money to take a sabbatical from his job teaching poetry at a small college. He intends to sell the house and take off on a new path to discover what he wants out of life. Then he meets Connor. The attraction he feels to a man so different from himself is no less shocking than his change in financial circumstances, but Connor is in the closet and Jeremy wants a life lived out in the sun.
Connor is a former Force Recon Marine who runs a housecleaning business. When he’s hired to get Jeremy’s house market-ready, he’s startled by how attracted he is to his client despite their many differences. But his past, especially his final mission, weighs heavily on him. He’s not certain he can be the man Jeremy needs, but no man has ever made him want to take a risk like Jeremy does.
Series: Mischief Corner Anthologies, #1 Author(s): Toni Griffin, Freddy MacKay, Mathilde Watson, Silvia Violet, and Angel Martinez Genre: Various Length: 201 pages Publisher: Mischief Corner Books, LLC; 3rd edition (April 1, 2013) Heat Level: Moderate Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Snow, storm, transportation woes, gravity well mishaps – the list of disasters that might strand someone in the wilderness is endless. But what happens when two men are marooned together? Close quarters and intimate situations strike sparks, whether the men are strangers or lovers on the emotional rocks.
A Bear in the Woods: Smokey Mountain Bears 1 by Toni Griffin ♥♥♥♥4Hearts A bear shifter tries to convince his mate that he’s not crazy while fighting threats against his own life.
I was looking forward to this. I really enjoy Tony Griffin’s other series The Holland Brothers and Atherton Pack. If anything, this book was just too short and that was because I missed the details that I crave and normally get from her writing. But in saying that I’m really behind since I’ve only just got to this one. This anthology originally published a couple of years ago and it is the first book in a series. The second book was released a few months ago for Christmas (Wreath of Fire in the Chestnuts Roasting Anthology, Dec 2014) – another book that I need to get to.
Regardless, this is an enjoyable story. An unsuspecting human and a hot bear shifter, what more could you want? Vincent, the human of the piece, has been forced to take a holiday by his best friend. And for some odd reason she has booked him a cabin in the woods. Christian, our bear, has a lot of background drama going on to do with his pack/sleuth of bears. He’s next in line for alpha and a couple of pack members take an exception to this. When Vincent arrives at the cabin, his first glimpse of Christian is in his bear form and we pick up on a quick adventure from there.
As I said, not really detail heavy although it has a good and simple plot. There seems like there is more to this story and since it’s only book 1, I’m going to put my faith in Toni Griffin for the rest.
Dirty Little Secret by Freddy MacKay ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts A geocaching trip goes horribly wrong, but the hiker’s rescuer is the one person who may be able to save him in more ways than he can imagine.
I think this is the first time I’ve read something by Freddy MacKay and I have to say it is pretty enjoyable.
Three Little Words by Mathilde Watson ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Lifelong friends have returned from the Korean conflict and now need to fight their way through the feelings they’ve harbored for each other for so long.
This is the first time I’ve read anything written by Mathilde Watson. I have to say there are two things that drew me into this instantly 1) I love Korea as a county and the mere mention of it makes me want to go back, and, 2) I’m a tragic for watching re-runs of MASH and it seems I’ve been watching reruns my whole life.
All that aside, this is a sweet story. It’s about two best friends that are confused about their sexuality trying to get their lives back on track after being irrevocably altered from their time in the army. One thing that isn’t actually mentioned specifically but I would say has impact on the story is how homosexuality was viewed historically. This is more fun and exploration than the serious side of sexuality.
Their Natural Habitat: The Forestry Series, Book 2 by Silvia Violet ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts A forest ranger and his lover just want a nice weekend away. The bear baiters have other ideas.
I have to admit, I didn’t quite enjoy this story as much as the preceding stories in the Cabin for Two anthology. But I think I figured it out: this is a standalone sequel to book 1 in the Forestry Series but to enjoy it properly I probably need to read book 1.
As I said, this is a sequel, so we follow on with characters that readers would have met if they didn’t do my trick and go straight to this anthology without realising. Dan and Parker are together but one is a city boy and the other is a country boy – who also works as a park ranger. These guys are still trying to iron out the dynamics and logistics of their relationship and even on its own is an enjoyable read.
A Matter of Faces (An ESTO Universe Story) by Angel Martinez ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts A data privateer crash lands on a barely habitable moon where he’s found by a research scientist who refuses to show his face.
By far this was the most enjoyable book for me from the Cabin for Two anthology. It’s not so much sweet, but it is fun. It’s a bit like Cold War Spy crossed with Arctic scientist in my mind.
The MCs are Rhodi (Rhodolite) and Gel (Magellan): Gel is a scientist tucked away on an isolated planet studying/observing weather systems. Rhodi is the data privateer mention in the blurb, he crash lands and crawls into the wrong plant, so when Gel finds him, Gel becomes his nurse and medical doctor briefly. It’s not really an adventure, they are stuck within an observation cabin throughout, but it’s a pretty cool way for a scientists and what is essentially a spy come together.
Just on a random side note, it pissed me off how Gel reacted at the end but I’m glad he saw sense. It’s just in Rhodi’s shoes. I would have been a little less willing to accept an apology. On the names, I can’t keep this to myself: Rhodolite is a type of rock/crystal, but since I don’t know rocks that well (had to look it up), I keep thinking of Rhodophytes (red algae, more my area). As for Magellan (as well as being aptly named), if you remember the kids’ 90s cartoon The Animaniacs, I keep on thinking a song they sing about the explorer Magellan.
Hi guys, we have Silvia Violet popping in with her brand new Wild R Christmas, we get to see all our favorite men from her shifter series Wild R Farm as they celebrate Christmas. Silvia is letting us have a peek at an excerpt, there’s a fantastic giveaway and then my review for you to check out. Well don’t just sit there check out the post then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Wild R Christmas
(Wild R Farm 07)
by
Silvia Violet
Every year Cole Wilder hosts a big Christmas dinner for all the employees of Wild R Farm, and every year he takes on too many responsibilities then ends up exhausted and even more cranky than usual. This year, Cole’s husband, Jonah, is determined things will be different. Not only is he having their bathroom renovated to add a little luxury to their lives, he’s got plans to whisk Cole away for a Christmas vacation. But getting Cole to agree to let their ebullient friend, Tristan, organize Christmas at the farm is easier said that done.
Tristan promises to take perfect care of the farm, but as soon as Cole and Jonah leave, chaos ensues—couples fighting, construction disasters, kitchen woes. The only thing keeping confessed Christmas-o-phile, Tristan, merry is his boyfriend, Wes. He knows exactly what Tristan needs so they can pull the whole Wild R Farm crew together for the happiest Christmas they’ve ever had.
Hiya guys, we have Mischief Corner Books popping in with their newest release Chestnuts Roasting by Toni Griffin, Angel Martinez, Freddy MacKay and Silvia Violet. We have Freddy MacKay visiting with us so we have a great post about the run up to Christmas, we have a great excerpt and there’s a fantastic giveaway. So enjoy the posy check out Cat’s and Shorty’s reviews and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Chestnuts Roasting
(Anthology)
by
Toni Griffin, Angel Martinez, Freddy MacKay & Silvia Violet
Christmas means different things to everyone, but most often it’s all about pulling loved ones close and brightening the gloom. The fire’s crackling. The snow is piling up outside, even if it’s only in your dreams. Time to snuggle up with some cocoa and some stories carefully crafted by the Mischief Corner Crew to warm hearts and cockles.
Wreath of Fire: Smokey Mountains Bears 2 – Toni Griffin Michael’s trying to start a new life away from his abusive father, but he’s drifting and not sure what he wants. When he accidentally starts a kitchen fire, the hot new fireman who comes to the rescue is not only another bear shifter. He’s Michael’s mate. Michael desperately needs to get his act together and figure out what he wants if he has any hope of claiming the bear fated to be his.
A Christmas Cactus for the General – Angel Martinez Exiled to Earth for perhaps the worst failure in Irasolan history, General Teer must assimilate or die. Earth is too warm, too wet, too foreign, but he does the best he can even though human males are loud, childish louts whom he can’t imitate successfully. When a grieving seaplane pilot strikes up a strange and uneasy friendship with him, he finds he may have been too quick to judge human males. They are strange to look at, but perhaps not as unbearable as he thought.
Holly Jolly – Silvia Violet I’m not gay. I just notice men sometimes. Everybody does, right? I notice Dane a lot, like every time I’m near him, but just because I think he’s an attractive man that doesn’t mean I like him, does it?
I’m also not a fan of Christmas. Too many years “celebrating” with my Bible-thumping family ruined the holiday for me. So what if I envy all these cheerful souls dashing about with smiles on their faces? I don’t have to like Christmas, do I? If anyone could get me in the Christmas spirit, it would be Dane with his easy, relaxed manner and his gorgeous smile. If that were going to happen, though, I’d have to find the courage to talk to him and to admit that maybe I don’t know myself all that well after all.
Snow on Spirit Bridge – Freddy MacKay Alone in Japan, Finni is struggling against the constant distrust, avoidance, and xenophobia he experiences every day. He misses home. He misses his family. Nightmares come all too frequently because of the stress, and well, Christmas is just not Christmas in Japan. Not how he understands it.
Distressed by how miserable Finni is, his roommate, Mamoru, offers to be Finni’s family for Christmas. Little does he know how much one agreement would change everything between them, because both of them kept secrets neither ever dreamed were true.
Hey guys, we have Silvia Violet showing off her newest release Say Yes, we get to have a peek at the little number and there’s a great giveaway. So guys enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Say Yes
by
Silvia Violet
Rex Aiken recently started his own business, Grass Fed Texas, supplying organic beef to restaurants and catering companies. When he hosts an event for potential clients at a prestigious hotel in Asheville, the event coordinator, J, impresses him with more than his professional expertise. They indulge in a delicious one night stand, but Rex’s taste of J leaves him wanting more. Rex intends to savor J, and he refuses to see the distance between them as an obstacle. He’ll do whatever is necessary to convince J to say yes.
Hiya guys, today we are visited by Silvia Violet with her brand new audiobook release Finding Release, you will get a chance to listen to an excerpt and to win a audio copy with the Giveaway. So peeps enjoy our post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Finding Release (Audio)
by
Silvia Violet
Finding Release (Wild R Farm 1) is now available in audio!
Coleman Wilder is a half-breed werewolf. Some days the tension between his human side and his werewolf instincts threaten to tear him apart. But the challenge of running a horse farm as a gay man in a conservative Tennessee town keeps him focused until he meets horse shifter, Jonah Marks.
Jonah’s family insists that shifting is sinful, but Jonah longs to let his stallion run free. Desperate to escape his family’s judgment, he asks Cole, his secret crush, for a job. Cole turns him down, scared his desire for Jonah will make him lose control. When Jonah’s brother threatens his life, Cole struggles to save him and give them both a second chance at the life they’ve always wanted.
Hello again, we are joined by Silvia Violet and her newest release If Wishes Were Horses, it’s a sexy cowboy story that can really get your blood boiling and there’s a great giveaway! So enjoy my review and click that Rafflecopter link, I have to go and hide before Cat discovers I nicked a cowboy story 😉 <3 ~Pixie~
If Wishes Were Horses
by
Silvia Violet
Kenneth Carver had everything growing up except warmth and acceptance. When protecting his family’s name became more than he could bear, he came out as gay, sold his company, and bought a horse ranch.
Andrew Wofford’s last undercover assignment nearly cost him his sanity. Now he has another chance of catching the drug runner who killed one of his informants and then escaped, but gruesome flashbacks threaten his ability to function in the field.
Andy’s latest investigation sends him to Ken’s ranch where he poses as a ranch hand. Ken is a prime suspect, but Andy refuses to believe Ken is guilty, in part because Andy is falling for him. Ken knows Andy isn’t who he seems, but he can’t bring himself to push the man away. When Ken hears rumors that someone is using his land to move drugs out of the city, he worries that it’s Andy. Neither man can trust the other even though that’s exactly what their hearts tell them to do.
Hey guys look what we got… the brand new cover of If Wishes Were Horses by Silvia Violet. Admire this book cover, let your eyes wander over the blurb and then pounce on the Rafflecopter link because this prize is a beauty. Good luck everyone *hugs* ~Pixie~
Blurb
Kenneth Carver had everything growing up except warmth and acceptance. When protecting his family’s name became more than he could bear, he came out as gay, sold his company, and bought a horse ranch.
Andrew Wofford’s last undercover assignment nearly cost him his sanity. Now he has another chance of catching the drug runner who killed one of his informants and then escaped, but gruesome flashbacks threaten his ability to function in the field.
Andy’s latest investigation sends him to Ken’s ranch where he poses as a ranch hand. Ken is a prime suspect, but Andy refuses to believe Ken is guilty, in part because Andy is falling for him. Ken knows Andy isn’t who he seems, but he can’t bring himself to push the man away. When Ken hears rumors that someone is using his land to move drugs out of the city, he worries that it’s Andy. Neither man can trust the other even though that’s exactly what their hearts tell them to do.
Silvia Violet writes erotic romance in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary, sci fi, and historical. She can be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop. Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like “Do you write children’s books?” She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she’s actually up to. When not writing, Silvia enjoys baking sinfully delicious treats, exploring new styles of cooking, and reading to her incorrigible offspring.
Blurb: It’s hard enough being an inn manager, serving at everyone’s beck and call, making sure all the guests are happy and the employees are paid on time. Add to that being a werewolf, a recovering alcoholic, and a pack leader. Add to that a brother who is trying to tear the pack apart and a dark past he can’t escape. Needless to say, Carl is under a lot of stress. Not helping: Justin, the inn’s human massage therapist—who Carl is trying not to fall for—has offered Carl a massage to “lower his stress levels.” As his boss, Carl can’t tell Justin his hands might lower stress levels, but they would raise something else.
Despite Carl trying to put him off, Justin won’t give in. Carl’s friends won’t leave him alone, and the divisions in the pack are near exploding. And it’s tourist season. The last thing Carl needs are wolf wars in the lobby. Like it or not, Carl is going to have to rely on Justin and the wolves who love him to teach him how to let go and get through everything without falling apart.
Review:This story is part of a series and while this story can be read as a standalone, it is best read after Denying Yourself. Carl is juggling managing the inn, leading a pack, dealing with his brother’s animosity, dealing with the pressure is beginning to get to him, and finding himself attracted to a human is the last thing he expected. Justin is laid back and he can do wonders for stress with his massages but trying to convince Carl to let go isn’t easy. When Carl begins to let Justin in Justin does his best to prove he can handle the wolf but unless Carl can relax his responsibilities and accept the support that is offered, it just might drive them apart.
This is a great story that follows on from Denying Yourself really well, this time we join Carl as he juggles with the stresses of handling everything himself and the emotional turmoil of dealing with his brother Egan. Carl really does take his positions seriously, as inn manager and pack leader he believes the success or failure is firmly on his shoulders and as his relationship with his brother deteriorates, further he takes that failure to heart. Carl fights his attraction to Justin for two reasons, one because he is human, and two because Justin is only with them for a few months but Carl doesn’t take into account what Justin wants until he can no longer resist the teasing looks and words.
I really enjoyed this story, which shows us the pressure that a born leader is under, we learn a great deal about Carl and his background so we understand the dynamics between the brothers. Justin’s appearance in Carl’s life comes at a time when he really needs it, even if Carl doesn’t realize it at the time, Justin is the easy-going relaxing presence that Carl really needs. Their relationship is hot, very growly and just a touch rough, but it isn’t a sure thing as Carl needs to learn to balance his life. While I would love to tell you more about Justin we just don’t get to know him that well, other than he is a vegetarian, easy-going and a great massage therapist we just don’t learn that much about him… oh other than he loves rough outdoor sex.
This story is really well written with the conflict and tension leaping off the page, I actually felt my own neck and shoulders tightening up as Carl dealt with the mounting pressure. As you can guess, the story is all from Carl’s point of view and while I loved, being able to sink into his life it would have been nice to also see it from Justin’s eyes. While there isn’t the angst and heartbreak that Denying Yourself has there is a lot of anguish, anger and feelings of inadequacy which all comes to a head and has Carl fighting the seductive appeal of drinking his woes into oblivion. I actually found that scene to be one of the best I have ever read, the temptation to sink into the bottom of the bottle, the shame and disgust of nearly giving in and the relief of having friends who care even when you try to drive them away. I can’t wait for Egan and Alex’s story because that pairing has history and pain that will make for an excellent story.
I recommend this to those who love a different kind of shifter story, hot sex and romance, admitting you need support, sharing responsibilities, grabbing hold of love and a great ending.
Blurb: Finn McMurphy convinces himself his spoiled dogs are all the company he needs. Then he meets Crawford, his sexy new neighbor, and everything changes.
Patient soul Finn McMurphy teaches music and drama to middle schoolers. By the time he’s finished with after-school rehearsals and the private lessons he teaches to make ends meet, he’s too exhausted to think about dating or even hanging out with friends. He’s resigned to life with his music, his students, and his ludicrously spoiled Yorkies.
Then he meets Crawford Bixby. Crawford may be the most perfect man Finn has ever met—kind, good with kids, gorgeous, and completely unconcerned with Finn’s lack of ability to be coherent around him. Finn falls hard for him, but he’s terrified of what he feels. Will he be able to step out of the controlled world he’s created for himself and take a chance on love, or will he keep making excuses—rehearsals, papers to grade, dogs to walk—and push Crawford away?
Review: What happens when a man living with guilt and afraid to break free of the chains holding him to the past meets his future? Finn and Crawford make a great couple, if Finn would allow himself to let go of his guilt and go after what he really wants without fear that the entire world he’s constructed for himself will suddenly implode. Instead, what he does is lives in his cocoon even when life hands him everything he wants on a platter. It will take a good patient man to wait for Finn and Crawford is that man. So Crawford waits and Finn finally gets a clue and amidst singing demonic lap dogs and children performing show tunes – one man finds his way out of the unnecessary maze he lives in, and into the sunlight.
Finn is delightfully uptight and Crawford is steadfast and solid. The reader will love both men even when Finn is acting like an ass and creating issues where none should be. The two men find each other and the reader is happy. A heart-warming short read.
Blurb: Jack, Gray, and Mason have accepted that loves comes in many flavors and settled into a three-way relationship. Things haven’t been easy, and now that Mason has gone back to school and Gray is interested in a detective position, Jack is feeling lonely. His lovers aren’t around very often, and he misses lying around in bed, enjoying the benefits of living with two hot men. But Jack has secrets. He’s uncomfortable every time he puts his uniform on. He’s never recovered from seeing Mason held hostage, and he’s no longer sure he was meant to be a cop.
While stressing over his own future and facing pressure from Gray and Mason to bring their relationship out of the closet, Jack is severely wounded in the line of duty. His recovery, both physical and emotional might be more than their unconventional relationship can bear. Jack is going to need all the courage and support his lovers can give him if he’s going to bring himself back from the dead and create the life he wants to live.
Review: So much to balance, so many changes are coming quick for our newly formed threesome. Insecurities abound, mainly those of Jack’s: insecure in his job, his place alongside Gray, his goals for the future…all of these things are in limbo, distracting Jack on the job, and getting him hurt, causing him to fall into a dark depression. But hope and inspiration are around the corner in the form of a teen at a youth shelter in need of a mentor.
Jack winds up learning more from that young man than it seems. Maybe giving him a new goal, and a new understanding of how important his relationship with Gray and Mason are. That Jack should not be afraid to stand proud for who he loves and what he finds truly important.
Among all these unsettling developments, are plenty of sexual frustrations, steamy scenes, and adventures…Fitting In… has a completely sexual meaning!!!
Publisher: Silvia Violet (December 14th 2013 by Silvia Violet Books
(first published December 10th 2011)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: Jake Sanders comes home for Christmas after a dreary semester filled with sleepless nights and a cheating boyfriend. Finding a new man is the last thing on his mind until he discovers that Ben Swinburne now owns the bakery where they both once worked.
Five years ago, Jake and Ben shared a single kiss, and Jake has never forgotten the way Ben’s lips felt against his. When Ben catches Jake under the mistletoe, passion ignites between them.
This time around, Ben wants more than one kiss, but Jake isn’t sure he’s ready for another relationship. He must find the strength to move past his pain and open his heart, or will he miss out on a second chance with the man of his dreams.
This title has been previously released by another publisher.
Review: This is all about love the second time around. Jake shared a mind-melting kiss with Ben five years earlier. However, Ben with his ethics did not wish to be involved with a young Jake. Now, however, that they are both older and more mature, Ben is hoping to pick up where they left off. Jake, however, is scared having just had his heart-broken. After not just a searing kiss, but also a night of hot passion, Jake back pedals leaving Ben broken-hearted.
However, in the spirit of Christmas and families, Jake’s family steps in to help him see the error of his ways, and he runs back to the one man who he’s never ever forgotten.
There’s nothing like heat in a kitchen to lend heat to a relationship and that is what Jake and Ben provide for the reader. The men reconcile in the best of ways and the Christmas miracle is achieved as they both realize just what they’ve always meant to each other.
For those who see Christmas as a time of healing and reconciliation, this story is all about that. Happy Reading – you won’t regret it.
Publisher: Silvia Violet (November 30th, 2013) First published December 2012 by Silver Publishing
Heat: Moderate
Heart: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: Discovering his boyfriend’s affair with a co-worker wrecks Eli’s holiday plans. With his parents on a cruise and his brother and sister out of town, he’s on his own. His mother insists he escape to her friend’s mountain cabin. Eli reluctantly agrees, but he takes off unprepared and ends up driving into the worst snowstorm the area has seen in years.
He survives the trip, but he’s stuck with no logs for the woodstove and little food. Fortunately, he gets the number for Mac’s Wood Delivery. Mac doesn’t mind riding to the rescue, and his deep, sultry voice has Eli eagerly anticipating the delivery. Is Mac the little bit of Christmas cheer Eli has been needing?
This book was previously released by another publisher.
Review: A delightful little story about a brokenhearted man who embarks upon a trip to make his parents happy and ends up finding some happiness himself. Eli does not expect to go to the back of beyond and find a handsome gay neighbour only too happy to come and service not only providing him with logs for his fireplace, but also his own personal log (erhem!).
But Mac is a true neighbour and he wants Eli to enjoy Christmas so he makes sure to bring Christmas with him when he comes to visit for Christmas day. What ensues is a great day and perhaps a great start to a new phase in Eli’s life, if he’s willing to make some minor adjustments.
This story is all about how life can take you to some unexpected places when you least expect it, but it’s up to each person to see the gifts they are being given and to take advantage of those gifts when they appear in these unlikely places. And, what better time to receive great gifts than at Christmas? A cute and cuddly Christmas tale.
Blurb: Shrapnel from an explosion tore up Jackson’s leg and ended his career as a Navy SEAL. Being forced into the civilian world was bad enough, but being told he’s crazy is intolerable. No matter what the doctors or anyone else tells him, he knows a supposed ally was responsible for his injury, and that same man is determined to shut Jackson up for good.
When Jackson sees a kayaker clinging to his boat from the balcony of his beach house, his instincts tell him something dire is about to happen. Jackson rescues the injured man and insists on hiding him until a former SEAL teammate arrives. As Jackson struggles with separating reality from soul-shattering flashbacks, the injured man’s compassion and growing trust tear down his barriers, and Jackson begins to wonder if his heart is as dead as he’d assumed.
Review: Unexpected rescue is a good read on two levels. It offers the reader a bit of an action adventure with a two strong romantic leads. Jackson is a man on the edge, barely holding on to his sanity with an equally tenuous hold on reality. Addy, the man rescued from the boat by Jackson is Jackson’s unexpected rescue; but it is Addy’s emotional rescue of Jackson that is the true unexpected rescue and what provides this story with its heart and its core.
The secondary character of Jackson’s bff is wonderfully scripted and it is his love and unconditional acceptance of and for Jackson that will help to propel Jackson to finding the parts of himself he believes he’s lost and to begin to build a new life with a new reality.
There are some books you read where the sex is gratuitous. The general premise is that since it’s a love story with two hot men, the two hot men have to have sex. Then you have the other books and sex scenes where the sex/love scene is as essential to the book as air is to breathing. It’s the scenes where the sex isn’t really about sex. Instead the sex is about loving and healing and making the character realize that there is life out there, if they are but willing to grasp it. When the sex scene does appear in the story, the reader has been craving it, but more importantly, the reader recognizes its necessity to the story.
Blurb:Lark left Derek in the hands of alien torturers. Derek refused to believe Lark could be innocent. But desire still burns between them, and they need each other to survive Can they overcome the lies and betrayal of their past?
Lark Zaccaro and Derek Carlson were partners and friends. Lark wanted more. Then someone at the Intergalactic Investigations Bureau sold them out to enemy aliens. Lark was forced to abandon Derek to the enemy, and Derek bought the IIB’s story that Lark betrayed them all.
When Lark’s deep cover mission and Derek’s new job in search-and-rescue collide, the desire simmering between them explodes. Lark needs Derek’s help to escape a new enemy, and Derek needs to discover the truth about what really happened on that alien planet. Can they overcome lies and betrayal and find the love and comfort they seek, or will their past forever keep them apart?
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains scenes of dubious consent.
Review: Lark has no choice but to leave his partner behind when his partner got captured, he has lived with the guilt for six months but he tried everything he could to get his partner out, now six months later Derek is his prisoner and Lark tries to get Derek to face the truth. Derek doesn’t know what to believe but he knows that he has to try to resist the man he loves and escape out of the hellhole he is in.
This book is well written and is extremely intense from the beginning till the end. Lark knows the truth of what really happened six months ago while Derek believes what he has been told by the Intergalactic Investigation Bureau now they are face to face and both men are bitter and angry and it is directed at each other. This is a very emotional explicit story as we see both men struggle with their feelings of anger, betrayal, and guilt for different reasons.
There are unexpectedly numerous explicit, erotic sex scenes, which have a BDSM kink but nothing really heavy. All the scenes are intense as we progress through the book and we get an overview of what happened to separate the two men in the first place and we see the progression of the relationship as they admit their feelings to each other but it isn’t an easy ride for either men as they try to sort out their doubts, escape and to admit that they had both changed since they last saw each other.
The storyline is good and I really can’t wait for the next book in the series as I really want to see how the plot will unfold, we get the beginning in this book as Derek finally realizes just where the betrayal came from and Lark knows beyond a doubt that he was left on Lancarina in deep cover to die, now with both men back together anything is possible ;-). We also have some dark areas where torture and rape are alluded to and the brutal treatment that Derek suffered and Lark had to dish out while undercover are spoken or thought of.
I have to recommend this one to those who love science fiction, brutal worlds, deep betrayal, lies, truth, really hot erotic sex, two men looking for the truth and a happy ending.
Blurb:Wild R Farm 3.5, A Wes and Tristan Short Story
Private Detective, Wesley James, and horse shifter, Tristan Hayes, have spent the last few weeks adjusting to living together in Wes’s house in Nashville. Night after night with a demanding stallion is wearing Wes out, but he doesn’t mind. He loves Tristan more than he ever imagined, and he’ll do whatever it takes to show him, even if that involves a spanking, some handcuffs, and a visit to the gun range. Wes almost lost Tristan once, and no matter how difficult Tristan makes it, he’s determined to teach his man how to protect himself in his more fragile human form.
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order, especially after Embracing Need. We reconnect with Wes and Tristan as Wes tries to gain a little bit of control over Tristan. Wes is determined to get Tristan to slow down a bit but Tristan keeps driving Wes to the edge of his control, so Wes decides to take a leaf out of Tristan’s book and if it includes handcuffs, ties and spanking to get Tristan to relax then Wes is all for it.
This is a great short story where we see demanding stallion Tristan finally get just what he needs off Wes. Wes is still worried about Tristan’s safety and is determined to get Tristan to the shooting range. Tristan is taking great joy of breaking Wes’ control though by tempting him constantly with hot sex and Wes has the idea to make Tristan take it slow instead of instant gratification and they come to a mutually satisfactory deal.
This is one hot short story as we see insatiable Tristan pushing Wes buttons and making Wes lose all control, we also see Wes taking control of Tristan’s satisfaction and taking him to heights of pleasure as he reassures Tristan of his love. Wes and Tristan are an incredibly hot couple and the sexual tension and sparks between them is incredible, there are still some fears of safety after the kidnapping in Embracing Need but the main focus in this short is of Tristan’s need to rush sex. The way that they both react to the handcuffs and spankings is mind blowingly hot with Wes finally getting the upper hand in their sexual games.
I recommend this to those who love hot sexual encounters, teasing, love and doing anything to please the one you love.
Blurb: Astro-physicist Matthew Dansk falls for one of his colleagues during a research trip, but Matt is looking for a serious relationship and he doesn’t date men who are in the closet. Alan has no interest in letting anyone find out he’s gay and he never goes out with the same man twice. When the two men part ways, Matt believes their situation is hopeless, and he does his best to forget his feelings for Alan.
Months later, Alan winds up in the hotel room next to Matt’s at a conference, and both men realize the chemistry between them hasn’t diminished. As they spend time together, Matt sees a different side of Alan. When he realizes Alan’s feelings for him run deeper than he’d thought possible, he begins to hope that they can be together after all.
Review: Matt is an analytical minded gay scientist that likes to be in control at all times. He’s brilliant but his communication skills are lacking. Of course he’d fall for the one guy that’s an even bigger control freak than he is, and even worse at communicating.
Matt meets Alan a fellow scientist during a research trip and sparks fly! But Alan is not out, and Matt refuses to hide who he is and who he loves, so he goes home and does his best to forget about Alan. Fate has other plans as these two ill-fated lovers soon realize. At a conference, they end up in side-by-side rooms and the chemistry hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s stronger.
What follows is a battle of wills. Matt and Alan will have to learn to compromise and trust in each other if they stand a chance of being together. Can two control freaks find a balance at home, at work and at play?
I have to tell you, this would have been a 4, but the angst was like nails on a chalkboard. The basis of a great story was there and held my interest, but Alan was an ass for the majority of the book. He truly loved Matt though and managed to redeem himself in the end, barely. If you’re in the market for strong alpha males, hot sexual tension, resulting in equally hot sex and a bit of humor then you should check this one out.
Blurb: Horse shifter, Tristan Hayes, doesn’t believe in relationships. He believes in hot, sweaty one-night stands that leave him aching for days.
Private investigator, Wesley James, is looking for someone to settle down with, but it’s never occurred to him that someone could be a man.
Tristan loves a good game, so he flirts with Wes, never thinking anything serious will come of his attraction. Wes fends him off, but after three months of cat and mouse, both men are worn out from fighting what they feel.
When a young woman from Tristan’s herd goes missing, he asks for Wes’s help. Tristan keeps up his flirtatious façade until Wes calls his bluff, taking him out for dinner and dancing. As they search for the missing shifter, Tristan struggles to believe Wes could care for the man Tristan hides beneath his abrasive exterior.
Review:This book is part of a series and is best read in order. After being hurt in the past, Tristan no longer believes in relationships. He believes in hot hook-ups and one-night stands to keep him satisfied and he can’t resist flirting with Wes and tempting the straight man. Wesley is looking for something serious. He never thought it would be with a man. A man he has tried to ignore for the last few months. When a member of Tristan’s herd goes missing, he calls Wes to investigate. Tristan keeps up his flirting nature until Wes calls his bluff. As they search for the missing woman, Tristan struggles with his feelings and Wes has to show Tristan he sees beneath the abrasive façade.
This is a great addition to the Wild R Farm series, bringing Tristan’s story to us and showing us the insecure man beneath the confident, flirtatious exterior. Tristan has been trying to tempt Wes with his constant flirting for months, but when Wes calls his bluff he doesn’t know what he wants to do because Wes just isn’t one-night stand material. Wes has never been tempted by a man before. He has always been attracted to women, but Tristan just pushes his buttons. Now, he just needs to convince Tristan of Tristan’s own worth.
I really enjoyed this story because of the turmoil that Tristan goes through as he tries to make sense of what he truly feels. Tristan was hurt deeply by his first love and it has molded how Tristan now acts towards men. When Wes calls his bluff he is left reeling. Wes can see the true Tristan and he wants that man. Convincing Tristan is hard though, especially when Tristan keeps running. The investigation that they both work on takes a harsh turn when they think they have found the location of the missing woman and they need the help of their friends to get back out alive.
This is a really well written story that combines danger and love really well. We see depths to Tristan that scares him and we see Wes accept his love for Tristan. I really liked how their relationship developed in this story and Tristan’s reaction to his newly discovered feelings for Wes. With Wes you see that he may have struggled at first with how he felt for Tristan, but he embraces it when he can no longer deny it to himself. They are brilliant together and Wes has to be patient as Tristan struggles with how he feels. Because of that painful struggle, you, at times, want to beat the crap out of the person who shattered Tristan so much.
I recommend this to those who love cowboys, private investigators, danger, discovering your own worth, accepting love, hot sex, difficult times and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Matt and Shane both have secrets. Matt never believed he was anything but straight, yet he’s increasingly attracted to his best friend. Shane is comfortable with being gay, but when he discovers he’s part werewolf, he hides that part of himself, fearing Matt’s reaction. Suffocated by his uptight parents and conservative hometown, Shane begs Matt to run away with him.
But starting over doesn’t help. Matt still denies his desires, and Shane abuses alcohol to dampen his wolfish urges. When Matt breaks down and kisses Shane, the pent-up passion proves too much for Shane’s self-control, and his wolf gets free. Horrified, Shane flees—into deeper trouble. Before they can hope to accept each other, Shane and Matt must accept themselves.
Review: Shane has crushed on his best friend, Matt, since the day they met. Over the last few months it has been harder and harder to cope with holding back and he turns to drink to ease the feelings. But, then something shocking happens and Shane drinks even more to suppress the wolf. Matt denies the part of himself that would make him different. Running away with Shane, so he can build a life for himself away from the farm, seems to be the answer. But, the strain is telling on both of them and they start to grow apart. One morning, they both give into their urges and it is too much for Shane’s wolf. Shane flees in horror and falls into despair with alcohol for company. Time is what both young men need to accept their own natures. But, can Matt and Shane reconnect at the right time for them?
This is a great story with a completely different approach to shifters. Shane and Matt are best friends. Shane has crushed on Matt since they met, but Matt is straight. Shane has struggled with his attraction and began to drink to drown out his urges. But, discovering the secret his adoptive parents kept from him scares him and he decides the time has come for him to leave and he hopes Matt will go with him. Matt struggles with his attraction to Shane and completely denies his sexuality. When Shane becomes more erratic and unpredictable, Matt doesn’t know what to do and his frustration leads to explosive sex with Shane. But, Shane flees and Matt is left alone, not knowing if Shane is dead or alive.
I really liked how this story was portrayed with two young men both struggling with their identities. Matt with being gay and Shane with being a wolf. The shifter aspect of the story was pretty bleak, many young shifters growing up with no knowledge of what they are or how to cope with the shifter nature. Often falling into addictions as a way of coping, until they either hit rock bottom or are rescued by an older shifter who can get them help. We get bombarded with Shane’s troubles as we progress through the story. With the difficulties he faces, but he’s always holding onto the hope of getting Matt’s forgiveness.
The story is all from Shane’s perspective, so we miss out on a chunk of what Matt is going through. We follow Shane as he becomes lost in the bottom of a bottle, as he claws his way out with help and the struggle to stay sober as he builds his life back up. There is some great sex in this story both between Matt and Shane and, as Shane gets integrated into the pack, with Carl (the pack alpha). There is no cheating, but there is voyeurism and group sex between shifters. Both Matt and Shane are great characters who go through their own acceptance of themselves. Denying themselves was hurting them both and finding themselves brings them both love and joy.
I will recommend this to those that love shifter troubles, recovering from addiction, forgiveness, accepting your own true nature whatever it may be and accepting love to find your happy ending.
Blurb: When sexy, kilt-wearing astronomy professor Greg MacIntyre moves in next door, Blake Theriot knows he’s in trouble. Blake is a research librarian, and he likes things orderly and controlled. But in his secret fantasies, he craves a big, powerful man like Greg to stir up his life.
Every time Blake tries to talk to his erudite neighbor, his brain shuts down and his vocabulary is reduced to one-word utterances, but when Blake’s niece challenges him to invite Greg to dinner, he does. A few shots of after-dinner whiskey loosen Blake’s inhibitions, and the two men share a hot kiss and the promise of more. Can Blake relax enough to give himself a chance with Greg, or will his fear of letting go ruin his hopes for love?
Publisher’s note: This book is a revised, re-edited version of one previously released by another publisher under the same title.
Review: Blake is a librarian that loves to cook and has some serious control issues. He also has a fantasy of a big, strong lover that can control him in the bedroom. His new neighbor is a hot astronomer, hot…sexy…big and wears Kilts. He also loves kids, dogs, and pushing all of Blake’s buttons. But, can Blake really handle relinquishing control?
Oh MY!! I LOVED this story. It was so charming witty and sexy. What’s not to love about hot and smart men? Both male characters were so well-written you could practically touch them. I laughed and I laughed at Blake, and Greg had me swooning. I even loved Blake’s niece and sister. they added so many dimensions to the story making it seem so much like real life. Fabulous, fun, and oh so hot!
Recommendation: If you like sexy men in Kilts, Librarians, Astronomers, smart sexy men, a great love story and hot mansex this is definitely for you! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Title: Cabin for Two: An Anthology
