Blurb: Priest Mosley moved to Brac Village to start over. He wanted a quiet place to settle down and start his own business. What he hadn’t expected was Randy. Priest isn’t sure about the small man’s advances, but what catch his interest are the bruises he sees on the man’s body.
Randy Pomell was working his dream job at the local floral shop. But his nightmare wouldn’t go away. His uncle’s abuse was escalating, and Randy didn’t see any way out. When Uncle Fred goes too far and Randy ends up in the hospital, he knows he can’t keep living this way.
Can Randy find a way to break the silence, or will Fred go too far? Priest decides to befriend Randy just to find out who his abuser is, but what he finds leaves him speechless and questioning his very sanity.
Review: This is a very good book with a wonderful story line. I love the characters. They are so believable. Priest is a human and Randy is a wolf. Priest moved to Brac Village to start over, get a fresh new start after his divorce. He opened a bar-be-cue restaurant and was getting his fresh start, when in walked Randy. Randy, was a quiet kind of guy, with a very violent life. His uncle appeared to be this sweet old man who looked out for his nephew, but appearances were deceiving. Priest wasn’t to sure of Randy’s eyes devouring him when they first met, but when he noticed the bruises he knew he had to help. After losing a friend to abuse, he wasn’t going to let this happen to Randy, but what he didn’t know was that it was Randy’s uncle causing them. He didn’t know about the paranormal world, till Randy got beat so bad it put him in the hospital, when the doc told him about his mate and how to take care of him. The danger kept coming till he knew he had to take the uncle down. I can’t wait to read book three of this series.
Blurb:Ashby Fairfax has always looked for love in the wrong places. His last attempt left him running from an abusive boyfriend. Since coming to Arkadia, life has been great. He finally has the family he has always craved. Only one thing is missing, his mate. But how can a small-town fox shifter be mated to a vampire prince? Prince Gabriel has led his people through the ages and into the twenty-first century. He is on the verge of losing his soul when he catches the scent of what may be his mate. Once Ashby is confirmed as his, it seems their troubles begin. Someone is after Ashby. Gabriel’s entire coven rallies around their new prince and for the first time in his existence, Gabriel experiences bone-numbing fear. Can he find the strength to send Ashby to Arkadia to ensure his safety? And will he be able to eliminate the threat before he loses his reason for living?
Review: And these are the kind of series books I like. Ones that can stand alone, but that give the reader enough information so that all the secondary characters make sense within the context of the current story. This glimpse into the lives of the secondary characters often make a reader want to read the other stories – great author strategy.
I am endlessly fascinated by the rules that authors come up with for paranormals. Most of us were raised with basic vampire and werewolf stories. However, authors in the paranormal genre have played with the rules by creating new norms and archetypes. As such, writers have been able to create endless plotlines of love between paranormals. At the heart of many paranormal love stories is the theme of love overcoming prejudice and opposites attracting as the key conflict and crisis. This story is no different. A fennec fox shifter who represents the small quintessential twink mated to the world’s oldest vampire, the larger more powerful dominant partner. In this story, however, the strength of the smaller man is really the key to the couples HEA. It is he who must find his inner strength to save his immortal lover’s humanity and ultimately the coven. In doing so, the final theme of acceptance and inclusion is achieved. The themes of love, friendship and that you create the family that is important to you, is really what makes this book heart warming. And of course, there are hot men, lots of monkey sex and you couldn’t have a paranormal story without there being the bad guys who have to be taken down by any means necessary, so that the main characters can battle their way back to each other and a life of eternal bliss.
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (14th April 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Madigan Parker thought accepting a relationship with his five guardian angels was difficult. He’s learning that being in a relationship with all of them is more difficult as personalities clash. Bren still distrusts Cross, Yuri believes he’s the odd man out, and Michel is just too nice to put his foot down with any of them. While Dex is the only one admitting to the mutual affection and attraction that is growing between them, Madigan has his hands full.
He wants to take back his life and reopen his business. But being a baker proves difficult as old enemies circle closer, and keeping his lovers safe proves to be a lot trickier than Madigan originally thought. Torn between the life he had and the new life awaiting him, he has to decide if staying in the town he calls home is worth the risk to his men and to his heart.
Review: Madigan thought that by accepting and bonding with his angels that he would be safe but it doesn’t work properly if the angels aren’t bonding as well, so Madigan gives them a helping hand but the hunters are determined and finds a new way to hunt.
This is a well-written novella that gives us the hot sex and interesting story line that we expect from Jana Downs (you spoilt us ;-)). Madigan is upset to learn that he can’t go back to work like he wants to because the angels haven’t been bonding properly so he sets the law down and gives his angels a helping hand. Dex, Michel, Yuri, Cross and Bren all try to come to terms with the relationship but it isn’t smooth riding for them and there are more than a few hiccups as they all try to form a relationship that suits them all.
These characters are all great men err… angels and Nephilim each with a personality that is uniquely them, each one has his own doubts to overcome as they bond with each other and Madigan has a lot to think about because when asked he had never even thought of admitting to his mother his new relationship. We get lots of really hot sex between these men some one on one, some ménage but always a hot and passionate experience.
I loved the added characters and the plot twist with the hunters was great and the new information that they received has added an interesting quest that I can’t wait to see unfold. There’s danger, injuries, hurt feelings, explanations and making up sex ;-). So if you enjoy any of that then I recommend you get this book and enjoy. Happy reading.
Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc ( April 29th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Reno Davis is new to Brac Village, transferring into the local fire department. He loves his solitude and the freedom he feels when riding his motorcycle on the open road. But when he visits the local bakery to pick up some sweets for the firehouse, he discovers his mate and is now under the pull of the mating dance.
Baker Cross learned about the paranormal world when he was hired to work at Sweet Delight. His boss, Kenway, is a buffalo shifter. Baker is fine with that. But when a coyote shifter grabs him in the middle of the shop and kisses him with such passion and desire, Baker knows he is in trouble.
Reno stalks Baker, playing cat and mouse until he knows Baker will give in to his desires and let the coyote claim him. It is part of the mating dance, and Reno is looking forward to catching his mate. But when a crooked cop sets his sights on Reno, the true stalking begins.
Review: Reno is a fireman/coyote shifter and had just transferred to the local fire station of Brac Village. He meets his mate, a human who just found out about shifters, at the local bakery. Baker isn’t too sure what to think, when a man comes into the shop and kisses him with everything the man has. Baker does just not sure about the man himself, not know at first who the man is or what he is. However, as a coyote shifter Reno was taught that there had to be a mating dance game when you met your mate. Not realizing, that it doesn’t always go the same way for each coyote. However, this cop wanted to make Reno’s life a living hell, and Reno realizes what a true cat and mouse game it was. Baker wants his mate. He just wasn’t sure who was crazier.
This is a wonderful book with a lot of colorful characters. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Blurb: For Trev, falling in love with his alien captor after the lottery sent him halfway across the universe was easy. Navigating his relationship as time wears on proves to be much more difficult. He is bound by his desire for his master, but he doesn’t know if desire is enough. When his lover takes a job back on Earth, Trevor asks for his freedom.
Yanai is used to being desired, but love is another matter entirely. Unused to human customs but very much enamored with his lover, he will do just about anything to prove to Trev that he cares, including taking a job across the universe on Trev’s home planet. If he could only learn how to communicate properly with his human, he knows they will be able to work.
Will the two of them learn to communicate, or will both of them be unable to reconcile their differences?
Review:This book is part of a series and is best read in order. When Trev was handed over to his new master, he was chosen for the lottery. He was worried, but that worry soon turned to love. Now, heading for Earth with Yanai, he wants his feelings returned or he wants his freedom. Yanai is besotted with his human and will do anything for him. But, Trev always seems to reject what is offered and Yanai does the only thing he can think of… he lets Trev go. Can Yanai and Trev overcome their miscommunication of their customs or is it too late for them to share their love with each other?
So in this new addition to the Owned series, Trev has already been with his owner for nearly a year. So the relationship is already well established, but that doesn’t mean that everything is perfect… far from it. Trev wants more than to be a beloved pet to Yanai. So, when Yanai refuses to give Trev his heart, Trev asks to be released when they reach Earth. Yanai is devastated when Trev wants to leave him, but his only other option would be to give Trev his heart… and he can’t live without it.
It soon becomes clear to us that there are huge misunderstandings going on between the two lovers. Even after nearly a year, neither really knows much about the others customs and it takes a while and also some nagging from the gray men for Trev to realize it isn’t all Yanai’s fault either. Now, while they both try to reconcile and express themselves in a way the other fully understands, there is more going on in the background of the story. Yanai wins another human in the lottery, which Trev is unhappy about, but they have much more to be concerned about when the Pressian’s turn up demanding the return of Trev.
I really love this series because with each one we are introduced to more information about the Pressian’s and their subjugation of the Eoeans. And, finally, we are given a hint that maybe the Pressian’s bullying might be coming to an end. Trev and Yanai are wonderful characters, who are incredibly in love with each other. They just didn’t know how to communicate with each other. They are an incredible, hot couple, who burn up the sheets and give us some really hot sex. We see characters from Bound by Deception, and you even warm up to the gray men after a while. because they certainly develop as we see more of them.
I have to recommend this to those who love aliens and humans falling in love, reconciling after misunderstandings, hot sex, passionate love, a desperate escape and a wonderful romantic, hot and sexy ending.
Blurb: Frisco James was a hustler. Plain and simple. Although he was a bare knuckle boxing champion in the underground circuit, Frisco was looking for a change. Maverick Brac owed him a debt and Frisco headed to Brac Village to collect.
Recker lost his twin when the group of men he lived with was attacked by the grey wolves. He was angry, bitter, but tried his best to go on. When he loses control and nearly kills a man, Maverick steps in, demanding that either Recker agree to anger management or be deemed unfit to live in society.
Recker and Frisco’s worlds collide. Frisco sees Recker as an opportunity, nothing more. He whisks Recker away from the Den, plunging the man into the gritty world of illegal boxing.
But when Recker nearly kills his first opponent, Frisco James realizes the horrific mistake he has made. Desperate, Frisco does the one thing that he knows will save Recker’s life and humanity…he walks away.
But nothing is ever that simple, especially when Frisco James—a man who has looked out for no one but himself—discovers that his heart is no longer his own.
Review: Recker is a rhino shifter, who after losing his twin kept getting angrier and angrier. When he meets his human mate, Frisco, they are thrust into a world so bleak, that Frisco thought they would never get out. Frisco, thinking he had conned his mate into fighting, realized that when Recker almost killed a man in the fight, that he needed to get his mate out. After Two months of fighting, Frisco realizes that Recker was growing darker and darker. Thinking that the only way to save his mate, a mate he has fallen in love with, was to leave for good. He walks away, leaving Recker in such a dark place, that Recker stayed in his Rhino form all the time. Frisco feels his pain, and comes back. Trying to find out if he can help his mate and help himself at the same time. He though he was looking out for himself, all this time. Only to discover, that his mate owned him heart and soul. This is a very good story.
Blurb: Rio LaBlanc is the kindergarten teacher at Brac Elementary. Sadly, his friends are all under the age of six. He loves his job, but feels there has to be more to life than teaching and letting his black panther run free in the bordering forest. When the new art teacher shows up, Rio feels a pull that sets his blood on fire.
Fire can’t believe Maverick is making him teach art to a bunch of children. Has the alpha lost his mind? What does Fire know about kids? But when he spots the teacher in the classroom next door, Fire thinks that maybe art class has just gotten a whole lot more interesting.
But Fire is a gambling addict. He may have had his wings clipped when the Shadow elves refused to take his bets, but Fire finds a way. Unfortunately, trouble once again is hot on his heels. Can Rio save Fire from his addiction, or will the stakes become too high?
Review: Rio LaBlanc, kindergarten teacher and panther shifter, is a man who doesn’t always know how to have fun. Fire Veneteo is a fey, a gambling addict, and now a kindergarten arts teacher. The only problem is Fire has no clue about art and even less about children. To top it off the first day, while his whole classroom was running around without their heads, his mate walks in. Rio takes one look at Fire and says hell no, but he knew it would, Ohhhh, Yes. With Fire’s gambling problems and a demon stealing bodies, these two were going to drive each other crazy. I loved this story and cannot wait for the next book in this series. There is a barrel of laughs in this book, with characters you will fall in love with.
Blurb: The only thing that Evan enjoys is playing in a hacker hangout and chatting with a fellow computer expert, BlackJoy. Up to this point, he’s avoided the matches made by sHarmony’s “Love Experts,” but he is ready to try just about anything to find his prince charming. Little does he know that fate has already set him up with his perfect match.
Brandon is very intrigued by the man he plays games with on Hackverse. Working as head of internal security at sHarmony, he recognizes some of the programming he’s encountered in the system as WrightTrigger’s handiwork. Once he finds out that Evan has a profile on sHarmony, it’s all too easy to set them up on a date. He doesn’t know that the man who intrigues him is really the mate of his dreams.
As their courtship heats up, outside threats might put a permanent end to their courtship before it really has the chance to blossom into romance.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Evan hasn’t had much luck with his sHarmony dates and much prefers to play in a hacker hangout with Blackjoy, a fellow computer expert. He has slightly flirtatious chats and develops a slight crush, but on his next date he meets a shifter he is strongly attracted to. Brandon enjoys playing with WrightTrigger on Hackverse and during a security update, he recognizes some of WrightTrigger’s work, it gives him the perfect opportunity to meet the man who intrigues him. Their relationship heats up but there are outside threats that threaten what they are building together.
Ohhhh, Evan, you are a delightful and Brandon, you are just a touch sneaky. I really enjoyed this story. The groundwork is laid out early between Brandon and Evan with them first meeting on-line building up a budding friendship. And then later meeting face to face with only one of them knowing the other is really their hacker friend. Evan and Brandon make a great couple, although they try to take it slow so Evan can be secure in his choice of man, they have a lot in common and enjoy each other’s company. But than Humans First, (bigoted group) step up their game plan and Evan finds out the downfalls of being mated to a shifter.
This is a great storyline which I thought was great, we get a bit more information about the way shifters are treated by the human government *grrr* and we see the lengths that Humans First will go to try to purify the world. Evan wants to wait until he is certain till he is turned but a slight mishap moves up the timeline, and Oh My God he is sooooo cute as a shifter… and funny, the swimming pool incident had me giggling my head off, even now thinking back on it I can’t stifle a laugh. Brandon’s shifted form is one I’d never want to meet but compliments Evan’s in a weird sort of way.
We see characters we met in Bite Me, with Orion getting a surprise and we catch up with Jude and Logan, and we are introduced to Quinn (receptionist at sHarmony and Brandon’s best friend). I have to say that this was a very satisfying story with danger, disapproval, prejudice, bigotry and on the other side of the spectrum, love, humor, great friends and enormous support. I really can’t wait for what is to come next.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, brilliant characters, hot sex, sweet love, disappointment and hurt, friends pulling together in times of need and a great ending.
Blurb: Perry Sinclair’s grand tour of Europe is not going entirely to plan. He loses his bear-leader, his valet, and his friend in quick succession, and finds himself alone in Venice. In the midst of the gaiety and excesses of Venetian Carnevale, Perry meets a fellow Englishman, known only as Jack. Jack introduces Perry to a group of gentlemen who indulge in a variety of sexual activities while hiding their identity behind Carnevale masks. Shocked and yet delighted, Perry flings himself headlong into such pleasure, falling deeply in love with Jack as he does so.
Jack Fitzwarren does not fall in love. He certainly does not fall in love with English tourists. But despite Jack’s best efforts, Perry’s artless enthusiasm and unquestioning trust begin to find a way through all of his defenses, allowing Jack almost to forget the secret he carries with him, the one that means he can never confess to Perry who he really is.
Review: I actually found this precious little novella to be hot and sweet! But I was wearing my rose-colored glasses, because I stayed in Venice myself for a while and enjoyed the real revelry of Carnevale! So while I didn’t get to attend such a fascinating and risqué gentleman’s club like Perry and Jack, this author certainly fed my vivid imagination! This is definitely exotic reading, mainly centered around Perry exploring his exhibitionist and ménage loving side. Normally quite reserved, the anonymity of mask and costume wearing during Carnevale, and watching an entire society letting go of their inhibitions allows Perry to follow his own passions and curiosity. Multiple scenes of multiple lovers, a bit of D/s and a growing love affair between Perry and Jack. What was originally planned to be one hot stop on Perry’s Grand Tour accompanied by his best friend and sometimes lover, may result in taking root in Italy’s beautiful countryside. Poor Jack just can’t resist both Perry’s naiveté and the way he grabs hold of what he likes once he’s found it! A nice hot treat of a read, while it’s not deep, it is fascinating! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next as part of the Masquerade series.
Blurb: Jude Lawson has bad luck in love. When his friend stumbles upon a matchmaking service promising to pair him with the shifter of his dreams, he isn’t entirely convinced. Little does he know that his first match will be the man destined to change his bad luck forever.
Logan Carter is a fox shifter who is looking for a second chance. Since adopting his younger brother after their parents’ death, he’s not had much luck with relationships. Deciding to date a human might be a bit of a culture shock but it has to be better than not dating at all. Taking it slow might have been his plan but one glance at Jude shows him he wants anything but.
As jealous exes and hate groups try to drive a wedge in their newfound relationship, Logan and Jude will have to decide if staying together is worth whatever price they have to pay in order to find happiness.
Review: Ohh. I loved this new shifter story with its interesting take on shifters. Jude is a proper cutie and is really fed up with his abysmal love life. He has always had a thing for shifters… well, the ones in his romance books anyway. so, when he and his friends stumble across sHarmony, a dating site that caters to humans and shifters, he signs up and meets the love of his life on the first date *yay*. Logan is a wonderful man who took his little brother in when their parents died, most dates run when they discover this though, Logan is also fed up of dating shifters who subscribe to the 3 second rule “your eyes meet, one second, you take a breath, two seconds, you fall in love, three seconds.” Logan wants a relationship of substance and signing up for a date with a human seems like the way to go. Not everything is rosy for the couple though because of outside interference and they have to support each other when the prejudice and bigotry begin.
So a new series and a newish take on shifters. Shifters are known to the world, most have accepted them, but there are some groups that like enforce their bigotry. Human’s can be changed by a virus from their mate but there is no real way of telling what their animal would be, the animal is linked to the humans personality. I liked how it was all set out and easily explained. There was no confusion or mystery just an easy explanation. The story flowed well, with everything coming together to make an enjoyable story with very likable characters, Jude and Logan were both delightful and their relationship moved quickly but with a huge amount of passion and a good dose of friendship between them.
The secondary characters were great, Evan, Collin, and Orion all adding something to the story, you just know they will get their own stories in the future. While Jude and Logan’s relationship is perfect for them, others try to make trouble for them and they both face a bit of danger. The shifter aspect was fascinating, especially trying to guess what type of shifter Jude would turn into… and he is so cute when he does.
I recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, great characters, tension and a touch of danger, a great story and a wonderful ending.
Blurb: Thayne Rownes, the captain of the lead imperial exploratory vessel, is a man of high moral standing. A sense of duty and the need to protect the helpless lead him to the decision to volunteer to help search the solar system for a cure to a lethal virus. The hopes and dreams of his people are put upon his shoulders as he chases answers among the stars.
A gifted savant, known only as Arohn, holds the answers Thayne and his crew are so desperately in need of to end the Purge. The royal families of Thayne’s people have kept him in suspended animation for nearly a thousand years under the mantle of protection.
Thayne and Arohn are thrust into a journey that will take them far from home. They must learn to work together to save life as they know it. Neither man can prepare for the heated whirlwind of emotion that binds them along the way. They must function as one to discover the cure or risk forever being separated from true love.
Review: Thayne is the captain of an exploratory vessel and is on the mission of his life, he has to find out just how far the Purge, a plague like virus, has traveled and lead the mission to find the cure. Thayne discovers a savant holds the answers and the Royal families release him to Thayne’s care, and Thayne discovers more than just a gifted man who is able to save their worlds, he discovers a man who he can love. Arohn is a Beacon, a connection to the Gods (the Wyrms); he has been kept in suspended animation for hundreds of years only to be used as a last resort with his connection to the Gods. Arohn is lonely and his connection to Thayne gives him hope of more than being just a Beacon. But with the fate of worlds in his hands, Arohn must make the biggest sacrifice of his life.
This is a great science fiction story of an alien race racing to find a cure and resorting to desperate means to save their worlds. Thayne is a man who has the weight of his people on his shoulders as the Purge is spreading turning them into mindless infected craving living flesh. Arohn is a man who was taught that he is a direct connection to the Wyrms and his duty is to his people. These two men come together in desperate times and fall in love. But, the duty they both face could tear them apart. With love and understanding between the two of them, they might wish their future was different but with Arohn being the Beacon, he is destined for the cryo-chambers when the danger has passed.
Well, I will have to explain that while I call the characters men they are male aliens, they are described well and I really should have paid more attention to the cover then the horns wouldn’t have been a surprise LOL. Thayne and Arohn make a wonderful sweet couple but even we can’t hold out much hope for a happily ever after when their people have a habit of sticking the gifted in cryo-chambers only to be pulled out as needed. Both men grab what happiness they can though and we get a very pleasant ending with the help of the Wyrms.
This story is wonderfully written with excitement and action in just the right places, we get good descriptions of the worlds and what everyone is facing and we also get the full impact of Aaron’s lonely existence. While their attraction is instant and Arohn wants to embrace, his freedom with companionship we see Thayne’s struggle as he balances what he wants with his duty to his people, there is much stress put on both characters and you really do hope it all comes out right in the end. The interesting twist of the Wyrm’s and the background of the Purge will have me looking for the next book.
I recommend this to those who love science fiction, sexy aliens finding love, a great storyline which is left open, hot sex, action and excitement and a great ending for two great characters.
Genre: Paranormal / Shapeshifters / Alternative World
Length: Novella (30K)
Publisher: Siren Publishing (August 27th, 2013)
HeatLevel: Moderate
HeartRating: ♥♥♥ 2.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie & Lisa
Blurb: An average human, Nathan Evans has never thought that the day would come when the shape-shifters acknowledged his rare existence in their world. When all of a sudden many shifters come after him, he notices that Felix Wright, a stunning white tiger-shifter, has been ahead of the race all along.
Felix takes a liking to Nathan. The human becomes the most precious item in his collection. When the rumor spreads that he possesses the only human, there is an attempt to take Nathan away from him. Realizing that he fights for Nathan’s safety, Felix begins to develop strong feelings for his object. Such feelings take him by surprise, starting conflicts between him and the human.
Despite Nathan and Felix’s issues, the attention from the surrounding islands focus on the precious being. The persistence to take and sell Nathan angers Felix, which encourages him to express his feelings and protect his human. But will they take Nathan away from him?
As enticing as the blurb sounds the book itself was an utter disappointment. The story revolves around a world other than Earth. Supposedly, once upon a time there were portals that connected this world (for which we have no name) with Earth, and shifters, this world’s inhabitants, could come and go. It was like, years ago a panther shifter adopted Nathan and when – for some unknown reason – the portal were closed – he came back with his adopted son to his planet. Nathan is the only human here and rumors always went around about him, but for some reason it is only now, at his twenty-three years old, that the shifters are showing a greater interest in his existence.
Out of the blue as Nathan gets out of his house, he is chased by a growing number of shifters. His father and friends try to help him hide but they fail and eventually Nathan is captured by Felix, the ruler of an unnamed island.
All the above information is of course not properly provided to us. The story has no sensible plot, rather dishes out information and characters without bothering making a proper introduction. We have no clue about the background of this world. The how’s and why’s, the mechanics and they lifestyle of the shifters around here. We have no idea how the politics go, what is norm, and what not. What are taboos, what is a proper behavior for people and how the dynamics of different kinds of shifter’s work between them. We never get to learn how Nathan managed to reach twenty-three years old and no one realized he couldn’t shift. We never got to learn the mating mechanics, how the bond works, what does it mean for the mates. It’s all a huge jumble of insensible, ludicrous events that held no logic, let alone realistic value.
Felix kidnaps Nathan for his “collection,” and that is surreal. Even so, we never got to see that precious “collection” of his. The idea behind it was probably meant to make you sympathize (later on) with Felix, whom had been grown in a strange environment with his parents constantly absent, and his “friends” always wanting something from him, leading to a cold person who treat all and everybody like objects.
Nathan feels an attraction to Felix the moment he lies eyes on him (as he was chased by Felix that is), but he can’t allow himself to feel that way, because well obviously the man doesn’t see him as a person with feelings. While on the trip back to Felix’s island Nathan allows Felix to have sex with him (condoms are used), but he refuses to acknowledge that he likes it, even as his body betrays him. As soon as they reach the island though, Felix treats him coldly again and Nathan forbids him from touching him again.
There is this constant back and forth between Felix and Nathan. The time span and the continuously changing of heart, the inconsistency of feelings and actions is incredulous. I literally couldn’t believe what I was reading. My only question that unfortunately was repeated over and over with every single line I read was “why? Why are these characters acting the way they do? What is the purpose behind anything they do?” and of course I never got an answer for that.
The chemistry and intimate scenes between these two characters – that by the way were incredibly shallow, with no amount of depth or personality, and utterly unappealing – was glaringly absent. Nathan’s character was a complete mess in all his actions/reactions. When the mating claim happened, I was left with my jaw hanging and disbelieving everything. Nothing, nothing made sense. Felix had sex with Nathan the first time (the mating ritual, and don’t ask what that entails I never found out, supposedly had three stages) and Nathan acted as a virgin, as if he didn’t already have sex with Felix on the boat. Immediately they hit the shower for the next step and we were supposed to see the why as the story moved on. For this step, though Felix uses condoms (I came back to this) even as his first ejaculation was seeping down Nathan’s thighs. Again, why? At this point Nathan whines about not being able to have sex with Felix because his member was too big… For which I have no comment, I’m rendered speechless. And after an intense exhibition of orgasming two or three times non-stop (literally non-stop, try to imagine that) the scene ends and we never get to understand what the ritual really was or how it works.
I could keep going on. Bottom end this story in my opinion is in serious need of a couple of editing rounds and a good, hard revision. While at it, it would be nice for the author to properly “build” this world and give the plot a sense, a meaning, and a purpose. As it is, it only gets half a heart from me for the nice idea.
Lisa’s Review:♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2 Hearts
This is book one in this series and they should be read in order. Normally I would say that it is so that you will have an insight into who each character is and their lives but it is more fun to start with book one. I am not really sure if I like this book yet or not, I will see after I read the next book. It is a great story don’t get me wrong, but it seems like Felix is just like a tempermental little boy instead of an man and a leader. He see’s Nathan as an object not as a person.
Nathan is the only human in the shifter world and is worth quite a bit, even though Nathan doesn’t think so. He is a lot smaller than the shifters, teaches swimming to students and lives with his shape-shifting father. He was an orphan and stuck in the shifter world. He was basically adopted by a shifter and is well adored. When shifters come to take the only human he runs in fear, always intent to make his way back to his father. However Felix kidnaps him and takes him to his home. Intent on making him just another precious object. Or so he thought in the beginning.
Felix starts getting feelings for Nathan and it leaves him with a lot of questions. However he knows that he wants this human and will do everything to protect what is his. Now all he has to do is prove to Nathan that he is not an object but a desired mate. There are many that will try to take Nathan away from him, but he must protect him and show him that he is falling in love with this sexy man.
Like I said it is a great story, it just comes off as a bit weird the way Felix come off. One thinks that a leader, an alpha is strong both in mind and body but Felix doesn’t come off that away. It left me with questions that were unanswered. However it did catch my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end. It gives you sexy men, passionate sexual encounters, arguments, feisty comments, excitement, adventure and a bit of danger all wrapped up into a cool book.
Blurb:Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Consensual BDSM Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, spanking, flogging, whipping, cropping, sex toys, HEA
Adam Anderson must put aside his broken heart for his Pack. Taking on a dangerous mission deep within the mountains is a step in the right direction. When Adam is severely injured, he is rescued by a lone shifter with a past as troubled as his own. What evolves from there is a romance that awakens feelings he hasn’t had since the death of his mate.
After his pack’s betrayal, Cersin Everett swore never to trust again. He resigned himself to a solitary life far away from both pack and past. However, a hunting trip turned rescue mission brings him a man who can teach him what it means to hope again.
As Sin shows Adam his world, it becomes harder for them to deny their growing feelings. But theirs is a forbidden match, an unmated pairing. They will have to either surrender their newfound love or be torn apart by the world outside the sanctuary of Sin’s home.
Review:Adam and Leon are sent to meet with another pack about a treaty; Adam is attacked and wakes up in a cabin with a stranger named Sin. The extent of his damages cut him from his pack and it will take a while to heal.
This is book two of this series, though they are all written well and each stands alone perfectly. This story is intriguing; the suspense is nail biting, as there are so many twists. The sex in this is even hotter than the others. There is some pretty hot BDSM. My favorite thing about this story is the unique take on the mate bond.
I recommend this if you like an interesting paranormal series, two broken men, magic, mates, destiny, shifters, BDSM (D/s relationship), and a satisfactory ending.
Blurb:Dean Brooks was born a Prince, but his father’s life of luxury was never one he wanted. Determined to make his own path, he accepts the role as prince regent to a small town in the middle of nowhere known as Dahlia City. But when war threatens, Dean will do anything to prevent his father from getting involved, including taking a shifter hostage in hopes of bargaining with the neighboring pack.
Fate has played a cruel joke on the black jaguar shifter, Malachi Xavier. Or at least that’s what he thinks when he realizes the human who has imprisoned him is his mate. To make matters worse, Dean has no knowledge of their bond or its significance.
But the more time they spend together, the more neither of them can deny their feelings. Malachi will have to decide if it’s worth giving up everything he’s ever known for the human that’s captured his heart.
Here is a very quick rundown so I can get straight to the good stuff.
Dean is a prince of a village stuck in the middle of the Shifter war and The Stragorri hunters. He has had enough and goes to the pack to plea with the alpha for a treaty.
Malachi is the Shaman of the pack and as soon as Dean enters, he knows he is his mate. (I know the mate thing but trust me on this one). When Dean leaves, Malachi follows out of curiosity and is accidentally swept through the portal. Dean takes him as captive as a bargaining chip.
Now, Wow again. Let me begin by saying this is book 4 of the series. I started with book three and was hooked, this one held me captive (I know couldn’t resist the pun)
This story is so full of twists and turns. First off, Dean and Malachi and the mate thing: This isn’t a run of the mill ‘you’r my mate and we fall in love’. Not even close. Dean is a bad boy and has been hurt and has sworn off love. He doesn’t believe in love and is convinced nothing will ever sway him on that. Malachi is the opposite. Sweet, good-hearted, loving and longs for love, but he realizes that Dean has his city to run and he has his pack that needs him as head healer and the fates have screwed them both royally. Then just when you think, love will win a BIG twist and a jealous lover and chapter 8 the tears flowed. (Yup, you would get an extra point for that, but can’t go over 5, sorry)Then we find out a big secret (see my recommendation). Yes, it still keeps getting better and better! Then something sweet even happens to seal the deal. So yes, WOW! I’d say start with this one you’d want to read the rest but, this one really doesn’t, mention too many character or much from the past books, but they are all good so read them anyhow!
I highly, highly recommend this if you love awesome worlds, shifters and paranormal, mate bonds, really hot-mansex, super twists, and Gods…you will have to read this one to see what I mean…!
Blurb:Night Stragorri was born to hunt. As heir to the Stragorri bloodline, his sole purpose to kill any paranormal threatens human life. He is bound by blood to the Hunter code, but he desperately wants a way out. He didn’t imagine in a million years that one fateful visit to a shifter-infested nightclub would bring him face-to-face with the man who would change his destiny.
Akira Landers is a Were-panther with a painful history. Adopted into a pack of werewolves at an early age, he learned to fear Hunters above all others. Working at the pack-run nightclub, things are always eventful, but even he is surprised at the Hunter who enters their domain and more surprised by the attraction he feels for the other man.
Inexplicably drawn together, sparks ignite, but their pasts seek to divide them as they struggle to accept their love in a world where Hunters and Weres are mortal enemies.
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, public exhibition, spanking, sex toys, HEA]
Review: This is book 1 of the Be-were series. As usual, I began backwards and had read the third first, causing me to start at the beginning, since I fell in love with the world and characters and had to catch up. I adore the series title Be-were!
Now for a quick rundown on this book. Night is a hunter and is the heir to title of king of the Stragorri house. Hunters have special magic and have been bred to hunt the paranormal and protect the humans. Night unlike most hunters has a heart and a conscience and feels that his family isn’t being truthful and some of the kills are not justified. Night wants things his kind doesn’t, he is tired of being alone and hated and feared but if he ever tried to quit he would be the next on the list.
Akira is a were panther and lives in a pack of misfits that are mostly wolves but Jared has taken in others such as Akira. Akira is happy in his pack, since his Alpha is just, but Akira being very submissive wants a mate that loves him not just to use him for sex then toss him aside when they get bored, or to be a side fling for a gay wolf that has to mate a female to breed. He wants a mate of his own, that loves and cherishes him for himself not his sexual talents. (Don’t we all?)
Ah poor Akira. I sure can relate to him. Though he is by far not my sort of man, I fell in love with him instantly. He is small, and punkish, but by no means a coward or weakling. He is full of fire and heart. Then Night walks into the club to eat.
Now Night is my kind of man tall dark strong with lots of secrets, and not seemingly the nicest man around. Chemistry flows immediately between the two and the story is on!
This is a great story set in a fantastically built world of humans and other beings. There is plenty of intrigue and mystery. Lots of action and plenty of very hot mansex. There was one small issue I had with the story but I can’t tell since it would be a spoiler, but perhaps that question will be answered in the next book anyways, and since I have it, I will soon find out.
I highly recommend this to anyone that like a unique world of supernatural, Vampires, werewolves, and other types of mystical beings, mystery suspense, and really hot man-sex. Yes, this has a bit of everything!
Blurb: A week to prepare for battle hardly seems like much, but a week is all Madigan Parker and his lovers have to prepare for the battle to save Urun. Awakening Madigan’s powers is just the beginning as the former baker gives himself over to the trainers to make him the leader of an army before the week is out. Practicing with Scepta enables him to achieve more than he ever thought possible, but new power brings new gifts and problems that he wasn’t expecting to deal with.
As Madigan learns more about himself and his angelic powers, his lovers try to hold the fear of failure at bay as they work toward their goals. When Madigan finally starts to believe that he might actually be able to win the unwinnable, his lovers reluctantly start to feel that same hope. However, as the pawns fall neatly into place, unexpected challengers, and new allies may end the war before it’s even begun.
Review:This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Madigan, Cross, Bren, Michel, Yuri and Dex are gearing up for the coming war with Azrael and his Hunters. All the angels are finding it hard to allow Madigan into danger but they know he has to open his powers and gain control of them if they are to win, they are all feeling the pressure but as more angels are pledged to fight by the Archangels they begin to feel hope. Surprise allies come into play but first Madigan has to prove his worth and if he doesn’t learn to call upon his powers the war maybe over even before, it has begun.
This is a great addition to the His Guardian Angels series with the war rapidly approaching Madigan and his angels manage to still find time to love. As the war approaches, Madigan, and his angels discover that they have many more allies than they ever imagined, Madigan has to open his powers and with the help of allies old and new he begins to get a grip on them. Cross, Bren, Michel, Dex and Yuri find they have lots to keep them occupied as they help to train the Nephilim for the upcoming battle, but the fear that Madigan isn’t going to be ready lingers.
Oh damn this is a steamy addition to the series which is packed with surprises. Jana Downs pulls out all the stops as sides are taken and allies are forged as the war approaches, she has given us something to look forward to as Madigan’s powers come to the fore. We see our favorite angels coming together in support and love, we see them handling their fears with a reaffirmation of their love, and we watch as amazing allies come to their aid. Their sex lives don’t falter one bit as Madigan uses his powers in a sensual way and boy are they smoking hot. The ending is one that you want to choke the author for…. I wanted to cry in sheer frustration.
I recommend this to those that love mixing it up with your paranormals, watching as your pages start to smoke because of the hot sex, seeing the army come together and a pure frustrating ending that ends much too soon.
Blurb: Sivney Forsàidh is a vampire with a sordid past. As one of the main forces of a paranormal investigation in Rome, he has a full plate that rarely gives him time to think about anything outside of work. He has spent too many years alone, and has trouble seeing a life that revolves around anything other than solitude.
Kyrien has lived his entire life in his uncle’s shadow. He struggles constantly with the knowledge he was made into a vampire solely for the purpose so another can discover his existence. He opens a popular nightclub named Calamity and focuses on little else. He resigns himself to eventually being revealed to his mate—or not, as the years that pass come to show.
A rash of crime breaks out across the holy city and brings the duo ever closer. They try and soothe their solitude with each other. The bodies start to pile up, and the ghosts of the past show their faces. These two must fight to stay together, and keep their newfound life together from falling apart.
Review:This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Sivney is a vampire with a rough past; he has spent many years alone. He spends most of his time working for the Garden and upholding the laws. Kyrien has lived for many years knowing that he was chosen for a vampire, he has waited for that vampire to come to him knowing the man is his mate, his Anima Coeunt. When the two vampires meet they struggle to connect, but Sivney discovers he might have bigger worries on his hands when Newborn vampires start to turn up feeding indiscriminately. As Sivney and Kyrien begin their relationship, they discover that their pasts may be connected to the murders.
This is quite a good storyline that starts out strong but quickly falters. Sivney lost his beloved many years ago, since then he has lived alone focusing on working. Kyrien was approached and changed because of his connection to Sivney’s beloved, but he has been kept off the radar until Sivney is ready for love again. Sivney isn’t sure how to react when he first meets Kyrien but decides to give Kyrien a chance. When the appearance of Newborns around Kyrien’s club has The Garden leading an investigation, Sivney knows Kyrien isn’t involved. As their relationship heats up a ghost from the past emerges and Sivney is horrified.
Although I found the storyline good and that the relationship between Sivney and Kyrien is hot and very involved, I found the back-story very hard to get a grip of. Early on, we are told how much Sivnay loved Johann and that Johann was Sivney’s Anima Coeunt but later when Kyrien is brought into the picture we are told that Sivney may have been mistaken but it all smacks of convenience. The mystery of where the Newborns come from and their purpose is quite good, but the culprits are again convenient.
There are some very good bits in this story as we learn about the various vampires and their roles, the relationship between Sivney, Kyrien is hot, and their connection is instant. We get a lot of information about The Garden and its history that bogs the story down in places but it is still a pretty good story.
I will recommend this to those that love paranormal connections and stories and history that go back centuries, discovering a new love, plenty of hot sex, a good storyline and danger emerging.
Blurb: Sam Bishop is on the run, and the safest place he can think of to hide is the ranch where he grew up. He just doesn’t expect Jesse McCaffrey, the ranch owner, to be waiting for his return. The man is both angry that Sam left him five years ago and determined to make sure that Sam never leaves again. But the danger that Sam is fleeing is right on his tail, and Jesse will have to reveal his darkest secret in order to save Sam. Getting Sam to stay after that will take more determination than Jesse might have. A little luck wouldn’t hurt either. And if that doesn’t work, Jesse will just claim Sam as his Lycan mate and keep him anyway.
Review: Sam’s running to the ranch he grew up on for a few moments of normality. Now he has a mate, there are Lycans and fairies, and he’s a half-breed Prince caught up as an unwilling pawn in the middle of an ages old war between courts. Oh, and just when you think he’s done for the day, there’s just one more thing.
Personally, I adore anything by Stormy Glenn. She is always an enjoyable read. Her male pregnancy themes always skeeve me out a bit, but I like the idea that somehow nature will always find a way. Sunshine’s Kiss is just another great story about mates by fate that learn to love each other like no other.
Blurb: [Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, sex toys, HEA]
Charlie Throne never expected fate to pair him with a feisty Halfling who has a penchant for attracting trouble, but something about Xander captivates Charlie and he knows they were made for each other. Convincing the Halfling of this, however, is much harder than Charlie had originally thought.
Xander Wilde is a Halfling who has spent his life searching for a way to harness the power of the Resurrection Stone. But so far, the stone is proving to be more of a curse than a blessing as hits on his life from those that seek the stone’s power become more frequent. When a shifter comes to his rescue and agrees to help him, Xander is tempted by the dark promises that resonate inside Charlie’s soul and finds it impossible to resist the wolf’s charms.
But what price will the Halfling have to pay in order to have his happily ever after? Could surrendering his heart mean losing everything he’s ever known?
Review: Charlie is a werewolf sent to bring Xander to meet with his Alpha. Charlie has no idea what his Alpha wants with Xander. When he arrives, Xander is surrounded by Vamps. He saves Charlie to get no thanks just attitude.
Xander has a stone his father left him a resurrection stone and he has been learning how to use it but to no real avail. Now vamps and hunters are after him and he has to leave his home and go find the Sage to learn the secrets of the stone. But that were just won’t leave him be. Why?
This is book 3 of this series. I know I have a habit of starting with book three. This series, however, doesn’t seem to be need to be read in order. I followed just fine. The story stood along fine.
The characters were well-developed. At least Charlie and Xander were. The other towards the end I could tell were from the previous books but it didn’t hurt the story at all; the story is predominately Charlie, Xander and the mystery of this resurrection stone.
This is a pretty run of the mill Shifter meets mate story but it does have a good storyline, lots of action and plenty of mystery. I plan to read the other two books and follow this series. It’s one of those lighthearted, sweet stories that make you feel good. A great summer read.
I also love this cover. I can really see both Charlie and especially Xander with his bratty attitude.
Recommendation: If you like a sweet shifter romance , stories of finding your mate, some mystery, an unusual shifter( I won’t tell you what Xander is you have to read to find out), some sweet sensual hot mansex and a Happy Ever After this one is for you.
Blurb: Choosing one’s mate is a special occasion. The knowledge that you both have chosen each other to live with and love forever is spectacular. But what happens when that person dies? Robb Reilly experiences this all too well. Being left in a world where he has to care for nine sons without a partner is a hard job, but one he revels in, one he loves. But he cannot cook to save his life.
Seeing an advertisement for a chef wanted in a vampire coven, Smith Reed instantly wants it. It is as though his gut is telling him to get the job. Of course, when he arrives he is in for more than he imagined.
A sexy-as-sin vampire whom he thought to be straight is now his mate. Not a chosen mate. Instead, Robb is his fated mate, the person he was created for. It’s a phenomenon that hasn’t occurred in over a thousand years. And Smith is lucky enough to have one.
But when trouble comes, can being fated by blood save the two mates or not?
Review: Robb is a vampire a very old one. He had a chosen female mate and she has died but he hasn’t, which confuses him since mates usually die with each other… They and nine sons all of which they had adopted. Now he has to move on, his focus is his business and his coven of 9 sons. He can’t cook so he hires a chef.
Smith was raised in a vampire coven, was always fascinated with them, and had always secretly wished he could be a true blood mate for one but knows through history lessons that had pretty much died out. Then he arrives on the steps of Robb for his new job as a chef. Everything changes for all the men.
This is a very cute take on Vampires and mates. It is sort of a Cinderella vampire romance; your basic boy is fascinated with vampires and dreams of being ones mate, fate steps in and the rest is history. I loved all ten vampires, each has a unique personality, and you can see all the setting up in this book for the series. There was a bit of action that made it a bit less sparkly, and the sex was pretty hot. The stage is set and I’m ready to see what comes next.
Recommendation: If you like Vampires, sparkly and bad ones, mate bonds, sweet romances with hot sex, you will adore this one!
Title: Silent Secrets
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