Tag: Siren-Bookstrand

Alpha Bear by Winona Wilder

Title: Alpha Bear

Series: Northern Shifters 02

Author: Winona Wilder

Genre: Shifters

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (25th May 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate – Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Blake feels lost after his best friend settles down with a mate. They were both initiated into the Marcelle wolf pack as orphans, but now it’s only Blake without a past or future. He has a spark of hope when his alpha mentions a buried box that could contain the answers he seeks.

The only problem—the box is deep in bear territory.

When Gage meets a foreign bear near his bathing pond, he’s immediately attracted to the dark-haired stranger. They engage in a passionate love affair, only to question their relationship when the lust settles. Blake’s different customs continually rouse Gage’s suspicions. Is he a human, bear, or a wolf trespassing on their land?

Can an alpha bear and wolf bridge the gap in their worlds for the sake of love? Will the contents of the buried box bring them closer or tear them apart?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/alpha-bear

Review: Blake is finding it hard to keep steady after Jacob mated. They were best friends, but now Blake feels all alone and it is made worse by the fact that he has no clue as to his past. Well, now he has a clue, but will he brave bear country to find an answer. Gage is fed up with his parents trying to force him into a mating, so when he comes across a strange man in his forest he is intrigued by him. They both quickly realized that they feel a pull to each other, but insecurities and unanswered questions just might pull them apart.

I so love the way that these shifters live. They don’t live in harmony with other shifters, they are closer to their animals and don’t interact that much with humans. Blake is a wolf who wants to know something, anything about his past and Redden (Alpha) has finally admitted that there is a box that might have something in it. But, the box is buried in bear country. Blake goes against his Alpha’s wishes when he hunts for the box. But, Blake doesn’t care, as he meets Gage, a bear who appeals to him like no one else ever has. Gage lives mostly in his bear form, he finds it hard to handle human emotions and feelings, but when he comes across Blake he finds that he is quite happy to follow the human urges. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been quite honest with Blake and now he has to try to see a way forward for a bear and a wolf who are mates.

I really enjoyed this story and thought the story line was really good. Both Blake and Gage are lovely characters with Blake feeling lost, as he is now the only wolf in the pack with no knowledge of where he came from. Gage is an absolute sweetheart, who due to bear customs is a virgin and is expected to mate with a female his parents have chosen, but he really doesn’t want to. When these two come together it’s hot and sexy, with Gage and Blake being a perfect match, but that doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. Blake ends up hurt when he finds out about the betrothal and they also have to find a way to be together without aggravating a war between the wolves and the bears… although it is a close run thing.

So, if you love shifters but want them a bit more animal, want a story with a bit of bite, a mysterious box that could hold answers, hot sex between a hot wolf and an alpha bear and a happy ending with just a bit of conflict, then I recommend this book for you.

 

 

For the Rest of Eternity by Lynn Hagen

Title:  For the Rest of Eternity

Series:  Christian’s Coven 05

Author:  Lynn Hagen

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Siren Publishing/Everlasting Classic (May 5th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts                                                                             

Blurb:  Jacob was devastated when the doctor diagnosed him with a rare blood disorder. Deciding to make the best of what time he has left, Jacob casts all caution aside and pursues the one man he had been warned away from…Shelby.

Shelby smells the sickness on Jacob, his mate. After finding out that Jacob doesn’t have much longer to live, he begs the prince to convert the human, but Christian refuses. He tells Shelby that the choice is up to Jacob and Jacob alone.

When Shelby is attacked by a pair of rogue vampires, Jacob learns the people in this world are not just human. He can live with that. But what he can’t live with is the fact that he is too weak to defend the man he is quickly falling in love with.

Time is running out and Shelby isn’t sure he can convince his mate to be converted. When Jacob collapses right before Shelby’s eyes, Shelby realizes just how close he is to losing the one man fate has given him to love for the rest of eternity.  

Product Link:  http://www.bookstrand.com/for-the-rest-of-eternity

Reviewer:   Cat

Review:  This is a very well-written book. Though it is part of a series Christian’s Coven and the fifth in the series, nothing is lost. I was able to follow perfectly. I think a series like this is really a showcase of the author’s abilities to develop such defined characters and settings to reel you in and make you want to go back and read the rest and continue on. I can say mission accomplished here. I loved the story, all the characters, good and bad alike, the storyline of this book and the depiction of the love scenes. As we all know by now, I am a major sucker for a great love story.

This one the blurb pretty much says it all. Jacob finds out he is sick and decides to not waste his precious little time. He wants to spend what little he has left with Shelby even though he has been warned off, but no one really says why. He soon finds out the Shelby is a vampire. Shelby knows he is sick and that they are destined as soul-mates and that Jacob is all he will have. Eternity is a long time to be alone so he tries to get Christian the Prince of his coven to turn Jacob to save hm. Christian refuses. If Jacob wants to be turned, he will…but not against his will.

Time is running out for Jacob and for Shelby to convince him to change his mind. So does Jacob finally decide to convert? Does Shelby have to live forever without a mate?  What are the rogues and who are creating them? (Oh, forgot to mention evil rogue vampires that could threaten Shelby’s safety!) I am not gunna tell ya!! You will have to read the book.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves vampires, the soul-mate principle. Good solid love stories, hot mansex and a well-developed series.

 

Cat Scratch Fever by Stormy Glenn

Title: Cat Scratch Fever

Series: Tribal Bonds 03

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (142pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (14th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Waking up with memories of an erotic night spent in the arms of the sexiest man he has ever met, Azizi Dane is determined to track Manu Ucathya down and find out if there is a chance for more. But getting to Manu may be harder than he thought, especially when Azizi’s father arrives to take him home, by force if necessary.

Manu Ucathya is bound and determined to claim his anamchara once he meets him. He follows the time honored traditions of his tribe and approaches Azizi Dane’s father. When Azizi is brought to him unconscious and handcuffed, Manu is enraged. When Azizi wakes up with no idea why he is there, Manu feels like his heart is breaking.

But keeping Azizi proves harder than Manu thought, especially when a misunderstanding drives Azizi from his side and right into the hands of the hunters. Saving Azizi may be just as hard. Someone close to the Manu holds his anamchara responsible for things that Azizi has no knowledge of but they are determined to make him pay anyway—with his life.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/cat-scratch-fever

Review: Manu decides to go the way of the old traditions and offers a mate price for Azizi, but it doesn’t turn out quite the way he had hoped. Azizi is hoping to find Manu again, but his plans are interrupted when his father turns up.  The next thing Azizi knows he is waking up in a strange room with Manu. Both Manu and Azizi struggle with the changes and Azizi ends up in more danger than any of them thought.

This story is more serious than the previous two books with much more hatred between the species. It also continues with the rogue hunter theme and also betrayal from an ally. Azizi faces a lot in this book, from finding out about the paranormals, finding out the true nature of his father, his father’s betrayal, his friend’s actions and being tortured. How he kept his nice nature I really don’t know. Manu struggles with having a mate that is a human who has no clue whatsoever about how he is supposed to act, but he doesn’t make it any easier when he doesn’t exactly explain anything.

Azizi is a lovely man who ends up being hurt by a friend and betrayed by his father.  Azizi is one of those humans that you would love to know and keep close always just because of his innate goodness and his forgiving nature. Manu seems to be very much the traditionalist, but he does soften up eventually with the understanding of different backgrounds. We also see Seth, Rowan, Luca, Gregory and Daniel in this one.  all are woven well into the story and Seth isn’t very nice in this oneL.

There were a few niggles that bothered me and it was mainly to do with Azizi’s reactions, because at first I thought he knew about vampires because he didn’t turn a blind eye over what Manu was telling him about soul-mates and anamchara etc. But, it was more of a deduction that he came to and he didn’t have a clue as to what it actually meant. Then it was about the shifters, because he had a conversation about Rowan’s old alpha.  But, then later he was really shocked that Rowan and Seth were shifters. It just threw me a bit.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, vampires, hot sex, soul-mates, danger, betrayal, misunderstandings because of different cultures and a happy ending.

Maithe's Surrender by Leontii Holender

Title: Maithe’s Surrender

Series: Devil Enchained 01

Author: Leontii Holender

Genre: Fantasy, Kink

Length: Novella (129pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (8th May 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Maithe is a halfling demon whose kind has been forced into servitude by the human race. In his quest for freedom, he finds the human prince Astle Hadean standing in his way. The prince isn’t exactly what he appears to be, and Maithe can’t decide if he should trust the intoxicating devil or run the other way as fast as he possibly can.

Maithe finds it hard to deny the power that the human has over him. He can hardly breathe around the prince, and Astle seems to become more irresistible with every passing moment. Should he stick around to figure out what he is feeling for Astle, or should he bide his time until he can be free of the prince? The choice is taken away from him when Astle’s life comes in jeopardy and Maithe must risk it all to save a member of the very race that binds him in chains.

Warning: Some very rough sex which includes biting and bruising.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/maithes-surrender

Review: Okay, so I have never heard of this author before and I have looked to see if they have published anything else, but I couldn’t find anything… which really surprised me, as the quality of writing was brilliant

Maithe is a Halfling, part demon/part human, he has been trained for years to serve humans, but he has no intention of giving up his freedom… until he meets Astle. Astle has set his sights on having Maithe as his and Maithe doesn’t put up too much of a fight, until someone comes after Astle and then all bets are off.

This is an incredibly detailed, slightly enthralling novella that is rich in world building and is a joy to read. Maithe is malicious, holds humans in contempt and sneers at those who want to become bound to a human, and he has no intention of becoming bound and dreams of freedom. Astle is a prince of Rausol and wants Maithe.  He sets out to master him, but the choice is forced when Astle is attacked and Maithe must come to his rescue, which leads to events that just might break them all.

This book was great, right from the start. We are introduced to the life on Terra in vivid detail as a guard is riding through the streets, she comes upon a beggar telling a story and she stays to listen, and this is where we are told the story of Terra, Gods, humans and demons, and how the Halflings came to be. This story was woven brilliantly; it is full of detail throughout, so you can picture in your mind the actions as the story unfolds. The characters are wonderful and are fleshed out quite well, but Maithe is the main focus as it’s mainly from his POV, I would have liked to have gotten inside Astle’s head as well but I can’t complain.

This book has quite a lot of sensuality to it, even when there is no sex it lingers in the background, teasing our senses, and lulling us into feeling secure about what to expect from the sex and then bam!! We have an explosion of passion that is more like a frenzy, as they both clash together, biting, kissing and sucking and trying to take what they want.

The storyline is great, the action brilliant and yes some danger as well. There is a surprise as well for Maithe that he learns about his lover during an intimate moment. So all in all an enjoyable book that I will recommend to those who love fantasy, hot explosive sex, danger, unexpected surprises and a happy ending.

 

Sweetly Addictive by Christine Shaw

Title: Sweetly Addictive

Series: Dark Times 04

Author: Christine Shaw

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novella (92pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (26th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After watching all his friends mate, Jay North is beginning to get depressed. Is it so hard to have a mate of his own? Then one night—well, morning—as he drowns another bottle of Jack Daniel’s, his phone rings, his alpha demanding they meet. Upon arrival he is met with the sweetest scent he has ever come across. Chocolates and oranges—his mate’s scent.

After being thrown from his pack, something tells Danny James to go to Texas. He has no idea why, but when he finds himself at the door of the light pack’s alpha, his entire world gets thrown upside down. His mate not only lives in the light pack but also is their enforcer. Yet Danny can’t find it in himself to be happy. He thinks because of his homosexuality he has given up his right to a destined mate of his own.

Can Danny find it in him to be with his mate?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/sweetly-addictive

Review: Jay has been a bit jealous of his friends all meeting their mates and longs for his own. When he is called to his Alpha’s house in the middle of the night he smells the most delicious scent he has ever inhaled and discovers his mate seated with his Alpha. Danny was chased from his old pack for being gay and now he has finally found the pack who accepts gays. He also discovers his mate and learns that he has a connection to the Alpha that he never knew about.

This story has an interesting twist that adds greatly to the storyline for this little novella. Danny has run for his life now after days of hiding out and travelling he has come to the door of the Alpha who might accept him into his pack. He discovers his mate, fights his internal demons, finds out a secret, and proves to his mate that he is an equal. Jay discovers his mate within his Alpha’s home and is over-joyed. It isn’t easy sailing as Danny proves to Jay that he can be just as dominate as he is. Jay also has to come up with a plan to keep his mate safe, and to accept he doesn’t have to be top dog all the time.

Danny and Jay’s relationship is really good.  As we see Danny struggle with what he has been taught all his life, he feels cautious towards Jay, until he gets jealous and teaches Jay a lesson he will never forget. Jay is instantly protective of Danny, with good reason, and is really happy when all the connections between the friends are known (all the couples being related in some way). The relationship between Danny and Jay is a relatively smooth one, without too much angst or danger, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few surprises because there are. I loved the way that the sex was dealt with between them because it turned out to be very give and take, with both of them being able to be both Dominate and submissive, so it leads to some very hot sex scenes between them.

With this one I will recommend it to those who love paranormal, hot sex, D/s, slight BDSM, danger, secrets being discovered, great characters and a happy ever after.

 

Aggressive Alpha by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Title:  Aggressive Alpha

Series:  Twin Pines Grizzlies 07

Author:  Anitra Lynn McLeod

Genre:   Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal, Shape-shifter

Length:  Novel (35,894 words)

Publisher:  Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Note: Aggressive Alpha [Twin Pines Grizzlies 7] was previously published as Wide Receiver [Gridiron Gods 7]. Due to popular demand, the series has been revised to emphasize the bear

shifting.

Blurb:   Deception and love don’t mix…

 Desperately poor Dustin Brooks thought he’d won a scholarship to Twin Pines College, but instead, he finds himself tricked into a blackmail scheme he doesn’t want to participate in and can’t escape.

Mitch Gay loves learning, football, and sex—not necessarily in that order. When Mitch finds out a reporter is joining the team for an away game, his suspicions and libido are equally aroused. Determined to uncover the truth, Mitch goes after Dustin with an aggressive hunger that shocks them both.

Casual sex play on the bus turns surprisingly intense for both men at the motel, but Dustin’s secret inhibits a deeper connection. Dustin has never met a man like Mitch, but falling in love goes against his clandestine mission. When Mitch is injured and falls into a coma, Dustin is terrified of losing him. Mitch pulls through, but when he wakes up, he has no memory of Dustin as anything than just another gorgeous guy.

When Mitch’s love is on the line, Dustin makes the right moral call, but will he be too late to claim Mitch and become part of the brotherhood?

Product Link:  http://www.bookstrand.com/aggressive-alpha

Reviewer:   Cat

Review:  Dustin sets out on a mission to uncover some scandal and make money for college. He meets Mitch and uncovers more than scandal. He finds himself in love with the man. So does he continue to earn the money to feed himself or does he follow his heart? I’m not telling…you will have to read the book.

I thought this book was pretty good. I have to admit that this is Book 7 and it’s my first in the series. I felt it stood on its own quite well. I never felt lost and I wanted to finish the entire book. The story was a very good, sweet romance (I love good heartfelt love romance!)My only problem with it was that I never quite figured out who the aggressive Alpha was. I loved the uniqueness of the bear shifters also and would have liked to have seen a little more of that.

If you love a good heartfelt love story, some pretty hot Mansex and shifters, this is for you. A nice quick afternoon read with something different.

 

The Dom for His Alpha by Christine Shaw

Title: The Dom for His Alpha

Series: Dark Times 01

Author: Christine Shaw

Genre: Shifters, Vampire, Demon, Paranormal, M/M/M

Length: Novella (112pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (1st March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dark faces the fact he will never enjoy the feel of a whip or a flogger on his ass again. The new alpha of the light pack cannot be seen as weak. Until the following morning when Dark answers his door to the sexiest vampire doctor he has ever seen, his mate.

After a day of unbridled passion between the sheets, Kai and Dark get thrust back into reality. When they see a man strapped helpless in a BDSM club, can they rescue him in time, or will they unleash a new threat upon them?

As a lust demon, Harry always knew he would have a mate with a high sex drive, but once he had met “master,” everything had turned pear-shaped. Now with two mates who love him dearly, can they overcome a threat that may be bigger than they realize, and will Dark finally get to submit?

With the supernatural high council present, will the light pack succeed in ridding themselves of the enemy?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-dom-for-his-alpha

Review: Dark has just won the Alpha challenge when he comes across his mate Kai. Kai is not all that happy to have found his mate, especially as he lives in New York and the wolf lives in Texas.  But, just as Kai and Dark work things out they find they have another mate, Harry, who is being treated badly in Dark’s BDSM club. Can the three paranormals work things out or will their enemy win?

This is a story that I had high hopes for because the beginning was well written and a lot was explained about this author’s paranormals. But, then it seemed to fall apart not long after Dark and Kai first met. Dark is the new alpha, but he is a submissive and he gets really upset when Kai seems to reject him. So upset, in fact, that he tries to kill himself. Kai suddenly realizes that he doesn’t want to lose his mate and voila they are all lovey dovey. They then rescue Harry from an abusive Master and he fits nicely into a lovey dovey sandwich. Then, suddenly they are threatened by an unknown source for unknown reasons.

In the blurb it says that ‘Dark faces the fact he will never enjoy the feel of a whip or a flogger on his ass again.’ Urm, well unless this book isn’t to this blurb then that is total rubbish, as Dark couldn’t care less who knows that he bottoms and likes a flogging. What does seem to emerge is his past with another Master and how that Master disappeared never to be heard of again, leaving him feeling abandoned. Harry has his own problems to get through including the loss of his powers. Kai is the only one that seems to have no problems other than pressure from the council to do what they want.

There are several very good bits in this book and to be honest this feels more like a novel cut down to be a novella; there are lots of details and information for such a short book and there is a lot going on in the way of plot. It also seems to be quite choppy, switching back and forth between characters. The sex is very hot, the BDSM is well detailed and the characters are quite good (although Dark needs to learn not to cry at the drop of the hat).

I believe that this is this author’s first published m/m (*note:  Ms. Shaw has a full Siren backlist, which includes only M/M romance.  To learn more about her and read reviews of her other works, click here.*) and I have to say the potential is there; it just needs to be smoothed out more. So, all in all, I will recommend this to those who love shifters, demons, vampires, hot sex, angst and a pretty good story-line. I’d also recommend this to those who are fans of Lynn Hagen, Joyee Flynn, Gale Stanley and Stormy Glenn.

 

 

 

Remembering to Breathe by Lynn Hagen

Title: Remembering To Breathe

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Contemporary, M/M/M

Length: Novella (138pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (7th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Liam fell in love with a straight man, big mistake. Especially when Bishop ran the first time they kissed. Feeling devastated and rejected, Liam starts over, making a whole new life for himself.

Investing a murder, Detective Jack Watterson meets the man of his dreams. Liam wraps himself around Jack’s heart after only one date.

But then Bishop returns, telling Liam that he loves him and how much he wants another chance. Liam is caught between the two men that he loves and doesn’t see a way out, until Jack proposes Liam’s wildest fantasy.

But things aren’t that easy, not when Liam is accused of a murder he didn’t commit. Liam also has to deal with a bully from his past, a man bent on teaching Liam that gay men are evil. Can the three work things out and find a happy life together, or will they fall apart when Jack is shot by the very man setting Liam up?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/remembering-to-breathe

Review: Liam is a quiet man who likes to keep to himself.  he is dreading it when another man is assigned to work with him, but its lust at first glance and he slowly falls in love with the straight man. Bishop is as straight as they come, but his co-worker confuses him when he provokes feelings he shouldn’t be having. After a kiss he flees. Jack knows what he wants and he wants Liam. He falls head over heels for the little man, but now Liam’s first love is back on the scene and Liam is torn.

I was actually thoroughly enjoying this book and admiring the way that the author’s style had developed and matured and how well-developed the characters were and then Bishop walked back into Liam’s life and miffed me off. Liam falls in love with Bishop, knowing that Bishop is gay and nothing can happen but then Bishop kisses him and disappears.  Liam, feeling rejected, goes to his sisters and ends up being laid off so he starts anew. Jack meets Liam while looking into a murder at Liam’s old house.  He sweeps Liam off his feet and just when things are going great…Bishop comes back into Liam’s life.

Okay, so all three characters are great and so are their reactions, to a point.  and they all have great personalities and they all mesh well together, but, for me, it was ruined a bit by Liam’s easy acceptance of Bishop back into his life and how he contemplates getting everything he wants without even taking Jack’s feelings into account.  But, I admired Jack’s resolve in willing to do anything for Liam and the fact that Bishop was willing to also give it a try was great.  Liam though…it confused me how he could still loves someone that deeply after no contact for a year and the fact that it was a straight man who had fled after kissing him.

The bullying was well portrayed and I liked the twisty little murder because that came out of nowhere and Jack’s reaction was really well done and an honest one at that. The tentative way that Jack, Bishop and Liam work towards the relationship is great and I loved how it progressed. The sex is hot and it was very natural between the three of them. I liked the gay for you aspect and then the gay for them and I liked the way that Bishop had to think hard about what he wanted.

I have to recommend this to those who love ménage, gay for you, a bit of angst, some danger, hot sexy man love and a happy ever after (after all the shocks and hospital visits that is).

 

 

 

Angel Bound by Jana Downs

Title: Angel Bound

Series: His Guardian Angel 01

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Paranormal, M/M/M/M/M/M

Length: Novella (116pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (26th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Madigan has a successful career as co-owner of a bakery and has never really been passionate about much else. His mother has always claimed that he was the son of the Archangel Raphael, but he’d never had reason to believe her. That is, until Madigan finds himself hunted by angelic fanatics who see him as an abomination.

His father has assigned him guardian angels to act as his protection from the hunters. The five men desperately search for a solution for Madigan’s protection and find only one viable option. Madigan must become Angel Bound, married in angelic terms, to all of his guardian angels. Now Madigan has gone from having no relationships to having five simultaneously. All of the men will have to learn to balance desire and duty in order to ensure Madigan’s safety and happiness above all things.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/angel-bound

Review: Madigan is chucked in the deep end the night of his birthday. His mother always said his father was the Archangel Raphael, but he never believed her.  But, now faced with a group of angels who want to kill him, he has no choice. Now with five angels to protect him, they have to find a way to keep him alive long enough to come fully into his powers.

Okay.  Wow.  Jana Downs has blown this story out of the water. Madigan has just celebrated his twenty-eighth birthday and is attacked.  He discovers, in short order, his father really is the Archangel Raphael and he is a Nephilim and now he is in grave danger. Cross, Michel, Bren, Dex and Yuri are the angels assigned to keep him safe and to find a long-term solution and boy does Yuri find a solution ;-). As we progress with the book, we discover a bit about each of the characters and we have more to come in future books :-).

The idea for this book is quite unique; an Nephilim being assigned 5 Guardian angels to protect him from the Angels who go after all Nephilim, but ending up having to bond with all 5 angels as a way to survive. Madigan having to try to work his way through the shock of who his father is, that he is half angel, that angels are trying to kill him and that he has to bond with 5 angels to survive and it is not all sweetness and light between them all.

Each character is different from the last and they all have great personalities… for them. Seeing the dynamics as they try to establish a relationship is interesting and seeing them trying to find where they fit, not just with Madigan but with each other is great and you can tell that there will be even more clashes in the future for all these men. Now watch your heart rate as you approach the sex scenes because it really is scorching hot and quite explicit and scorching hot (I know I said it twice but it bears repeating.)

So if you want hot angels, hot sex, a good storyline, a bit of conflict, frustration, growly men, scorching hot sex and a happy ending (for now anyway) then you have to give this a shot. P.S. Can’t wait for the next installment, there’s a teaser on Ms. Downs website.

Darcy Burke by Joyee Flynn

Title: Darcy Burke

Series: Beyond the Marius Brothers 02

Author: Joyee Flynn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Vampire

Length: Novella (119pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (17th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In a world where humans and paranormals coexist in secret and where they are at war with soulless demons, vampires dream to be united with their mates.

Darcy Burke is a strong and caring vampire warrior who lost his family long ago. After so many casual hookups, he bumps into a man who he longs to love and support for the rest of his life.

Ayden Magee is a werewolf who has been stuck in his wolf form and is desperately trying to find a way to save his brothers. When Darcy helps him change back, Ayden sees the possibility of a future with this man, one filled with the tenderness and love he has been missing.

Will Darcy and Ayden be able to save Ayden’s brothers and build a lasting relationship together, or will their differences and their pasts be too much for them to conquer?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/darcy-burke

Review: Ayden is a werewolf who has been through a traumatic experience and is now stuck in wolf form; he is desperate to change back so he can get help rescuing his brothers.  When he meets Darcy, his dreams might just come true. Darcy is a warrior and he liked to play around a bit, when he meets Ayden he promises to help get his brothers back, but their mating is far from easy.

I enjoyed this book to an extent as it was well written, but there was some stuff that really niggled at me. When Ayden and Darcy first come together it was with a patience that must have nearly killed Darcy.   He tries to pace it, because of what happened to Ayden in the past, but also because he has just gulped down a load of shifter blood so he is extremely horny. Ayden lets Darcy in, but because of the short amount of time they know each other they haven’t had the chance to get to know each other and it causes problems between the two.

The pace of the book is good and there isn’t any real danger, just a slight threat.   And there’s some arguing as they try to work things out, the sex is really hot and erotic and it is really sweet and slightly funny, but cringe-worthy when Darcy takes things into his own hands as so not to hurt Ayden (I crossed my legs in sympathy). The two characters were good together and I enjoyed how they interacted with the other characters.

The only thing that niggled at me was Elena (Marius Brother’s mother) can’t she just keep her nose out of other people’s business for just one book and can’t she just stop throwing her weight around like she’s the freaking Queen.   I mean, God,  she’s in The Marius Brothers, The O’Hagan Way and Beyond The Marius Brothers, please just give me a break from her.

So, in all honesty a good book that I will recommend to those who love vampires and shifters, a bit of conflict, a bit of relationship conflict, hot man love, great characters and a happy ending with a good idea of the next Marius Brother’s story.

 

The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx by Scarlet Hyacinth

Title: The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx

Series: Mate or Meal 08

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novella (133pgs)

Publisher: Siren- Bookstrand (10th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Best friend or beloved? All his life, seahorse Layton believed he loved lynx shifter Corbin. But when his body and heart reach out to Corbin’s brother, Preston, instead, he is left in absolute confusion, humiliated and afraid of his own emotions.

For years, Preston has known Layton is his mate. The only thing more painful than his mate choosing his brother over him is the knowledge of Layton’s pain at Corbin’s rejection. But then, his friendship with Layton suddenly becomes more. The knowledge that it could still be a one-time thing hurts more than Layton’s platonic affection ever did.

When as a result to their passionate encounter, Layton becomes pregnant, erratic emotions explode. What will happen when the reason behind Layton’s confusion is revealed? Can Preston and Layton overcome the threat on their hearts, lives, and families?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-seahorse-who-loved-the-wrong-lynx

Review: Layton has loved Corbin for years, but ever since THAT kiss with Alexis, a shady incubus, he’s started to have feelings for another.  When he finally acts on his attraction, he realizes the truth. Preston has longed for his mate, but knowing his mate wanted his brother, he has stood aside hoping that Layton finds happiness. But, now that Layton has turned to him the truth emerges and their families and friends are in grave danger.

A well-written novella that has added more twists to the Mate or Meal series. Ever since that kiss with Alexis, Layton has developed an attraction for Preston which is now throwing doubts on Layton’s belief that Corbin is his mate.  When the truth emerges, their families uncover a plot to start a race war. Preston has suffered watching his mate chase his brother, but now that he has his mate in his arms, nothing is going to separate them again.

I loved the new twists that emerged and I really hope that in future books it will be revealed how the other side found out who Preston’s mate was. With the continuation of these stories, new plots emerge and old plots reveal their connections and they are really good. What I enjoyed about this story was that there wasn’t too much angst or moping about the Corbin, Layton and Preston triangle.  It was cleared up quickly and the story-line progressed well, while adding in new details, so that we weren’t left hanging about the confusion of why Layton thought Corbin was his mate.

Preston and Layton made a great couple and they had some really hot sex.  I liked how there wasn’t too much angst when they got together and that they accepted quickly how they felt about each other. The other characters added to the story well and I liked the new characters that were introduced as well. There were one or two editing mistakes which really shouldn’t have been missed,  but other than that this was an enjoyable book.

So I will recommend this to those who love shifters, a touch of angst, m-preg, twists, a really good story and a happy ever after.

 

 

 

Memphis by Lynn Hagen

Title: Memphis

Series: Zeus’s Pack 08

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Shifters, Paranormal, M/M/M

Length: Novella (126pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (3rd March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Romano Tiziano thought owning a landscaping company was better than the bodyguard work he used to do, but who knew shrubbery and lawn care would have him on the run? After witnessing a prominent lawyer being killed, Romano thinks that Pride Pack Valley is the safest place to run.

Memphis thinks that he can handle anything after being under Jackson’s thumb…until he meets Romano. The man is arrogant, stubborn, and Memphis is going insane trying to deal with the man. And to top that, his other mate, Tabby can’t seem to stay out of the tavern.

Tabby has landed in jail twice now for DUI. And he wasn’t even behind the wheel! After his second arrest, he finds one tall and dark stranger trying to bail him out…and take him home.

Can the three get their act together long enough to claim one another or will their differences and blinding ways make them part company?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/memphis

Review: Romano is running for his life, trying to stay ahead of the people who want to silence him.   He turns to Pride Pack Valley and his cousin Dino, but what he finds there is not what he expected. Memphis knows that he can handle anything after being under Jackson’s thumb… until he meets Romano who is just as dominant as Jackson and Tabby who won’t put up with any crap. Tabby knows he isn’t a drunk but no one will believe him.   He’s had it with people telling him he is a drunk.  And now after finding he has two mates, one who’s a wolf and one who has hit-men after him.  he thinks that maybe they can solve all their problems.

This is quite a good story that has an interesting development. All three characters are interesting, Memphis thinking that he wasn’t affected by Jackson by in reality controlling everything he can and being dominant and a hard-ass when someone argues with him. Romano is also dominant, but he can compromise so it’s up to him to show Memphis where he is going wrong. Tabby is a man who even though he just might be submissive isn’t going to let anyone walk all over him and the sooner that Romano and Memphis understand that the better.

The story-line is quite good with Romano being chased by hit-men, Memphis discovering his flaws and the mystery of Tabby’s drunkenness. It makes for an interesting story, but there was a lot of horns locking as both Romano and Memphis acted like rams fighting for dominance. The one thing that I noticed was that there wasn’t that much background for any of the characters, especially Tabby, we get a brief background on Romano to explain why he’s running and we know that Memphis lived under Jackson’s thumb and we know that apparently Tabby was the town drunk, but that’s it.

So a good book, but sadly lacking in detail, so you find it difficult to relate with the characters. But the sex is scorching hot and Tabby is a little bit of a voyeur ;-). So I recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, mystery, hot sex and a happy ever after.

 

 

 

Just a Vampire by Stormy Glenn

Title: Just a Vampire

Series: Tribal Bonds 01

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (158pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (4th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Electus Luca Ucathya has waited hundreds of years to find his anamchara, his soul mate. Rowan Connelly was not what he expected. For one, the man doesn’t have a submissive bone in his body. Even worse, Rowan is a wolf, one of the most dangerous and hated enemies of a vampire. But giving Rowan up isn’t an option.

Discovering that he is the mate of a vampire isn’t so bad for Rowan, but the things required of him as the mate of the leader of a vampire tribe just might be more than he can handle.

When Rowan is kidnapped, not once, but twice, Luca knows he has to do everything in his power to keep his mate safe, something that would be much easier if Rowan would accept his place as the mate of a vampire and behave. Instead, Rowan is drawing Luca into more trouble with every breath.

And Luca just can’t seem to mind.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/just-a-vampire

Review: Luca finally meets his anamchara, Rowan, and he plans on keeping him from the start.   When he discovers that Rowan is a wolf he has a few doubts, but Rowan grows on him. Rowan is out clubbing with his brother when he meets Luca.  He isn’t sure about Luca at all, especially the way that Luca keeps trying to tell him what to do.  Will Rowan bow to Luca’s will? Or will Luca cave to Rowan’s personality?

Oh My God, this was so funny.  I haven’t laughed so much at a book in ages.  it was brilliant and really brightened up my day. Luca is a vampire to be reckoned with and when he meets his anamchara (his mate), he expects him to behave in a certain way.  What he gets in Rowan is so far from what he dreamed about, but he wouldn’t change him for the world.  Rowan doesn’t know what to expect from Luca or what is really expected from him, but he will only bend so far.  Luca will soon find out that Rowan isn’t going to be a push over.

This is a lovely, charming and funny as hell story.  I would love to tell you why but I won’t ruin it for you.  Rowan and Luca are brilliant characters who are both well written and their personalities shine through. The relationship between them is a bit rocky at first, but becomes solid quickly.  the sex is smoking hot between them. The story is quite good and is quite light-hearted and although there is a bit of danger, there are plenty of funny bits.

This one I will recommend to those who love shifters, vampires, hot sex, a great story, lots of laughs, great characters and a happy ending.

 

 

What Once Was Lost by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen

Title: What Once Was Lost

Series: Lady Blue Crew 07

Author: Stormy Glenn & Lynn Hagen

Genre: Science Fiction, Shifters

Length: Novella (127pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (28th January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Mo doesn’t know what to do with Mykel. He’s new to the future he’s living in and doesn’t understand half of what people tell him, let alone show him. When Mykel insists that they are mates, Mo’s set to run in the other direction.

Mykel knows Mo is his mate the second he lays eyes on the sexy human. He packs up everything he owns and leaves his family to join his mate on board the Lady Blue. Life would be perfect if only his mate would accept him.

Trouble follows the crew of the Lady Blue crew with every turn and Mo and Mykel are no exception. When plans backfire and go wrong, saving each other just might be easier than admitting that they belong together. But the past won’t be forgotten and when Mo goes on a wild mission doomed to failure, Mykel races to his rescue, refusing to give up on the one man that makes him feel whole. Now, it’s just a matter of saving Mo from himself.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/what-once-was-lost

Review: Mo is still getting used to living in the future and he really doesn’t want to be tied down just yet.  He doesn’t understand what is happening with Mykel and nobody is giving him the chance to catch up. Mykel is willing to leave, if that is what Mo wants, but he will miss his mate more than anything.  When Mo explains he wants them to be friend’s first, Mykel jumps at the chance.

I enjoyed this story; especially the part where Mo wants to be friends before jumping into a mating. Mykel has had a strict upbringing where the laws are everything.  He doesn’t quite get that Mo is holding back because of himself and not because of anything that Mykel has done. Mo tries to explain to Mykel that he just needs time, but when Mo makes a grave mistake, he realizes that Mykel means more to him than he thought. A well-written story that was enjoyable and humorous with a little danger thrown in to make it more enjoyable.

I must admit that I enjoy the way that Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen have worked together to produce this fun, light-hearted, enjoyable series that has just enough danger and angst thrown in to keep us reading and a story-line that is also intriguing but isn’t too heavy. The mates are fun and quirky and their partners are a little bit stern but easy going (well kinda) they meld well together and make great couples and Mo and Mykel are no different, the sex is hot and sexy and they might have some slight problems (ha ha ha) but they make it through to the end.

So I will recommend this to those who enjoy shifters, science fiction-ish, futuristic, hot sex, a bit of danger, some angst and happy endings.

 

 

 

Strip: Tease & Search by Gabrielle Evans

Title: Strip: Tease & Search

Series: Lawful Disorder 02

Author: Gabrielle Evans

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (194pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (28th January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After witnessing a brutal and terrifying murder, Kellen Ross has nowhere to turn. Something doesn’t feel right about the detectives’ lack of interest, but what does he know? Alone and shaken, he has no idea that his life is about to change forever.

Fed up with the senseless violence, Michael Hunter lays down his badge and walks away from it all. When he receives a call for help just hours later, he finds that he can’t deny the enchanting voice. Kellen is all the things he’s ever wanted in a partner—except the fact that he’s a man.

Kellen knows better than to fall for a straight guy. But with someone prowling about the city, determined to silence them both once and for all, he has no choice but to depend on Michael to keep him alive. Now, if he can just convince the man to keep him forever.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/strip-tease-and-search

Review: Kellen is minding his own business when he witnesses a murder and even though he is scared to death he does the right thing and goes to the police; who aren’t really interested. Michael has just been thrown off the murder case, he knows something is wrong in the department and quits, but when he receives a phone call from the witness, he knows that he has to help him.

This is a well written “gay for you” story that continues with the Claw and Dagger story-line from Lipstick and Handguns. Michael has become dispirited with the force and how they are handling a case.  He quits when he realizes that he is being stonewalled by his boss and he’s not the only one to notice. When Kellen needs his help he offers it and now he is struggling with the attraction he feels for the man, especially because he is a man. Kellen is scared, he witnessed a murder but the police don’t seem to be interested, when he turns to Michael for help he has to fight his attraction for the man knowing that he is straight.

I really liked this story as Michael couldn’t understand his attraction to Kellen and tried to fight it but when he gave in to the attraction he went in with his eyes wide open and embraced it fully without there being too much angst. Kellen is wary at first expecting Michael to flip his lid but is happy after Michael declares that Kellen is his to his friends. The story is humorous in places, we have Ryder and Sidney from the first book and we have danger and mystery and some hot sex.

So all in all a great read that I will recommend to those who enjoy danger, mystery, a bit of suspense, hot sex, gay for you and a happy ending.

Ravyn's Destiny by Jana Downs

*A digital copy of this title was submitted to MM Good Book Reviews by the author for review*

Title: Ravyn’s Destiny

Series: Ravyn Warriors 03

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy        

Length: Novel (154pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (12th January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The demon Prince Salvatore is a kingdomless monarch getting tired of life. Watched over by five Ravyn warriors, he’s spent generations trying to take back his kingdom from his murderous cousin. All he desires is to return home in peace. Then he meets an unexpected treasure, a human who won’t tell him his name. Now he wants something for himself that he never wanted before—love.

Destin is a faery King who has been unlucky in relationships. He’s been hurt in the past and has given up on love. By playing a bartender in the human world, he keeps his distance emotionally from other people, until he meets a gorgeous foreigner who wants him to take a chance.

When fate thrusts the two of them together, can they learn to embrace the unexpected gift they’ve been given? Or is their shared destiny just too good to be true?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/ravyns-destiny

Review: So, we are up to the third book in the series and I ask myself, can Jana Downs continue in the vein in which she started? (Can she keep giving us the good stuff?) And after reading this I have to say…yes, she can!

Salvatore is panting over the little bartender from ‘Daylight’, but is getting absolutely nowhere when he is confronted by one of his consorts. He finally admits that his feelings run deeper than he thought and on her advice he decides to finally ask his little bartender out.   If he is really lucky, then he might even learn his name. Destin (not really his name) has been hurt in the past so just brushes off Salvatore’s flirting as he can never get serious about him.  But then the worst happens and he has no choice but to save Salvatore’s life.  This only makes things even harder for him as Salvatore goes through a vital change.

This is definitely different from the previous books and has an interesting twist. We don’t see much of the Ravyns but what we do see of them is good.  There is one scene where they are all devastated and we see how each of them reacts and it is a really well-written scene.  There is also one scene that will have you gasping in shock, as we learn that there is a spy in the house. In this one, Salvatore knows what he wants but Destin refuses to give in. even when it causes him emotional pain.  It is an uphill battle for Salvatore to gain Destin’s trust.

There is a lot of sex with different partners (seriously, it is integral to the story-line).  But when Destin gives in just once then Salvatore refuses to sleep with anyone else and it is a close call as to who has the stronger will. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as it was well-written. We find out more about Salvatore’s past, we have lots of hot steamy sex, there’s a close call with death (twice!!), Salvatore has a lot to cope with, Destin has to learn to trust his heart and we have a great happy-ever-after and a fantastic new addition to the plot and story-line.

If you like anything from above, then you will love this book.  I will admit that I love how Jana Downs can keep all the Ravyns together without any of them overpowering the book except for the two main characters. And the way that the Ravyns bonds come through as strong as ever, so I am highly recommending this one to all of you.

Curtis's Dads by Lynn Hagen

Title: Curtis’s Dads

Series: Brac Pack 23

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Shifter, Paranormal

Length: Novella (124pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (10th December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Curtis’s need to rid himself of his virgin status drives him to his mate with anticipation, and his love of mountainous men lands him the largest man he’s ever seen. Chauncey will be the perfect mate if Curtis can get his dads to stop interfering long enough to let Chauncey claim him.

Chauncey is fascinated with his mate. But it seems every time he opens his mouth, his extra-large foot goes straight in it. He gives Curtis anything he wants, even when Curtis decides he wants his own apartment instead of moving in with the bear.

Curtis thinks life is great with his new mate until his past comes back to haunt him. Can Curtis get past a betrayal from long ago, and can he keep Chauncey from getting blood on his hands when he hunts the one who betrayed him?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/curtiss-dads

This book is part of a series and is best read in order.

Review: It’s been a pleasure to read all these stories as we have watched Lynn Hagen develop as a writer and I have got to say she is now up there with Stormy Glenn, Amber Kell and Gabrielle Evans.

Curtis is being cock-blocked at every turn by his fathers, so he plans to take his own life into his hands.  First, by getting his mate and then by getting his own apartment.  Everything is falling into place when a nightmare from his past comes back. Chauncey just wants to claim his mate unfortunately his mate’s dads are very protective.  When he finally gets his mate he begins to realize that being mated is not all sweetness and light and his mate needs his support when he has to face his past.

This is a really well written story that has a solid story-line and plot. Mind you, there are links to previous books and story-lines.  I loved both these characters.  Curtis we have known for quite a while so we already knew that he was into big men after the way he drooled over the warriors.  We also knew that he had had a problem with his first boyfriend but we never learned that it was much worse than we knew. There are a few moments when Curtis reacts badly to something and we begin to suspect something bad happened. But, with the support of the bears, the wolves and his mate he learns he can face his demons.

There are some funny moments, some sad moments, some loving moments and some exciting moments and let’s not forget the rescue of an innocent. These characters are fitting to the entire series and there is never a dull moment of reading, the future mate ‘D’ is brilliant and I can’t wait for his story.

So I have got to recommend this to everyone who loves shifters, paranormal, hot sex, lots of giggles and laughs and a story that leaves you genuinely happy.

 

 

Splash and Elegance by Gabrielle Evans

Title: Splash and Elegance

Series: Midnight Matings 13

Author: Gabrielle Evans

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shape-Shifter

Length: Novella (126pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (3rd December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Gathering is called. The spell is cast. There is no escaping the Midnight Matings.

Socially awkward and practically invisible to the rest of the world, Whitley Turner wasn’t overly upset by the elders’ announcement. Either he’d find someone to claim him or he’d disappear completely. So when he finds himself mated to a sexy-as-sin orca shifter, he’s not sure whether to jump for joy or run screaming.

Jude Chambers knows exactly who the shy swan shifter is. He’s been looking for a way to get close to him for months. Using the forced mating decree and a little cunning help from a friend, landing Whitley as his mate was a piece of cake. Feeling guilty about the situation wasn’t supposed to happen. Why couldn’t Whitley be the egotistical jerk he imagined him to be?

It doesn’t take long for Whitley to realize something isn’t right. When the truth is revealed, how can Whitley forgive his mate when being invisible was far less painful?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/splash-and-elegance

Review: Hmmm, the Midnight Matings series is cool; always a different combination of paranormal matings with some angst and danger thrown in. Oh and don’t forget that no animal is safe from being a shifter in this, fantastic.

Whitley is a swan shifter who has been treated like a nothing all his life. When he gets mated unexpectedly with Jude he is quite pleased and hopes his new mate will like him for him. But just when things seem to be going well for between them, he learns the truth about his mating. Jude needs Whitley and sets a plan in motion to get him, it isn’t until it’s too late that he realizes that he has gone about it the wrong way but by then it’s too late and he has a lot to make up for.

This story is well written and the plot and story-line are quite good.  The characters are great and although you don’t realize it at first, the blurb gives too much away. At first I thought the blurb was completely wrong and it wasn’t until much later in the book that I realized the blurb was just giving too much away, much too early.

I enjoyed this story because although they got instantly mated and had to have instant sex, the love and trust doesn’t come easy or fast, both have to be earned. Whitley comes across very early on as downtrodden and an afterthought, so he keeps to himself a lot and doesn’t have any friends. Jude comes across as a great guy but it isn’t until later that you realize that he hasn’t treated Whitley right but you hope that he will get Whitley to forgive him and make it up to Whitley.

I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, shifter, fantasy, hot sex, angst and a happy ever after.

 

 

The Lamb Who Cried Wolf by Scarlet Hyacinth

Title: The Lamb Who Cried Wolf

Series: Mate or Meal 01

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Inter-shifter Mating

Length: Novella (124pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (24th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Lunch or lover? That is the question that appears in werewolf Brody’s mind when he meets lamb shifter Carson. The answer is easy. Simply looking into Carson’s innocent blue eyes tells him that the lamb is his mate. If he’s going to eat Carson up, they’ll both enjoy it.

Carson has been isolated by his flock due to his inability to grow into a strong ram. When he is unexpectedly attacked by his half-brother, he does not expect being rescued by a wolf—let alone falling in love with him.

But in spite of Brody and Carson’s feelings, there are other forces at work and people who don’t agree with Brody’s new plans and diet. If Brody can’t find a way to save their bond, Carson might become lunch, after all.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-lamb-who-cried-wolf

Review: I found this book intriguing and look forward toward the rest of the series. Brody is a wolf shifter and is out scouting when he comes across a bunch of Rams scaring a Lamb.  He confronts the Rams and they run off he then turns to the Lamb and discovers his mate. Carson was just trying to go home when he is accosted by his older half-brother and some of his friends, it’s really not going well when a Wolf chases his attackers off, and he’s then taken by the Wolf.

Okay, I enjoyed this book but I must say that I felt quite queasy at one point until I got into the right mind-set, (really? queasy? You ask.) Yes. because these shifters are more in tune with their animals even in human form and entrenched in tradition that you have a human wolf standing there saying “Perhaps you’re right. I’m sure the pack would love a lamb dinner tomorrow.” While he’s looking a human lamb over? Really? all I could think was ‘cannibal’. So, in the right frame of mind this is more about animal instinct and tradition; although, because of the mating scent and bond, Brody doesn’t feel the urge to eat Carson or to give up his mate just because he’s a Lamb.

Now the story-line for this one is really good because at the end of the day they really haven’t got a choice, they either do what Brody’s dad wants or Carson dies, yeah so you can see their problem. So in this story you have love, danger, angst, heartbreak, anger and resentment with very little hope to hold on to. They endure as much as they can before Brody finally snaps, they are then given a challenge if Carson survives then they can live as mates but oh boy what a challenge.

So, if you want a shifter story with a slightly different flavor; with all the things you usually love then why haven’t you already bought this, go on it is a great read and this book is going into my ‘to be read again’ file.

 

 

Ravyn's Heart by Jana Downs

*A digital copy of this title was submitted to MM Good Book Reviews by the author for review*

Title: Ravyn’s Heart

Series: Ravyn Warrior’s 02

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternative World, Demons, Vampire

Length: Novel (176pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (27th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Allasandro, also known as Ally-cat, is a demon warrior with a sense of humor. He’s a legend among his Ravyn warrior brothers and the Demon Prince they guard for his expert pursuit of both male and female admirers. An admitted commitment-phobe, the last thing he wants in life is a “forever” kind of relationship.

The vampire Damian has long since given up on finding true love. Then he meets the cocky Ravyn warrior who ignites his passions like nothing else. He shouldn’t want Allasandro, but he can’t seem to help himself. After living the past decade alone, he’s ready for forever, and the only one who will satisfy him is the one man he shouldn’t desire.

Ally has agreed to look for a boy toy for the vampire on behalf of Damian’s son, Dageus. But the powerful, brooding man that he’s agreed to set up is everything he’s ever wanted in a mate. Damian is breaking his limits faster than he can erect them, and duty and propriety are interfering ever more heavily in their affair. Can Ally commit to the relationship, or is their taboo romance just too much for the warrior to handle?

Siren Allure: Erotic Fantasy Romance, M/M, demons, public exhibition, bondage, sex toys

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/ravyns-heart

Review: Allasandro is doing a favor for his fellow Ravyn Dageus (Kal) when he meets a man who pushes all his buttons.  Unfortunately, he also happens to be Dageus’s vampire dad. Damian becomes intrigued by the Ravyn Allasandro and it isn’t long before the sparks and clothes are flying, it’s just a shame that Dageus is against it happening.

This is a great story-line where Ally-Cat finally finds someone who he wants to spend more than just a night with. Ally has been attracted to men in the past but never acted on it; he loves to be the centre of attention and has an out-going personality. Damian is controlling and seems dour, he no longer sings, always having his head buried in spread-sheets, he put his love life on hold when he adopted Dageus and now Dageus wants to find him a boyfriend. What we get from the first with these two men (Damian & Ally) is passionate, intense and kinky, they hit it off great but then a couple of spanners are thrown in.

I must admit I thought that after everything that had happened that Damian’s reaction was quite rational while being un-rational.  Ally’s reaction was to be expected as he didn’t want to hurt his best friend or team and then he felt betrayed.   Dageus can be a right spoiled brat including throwing royal temper tantrums that really made me wonder if he was really a Ravyn or a Diva in disguise. A well written plot that has left a little something for us to dwell on which hopefully we find out more about in the next installment of Ravyn’s Warriors.

So,  if you want conflict, emotional conflict, hot sex, slightly kinky hot sex, tantrums, hints of secrets and a bit of danger thrown in, then I really don’t know what you are waiting for; because this has it all so, go read it and enjoy.