Tag: Siren-Bookstrand

Ravyn's Blood by Jana Downs

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

Title: Ravyn’s Blood

Series: Ravyn Warrior’s 01

Author: Jana Downs

Genre: Paranormal, Demons, Vampire, Alternative World

Length: Novel (180pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (22nd September 2011)

Product link:  Ravyn’s Blood

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dageus is a demon warrior sworn to protect his Prince even if it means sacrificing his past. Even without his memories, ice blue eyes and hard male touches haunt his fantasies. Despite his disturbing desires, Dageus has more important things to worry about when his prince and fellow warriors travel from Demontia to Earth to escape the assassins hot on their trail.

After years of searching for his lost lover, Kalel, Master Vampire Alexander never expects to find him walking through the doors of his theater. But Kalel is no longer the same young dancer Alex remembers. Kalel is now a Ravyn warrior with a new name and no memory of their love.

When Dageus finds himself face-to-face with the man of his dreams, he can no longer deny the desires that have driven him in the years since becoming a Ravyn. He must learn to balance love and duty in order to find happiness in a world full of killers, vampires, and dances that are hot enough to scorch the sun.

Review: This is a first published work for this author and I am excited to say that it is really good. Dageus is haunted by sparkling blue eyes and a hard body, he is also haunted by the fact that he desires men; he tries to suppress both hauntings by ignoring them and protect his prince. Alex longs for his lost lover and is shocked and delighted when he spots Kalel in the VIP balcony but then upset when he realizes that Kalel can remember nothing of the past.

This is a brilliant storyline and plot, the writing is smooth and flows well and the characters are incredible.   We get to know all of them well and there is some great world-building between the demon realm and Earth. This is a story that makes you love and hate these characters because as you are drawn into the story, you are conflicted on how to feel about the supporting characters.   You are pulled back and forth between loving them, because they are great, and hating them because of what they do to Dageus.   These are the characters that you know that there will be future books about (I can’t wait).

You feel sorry for Dageus/Kalel as the past is revealed and his story unfolds, the emotions between him and Alex are incredible and as they get everything sorted out you root for them. The sex between them is wow! Believe me it’s really hot and sensual and definitely passionate and they are soooo romantic when they first meet up after six years apart.

So I recommend this to those who love danger, vampires, demons, hot passionate sex, a great story and a happy ever after that touches you.

Maverick's Mate by Lynn Hagen

Note:  Review copy of this ebook provided by author

Title: Maverick’s Mate

Series: Brac Pack 01

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Shifter/Paranormal

Length: Novella (94pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (25th February 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Maverick Brac has formed a pack of his own, naming them the Brac Pack. With fourteen men under him, they all have one thing in common, the preference for men.

Cecil Walter was living a life no one would wish on their enemy in an abusive relationship with his partner with no way out.

Getting away from pack problems and a migraine, Maverick indulges in his one secret love, Chai tea. While in the coffee shop trying to forget the world outside exists for five minutes, Maverick has found what he never thought to have, his mate, his very human mate. Rescuing Cecil from his abusive boyfriend to finding out who in his pack is trying to take Cecil’s life, Maverick has his work cut out for him, but the largest challenge is getting Cecil to come out of his shell and be the man he once was.

Review: Okay, before I start the review I just want to point something out. I am a huge Lynn Hagen fan, I have all her books and I actually pre-order them so I don’t miss one.   Now saying that, just because I am a huge fan doesn’t mean that I can’t see the flaws ‘cause I can.

Cecil is stuck in a relationship that he isn’t sure how to get out of when he is rescued.   He doesn’t realize that he has just jumped from the frying pan into the fire.   Hmmm, maybe towering inferno is a better description. Maverick is thrilled to have found his mate and will do everything and anything in his power to protect him.

I really liked the storyline and thought the characters were brilliant and fun, Maverick is the typical Alpha male and Cecil is not quite as sweet as Maverick believes.  Cecil loves his independence and doesn’t want some hulking man to take care of him. These two come together in passion and hot sex and yes, it’s insta-mates and insta-love (very quick indeed).   The danger was ok and I thought it was great that we got to meet the mates from the next book. The interaction between all the pack mates is good and I love that the books are fun and cheerful with just a little bit of danger thrown in.

Now although I liked this book some things let it down… namely the proof-reader and editor. I am sorry but the story is choppy in places like there were big bits taken out or inserted in and everything felt like there should have been more to it.  There was also spelling errors that wouldn’t get caught by the spell check but should have been caught by the proof-reader. I know that this was Lynn Hagen’s first published work and to expect it to be a little sloppy and I made allowances for that but that does not excuse the editors or proofreaders at all.  Seriously, did you read the book or just spell check it?

But after all that, I will recommend this to people who love shifters, hot sexy men, a bit of danger, scorching hot sex, giggling and laughing and a happy ever after.  This is a great light read that will have you giggling to yourself like a loon.

 

Ben in the Shadows by Ellen Ginsberg

Title: Ben in the Shadows

Series: Dreamcatcher 02

Author: Ellen Ginsberg

Genre: Shifter/Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novel (160pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (24th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ben, a werewolf, has spent a decade being experimented on by a mad scientist. Retreating into a fantasy world to cope with his pain, he eagerly awaits a hero to save him. Jasper, a lifelong screw up, proves heroic in rescuing him, but is convinced of his own ill-worth and terrified he won’t be able to live up to the romantic fantasies Ben has of him.

Once mated, the two broken men gain access to each other’s dreams, where neither man can hide from the shadows of his troubled past, and the skeletons in both their closets threaten to overcome the love they both need so badly. Jasper and Ben are bound together for eternity, but will they find in each other their destruction…or their salvation?

Review: Ben is trapped in the basement of a scientist and dreams of a hero to come and save him.   He has it all worked out in his head about how everything would progress… after all he’d seen enough films to know. Jasper stumbles across Ben when he visits Dr. Pierson ex-PHD and Bio-revolutionary about a Miracle drug of epic proportions and discovers the Dr’s test subject is a werewolf and rescues him.

Another fantastic story where we are given more world-building for the other plane, Morgana.   We get a closer look at Ben and Jasper this time round. With Ben, you wonder how he isn’t a quivering wreck curled up in a corner rocking back and forth after being held for ten years having experiments done on him.   And you really have to admire his determination to have a hero even if that hero is flawed because that was the only thing that kept him going for so long; your heart breaks for him. Jasper is an emotional mess and you really feel for him.  What with how he pushed his feelings away after what happened to his parents, it’s not surprising; he tries his best not to give into any of his feelings.   and it makes you want to weep at how much shame and disgust that he holds for himself after he went off the rails and how it affects him now with his mate.

A truly wonderful story where you can empathize with the characters and know that it isn’t all a bunch of roses for them but that they actually have to work at it and let go of their own fears and worries.   Some fantastic hot sex scenes and angst, and some danger that is pretty freaky.

This has a strong storyline with a good plot that leaves us open for the next book which I guess with be Alex and Jacob’s story.  Hopefully, we will find out what happened to their parents for the last 10 years (pretty pleaseJ).

So I recommend this for those who love shifters, hot sex, angst, danger, hot men, a brilliant storyline and a promise of more to come.

 

 

Saving Connor by Scarlet Hyacinth

Title: Saving Connor

Series: Tides of Love 01

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Genre: Erotic Alternative Fantasy, Ménage Romance, M/M/M/M/M/M, Elves, Werewolves, Shape-shifters

Length: Novel (212pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (26th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thrust by chance in the waterworld of Uli, Connor finds himself falling for five gorgeous men. Rallion, Wren, Tallean, Chek and Rodrik are as different as night and day, and yet they all arouse deep feelings inside him, feelings he does not know how to deal with.

Elven princes Wren and Tallean want to protect Connor, but they do not realize how much the abyss between their social positions affects him. It is up to half-Fae Rallion to soothe Connor. But when an investigation regarding his presence on Uli begins, the situation is complicated by the appearance of Chek and Rodrik.

The two shape-shifters teach Connor and his men more about their souls and bodies than they’d ever known before. But there is a shadow watching from the darkness, hunting Connor. Can the five men save their lover before it is too late? What will these tides of love bring?

Review: Connor goes on assignment to Mexico for his paper and while he’s there he is caught in a storm that will change his life forever.

This is a well written story with good world building and in-depth characters with a really good storyline.   it is also a surprisingly good ménage-plus that really does work without trying too hard and all six men complement each other very well. You are drawn into the story and you really feel for Connor being transported to another dimension and being in a position that he has no way out of and no way of getting home.   It was also brilliant that Wren, Tallean, Rallion, Rodrik and Chek had different personalities and came together for Conner and they were not already established as lovers.

The sex scenes are hot and it was extremely nice that Connor didn’t just jump into bed with any of them and had to work through his issues about how he could feel something for all the men and how his men supported and encouraged him through these doubts.   there are D/s scenes as both Rodrik and Chek are very dominate but they are done well and it was a nice surprise that it wasn’t just Connor who acted as their sub and you can see how much thought went into this story as we see most of the men connect with each other without Connor being around.   As I said before a very well done ménage-plus.

I loved the ending as we are left with the opening for the next book of Connor’s best friend Owen, yeah can’t wait.

So I recommend this to everyone who loves a great storyline, incredible hot sex, even hotter men and the promise of more for the future.

Air Demon by Stormy Glenn

Title: Air Demon

Series: Elemental Demons 02

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Erotic, Paranormal, Demon, M/M Romance

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (3rd September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Nicholas Dane is happy that his friend Gabe has found the love of his life, even if he can never return to the surface world. The same cannot be said for Nick. He knows who his demon mate is, but Storym won’t give him the time of day.

Storym knows the surface dweller, Nick, is his Demonas Amaté. But he also knows that claiming the man would place Nick’s life in danger, and Storym can’t allow that. He has a hard enough time dealing with Nick’s need to save the world. He doesn’t need to bring more danger to the man.

Afraid that he won’t be able to deny himself if he stays, Storym leaves without saying goodbye to Nick.  He’s heart-broken.   Nick returns to the surface world to lose himself in his work as a police detective. Unfortunately, the shadow demons seem to know who he is, and they start coming after him. Nick’s only chance is to return to Jinnistan. But even there, his life is in danger because someone has their sights on Nick, and they will let nothing interfere in their plans, not even an Air Demon bent on claiming his mate.

Review: Well, it’s about time, Ms Glenn.   I thought you’d never let us have this one; it has, after all, been over a year. Ok, so maybe I like Ms Glenn’s work a little bit….ok fine… a lot, but that does not mean that I will not be brutally honest.  I will be.

Nick was dragged down to Jinnistan when his friend and work partner, Gabe, is taken there for safety.   Having his life turned upside down wouldn’t be too bad if only the demon he has the hots for would notice him. Storym is ignoring Nick as hard as he can because he knows that Nick will be in danger because of him if he caves in.  After a night of passion (really hot, sexy, gonna melt your eyeballs passion) Storym flees leaving Nick feeling betrayed, so Nick leaves for the surface.

This is a great fun read; the interaction between the characters is great (I loved the fire-ball and whirl-wind play-fight between Gabe and Nick).  The dangers are realistic to the setting and Nick isn’t a walk over (Storym has to earn his trust back).  Nick and Storym worked well as a couple but they also worked well as a team along with Gabe and Themper to solve the problems in the palace. Ms Glenn even starts this book exactly where the first one finished, so it jogs your memory.

So my totally honest opinion is this… go out buy the book, it’s great. You have got to read it even if it’s just for the sex because you would never believe what Storym does with those mini whirl-winds!!!  And if you don’t believe that I am being brutally honest then read the book and get back to me. *sly smirk*

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Moon Dance by Nicole Dennis

Title: Fire Moon Dance

Series: Fire Jaguars 01

Author: Nicole Dennis

Genre: M/M/F, M/M, Paranormal, Shifters, Bisexual Ménage Erotica

Length: Novella

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer:  Pixie

Blurb:  In the jaguar clan, the Goddess and seasonal moon dance could choose and bless a mating.  Lovers Sebastian Haywood and Raphael Salazar don’t want to risk the chance of a mismatch after they fall for a newcomer. When Sebastian locates a lost courtship law to use before the Fire Moon, which overrides the seasonal dance, they declare courtship, offering a trinity union to Hillary Kearney. Unable to consummate, the toms introduce their innocent female to other sensual delights their pairing can offer.

Review:  M/M/F is not my favorite genre because I usually always end up reading one that puts me off them for 6months before I read a blurb that intrigues me enough to try again.  This one did and I am glad that I decided to read it.

Sebastian and Raphael have been a committed couple for decades; they have been looking for a third and have finally found her and the means to claim her.  Nothing will stand in their way. Hillary transferred from her father’s clan a year ago and she is supposed to fulfill his wishes, but it doesn’t quite work out when the one her father wishes her to mate with mates with another.

The courtship that Sebastian and Raphael put into effect sweep Hillary off her feet and Hillary falls for them rapidly but she is cautious as her father’s warning rings in her mind. The scenes between these three are explicit but sensual and loving as they prepare for the Fire Moon Dance and the Goddesses Blessing.

So an enjoyable read that has some genuine old fashioned courtship and romance.  But just because its old fashioned doesn’t mean that they can’t twist the rules a bit (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

The Tall Texan by Kelly Conrad

Title: The Tall Texan

Author: Kelly Conrad

Publisher:  Siren

Genre:  Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys, MMM/F, Historical ( set in Texas, 1871)

Length:  Novel

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

Heat Level:  Explicit

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Reviewer:  Pixie

Blurb #1: (Bookstrand.com) Storm Benedict was injured in a mine explosion when he was very young and wandered away from town dazed and disoriented. Ten years later, he returns a big, handsome, rough-talking, big-as-a-mountain cowboy who has inherited a ranching empire.

After learning of Storm’s inheritance, the town fathers attack the ranch and refuse to let it go until Storm gets married, so he sends for a mail-order bride.

Saul Denis is a city slicker from the east with a secret desire to become a cowboy, but he doesn’t have the money to travel west until his sister Sable receives a proposal from a big, good-looking cowboy with a sexy grin. Saul swipes the letter, making a deal with Sable to go in her place. When he meets Storm, he is overwhelmed, quickly falling in love with the big cowboy. Soon, Storm reunites with an old drifter friend, Curt Sanders, and sparks fly between all three men.

Will Storm’s passion for a drifter and a city slicker be the end of his empire, or will the three men stay together and fight for their love?

Or

Blurb #2: (Kelly Conrad.net) This long, tall, Texan is fightin’ and lovin’ his way across the pages of Kelly Conrad’s book, and into the hearts of every reader! Even though he don’t have a lot of schoolin’ he knows a liar and a cheat when he sees one. With his hands on his gun, and right on his side, he partners up with a drifter and a city slicker and puts his brand on a ranch called South Wind.

He thinks he’s got his hands full with the town fathers trying to cheat him out of his inheritance, but when he meets Sable Denis, his mail order bride, she falls in love with him, and thinks he likes men because of “something in the water.”

Read the Tall Texan, and see how Storm finally defeats the town fathers, and his hellcat of a mail order bride.

Review: If you read the blurb from Bookstrand.com then you will be disappointed with this book as it isn’t as the blurb described but if you read the blurb from Kelly Cronrad.com then you get just what is says on the tin.

If you want a decent story line then this has it.  The town fathers will do anything to keep hold of South Wind, no matter what it takes. Seeing the town fathers plotting to take Storm’s ranch makes you want to hog-tie the lot of them and let the Sheriff deal with them. The length’s that Storm will go to, to keep his ranch knows no bounds.

I liked the story line although it would have been nice if we could have known a little about what happened to Storm for the ten years that he was missing, although he doesn’t remember any of that time. It was good to know that the Sheriff was on Storm’s side and did everything in his power to help Storm, even helping to deal with his hellcat of a mail- order bride.

Sable Denis, Saul’s sister and the mail order bride, is a strong willed woman who wants her own way but with Storm she finds an even stronger willed male, who refuses to bend to her will. The sparks fly off these two characters first with lust then with dislike and it was interesting to read how these two clashed.

Saul Denis is trapped with his mother controlling the purse strings and takes the ticket to become a cowboy; he falls in love with Storm very quickly.  Curt Sanders is a drifter who knew Storm from before the accident, the two hit it off and then the clothes hit the floor.

If you want steaming hot m/f sex it’s here, there’s hot m/m and even some m/m/f (if you can discount that 2 males didn’t realize that the 3rd male left and was then replaced with a female) but sadly only one m/m/m scene.

If you want romance or to be able to follow what’s going on in the complex relationship between these 3 men then you won’t find it here.   There is little interaction in the book between Saul and Curt.  For that matter, there really isn’t that much between Saul and Storm either, but somehow they all come together in the end.

I would recommend this book if you just want hot sex as there is quite a bit of it and it is scorching in places, the main story is quite good but the relationship, romance and love is lacking.