Title: Benjamin Pepperwhistle and the Fantabulous Circus of Wonders Series: Weight of a Gun Author: Cornelia Grey Genre: Historical Romance Length: Novella (65 Pages) Publisher: Storm Moon Press (March 13th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Benjamin Pepperwhistle has one overriding desire: to handle the glorious machinery that is a gun. So when he decides to run away to join the circus, its only natural that he should seek out the legendary pistoleer, Cole Beauchamp, and beg to be his assistant. Life in the circus has definite ups and downs, but as Benjamin settles in to his role, he finds that some perks are even better than he’d anticipated.
Review: Benjamin Pepperwhistle chases his dreams of working with world-famous pistoleer Cole Beauchamp and runs away to join him in the circus in this sharp, visceral novella. The smart writing harkens back to a time when the circus was the greatest show on earth, when feats of prowess and skill marveled crowds across the land.
Benjamin stars as the leading man in search of a home, a place, a tribe with those who are his people. He’s timid and shy, unsure of what he’ll find as he discovers more about himself than he ever thought he would. Cole Beauchamp stands his opposite: confident, strong, intelligent and brooding. Will the pair bond over the smoke and thunder call of the pistols?
Let me preface this by saying: I don’t like guns. I’m not wholly against them, I just don’t like them and they make me nervous. But boy howdy did this novella make me see guns in a different light. The entire story serves as a build of the tension felt by Benjamin – it’s sexual and electric as he handles the guns — cleaning them, loading them, shooting until every last bullet has been spent.
The story featured hardly any explicitly sexual scenes, yet every page I turned was filled with a thrumming tension built and then released and then built higher. I need a cold shower just thinking about it.
The writing is incredibly tight and strong, with even side characters feeling fleshed out and real. Grey draws on each of your senses as she leads you down a rabbit hole to a world that’s just this side of fantasy, a world you’ve always wondered about but never really seen. The circus as it was in its heyday has fascinated many authors and readers alike, and this novella makes a strong addition to the genre.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good writing and sweltering sexual tension – though you may not want to read it at work! It may make it quite difficult to concentrate.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Human Rights Author: S.L. Armstrong Genre: M/M, M/F, alternate universe, anthropomorphic, fantasy, furry, inter species, slavery, sweet Length: Novella (80 pages) Publisher: Storm Moon Press (August 29, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts Blurb: After landing in the pound after being abandoned by yet another family, Ewan is convinced he’s too old to be adopted out again. For a pet like him, the only fate left is to be put down. But when Sir Jiat—of the City Guard, no less—visits the pound, he goes straight to Ewan. Jiat prefers the more mature pets and treats Ewan better than he’s ever been treated by any previous owner. Ewan sleeps at the foot of his master’s bed, not on the floor or outside; he is given toys and other pets to play with and plenty of room to run; and he’s fed on a schedule and eats very well. But Ewan’s love for his master begins to change, to become something else, something more.
Plenty of pets have been killed over the years for acting on the feelings that Sir Jiat inspires, so he dares not express the desire building inside him. And yet, Ewan can’t help but notice that Sir Jiat has begun to act differently as well, more doting, treating Ewan almost as an equal. So even though the thing he wants more than anything is also their society’s greatest taboo, Ewan resolves that if he must die, he will die having felt, just once, the warmth of Sir Jiat’s soft fur pressed against his bare naked skin.
Review: Ewan a human pet, is adopted from the pound by Jiat, a jaguar city guard and secret member of an organization who wants equal rights for all. Ewan ends up falling in love with Jiat which is a death sentence if found out.
This story is about humans who are pets to anthropomorphics. It was interesting in the fact that everything is reversed as it is today. Except for the fact, that pets talk in the story. Glad everything worked out in the end, though it was heartbreaking when I thought they put Ewan to sleep.
Blurb:Discontented with his state of existence and with his own secret and self-destructive attraction to men, Reuben, the son of a baker, is convinced to engage in an act of rebellion against his father. But when his compatriot betrays him, Reuben awakens to shackles, a filthy dungeon, and the knowledge that he is going to be forced to battle captive zombies for the entertainment of the Bylondon underworld.
When he’s claimed, instead, by a powerful and stunning member of Bylondon’s ruling family, Reuben is willing to serve in whatever way ensures that he’ll see another day, even if that means training to become the perfect human horse. Erik is a kind master, and one that Reuben thinks he could grow to love… but the power of his shame and his self-hate rise up inside him, threatening to tear him away from the love—and the lifestyle—that he could never have brought himself to openly desire.
Review: This is definitely not a book for everyone; you need to have a taste for this genre to appreciate it. While very well written, refined and polished, and with a stunning cover, this book is shocking in more ways than I could have imagined. Now don’t misunderstand me, I do love pony play and anything that comes within this genre, hence I was astonished to be shocked by this book in first place. That stated I liked it and honestly can’t wait for the sequel to come; it feels like the story has just begun.
Ste in the 20th century – London, this is a mix of Post-apocalyptic / Steampunk novel. The world is plagued by the zombies and a wall separated London from the horrors outside. Life has changed dramatically making the poor people’s life even harsher that it already was. There are no close relationships between people and everyone is dead set about his own survival.
Reuben is the son of a baker in the slums of London. Throughout his entire life he’s been orally abused by his father, called a good-for-nothing creature, although his work is nonstop. He knows that he’s not specialized in anything but being not appreciated even by his only family that is still alive has taken its toll on Reuben. In addition, his craving for men heightens his shame and sense on unworthiness even more.
Dead set to leave his unbearable life behind Reuben naively trusts a “friend” and sets for Bylondon, a city outside London’s walls where London’s laws don’t reach and his father’s abuse will be forgotten. Betrayed, sold into slavery, and set to fight into a pit with zombies where a gruesome death awaits, he is saved by a man whose madness he can’t even begin to imagine.
On one hand, he owns his life to Eric, but at what cost?
So in the era this book is set, the act of loving between two men is not only frowned upon, it is actually a death sentence inside the walls of London. Reuben’s character suffers greatly from shame (not only fear) of his depraved longings. How he dealt with it before he became Eric’s plaything? Why he simply teased men similar to him, in order to cause their anger/attack and pretend to be forced into that action. It is a twisted way of thinking and acting, longing something so much to cause someone to attack you and brutalize you, yet this was not what shocked me at all. Everything up until Reuben set foot into Eric’s household was completely understandable, even as it was wrapped in layer upon layer of pain, abuse and dark cravings.
Reuben (from now on called Copper), even finds his new life as a sex slave for Eric convenient as he doesn’t have to admit he likes men, he’s only being forced into this situation that he can’t change. Even as he is astounded by Eric’s depravity, even as he rebels against the treatment as a horse, aka an animal, Copper still revels in his new life. After the initial, brutal charge of fear and emotions going on a roller coaster of highs and lows, Copper finally settles into this life. Fear still lingers but for the most part, he forgets it.
Okay, so what shocked me was to abrupt change of moods Eric had. He would be gentle and caring and literally spoiling his “pet”, but with the slightest, and I do mean slightest misbehaviour or refusal from Copper, Eric would take a 180 degree turn and become a freakish cold-hearted sadist, only to recover immediately once Copper apologized. This character still has me reeling. It is safe to say that it’s the first time I’m reading a book I like without caring or understanding one of the characters. I still feel chills when Eric’s behavior comes to mind. I understand where his reaction stemmed from, but it was such a powerful emotion that of fear, it not only colored the read, it not only affected Copper, but it managed to reach me as a reader too, and that was something I could not shed off of me even as the novel came to an end. Eric’s unpredictability was astonishing, and if this was the authors’ goal, well mission accomplished.
As for Copper himself, he confused me a lot. Yes, it was in his disposition to like and settle into this life from the start on, but I feel as if it all happened way, way too fast, considering the tremendous fear he suffered up until the very last word of this novel. I not only couldn’t believe it, but felt quite odd reading it too. It quite frankly unnerved me to the point I couldn’t relax my mind and enjoy the read while this shift occurred.
However, as I stated in the beginning, I liked this book a lot, and the end left me wanting more. It wasn’t a cliffhanger exactly, no, the main story of this installment was well and truly well done, but it managed to intrigue and entice me for more. I want to read Copper and Eric’s whole story, I want it now, and I want to once again let myself fall into the dark, murky waters of this world.
This novel is highly recommended to the fans of the genre.
Blurb:Any hunter will tell you part of the satisfaction is in the chase as well as the triumphant capture of their prey. In Snatched, the focus is on the eroticism of the power play between men and their male captors. Sometimes romance ensues, sometimes just a good amount of steamy sex, but in all cases, the effects of one character being in utter control of the man he has captured takes center stage. The appeal is in the erotic dominance and the way the captive would try to escape if he could, whether he truly wants to deep down or not.
Thomas is determined not to let the fights with his boyfriend, John, ruin his vacation in the tropical rainforests of Equador. But when he steps off the trail, he steps into danger, as he is taken captive by guerilla freedom fighters. Held against his will, he nonetheless finds himself developing an attraction to the man who both arouses and repels him. And as his captivity weighs on him, Thomas finds that being “The Guerilla’s Plaything” is not the worst fate he can envision…
Bryce’s life changes forever the night that he and his boyfriend are brutally attacked by creatures that seem like they can only be demonic. He’s sure, when they carry him off, that he’s being packed off for lunch, so it’s a shock when he finds that one of his captors is not the horror that he expected. As their attraction grows, it could be “The Two of Us” against the world.
As a member of the lesser nobility, Micah has never truly been able to “Feel the Wind” of freedom, and he and his family are not exempt from the brutality of the highest of the nobles. When he is imprisoned, hunted for sport, and captured by Ari, one of the realm’s Princes, he feels that his life is over. But when an escape attempt leads him to the bed of Dhea, Ari’s brother, he finds that there is much more to live for… and at the same time, so much more danger than he knows.
Thommie’s Review: I can’t resist seduction. There’s something about it that makes my blood heat, but when we talk forced seduction that blood goes overboard and right into boiling stage. This Anthology was an eye-catcher for me and I simply could not resist it. Finishing it, I was left with sated feelings and a slight smile. Definitely recommended to all those that are even a little bit like me. Enjoy!
The Guerrilla’s Plaything by Tilly Hunter ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
This story is a bit thought-provoking. We have a tourist being captured and the circumstances are a bit at odds. His captor is clearly toying with him sexually and evoking reactions that are in fact a bit humiliating for the captive. The fact that the captive’s lifestyle leans on the side of bondage doesn’t help matter much, because every time he’s in a vulnerable situation his libido make a presence. Truth be told, I was half expecting the whole scene to be invented by the captive’s boyfriend as a gift, but when it proved not to be so my feeling on this read started confusing me a bit.
For example, I did not appreciate much the fact that Thomas let himself be taken by Alvaro while he is in a relationship with John. If this entire story was a scene directed by John to spice up their life with games I’d be totally in for it, but as it was I disliked the fact that Thomas proved to be a cheater. Yes, some would argue with me that he didn’t have that much choice, that there was a blur line in the consent factor, but Thomas did never protest to any of the ministrations received from Alvaro. In addition the way the story ended “happily” was a bit surreal as well, convenient perhaps.
All in all, though, I did enjoy the psychological part of it. The way it focused on the victim and his thoughts/reactions, the way one’s lifestyle might make a difference in how one views a situation and copes with it. Since that was the point of writing this story in first place, I think the author managed well. The end result despite the surreal situation was very enjoyable and well written.
The Two of Us by Lor Rose ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
What an intriguing and enticing story this one was. I have no words on the characters’ personality development. Our main character Bryce, the victim, is a chillingly cold person inside, with no feelings running his nature. No wants, no emotions. He witnesses the death of his sex partner, sees him being eaten alive and still the only thing he feels is fascination. How cold, yet how very intriguing at the same time. How risky having one such person as your protagonist.
Xanthos on the other hand is a creature of the paranormal world, horse-like, a movable stone who hasn’t felt anything but pain – and that slightly due to his enhanced healing – for years, so it makes sense for him to be vicious and cold. Hunting and eating his prey is part of his existence. Oh and I just loved the name/word play for Xanthos. As it is Xanthos in Greek stands for blond, and that put a smile in my face because damn, the author did research on that and it makes me appreciate the read even more.
In the grand scene these two characters, hunter and prey, captor and captive, they work together well, they seem to fit perfectly and complement each other well. Their lovemaking seemed almost inevitable, something that couldn’t be avoided, and it definitely held a powerful punch of chemistry. The sensations that come through the text are quite potent as Xanthos has been deprived from sensing anything for thousands of years and now finally he’s feeling them all again. In my opinion, the author here achieved to make what her characters did reach us and captivate us as well, and it made for a highly enjoyable read.
Overall, this has been one very interesting and fun story to read, one that I highly recommend to those who like the sinister side of paranormal.
Feel the Wind by Ann Anderson ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Well if this story wasn’t highly amusing and entertaining. I think I loved every aspect of it except for the happily for now ending. The story is set in a world where people are gifted. Our main character has the gift of the wind and it’s that treat that grands him the opportunity to escape his imprisonment if he managed to escape captivity for a whole day. Nobles will hunt him down, everyone using their gifts as well, and if they capture him, he’ll be their slave and bound to do whatever they wish. If not, he wins his freedom.
As much as it killed me to see Micah lose his freedom, it also rather thrilled me that he managed to pick his captor somehow. He falls prey to one of the Princes and the story of his enslavery inside the palace grounds begins.
The plot was not only engaging but also surprising. Ari, the prince, was a lovely character, but his brother Dhea was the star for me. I was shocked at how the author spun the story, but it was a pleasant one and I enjoyed the events that followed immensely. The ménage scene was the best part of all, making the three men balance superbly.
What followed that though kind of soured the story for me, mostly because I never understood the reason behind Ari’s behavior. It was never explained and it left a hole in the storytelling and admittedly, it still nags at me.
Overall, though this was a great read, a recommend one to all those who love romance wrapped in a forced seduction package.
Gigi’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts This fast and fun anthology of three stories of kidnapping, chase, and captivity leaves you not only cheering for the captives, but also for the captor! From hot steamy jungles to mysterious fantasy worlds….
The Guerrilla’s Plaything by Tilly Hunter: A contemporary case of kidnapping. Grumbling on vacation, by himself, Thomas Jones get’s kidnapped by rebel groups for information and possibly ransom. But his sexy captor, Ramirez, quickly realizes Thom has a bit of kink for bondage, and takes advantage of those rope bindings! The leader of the Guerrilla faction isn’t as kind and may have a different kind of suffering in mind for Tom. Tom’s original handler, Ramirez takes the opportunities that arise to both help Tom and help himself to Tom! Will they both escape? How will Tom explain his sexy assailant to his lover if he does return home?
The Two of Us by Lor Rose: A paranormal chase. What would you do if you were being chased down by bloodthirsty stone stallions hell-bent for your flesh? Hmm… Bryce decides he’s share his flesh with Xanthos…but can he turn his hell-raising lover’s heart from stone to hot tenderness? This odd yet fascinating short is loosely based, I think, on the four horsemen….though they have turned into human heart-eating savages…only true love can change their hearts.
Feel the Wind by Ann Anderson: A paranormal fantasy setting. Micah is being chased, with the possibility he could win his freedom if he can avoid capture for a complete cycle. When things get helpless, he decides that if he will be caught, he’d rather choose his captor. His punishment: being the plaything of a prince…. Once he sacrifices his virginity to Prince Ari, with pleasant results, Prince Dhea’s interest peaks thinking that Ari can deliver on his own kinks. Being the pet of princes causes problems, jealousy, squabbling, attempted escape, and attempted murder…a very exciting adventure indeed!
Blurb: “The Guide mentioned puddles, but I envisioned lakes, deep treacherous lakes, and I was drowning.”
One turn has passed, another Solstice is just around the corner, and having an illicit affair with not one but two lovers—smith Ianys and shunned Forester Taruif—is taking its toll on Truth Seeker Kelnaht.
If it isn’t sneaking around to find some quality time with his lovers, it’s heavy rainfall hiding traces of a missing stripling, or waiting for the elders to decide whether or not to set Taruif free.
And if that’s not enough, Kelnaht fears that in gaining one lover, he might be losing another, as Ianys seems to be pulling away from them, and it looks like someone is, once again, trying to frame Taruif.
Review: What a lovely read, again. I’m really obtaining an obsession with this world/series. There’s just something really attractive about these elves, the way they use their magic that is so composed, the way they live their life… It’s alluring I tell you. You only want more after each installment is done and you dread the moment when all is going to come to an end.
This is the second part of the Forester trilogy that follows the life and hardships of Truth Seeker Kelnaht, the Forester Taruif, and the smith Ianys. Yes, the trilogy follows a triad and boy are they hot, even as the text does not contain explicit sexual scenes. This triad is a challenge, a relationship born in the shadows, stolen moments, and obstacles that go beyond death.
The second part follows our men a year after Kel claims Taruif in the privacy of darkness, away from the public eye. Taruif is still shunned and Kel with Ianys are barely holding it together with the long time that’s pasted since they learned that Taruif’s sentence might be reduced in half. Both men want their lover free, even as Taruif being free doesn’t necessarily mean that they can all be together and finally start their lives without fear. After all, the promise given to the dead still hangs over their head, cutting short any chance for a non-guilty relationship.
In addition, there is a young apprentice missing, traces of the abduction missing and hard to get, and someone trying to frame the Forester in a crime, yet again.
Kel’s just as beautiful in this second part as he was in the first. I love the fact that there characters actually get tired. There is no “supernatural” stamina going on here and the realistic effect of a person trying too hard, getting exhausted with all the shit happening in his life, make this read even more approachable. His love for Tauif is just as sweet, his anger with Ianys’ situation just as beautiful in its frustrating state, and his angst to find an innocent child while saving his forbidden lover make your heart beat in tandem with the rising agony.
As for Taruif, damn he was fantastic when he finally got his freedom back. The emotions and bewilderment that followed gave the book a heartfelt touch and makes the reader want to grab him and shelter him from further pain. He was gorgeous, simply fantastic.
Ianys though, I’m didn’t get much from Ianys at all in this book. While he was there and he was seriously upset with the events, he was more withdrawn this time around to the point he didn’t feel much part of the triad. Honestly, I can’t wait for the final part when all his issues will finally be dealt with.
As for the rest of the story, this time it was much more hmm, melancholic perhaps. It had sadness in it that continued to exist till the end. The bad guy here was not sharply drawn out, he existed inside blurred lines making you not know what to feel exactly, not know what you wanted his story to end. A sad story indeed.
The end was promising and a bit of a cliffhanger making it clear that there is more to come. Yes, we knew it, but just in case we forgot, it was made crystal clear. In addition, it gave so much food for thought, so many possibilities hanging in there about what might come in the future. Are going to see the tree elves take a giant leap of faith and go with the currents…?
Overall, this book was as lovely and enticing as the first one. I enjoyed my favorite triad immensely, but now more than ever I can’t wait for the final part to come. As for you, keep in mind that this story – one I strongly recommend if you’re fan of the genre – is part of a series and it is best read in order.
Blurb: Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht’s former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realizing he’d gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif’s loneliness.
Review: Okay, so after reading Oren’s Right – book #2 in Tales of the Forest series – I had this feeling I’m going to like this world. No, scratch that, I already liked this world, now I simply love it.
So I went back and picked up book #1, because yeah I do that sometimes, start a series backwards that is. I felt like I just had to read the first book and wait for the last one to come, you know, there was this pull from this world I couldn’t resist, and the writing, well the writing is just so easy and smooth, flows like water and all you have to do is let it carry you along. And I let it, and I’m so glad I did.
Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker (aka a cop/investigator for the elves’ community) and he’s tasked with finding the elf responsible of a hideous act; murder. During his investigation, he discovers that his ex (who dumped him) is having an illicit relationship with the Forester (who he secretly desires but can’t have). Choices, choices… If he turns his ex to the Elders’ council, his ex will be shunned just like the Forester. His feeling for both men are stronger though and his call as a Truth Seeker is battling with his desires. Not to mention that there’s a killer there loose. So Kelnaht does what every man would do. Deals with one problem at a time, focusing on the killer at the moment. Problem is, the Forester is a witness that can help the investigation, and Kel is being granted permission to speak with him.
Okay so, the mystery-suspense parts were good, not too much, but not full of plot-holes, either. For such a short read, it was really good. The lows and highs were nicely balanced and made for a fun murder case to read. The romance was even better. We had a law officer (kind of), we had the ex who still haunts his wet-dreams, we have the new object of desire who just makes everything mouth-watering, and damned it all to Hell, this author needs to let go more, because this plot was so raw material for an all-out carnal erotica *sigh*. As it is, the intimate parts tend more toward romance and sensuality, leading you to thoughts that burn, but not blatantly saying it on the text. Sneaky.
As I felt with Oren’s Right, this book too ended on a satisfying note for such a short length. I mean it’s a 50 pages read and it has a very nice structure to it, makes a whole circle and the end leaves you wishing for no more. Well, no more from this story, because frankly it would be a shame to abandon this fascinating world. Fairies are plenty out there, but original, unique characters such as we encounter on this series? Let’s just say it is invigorating seeing authors take risks and make their fae unique.
So, overall I loved this story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre. As for me, I have The Forester II: Lost and Found waiting for me the moment I end this review. Enjoy!
Hi guys, today we are joining Storm Moon Press for their 4th Anniversary, they have sent Azalea Moone to do a guest post and they have also sent two fantastic Giveaways!! The first is Azalea’s with a chance is win Angel’s Redemption and the second is Storm Moon Press’s where the grand prize is receiving an ebook a Month for 12 months…. that’s 12 ebooks! What a fantastic prize!
So guy’s check out the post and click the Rafflecopter links to enter these brilliant Giveaways, I know I will be 😉 ~Pixie~
All month long, we’re celebrating diversity with Storm Moon Press for their 4th anniversary. But what exactly is diversity? Well Merriam-Webster dictionary describes diversity as: “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements.” That would mean there are several kinds of… well, everything in the world. Like chocolate! White chocolate, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, etc. Excuse me while I devour all the chocolate!
Now that I have acquired a sugar high, we’ll continue. Okay, I won’t lie, I used to hate romance fiction when I was younger. Sure, I tried reading one of those popular romance stories, ya’ll know, from one of the biggest publishers of romance. Those sweet, and not so sweet, “I’m a perfect woman who’s going to fall in love with this big, bad Fabio looking dude over here” titles made me puke. So it surprised the hell out of me when I picked up, and loved, writing erotic romance two years ago.
But I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s noticed that romance has changed dramatically from those older titles back in the 70s and 80s. Apologies to those who grew up with and loved those stories.
One major change is there are so many different character personalities, now. A variety of endings, a variety of genres, a diverse crop to keep readers entertained and gushing over a book for hours. I’ve found myself in the same pool, screaming “OMG, this book is so hot! I need moar.”
As a new author of M/M fiction, I knew I had a lot to consider before taking the plunge. One decision was which genre to write in. Should stick to one or the other? Yes, there are a wide variety of genres, aren’t there? I started with paranormal since that was the most familiar for me, but the more I read, the more I found that I developed a love for contemporary romances and fantasies and wanted to try writing them, too. Why should I stick with just one? As a diverse author, I try to write in a variety of different genres to broaden my experience and see what I truly love out of all of them. And I’ve had a lot of fun, and have found that I enjoy a wide variety of fiction genres.
I also must weave different character personalities into my fiction, different scenarios, different lifestyles, and more. Since everyone in real life is unique, why can’t fictional characters represent that? No one in real life is a Mary Sue. Not everyone is totally accepting of themselves, not just in the manner of sexual preference, but other aspects of their lives. Not everyone has the ideal job, or the perfect relationship, or the greatest family. Plus, weaving realistic scenarios into my stories allows me to explore all the possible endings to find the one that is just right for my characters, whether it’s a HEA, HFN, or bittersweet.
Another thing I’ve found myself gushing over is the heat level of books today. Back when “Fabio” type romances were popular, a writer couldn’t dare use a sort of language that would defile the book’s pages. A more suitable description used purple prose, or a fade to black. Today, it’s a necessity, and books are getting steamier. I never thought I’d be writing full fledged sex scenes, but here I am, finding it absolutely imperative that my characters have at least one (if not more) muscle-tensing, sweat-building, heart-racing good time. I can’t close the doors because I want to see it, too! And I try to change each scene up, meaning some scenes might be vanilla, while others might require something more taboo.
That’s the one thing that turned me on to Storm Moon Press, and put their press at the top of my list: their variety of fiction tales, especially those of the taboo flavor. Many of these topics other presses won’t touch with a ten foot pole, but Storm Moon Press recognizes the need for quality fiction in these topics such as bro-cest and dub-con fiction. Just as everyone is different, so are their reading tastes. While some may want sweet romance, which SMP also serves, some readers may want something more extreme that isn’t too easily found at a publisher website.
I don’t know… have things changed? Is there a bigger, broader variety of books on the market now? What do you think?
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This post is part of Storm Moon Press’ 4th Anniversary Blog Tour! Thank you for joining us, and please take a moment to enter Azalea Moone’s giveaway for Angel’s Redemption as well as our blog-tour-wide giveaway! The prize is receiving an ebook each month from SMP for 12 months! We hope to see you around the Internet and at RainbowCon in 2014! Happy New Year!
Blurb: Riley is one of the Transformed, given superhuman abilities through a viral mutation. Keith is a militiaman dedicated to bringing down the infected humans. But these enemies are also brothers, and when their lives collide after years of estrangement, the war—and their hearts—will take them to places that neither expects.
Review: Keith works to help contain the Infecteds, his brother disappeared several years ago and he was the last person he figured he would run across on the job. Secrets are exposed.
I really liked this story a lot. Even though it has brother sex, it was well written and emotional, not sleazy. I felt for both of these men. The only issue I had was its very short and doesn’t really have a lot of Information on the Infecteds, or the brothers past. I’d love to read a full-length novel on this story. It’s pretty interesting.
If you like, shifters, werewolves, brotherly love and a good urban fantasy this is for you.
Blurb:When Connor’s rent money is due and not even hooking can make up the shortfall, he is willing to do almost anything. So when playboy Jarrett makes him a very generous offer, he doesn’t look too closely at the terms—and lives to regret it. Because now he’s literally, a slave to Jarrett’s sadistic appetites, and the longer he stays, the more he feels his own identity slipping away.
Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology.
Review: This is a short story and was part of the Like it or Not anthology. The anthology is a collection of stories with dubious or non-consent.
In this story, Connor goes on the street occasionally to earn his rent money. He meets Jarrett a playboy that offers to help if he gets in a bind. When the job Connor has plays out and he has run out of options, he takes Jarrett up on his generous offer of help. Their first time together had left him wanting more of Jarrett. He was the first of his clients to be kin and considerate of Conner’s needs as well as his own. Not reading the contract Jarrett insisted on; was one of the worst decisions Connor had ever made.
This story is not for the faint of heart. I guess this one I will call dubious consent, since Conor did sign the contract and Jarrett even brought up that fact. Never trust a stranger. Perhaps never trust a friend that much for that matter. This one really makes you sit up and think. I will say I found it pretty hot though. I found it well written and intriguing, the characters very deep and interesting even surprising. I never saw the twists coming.
If you like stories of college men, playboys, hot sex, very rough BDSM and dubious consent this is for you! Wickedly hot!
Blurb: Rontak is a slave, his status marked by the scars on his skin. In a fit of rage, he breaks free of his bondage and tries to hide himself in the city. With no resources, he knows it’s only a matter of time before he is caught. Through the kindness of a stranger named Tréy, though, Rontak is secreted away and given shelter and food. But when he learns the truth about Rontak, Tréy has to make a difficult choice between upholding the law and doing the right thing.
Review: Wow! I’m impressed with this series of short stories from Storm Moon Press! Helotry is part of the Written in Flesh series, and Suzanne Van Rooyen does a great job of creating a foreign planet, and co mingling new and separate human species.
There were great tense moments when I was sure Rontak would be discovered, and both would be punished, for the slave’s escape no matter that he was really a refugee in this scenario. The one thing that I noticed most about this story is how well the author describes and entrances us with Rontak’s beauty, his strength, as well as creating some alien or otherworldly aspects to him.
Another enjoyable read by an author that is new to me and I can’t wait to dig up more of her work!
Blurb: Ellis, having killed his abusive master, is placed in the custody of a safe house for magical beings. Within those brick walls, he finds more than safety. But William has dealt with people’s unwanted attentions his entire life and wants nothing to do with Ellis or his devotion. Except Ellis is determined to convince William that their bond is more than just skin-deep and that together they can make something magical.
Review: This is my favorite in a collection of short stories available through Storm Moon Press called Written in Flesh. All the stories have the common link of ink…of the tattooed skin variety that is. Sometimes short stories are a great way to sample new authors and this one grabbed my attention immediately!
Alex Whitehall does an excellent job of creating believable characters and environments in fantasy/paranormal stories. I grew attached to Ellis immediately, and wanted to know so much more about this world of magic and familiars that the author has weaved. I enjoyed every minute of this story, of familiars, shifting forms, masters and mates, and wish I had more to read! I especially enjoyed the moments where Ellis curls up to sleep outside William’s door.
I’ll have to look this author up and find out what other literary marvels I can devour!
Blurb: The price of fame is high as Ian, the manager of a small night club in 1985 New York, is all but forgotten when the band—and the hot lead singer—that he discovered rises to stardom. Faced with continued exposure to the band through the media, it is up to Ian to put together the pieces of his broken heart and work toward his dream of owning the best club in the city.
Review: Another interesting read from the Written in Flesh series. Powder is about a club owner with a crush on an up and coming rock star. He falls for the singer, makes regular powder doughnut and coffee dates with him, helps promote his band in his night club, and after the friendship finally escalates to a romantic one, poof!, the rock start gets a record deal (because Ian brings in a producer to help them) and seems to forget all about Ian.
I’m not much for anyone who lets themselves become a doormat, but Ian pulls himself up by the bootstraps, opens a new club, and runs into trouble on opening night. Will Apollo make amends? Did he really forget such a wonderful, supportive man such as Ian?
You’ll just have to read and find out. I enjoyed some of the 80’s musical references, such as that young upstart Madonna touring the nightclub circuit in NYC. Ha! Blast from the past.
Blurb: On an alternate Earth, Key has his marriage ink placed out of duty to his friend, Kaya, but realizes his mistake too late. He runs from the woman and her family, desperate to find a happiness that is sure to elude him in his village full of narrow-minded people. In the wilderness, he discovers Dax, a man who left their tribe to seek his own freedom. Lust sparks between them, but with Kaya’s father on the hunt for Key, and Key’s own guilt plaguing him, will the two fugitives be able to find their happily ever after?
Review: This story has the feel of ancient Celtic ritual, witches, magic, and an island survivor aspect. When a witch finishes tattooing the bond marks on Key’s skin, he asks if she has ever bonded two lovers of the same-sex and her answer is silence at first. But then she admits that her grandson has escaped to an island where such bondings occur. But, Key thinks it’s all just a fantasy, a fairy tale and that he has no options, no escape. Of course, we soon find out that the witches grandson, Dax does exist, and they find happiness together. If only they can survive Kaya’s father.
An intriguing read, kept my attention and of course was fasted paced, as all short stories seem to be. I recommend this whole imaginative series, Written in Flesh, by Storm Moon Press.
Blurb:When his pack alpha becomes fed up with his rebellion, werewolf Trevor is overdue for an attitude adjustment. Lone wolf Dirk is charged with this task, as a favor to the pack. Dirk, though, seems more interested in claiming Trevor for himself, by any means necessary. And regardless of Trevor’s feelings on the matter. Note: This story was previously published in the Like it or Not anthology
Review: Trevor is young and doesn’t like being part of the pack. He is quite the rebel and the pack leader wants Trevor put in his place since other young members seem to follow Trevor. The pack leader gets his almost brother in law-Dirk to give Trevor some obedience lessons.
I am a big fan of Sean Michael. I love the author’s sense of style and details and the fact that he isn’t afraid to write what he wants and push the boundaries.
I loved this story. Even though this one did have a satisfactory ending, I still wanted more. I love a good shifter story and this one really hit the spot. I’m not sure if I’d call it dubious or non-consent but it was tastefully done however, you want to label it.
I loved the plot, the flow and the completeness of the story. It’s really hard to get a good complete story in so few a pages, but this author did it quite well. I would love to see this in a full book. Every character involved was very interesting and would make one heck of a book or series.
If you like, dubious or non-consent, paranormal romance, werewolves, hot alphas, rebels, and some very hot mansex this is for you!
Blurb: Mirin’s husband returns from business off world bearing a new scar, one carved by a lover’s knife. It’s not the realization Kanovan has another lover—their relationship is an open one—or the extreme play he’s engaged in that troubles Mirin, so much as the fact it’s left such a permanent mark. Kanovan’s come home with minor changes before, habits he’s picked up on his trips among the stars. But this is something that will force both men to re-evaluate what they want from this marriage, and what they’re willing to do to get it.
Review: Scars, marks, possessiveness. Dark cravings and a limited knowledge that expands with every year, with every sojourn home.
As short a story as this one was, it was also a bit thought-provoking. Karavan is Mirin’s husband and his job wants him to travel off world frequently and for a long time. I feel Mirin’s longing for his husband from the very first line of the story and the intensity of his emotions only grows as the story unravels. When he discovers a mark, a permanent one at that, from another lover on Karavan’s shoulder, Mirin is assaulted with feelings he at first doesn’t recognize. He knows that Van likes to spice up things in bed. He knows Van craves pain and makes him delirious with passion. He doesn’t understand it though, yet always tries to give Van what he wants. Likewise, Van never denied Mirin anything. Yet this mark changes things.
The story goes through a series of events that have both characters trying to re-evaluate their relationship, trying to get past the new sudden tension straining their effortless until now connection. It is a difficult journey Mirin must make in order to understand his husband’s cravings, and of course, he must face the fact that he is jealous not so much of his husband’s lover as he’s at the fact that someone has marked what is his.
We see the shift happening and the power play taking a prominent though subtle place in the story. For a text that includes blood-play this was very smooth, sweet, and easy to read. Not that heavy in the emotional side as it was perhaps mesmerizing, erotic, and sensual even. However when climax in the intensity was needed at the final outlet, I felt as if the text failed to provide it.
Overall it was a nice story revolving around the scar-theme, merging with emotions and love in an already established relationship. The end was somewhat sentimental and even though I didn’t quite like the fact that Karavan kept going on with other lovers when away on business, it still maintained a certain romance in it.
Blurb: When Eli signs up for the Academy, he believes he is exchanging his life of poverty for one of learning and luxury. All too soon, he learns that he has been tricked, and his contract amounts to giving himself to the masters of the Academy. His body, his movement, his life are all theirs to do with as they wish, no matter how depraved and sinister. At his darkest, Eli is approached by the enigmatic Eramus, an unseen creature who offers Eli the power to strike back against his victimizers—if only Eli will join with him and grants him entrance into this world. Eli must choose between enduring a life of torment or trusting the word of a being who almost certainly has his own dark agenda.
Review: Okay! I have developed a passion for tentacles, there’s no other explanation for it.
This story is a mix between erotic, fantasy, horror, and damn tentacles. Nope, I don’t put them in the same shelf as horror; they have earned a shelf of their own.
This world has the classic Upper Town-Lower Town theme, Aurelia as the case might be. The Upper Aurelians are the elite and the Lower Aurelians the sewer rats, the slum, the working force, forced to degradation and death from things easily amenable if only you had the money for.
And in one such predicament, we find Eli, who has been working the mines, double shift since he was thirteen years old, trying to keep his six siblings barely alive, and his mother on the threshold between life and death. When an earthquake hit at the time, he was deep under earth Eli realizes that he’ll either die or he’ll call upon a dark creature, Eramus, to help him. And help him he does. Eramus awakens Eli’s inner magic and help him use it, controlling the earthquake and eventually subduing it. Consequently grating Eli his life, that of the other miners and a visit from the Academy of Magic’s professor with a scholarship for Eli and a new take on life.
But you know what they say; everything comes with a price…
This story was a beautiful mix of fantasy and darkness. There are many non-con scenes here and we see Eli suffer before he succumbs entirely to darkness. I loved Eramus. This creature had me inhaling the words from the text with a strange ferocity. I wish there was more on Eramus, hell I want a whole series with Eramus throughout the centuries; I’m an Eramus’ fan!
And after stating that I’ll have to go over my slight disappointment over the ending. I seem to encounter that frequently lately. For some reason, while the entire read had me on my toes and I was fairly submerged into the story, the end itself felt unsatisfying. You see the amount of blood, hell there was no blood there at all if you really think about it, didn’t went hand in hand with the things done to Eli and/or Eramus’ nature. I expected and bit more violence after all that our character suffered; it just didn’t feel as revenge was properly taken.
Overall, though, a great story strongly recommended to fans of tentacles. J
Blurb: Veld, tree elf and Forester, fell in love with mute baker Oren, also a tree elf, when he first set eyes on him two turns ago, but Healer Haram, Oren’s vowed, made it clear that he had no intention of sharing Oren with Veld. Now, with Oren in mourning after Haram is killed, Veld is torn between Haram’s unwillingness to share and his desire to make Oren his. But when Haram’s death turns out not to be quite the accident it seemed to be, Veld is drawn into the investigation. At the same time, others appear to claim Oren’s independence, and Veld is forced to face his insecurities or risk losing Oren… again.
Review: This story was quite nice and interesting. I loved the plot and the way this world was woven. I loved the storyline and the tree-elves, cloud-elves, and dark-elves. Yes, I have a thing for elves and the many worlds one can set them, this world being quite refreshing.
The story begins with a melancholic strike as Harem, Oren’s vowed, has died living Oren in a deep mourning. While death is a terrible thing for any character, Oren has it a bit more difficult due to his nature, what with him being a submissive and in need of an owner. Veld on the other hand has been in love with Oren ever since he first met him, but his friends possessiveness and unwillingness to share had cut off all hope, until his death that is. So Veld is facing with a turmoil of feeling; his love for Oren, his need to take care of him, his guilt for wanting such thing when Oren still in mourning. When the society though makes it clear, they would not leave Oren alone, thinking him to be unable to care for himself and not understanding his nature and his relationship with Haram, Veld is forced to take action.
So the romance part is quite deep for such a short story, the characters have to fight over their feelings and their society and make a stand for themselves. The D/s element here is not one you can see or read, it’s a known state but not a developed one, so if you expect any BDSM-y scenes, don’t, you won’t find them.
As for the suspense plot, that was very interesting as well. We have a murderer on the loose. The elves magic while strong enough can’t easily find the person killing people, or the reason behind it. Veld holds the spotlight by helping the Truth Seeker find the culprit and when we learn who it is it comes as a sad and sorrowful surprise.
The ending itself had me gasping with shock. No, nothing shocking happened, I was simply expecting more. I had been pinning all read for the moment when Oren and Veld would come together, and yes I admit it I was literally drooling for their sex scene (they had a strong chemistry for crying out loud), and when it never came I felt disappointed. Still do. It’s like the author teased me with a nice dinner cooking. Smelling all the scents coming from the kitchen and drooling over my imagination of how they’ll feel when I would finally taste them, yet at last second having everything canceled. I feel deprived, robbed out of something I think I earned. My head is still screaming at this author “give me my sex scene damn it.” Sigh!
Ah well, be prepared for a tease that as well written and enticing as it was, it remains a tease. Still recommended.
Blurb: It’s Halloween night. Devil dogs Keir and Ryu are prowling the night, seeking condemned souls to take back to the underworld. But being among the humans proves too tempting for Ryu. He escapes his duties to party among the mortals, and in the process, finds himself in the middle of a case of mistaken identity with a sexy stranger.
Review: Hellhounds let loose on Halloween, for a moment there, I thought I’d be reading a horror story, but this is the story of Devil’s dogs gone out one the one night they can. Nope, they are not out there for fun either, though Ryu is finding it hard not to. They are out there searching for lost souls and bring them back in Hell, where they belong. Ryu has been chained at the graveyard for too many centuries though and he does have a fascination with humans, so when his opportunity arises he takes advantage of it, consequences be damned, and goes to party on this wondrous night.
As he takes the form of a human that once came through the gates of the graveyard, he finds himself face to face with a human that knows him, and takes him along to party together.
It’s a weird story as the plot isn’t well developed and there are questions hovering around as we read. It turns quite erotic though with a dreary sense when the guy that recognizes Ryu in this human’s form is also one of the condemned souls he must bring back. The story has a sense of mystery and fun well woven together and the end is a bit surprising with its mellowness. I think I would have liked the story better if the erotic part was between Keir and Ryu. But, as it was, it was quite interesting as well. Recommended!
Please note: This title includes subject matter that may be offensive to some readers.
Title: Depression, Love, and Swimming Pools
Series: Fraternal Devotion
Author: Leigh Wilder
Length: Novella (24 Pages)
Publisher: Storm Moon Press, August 13th, 2013
Heat Level: Low to Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 to 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: A dozen years after discovering his father’s suicide, Cale returns home and finds his older brother Derrick showing the same signs of melancholy. But as much as he wants to help his brother, he fears being sucked back into that world he’d fought so hard to escape. Ultimately, the solution takes the two down a path they never thought they’d tread.
Review: I had a bit of trouble getting into this story. It was well written, but I wished it had added a little bit more to the story line and plot. Fair warning though, this is about two brothers who love each other, but have trouble with their feelings. There is a lot of pain and anguish here but there is love between them. Derrick is sweet and tender-hearted but he is dealing with a pain so deep and depression. Cale is like his brother in many ways even bordering on depression.
The sex between them is tender and sensuous, but a little daring. It is a good book, but I find that it isn’t one that makes me want to read it again. I did love the characters, but I just think it should be more developed.
Note: This title includes subject matter that may to offensive to some readers.
Title: Analgesia
Series: Fraternal Devotion
Author: Alisha Steele
Length: Novella (43 Pages)
Publisher: Storm Moon Press (August 9th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: After nineteen months apart, Brandon Patrell is convinced it will take more than a home renovation to keep his playboy brother, Ethan, from running away again. But as Ethan resumes his old mind-games, Brandon is determined to tease back for once, even if it means risking everything in a game of all or nothing
Review: This story was very hot. But fair warning it is about two brothers who are in love with each other. The only problem is Brandon didn’t know Ethan felt that for him. Each brother tries to come to terms with their relationship. The only problem with this story is I wish that it had started from the very beginning so that it leads you into why they feel that away. It has a great story line and plot, I just wished for more. Brandon is tender-hearted and full of love, but when Ethan had left, he had taken a part of Brandon’s heart with him. Ethan left Brandon confused but he knew that when he left he did so with a whole in his heart.
Ethan and Brandon are such wonderful characters with such personality and spirit. The sex between them is so very hot and sexy. I am not really sure how I feel about sex between brothers, but to tell you the truth this story rocks. I find myself looking for more love story’s like this. It is a great story.
Title: Benjamin Pepperwhistle and the Fantabulous Circus of Wonders
