Blurb: Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.
After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.
Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.
With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.
Review: I think it took me forever to find the time and finally finish this book. I seriously hated real life for stealing my time away, but I made it and *sigh* now I’m going to have to go over yet another book-hangover. It’s a thing with Voinov’s books and me, happens almost every time.
A Taste for Poison is the third and final book of the Memory of Scorpions universe, though rumour has it that Voinov is considering writing some shorts about some characters. As a fan, I truly hope it’ll happen.
So back to this book, yet again we were graced with a strong story, capable of grabbing your brain and imprisoning it in the depths of the plot. Action, blood, gore. Love, lust, passion. Jealousy, pain, fury. Intrigues, betrayals, back-stabbings.
More often than not, I felt like living in the story and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful a feeling that is. The intensity of the storytelling is spectacular and leaves you without breath. Expect heart palpitations, heartbreaks, and even a tear shedding or two. Also, expect the sizzling hot passion and the one-of-the-kind love manifestation Voinov is so famous for being able to recreate in writing. And if you think you won’t get bat-shit-crazy mad with characters and events, think again.
The story itself takes a turn and what we suspected in book #2 became reality. It shifted from having Adrastes as the main person of Kendras’s interest to Graukar and while that was expected it managed to shock us with what Graukar suffers in the path of Adrastes’s fury. It will make you cringe and shudder, but it’s well worth it and raises the tension of the story way above high. It made Kendras look so damn good in my eyes too and I think it was about time, as he left me with an uneasy feeling in book #2.
Other than that, I don’t think I need to point out the quality of this book. Anyone who has read a book from Aleksandr Voinov knows to expect only the best. Wonderful editing work, fonts and presentation always making you feel like you’re reading a paperback. There are times I wonder why I can’t smell the pages and I laugh at myself. But you get the point. It’s so nice to have to focus only in the story without having minor details, such as typos or poor proofing, take your concentration away.
In the end, all there is to add here is; if you are not acquainted with the Memory of Scorpions universe I strongly recommend it to you.
Blurb: If you lie with scorpions, you’d better have a taste for poison.
Now that Kendras’s lover Adrastes has claimed the throne of Dalman, Kendras is tangled deeper than ever in politics and intrigue. As the new leader of the Scorpions and Adrastes’s one true friend, he and his men stand between Adrastes and those who wish him dead.
And many do. Adrastes openly challenges the ocean priesthood for power while establishing himself at court and brokering with the realm’s various factions. He means for the Scorpions to become a fearsome legion again, but Kendras must first learn how to be a good officer and recruit to replace the fallen. His choices will determine the future of a group steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.
As both Kendras and Adrastes settle old scores, a new enemy arises in Commander Graukar, a war hero loyal to the old order. In his formidable mountain fortress, Graukar may hold the balance of power. But while Adrastes aims to either rule or destroy Graukar, Kendras finds himself doubting Adrastes for the first time, and sharing more with Graukar than he ever thought possible.
Review: Well, it’s finally done and after a long time filled with anticipation, book two of the Memory of Scorpions takes us into yet another enthralling tale.
In direct opposition with Book one, this novel starts relatively calm. Adrastes is now the new Lord Protector and on his way to claim Dalman and her throne with his very own personal guard, the Scorpions, and his lover Kendras at his side as his personal bodyguard. And they are needed too, because Adrastes claims the throne with barely concealed threats.
And it is apparent that this book is quite different from the previous in many ways. It starts calmly and the plot flows steady, slowly taking you through the story. Nearly half of the book is a slow pacing through Adrastes’s setting on the throne, the games and politics of the generals, a slow change on Adrastes’ personality or perhaps character leaving Kendras in a state of uncertainty for most of the read. Now I always thought that Kendras has a lot of inner thinking going on with him, but his new role as Officer has him overdoing it. I’m not sure how much I liked that fact or the drag of half of this story.
However the pace did pick up, the story became quite interesting and surprising. I think I felt the same with Kendras there when it came to Graukar and the Ambassador of the Jaishani. I was astonished with those characters. I expected a brute on Graukar and his genteel soul left me with a jaw hanging. As for the Ambassador, oh my, what a character, and what amazing possibilities that one brings for the future of this series.
So there it is, this book starts shattering slowly into pieces once the action picks up. I loved the “mission,” I loved the amazing help of the Black Legion, I loved the feeling and emotions that came from the unexpected new love affair, and I felt the painful grip in my heart when Kendras finally got a glimpse in his past and his family. I think that was the mostly emotional charged part of this entire second installment, with a second the Betrayal that came to the end. The pinnacle of intensity and what made me so sad in the end, but so very much-needed to give the story the push and reason to move on. As much as I saw the need for it, I must admit I close the book with the thought “poor Kendras.”
Overall, it was a great sequel to the first book however, for me it didn’t quite shake me like the first one. I loved it however and I’m definitely now more interested on the third book of the series. It is now that Kendras will rise and I can’t wait for it. As for this one, it’s quite worth reading it, with amazing scenes of battle and secret missions, the blood we’ve come to expect from the Scorpions, and a great deal of conspiracy and back-stabbing. Recommended!
Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever had—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed mercenary offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.
But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’s shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers, or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, the man who held Kendras’s heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself.
The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue where enemies may be allies and even allies have hidden agendas. But Kendras isn’t only fighting for his lost lover and tribe—he soon realizes that nothing less than the birth of an Empire is at stake.
Review: Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:
dubious consent
explicit violence
Being the first writer to introduce me to the m/m genre, it is safe to say that Voinov is one of my favorite authors. It is also safe to say that I’ve grown to expect anything and everything from this author, from romance to explicit erotica and from sci-fi to extreme dark fantasy.
So I expected to dive in this book and not be released from its spell unless it was over, I expected it to rock my world, I expected it to make me feel and intensely so. Still I didn’t saw it coming full force and hit me like a punch in the gut. And I lost count of how many times I was left there jaw hanging slack and shivers running through my body re-reading the same paragraph over and over again just because it was so very amazingly gritty and violent that I simply could not take my eyes of and move on.
Yes, I’m and addict when it comes to Voinov’s special brand of violence, I’m and addict when it comes to his horrific erotic scenes, and I’m an addict to the way he makes a perfectly terrifying character, one that should make me want to scream and run for my life, to the most delicious and lovable character ever.
If you don’t know this author’s work then frankly you don’t know what you’re missing; if you do than you’ll understand me when I say that more often than not I’m left speechless simply because there doesn’t seem to exist good enough words to talk about it.
In this book, we meet Kendras, a member of an elite military unit, The Scorpions. The unit is the family nobody can shatter. There is nothing above it and all and everything revolves around the members. They fight together, live together, die together and above all, they never stop fighting.
Unfortunately, in the last battle, too many members died and the fear that all is lost is almost consuming Kendras. He’s been shipped away from the field and lost contact with everybody, he’s wounded, to the brink of death but he must keep living and fighting and try to get his way back to find out what happened to his unit, to his Officer.
He must do whatever it takes to get well and on the road again, even if that means to give himself, however temporarily, to Steel, a mysterious man with a hidden agenda and seemingly soulless, who for whatever reason wants Kentras to be and work with him.
And this is how things are set in motion, a wide web of intrigues and political games for power, assassins coming from every corner and people dying from least expected hands. Corruption and hunger of every form are seen and a mind-blowing plot is slowly unraveled, steadily taking every ounce of your sanity away in its path.
The characters are many, their personalities each unique and the dialogues often have a gritty sense of humor you can’t resist. The erotic relations between the characters are limitless and often the lines blur, and the eroticism is heady driving you in a mindless swirl of emotions. Hot, sexy, debauched, or even forced everything is written with a seducing pen that makes even the crudest scene seem strangely alluring. Expect that, expect anything and you’ll be able to ride it in its full glory instead of staring shocked.
The plot was quite powerful too with so many unexpected twists and turns that keep you always on your toes never allowing you to relax for a single bit. And the world created oh my, such an enticing one, I can’t wait for the next book of the series to come just for the brief chance to get in there once again.
If there is one thing about this book that somehow let me down is the fact that we never really saw Kendras in the heart of a battle. Yes, he was wounded for the better part and yes, he did kill somebody, but I was waiting for that bloodthirsty Scorpion to wreak havoc and I didn’t get that. A bit disappointed there but hopefully he’ll come back in book #2 and do just that.
Conclusion after all the above… Well, freaking awesome and definitely on my favorite shelf where books that I take out and read to fix me up are put. The Scorpion is just too good to miss.
Hi peeps, we have Aleksandr Voinov stopping by today with his Memory of Scorpions series blitz, we have Thommie’s reviews and an awesome $25 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway!❤ ~Pixie~
The Memory of Scorpions series is a gritty military fantasy featuring a very diverse, very queer cast of characters. Political drama, court intrigue, love, loyalty, betrayal and a plot driven story line that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. The beautiful covers were created by Anna Sikorska.
Scorpion
(Memory of Scorpions 01)
by
Aleksandr Voinov
You learn your wisest lessons from your enemies. Assuming, of course, you survive the encounter.
Kendras is a casualty of war: injured, penniless, and quite possibly the last surviving member of the only family he’s ever known—the elite fighting force known as the Scorpions. When a steel-eyed stranger offers him medicine and shelter in exchange for submission and a secret task, Kendras has no choice but to accept. He is a Scorpion; he’ll do whatever it takes to survive.
But his true goal is to rebuild the Scorpions. Neither Steel’s possessive nature nor Kendras’s shattered foot can keep him from finding the last of his brothers… or the mysterious leader of the Scorpions, a man who held Kendras’s heart long before Steel tried to take it for himself. The goal is simple, the situation anything but. To rescue his leader and escape from Steel for good, Kendras must fight through a morass of politics and intrigue, where enemies are allies and even allies have hidden agendas.
If you lie with scorpions, you’d better have a taste for poison.
Now that Kendras’s lover Adrastes has claimed the throne of Dalman, Kendras is tangled deeper than ever in politics and intrigue. As the new leader of the Scorpions and Adrastes’s one true friend, he and his men stand between Adrastes and those who wish him dead.
And many do. Adrastes openly challenges the ocean priesthood for power while establishing himself at court and brokering with the realm’s various factions. He means for the Scorpions to become a fearsome legion again, but Kendras must first learn how to be a good officer and recruit to replace the fallen. His choices will determine the future of a group steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.
As both Kendras and Adrastes settle old scores, a new enemy arises in Commander Graukar, a war hero loyal to the old order. In his formidable mountain fortress, Graukar may hold the balance of power. But while Adrastes aims to either rule or destroy Graukar, Kendras finds himself doubting Adrastes for the first time, and sharing more with Graukar than he ever thought possible.
Even the hand of a king is stung when it reaches for the scorpion.
After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.
Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.
With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.
Blurb: Welcome to Tucker Springs, Colorado, where you’ll enjoy beautiful mountain views and the opportunity to study at one of two prestigious universities—if you can afford to live there.
Jason Davis is in pain. Still smarting from a bad breakup, he struggles to pay both halves of an overwhelming mortgage and balance the books at his floundering business. As if the emotional and financial pain weren’t enough, the agony of a years-old shoulder injury keeps him up at night. When he faces a choice between medication and insomnia, he takes a friend’s advice and gives acupuncture a try.
Acupuncturist Michael Whitman is a single dad striving to make ends meet, and his landlord just hiked the rent. When new patient Jason, a referral from a mutual friend, suggests a roommate arrangement could benefit them both, Michael seizes the opportunity.
Getting a roommate might be the best idea Jason’s ever had—if it weren’t for his attraction to Michael, who seems to be allergic to wearing shirts in the house. Still, a little unresolved sexual tension is a small price to pay for pain and financial relief. He’ll keep his hands and feelings to himself since Michael is straight… isn’t he?
Review: Oh, Jason has it real bad. His life seems to have taken the downfall on all departments. His love life sucks, his lover abandoned him for a sugar daddy and left him with the mortgage which he can hardly pay on his own. His professional life sucks even more; his partner died and left him with a great deal of loans and a night-club that hardly makes any profits. But, you know what they say,” if you got your health you got everything”. Problem is that Jason has health issues to top it all. A shoulder injury resulting in chronic pain that leaves him up all night, making his life quality reach bottom. This is where Michael makes his appearance.
Michael is an acupuncturist. After being drilled for several years from his friend, Seth, Jason makes it up his mind to go and see this miracle worker acupuncturist for his pain. It helped a lot the fact that he can barely move his arm or do his work anymore. But the moment he lays eyes on Michael, he doesn’t know what hits him. Michael is magnificent and to put it in Jason’s words “He’d taken that old cliché “tall, dark, and handsome” and made it his little bitch.”
I don’t think I’ve read a book where the protagonists have such an incredible chemistry as Michael and Jason. Although this book is written entirely from Jason’s point of view, the author manages to convey that feeling, at least to me. I was literally bouncing on my chair while reading this book.
Anyway, this story is more a “coming out” story. Jason is gay, but Michael is straight, or at least that’s what he’s been convincing himself and his entire environment for way too many years. The plot has him moving in with Jason as a roommate, leaving Jason in a frustrating state. who said it was easy living with an eye-candy? But, that much tension, that much lust can hardly be contained, and when they finally get together, it’s like rocks colliding. What a hot, HOT scene. Their feelings are so damn intense that make their following break-up even more so. They don’t fight, no; Jason understands that Michael can’t from one day to another change everything in his life, especially when his son is around. How do you explain that to a little boy, but understanding doesn’t make it the least bit easier. Emotions build up and lead to frustration and stress, which leads to awkwardness and pain, which leads to…
Yeah, I loved this book. This was the kind of romance I like and it had me hooked so tightly I once again forgot to sleep. Yes, this book was one of those that you only close when the end has hit the page and you suddenly look around and see the sun rising. It had it all.
Great characters, check. Both of them were fantastic, so real, with real issues, with real reactions. God, I loved those characters.
Supporting team, check. Seth, their mutual friend couldn’t be better, adding to their life greatly and the ex-wife, hah, I so loved how she reacted. Michael’s kid, Dylan, greatly portrayed. All in all people-wise it was very well done.
The plot was brilliant portraying everyday life in such a realistic way I thought “damn, who’s she been spying on”. The emotions conveyed was what had me in tight grip though. From the day-to-day life, to the sexual scenes emotions had me by my neck holding me in place to feel and live them all along with the characters. A very, very well written book, one I’d strongly recommend anyone to give it a go.
Hi guys, we have Kevin Klehr visiting today with his new re-release Drama Queens With Love Scenes, we have a fantastic exclusive excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Thommie’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Drama Queens with Love Scenes
(Actors and Angels 01)
by
Kevin Klehr
Close friends Allan and Warwick are dead. They’re not crazy about the idea, so to help them deal with this dilemma are Samantha, a blond bombshell from the 1950s, and Guy, an insecure angel.
Allan also has a secret. He has a romantic crush on his friend, Warwick, but shortly after confiding in his new angel pal, his love interest falls for the cock-sure playwright, Pedro.
Not only does Allan have to win the heart of his companion, he also has to grapple with the faded memory of how he actually died.
Blurb: Gabriel, Michael, and the Brotherhood of Archangels must try to deal with relationships while fulfilling duties of fighting demons and protecting humans in the Archangel Chronicles. Gabriel and Michael have been pining after each other for centuries, but an egomaniacal human trying to raise a hell army pushes their relationship to the backburner in No Quarter. Gabriel and Michael are finally reunited in No Surrender, No Retreat, but their happiness is threatened when someone begins kidnapping angels and selling them on the black market. In No Shadows Fall, newly bonded Gabriel and Michael and torn from their idyllic island retreat when Gabriel’s ancient enemy Semjaza escapes from his prison.
This is the second time I read this book and other than typos and errors lacking, there isn’t much done story-wise. Thus, while much, much easier a read this time around, it was still lacking profoundly in intensity for such an “epic” book/series.
Let’s take a look at the lore here. This series is about the Archangels and their duty bestowed to them by God to protect human kind and the plane of Earth. Specifically here, we have a megalomaniac human who believes to be himself the reincarnation of a Saint and thus he has bargained with a Fallen One, has surrounded himself with demons, and plans to open up the Gates of Hell and unleash the poor condemned souls. The Archangels must intervene and eliminate him, but the impending doom is not overthrown.
This is the main action plot and frankly, I found it lacking. The epic-ness that characterizes such reads was nowhere to be found, the characters making the backbone were quite flat and uninteresting, and the story itself was a bit ludicrous. I mean there were demons that really looked like lackeys, Archdemons that made no impression whatsoever, except for that mwahahaha-type of villain you get on all cheesy reads (seriously Ondrass was overkill), the human megalomaniac named Bob was, oh my God I have no words for him, and they all, all of them fell flat making me wonder what is the point of writing a bad guy if you don’t intend to do something with him.
Romantic wise it was just the same. Michael is supposed to be pinning for Gabriel for years, Gabriel always wanted Michael, but this meeting after a thousand years drove home the fact that he loves him. The beginning – before either of them talked – made you think we’d get the tragic/epic hotter than Hell kind of burning relationship that would make even the stars shine less in front of its brightness etc.etc. But, but I’m afraid it was the most disappointing thing. The longing one would come to expect, the you’re-finally-mine feeling one would rightly expect, the Earth-Heaven-Hell-are-nothing-before-us kind of feeling that should be there, were not. The sex was good, nice and all, but it was no match for Archangels, if not a bit cheesy and laughable at times. I was really put off with this relationship, one ought to have made it burn and explode, but this was beyond lukewarm.
As for Michael and Gabriel as personalities, oh my, especially with Michael, Archangel Michael, the Prince of Heaven, I wanted to blind myself and stop reading altogether. That was one hell of a way to ruin all my fantasies for the big badass Archangel and that I do not forgive. He was ruined and a total fail in my opinion, and while I’d go for any ludicrous story and lukewarm sex/love, ruining such a powerful figure such as Michael is a crime. Gabriel was just, I don’t know, just so weird… I’ll not go there at all.
Overall, this new edition did not bring any changes in the story. The only good thing was the fact that the typographic errors were lacking and it was easier a read than before. Still base core of this story, the backbone of it, held a slight interest, that’s why I’ll be reading the next installment and see if the series is a worth reading one or drop it and move on sort. As for this one, I don’t know. If you like, angels and demons so much and you don’t mind the above, then give it a try.
Pixie’s Review: No Surrender, No Retreat ♥♥♥3 Hearts
The war is over between the Angels and Demons and humanity has to pick up the pieces of a world that was torn to pieces. Michael and Gabriel are reunited but it isn’t all perfect, they can’t help humanity without making the situation worse and Raphael is kidnapped which leads to the discovery that other angels have gone missing. As they launch an investigation into the disappearances, Agrat is kidnapped and her bonded begins to lose himself to grief.
This is a well-written story that combines many relationships and hardships with Michael and Gabriel leading the way. Now that the war has ended and the demon Hell portals are closed humanity can begin to pick up the pieces, the angels and archangels help as much as they can but they have limitations. But problems become worse when Raphael is taken and his power is smothered, which leads to healing throughout the world beginning to fail. The other archangels must work together to discover who is kidnapping the angels and to what end, and Michael is made to face the fact that sometimes love strikes everyone, even those that he finds unacceptable.
There is quite a bit going on in this book with Michael thinking that Raphael’s lover is unsuitable, Gabriel dealing with the loss of his children, Raphael disappearing, Israfel unsure if he is good enough for Raphael, all the angels and archangels wondering how they can help mankind and then the investigation into the kidnapped angels. It is quite a good storyline but you don’t get to feel connected to any one character as it jumps from characters to characters so you don’t get to know them that well, even though you do get interested in the storyline you miss out on the characters.
There are some very romantic moments between various characters and some couples are very sweet together in the brief times that we see them together. The storyline is good and the twist was surprising, our angels are being betrayed by someone who was an ally.
I will recommend this to those who love angels and demons, true love, disgruntled archangels, and interesting storyline and a happy ending.
Shorty’s Review: No Shadow Falls ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Semjaza escapes from his eternal prison in the star Aquila. He has several main objectives get his family back, make Gabriel pay for imprisoning him as well as several other archangels for their roles in different things and take back what he believes is rightfully his. Semjaza seemed delusional to me in his thinking. Plus he was cruel to those he commanded. He was not fit to be a leader in my opinion.
Gabriel and Michael seem like the perfect couple. Michael, I didn’t understand why he acts as if he’s embarrassed when someone mentions sex. He’s been around humans for thousands of years surely he’s heard it all by now.
I loved all the details of the different places the archangels travelled. Very beautiful scenery. The archdemons helping the archangels was an interesting surprise. The battle scene between Semjaza and Gabriel was intense. Hot sex scenes throughout.
This is a wonderfully written story full of drama, mystery, suspense, adventure, and action. I was surprised that instead of being with humans or other beings that some Archangels were coupled with each other. Great read.
Blurb: Brett Taylor’s world collapsed three years ago when he lost the love of his life. Almost as bad as the grief is the advice he’s starting to get from everyone and their brother, telling him it’s time to move on. They’re flat-out wrong. He left his career as a musician and escaped to his ranch because he needs the peace and quiet, and he’s doing just fine. He doesn’t want anyone invading his memory-filled, booze-fueled solitude.
JT Campbell’s world has been defined by his parents’ money, status, and his own empty relationships, until he’s desperately sick of it. A quest to find something meaningful leads him to Brett’s failing ranch. It’s supposed to be a brief stay. JT never wanted to be anyone’s savior or compete with the ghosts of lovers past. Still, he can’t help wanting this gruff and grieving man.
JT’s mind knows it’s a bad idea, but his heart keeps pushing him to find out what lies beneath Brett’s rough and broken exterior. Brett’s not going to make it easy. JT can only be patient, keep his sense of humor, and hope for the day he may be allowed far enough into Brett’s world to unbreak his heart.
Review: This story is a 2nd edition and other than some minor editing the story is the same.
What a soul-gripping book. How very mesmerizing and alluring, heartbreaking and gut wrenching, and how very sweet – even corny at times – and romantic. Yes, I liked this book a lot. What was there not to? The theme has been told a million times, yet it was still wonderful to read it through this penmanship. The characters have been a cliché for as much as I remember, yet this Southern Cowboy and City Kid are refreshing in ways I didn’t expect. The end is as transparent as a crystal, yet as so comforting and heart mellowing that makes you want to just melt.
I think I was a bit scared of this book as I started reading it. Our protagonist is in deep grief, still mourning for his lost lover and the pain he suffers drips from every line and affects you like poison. Your heart contracts and gets stiff, like someone is crushing it in a fist, and you can’t help but empathize with him, it’s simply unavoidable. I thought I’d be in for a tearful ride that would leave me emotionally drained, and while the first quarter did managed to get me in such a state with Brett not letting go of the past, his guilt, and his zombie-like existence, the plot moved on and I jumped along with it in a wonderful place, in a remote ranch with some witty, charming and oh so lovable men.
You see these men are too freaking deep. They have layers and layers of personality that you slowly get to peel while moving on with the story. The rancher is more than he looks like at the beginning, the wandering hitchhiker is actually a grown up man with a degree in psychology, and the foreman is a man with little words and tons of meaning. You find yourself falling in love with each of them, even the darn Mama Taylor, and you start caring for them, and with care, comes longing for them to stop hurting and start falling in love and heal their broken hearts, because damn, they all have a broken heart no matter if Brett’s a bit more shattered.
Ah, I got worked up again, but that’s all right. This book does that to you, it makes you hurt, it makes you cry, then it lifts you up with hope and mellows you with a sweetness unlike any other, and just when you sigh and think things are going alright, the author exploits human curiosity and stupidity and turns the tables making your heart stutter and hold your breath as things get worse and worse and everything seems to simply blow up in your face…
You know what they say, things get worse before it gets better, and this book proves it to you in a very explicit way.
But fear not; you don’t get to hold your breath on the emotional part of this story exclusively. You get to have your heart palpitations with the erotic side too. Yeah, it is so damn hot I have no words for. I even got lost in one of them scenes, playing it in my head over and over, and it was after a bit of time had passed that I realized I was no longer reading, rather seeing the damn scene in my head and getting all hot and bothered as these characters would have said.
I loved the writing here, the distinction between horniness and lust and lovemaking and sweet cuddling, the balance of all these things. You got to feel them, really feel each of these stages these men went through, feel the sensuality, feel the lust and desperate longing for another body, another soul. It was simply a great delivery of sentiments, images, and emotions, and they had this magic effect on you, taking you with them, getting into your head and under your skin. Lovely, lovely writing!
Bottom end this book was simply great. You laugh, you cry, you fall in love, you get desperate and hopeful, you get to the edge and saved last-minute along with Brett and JT, and you spend how-many hours it would take you to read this in a most wonderful way.
I totally recommend this book to those who love a great romance with some wonderful Southern men.
Title: The Lusty Adventures of Theseus Series: N/A Author: Arthur Griffin Genre: MMM Ménage/ Erotic Romance/ Historical Romance (Ancient Greece/Fantasy Length: Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts Blurb: The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur has never been quite this steamy!
Handsome Theseus journeys to Athens to claim his birthright as heir to the throne, and along the way he meets the roguish Pirithous, who teaches him all about matters of the heart—and body. When they reach the city, Theseus is shocked to discover that his father, the king, has a tradition of sacrificing young people to the Minotaur, the monster that inhabits the island nation of Crete.
Theseus and Pirithous, along with Iphitrion, a slave boy they befriend, set out to slay the Minotaur. After learning Crete is ruled by a mad tyrant with a fetish for orgies, Theseus puts his new skills to the test, fighting, flirting, and fornicating his way through the ranks, working his way past soldiers, satyrs, and gods alike as he attempts to accomplish his goal and save his city.
Review: Theseus, son of Aegis, is sent on an adventure of erotic proportions. He and his allies come across some very interesting people and beings that he has heard of but never seen. And when it comes to him having to do something, well, Theseus is a man who prefers to get things over with.
On his adventures, he comes across and does many things for several different beings and creatures. Some of which he has never done before. But he only has eyes for his ally, Pirithous. The more they travel the more erotic the adventure gets.
I found this piece to be amazing, addicting, and very entertaining. I look forward to reading more by this author as I’m sure you will find as much entertainment in it as I did. I love the way the story is told and the strength of the characters. The description is spot on and the heat is blazing hot.
Go for it as this book will have you more than just entertained.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Chipmunk Drizzled in Honey Series: Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly, #3 Author: Jackie Nacht Genre: Paranormal Romance Length: Novella (59 pages) Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (November 10th, 2014) Heat Level: Medium Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts Blurb: Dallas likes the life he has. He’s the proud owner of the donut shop, Honey Cakes, and now owns the home he grew up in White Pine. He thought his life was perfect until Nikko the chipmunk sashayed into his life. Now, Dallas doesn’t know if he wants to push the spunky chipmunk away or make love to him.
Nikko has known since the moment he saw Dallas that he wanted the bear. Nothing, even the grouchiness of the gorgeous bear will keep him from making Dallas his own. But how can Nikko get Dallas to see they belong together?
Review: I’ve mentioned on previous installations’ reviews that this series is sweet and comfy. Intensity, angst, and ferocity just don’t have a place when we talk chipmunks and White Pine (the town where this series is set), but that is okay with me. Even as I love the bloodthirsty shifters Jackie Nacht can write, I also adore this side of them too. And what’s not to adore when we talk about cuddly, grouchy bears and mischievous sexy chipmunks?
So this time we have Dallas’ and Nikkos’ story. A quick reminder; Dallas is the White Pine’s bear-shifter and owner of the pastry story. We’ve met him from the very first book, as he’s Gunner’s best friend. We saw him again in book two as Beau, the deer-shifter fell for him, and now we see him starring in his own love-story with the chipmunk-shifter and Phillip’s brother, Nikko.
Being totally honest, I didn’t expect to like this story all that much. When Nikko threw himself all over Dallas on book two I thought that this one would have been way too transparent to keep me entertained. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that even a known HEA could keep me on my toes when done right.
Nikko has made his intentions clear enough and almost all the players know that he has his sight set on the bear, but Dallas is not just anyone. He’s grouchy, he’s solitary, and he has his own space and doesn’t really want anyone in there. It is fascinating to read how he slowly gives up and comes around to this chipmunk’s whims. It is exhilarating seeing, as the predator becomes the prey. Letting go of his comfort zone is something I knew would happen beforehand, yet I still felt my heart skip a beat when Dallas finally surrendered. He even managed to surprise me at the very end too with how he behaved after his surrender.
In general, this story is one of those that you can’t find a fault even if you search for one. It is sweet and romantic; it is comfortable and easily read. The plot draws you in and its intention is to bring forth happy feelings, which it accomplishes with ease. It is also quite passionate too. Nacht has a way describing hot feelings and sexiness. The erotic parts in this story make your heart palpitate a bit faster and your head a bit dizzy. That’s definitely something not to overlook, as it’s accompanied with a loving/mating plot that simply fits my ideals of what mates should be all about.
So in the end what I’m trying to say with so many words is: I loved this story. If you liked what you read above, I certainly recommend you this book. Keep in mind that this is one of those that are best read in order, so my advice is: go grab the two previous ones and have a sweet break from reality. It is well worth it. 😀
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Orphan Blade Series: N/A Author: M. Nicholas Almand, Jake Myler (Illustrations) Genre: Graphic Novel / Sci-Fi / Adventure Length: Novel (196 pages) Publisher: Oni Press (November 26th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts Blurb: Hadashi is a boy with simple dreams… but his life changes when a horrific accident maims his hand! Unable to hold a sword, he’s kicked out of his dojo home. But the Orphan Blade is no ordinary sword. When Hadashi comes across the abandoned blade, he finds that not only is he able to wield it – the sword seems to be wielding him!
He’s not the only one interested in the Orphan Blade, though, and his ownership draws the attention of the Five Fingers of Death – a deadly group of mercenaries who have their own magical and deadly weapons.
ISBN: 9781620101209
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Blade-M-Nicholas-Almand-ebook/dp/B00N3C47PG Reviewer: Thommie Review: Plot; Alchemists, mages, and gifted humans gather in order to open up the gates to reach the Gods. As these things go, instead of the Gates of Heaven they opened a gate to another dimension from where Kaiju (strange creatures) – as called from the “Nipponese” – came through. These horrifying creatures cause the Earth big loses in human power but were in the end defeated, leaving behind their precious carcasses from where the first artifacts were made.
The artifacts gave the wielder great power and turned them into some kind of God of War. These Gods of War managed to save humanity from the Kaiju, but after that was done, they turned against their own fellow humans in the wars that followed the monsters’ demise. Humanity might very well die in the end…
Enter Hadashi, our main character and age 14. Hadashi is a kid who gets into trouble as naturally as he breathes. One of his troubles causes him a hand injury that leaves him incapable of holding a sword any longer. After being thrown out of the dojo where he leaved till then Hadashi’s trouble start for real, but this time he has with him the Orphan Blade… An Artifact!
Did you know that there was a mysterious myth about Artifacts? They have the tendency to call one another and gather together…
Ah, this was an interesting title. An adventure without being one. It’s a historical Sci-Fi followed up by a post-apocalyptic theme. It was familiar is what I immediately thought. Something about the intro made me feel as if I’d read something similar before and not only till I finished did I realize that Evangelion has been one of the inspiring Animes for this author. And yes, the intro resembles Evangelion way too much. Thankfully, the rest of the plot changes dramatically once chapter one hits and the semblance diminishes quite a lot.
The story is a bit of a mish mash of old-time classics and while that didn’t bother me the fact that it ends kind of abruptly threw me off big time. It’s almost as if this was the first book and then a sequel would follow or a series of books with Hadashi’s adventures, but no. This is a one shot and it leaves you empty in the end, craving for more. It makes sense though.
This was this author’s first graphic novel so the shortcomings are to be expected. What weirded me out is the fact that while this book had no romantic hints at all throughout its duration, the ending hits you with this HUGE romantic surprise, literally coming from nowhere, and while for me it was amusing and promising, it was also disappointing because there wasn’t and never will be a follow-up on that part. So, those craving emotions it leaves you with… Frustration is also right there following up like a faithful partner.
Art work: the artist is absolutely wonderful. His detailed backgrounds are capable of making you swoon and make the entire novel come to life. But unfortunately, there was a problem with the faces of the characters. They were too cute… What in Manga, you would call chibi or better yet how Disney’s latest movies look like. Yes exactly like that. But in this novel, a cutesy artwork simply didn’t work for me. It would have been tons better if the characters were rougher and more “mature” in appearance. Seeing Disney like children drawn in blood and gore, it kind of had my blood churning. I never did like the similar lolicon tsundere in Manga where little boys and girls get all bloody either. But I suppose that is my limit. 😉
Font size/style: horrible in the prologue/introduction pages. I know I’m being harsh and probably hurtful, but it was horrible. You had to magnify the page at 180+% in order to read the font. Where did that leave the artwork…? Well, I did mention the detailed background that brought the novel to life right? The font simply killed it right back having to zoom in so much and losing the effect of the illustration.
The rest of the read while not bad also requires a heighten zoom in or getting to close to the pc in order to read properly and going back through a distance in order to appreciate the artwork, so it was a continuous source of frustration too. I wish graphic novels had an easier on the eyes font instead of going for the artsy and flourish type.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Bend Over Author: Brina Brady Genre: Contemporary / BDSM Length: Novel (211 pages) Publisher: October 31st 2014 by Brina Brady Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥1 Heart Blurb: Can Julien tame bad boy Shane?
Runaway 18-year-old Shane O’Rourke is living under the Huntington Beach Pier. He carries many secrets from his past. Shane wasn’t allowed to explore his sexuality when he lived home with his father, The Reverend. His submissive nature and desires had to remain fantasies.
Shane meets a dark stranger on the beach. Julien Callier is a Dom from Martinique and is sixteen years older than Shane. Bad boy Shane wants to win the heart of Julien Callier and become his sub. But does he really understand what Julien expects from his boy?
Julien’s heart goes out to this gorgeous boy and he takes him under his wing, grooming him to be his sub. Julien is determined to let Shane experience the good life, even financing his education, but he’s challenged at every turn by Shane’s rebellious nature.
When Shane’s defiant behavior threatens to come between them for good, Julien has to act fast to teach Shane the meaning of real submission.
Can Julien tame the bad boy? Can Shane give up his old ways of stealing, lying, and using drugs? The playroom is open.
ISBN: B00P2XO5YM
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2XO5YM
Reviewer: Thommie
Review: This review might contain spoilers, but they are necessary to make my points come through.
Unfortunately I did not like this story, thus I will simply go directly into enumerating what went wrong with this for me.
Shane, MC; Son of a Reverend working for a drug dealer whom he actually loves as a friend for being always there by his side, listening to his troubles, smoking weed together, and using him as a mule…
The fact that he expects to be acknowledged, picked up, helped and God knows what else from a complete stranger made me dislike him with a passion. But when in the next paragraph, he seems to be a naïve and sheltered young man with complete lack of sexual experience with men I was baffled. There is no way around it.
This character’s personality seems to be all over the place, not settling one way or another. He is a virgin in “gay sex” yet he wants to submit to a strong, big, black man. I didn’t know what to feel after one point beside complete lack of interest and strongest belief of a totally non-plausible character profile.
Onward; I really disliked from the start how everything the “stranger” aka Julien, MC #2 did or didn’t got compared with Gus, and while at the beginning, I had the impression Gus. The comparison got so frequent and annoying that I reached a point where I was screaming “If I read “the stranger reminded him of Gus” one more time I’ll delete this damn book from my drive” and while it made sense later on, it still was too much to handle. Repeating something over and over again does not make it appealing.
Further, down my review I will mention the infamous line of this book “he was not allowed to be gay.” It was yet another thing that got repeated so much it caused frustration. As for Julien himself, I found a very cliché type. Rich black guy, leather daddy having a thing for twink longhaired blond…
The plot in general got me a headache from the start. If I thought, the MC’s profile was unrealistic and all over the place, it went double with the backstory.
Revision time: the stranger picked him up and asked him “Do you want to come with me boy” at which point Shane replied “yes” and the stranger picked up both their c#%$ and started stroking. A few minutes later the stranger shot in Shane’s face… which ignited his orgasm making him come at said stranger’s suit jacket…
Now, either this stranger has some seriously supernatural jumping sperm, or someone forgot the setting of this scene. Or… ah, I don’t know, it simply didn’t make sense to me. Likewise, many more things were out-of-place and continued to cause my incredulity, and all this during the first few chapters.
Moving on things like: “he wasn’t allowed to be gay by the Reverend,” yet his hair was long like a girls continued with the ambiguity. Wouldn’t the Reverend had Shane cut his hair in the first place? Shane is supposed to be brilliant (hence the need to continue through his education) yet in his brilliant mode the kid becomes a drinker, drug addict, smoker, and a mule for a drug dealer whom he loves like a father yet has had some sexual related thing with as well. Not to mention the rundown with a complete stranger.
Ah, the frustration!
There are so many, so many details that just drag this entire read down, making it unbearable to read through, tiresome to the point you want to skip 70% of the book. The need for a polishing up and cutting down the pages/details is needed like water to fish for this title to be worth the time, let alone the money.
And there is the whole white skin-black skin fetish. If one can call it a fetish, I don’t know what the PC terms are in this case. What I know is I’ve felt the thing myself. It’s quite a thrill seeing the contrast between two people’s skin in this scale. Somehow it makes you go all yin/yang, black &white, opposite attract, meant to freak be etc. The brain goes under strange chemical reactions when you see your white skin right next to a black one. Honestly, there is a huge psychological thrill going on the background of an interracial relationship.
Here however you don’t get to feel all that. Without wanting to be rude, the way it was portrayed it made me feel somewhat sick, because it was related strongly with the idea “big black guy going to punish slim innocent white boy with his big black c@#$.” It might have worked in a porn-like scenario in an erotic short story or even novelette, but when you see the big picture here and the amount of things going for these characters and their profiles… Whoa! And I mean Whoa! It is too much!
Anyway, I can go on and on about how much work this book needs. I’m repeating myself yet I can’t stress enough how much cutting is needed here. As it is I didn’t like the book, didn’t like the setting, didn’t like the characters, didn’t like the plot, didn’t like the fact that secondary characters took so much space, didn’t like the continuous sexual innuendos from females who by the way were NOT attracted to boys, it was rather obnoxious.
I also didn’t like the inner-thoughts. Keep them hidden and show them to us through actions of the characters. Too many dialogues over everything and nothing. An over the top attempt into trying to be mysterious and enticing with hints at key players and secrets of the past that ended up burdening the story, making the lines flow slower and slower with every passing page.
I could go on… but I’ll stop here and wish this book withdrawn, re-envisioned, edited and re-edited, but mostly cut in half (at least) and out in shelves again.
You will notice how I don’t mention anything about the sexual scenes and anything related to how they were written. It will suffice to say that everything related on that department did not in fact appeal. I’m known to like titles BDSM related, and anything to do with corporal punishment, explicit sexual torture, and/or forced seduction.
This book, while it falls under some of these sub-genres, is badly written in my opinion. so much so, that the writer needs serious research on this area, the lifestyle in general, and the way certain events create patterns into someone’s life and psych. Being half assed and trawling through these genres without proper research or experience makes the book fall flat. I’m pretty sure too many kinksters and people who live in D/s relationships would feel offended by the manner their erotic lifestyle is depicted here.
Shorty’s Review: ♥♥ 1.5Heart
Shane used to work for Gus, a drug dealer, before he decided to leave. But not before stealing some drugs and a motorcycle. The Reverend, who is Shane’s father, is a bigoted jerk and one nasty piece of work who were constantly telling him he’d go to hell for his wrongdoings and for being gay. I found this book confusing at times, because the author would jump from one thing to the next without an explanation.
The bathroom scene between Shane and the stranger seemed highly unbelievable in the fact that no one is going to let someone they don’t even know their name tell them what to do in a sexual situation. Especially when the so-called stranger completely ignores Shane and gives snide comments when Shane tries to talk to them. While asleep on the beach, he is attacked and beaten by thugs for no reason in my opinion. There is a lot of talking about sex in this story and Julien is into BDSM.
The sex scenes in this book seem more like forced or coerced sex than anything consensual. Unfortunately, when I read a book that starts off confusing or jumps from topic to topic with no warning then I lose interest immediately and usually have to force myself to finish it if it’s a review book. This book has some violent scenes in it in my opinion. I normally wouldn’t have chosen this author’s book to review, as I’ve never read her books before. After this one I probably won’t read another one, but was asked for a second opinion on it. This story just didn’t appeal to me at all, nor could I finish it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: A Taste for Poison Series: Memory of Scorpions, #3 Author: Aleksandr Voinov Genre: Fantasy / Military Length: Novel (265 pages) ISBN: 9781626491557 Publisher: Riptide Publishing (October 13th 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: Even a king gets stung when he reaches for a scorpion.
After barely surviving an assassination attempt, King Adrastes is a changed man—one who mistrusts even his allies and friends. He readies his empire for war against an enigmatic enemy, the Elder of Vededrin, but not everyone approves. While courtiers dare only to whisper dissent, an outrider called Death foments rebellion in the mountains, aided by a prophecy that promises he’ll stop the Black King.
Kendras—former lover to Adrastes and leader of the Scorpions—is sent with his elite mercenary force to bring Death to justice. But when Kendras learns who’s hiding behind the mask, he must choose between his lover Graukar, newly appointed general to the king—and King Adrastes himself.
With no man to call master, the Scorpions could flee the danger and intrigue. But Kendras cannot abandon the man he once loved—or the man he’s growing to love—without first uncovering the real threat to the Empire.
Review: I think it took me forever to find the time and finally finish this book. I seriously hated real life for stealing my time away, but I made it and *sigh* now I’m going to have to go over yet another book-hangover. It’s a thing with Voinov’s books and me, happens almost every time.
A Taste for Poison is the third and final book of the Memory of Scorpions universe, though rumour has it that Voinov is considering writing some shorts about some characters. As a fan, I truly hope it’ll happen.
So back to this book, yet again we were graced with a strong story, capable of grabbing your brain and imprisoning it in the depths of the plot. Action, blood, gore. Love, lust, passion. Jealousy, pain, fury. Intrigues, betrayals, back-stabbings.
More often than not, I felt like living in the story and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful a feeling that is. The intensity of the storytelling is spectacular and leaves you without breath. Expect heart palpitations, heartbreaks, and even a tear shedding or two. Also, expect the sizzling hot passion and the one-of-the-kind love manifestation Voinov is so famous for being able to recreate in writing. And if you think you won’t get bat-shit-crazy mad with characters and events, think again.
The story itself takes a turn and what we suspected in book #2 became reality. It shifted from having Adrastes as the main person of Kendras’s interest to Graukar and while that was expected it managed to shock us with what Graukar suffers in the path of Adrastes’s fury. It will make you cringe and shudder, but it’s well worth it and raises the tension of the story way above high. It made Kendras look so damn good in my eyes too and I think it was about time, as he left me with an uneasy feeling in book #2.
Other than that, I don’t think I need to point out the quality of this book. Anyone who has read a book from Riptide knows to expect only the best. Wonderful editing work, fonts and presentation always making you feel like you’re reading a paperback. There are times I wonder why I can’t smell the pages and I laugh at myself. But you get the point. It’s so nice to have to focus only in the story without having minor details, such as typos or poor proofing, take your concentration away.
In the end, all there is to add here is; if you are not acquainted with the Memory of Scorpions universe I strongly recommend it to you.
Title: Blue Moon Series: Scare This!, #2 Author: Megan Slayer Genre: Paranormal / Halloween Length: Short Story (44 pages) Publisher: MLR Press (November 1st, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5-3 Hearts Blurb: The ghost at my door claims to be my ex-boyfriend, back from the dead. Yeah, right.
Two years ago on October 31st, my world fell apart and I know it’ll never be fixed. No ghost can ease my broken heart and bring my boyfriend back to me. None. Now there’s a ghost at my door claiming to be Tristan. I don’t believe it. Ghosts don’t exist—or do they?
Have I mentioned it’s Halloween? I hate Halloween.
Review: Once upon a time, he was madly in love. He had dreams and a life filled to the brim with joy. He shared his favorite Halloween with his lover in their own special way, as it was their own special holyday. Once upon a time, he was a whole man.
Now Paul is merely going by each day trying to go by each day without his beloved. Now he simply exists without any plans for a future that was taken away from him rather brutally. Now his special holiday is his bane… Tristan is dead and never coming back no matter how much he wishes it. No one can change reality after all…
First thing I noticed about this book is the storytelling. How smooth the language flows and how easily I got the feeling that I just inserted Paul’s mind (our MC). However, though the writing style was smooth, I didn’t feel the pain or the grand emotions I thought I ought to feel. How weird is that? I ought to feel the shock and pain and distrust emanating from Paul, right? Wrong! I completely missed them and that was a bit disappointed, but trust me when I say that the final line in the first chapter had me popping up goose-bumps all over and have my jaw hanging open for a couple of minutes, because that was the moment when shock hit me big time. Sadly, it didn’t last long.
Tristan’s PoV – the other MC aka the ghost – the very next chapter came and with it brought so much more on the plate. Enter the paranormal world where not only ghosts but also demons and angels, Heaven and Hell exist too. Basically, this is a deal-with-the-devil-gone-wrong story set in the Halloween period. I’m still confused about the deal with Halloween here but I won’t delve much on that.
There is one big problem with this story for me; you have this guy whose lover died and suddenly said lover is standing right in front of him telling him that he’s real and that they should start celebrating Halloween… And here I am thinking, “F#@$ Halloween mate, the dead lover is freaking back. HELLO!!!! Either go on a mental crisis already or screw his brains out, what celebration and what Holiday?”
And while I’m not much of a drama reader (I detest it truth be told) I kept thinking that Paul ought to have had a complete meltdown crying and screaming and grabbing at his dead lover with such fierceness that he might have endangered his well being, if of course you could do that to a ghost. Is my way of thinking wrong..? Don’t answer that!
Anyhow, there is some little drama but it’s always meshed up with the “you have to believe and like Halloween again” thingy, confusing the hell out of me for the biggest part of the read.
But beside the plot that was somewhat disappointing, because I totally expected the demon to show up and make a Hellish scene and that didn’t happen, this is not your ordinary Halloween story. Yes, it’s set on the holiday, but it felt as if the setting was just a prop, as if it was there just for the sake of making this plot a bit more credible. And as love-stories go by, I’ve certainly read better ones. Not that this wasn’t sweet and hot, or passionate even, but I just felt the lack of that once in a lifetime/forever ever after love that this was meant to be.
Bottom end if you expect a high-tension Halloween dramatic love-story my personal opinion is that this will disappoint you. But if you don’t mind a bit of a slower in intensity, and sweeter in general terms love-story with the “even Death shan’t take us apart” theme, then go ahead, and knock yourself out, this is definitely the story for you.
Blurb: Jesse Putnam, once a union cavalryman and now a California rancher, has no one but himself to blame when he realizes the foreman assigned to help him investigate the problems on the Southern Californian acres of a railway baroness has a face that’s all too familiar. Even on the Barbary Coast of 1869, unknown vaqueros who share Jesse’s inclinations are few and far between, and Jesse didn’t even try to resist the heated attraction between them. But he never counted on his nameless companion of the previous night turning out to be Wardley Bridger, now his colleague and fellow investigator.
Bridger, at peace with his nature in a way Jesse is not, proves to be a calm and canny companion as they travel south and start sorting through a mystery that stretches out from the dusty Pueblo of Angles into the brush-covered hills of Ranchero Los Robles. But as the ghost rider’s threat overshadows both them and the ranchers of Los Robles, can Jesse still learn that friendship might merge with his shadowed hungers to gift him with a kind of bond he has never even dared to desire?
Review: Now this is what I call a romance and I absolutely loved it.
This beautiful historical follows Jesse and Bridger. Jesse has finally settled in his life as a rancher after the trauma left behind the war. What he hasn’t settled in yet is his “perverse cravings.” Jesse finds it hard to calm the storm inside him that come after each encounter with men like him.
After one such night with a certain vaquero Jesse still finds the need in him to delude himself that the said vaquero might’ve been a bit reluctant to leave him. But such notions are for fools and Jesse doesn’t indulge much.
When the next day brings him face to face with his nameless man again but this time under the name Bridger and fellow traveler/investigator in a shadowy business for his relatives, Jesse has to gather all his strength to maintain a polite façade. It is the first time ever for him to see the same man twice and something deep inside start sing-songing that Bridger is no ordinary man.
I loved this story as short as it was it was lovely and so very romantic. This pair was, oh dear, so lovable. Bridger a steady character who has no real worries in life is the opposite of Jesse, who is skittish as a colt. In the most calm way possible Bridger slowly worms his way into Jesse’s heart, who never until that moment has believed he could find intimacy in a man’s presence, arms and life. I adored this pair. I loved the way they steadily went from the one-night-stand to companions to friends and finally lovers in an era that had no good news for “sodomites.”
I also loved the story; it showed just how dangerous that time was for people who were different and how easily rascals could overwhelm your life and threaten your existence. The writing itself was divine for me. Written in a language that could be considered of that time, all I saw was roses and blue skies and white puffy clouds while reading this. Did I say this was quite a romantic read? Loooved it.
And after going all pinky little hearts for this book I feel compelled to recommend this to you. If you love historical romances, featuring sexy cowboys than this is the book for you.
Title: Protecting His Pride Series: Supernatural Mates, #7 Author: Amber Kell Genre: Paranormal/ Shifters Length: Novella Publisher: Total E-Bound (December 1st, 2013) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie Blurb: When a bleeding lion shifter collapses in the alley outside his restaurant, Garret Halcon discovers the one thing missing in his life was love.
Garret Halcon finds a lion shifter bleeding behind the alley of his restaurant. Unusually attached to a complete stranger, he follows him to the hospital.
When Cesar runs into the problem of too many alphas in one town, he has to prove to Talan that he can be a successful member of the pride without being a problem.
Will Cesar be able to complete a task set for him by the lion alpha or will he die for the sake of his pride?
Review: A lion shifter and a hawk shifter are most exciting as an idea, more than enticing and certainly will draw me to read a book. However, I’m now resigned to the fact that when a book with so many elements has such a short length will never be enough for me.
Cesar has been locked away in a lab and tortured. When his value comes to an end he’s taken away to be disposed, but he manages to escape and return for the other lions. A bit too late though as they are already on the way out from the lab, however Cesar has a last stand off with one of the guards leaving him with a bullet in his body and unable to shift. Injured he makes his way in a daze not knowing where he’s heading and lands outside Garret’s restaurant, where he collapses.
When Garret finds him after his shift, it’s clear that he’s found his mate and the timing couldn’t be better. First because his mate needs him and second because Garret has been itchy for a while now for intimacy.
However, troubles never seem to end as the area’s pride’s Alpha can’t tolerate another Alpha in his territory and Cesar will have to work his way around into finding a solution and stay by his mate’s side.
So much information was dumped all at once in this book. Hawk shifter, I’d love to read more about them, the how’s and the why’s and their lore, but that was lacking. The lab situation was hazily explained and the entire events that led Cesar to his freedom were clinically described losing all the potential intensity. Cesar’s issues with being an Alpha and feeling inadequate for the role were overcome as if a magic spell was cast and Cesar’s and Garret’s relationship was merely stated. The chemistry of the mates, their intensity, their passion, and need were too weak to be felt. The pace was too fast for all things to be absorbed and that made me not really get attached to the characters. In addition, the mating bond/claim when it happened was one-sided with our Alpha lion never making his claim and left me wanting. The end when it came was this huge hang up, so abrupt that I had to check twice that this book was over.
Bottom end, while the idea behind the story is quite enticing, the story itself was less than I expected and didn’t manage to take me with it in that magic space where I would have lived in the story instead of simply reading it detached and wondering.
Hiya guys, today we have K.C. Wells popping in with her latest release A Dance with Domination! K.C. lets us have a peek at a sexy excerpt and a fabulous Giveaway, so I will leave you with Thommie’s review and don’t forget to click that Rafflecopter link! <3 ~Pixie~
A Dance with Domination
(Collar & Cuffs 04)
by
K.C. Wells
Recently returned to the UK after living in the States since he was eleven, Andrew Barrett is determined to keep busy and make a new life for himself. He works full time as a copywriter and strips at a club on Canal Street on weekends. But it still leaves him too much time to think. Then he finds the BDSM club, Collars & Cuffs, where at twenty-nine, he is their youngest Dom. Young doesn’t mean inexperienced, however. All this activity keeps him focused with no time to dwell on the past. But the past has a way of intruding on the present.
It’s been four long years since Gareth Michaels last set foot inside Collars & Cuffs. But when he finally summons his courage and steps back into his former world, he finds the man who drove him away is still a member, and what’s more, he wants Gareth back. Two men in pain need the freedom they find in each other, but it takes another man’s horrific plans to make them see it.
Hey peeps, today we bring you Riptide Publishing’s Amelia C. Gormley and her newest release Saugatuck Summer! Amelia talks a little about Saugatuck Summer, she has brought along an excerpt for you to take a peek at and she has a fantastic Giveaway for you to take part in and we also have Thommie’s stunning review. So I will leave you to enjoy the post and remember to follow the Giveaway instructions, I’ve left links to the other posts on the tour so you can fully enjoy the Giveaway, good luck guys! 🙂 <3 ~Pixie~
Saugatuck Summer
by
Amelia C. Gormely
One summer can change everything.
Hi, I’m Topher Carlisle: twenty-one, pretty, and fabulous. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But let’s get real. Walking the fake-it-til-you-make-it road to independence and self-respect isn’t easy. Especially since my mom’s a deadbeat alcoholic, and most of my family expects me to turn out just as worthless. Oh, and I’m close to losing my college swimming scholarship, so let’s add “dropout” to the list.
My BFF has invited me to stay at her beach house on the shore of Lake Michigan. That’ll give me one summer to make money and figure out what I want to do with my life. So of course I decide to have an affair with my BFF’s married, closeted dad. Because that always works out.
Now I’m homeless, friendless, jobless. Worthless. Just like my family expects, right? Except there’s this great guy, Jace, who sees it differently. He’s got it all together in ways I can only dream of—he’s hot, creative, insightful, understanding. He seems to think I don’t give myself enough credit. And if I don’t watch out, I may start to believe him.
Hey guys, today we have Lee Brazil visiting with an old favorite It’s Simple, Simon, Lee has a fabulous Giveaway and there are reviews from both myself and Thommie, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link 🙂 <3 ~Pixie~
It’s Simple, Simon
by
Lee Brazil
Simon Carter has achieved unimaginable success and he owes it all to a man from his past whose scorn set fire to his ambition.
“It’s Simple, Simon. You lack ambition.”
Chase Garvin’s jibe had sent Simon Carter on unexpected paths and brought him unimaginable success. No longer a penniless musician, the highly paid investment banker is going home for the first time in years. He plans to rest, relax, and spend a little time rubbing his ex-lover’s nose in his success. A visit to the Renaissance Fair brings this not-quite-so-simple- Simon nose to nose with his past and somehow revenge doesn’t seem quite so attractive.
Chase Garvin, Denver, Colorado’s very own Pie Man, is still incredibly handsome. What’s more, the more mature Chase is very appreciative of Simon’s talents.
When the old attraction flares between them, Simon and the Pie Man get caught up in tasting the wares, and neither counts the pennies.
Hey guys, I’m back and this time I have Poppy Dennison popping in to show off her latest release Belligerent Beta! Poppy also gives us some insight about Alpha’s Vs Beta’s and Thommie explains in her review why this series has enthralled her. <3 ~Pixie~
Belligerent Beta
(Pack Partners 02)
by
Poppy Dennison
When a human is chosen to lead the pack instead of him, Beta Dan Keller struggles to find his footing in a rapidly changing environment. Committed to his pack and not one to turn away from a challenge, Dan follows his Alpha’s request and works with Nathan Ross, the new pack Omega. Though he is initially concerned that Nathan’s weakness will harm the pack, Dan learns there is more to the shy wolf than meets the eye.
As Dan struggles to balance his growing feelings for the young wolf with his responsibilities to his pack, new threats emerge and Nathan’s loyalty is questioned. Not understanding the basics of being a wolf leaves Nathan vulnerable and the pack at risk. Can Dan embrace the true role of a beta so he can protect the man he has grown to love and save his pack?
Title: A Taste for Poison
Title: Where Nerves End
Title: Archangel Chronicles Vol. 1
Title: Unbreak My Heart (2nd Edition)![LustyAdventuresofTheseus[The]LG](https://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/lustyadventuresoftheseusthelg.jpg?w=300)
Title: The Lusty Adventures of Theseus
![K.C. Wells - A Dance With Domination DancewithDomination[A]LG](https://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/k-c-wells-a-dance-with-domination-dancewithdominationalg.jpg)
