A Better Man by Jaime Reese (2nd Edition), Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hey my little minions, today we have Jaime Reese and her re-release A Better Man, we have a quick look at an excerpt (which tempts us), and Thommie gives us her opinion on the new edition (Thommie reviewed the first as well) and Jaime Reese also has 2 ecopies of A Better Man to giveaway so make sure you click that Rafflecopter link! 🙂 ~Pixie~

Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.

Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.

Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.

AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / BARNES & NOBLE

CHAPTER 1 JUNE

“It’s going to be another hot one.”

This was the last thing the bubbly radio forecaster announced before Julian Capeletti switched off the radio. It was just too damn early in the morning for that much perkiness.

“Great,” he grumbled as he sat up in bed and tried to rub the sleep from his face.

He hated mornings. Some people heard birds chirping, appreciated sunrises, and saw everything through rainbow-colored glasses in the early morning hours, but that just wasn’t him.

Especially when he didn’t have work.

He just couldn’t muster the energy needed to be as functional as he was in the late hours—when he found his groove and could tackle even the most complex third plane mathematical equation anyone could throw at him. Mornings, well, it was a short list. Wake up, shower, drink coffee. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to get dressed somewhere in between. He didn’t need to have the perky announcer tell him about the weather, he could feel it firsthand as the sweat began to trickle down his chest.

“Fucking gross,” he moaned as he rose from bed and made his way to the bathroom.

He followed the same routine every morning. He stared at himself in the mirror, in search of…what, who knew. He splashed some water on his face and looked again. Maybe he should try holy water or some other miracle that would change what stared back at him. He saw the hint of dark circles under his eyes and he hated it.

Vanity wasn’t the issue, the dark circles were a reminder of the turn of bad luck that had plagued him for almost two years.

Like a series of snapshots, he always ran the images of that day through his mind. The one that marked the beginning of when it all started going to shit with no end in sight. Well, more than usual at least. The day his last steady foreman project ended because the owner faced trafficking charges and fled the country to avoid his impending capture. With assets frozen, the site was closed down and everyone was out of a job and a steady paycheck. He’d left work early to seek comfort in the arms of his partner, an eternal optimist, and found him busy giving comfort of a different type to another guy.

“Asshole,” he mumbled into the towel as he dried his face. Maybe a shower would work. Even if it didn’t wake him up, at least it would wash away the disgusting reminder of the South Florida blazing summer heat and humidity.

Freshly showered, Julian read the classifieds as he sipped his coffee. He closed his eyes and exhaled, enjoying the caffeine and sugar slowly bringing him to life. Finally. He skimmed the want ads searching for anything new that morning, something he hadn’t already called on that week. He grabbed the monthly community paper and spotted the listing with a large bold headline “Handyman Wanted for Repairs”. A long list of requirements followed, far beyond those for a traditional handyman. He exhaled sharply and frowned. He had seen this a lot lately, another potential employer taking advantage of the desperation in the workforce, wanting to hire someone for nothing. The laundry list of responsibilities read like the licensing exam for a contractor, not a handyman’s job description. Cheap bastard. “Contact Mr. Boner” it read toward the end, followed by an address and phone number. He couldn’t resist smiling at the play on words.

“No wonder Boner wants a handyman.” He chuckled.

A knock at the door interrupted his morning read through the ads.

“Hey, Jules, you in there?”

Julian cringed, not just at the nickname he hated so strongly, but at the voice he knew came to deliver bad news. He reluctantly rose to answer the knock.

“Hi, David,” he said as he slowly opened the door to greet the short, paunchy landlord.

“So, you got my rent this month?” David asked hopefully.

“I’ll have some money for you by the end of the week.” He rubbed his hands on his towel and looked away.

“That’s what you said last week.” David shifted to cross his arms in an attempt to intimidate.

Julian looked down at the short man and couldn’t blame him for trying. He knew David well enough to realize that he didn’t have a choice but to push at this point. He figured the guy was getting some unneeded pressure from the boss.

“I gave you some money last week.”

“That was to cover the rent from two months ago. What about last month or this one?”

Julian’s head began to hurt. This had been the ritual almost every day for the last month. He was a creature of habit, but there were some customs he wished would change.

“David, I told you I’d have some by the end of the week. I just need a little time.”

“That’s what they all say!” His landlord raised his arms in frustration.

“Look, I know I’m late, I’m not denying that, but at least when you come knocking, I don’t run and hide from you like your other tenants. I said I’ll have money for you at the end of the week and I will. I’ve never backed down on my word.”

“Yet, you’re late on your monthly payment.”

“And I told you I would be. Fuck, David, I said I was going to be late and you agreed it wasn’t a problem as long as I paid you something each week. I’m doing that.” He rubbed his shaved head roughly.

“How much? Will it be enough to cover the two months you owe me?” David pleaded.

“I don’t know. I’m guessing probably not by the end of the week.”

“Jules, I can’t keep doing this.”

“I know. I just need some time,” Julian said quietly, looking away as he rubbed his wrist cuff.

“Why don’t you sell your truck?”

Julian looked at him as if the burly man had sprouted another head. “Dude, I’m not selling my truck. I need it for work.”

“Please, Jules, I like you, but I can’t have you livin’ here for free. You know that. My bosses are pushing me for the rent. I need two months’ rent by the end of the week or they’re forcing me to kick you out of here.”

Julian could see both frustration and understanding in the man’s eyes. He’d known this day would come. Had dreaded it for the last few weeks. He rubbed his head and looked away. He tried to make an honest living, avoided trouble, and where did that leave him? Standing in his doorway with a towel around his waist trying to think of ways to scavenge up two months’ rent just to be back at square one again. He couldn’t think of anything to say so he simply nodded.

David looked at him and patted him on the shoulder. “Jules, you’re a hard worker and a smart cookie. I’m sure you’ll find a way.”

Ugh. First Jules now cookie. Seriously?

“Thanks, David,” he grumbled, hoping that would give the man the signal to turn and leave.

Mission accomplished. He closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. He blew out a deep breath, willing a new idea to blindside him. He thought of different quickie jobs and crossed each one off for different reasons. Well, he always had the option to sell his ass on Eighth Street, but who was he kidding? No one would give him two months’ rent for his bits. He laughed at himself. He had to. It was the only way he’d remain sane when life gave him the shit end of the stick. He turned to see the newspaper still sitting on the table. He walked over and grabbed his coffee and gulped the little bit of remaining java along with his pride.

If the guy needed a handyman, he was going to be the best damn handyman that cheap bastard had ever seen. If that didn’t work, well, Eighth Street was actually starting to sound pretty damn good.

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / AMAZON

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

Win 2 ecopies of A Better Man:

(Just click the below link)

Jaime Reese Rafflecopter giveaway

(Ends 12th April 2014)

Review:

Title: A Better Man

Series: The Men of Halfway House #1

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (357 pages)

ASIN: B00HW6X8ZE

Publisher: Romandeavor (January 16^th 2014)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: 3.5Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.

Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HW6X8ZE

Review: This is a re-release for this book and for me it’s a re-read too. When I first read this book I loved it, even as the sap and drama were a bit too much. I didn’t really mind it back then. The characters were quite interesting despite the stereotypes they were bathed in and I had no problem getting in the heart of the story, staying there for the duration and having a great time reading it. I loved the characters, especially Julian, and that didn’t change this time around.

Julian is one of those typical hard-working, caring, and lovable male leads that one simply cannot resist. He has suffered an abusive father, the loss of his brother and mother, and yet he has come out of his life stronger, with his ideals intact. He’s also very charming and easy in the eyes and ears. My imagination created a very hot image of him based on the descriptions the author provides us. If I had one issue with Julian that I had hoped the re-release would have fixed it, was the “fight” scene between Julian and Matt, the one that lead to the graveyard, as it was quite unnecessary for me. Or, how should I put it; I didn’t quite get why would that fight be so big, when it was very simple in my eyes to have been fixed with a couple of straightforward words. The reactions of both characters there was way too much for my taste.

Matt is another story altogether. I truly hoped he would have been depicted a bit differently this time around. His being metaphorically emasculated by his mother was and still is very unappealing to me. It ruined some of my fun and lead the character to reactions that most definitely didn’t charm. The passing out scene at his mother’s house was an overreaction I could do without. Other than that and considering how much he’s been neutered his entire life, Matt is a nice character, fighting to be the man he is meant to be and not the puppet his mother tries to make him still.

The chemistry between them remains good as it was the first time around. Their intimate scenes, the passionate kissing and the emotions that flow the text are definitely something to cheer for, romantic and overwhelming at times. Sensual eroticism and passionate lovemaking go hand in hand with the chemistry and the kind of personality these men have, making this read sweet and mellow without it being too much. I loved that yet again.

The changes that this re-release brought were nice and it did make the ending better, however I had higher expectations especially on the drama front. The fact that there was no real closure with the mother – again – somehow disappointed me, not to mention the fact that the supporting characters were still a bit vague and non-existent.

Overall the book remains a good romantic story, quite recommendable for the fans of the genre. Let’s see what the sequel will bring us as I’m eagerly anticipating Cameron’s story.

Review of 1st Edition: http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/a-better-man-by-r-j-scott-and-jaime-reese/

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Prince of Tricks by Jane Kindred

Title: Prince of Tricks
Series: Demons of Elysium, #1
Author: Jane Kindred
Genre: Angels & Demons / Alternate World / Kink & Fetish
Length: Novel (375 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-61922-089-8
Publisher: Samhain Publishing (January 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: When desire rises, angels will fall. One, by one, by one…

Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.

Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.

A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.

When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.
Purchase Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/prince-tricks-p-73194.html
Review: This was a most refreshing book, the world it was set upon was Heaven itself, though a very intriguing and enticing view, not at all the cliché Heaven we’ve been bored out of our head off. To say I loved it would be accurate yet lacking something. Lacking the fact that this book nearly sent me spinning into fanfic mode, it was so inspiring and so enticing that you couldn’t simply read it without letting your imagination soar wild in this word.

The characters we meet in this wonderful tale are two lovely, albeit completely different from each other, demons. Set in a world where demons are the lowest form of life and angels feel more than entitled, these two characters draw you in an adventure a bit dark, a bit kinky, and way too dangerous from which you don’t want to escape.

Belphagor is a self-made character, strong and cunning, his smarts and wits are what have granted him the title Prince of Tricks. He is also a very dominant creature in bed, his inclinations being a lot on the rough and cruel side. He appears to have no weaknesses…
At least that’s what our second star of the story believes. Vasily, a rent-boy and former thief forewent his life, as he knew it when he met Belphagor. He gave himself to this seemingly uncaring airspirit, even as his heart hurts with the uncertainty that colors this relationship. Being a firespirit and a hothead, he constantly finds himself in peculiar situations until he gets in the worst predicament ever, charged with attempted murder against the very crown. Penalty is immediate death and both Belphagor and Vasily must take a wild journey through intrigues and emotions in order to survive this obstacle. For where Vasily has his life in the line, Belphagor has his heart.

I loved the tale, oh my God a fascinating one. It had action, conspiracy, a well-threaded plot put in a lovely pace that kept you always on your toes and most of all, and this damned relationship that was not just a relationship. Belphagor is a wild creature, a cruel, cruel “master” always goading and humiliating his “sub”, and as for Vasily, well the fact he’s a firespirit should give you a hint or two that while he submits it doesn’t happen easily and it’s always loaded with defiance. It is absolutely fantastic to read and damn well written too. So, you might wonder on the quotes I put for the words “master” and “sub”. It’s the fact that these words are never once worded in this book, though that’s exactly what Belphagor and Vasily are to each other. It’s the fact that there are no labels when it comes to the nature of relationships in this world, except perhaps when it comes to interactions between Angels and Demons. There are still judgments and slurs, but in a kind of different way, that makes it utterly non-Earthly, and that it made this book such a sweet and original read.

I could keep on going on and on about the nature of the dynamic between our protagonists, the fact that there were way too many lovers and non-lovers and m/f scenes and orgies, and sharing of partners, all written gloriously resulting in exquisitely hot and pant-worthy scenes, but I’m going to refrain. Because in the end you have to read it yourself and find the magic of this Hell of a tale. What I can do is recommend that jump through the rabbit-hole, or the Ascend of the stairway to Heaven, or the Fall from the Celestial… Ah, there I go and lose myself again. Damn this book stole my head.

Recommended!

Shady by Jan Irving

Title: Shady
Author: Jan Irving
Genre: Futuristic / Sci-Fi / Kinks & Fetish
Length: Novella (84 pages)
ISBN: 9781781849354
Publisher: Totally Bound (January 3rd, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Dark and tormented cop Shade will do anything to possess Nick, the caring artist who is a killer’s next target.

Can a dark, tormented cop and a warm, caring hustler fall in love while trying to stop a murderer? Created to be the perfect killer, Shade has done some ‘shady’ things in his past but when he meets Nick, a sexy and honorable part-time painter, Shade is drawn to possess him. And Shade is very good at getting what he wants, using any means necessary…

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of dubious consent and descriptions of graphic off-scene violence.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/shady
Review: Here I was thinking I’d be reading yet another cliché of a story when I was shockingly surprised by the creativity and imagination on this one.

So no, you don’t have yet another hustler/cop romantic story here. There is crime, action, mystery, suspense, hot sex, and a fabulous don’t-give-a-shit bastard of a main character. How very refreshing (stealing this from Yoshi) that our main character is devastatingly an ar$sehole until the very end. How wonderfully is that explained in the end. How intriguingly captivating the tale was spun and told. I loved it, there.

Of course, it would have been awesome if the “romantic” development had more – it felt a bit crippled – it would be great if there was more from the characters, information and time with them would have been brilliant, it would have been fantastic if this wasn’t a novella.

However, for its length I was more than satisfied and quite enjoyed the reading. It made me smile, it made me wonder, and it gave me a good couple of hours enjoyment.

If you are a fan of futuristic mysteries, this is certainly a story worth reading.

Wrapped Up in Chains by Cindy Sutherland

Title: Wrapped Up in Chains
Author: Cindy Sutherland
Genre: BDSM
Length: Novel (250 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-569-7
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 14th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥ 2 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Devon West is a professional Dom who runs his own club, doesn’t believe in romance, and has never been in a long-term relationship. All this changes when he rescues Chase Mackenzie.

Chase is a runaway who has been kept as a slave since he was sixteen. Now twenty-three, he’s still innocent and sweet despite being severely abused and left behind by his Dom.

When Devon finds out that the man who held Chase hostage is the same man who hurt him terribly when he started learning about the sub/Dom lifestyle, he knows he has to keep Chase safe.

Spoiled rich boy and sociopath James Kingston is obsessed with Devon. He’s convinced Devon would be his perfect sub and Devon only thinks he’s a Dom because he needs proper discipline. Losing Chase to Devon is like rubbing salt in the wound, and he’s determined to get them both under his thumb. This time, Chase may need to rescue Devon.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4767
Review: This book was one of those that while it started well for me, simply didn’t make it up my expectations. The story had the potential to be excellent but it wasn’t in the end.

To be more specific I think the entire way Chase’s profiling and action/reaction was written was a bit unrealistic. His abuse was overcome in a bit of a haste and without being detailed.
A lot of information was missing and while the author used his PoV at some point, when it was most required in order to literally grab our attention with his feelings/emotions we saw it mostly from Devon’s PoV.

Devon on the other hand was a mystery, period. He was supposed to be Kingston’s sub (while in training to become a Dom) before it went al to Hell and Kingston found Chase. So in the matter of 7 years he became the town’s most famous Dom, built Mystique that became the most prominent BDSM Club, became rich and managed to create a whole big family of friends… Yeah, something didn’t add and it showed. In addition, he kept going on and on about this time finally making Kingston pay, but in truth he had no real power to do anything.

What grated the most about the story is that there was serious abuse and criminal activity that was never dealt the proper way. Devon’s employee literally beats a client bloody – because at that point, Chase was a client in the club – and he is simply let go, fired, no mention of calling the police on that? What the Hell? The manager goes on stealing from the club and he is fired with an addition 5k so he can keep low..? No prosecuting a criminal that kept captive and enslaved a minor for 7 years…? Really? And I’m not even going about how overboard that “villain” went. Sometimes, something need to end before they become too much.

What I think was worse for me in this book though was the abuse of the word “adorable”. I think I’ll have serious issues reading/using that word again. It is too much when someone reads a certain word every other paragraph. It becomes sickening no matter how sweet the word might be. The fact that the entire read was either too shocking or either too sweet, jumping from absolute light to grimy darkness in the blink of an eye was also disorienting. No, didn’t make for intense, it rather grated, at least me.

Overall, this was merely an okay read. Having read similar stories that were exquisitely well thought and well written I cannot give this one a better rating.

Jackie Nacht Shifter Blog Tour with Interview, Giveaway & Review

Hey my little minions… er I mean readers, today we have a huge treat for you, we have Jackie Nacht visiting with her shifters books, a great giveaway and Thommie has her own special interview with Jackie! So I will leave you to enjoy our Jackie Nacht Shifter Post and don’t forget to click the Rafflecopter link for a chance to win some great prizes 🙂 ~Pixie~

Peanut Butter and Jelly For Two:

The sexy chipmunk shifter isn’t afraid of the dentist; he’s in love with him.

Phillip has the best job working at the Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly. As a chipmunk shifter, Phillip has seen handsome men walk through the door but none so gorgeous as his boss and wolf shifter, Dr. Gunner Samuels. When he finds himself being manipulated by his best friend to ask the big bad wolf over for dinner, Phillip realizes his biggest dilemma, he’s never cooked a day in his life, let alone meat. Can Phillip pull off a fabulous dinner for two? And has Gunner had his eye on the sexy shifter all this time?

BuyLink: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=JN_PBJF2

Review:

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/peanut-butter-and-jelly-for-two-by-jackie-nacht/

Moon Compound 01: Full Moon Lockdown:

Can surviving the horrors of the night lead Colin to find the one that was meant to love him and bring him back to the light?

Colin Brantford is an Omega wolf. When his pack is destroyed by hellhounds, he and his brother are transported to Moon Compound. There, Colin must enter into a world where all wolf shifters are sent to learn to shift. Two years prematurely.

Sloan Atwater has been at the compound for three years and still has no control of his wolf. That is until he spots Colin, making Sloan crave the slightest touch. Will he be able to claim Colin for his own? And when Colin needs Sloan, will he be able to control his wolf?

Buy Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/full-moon-lockdown/

Review:

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/full-moon-lockdown-by-jackie-nacht/

Moon Compound 02: Full Moon Feral:

With all great sacrifices for love, there must be consequences.

Brendan has been at Moon Compound and gone through his first shift. He feels like hell when his mate walks into his life in chains. Devastated that his mate is feral, he mourns for the mate he is bound to lose before he ever has him. Desperate not to lose his mate, he does something that will forever change his life. Will Brendan be able to save his feral?

Buy Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/full-moon-feral/

Review:

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/full-moon-feral-by-jackie-nacht/

Moon Compound 03: Full Moon Gamma:

When Rayce finds he has two paths before him, the unknown consequence is the only alternative to help the man he loves survive.

Rayce is sent on a recon mission to find out if hellhounds are in Lansing. What he discovers on his way is his mate, Peyton, has followed him into the very heart of danger.

Peyton has loved Rayce from the moment Rayce saved him. He knows he probably shouldn’t be following Rayce, but the instinct driving him to protect the man he has already fallen for causes him to go recklessly into the city. All is not as it seems, and Peyton will have to find strength to survive for not only himself but his mate and friends as well.

Buy Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/full-moon-gamma/

Review:

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/full-moon-gamma-by-jackie-nacht-review-giveaway/

Title: Full Moon Hellhound

Series: Moon Compound #4

Author: Jackie Nacht

Genre: Paranormal / Action

Length: Novella (126 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-77111-905-4

Publisher: Extasy Books (April 1^st 2014)

Heat: Moderate~Explicit

Heart: 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Feeling emotions for the first time, this hellhound must let go of his hate to learn to love.

An Omega at Moon Compound, Oren’s life was irrevocably altered after being bitten by a hellhound. When the hellhound returns after saving Oren’s friends, Oren can’t forgive the enemy who mated the two of them that one fateful day.

Daegal is forever changed. As a hellhound, he never felt any emotions except hate until he bit a wolf on the day the horde attacked. Now giving up everything to see Oren again, he finds himself at the mercy of his enemies. Will he be able to let go of the hate to learn about love, or will he forever be lost to the shadows?

Authors note: This may be read as a standalone book however for better reading enjoyment, it is adviced to read the series in order. Thank you

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/full-moon-hellhound/#.UzqlJdDAXjM.facebook

Review: I have been waiting for Daegal’s story it seems FOREVER and finally, finally I got to read it. To say I’m not disappointed would be the understatement of the year. I remember saying on my review for Full Moon Lockdown (book #1) that this was exactly what I loved and craved when searching for paranormal/werewolves stories, but little did I know then the magnitude of the treasure I had in my hands lore-wise. Every book we’ve read so far in the series has been a little stone on the road to an incredibly gripping story. Each instalment focuses more on each individual couple and gives us time to get to know them, get accustomed in their abilities/roles, while the background story develops rather slowly. In the previous book we met with a cruel and raw and vicious dark side of the lore, it shocked us and gave us exactly what was needed to comprehend the villains and perhaps gave us a hint of what to expect on the upcoming war that is boiling right underneath the surface. But this book, this really is the opening scene of the main story, veiled under the lines of Daegal and Oren’s mating. A Hellhound and a Werewolf who will begin the ultimate battle between two eternal enemies; the brothers Geri and Freki.

Daegal, a Hellhound who unknowingly claimed a Werewolf as a mate and irrevocably changed his life. His soulless existence died a horrible death when he stole half of Oren’s soul with that fatal bite. Now he’s assaulted with a vast range of emotions he never knew, and coping with them is driving him nearly insane. On top of that his mate hates him, those feeling burning everything in between them, every bridge driving them both toward destruction. Until one day something changes, turning everything upside down. What was known until then lost meaning and new things come to light…

I can’t say how intense this mating is, I can’t say how heavy the feelings between the pair are. It nearly brought me to tears when Daegal’s past was revealed through his memories, it nearly broke my heart as he felt the horrors done to him with this new set of emotions he doesn’t even know how to deal with. I nearly screamed in frustration as for the best part of it Daegal had to go through it all alone while his mate hated his guts. Yes, Rayce and Peyton’s story in book #3 left me raw, but this one was simply so very intense and emotional and sweet somehow inside all that darkness that it blew my mind away. I’m overwhelmed and okay, so I’m a bit in love with Daegal and might be biased, but this was one incredible ride with highs and lows and a scary kind of love. *wink*

So, I stand by my opinion that this instalment was the best of them yet in many ways. Wonderfully written it brings the reader to the edge and then takes him back only to make our heart beat when the action picks up, surprises sprouting from every corner and the end blowing your head away with its twist and promise that the next book full-fledged war will take place right before our eyes. In the end of the instalment I was left with a deep satisfaction for how Daegal and Oren turned out, and full of anticipation and excitement for book five.

Do I really need to recommend it? If you haven’t picked up the series I ensure you, you’re missing out. Grab it and dare dive in this fantastic world where imagination has no boundaries and fiction can steal your sanity away.

Giveaway!

Click for a Chance to WIN!

Four Awesome shifter books by Jackie Nacht

$10 Gift Card to Amazon

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Jackie Nacht Rafflecopter giveaway

Thommie & Jackie Interview!

One hour playing with Jackie Nacht

Hello guys! I’m back this time with one of my favorite authors Jackie Nacht and I intend to drill her on her fascinating Moon Compound Series. So hold on tight, this might be a tough ride.

Assembling the team

T: Jackie darling. Whenever you’re ready we can begin.

Oh and Pixie? Are you eavesdropping behind the closed doors? LOL!

J: I’m here! I’m sure Pixie is hiding somewhere lol

I was afraid I didn’t have the right place lol

T: Ah good… evening? Is it evening there?

And no, you’ve got the right place alright *smiles*

So are you comfortable?

Got your coffee and drinks ready? I’m gonna make you sweat it a bit.

J: LOL kind of… it’s 4p.m. here. Are the twins down and ready to go. I bribed mine with cookies and octonauts lol

T: Oh my, bribery. I’ve never thought of that. But yes, I’ve got them all in bed and an eerie quiet around the house.

J: I’m comfortable. Have my hazelnut to my right and I’m a few feet from the ice packs to cool down lol. Be careful when its quiet that’s the time to worry.

Pixie: *Secures hidden camera* Okay girls enjoy yourself, just be gentle.

J: Pshaw gentle! What fun is that lol

T: And the kink just started!!! lol

Pixie: I have to think of our reputation… too many bruises and we won’t ever get another author in here LOL

J: Lol Pixie…what’s happens in the M/M interview…stays in the M/M interview room.

Let the games begin

T: So, Jackie. I know that you are a relatively newly published author, but have you had the urge to write when you were younger? If so what did you wrote about?

J: Oh good question and honest answer; Nope. I never imagined being a writer. Growing up, you could barely keep me inside. I was very athletic growing up and that was my tool that I focused on to get a scholarship to further my education. I wanted to get into college and running was my source for that.

Does that answer frighten you? Actually my sister is what drew me to writing. I give her all the credit and the books she suggested for me to read and wanting to make something of my own.

T: Oh my, so it was your sister that “hooked” you into the genre and writing literally. What about the rest of the family? How do they react to your writing and the chosen genre?

J: My sister definitely hooked me to reading and writing. I wasn’t a big reader and Steph brought paperbacks to me saying “Try it.” Funny but it really brought us super close, and while when growing up we were polar opposites, now we are inseparable. Our family…that’s funny. Our immediate family is definitely supportive. My mom reads all our books and yes, even our grandmother has read a few.

T: That is astonishing indeed. Many authors keep this “part” of their life hidden because family doesn’t comprehend it. It’s amazing that yours is not only accepting but supporting as well.

J: LOL! I do write under a pen name, but I would do the same if I wrote a children’s book.

T: I suppose that is for your own privacy and not due to your immediate environment.

J: LOL! Yep, for my own privacy and my family as well. Before I started, I heard about people being searched and it made me a little nervous lol.

T: So, what is better for you; writing with company or without? Do you feel freer to create when alone or with a co-author? And does it limit your range writing with someone else, do you feel as if you can’t go places you perhaps could have gone if alone?

J: That’s a tough question and I would say writing with company has its pros as well as writing alone.
With my sister, she brings things to the table I would never have thought of. With a co-author you create an amazing path through two shared minds. The weaving process of that is a lot of fun.
Now with writing on my own; I don’t know what it is but I love to challenge myself. I know I have a certain “writing style” I can’t escape. However, there is always a new wall to break down, a new edge to sharpen. I love trying to tackle that and creating my own adventure and hopefully give readers a wild ride.

T: God I love your answers!
Your work has been, as you yourself have admitted on previous interviews, on the fluffy and romantic side. What made you come up with the Moon Compound? (It is one edgy series after all) Where did the idea come from?

J: I love writing light and fluffy. No angst. There was times I had a bad day, didn’t want any more stress and have my to-go reads for light and fluffy. I guess I wanted to create a series that would be my comfort and something similar with what has brought me comfort.
As for Moon Compound, I always wanted to write about wolf shifters. I’ve told people before what I thought about it though. If I was going to write about a wolf shifter, I better bring something new to the table or be prepared to be lost in the shuffle. Or heck no one wants to be thought as unoriginal. Plus it had to be dark and edgy…a challenge. The way I came up with Moon Compound was take a real look at the basic rules of wolf shifter lore, amped them a lot, and then throw a bunch of rules out the window. LMAO! I love breaking the rules in the series and actually cackle when I do it. Very unattractive lol. I also wanted to have the wolves be from somewhere original so I researched Geri and Freki (Odin’s wolf pets and changed the lore on it.)

T: Hahaha, I love you more for breaking the rules. *muah*

And damn, there went my next question out of the window: The Moon Compound has a pretty solid background story, the spine/core of it resides in ancient myths; what lead you there? So basically why Odin’s pets?

J: LOL! Sorry about that. As for Odin’s pets, I had been searching wolf lore and came across them and found two wolf pets that could not only be loyal to one God but fought side by side. I loved to take the myth and make a force push them apart and twist them to be enemies. That’s about all I can say because there is a lot of the backstory that hasn’t been mentioned yet lol but…some will be revealed in Hellhound.

T: I’m actually anxious to hear the answer to this question:

So, I have preferences in a vast number of genres, but it is no secret I adore dark and gritty, thus my absolute adoration for this series. Rarely though do authors let go and touch that “dark” side. What it hard for you to do that? Were there times where you thought going too far might hurt your work or your fans responses? And how have your fans reacted to your edgy side?

J: I know what you mean about the dark side. It was a little difficult to go there especially in Gamma. It was really tough to write some of those scenes and there are ones in this that while not in the physical moment, are emotionally draining. I do question myself if I go too far a lot of times, but I don’t want to pull back. I think if I did, the series would begin to fall flat and the characters would lose that edge of what brought them to that point. I know not everyone will like Moon Compound based on the darkness of it, but I try to make other series that will meet those readers’ needs. Hang on I have more…boy am I long winded lol.
Some fans have enjoyed it, some haven’t. However, from what I’ve seen, I think most of the readers understood why all of it happened. There is no unnecessary torture or pain. It really is to make the story and characters richer.

T: As I’ve said I adore your Moon Compound series. The reason is stated above and I don’t mind repeating that I simply love the fact that you give more and more into the “darkness” as the story progresses. One other reason is that you don’t only focus on each couple individually, you also develop the main storyline with each new installment keeping your readers constantly captive and enticed and wondering how is it going to be next. Do you have the background story, the war raging between the Hellhounds and the Werewolves, already set in your mind, or do you create it as you go?

J: The entire backstory is set up and I know the war, central characters roles. However, there are a few things that plop up outside of my main outline. I have a lot of stories planned in this series and even have it plotted out to raise it to another level.

T: I love what I’m hearing for the series so far. I can’t wait for them and honestly it’s been since the Vampire Academy that I’ve felt in love with a series so much.

J: Thank you! That means so much Thommie!

T: But how about your characters. Have they gone beyond the limits you set for them, did they took on a life of their own after they were born in your thoughts?

J: Some of the characters have really written themselves. There was a few that I was like, “How in the hell am I going to be able to write him?” but when I got to that point, he kind of just did it for me. A few examples I had a tough time with was Ripley. How do you write about a man whose mind is lost?
Daegal – A demon experiencing emotions for the first time? Daegal has definitely taken on a life of his own. Stinking Hellhound! Lol
With Ripley and Daegal, I had to take a break from writing the book just to wrap my mind around the characters before pushing back in. Then when I had a grasp of them, the story flowed on its own.

T: Omg! Don’t you dare! After Ripley, Daegal is my favorite character in the whole Moon Compound. I think he is plain brilliant and really challenging.

J: All I’m going to say about Daegal is he is unique. He’s tough and with him you get a lot of backstory and therefore get a real insight to the hellhounds. It was planned all along to get that info on the hellhounds. I just needed Daegal to do it.

T: Damn you woman. It’s only another half month to go, but you’re making it really hard to wait.
Moving on: If I have an issue with novellas is that the couple and their story don’t have enough time/place to settle and deeply satisfy me. I often feel I want more. Then there is the fact that we do get to see them passing by as supporting characters in the future installments, but not merely enough to satisfy my hunger. I think I miss them, lol.

Do you intend to bring some of the former/main couples in the spotlight and give us a bit more of their current relationship as it morphs through the different events? I’ve never seen an author do that so I was wondering if those thoughts ever get into your head at all.

J: Yes! I have a big plan with for that. Ripley and Brendan will be huge secondary characters in a future installment. I plan on doing a holiday installment with the brothers as well. I have a lot more but those are the two examples that shot straight out of my head first lol.

T: Yeahhhhh!!!!!! Oh dear! See, this is why I love you. It’s like you’re in my brain and picking up my fantasies.

J: haha! *hugs*
Well with the way the series is written and the plot, these characters can’t just disappear. Each character has a meaning.

T: So, time has come for my final question!

How many books are you planning on writing in this series? And have you thought of your BIG BAM ending installment yet or am I rushing ahead too much here? And even more, when the time comes to wrap it up are you going for the classic HEA for everyone, or do you intend to challenge yourself and go for the reminiscing of everything that’s happened resulting into one bloody battle with uncertain results..?

J: Oh you went there lol.

T: Hahaha! Yup, I am THAT reader. Lol!

J: The plot is a little thicker than I imagined when I began. I know there will be at least a dozen books and I know what the last book will be and who it will be. As for a big bam ending…it’ll be big…war will be huge and there will be a huge battle! The results will be uncertain…for a reason.

T: Oh God, you’re planning a spin-off aren’t you?

J: What was that? *whistles*

T: Lol! Never mind *shakes head*

J: LOL! So tell me, how do you feel about hell?

T: Oh now you went there. I love Hell, it’s hot down there. Lmao!

J: LOL! Hell is pretty darn hot.

T: So the way I see it we should settle for a long wild ride in this bloody, war ridden world.

J: Yep, I would say this is definitely a project that will take more than a couple years.

T: I’m somehow happy to hear about that, even as I generally avoid series with a passion. My patience gets challenged a lot you see.
But this is one of those worlds where the struggle, war, emotions, and myth mesh together and it’s pretty exciting for me as a reader.

J: Lol…a lot of people aren’t series readers. You’re not alone. Thank you!

T: You’re welcome. It’s only the truth. And it is I that must thank you for indulging my curiosity tonight. *smiles*

J: I’m trying to make it interesting and keep everyone on their toes.
LOL I’m having fun…curiosity is a wonderful little troublemaker.

T: That you have certainly achieved.

So, I know I only went around the Moon Compound (I’m obsessed, I know), but is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

J: LOL I don’t mind talking Moon Compound. I have a few books I’m really hoping to get out this year. One for sure will be dark and edgy like Moon Compound but it is a shorter standalone. I want to have it finished by the end of the summer because I’ve been dying to write it for a year now and have the first chapter done. Very shocking! My next Paranormal Dentistry book will be out April 18th.
Oh and I have sugar cookie on my shoulder lmao.

T: Hahaha! I wonder with you and how you manage your time. I’m looking forward for your future work hon, you’ve been a gem for my “dark cravings” so far.

J: Thank you. be sure to check out the M/M free read. That will be dark, edgy and vampires. Delicious. *hugs*

T: Thank you so much for coming and having fun with me today. It was exciting doing this with you and well, not as scary as I thought it’d be.

J: Thank you! You made my first ever live interview fun and not scary. If it wasn’t you, I would have been terrified lol

T: *muah*

J: Have a good night Thommie. *hugs*

Pixie: Good interview guys… it was fun watching you.

J: LOL! Pixie peeks out! Thank you Pixie.

Game over

So, that was it guys. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, and I also hope we’ve shed some light on the future of our favorite Moon Compound Series.
Many hugs, until next time.

Thommie!

About Jackie Nacht:

Short, sexy and sweet—where a little love goes a long way.

That’s the best way to describe Jackie Nacht’s stories. I was introduced to M/M Romance through my sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, I thought it was time to put my own stories on paper. I began writing short and sweet stories that ended with a happily ever after…and sometimes more than one, in the case of my YA Fork in the Road series, which has interactive endings.

Thinking back to my own book addiction, where there were many nights I stayed up way too late so I could read just one more chapter—yeah, right—I decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults. Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday life.

If you want to send me a message, email me at Jackie.nacht@yahoo.com. I’d love to hear from you! Or I love to chat with readers on Twitter and Facebook.

Buy links:

Purchase/pre-order links:

eXtasy:

http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fauthor&author_id=961

MLR Press:

http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowAuthorBooks.php?list=_ABKLIST191&author=Jackie!Nacht

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Jackie-Nacht/e/B00BSWQ9Y0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1392872576&sr=8-1

All Romance eBooks:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Jackie+Nacht

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/jackie-nacht

Bookstrand:

http://www.bookstrand.com/jackie-nacht

Swordmaster Dasan by S. Hart

Title: Swordmaster Dasan
Author: S. Hart
Genre: Yaoi/Hentai / Paranormal/ BDSM
Length: Short Story (65 pages)
ISBN: 9781476300115
Publisher: S. Hart (June 1st, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Swordmaster Kyo Dasan is known for both his abilities and bitterness regarding visitors throughout the territory, seemingly comfortable only when alone.
Localem Arada, nicknamed Loki for his tendency to find trouble wherever he goes, finds himself at the mercy of the man he needs to train him. Despite his reluctance, he agrees to the Swordmaster’s offer regarding alternative means of payment.

This is a gay bondage fantasy erotica short, and is not intended, or in any way suitable for underage readers.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ELI5AE/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_OL2mtb0KM58H1
Review: Coming across this short story – which by the way is free on Amazon – I had a feeling that I’d come across something good. Thankfully, I was not disappointed.

This short is a Yaoi/Paranormal in genre and that means one thing to those who are familiar with it. Seme-Uke/Forced Seduction. So the general characteristics are the old-time dubious consent kind. In this story, Kyo Dasan is a famous Swordmaster (elf) and he’s known to taking no students. Actually, he’s well known for his intolerance of people. Yet he strikes a deal with Loki, who in order to escape his fate to be forever the lowly partner of a female of his species goes after Swordsmanship. But Loki has nothing to offer for the privilege of being Dasan’s apprentice… except his body.

As I said, a typical Yaoi forced relationship where the Uke originally hates the attention of the Seme and is deeply mortified when his body reacts pleasantly, and then later on Seme’s forceful love is not only accepted, but also wanted and even explained/reasoned. To be honest I liked the entire read except the ending itself as it was rushed and hastily thrown in there. It left me cold and literally didn’t see the point of such hastiness as it ruined it all for me. In addition, the story was definitely in need of more editing and polishing, but bottom end I quite liked it, so much so that I wouldn’t mind more of Kyo and Loki. The entire world where this story is set is actually very fascinating and enticing me to go after the main series (Playing with Tigers) in order to get more of it.

Recommend to those who like Yaoi and BDSM mixed into a paranormal world.

Dirty Deeds by Rhys Ford

Title: Dirty Deeds
Series: Cole McGinnis #4
Author: Rhys Ford
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Length: Novel (228 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-740-0
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 28th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Sheila Pinelli needed to be taken out.

Former cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis never considered committing murder. But six months ago, when Jae-Min’s blood filled his hands and death came knocking at his lover’s door, killing Sheila Pinelli became a definite possibility.

While Sheila lurks in some hidden corner of Los Angeles, Jae and Cole share a bed, a home, and most of all, happiness. They’d survived Jae’s traditional Korean family disowning him and plan on building a new life—preferably one without the threat of Sheila’s return hanging over them.

Thanks to the Santa Monica police mistakenly releasing Sheila following a loitering arrest, Cole finally gets a lead on Sheila’s whereabouts. That is, until the trail goes crazy and he’s thrown into a tangle of drugs, exotic women, and more death. Regardless of the case going sideways, Cole is determined to find the woman he once loved as a sister and get her out of their lives once and for all.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4780
Review: Ichi-kun!!!! Excuse me while I go fanning myself over Ichiro, Cole’s half-brother. As much as I love Cole, as much as I adore Jae, Ichiro has definitely grabbed my attention. And oh, my freaking God, this book, and this installment was so, so good.
Okay, time to get serious and make some sense. So, this is book #4 in Cole McGinnis Series and frankly, for me it was the best of them all. I absolutely loved it, every single part of it and I can’t wait for the next one seeing as our dear Author saw fit to leave us with the Mother of cliffhangers.

In this installment Cole, our main character, has become so freaking entrancing, I was literally daydreaming about his wonderful changes. Each book in the series sports them, subtly woven in the lines, but here we have an explosion in maturity in Cole’s personality. It’s like witnessing a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly and it’s gorgeous. Yes, the string of dead bodies and bullets flying over his head are still chasing him making the read hilarious, but this book contained so much more than all the previous for me, leaving me deeply satisfied, so much so that I didn’t even mind that above-mentioned Mother of all cliffhangers.
The Cole-Jae relationship follows right on the steps of Cole himself. The change, the transformation, the way it’s grown and become rock hard solid is fascinating. And when you add in there the sensual, erotic, and absolutely steaming hot smexy our author gifts us with, then you have that kind of relationship and intercourse that makes you melt, swoon, and drool all over the place. I have been quite pissed at the fact that we didn’t get enough of Jae in previous installments and practically said so in previous reviews, but this time I have nothing more to say except “it was about fucking time” and praise the pant-worthy wonderful time we got with this stunningly beautiful couple.

The rest of the cast that surrounds Cole and Jae have gained weight in my eyes too. Mike becoming a pillar that Cole actually wants. Maddy bringing even more string that tether Cole more into the family he never had, even as she’s practically absent this time. Nuna Scarlet always hovering around the edges with her elegance enhancing the story. Bobby, oh Bobby… Did I mention I can’t wait for the next book? Let me say that again: “I can’t wait for the next book!” Bobby is changing, I think. It seems. I hope. And Ichiro… Yeah! I’m in love with that character. When you put them all together I think I’m in love with this entire odd kind of family.
And that brings me to the new characters that made an appearance in this book. Characters that while new, have strings in the past and make for an interesting mystery when everything this book throws at us is connected to the one and only Sheila Pinelli. We can’t forget about her, since she makes Cole’s world rock yet again, digging up way too many ghosts from the past, and adding some new ones in the pile. I loved how the mystery was woven, the reasoning behind it. Everything was enthralling keeping you glued to the story and frankly holding your breath on what’s next. Seeing of course that I’m not such a forgiving person, as our Author appears to be, I was a bit disappointed with the end, even as it brought up a new light on Cole and his psyche. Still, as healing as it might be for him I’d have preferred a more bloody closure and be done with it once and for all.

Bottom end though, this book was more than I expected and I was so freaking lost in it. Time didn’t matter and I kept losing it while reading, fascinated by the many changes, captivated by the suspense, and utterly lost in the sensuality of Cole and Jae’s intimate scenes. I simply loved it and I strongly recommend it to readers that are not yet familiar with the series. Pick up Dirty Kiss (for this series must read in order) and dive into Cole’s world, you’re bound to love him as much as I do.

Blood on the Mountain by P.D. Singer

Title: Blood on the Mountain
Series: The Mountains #4
Author: P.D. Singer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (210 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 13th, 2012)
Reviewer: Thommie
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Jake Landon thinks a second ranger season in the Colorado Rockies with Kurt Carlson is close enough to heaven, and a national forest is big enough to be his closet. Pharmacy school—and the luxuries of electricity and running water—can wait, maybe forever, as long as Jake doesn’t have to come out. He doesn’t plan on Kurt’s vision of his future being as narrow and direct as the single-track roads through the trees.

“Your future, your fear, and me,” Kurt tells Jake. “You can have two of the three, so choose wisely.” Jake may have no choices left after they stumble on armed men guarding a beautiful but deadly crop that doesn’t belong among the pines and spruces. Angry men with guns are only one danger in the Colorado wilderness, and Jake’s reluctance to come out is now his smallest problem.

Kurt’s skills and Jake’s silver tongue may not be enough to get them out of this mess—how much of the bloodshed on the mountain will be theirs?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3447&osCsid=djoc0g3b40av1hf9mt80j84sp3

Review: All right, so once again I’ll have to scream it out loud how much I love Kurt. That character makes everything fine for me. And because I love Kurt, so much I spend more than half of the book wanting to slap Jake silly. I mean I knew at some point thing would get better, but till they actually got there, I really envisioned ways of killing that little fictional character myself.
Anyway, so Blood on the Mountains continues with Jake and Kurt returning to their summer job, their little primitive cabin close to their natural refrigerator aka the lake, and with Jake living in his own panic room inside his head. This time the “coming out” talk is a bit more intense because the way he’s been acting is telling Kurt that he’s putting off of returning to college out of fear. Fear of living with Kurt in the big city and being out.

You know, one would’ve thought that after what happened a year ago when they nearly died and during the winter season Jake would have put some things into perspective, but near death experiences need to hunt him more than once to shake him, and even that in the end didn’t. Hence, I wanted to slap him silly.

The first half of the book in essentially a rerun of past events blending with their now familiarity. The memories of the cabin and lake when Jake had been pinning for Kurt merge beautifully with the present, when their relationship is firm and their lovemaking has lost that urgency but turned into a slow burning passion. I loved their love-games and their routine. This couple has always been perfect and it keeps that way.

If you pay real attention, you can see how the plot will unravel from the very start, what with Jake nearly besting Kurt in the range field and the scenery description, but when it came to the highlight of the story, it still gets you in a high-speed. One moment things are simple and boring with our guys going through everyday life and the next all hell breaks loose. Just like in the previous books though it happens with a small even after another and then another and before you know it you’re thinking dear Lord can things get any worse? The answer to that is yes, but it is worth it. The author gives us a very nice action plot with a lot of blood wetting down the mountain floor and an unexpected near-death experience. I loved those scenes immensely and had it not been for Jake’s silliness once again I’d have loved it even more.

However, I suppose it made much more sense for the book to end the way it ended instead of him simply yielding. Still, didn’t make him more lovable to me, even if he did take my beloved Kurt to the ice-cream store.

As for the writing well, if you’re reading this book most probably you have read the other too and know how sufficient and easy-going this author is with her pen. If this is the first book, you’re reading you will encounter a great description of scenery, a slowly building intensity in the plot that will keep you going and wanting for more and a very lovable pair that will probably hook you and make you read all the rest of the books. As it is, Blood on the Mountain can be easily read as a standalone although it’d be best if you read the series in order. My guess is you’ll love them if you like life in the wilderness, forest rangers and quite a bit of action.

Charitable Giving by Heidi Champa

Title: Charitable Giving
Series: Part of the Office Affairs from Amber Allure
Author: Heidi Champa
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Publisher: Amber Allure (March 25th, 2013
Reviewer: Thommie
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: In his job as a fundraiser for Diggerson College, Mitch Harmon hears the word “no” a lot. Getting people to part with their hard-earned cash isn’t easy, no matter how good the cause and the constant rejection is starting to wear on Mitch. The only bright spot of his job is Cal Marlow, a successful software developer and alum of Diggerson College, who has been generous with his donations.

When their relationship goes from strictly business to physical, they agree it should remain no-strings-attached. But, Mitch finds himself falling for Cal, despite his vow to keep things simple. When he finally gets the courage to tell Cal how he feels, Cal has an announcement of his own—he’s met someone, and wants to put an end to their fun and go back to being “professional.”
Has Mitch missed his chance at happiness, or can he find a way to get the love and the life he wants?

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/CharitableGiving.html

Review: Honest confession. When I saw the cover of this book I so didn’t want to read it, don’t know why it gave me a negative feeling. And then the blurb seemed so dull. Well thankfully, the book was more than what I expected and I ended up pleasantly surprised.

Mitch has a job he doesn’t quite like and dear Lord I don’t blame him at all. But the one bright prospect is Cal. Their chemistry instant the moment they met leads them to having a no-strings-attached affair. Totally unprofessional of Mitch, but hey, you can’t resist a man like Cal.

Their relationship, no matter how shallow it seems, slowly develops to something deeper and Mitch is feeling drowned and trapped. He wants thing to get more but he’s afraid that if he pushes for it he might lose Cal altogether. After finally making up his mind he’s beaten to punch by Cal announcing that he met someone and their attraction is so good, that he doesn’t want to jeopardize it by continuing the affair with Mitch.

And at this point, I’m flabbergasted, because I had only read half the blurb and I didn’t see this coming. The thing is that the way the story is written it totally leads you on into believing that the guys will go for it after this dinner and the story will be about the difficulties of balancing work and relationship. I know. I should pay more attention to the damn blurb.

As it was I was surprised; the angst and intensity skyrocketed for me for this point on. I literally gasped and groaned with how the story floated and the rest of the book flew by in a heartbeat. The last twist in the plot, while expected, was still executed amazingly well and the writing itself was lovely. The characters were both very charming and I couldn’t help not to feel sorry for Mitch on more than one occasions. I wanted his happy ending so badly that when it came it was like “it was about damn time already.” Bah the frustration.

Anyway, a lovely read with a bit of angst and heartbreak specially ordered to keep you on your toes Charitable Giving is a book I wouldn’t hesitate recommending.

Spencer by J.P. Barnaby Blog Post & Giveaway!

Hey look what I have for you today guys! Yep we have J.P. Barnaby and her heartbreaking incredible story Spencer. J.P. has also let us have a peek into Henry’s life (you will so have to read this series now just to find out who Henry is *snigger*) and has a fabulous $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway, I have also thrown in Thommie’s review, and let me tell you that Thommie was emotionally wrung out when she finished reading both Aaron & Spencer (yes these books must be read in order), so enjoy our post today and good luck! *muah* ~Pixie~

A Survivor Story: Spencer

It’s been nearly five years since Aaron woke up in the hospital so broken, he couldn’t stand the sight of his own face. The flashbacks no longer dominate his life, but he’s still unable to find intimacy with his lover, Spencer Thomas. With time, patience, and the support of his family, his therapist, and his loving partner, Aaron has figured out how to live again. The problem is, Spencer hasn’t. His life has been on hold as he waits for the day he and Aaron can have a normal relationship. Hoping to move things forward for them both, he takes a job as a programmer in downtown Chicago, leaving Aaron alone.

Reeling in the wake of Spencer’s absence, Aaron receives another shock when his attackers are caught.

Now, he must testify and verbalize his worst nightmare. Publicly reliving his trauma without Spencer at his side destroys his precarious control. But he finds someone who can understand and empathize in Jordan, who watched his brother cut down in a school shooting. With Spencer gone and the DA knocking at his door, Aaron seeks solace in Jordan, and Spencer will have to risk everything to hold on to Aaron’s love.

Buy Links:

Dreamspinner Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4773&cPath=55_395

Dreamspinner Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4818&cPath=55_395

“Stephanie,” Miranda Thomas offered with one hand on her round belly. The baby kicked her hand and she smiled. She felt the rumble of a chuckle in her husband Henry’s chest as she rested against him on their plush couch. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his hands on top of hers.

“Chloe,” he countered and nuzzled her hair out of the way to place a kiss on her neck. God, she loved him. Even Nell liked him and her sister didn’t like anyone. That could have something to do with Henry’s new thriving counseling practice, but she didn’t think so. Nell never had a thing for money. She, like Miranda, judged people based on who they were, not what they had.

Henry Thomas was a good man, a good husband, and soon, he’d be a good father.

“I don’t hate that one,” she admitted. “Let’s write that one down.”

“I don’t know why we’re picking girls names. He’s a boy.”

“Did you ask the tech when I got dressed?” She laughed. “Or is that a guess? I thought we didn’t want to know.” Miranda twisted a little to capture her husband’s lips in a slow kiss.

“I didn’t ask. I just know.”

“Okay, so what boys names do you like?”

“Anything but Henry Junior. I only escaped being a junior by the grace of God and a different middle name. Let’s allow him to be his own man.”

“I’m good with that. How about Bernard?” She kept her face solemn as he leaned around to peer at her. The horror in his expression brought a giggle to her lips.

“Seriously?”

“No, you said anything but Henry. I just wanted to test that theory.”

He wrapped his arms a little tighter and kissed her cheek with a grin.

“Okay, if he comes out really hairy with a casket around his neck, we’ll totally go with Bernard.” Henry brushed a wayward piece of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. She sighed, her heart bursting with love for her husband and unborn child. She had everything she wanted right there on their little couch.

“How about Spencer?”

“Eh, I’m not loving that. What about Brandon?”

“That’s pretty common lately. I think Steve and Donna just named their son Brandon.”

“Albert?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, okay, maybe not.” Henry laughed and kissed her behind the ear.

“Do I have to go to work tonight? I want to just sit here on the couch with you.”

“I told you to quit when you got pregnant, honey.” Henry’s voice grew serious. “You don’t have to work at all. I’ll provide for you and the baby.”

“I know. I worked so hard for my degree, though. It seems like a waste when there’s such a shortage of nurses. I didn’t know I’d feel like this.” Miranda rubbed her ever-expanding belly with their joined hands. “Maybe I won’t go back after the baby is born.”

“God, I would love that.”

“I know you would. And now, I just have one more week, Henry. I couldn’t leave with Sharon on vacation. Just one more week, and I’ll be your little wifie, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.”

Henry sat up and turned Miranda gently in his arms.

“You know that’s not how I feel, right? I just want you to be safe and happy.”

“Sweetheart, I was teasing. You may have a few interesting personality traits, but being a Neanderthal has never been one of them.”

She giggled as he tickled her until she threatened to pee on his new couch like a puppy.

“Oh!”

“No, no puppies. At least not until the baby is a little older.”

He grinned at her pout but caught her bottom lip between his as he kissed her.

“Okay, go get ready for work before I call them and tell them you’re never coming back. God, you’re really thinking about staying home with our kids?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“I love you, both of you,” he said, resting his hand on hers over their new son or daughter. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

“And I promise, we’ll get a puppy when things calm after the baby. We have time.”

“A whole lifetime,” she promised back.

Award winning romance novelist, J. P. Barnaby has penned over a dozen books including the Working Boys series, the Little Boy Lost series, In the Absence of Monsters, and Aaron. As a bisexual woman, J.P. is a proud member of the GLBT community both online and in her small town on the outskirts of Chicago. A member of Mensa, she is described as brilliant but troubled, sweet but introverted, and talented but deviant. She spends her days writing software and her nights writing erotica, which is, of course, far more interesting. The spare time that she carves out between her career and her novels is spent reading about the concept of love, which, like some of her characters, she has never quite figured out for herself.

Web site: http://www.JPBarnaby.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JPBarnaby

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JPBarnaby

For a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card just click:

Spencer Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Spencer

Series: A Survivor Story #3

Author: J.P. Barnaby

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (216 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-702-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: It’s been nearly five years since Aaron woke up in the hospital so broken, he couldn’t stand the sight of his own face. The flashbacks no longer dominate his life, but he’s still unable to find intimacy with his lover, Spencer Thomas. With time, patience, and the support of his family, his therapist, and his loving partner, Aaron has figured out how to live again. The problem is, Spencer hasn’t. His life has been on hold as he waits for the day he and Aaron can have a normal relationship. Hoping to move things forward for them both, he takes a job as a programmer in downtown Chicago, leaving Aaron alone.

Reeling in the wake of Spencer’s absence, Aaron receives another shock when his attackers are caught.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4773

Review: The sequel to Aaron’s story comes with Spencer and it continues with a heart breaking story three years after Aaron and Spencer became an official couple. While the first book introduced us to the characters and their circumstances, the second picks up and takes us through the difficult journey both Spencer and Aaron have to take in order to continue to live their lives, not merely as shells bound to their suffering, but as people in control of their lives and demons past, present , and future. Not an easy task, but the author delivers a hell of a story, one that will shatter your illusions, break your heart and reform it as the story evolves.

I can’t say how much I liked this book even as it hurt reading it every step of the way. These characters are magnificent and I’m not referring only to our protagonists, but the entire cast. Each and every one of them is a character with a life-like and realistic portrayal rarely witnessed in books these days. They have a personality that sucks you right in in the story, gripping you and keeping you bound till it ends with no means to escape.

If you thought that Aaron would magically overcome his fears and live a wonderful life from that moment on with Spencer, well you were dead wrong. Life is not that easy and this story manages to capture the very essence of what struggling through nightmares is really about. In addition the tiredness that comes through struggling each and every day overcomes our protagonists, new characters are introduced who become causes for turbulence and jealousy, old characters get older and their new problems add onto the already existing pile, and all this is cause for a hell of an emotional punch throughout the story.

The maturity that comes with time is also amazing to witness. There were times that I came to hate Spencer and even get impatient with Aaron, but no matter what, the way that the story was told made it nearly impossible to judge any one character and point fingers. You just couldn’t figure out how you or anyone in a similar situation would react and thus the story reached the goal of making you think and re-evaluate your beliefs and ideals.

As for the erotic part that was quite lacking in the prequel, I loved how the author approached and finally made it all happen. Honestly I didn’t think she could thus I was really surprised with the end of this fabulous book. The satisfaction I got from this entire read is beyond words and I really don’t know if I want another sequel with these boys, because I feel as if this story is now finally told with the best closure ever.

All in all, this was yet another brilliant title delivered by J.P. Barnaby. Strongly recommended for an intense, emotional ride with a heavy dose of a realistically painted love story.

Review for Aaron: http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/aaron-by-j-p-barnaby/

Freedom in His Arms by Brita Addams

Title: Freedom in His Arms

Author: Brita Addams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novel (220 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-473-7

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 3^rd, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate/Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5~3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:On a whim, Boston doctor Bryan Newcastle books a Caribbean cruise for gay men, hoping for two weeks of sexual exploration with someone who’ll bring out the daring soul inside him.

With a simple slide of a keycard across a table, newspaperman Phil Sanderson plunges Bryan into a world of sexual freedom where longing for more comes as naturally as breathing. As Phil takes Bryan to new heights, the cruise ends with so much unexplored.

During a visit with Phil in Des Moines, Bryan receives a call that changes everything. Together, they travel back to Boston, but Phil’s protective nature gets in the way of Bryan’s need to handle tragedy in his own way. While Bryan struggles to come to terms with all he thought real about his past, Phil must trust that Bryan is strong enough, or he might lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Portions of this novel originally published as separate stories: Free Me published by Amber Allure, June 2011; In His Arms published by Amber Allure, August 2011.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4544

Review: This is a contemporary romantic story set mostly on board of a gay cruise where our protagonists first meet. Bryan has been in a bad relationship for a long time now and his sexual life is completely unsatisfying. After breaking up with his partner and before giving total closure to their joined practice, he decides to join a gay cruise in order to relax and recharge, but mostly to explore and discover his sexuality and his kinky hidden side.

Phil on the other side is tired of the fake side of his sexual life. The subs he plays with at the club he joins are all lacking the sensuality of submission he so much craves. As a service Top, he certainly can deliver any amount of pain, but that’s not what makes his blood boil. In search for something, anything, or simply relaxation with a bit of sex on the side he joins the gay cruise as he’s been doing for years.

Our story picks up pace there, when Phil and Bryan meet and their attraction is instant. They both have what the other is searching for and they hit it off right from the start. However, in my eyes something was lacking. The connection felt weird, at the beginning, it was too business-like and as the couple goes through the motions of flirting, dancing, getting to know each other and yes finally having those intimate scenes it all felt shallow. The telling overlapped everything and the intensity that was supposed to be there was lost, the lust that should slap you in the face and take your breath away was noticeably absent.

All in all the entire attachment that this couple experiences didn’t reach me and the characters themselves failed to make an impression. I didn’t even liked Bryan, he felt too much like taking advantage of an over-giving Phil without giving anything back. As for the BDSM side of the story, I kept expecting fireworks in a clear night-sky, but that never happened. Statements such as:
“Beyond this threshold, you’re mine. You simply have to say no if I do something, you don’t like. Otherwise, I’ll interpret your silence as permission. Understood?”
Were followed by disappointment and all the things I expected from a kinky relationship were not met, they were rather bland and flat and lacking connection.

Overall, it was not a bad read, but it was a drag and I had to bring myself to forcefully finish it in the end. The ending itself was weird as hell. Somehow, the closure was unsatisfying, and that money felt bloody to me, the callousness they talked about investment just turned my stomach upside down considering the circumstances.

Spencer by J.P. Barnaby

Title: Spencer

Series: A Survivor Story, #3

Author: J.P. Barnaby

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (216 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-702-8

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 21^st, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Reeling in the wake of Spencer’s absence, Aaron receives another shock when his attackers are caught.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4773

Review: the sequel to Aaron’s story comes with Spencer, it continues with a heart-breaking story three years after Aaron, and Spencer became an official couple. While the first book introduced us to the characters and their circumstances, the second picks up and takes us through the difficult journey both Spencer and Aaron have to take in order to continue to live their lives, not merely as shells bound to their suffering, but as people in control of their lives and demons past, present , and future. Not an easy task, but the author delivers a hell of a story, one that will shatter your illusions, break your heart and reform it as the story evolves.

I can’t say how much I liked this book even as it hurt reading it every step of the way. These characters are magnificent and I’m not referring only to our protagonists, but the entire cast. Each and every one of them is a character with a life-like and realistic portrayal rarely witnessed in books these days. They have a personality that sucks you right in the story, gripping you and keeping you bound until it ends with no means to escape.

Overall, this was yet another brilliant title delivered by J.P. Barnaby. Strongly recommended for an intense, emotional ride with a heavy dose of a realistically painted love story.

Recollection by Caitlin West

Title: Recollection

Series: Killer Contingency, # 2

Author: Caitlin West

Genre: Contemporary / Suspense

Length: Novella (98 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-77111-819-4

Publisher: Extasy Books

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: When death is your business, getting out has a price.

A heated romance was the last thing Ardan Boyle expected to find when he entered the United States for some downtime, but a chance encounter was all it took. Now in a heated romance with Brad Myles, an international businessman and artistic hopeful, Ardan believed he could swear off his old life, leaving his contract killing days behind him.

Unfortunately for him, the shadowy world he belonged to is not so easily denied and when the CIA comes looking for secret files compiled by Ardan’s late mentor, he’s compelled into action once again. Heading to the chill of Moscow, he must retrace steps made more than a decade earlier. Time is of the essence, as multiple intelligence organizations want what he’s seeking and they will kill to get it. If he doesn’t get to it first, not only will the people listed within be open for blackmail and possibly destroyed, but all hope of a normal life will be beyond reach.”

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/caitlin-west/recollection/

Review: The second book of this series picks up exactly where the first left. It weird how it made me feel as if this was one novel chopped down to pieces that sold individually, yet you must read them in order to have an understanding of the story. Good thing was that this time we got a deeper look into Ardan’s past and therefore he no longer is this flat character that I though on first impression. This entire story was much better than its prequel and for that, I’m glad.

So this is a kind of Mission Impossible mixed with the Assassins story. Ardan has finally decided to let go of his life as an assassin, he has even gotten himself in lust and involved, and at that precise moment he’s been approached by his long dead mentor’s agency for a mission to recover his mentor’s hidden files. A disk that has Intel many people are willing to kill for. And Ardan doesn’t have much of a choice here. He must go to Russia and find it, or say goodbye to his newly formed dreams of a “normal” life. See why this reminded me of those two movies?

The plot unravels and I was quite satisfied from it. The tempo kept on. The pace quick, but not rushed. The erotic parts were there in the form of reminiscing his previous days with Brad and they were not lacking in sensuality and longing. Though I cannot forget that his relationship with Brand amounts to three days. Thus, his statement that leaving Seattle behind feels like leaving behind his own heart feels a bit over the top to me. In addition, I still feel Brad is a bit shady and planted there for motivation purposes. That or my imagination has gone really wild.

The action part was actually good and this time I got to say:”yeah I’m reading an assassins book” and actually mean it. We had punches, shootings, even blood spilled, so my bloodthirsty animal inside was cheering for this installment. The part that felt a bit off was with his “new” partner. What an odd thing she was, so green and so… I didn’t get it, who exactly gave her this mission?

The end though was yet again a bit of a cliffhanger, thus the feeling of a novel being cut off, and the book ended on the note of the half part of the mission is done, so onward to the second half and France next. Heads up if you don’t like that, but if you can handle the wait then grab #1 and #2 and enjoy.

To Kiss a Killer by Amber Kell

Title: To Kiss a Killer

Series: Banded Brothers #5

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: MM / Fantasy – Paranormal

Length: Novella (108 Pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (August 18^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb: What would you do to protect your family? For Aden, the answer is anything.

Aden Gale has always protected the boys he chose as his. Gallen Theos refuses to become another one of Aden’s projects. He might have been bespelled by his father but he was Aden’s mate and he refused to take anything less than a full partnership. If the cool-eyed killer thought he could wiggle away for Gallen’s own safety, well he had a lot to learn about the tenacity of sorcerers.

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=103&product_id=4097

Thommie’s Review: ♥♥ 2 Hearts

It’s so disappointing when you have a book in your hands, with great premises and promise, and it comes up short and lacking.

Here we have book #5 of Banded Brothers series that introduces us to Aden’s story and his mating with Gallen, the sorcerer we met back at To Enchant an Eagle #3. It’s also the first of the spin-off series to come named Dragons of Seattle.

In this book, Aden is facing his retirement. He’s tired of being nearly killed on a daily basis and figures it’s time to stop. However, he can’t imagine how his life would be any other way and finds himself restless. Thinking he’s of no use anymore, now that his son is all grown up. But, when he’s faced with being the mate of a Sorcerer, his mind spins in all directions. He’s too old for Gallen (it doesn’t matter that Gallen is 100 years old, he looks twenty for crying out loud), his life is too dangerous and could endanger his mate, and he’s mortal and thus will die in a few years, meaning his mate might die too with him or at best live a miserable life after he’s gone. Not to mention there are dragons around Seattle that seems focused on him lately. Oh did he forget the mob family dead set on him and his dearest? God, how about Gallen’s controlling psycho Father? How do you protect your mate from a powerful sorcerer?

You can see how exciting the premises are. They are full of possibilities; possibilities lost in my opinion in such a short, short book. With the amount of events happening in this story, the pace and time frame are too fast, too furious. We go from one intense incident to another, without the luxury of time and development to properly feel the story unwrap and the emotions stick within us. The surprise of Aden being Gallen’s mate is totally lost, so is Gallen’s surprise at finding that it’s Aden who is his true mate and not Eaton. The fact that both men don’t take a moment to communicate, rather jump to conclusions is a bit annoying. The fact that Aden seems to effortlessly leap from denying the bond to nearly devouring Gallen in a heartbeat leaves you reeling with the speed and indecisiveness. The human criminals that come around the corner, the paranormal ones that pop out of nowhere, the actions scenes that are done and over with in the blink of an eye, and the end that is such a cliffhanger, stopping the story in a most abrupt way. The sexual bond that came, went, and lost all its intensity and importance when Gallen’s mom pops in the middle of the bedroom. Agrrr!

Perhaps I’m expecting too much, or perhaps I’m too damned picky. I just wish – and it’s not the first time I say this – that this author’s books were a bit more substantial. I wish they had space to grow and provide time for the read to feel the full impact of the story. The imagination involved is quite remarkable, yet they always leave me wanting, not for more, but for the one I have in my hands to be, I don’t know heavier, stronger, with greater impact. And thing is, they can achieve all that if they weren’t so rushed. In the end, I’d rather wait a year and have a truly great book in my hands, than go through the frustration of this fast spinning of a tale that leaves you a bit hollow inside.

Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

This is the story that I’ve been waiting for, forever. I don’t know if it’s because Aden is not paranormal, but he has always been my favorite character in this series. I don’t know how it would feel trying to read this title as a standalone, but having read the 4 prior books, I loved the action with just a bit of steamy romance. The pace worked for me. I felt like I was getting another episode in a weekly drama, and not knowing everything was just fine. I don’t know how Amber keeps track of all the characters in her series, each maintaining a distinct voice, but I give the highest praise for writing that keeps me coming back for more.

Clockwork Tangerine by Rhys Ford

Title: Clockwork Tangerine

Author: Rhys Ford

Genre: Steampunk

Length: Novella (90 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-419-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 20^th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:The British Empire reigns supreme, and its young Queen Victoria has expanded her realm to St. Francisco, a bustling city of English lords and Chinese ghettos. St. Francisco is a jewel in the Empire’s crown and as deeply embroiled in the conflict between the Arcane and Science as its sister city, London—a very dark and dangerous battle.

Marcus Stenhill, Viscount of Westwood, stumbles upon that darkness when he encounters a pack of young bloods beating a man senseless. Westwood’s duty and honor demand he save the man, but he’s taken aback to discover the man is Robin Harris, a handsome young inventor indirectly responsible for the death of Marcus’s father.

Living in the shadows following a failed coup, Robin devotes his life to easing others’ pain, even though his creations are considered mechanical abominations of magicks and science. Branded a deviant and a murderer, Robin expects the viscount to run as far as he can—and is amazed when Marcus reaches for him instead.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4718

Review: God I love Steampunk, but this novella is not merely that. In this, world science and arcane magick exist together on two different paths. However, it’s a taboo to mix them. That is until a brilliant young engineer falls victim of greed and his creations are turned into horrible tools of destruction and mayhem.

Marcus saw his father die from one such creation, a horrible death that shattered the entire family and left a bone deep grief in his soul. He moved on with his duties as the Duke’s son, now a Viscount, and keeps his father’s teachings deep in his heart. One of the most important teachings his father left him with is that those that can help should do so no matter who is in need of it. Thus, Marcus ends one dark night helping a man who was being beaten to death by three young gents. It is like this the story starts, with Fate smirking upon the son of a man murdered by the creation of the man he rescues. Because the victim of the beating is none other than the young scientist, Robin Harris.

Now Robin as a character is fascinating. His depiction wants you drooling over and over again. His life makes your heart hurt and stutter, and the need to shelter him from the world becomes real. He has suffered and continues to suffer due to people’s greed and their taking advantage of him and his genius. But for me, the true shining character here was Marcus. This character is strong in many ways. He is of noble blood yet he is not arrogant and the fact that he continues to help Robin despite the fact that Robin killed his father by proxy, makes Marcus charming beyond restriction.

These men each have their world where they live in and these worlds are too far apart. It’s because of that, that the story gains so much value when they mesh together. In a time when a man craves the love of another man is deemed unnatural and abominable, when loving a man might end the life, as you know it, their relationship becomes even more precious.

I loved how the story was told, I loved the fact that the pair didn’t jump straight into each other’s arms, and I loved the time given to these men to come together. I admit though that as the end of the novella approached and they still hadn’t made that final step I became anxious. The anticipation ratcheted my agony up in levels that I didn’t think this little novella was capable of. I reached the point where I started muttering under my breath about when would Marcus just freaking kisses Robin for crying aloud. Yes, patience is not my strong point. When they did come together though it was splendid. I loved every sensuous line, and every emotion emerging from the text. It was a fine release of all that tension that was building and building throughout the read. Made me wish for more and even as the story concluded with the most satisfying end, the need for more didn’t relent. I just loved this couple immensely.

I also got smitten with the Duchess. Oh, God was she one awesome creature. Her “tantrum” oh dear, was fantastic, hilarious as hell. That damn porcelain dog managed to survive in the end didn’t it? She was a real character indeed.

Bottom end this was a delicious story, wholesome in every way you see it, and leaves you with a sense of the world being as it should be and a big smile on your face. The only wrong thing I find in it was the cover, because come on, you have the little crow right there, Robin with his gorgeous long black hair and pale skin, and you don’t use him. That would have been perfect. *sigh*
Strongly recommended to all fans of Steampunk!

In Broussard's Care by Amber Kell

Title: In Broussard’s Care

Series: Yearning Love #3

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: Novella

ISBN: 9781781849743

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (February 7^th 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2~2.5Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:Sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones you can’t see.

Dr. Jean Broussard hasn’t been lucky in love. The only men who interest him are either taken or end up wanting him for his money. When Detective Ryan Calloway appears in his emergency room, he thinks he’s found the perfect man.

Ryan had spent his life alone. Enjoying his independence, he’d always preferred one-night stands to anything longer. However, lately his friends’ relationship has left him feeling lonely for the first time. When he ends up being stitched together by a sexy doctor, he thinks he might’ve found the guy to break his solitary streak.

They’ll have to overcome a killer and threats on their lives before they can get on with the task of healing Ryan.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/in-broussards-care

Review: This is yet another story that had a very nice idea yet failed in the end result. My main issue with this one was the hasty feeling it left me with. Everything, and I do mean everything, was rushed in this one. Plus, the blurb leads you into a very different mindset and expectation that the story doesn’t deliver.

Let me start with the instant lust/crush/love that occurs between the two men. Their entire relationship is one big BAM, with everything happening in a fast-forward fashion. The Doc meets Cop; instant lust is followed by a lightning speed date that has the two men sending the afternoon, night, and morning together. During this time Doc comes out as a possessive, bossy, overbearing person (I truly disliked his personality) and he’s just one step from literally putting a leash on the Cop, who in the meantime has every gay guy they stump upon drooling over him and trying to gain his attention, which brings out the cave-man inside Doc even more. In addition, the gentle doctor we first meet turns quickly into a very aggressive man, making a blatant come-on on Ryan and having literally no patience at all. A doc without patience… Yup, I disliked him all right.

Moving on at the erotic part of the novella, I have to say it was bland, uninspiring, and detached. The banter between the guys wasn’t good enough, but what was even worse was the fact that the act itself was so fast, you don’t get the chance to grasp what happened. Any chance of emotions reaching the reader was killed on the spot and sensuality went amiss in the chaos of the “don’t seed my sheets” afterglow. Very off-putting.

The mystery itself was lacking as the author pretty much reveals who the baddies are from the beginning. Suspense? What is that? The only surprising thing was one of the baddies’ personality that had us “tricked” at the beginning, but even that couldn’t make up for the transparency of the plot. Just so I don’t forget to mention this, it all happened so damned fast with the end coming so abruptly it made my mind reel.

I’ve said this time and again; While I do love Kell’s ideas, I really dislike the lack of development and plot finesse. This story needed space and time for development, a heavy look at the characters’ personality, and a great deal of revision/proof reading.

Night Wolf's Kiss by J.A. Hawke

Title: Night Wolf’s Kiss

Series: Night Wolf Adventure #1

Author: J. A. Hawke

Genre: Erotic Historical Romance

Length: Novelette (63 pages)

ASIN: B00BF0MCA0

Publisher: J. A. Hawke (February 11^th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5-3Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:Jack Night Wolf has been hiding in the Black Hills of South Dakota for
years. There’s a poster in town with his name on it and it reads Wanted, Dead, or Alive.
When a lost traveler Niko Damaris stumbles into his life, Jack decides to
take him in. Niko is also on the run, hiding from an Irish man who wants
to kill him.

Niko is afraid of Night Wolf but he can’t resist the Indians sensual advances.
When the sheriff and his men come into the hills, Night Wolf and Niko are forced
to move on. They decide to travel together.

Purchase Link:http://www.amazon.com/Night-Wolfs-Kiss-Wolf-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00BF0MCA0

Review: Well this was a surprisingly good story, although at the beginning I had a bit of a shock when one of the main characters, Niko, came on to Night Wolf strongly. Okay, yeah I know, I’m rushing ahead. Let me take this from the beginning.

This is a historical read revolving around the era when being an Indian deadly. The time when Indians were pushed from their lands into reservation and the one who remained behind were literally hanged and/killed on the spot. One such warrior is Night Wolf, who having lost his entire tribe and family refuses to leave the mountains, killing every man that comes hunting for him.

Enter Niko, a Greek blond gentle man, he’s on the run from an Irish man, after having made a faux pass on him and declared evil and wanted dead. He runs out of town and gets lost in the wood. By sheer luck, he runs smack into Night Wolf the very moment the gorgeous man gets out of the lake.

See the image provided here? Can you imagine the rivulets of water and the gorgeous body? I could, the description was fantastic. Anyway, Night Wolf offers Niko his cabin to stay and guess what the idiot does first thing? He kisses Night Wolf, so I’m reeling back in shock thinking “Whoa, whoa, whoa there partner. Hell if you didn’t make a deadly mistake. What is that come-on all about? You haven’t even met the guy yet, and for crying out loud this is a historical read… shouldn’t a gay man of that time be a bit more on the edge and you know hiding?” Yeah, I tend to talk to the characters I’m reading when I think they’re being particularly stupid.

But even as it seemed very stupid of Niko doing that, especially since he’s on the run from a guy who’s chasing him for this exact reason (see the irony?), it did however set the story on course and the result was actually fine. It was a stimulating and engaging read, sensual even, stirring sensations when you last expected it. Yes, it was in need of more refining, a bit more polishing, but it was not bad at all. As a matter of fact, I got intrigued by it, so much so that I’m picking the next book in this little series. A bit of a heads up as the blurb is a bit misleading when it says that Nico can’t resist Wolf’s sensual advances. In reality, it’s Niko that seduces Night Wolf and makes it hard for the man to focus on anything but the blond “White Man”.

So if you’re up for a nice erotic love-story between a Native and a White Man, this one’s pretty decent.

Tempering Steele by Mychael Black

Title: Tempering Steele

Series: Black Velvet Society, #1

Author: Mychael Black

Genre: Erotic Romance / Kinks & Fetishes

Length: Novelette (42 pages)

ISBN: 06842-02203

Publisher: Changeling Press (February 28^th 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5-4Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb:Dr. Alex Greene and his best friend, Dr. Darren Webb, have known one another for several years. They’ve danced around an unspoken attraction for most of that time, but since they’re both Masters in the BDSM lifestyle, they’ve never attempted anything more than friendship. That’s all about to change when Darren suggests they both sign up at the Black Velvet Society website.

Alex is, at heart, a submissive, but he swore off all chances of submitting after a bad experience years ago. He harbors an intense crush on his best friend, Darren, but acting on it would mean submitting. When a Master named LaCroix at a BDSM website suggests a weeklong, online-only session, Alex takes the plunge.

But LaCroix has a secret all his own, and when Alex discovers it, everything changes.

Purchase Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2203

Review: I disliked the cover with a passion. I really don’t pay much attention to them when I pick a book, but this one nearly put me off. If I wasn’t a “don’t judge the book by its cover” kind of person, I’d definitely have passed this one.

Now that said I loved the story. It was short but to the point and very well written. The characters made sense and their interaction was hot as hell. The plot was pretty simple; Alex has been crushing on Darren for years, the share kinks and fetishes, they are both Doms, but Alex started as a sub. Deep down he is a sub or would have been if his first experience hadn’t put him off for good.

Now the attraction between the characters is not merely told here, you can actually feel floating through the text. As I said, the story is extremely well written and all emotions/feelings are near tangible making the read highly sensual and erotic. Alex’s want and longing, his fear and apprehension, everything is delivered beautifully, loading the text with intensity and anticipation.

Darren decides to take the plunge and approach Alex in a sneaky way, hoping he’ll feel safer in a more controlled environment, thus he takes them both in an online site with the pretence of finding a sub online. When Alex is approached by a Dom on this site he submits to him for a week in order to discover if he’s still capable of submitting, and realises that he can’t keep circling around what eats him the most; his longing for his best friend, even if he’ll have to face all his fears once and for all.

There is the dilemma of how ethical was it for Darren to play Alex like that. Didn’t it hurt the trust between them in the end? Shouldn’t Alex have felt betrayed by the way it happened? Does the end justify the means? Is everything allowed in the name of love? Weird isn’t it that such a short story would raise so many profound questions. I’d like to have the opportunity to have this conversation with this particular author, and it’s a rare thing for me to feel this way, especially from a short story. I’m baffled with myself!

Moving on to the erotic part, well it was the cherry on top for as it revolved around my favourite kinks. Edging and fisting with a rough treatment from the Dom and dear starts upon the sky, it was a highly tense and erotic read. At least it had me hanging from every word and panting in tandem with the characters, so kudos to the author, you’ve intrigued me into searching and reading more of what you have to offer.

Summing it up: kinks and fetishes the genre, middle-aged men characters (and I kept forgetting it), friends-to-lovers as well and if you’re so inclined take the chance for it was one wild ride. Strongly recommended!

The Copper Horse: Fear by K.A. Merikan

Title: The Copper Horse: Fear

Series: The Copper Horse #1

Author: K.A. Merikan

Genre: Dystopian-Steampunk / BDSM / Forced Seduction / Pony-Play

Length: Novel (217 pages)

ISBN: 9781627570695

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (March 7th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3~3.5Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

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.

Purchase Link: http://www.stormmoonpress.com/books/The-Copper-Horse-Fear.aspx

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 20^th 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.

The Auld Lang Syne of Banaby Sloan by Jenna Jones

Title: The Auld Lang Syne of Barnaby Sloan

Author: Jenna Jones

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Holiday

Length: Short Story / Novelette (45 pages)

ISBN: 9781610406321

Publisher: Torquere Press (January 8^th 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Barnaby Sloan and his boyfriend, Liam, are trying to be more open and communicative, and tell each other everything. With New Year’s Eve approaching, Liam invites Barnaby to join him at the museum’s New Year’s Eve party. At first, Barnaby is hesitant because he knows his ex-boyfriend, Xander, will probably be there, but his desire to please Liam overrules his worry about the temptation Xander may present.

At the party, all seems to be going well until Barnaby meets Jared, Liam’s cute, new secretary, and Jared’s date: Xander. Xander makes no secret that he still wants Barnaby. Shaken by the encounter with Xander, Barnaby lashes out at Liam and seeks comfort elsewhere in the museum. New Year’s Eve is a time for new beginnings. Can Barnaby resist the temptation to return to old habits?

Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4104

Review: Barnaby Sloan comes back with a much better story this time, one I have to admit I actually liked better.

Last time we checked Barnaby overcame his knee-jerk reaction at committing a bit more to his boyfriend and their relationship, turning a really bad situation into a near-miracle, with his Christmas change of heart. Now it’s New Year and the days in between have been quite intimate for Bay and Liam, so much so that Bay is actually taking a 180-degree turn in behavior with every line. However there are still bumps down the road, the biggest being his on again off again relationship with his ex, Xander.

The author finally enlightens us and answers the big question “why does Bay behave this way” when she reveals Bay’s past and the effect Xander has upon him. While 80% of the read is sweet and tender, soothing us in a lovemaking trance, it picks up in intensity during the end of the story and it captivates with the growing anticipation.

Liam becomes a stronger character, layers of him are revealed, and he moves from a flat, docile personality to a charming possessive and demanding (in the good sense) lover, not giving an inch of his expectations, forcing Bay to stand up and make one hell of a big decision, a decision that with perhaps mark his future. Bay is no longer the “floating with the wind” character that at times even repulsed me, he rather becomes quite respectable, admirable even in the way he faces his past.

To sum it up, this short story is lovely, sweet and passionate, everything a New Year’s Eve themed story should be. Recommended!

CHAPTER 1

JUNE

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