Tag: Torquere Press

Radio Boys by Sean Michael

25037070Title: Radio Boys
Series: Originally published in the Bus Stories anthology.
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (57 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press LLC (March 4th 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Paul might be blind, but he has a full life between deejaying at a local radio station and playing on stage with a band a few times a month. It’s been awhile since he’s been with anyone, though, and when Thor asks to take him home, he’s not quite sure what to do.

Thor’s been listening to the sexy DJ’s voice for years and is thrilled to finally meet Paul in person. Can his aural fascination grow into more? And will Paul be right there with him?

ISBN: 978-1-61040-886-8

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4363

Reviewer: Leigh

Review: Paul is a radio DJ and sings on the side. He is also blind, but really that is not a main concern or theme. Thor is a swim coach at the local college and listens to Paul every night on the radio. He also gets off on Paul’s voice. When he heard Paul speak after a gig at the club he knows who he is and makes a move.

For a short story the pacing of the relationship is just right. They are immediately attracted by it is not love right away. They both are new to long-term relationship so they slowly get to know each other and falling in love.

For a Sean Michael book this was pretty tame in the sex department. Less of the raunchy and more of the sweet and tender, but still pretty hot. They really are cute together.

This was a sweet little story of two men meeting by chance. They both find each other attractive and one thing leads to another. What starts as a one night stand turns into so much more for both of them.

Great little short that just made me feel happy at the end.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Light in Endless Darkness by Huston Piner Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hiya guys we have Huston Piner popping in today with his newest release Light in Endless Darkness, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Huston Piner - Light in Endless Darkness 1400

Light in Endless Darkness

by

Huston Piner

Kevin Reeves lives with his mother and abusive father and dreams of going to Dickerson University. Lonely and easily cowed, he works as a janitor to save money and signs up for night courses at the community college. There, he meets Dominic Pierce, a sexy emo who also happens to be blind. Kevin is immediately attracted to Dominic and soon a mutual attraction develops into a full-blown romance. After a violent confrontation with his father leads to Kevin moving in with Dominic, he discovers that the neighborhood gang is terrified of the blind emo, referring to him as El Sanguijuela.

Meanwhile, Jacky Larson, who outed Kevin as a sophomore, begins blackmailing him for sex at work, leaving him ashamed and panicked that Dominic will dump him if he finds out. But Dominic has dark secrets of his own, including a job he won’t discuss that keeps him away from sunup to sunset and secret nightly excursions. Can Kevin get away from his blackmailer without losing Dominic in the process? Will he ever discover what Dominic does all day and where he sneaks out to every night? And can their love survive when Kevin finally uncovers the truth?

Release Date 13th May

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Haven by Lee Benoit

91wjTnIDu8L._SL1500_Title: Haven
Series: Haven
Author: Lee Benoit
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (64 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (30 July 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Haven Tucker tore up his coal country roots so he could live his life as a gay man. Then he shut down his Leatherman lifestyle so he could pursue a medical career. Now the former Vietnam Army medic is working as an ER nurse in Boston where he’s about to meet his future.

Tadeo is an Argentine dancer on the wrong side of his country’s Dirty War who’s stranded Stateside with a brand-new baby. Official channels won’t help him keep his son with him and stay safe. Enter the singularly attractive Haven and his unique brand of problem-solving. The pair tries to keep their mutual attraction in check as evil forces mass on all sides to tear Tadeo and his son apart — and away from Haven.

Can Haven’s past ride to the rescue, before Tadeo’s present destroys their future?

This novella originally appeared in Torquere’s Bedside Manner anthology.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-790-8

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4243

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a wonderfully paced book about the lives of two gay men in the 70s (I think it’s about mid-70s). It is the story about Haven, ER nurse/ex-army medic who had served in Vietnam and Argentinean dancer, Tadeo, who find each other and love in not the best of circumstances. Both men are discreet with their homosexuality, though Haven is ever so slightly less cautious.

However, they both need to look over their shoulders, either fearing losing their jobs or even their lives.

The way the chapters are set up means that there is some overlap in the story between chapters. Each chapter is either from Haven or Tadeo’s POV, but it is wonderful to be able to see the relationship between the men develop and from both POVs.

It’s an interesting journey, one that shows the world pre-AIDS/HIV awareness.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Haven: Generations by Lee Benoit

454249eb8d5aafb1b96ef685317b892fd88045ebTitle: Haven: Generations
Series: Haven
Author: Lee Benoit
Genre: Single Author Anthology
Length: 54 pages
Publisher: Torquere Press (March 18th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Get ready for three stories from Nurse Haven Tucker’s world! In CODE SWITCHING, Haven and his dancer lover Tadeo have spent four years living their happy-ever-after, raising their son and making a discreet home in Sister City. When a friend and patient dies of a rare pneumonia, their secure life is threatened. Attacks — and support — emerge from unexpected quarters in this story set at the dawn of the AIDS crisis.

André is a confused and angry fourteen-year-old boy whose aunt rescues him from state care after the death of his mother and takes him to live with her motley extended family in a ramshackle old house. Against the backdrop of plans for a most unconventional wedding, André finds himself increasingly helpless to resist the charms of his eccentric aunt, moody grandfather, and sexy tutor. VADE MECUM is ultimately about finding a place to be oneself and to belong without question.

Finally, in LAST DANCE, high school teacher Suyai has spent months helping his school’s Gay-Straight Alliance members win the right to attend prom with the dates of their choice. Now none of them will get out on the dance floor until Suyai goes first. What’s an out and proud – but woefully single – teacher to do?

All three stories were previously published by Torquere Press and represent a sequel to “Haven”.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-895-0

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4368

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Haven: Generations is a collection of three stories which are sequels to the book Haven. The stories here are obviously in the right order, but I recommend reading Haven first because there will be some details that you will miss.

My overall rating for the book is 4-hearts and likewise, each story I have happily rated 4 hearts each.

First off there is Code Switching, this is story carries on from the first book, Haven. We are thrown back into the lives of Haven and Tadeo and it is completely charming and very emotional. In four years Haven and Tadeo have built themselves a comfortable life in an unexpectedly eclectic neighbourhood. Tadeo’s son, Suyai, is also there and he is completely adorable. The emotion of this story, however, comes from that this is based on the emerging threat AIDS/HIV was to the gay community in the late 70’s – early 80’s.

Next is Vade Mecum. This is another charming story, which drives the message of the importance of love and family. At first it does not seem directly related to Code Switching and the characters, but it is. It’s now 14 years after Code Switching and Suyai (Tadeo and Haven’s son) has grown into an intelligent and good-looking guy who is in grad school.

However, it is Andre that is the main character. He also happens to be a gorgeous character (inside and out). He’s a confused teen in a world that is changing and you don’t need to be gay to appreciate or relate to his issues.

Finally, we end with Last Dance. We back to following Suyai, now a little older and working as a high school teacher. He’s certainly inherited a lot of his personality from his father’s and is a wonderful and enjoyable character to read in any of these shorts.

Now that he has helped the gay/lesbian population of the school attend the prom with same sex dates, he needs to find a date for himself. It’s a fitting end to the series and ends in a similar spirit to how it started with Haven and Tadeo.

The reappearance/mention of previous characters really wraps things up nicely.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Mythologically Torqued – Anthology Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

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Hi guys, we have Torquered Press’s newest anthology Mythologically Torqued stopping by today, I’ve pinched an excerpt and there’s a great giveaway… we also have Lisa’s review (sorry about the girly bits Lisa 😀 *cough*). So guys enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Mythologically Torqued 1400

Mythologically Torqued

(Anthology)
by

Leigh Ellwood, L.J. Hamlin, Eva Lefoy, V.L. Locey, Jacey Mills, Alisha Monroe, Shiloh Sadler, Alyx Shaw, Delilah Storm, T. Strange, Carol Tierney, Angelique Voison, Max Wilde, Salome Wilde, Logan Zachary

Mythology, whether classic or modern, has always taken readers on a magical ride. Mythologically Torqued, volume I, takes those tales from days of old, or more recent history, and places a unique spin on the beloved lore. 

The gods of Olympus make appearances, as do deities from Japanese, Norse, and other belief systems. With rampant sexual desires, these gods manage to slake their thirst for passions of the flesh in a rather untraditional manner…if the oral traditions passed down from generation-to-generation were at all accurate. 

These fifteen short stories are penned by both seasoned scribes and new authors; the anthology provides readers with the perfect opportunity to explore offerings from their favorite storytellers as well as find a new favorite or two. And, a unique perspective on the stories we enjoyed—or were forced down our throats at the hands of a sadistic English teacher or two—in our youth. 

Containing both M/M and F/F stories from authors Alisha Monroe, Alyx Shaw, Angelique Voisen, Carol Tierney, Delilah Storm, Eva Lefoy, Jacey Mills, L.J. Hamlin, Leah Ellwood, Logan Zachary, Max Wilde, Salome Wilde, Shiloh Saddler, T. Strange, and V.L. Locey, Mythologically Torqued volume I is sure to have something for every penchant. 

Eros finds his soul mate in the arms of a demigod friend in L.J. Hamlin’s In Love with Zeus’ Son. In Shiloh Sadler’s Clipped Wings, two men on a plantation find love under the most unusual circumstances in 1842 Missouri. V.L. Locey’s Back to the Garden, Pan hits up Woodstock with the sun god Apollo—sex, drugs, and rock and roll take on a whole new meaning. In Brísingamen, Carol Tierney offers us the story of a magical necklace, and the payment goddess Freyja delivered to four dwarven sisters for it’s creation. Delphinos, by T. Strange, is a modern-age retelling of Dionysus’ creation of dolphins. In Angelique Voison’s version of the Japanese Moon Princess myth, Reiko is tasked with bringing the Emperor’s future bride, the fabled Moon Princess to court, and complications arise when Reiko falls head over heels for Kaguya. Charged with ensuring Sisyphus fails, Hercules is conflicted by his feelings for the former ruler in Angelique Voison’s How Hercules Got His Bruise. In Leah Ellwood’s Styx and Stone, Ferrying souls across the Styx is a lonely business, but Charon doesn’t mind—newly arrived Stone is more than willing to keep him company. No one believes in the Greek gods anymore, and Apollo is in a rut, Ganymede—cupbearer to the gods— tries to get Apollo to see what’s in front of him in Jacey Mills’ Another Night at the End of the World. Salome Wilde’s Eternal Grind offers a corporate take on Christian Hell, populated with horned and hoofed demons inspired by medieval monks’ fertile imaginations, which follows a pair of lesbian demon baristas, determined to find their own happily-ever-after. In the distant past, Ero was the god of desire, but in present day, he looks for love with Psy—a peerlessly gorgeous mortal man—and needs to keep a secret, in Alisha Monroe’s The Myth of Ero and Psy. Bound by chains and defenseless, Thor is being held captive by Garrick, a young man also forced to service until demands are met in Logan Zachary’s Bound by Desire. Together, attraction ignites between Thor and Garrick—can love grow if it is bound by desire? In Delilah Storm’s The Golden Balls, true love’s kiss is powerful, and Jasper’s sexuality awakens—will Anur be able to keep Jasper in this sleepy little kingdom? A spurned lover, mythical horse, and a public official walk into a pub—murder, mayhem, and everlasting love result in Alyx Shaw’s The Kelpie.

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Bus Stories by Sean Michael Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Sean Michael - Bus Stories 960x3502

Hi guys, we now have Sean Michael stopping by with his newest release Bus Stories, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Leigh’s review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Sean Michael - Bus Stories 1400

Bus Stories

by

Sean Michael

Jonathon and Benny get on the bus separately, but are clearly together as Benny wears a tattoo on his neck that is the exact match for Jonathon’s scarring. What follows are six short stories that each explore a different tale of why they got on the bus and where they go from there.

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Bits of Magic by Angela Benedetti Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Angela Benedetti - Bits of Magic 600x600Banner

Hi peeps, we have Angela Benedetti popping in today with her newest release Bits of Magic, a collection of short stories from her Hidden Magic universe, we have a tasty excerpt, and a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Angela Benedetti - Bits of Magic 1400

Bits of Magic

by

Angela Benedetti

There’s magic in the world, and its hiding in plain sight. Your friends, your neighbors, the guy who runs your favorite restaurant — any of them could be more than they seem. A man trick-or-treating with his son finds the courage to go after what he wants when he confiscates and eats some unwrapped candy. A park ranger who’s afraid of outing himself in public is reminded that his lover will — and can — protect him, no matter what. An apprentice mage learns that his master never forgets when he has a lesson to finish, and will always come for him when he gets himself lost in magic. And a boy from a mage-gifted family learns that life isn’t over just because the gift has passed him by. Return to the world of Hidden Magic.

(Note from the author: Note that this is a collection of short stories. All the stories take place in the same fictional universe, but they have different themes and devices. Only one story has BDSM elements, for example. And only one is erotica. One is romantic but has no sex that’s meant to be titillating.)

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Lock and Key by T. Strange Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hiya guys, we have T. Strange popping in to show off her brand new release Lock and Key, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant review so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

T. Strange - Lock and Key 1400

Lock and Key

by

T. Strange

After meeting Terry at a motorcycle show, Gavin is sure he’s found the man of his dreams. While he’s fantasized about BDSM for years, Gavin has never had a play partner and Terry is happy to teach him. After playing together for a few months, Terry has to leave on a business trip. Terry gives Gavin the key to his apartment so Gavin can sleep in, but Gavin isn’t sure he’s ready for that level of commitment. While he likes and trusts Terry—and loves the kinky sex they have together—Gavin has to decide which he can’t give up: Terry, or his freedom.

Part one was originally published as Boots and Leather by Torquere Press.

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Sugar Rush by Dani Myrick

81ae97myLyL._SL1500_Title: Sugar Rush
Series: N/A
Author: Dani Myrick
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Short (47 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (January 28th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: Jamie “Redhood” Lassiter leads a quiet life working for Granny’s Goodtime Goodies in Grimmtown. However, after some illegal tinkering with Granny’s recipes, he runs into trouble with a local gang, the Wolves. Their leader, Ren, demands Jamie’s altered recipes and isn’t above kidnapping Jamie into a virtual world to get what he wants. His only hope of rescue lies with Ferro, a member of the cyber-hacker gang, the Hunters.

When the true value of Jamie’s altered recipe is revealed, Jamie will have to choose between friendship and his own sense of justice. And that choice will alter not only his own future, but that of the entire world.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-863-9

Product Link: https://www.torquerepress.com/fiction/SugarRush.html

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Ummm… to find the words. First off, despite my liking fantasy and science fiction this one was, for lack of a better word: a mindfuck. As you will find out, not a huge fan of this. It’s all very fairy tale-esque and Grimm in terms of characters and setting – something that I usually enjoy reading. Honestly, this concept hooked me in the first third of this book.

Jamie ‘Redhood’ works for Granny’s in Grimmtown – see what I meant just now? He tinkers with some recipes (makes him seem like a rather sketchy sort of bloke) and that lands him in trouble. This is where the mind-fuck comes into play. Who is holding him? What do “they” really want?

It’s a bit Matrix (which I can’t stand) crossed with Tron (which I like) crossed with a Mexican drug cartel. I will admit, the story is well written and moves along well, one reason why I probably read the whole thing. It was the whole “are we in the Matrix? Are we the Matrix?” feel to it that I did not like. If that’s your thing normally, then I’m sure you will enjoy it.

Although one thing this does have that the Matrix does not is the smoking hot sex scenes.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

A Hard Man is Good To Find by Kiernan Kelly Book Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Kiernan Kelly - A Hard Man Is Good to Find 600x600Banner

Hi guys, we have Kiernan Kelly stopping by with his upcoming release A Hard Man is Good to Find, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Cat’s review and she fell in love with this little gem! So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Kiernan Kelly - A Hard Man Is Good to Find 1400

A Hard Man is Good to Find

by

Kiernan Kelly

When RJ meets Chaos, a private party stripper, it’s gloves (and everything else) off as they butt heads and other body parts on their way to becoming more than just a one-night stand.

Chaos is an uneducated stripper who knows that life deals guys like him a rotten hand. The old bump-and-grind gets decidedly bumpier when he meets RJ at a bachelor party, and finds the only things being stripped away are his heart’s carefully erected defenses.

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The Fantasy Collection by Kiernan Kelly

91kiv1JmVwL._SL1500_Title: The Fantasy Collection
Series: N/A
Author: Kiernan Kelly
Genre: Single Author Anthology
Length: 73 pages
ISBN: 9781610407519
Publisher: Torquere Press (May 14th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: RG
Blurb: This collection features three tales of fantastical lives and impossible love. Suspend your belief, and dive into a trio of stories filled with incredible circumstances, and magical influences.

In Mr. Fix-It, a frustrated consumer finds himself the owner of a futuristic android who comes equipped a secret BDSM function.

A young man whose life is continually complicated by the presence of the ghosts of three stubborn-if-well-meaning music legends, finds old time rock and roll to be just the thing he needs to find love.

Finally, a sheriff in a town on the outskirts of Hell finds love despite his constant battle with evil’s minions.

Previously published as Sips through Torquere Press.

Purchase Link(s): http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76&products_id=4183

Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Collection-Kiernan-Kelly-ebook/dp/B00KC725QI

Review: I have to say with the title of the collection of stories and the blurb I was expecting some high fantasy stories. Unfortunately while the story were works of fantasy, they were not what I expected when word like magical were tossed about in the blurb. Two of the stories were rather mundane and the other I would have classified Science Fiction.

Mr. Fix It (♥♥ 2 Hearts) was robotic Sci-Fi taken to the extreme. The consumer, Max (who owns a Nanotech consulting firm (To the Max), receives an android when he ordered a robot vacuum cleaner. The Android is programmed to dominate Max. The Android ends up fixing Max’s penis and Max’s company goes in a new direction. The costumer service scenes are a hoot and remind me of modern-day automated costumer service.

Rock N Roll 4 Ever (♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts) deals with a young man, Jonas, who owns a car that is haunted by Rock and Roll Legends the ones who are there most often are Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Janice Joplin. He is having money problem and is close to selling the car, A 1959 Cadillac convertible.

The ghosts take matters into their hands and lead Jonas to the beach, where Kai, a surfboard painter and surfer, is surfing and they get together and hit off romantically and musically. There sound together is great and soon they are successful. The scene where Kai finally sees/meets the ghosts is great.

Hell town (♥♥♥ 3 Hearts) Hoke is a protector of a town in purgatory based on the old west. He is responsible for making sure that the souls living there are not compelled to go to either hell or heaven against their will. One of the things he has to do is keep the hell born beasts from attacking and killing the souls in his town.

When the story opens, he smells the presence of Shiloh, his lover when he was alive on earth and the man he believes killed him.

Was too short to be amazing, but still an enjoyable read.

thefantasycollection185

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Letters from Cupid by Ari McKay

1c216b5f0d614b6dc623bf7afe80e44d3eae37b3Title: Letters from Cupid
Series:
Author: Ari McKay
Genre: Contemporary/Valentine’s
Length: Novella (81 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press Publishers (4 Feb 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Breaking up with his boyfriend has left English Professor Derek Chandler feeling lonely and down. He begins to think that he just doesn’t have the passion to sustain a long-term relationship — at least until a letter from a mysterious “Cupid” tells him not to lose hope. Intrigued, Derek replies to his anonymous admirer, and they begin a correspondence where Derek discovers he isn’t the only one with doubts about his desirability.

Dr. Macon Pinney has admired his colleague from afar for quite a while, but he only intended his initial note to Derek to offer encouragement. Macon doesn’t believe that outgoing, sociable Derek could ever be interested in the type of quiet, withdrawn man he knows himself to be. Yet when Derek writes back, admitting his worries about never finding a true partner, Macon can’t help but reply, sharing his own feelings from the safety of anonymity.

But will Macon find the courage to step out of the shadows and admit to Derek his identity, or will both men spend the most romantic day of the year alone?

ISBN: 978-1-61040-877-6

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4353

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is an incredibly sweet and an incredibly cute story, although for any postgraduates or academics that are single this Valentines, it might hit a bit close to home.
But it is fun. What this essentially is two men – both academics, at least one is a professor – getting to know each other through anonymous notes. Not exactly, something you hear about often these days and this is what adds to the charm of the story.

Macon is a post-doctoral academic and he is painfully shy despite being a brilliant teacher. He is quick to see kindness but as he puts it, he’s “almost a hermit”. However, he is lonely and uncertain of how to approach people, let alone the man that he is attracted. Macon shares his office with Professor Derek Chandler. He’s a bit down in the dumps because of a recent breakup and with Valentine’s Day approaching, he realises just how lonely he feels.

I’ll suspend my disbelief that these guys who have shared an office space for approximately two years are only just getting to know each other because I know myself and my office mates could not be like that. Then again, I realise that this is meant to demonstrate how socially awkward Macon is.

This is a fun, quick and charming read and purely for the romance.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

And a Chook Shall Lead Them by Kara Larson

91k-rWFiXWL._SL1500_Title: And a Chook Shall Lead Them
Series: N/A
Author: Kara Larson
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (75 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (June 25, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Blurb: Amiri Campbell left New Zealand with his partner Graeme over a decade ago, and with good reason. He still carries the emotional scars of family abandonment. For all that, Graeme tries to get him to reconcile.

When Amiri’s beloved Auntie Moana dies, Amiri and Graeme have no choice but to head back to New Zealand to deal with her estate. They only mean for it to be a brief visit, but family matters involving his niece and nephew might turn this brief stay into something longer – and more permanent.

Even though Amiri has Graeme’s total support, does he have the strength to face his family? Even more, can he let go of the past enough to give his niece and nephew the home they both deserve?

ISBN: 978-1-61040-764-9

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4213

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥3Hearts
I was quite surprised by this book but to me it was hard to truly get the hang of it. It is told with a bit of Aussie language so that made it a bit harder to understand. However it will help you at the end of the book with explanations on some of the words. Although there are some that you can just tell with the placement of them. It is a cute story about what families should be. I actually had a blast reading it.

Amiri and Graeme have been together for some time. When Amiri had been younger, he had been caught by his mother in a very interesting way. She shipped him to his father, who shipped him to his another family member. It was not always a happy life, but he owned his home, made good money and had a wonderful partner.

Although it didn’t come to an end, it did change when his niece and nephew showed up at the door. His sister was a trouble in her own way, and didn’t care that the kids just disappeared. With the help of his partner, things would get interesting real soon, but family sticks together no matter what.

This was an interesting story to say the least. Wiremu is a feisty young man, not a child but not grown up yet. He cared very much for his sister, but had a way in his own. His little sister Lani was autistic but had never been diagnosed. Things were complicated for these two young men but they seem to have the strength to handle it.

It is not my favorite type of book though. Not just with the language but it didn’t give me what I wanted from a story. I would recommend reading it though, because there is something about it that gives you hope. I did like it though. It just has a way of flowing off the pages into your heart.

Portia’s Two Cents: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
From the title to the end, I LOVED this book. The best part was the use of the New Zealand dialogue. It was like a bit of a puzzle, trying to figure out the meaning of the word in context. The whole story is sweet and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from Kara Larson.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Beginning To Believe by Sean Michael

81cyYuDoiKL._SL1500_Title: Beginning To Believe
Series: N/A
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (74 Pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (February 4, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Tyler’s a fun-loving, surfing mechanic who loves his life and lives every day to the fullest. When he meets potential client Kit, he’s immediately attracted and ready to get to know the man better.

Kit’s a music producer who used to do the singing himself. He was quite the star, actually, until an accident in his tour bus took whipped out nearly his entire band. Kit didn’t come out it unscathed, though. Along with emotional scars, he lost both legs and hasn’t sung a note since.

Tyler’s more concerned with how Kit makes him feel than whether or not the man has artificial limbs, and he pursues Kit eagerly. Can Tyler help Kit to believe in love again?

ISBN: 978-1-61040-872-1

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4352

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is in its way is a very powerful story. It shows the feelings that many who have had something happen to them go through and others reactions in a way. It actually makes your heart swell and sometimes a tear to fall when you read books that are wrote like this.

Sean is well-known for many of his books, but every once in a while a book comes out that shows you a side that you think are not there. It is also something that does happen or you can see it happening.

Tyler was a fun-loving kind of guy who loved to make bikes and surf. He also loved to sing along with many songs, which is what he was doing when he met a gorgeous singer. Kit was a sexy singer and had a way to him that just drew you to him. He had been involved in an accident that cost him his lover and nine of his friends, it had also cost him his legs.

He had made the choice of never singing again, but helping other singers with their vocation. He did miss singing, but he felt that it was wrong to do something he enjoyed when it had cost him so much. When he meets Tyler, things are going to change for the better. He has gained love and is ready for the changes.

This is a wonderful story that I would definitely recommend to everyone. It is a love story that also talks about the tragedy Kit had went through. Gorgeous men, a bit of excitement, true love and some tender love scenes. I had a blast reading it and can guarantee that you will too.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Bloody but Unbowed by Ari McKay

24277748Title: Bloody but Unbowed
Series: Herc’s Mercs, #3
Author: Ari McKay
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novella (141 Pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (January 14th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Daryl Greer isn’t a bodyguard. He’s Hercules Security’s “odd-job” specialist, as wild and dangerous, as he is competent. Fiercely independent, he resents his older brother Matthew’s view that he spends his life “playing G.I. Joe.”

When he’s sent to rescue a kidnapped scientist, Dr. Emerson Winfield, from a terrorist organization, Daryl finds himself attracted to the snarky, outspoken man even though Emerson is the kind of rich, successful person Matthew claims could never be interested in a hick like Daryl.

For his part, Emerson doesn’t care about Daryl’s lack of polish; he’s more interested in the incredible chemistry between them. He sets out to prove to Daryl that they can make a relationship work despite their differences.

But Daryl’s defensiveness about his career drives a wedge between them — and if he doesn’t find a way to deal with his issues, Daryl might lose Emerson forever.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-864-6

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4343

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Each book in Herc’s Mercs collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order. For me there is nothing better than men who carry guns but in this story the fact that these gorgeous men do what they can do to save others. Now they show what hero’s really are.

Daryl has a horrible child hood, caused a lot of trouble, joined the military only to get kicked out, and is now one of Herc’s Merconaries. He goes in and save those who are in need of saving. He can hot-wire a car in seconds, track those that don’t want to be found, annoy his brother to no end and find his ass in hot wire without trying. He is sent in to find a scientist and get his sexy ass back to safety. What he does not expect was to come across a scientist with an attitude and a mouth that doesn’t shut up. Nor does he expect to fall in love.

Emerson is the type that could get the Nobel Prize. However, what he ends up getting is his ass abducted by a terrorist organization and then rescued by one of the sexiest men alive. However, he has so many smart-ass remarks, I am surprised that Daryl hadn’t smacked him, but in the end, it seemed to turn the man on. They have their problems but these two have the strength to fight for their happiness in the end.

This is a fascinating story that I absolutely loved. I had a blast reading it and look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. It gave me everything I could possibly want in a story and so much more.

If I could ever get the chance to meet someone like these men, I think I would be in heaven. They are so well described and their hearts can be seen in their eyes. You can usually tell when a story is written with a lot of passion and love, and this is one of them. I loved this book and would recommend reading it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Winter's Gift by Sean Michael

91Xt6MmV37L._SL1500_Title: Winter’s Gift
Series: N/A
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (69 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (January 14th, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Badly disfigured, Geoff lives alone in the woods with only his wolf as companion. It’s a solitary life, but one he is comfortable with.

When he discovers a fairy with an injured wing at the beginning of winter, his whole ordered world is turned upside down. But will Mauve be horrified by his rescuer’s visage?

Or can the fairy look beyond the scars and see into Geoff’s heart?

Originally published in the Bus Stories anthology.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-861-5

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4324

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Very sweet story of Geoff who saves an injured fairy, Mauve, from the elements during the winter. Growing close together, they both fall in love with the other. Only to almost loose Mauve when Geoff helps a stranger.

Sweet, intense and intriguing. I loved the whole story. The descriptions of the winter storm were amazing. I loved how Mauve didn’t care that Geoff was scarred as he saw how kind and wonderful the man was on the inside. Looks are not everything.

Great read.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*

What Evils Lurk In the Hearts of Men by Mychael Black

9781610403337_p0_v3_s260x420Title: What Evils Lurk In the Hearts of Men
Series: Arcanum, #2
Author: Mychael Black
Genre: Erotic Romance/Paranormal
Length: Novella (61 Pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (July 1, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Detectives Jonah and Riley Pierce are back in another case for Arcanum, the US government’s paranormal police agency. This time, however, they’re headed to Berlin when a series of murders points to the enigmatic leader of a research institute.

Things turn personal very quickly, though, and they find themselves in a race to stop a psychopathic mortal hell bent on finding the daywalker gene.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-333-7

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3607

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Hot damn! This is going to be one fascinating and extremely hot series. You need to read the first book though. It will give you more of a background into their lives.

I think I fell in love with these guys and there is nothing sexier than when two brothers find love with each other. I mean when these two get together it is smoking hot. Riley has gone back to the job he had lost ten years ago when he was turned into a vampire, but this time he is with his brother Jonah. And when I say with his brother, I do mean in every way.

They have a murderer to find and it leads them to a mortal. Jonah will do everything in his power to keep his brother and lover safe, even transforming into a vampire also. They are what ones call special even in the vampire world. They can walk in the daytime. And someone wants to drain the day walkers and take their blood for themselves. So Jonah is more intense than he once was. He will protect the one he loves.

This is an extremely hot book and I look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series. I loved it and I fell in love with these gorgeous men. I also got a kick out of the fact that they are brothers. The sex between them is hot and a turn on for me. Mychael gave me everything I could possibly want in this story except I was left wanting more. It gave me gorgeous men who carry badges and just happen to be vampires, excitement, adventure, suspense, mystery, danger and some hot sex.

I would recommend reading this story, trust me you won’t regret it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Need for Sale by Sean Michael

20f48a9b527f8b1d3fc572b31aac1d421a1deb27Title: Need for Sale
Series: Hammer
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: BDSM/Holiday
Length: Short (39 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (December 17th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: It’s been two years since Neil’s Master Chris passed away unexpectedly and he’s ready for someone to touch him again. More than ready. The problem is that everyone is respectfully keeping their distance. Participating in the annual charity Hammer Auction seems like the perfect opportunity to announce his readiness, and to get some of the touches he craves so badly at the same time.

To Neil’s surprise, his best friend and neighbor, Master Dalton makes the winning bid, leaving Neil to wonder if he must continue exist alone and untouched. Master Dalton has a secret, though, one that might change Neil’s life forever.

ISBN: 978-1-61040-854-7

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4339

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Need for sale is the holiday/Christmas short story in the series Hammer, featuring various [MM] couples from an exclusive BDSM club called the Hammer Club. I’ve read some of the stories before and honestly, for the most part you can get away with not reading them in order. I’m fairly picky when it comes to BDSM, but I cannot help but enjoy Sean Michael’s stories from the Hammer club.

Neil is a sub who lost his previous lover two years previous to a car accident. To help himself move on, Neil places himself on the auction black at the highly commended Hammer Auction. He is flattered by how high the men were bidding for him for the night. However, he is stunned to find out the man who was his best friend and never showed the slightest inclination to want to be with him places the winning bid. Dalton, or in the Hammer Club, Master Dalton, has simply never let on his attraction to his best friend. And it is more than simple attraction between the two friends.

This is such an easy read. Steamy and exciting. The attraction and the spark between Neil and Dalton are more than definitely there with a splash of unrequited love. There is also plenty of emotion packed into this short story, especially since key to this story is Neil finally getting over the death of his previous lover, Chris. I found it funny how both men tried to awkwardly play it cool until the moment they fall into their “master and sub” relationship.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay

81OSiYDxocL._SL1500_Title: Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together
Series: N/A
Author: Ari McKay
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Novella (111 Pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (December 16th, 2014)
Heat Level: Low/Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Aerin
Blurb: When a Christmas shopping expedition brings Tomy Peralta into Jason Winters’ yarn store, both men feel an immediate, and intense spark of attraction, but dance instructor Tomy intends to propose to his boyfriend Sean at Christmas. Unfortunately for Tomy, marriage isn’t on career-minded Sean’s agenda. Heartbroken, Tomy throws himself into his work until his mother convinces him that learning to knit might help take his mind off his failed romance.

Jason falls hard for Tomy, but he knows Tomy needs time to heal and to trust in love again. As Jason teaches Tomy how to knit, Tomy teaches him how to dance in return to prepare for his sister’s wedding. Just when it seems Tomy is ready for a new romance, Sean shows up, wanting Tomy back.

Has Jason helped Tomy knit his heart together again, only for Tomy to give it to Sean once more, or will Tomy finally see Sean for what he truly is?

ISBN: B00R4C2MN0

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Broken-Heart-Back-Together-ebook/dp/B00R4C2MN0

Review: This was a very sweet and believable love story that incorporated the holiday spirit and the magic of Christmas for an ending that will make you go AWWWW!!!

Jason is an ex NFL player who suffered an injury that put an end to his career early on and destroyed his dreams for the future. In order to heal his broken heart, Jason takes up knitting and comes to love it. He is now the owner of a yarn store; Jason loves to give classes on how to knit to the women and men who are interested.

All Tomy Peralta got for Christmas is a broken heart. His boyfriend not only refused to accept his marriage proposal, but he broke up with him in order to pursue his dreams. Can knitting help Tomy put his broken heart back together like it helped Jason when he needed it?

I don’t know about that, but the relationship and friendship that form between our main characters sure will. Their romance develops slowly and sweetly, in the span of a year and it’s very believable. I liked the knitting and the dancing, and I loved how it brought them close together.

The main characters are likeable and supportive, and overall it was a pretty good story. I would’ve liked some tension and maybe a little bit of angst. This story is a little too sweet for my taste and some parts were downright cheesy, but I still enjoyed reading it.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

And Manny Makes Seven by Sean Michael

819colHOYBL._SL1500_Title: And Manny Makes Seven
Series: Mannies Incorporated, #3
Author: Sean Michael
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (190 pages)
Publisher: Torquere Press (December 2nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: When Adam’s parents died three years ago, he kept his five younger siblings together, playing parent as best a twenty-one year old could under the circumstances.

Now his academic mentor Helena has passed away from cancer, and Adam doesn’t know what to do. He’s shocked, but grateful when a reading of the will determines that he’s not only inherited her beloved Shi Tzus, but also the house, a generous trust for everyone’s education, plus three million dollars, some of it earmarked for hiring a nanny.

Hutch has worked as a nanny since he was nineteen, when he took over the care of his neighbor’s children when both parents were killed in separate missions overseas. He’s worked with several families since and feels confident he can handle five children aged four through seventeen.

Hutch’s arrival is just what Adam needs and as Hutch begins to turn the big house from Helena’s place into their home, Adam and his siblings begin to see Hutch as more than just the nanny.

Can a path of tragedy and sorrow turn the corner to happiness and love?

ISBN: 978-1-61040-840-0

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4322

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is book 3 of the Mannies Incorporated series but is a standalone novel. I’ve not read the previous books but a simple search also showed me that there is no overlap between the characters of the previous books. Which is lucky, this is the first Mannies Incorporated book I’ve read.

For me, the emotion hit me straight away. Adam is not only a guy who has lost his parents and become the surrogate father to his younger brother and sisters. However, it’s not just the fact he lost his parents, but at the opening of the book, he has now lost his support system. But his mother’s best friend, Sara, has left him a final legacy to help him. This leads to Adam to hiring Hutch, a Manny who works with the agency Mannies Incorporated.

Hutch Sparks, but he prefers Mr. Hutch to Mr. Sparks, is a dedicated Manny. He is instantly enchanted by Adam and his siblings, willing take on the challenge with the little ones. As far as we know, Hutch lost his mother at a young age but his father isn’t very present. There’s only bare facts about him and that’s a bit disappointing.

It’s a shame we really don’t find out much more about beyond his job as the Manny to Adam’s siblings. Then there is a little point in his love life that is a bit odd, but I suppose not completely unbelievable and so that’s another thing I’ll let slide. Hutch is a big sweetheart and about as magical as Mary Poppins, as one of Adam’s sisters calls him when he first turns up at the house.

It’s a lot of very cute and very sweet family. If you’re looking for an average type of day in a not so average household, this should fit the bill nicely. Well, I lie. There is plenty of drama with much of the usual family and teenage dramas causing insanity to reign. This is where Hutch shines as a character. They have no big adventure, although the sex is steamy and the spark of attraction is hot.

There was a bit more sex than I’ve read in some of Sean Michael’s sugary-sweet feel good novels, but I think it all combines well. It’s also nice to see the older Hutch and the younger Adam become friends then lovers. One pleasant change of pace for multitudes of other books – neither man laments the age gap between them (which is approximately 10-12 years), after a number of books going that way, it’s really annoying.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *