Hey peeps, we have Vicktor Alexander joining us today with his upcoming release Delicious Mistake. Vicktor lets us have a peek at an excerpt and has a great giveaway so be sure to click that Rafflecopter link. I’ll leave you to enjoy the post and Shorty’s review <3 ~Pixie~
Delicious Mistake
(Mistakes 03)
by
Vicktor Alexander
Miguel Rodriguez stood by his friend Xavier’s side when evidence of his affair with another man came out. He also stuck by Xavier when he disappeared from Atlanta and moved to the mountains of Wyoming. But he will not stand by Xavier when he decides to marry his young lover and still run for the Senate.
Hopping on a plane to Wyoming, Miguel finds himself meeting Julian Canton, a young man who has no political ambitions and doesn’t even vote, and yet Miguel finds himself fascinated. Miguel makes the mistake of upgrading Julian’s ticket so they can get to know each other better and somehow finds himself in Riverton, WY, holding Julian’s hand as he says goodbye to his brother. Giving in to his attraction to the young man, Miguel struggles not only with his physical attraction but with his emotional one as well. When he compounds his mistake by inviting Julian along with him to talk to Xavier, he soon finds himself feeling something he has never felt before. Will he join his friend Xavier in listening to his heart or will he walk away?
Title: Mantrap Series: The Wyverns #1 Author: LM Somerton Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (67 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (January 9th, 2015) Available for early download December 12th, 2014 Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Not all cages have bars.
The Wyverns Motorcycle Club has a reputation as fierce as its dragon emblem. Its enigmatic leader, Rogue Hellaby, has a police file so thick you could prop up a table with it. The qualifications for membership are a reckless disregard for authority and the attitude of a spitting cobra. But, The Wyverns MC is not quite what it seems. All the riders have dubious histories in the military or the police—now they just serve and protect their own interests and those of Horatio Trap, the manipulative bastard who recruited them.
When Rogue receives an instruction to kidnap and hold hostage the son of a powerful drug lord, he doesn’t bat an eyelid. But Rogue has never had to deal with a captive like Orlando de la Pena. Orlando is furious—not because he’s being held prisoner, but because he’s prevented from partying at his favorite BDSM club. Rogue discovers that the only way to deal with Orlando is to become the Dom he so obviously needs. But Orlando’s father wants him back, and The Wyverns must face a battle that could cost them their lives.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of light BDSM.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the Hard Riders anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: This was a really good book with action, danger, and drama. Rogue is a member of the Wyverns, a tough motorcycle gang with a reputation that precedes them. Orlando is the son of a powerful drug lord. Rogue is tasked with kidnapping Orlando. I loved how Orlando tried to fight off his kidnappers in the van.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Rogue and Orlando. Rogue is a tough, domineering man used to people obeying him. Orlando is a sarcastic, sub used to getting what he wants. When these two get together, it’s explosive. The shootout between the cartel goons and the wyvern’s was awesome. It was funny how Sheldon took out two goons who went to the house instead of where the shootout was. The sex between Rogue and Orlando was hot.
Absolutely fantastic read. Highly recommend it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Glorious Mistake Series: Mistakes #2 Author: Vicktor Alexander Genre: Contemporary/ Multicultural Length: Novella (72 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (September 25th, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts Blurb: Keith Williams has spent his life hiding from his true sexuality, but when he stops to help Estevian Tucker on the side of the road, he realizes that true love won’t let him run from this glorious mistake.
Keith Williams gets a phone call from his best friend, Russell Heter, about his decision to stay with Xavier, a much older, disgraced former mayor, in his cabin in Wyoming. Positive that Russell is making a mistake, Keith rushes off to rescue his friend from himself and his mistaken fantasy of being in love. However, when he sees a man on the side of the road, smoke billowing from his car, Keith pulls over and makes his own mistake.
Estevian Tucker’s life has gone from bad to worse. A single father of a developmentally delayed son, struggling to make ends meet, disowned and having just received even more, life-changing bad news, he escapes to Wyoming to visit his former mentor, Xavier Edmond. When Keith stops to help Estevian after his car finally dies completely, Estevian experiences an immediate and incredibly inconvenient attraction to the obviously straight stranger. He knows that taking a ride from temptation itself is a huge mistake, but it’s one he makes anyway.
Keith and Estevian are determined to not let their decision affect the future beyond the trip to Wyoming, not just for Estevian’s son EJ’s sake, but for their own as well. But when one mistake becomes another, they’ll discover that the truly glorious mistake was them falling for each other.
Review: Very sweet story of Keith, Russell’s best friend, coming to terms with his sexuality when he stops and helps Estevian. Both go to Wyoming to see their friends who are together. Keith wants to talk his friend into taking things sow or backing out and Estevian wants to talk to Xavier about what he’s going through. I loved the way Keith tried to help any way he could with Estevian and Ej when he finds out what is going on.
Along the way, Keith discovers that he cares a great deal for Estevian and his son Ej. The intimate scenes between Keith and Estevian were hot. Loved it, great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Hi peeps, today we have Baily Bradford stopping by on her Unexpected Moments blog tour, it’s the second book in her Unexpected series in the What’s His Passion? Imprint from Totally Bound. Bailey has a couple of points on writing and there’s a fantastic giveaway! So peeps enjoy the post and then click that link to enter the giveaway. <3 ~Pixie~
Unexpected Moments
(Unexpected 01)
by
Bailey Bradford
Love begins at the most unexpected moment…
Carter Hausemann and Eddie Canales are embarking on a new romance. They know they’re compatible sexually. Now it’s time to find out if they’re meant for each other—and a third man, because Carter has always known what he’s needed. He’d just been afraid to reach for it.
Eddie will do whatever it takes to make Carter happy, and since he’s not the jealous type as long as he’s included, he’s more than willing to see if a relationship can work between three men. But first he and Carter need to concentrate on them.
Dare Habrock has the microbrew everyone’s talking about. He also has a secret that has kept him from having a lover in far too long.
When these three meet, they begin to understand that love flourishes in the most unexpected moments.
But someone is determined to destroy every bit of joy they have.
Reader Advisory: This books contains scenes of multiple male ménage, light BDSM and references to fisting.
Title: Biking Bad Series: part of the Hard Riders anthology Author: Morticia Knight Genre: Romantic Suspense Length: Novella (67 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (January 2nd, 2015) Available for early download Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: When Dylan, a young wannabe investigator, stumbles into the Mojave Sidewinder’s MC bar, he finds all kinds of trouble—especially in biker Luc ‘Zero’ Villarojas.
The Mojave Sidewinders is the largest gay MC club in Southern California. They’re also one-percenters, which makes them alluring to those looking for trouble and a danger to those making it. Luc ‘Zero’ Villarojas has been a brother ever since the club’s prez took him in as a runaway. At thirty-four years of age, he’s content to ride his hog, chase tail, and run his tattoo and piercing parlor, Zero to Sixty.
Dylan has had to take care of himself since his aunt died when he was still a teen. Even though he’s barely twenty-two years old, the small spitfire has made his way in the world as best as he can and has even started his own would-be investigative agency. He’s proud of himself, even if his agency is on the edge of town in a ramshackle building.
Working his first big case involving a missing young man, Dylan barges into Road Rage, the Mojave Sidewinder’s exclusive bar, and starts asking questions. When it looks as though he’s about to get beaten up, a large, muscled biker covered in ink comes to his aid. Dylan’s incredibly attracted to him—even if Zero is pretty scary and Dylan’s still a virgin. But is there something Zero knows about the missing man that he’s hiding? And is Dylan in more danger than he realizes?
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the Hard Riders anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: This was an amazing story of one man determined to find out the truth and another man determined to protect him by any means necessary. Dylan is a private investigator hired to find a young man named Jason, who was last seen being dropped off at Road Rage. While there, he is saved from being roughed up by Zero. Zero is a sexy biker who is instantly attracted to Dylan. Once Zero learns who Dylan is searching for he knows he has to protect him while finding out the truth about another club member who is likely to kill to keep anyone from finding out his secret.
Very well written story with mystery, danger and action that grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end. Loved the chemistry between Zero and Dylan. It seemed as though they had both gone through some tough things as they were growing up and seemed to understand one another. Dylan seemed like the type to find out the truth no matter what. Fantastic read.
Highly recommended.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Marked! Series: Lust Bites Author: Jaxx Steele Genre: Contemporary/Interracial Length: Short (49 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (October 3rd, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts Blurb: Sharing what you know with your lover can give him the power he needs to win, especially when he’s fighting a rogue wolf.
Mark Delonco was betrayed, ostracized, rejected, beaten, and left for dead by a pack brother. As he wanders the forest, an unfamiliar scent brings him to a gruesome scene—and his betrayer. Another confrontation brings not only victory for the moment but also the possibility for love and redemption.
Victor Bradley could never maintain a relationship with anyone and he didn’t know why. It wasn’t that something was wrong with the men he chose, it was just that no one ever felt right to him. While visiting his forest home, a stranger appears at the door and changes his life. How can he know a man he has never met?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence.
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.
ISBN: 9781784302252
Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/marked
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Mark has been betrayed and cast out of his pack. Years later with the help of his mate, he reclaims what was taken from him. I loved how Mark came to Vicktor’s defense when he was just a baby.
Then when Vicktor was old enough for Mark to claim Vicktor came to his defense while he battling Raymond to the death.
I really enjoyed the whole story. Amazing details and hot sex between Mark and Vicktor and an intense battle to the death made for a great read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Bonfire Heart Series: Unconventional Chicago, #5 Author: Devon Rhodes Genre:Reader Advisory: The stories in this anthology are set in a contemporary alternate universe. Length: Novella (54 Pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 26th, 2014) Available for early download November 28th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Heaerts Blurb:Sometimes fires burn and destroy, but from the ashes, new growth can heal and cleanse.
Thierry Alexander is the deputy mayor of Chicago, a city he loves but can’t save on his own from the corrupt political system. His assistant and lover, Eduardo, is also known as Cesar, the head of the underground resistance movement. He has been working behind the scenes for years and finally gets what he needs—enough information to get the US government involved and take down the criminal elements strangling the city he loves.
But they need to act fast because legislation is about to be enacted that will give rise to social and ethnic purging in Chicago. Not knowing who they can trust, they will have to put their faith in one another and risk everything to save a city.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-78430-341-9 Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/bonfire-heart Reviewer: Lisa Review: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago Anthology. It was an amazing story but would be better if it had been longer. I loved this story. It was the final ending to the previous books. It was amazing and I had a blast reading it. I loved the happy ending that there was and the fact that all of the sexy men from the previous books and this one were happy and alive.
Thierry was the deputy mayor and part of the resistance. He was a major player whose intent was to free Chicago from the crime families. Eduardo was not only his assistant but also his lover. His goal was to free Chicago and to stay with the man he loved. The danger out there was strong but they have proven that they were stronger. Stronger together than apart. Eduardo was also the head of the resistant and was known as Cesar.
This was amazing and I had so much fun with it. Of course, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I loved it and want to start reading the whole series once again. It gave me everything I could want in a story. In fact, it gave me more than I could ask for.
I would definitely recommend reading this story. It gives you sexy men, dangerous situations, excitement, twist and turns, suspense and some very hot sex. It had caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. I loved this story and this whole series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Passion Under Fire Series: Unconventional Chicago, #3 Author: Stephani Hecht Genre: Alternate Reality Length: Novella (50 Pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 19th, 2014) Available for early download Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Can their love overcome the danger coming their way, or are they doomed to die?
Georgio is the third son in a powerful mob family, but he has never agreed with their violent or illegal ways, so he joins the resistance in an attempt to right the wrongs that his family has done. But, by doing so, he puts himself at great risk of getting caught. And if he is, his older brothers would have no problem ordering him executed, their sibling or not.
Tito is a runner for the family. While he hates the gang, he has a sick brother at home to take care of, so he has to take the job because it pays so well. The last thing Tito expects is to form an attachment to Georgio.
While Georgio tries to deny his feelings for Tito, he finds himself drawn to him as well. But, if they were to be caught together, they could be killed on the spot. Will their love be able to survive so many obstacles? Or can they find a way to happiness?
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
ISBN: 978-1-78430-326-6 Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/passion-under-fire Reviewer: Lisa Review: This is book three of the Unconventional Chicago series and I have to tell you that it was one hell of a great read. These books can be read as a standalone story.
I was amazed with this story even though it had me tasting for more. It left me wanting to know more about what was going on and wanting to know if Georgio and Tito make it out alive. It left me hanging with that. The characters were not only beautifully written but there was so much strength in them all.
Tito needed money to keep his brother safe and healthy. His brother needed a doctor and soon. He knew the only way to get that kind of money was to become a runner for a mob boss. What he had not expected was Georgio. Georgio was one of the brothers who ran the mob business.
However, he was not a bit like them. He wanted a way out and he knew he wanted Tito with him. Talk about surprises when Tito and his brother go to the resistance and find Georgio there along with his best friend. They had a plan to get out, now if only they could stay alive to do it.
I couldn’t believe that there are people out there that actually go through this, but you know there is. I loved how Georgio tried to keep his people safe, even if it meant betraying his brothers.
I loved this story. It gave me the perfect amount of angst, danger, pain, love, and fear. It gave me everything I could want in a story and in fact, it gave me even more.
I would recommend reading this book, you won’t be disappointed. My attention was caught with the first sentence and kept it there all the way to the end.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Flibbertigibbet Author: Willa Okati Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (96 pages) ISBN: 9781784300555 Publisher: Totally Bound (June 20th, 2014) Heat Level: Medium Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Zane Blurb: Is Donovan ready to leave routine behind and take a chance on a flirtatious flibbertigibbet?
Donovan thought he had his life all planned out. He knew where he was headed, and how he’d get there. Might not have been the most exciting life, but it was safe. Sensible. Practical. Just what he wanted.
That was before his house burned down in a freak accident. Now, Donovan’s life is all about crash space on a friend’s houseboat and entertaining the antics of his new neighbour and marina maintenance man Leaf. If Leaf ever took anything seriously in his life, he shows no signs of it. He’s loquacious, outrageous, and not even a little shy. Absolutely not the kind of man Donovan had thought he’d fall for before he tipped head over heels for the flibbertigibbet’s offbeat charm.
When it comes down to a choice between sensible and scandalous, is Donovan really ready to leave routine behind and take the plunge into deep water?
Review: I am sure it comes as no surprise that I read this book because of the instant mental connection to The Sound of Music. As soon as I saw the title, I heard it in my head – “A flibbertigibbet, a will – o – the wisp, a clown…” and was immediately transported to the singing dilemma of solving the problem called Maria.
That joyous playful feeling is exactly what you get from the character of Leaf. No compunctions about anything, his charm and levity are quite the breath of fresh air. Much like the above-mentioned song, he has a lightness of being that makes me wonder he will do and say next. Sexy, fun, and laid back, it was easy to be captivated by the unrepentant ‘take me as I am’ Leaf and to enjoy his flirty and tenacious pursuit of Donovan.
On the other hand, Donovan is a bit of a downer. While it is understandable that he would be devastated to a certain degree, Donovan doesn’t seem to see the bright side of anything. Even though we do see good things in his life, there is quite a bit of negativity on his part. It isn’t until he gives in to the chase and starts to fall for everything wonderful that is Leaf, that he emanates any kind of hope at all.
While the two balance each other out with their dance of light versus dark, the pace was quick and I wanted more depth, more back-story. In Donovan’s case, it would have given me reason to be more invested. If I had more history, more emotion I’d have connected better with him. The opposite was true of Leaf – I just liked him so much I wanted to know everything about him! It was as though I was chanting “More Leaf! More Leaf!” in my head.
Overall, a very cute novella scattered with humorous sexy moments, the prerequisite bit of angst and then the ‘happy ever after’. Bonus: a sweet and ebullient flibbertigibbet of a character that will steal your heart away.
. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **
Hi guys, we have S.A. Welsh popping in with her Out of CTRL blog tour, we have a tantalizing excerpt and a fantastic giveaway and we have Leigh’s review for you to enjoy. So enjoy the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Out of CTRL
by
S.A. Walsh
Andrew had no intention of ever going back home. But circumstances force him to face his painful past and the friend who betrayed him.
Andrew Finley has no intention of going back to his hometown—ever. After he’s caught hacking into the CIA, he builds himself a new life as a computer guy for the very government agency he hacked. But over the past few months, something has been bothering him, and his boss is acting more paranoid than usual. Every time an operation fails, Andrew collects information that could prove someone is selling secrets. Now he’s pretty sure his boss is trying to kill him, so he has no choice but to go back home to buy some time. Home may be more dangerous than facing his boss. Nine years ago, his former best friend and first crush Teddy betrayed him, and let his evil sister and her minions send him running.
But he’s back now and not everything is as clear-cut as he thought. Teddy may not be a Judas but can Andrew catch his fireman without getting burned, or is coming home going to kill him?
One corrupt boss, one evil sister, enough family drama to fill a dozen daytime chat shows and an ex-best friend whom he’s been in love with for half his life makes for one hell of an interesting trip home.
Title: No Bravery Series: An Unconventional Chicago, #1 Author: T.A. Chase Genre: Alternate Reality Length: Novella (52 Pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 12th, 2014) Available for early download Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb:A man looking for revenge discovers a man who wants to save a city.
Farris O’Laughlin has been back in Chicago for five years. He’d spent thirteen years before his return in a mental asylum after his brother had him committed for ‘insanity’. Farris plots revenge in the way he knows will hurt his brother the most—bringing down the family business.
Darien Shaunessy is Farris’ new driver and guard. He’s around to keep Farris in line…or so Farris’ brother thinks. Darien has his own reasons for working for the O’Laughlins, but Farris wasn’t part of his plan.
When two men from different parts of the city come together, powerful men could lose their wealth and control. And the lovers could find bravery they never thought they possessed.
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago anthology by Totally Bound Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-78430-322-8 Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/no-bravery Reviewer: Lisa Review: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago Anthology. It was an amazing story but would be better if it had been longer. I want to know what happens to these two sexy men. It is a fascinating story with a lot of action and suspense that left me wanting for more.
Farris was supposed to the head of his crime family, but after his brothers betrayal he had spent several years in a mental institute. He had been beaten and tortured in there. His heart was full of hatred for his brother and wanted revenge. The betrayal was the only way his brother could have what he wanted.
Darien knew he needed to find Tomas’s lover. Farris was the only one who could help him find the missing brother of a friend of his. Farris’s brother had told Farris that he had killed him, but in truth, he did something much more evil. He however had not expected to fall for Farris. Although he thought that maybe being in an institute might have made Farris just a tad bit insane.
This story was a blast to read but for me I want to know more. I want to know what happens next, the dang thing left me just hanging. I hate that when it does happen. It was an amazing story and I will be spending my time reading more of T. A. Chase’s books.
I would recommend reading this if you love sexy men, feisty and craziness, betrayal, hot sex, twist and turns and danger. The only problem I had was the fact that it seemed rushed and pushed together. I can’t wait to check out the author’s site to see if there will be something more of these two sexy men.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: An Ace in the Tiebreak Series: International Men of Sport #8 Author: TA Chase, Devon Rhodes Genre: Contemporary/Sports Length: Novel (183 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound (October 9, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: When Robin has to save his career and choose between two very different men, he has to try not to double-fault… while hoping for an ace.
Professional tennis player Robin Keller has a love/hate relationship with most everything in his life – his game, his tennis rival and sometimes hook-up Danie Coetzee, the pills and alcohol he uses to get through his days. Nothing seems to be going right anymore, and when he hits rock bottom after the French Open, drastic changes are the only option.
Quinn Damaris has a well-earned reputation for turning around the careers of the athletes he acts as chef for, and he can tell from the first meeting that Robin is going to be a challenge. As a double amputee, he’s not a man to back down just because the road is rough.
He didn’t count on anything starting between them, especially when the way he realises Robin is gay is when he sees him with Danie. Robin will have to make a choice. Is Quinn kidding himself to think that a tennis star could fall for a man who isn’t whole?
Review: Okay, I will admit it now. Sport themed books are my guilty pleasure. An odd choice for someone who only follows basketball and knows vague enough rules to get along with a handful of other sports. An Ace in the Tiebreaker is a standalone book in TA Chase and Devon Rhode’s series, International Men of Sports. I absolutely adored this book. I was barely a third of the way through this book when I knew that I have to read the previous seven titles.
Robin Keller is close to becoming a washed out tennis player because he has taken his health and his career for granted. His coach and manager are two very likable gentlemen, who decide to take steps to prevent this before anything else could have besides having a disastrous tournament.
Their solution is in the form of Quinn Damaris (in my head I got this amusing Irish-Greek thing going on whenever I read the name). Quinn is an absolute sweetheart, though he is a very determined realist who has the best intentions in mind for his client. His life experiences have certainly shaped him, made him stronger, and this shows in everything except his love life before meeting Robin.
As stated in the blurb, Quinn is also an amputee. I hope people do not misinterpret what I mean when I say this: a story where at least one main character has a disability intrigues me. However, it’s not on a sick level or me thinking, “Ha, ha, I’m better off than some fictional character that can’t see”. It’s actually, because I find these characters are heroes and I find it empowering to read such stories.
The story itself has a gentle touch to it as well as the thrill to want Robin to succeed. It’s kind of like the same rush you get when you watch your team on TV or watch a fictional team win in a movie. I also thoroughly enjoyed the writing style used by the authors, it was so easy to read and follow that it felt like I devoured all 166 pages all too quickly.
The setting of the book is amazing and this is where the writing style plays a big part. I really loved the idea of Quinn’s mountaintop home in Colorado, US; and Robin’s home in Lucerne, Switzerland. Then there are the various tournaments and arenas, including France, England, US and Australia. It’s basically a tour of the pro tennis circuit, but we’re given enough detail that the plot doesn’t feel rushed because these tournaments are, for the most part, between major scenes with our main characters.
But it’s not only the story I love. The cast of supporting characters were also wonderful. There was no evil plot or evil nemesis to overcome, which was nice for a change. Robin’s one real rival and bed-buddy, to put it politely, is a realist in terms of their roles in each other’s lives and is generally supportive of Robin. Jerome is another tennis player and provides a bit of comic relief, although he enables some of Robin’s issues and so there are a number of serious moment featuring him.
As I said earlier, too, I liked Robin’s coach and manager; they had a very stern fatherly-favourite teacher feel of their relationship with Robin. However, my absolute favourite minor character is Quinn’s big brother Morgan. I could gush for many, many words about how much I adore his character, but I won’t. All I will say is that Morgan Damaris is awesome.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Flight Made Easy Author: Helena Maeve Genre: Alternate Reality Length: Novella (136 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (July 3, 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts Blurb: In rescuing an innocent from unlawful arrest, Reed Caraway becomes the unwitting recipient of one man’s gratitude—and of his talents between the sheets.
Reed Caraway is a brawler, gambler, and all-round persona non grata in the mountainous village of Alliance. Enlisted by force into the much-detested Order, he is accustomed to being despised. Yet when an act of kindness is repaid with an invitation to a stranger’s house, Reed thinks his luck may be changing.
Valentine Waters knows how men like Reed operate. He also knows that compassion doesn’t come without cost. He intends to repay Reed’s with his body, the only way he knows how, not anticipating that the soldier will prove a generous lover or that Valentine may want to see him again. As their carnal relationship turns into an intricate tangle of deep longing and scorching hot trysts, the most powerful man in the land recalls Valentine to the capital.
A more honorable position at court is well within Valentine’s reach, if only he can turn his back on Alliance and Reed. Faced with impossible odds, the foundation of their clandestine affair begins to quake, imperiling not only Valentine’s future but also his life.
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of violence.
Review: An interesting story of two men drawn together in a world split into two sides. There is the Corhall’s who have everything they could possibly want and take things for granted. Then there are the soldiers who are supposed to keep the peace and take out those they believe to be not trustful.
Valentine is a handsome man who used to be in the courts favor. Now he is reduced to serving the richest of Corhall’s. I was never sure how he had fallen out of court. But I was disgusted that the Corhall’s thought nothing of using him at their leisure.
Reed is a soldier who rescues Valentine’s sister from being arrested and thus begins his affair with Valentine. It was hot and passionate.
Though I did wish Valentine would’ve explained why he was the way, he was.
All in all, it was a good read.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com*
Title: Ganging Up On Love Series: An Unconventional Chicago #4 Author: Amber Kell Genre: Contemporary/ Action-Adventure Length: Short (49 pages) ISBN: 978-1-78430-327-3 Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 19th, 2014) early download available November 21st 2014 Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts Reviewer: Leigh Blurb: New love can bring new dangers.
When Dirk volunteered to take the information to the resistance, he didn’t know he’d find his perfect match in their leader. Determined to find a place among them, he offers to help wherever he can.
Leon has always been alone, afraid of trusting anyone with his affection. When the visitor from Ward Three comes in with important information to bring down the mob bosses, he doesn’t know how to handle their instant attraction.
When outside dangers threaten to tear them apart, will their new love be enough to keep them together?
Publisher’s Note: This story has been previously released as part of the An Unconventional Chicago anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: For such a little book, it packed a lot in. Dirk gets to Ward Three it’s to deliver important information about the Mob Bosses that could finally take them down. The minute Dirk and Leon meet they are attracted to each other. Leon has been never attracted to a man enough to have a relationship with one. But Dirk holds his interest right away. So he takes a chance on him and it pays off. However with spies working for the Mob Boss betraying both Dirk and Leon they may not have much time. They need to get the information to a contact in another ward as soon as possible.
You do need to read the other books in the series to truly understand what is going on. There is an overall storyline about the resistance, the Mob Bosses, and the fight for Chicago. Each story is its own romance, and each couple has their part of getting the needed information to the people who can ultimately use it.
I liked this little snippet from the anthology. It was fast pace and an enjoyable read.
Daughter of the Horizon Pack alpha, Rain is ordered to find a mate immediately or else. Desperate, she takes off and literally runs into alpha wolf shifter Jet and his beta mate Garrett from a rival wolf shifter pack. Hearing her predicament and having met her once before, Jet steps up to help, promising to mate her and save her from an unknown fate.
Jet’s actions set into motion a series of brutal events and leaves Garrett questioning himself and his relationship, as he looks at Rain with a skeptical eye, unable to understand Jet’s blindness to the woman’s underlying deviousness. Out to expose Rain for the fraud she is, Garrett strives to find proof she carries the blame for murders along the pack borders which puts the groups on the brink of outright war.
Jet works to keep peace in his household and between their packs, convince Garrett that Rain’s innocent, as well as keep his hands off the beautiful woman who makes his inner wolf growl with need. Until Garrett and Rain open their eyes to the truth, he knows they’ll never become the matehood nature intended, as a bonded threesome.
Can they come together as bonded mates in time to help save their packs? Will Garrett be able to finally see the truth about Rain before it’s too late?
Reader Advisory: This book contains M/M, M/F and M/M/F scenes. Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: Rain is the daughter of a power Alpha couple in a very strict old-fashioned pack. She has heard of the non-traditional ways of the neighbouring rival pack and is trying to get a peek of the new Alpha mating ritual. Jet comes across her and immediately feels a pull. Rain is only 18 and hasn’t even shifted for the first time so he decides to bid his time.
Years pass, Rain has left the pack to live among humans in the city. He father has called her home demanding her to choose a mate this weekend or he will. She goes to think and runs into Jet again, who has mated with a male Garret. Jet agrees to help her by taking her as a mate so she doesn’t have to mate with someone she doesn’t know or like. Garret thinks it’s a plot to take their pack.
This isn’t a bad story as shifter stories go. It’s rather a basic plot, one pack trying to claim another’s land. It felt a little like it may have been part of a series but I couldn’t find if it was. I would have like more on how Garett and Jet met and a bit more of the threesome. A lot of the sex is off page and what is on is pretty tasteful. The only thing is that none of the actual threesome sex is on the page and I would have liked to seen a little of that.
Overall, it was a good story. I did like it.
If you like, werewolves, threesomes, mystery and a cleaner, yet still sexy story this is for you.
Title: Letters to a War Zone Author: Lucy Felthouse Genre: Contemporary/Military Length: Short (47 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound (March 27th, 2014) Heat Level: Low Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts Blurb: When lonely insurance broker, Bailey, gets himself a new hobby, he ends up exchanging letters with a war zone. But he’s not expecting what happens next…
Bailey Hodgkiss is lonely and dissatisfied with his boring life as an insurance broker. In an attempt to insert some variety, he signs up to a website to write to serving soldiers. He’s put in touch with Corporal Nick Rock, and over the course of a couple of letters, the two of them strike up a friendship. They begin to divulge their secrets, including their preference for men.
Nick encourages Bailey to add more interests to his life. As a result, Bailey picks up his forgotten hobby, photography, and quickly decides to team it up with his other preferred interest, travel.
Booking a holiday to Rome is his biggest gesture toward a more exciting existence, and he eagerly looks forward to the trip. That is, until Nick says he’s coming home on leave, and it looks as though their respective trips will prevent them from meeting in person.
Is there enough of a spark between them to push them to meet, or will their relationship remain on paper only?
Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Stand to Attention anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.
Review: I can never resist a book that involves military men, so I naturally gravitated towards this one. This is an excellent story, particularly those into the brooding loners and solider type books.
The loneliness that Bailey exhibits, that drives him to sign up to become pen pal to a random soldier serving overseas, is something that everyone can sympathise with and most likely felt at one time or another in life. Bailey is intelligent, quiet and introverted, making the loneliness somewhat easier to accept on my behalf and certainly feels realistic.
We find out the facts from Nick in the letters to Nick, which are used to tell the story but don’t actually “meet” him until halfway through. He a tough army guy but a total teddy bear – I found myself falling for him just a little too!
The story isn’t big on action. It’s a more intimate look at an evolving relationship, albeit a rapid one. I only wish that it could be longer because I really, really, really want to know more about Bailey and Nick!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: The Hit Man Cometh, 2nd edition Series: N/A Author: Edward Kendrick Genre: Paranormal / Crime & Mystery Length: Novella (158 pages) ISBN: 978-1-78430-313-6 Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 12th, 2014 / Early Download November 14th 2014) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Reviewer: Leigh Blurb: Mick is a hit man sent after Gavin. Can Gavin, an ex-conman and a shifter, convince Mick they should join forces before Mick kills him?
Mick Whalen is a hit man hired to kill Gavin Wilde. However, when he tracks Gavin to a remote mountain cabin, he discovers that killing the coyote shifter is not in the cards. Especially when Gavin offers sex as an incentive to spare his life—an offer Mick does not refuse.
At Gavin’s insistence, they find out who hired Mick before someone else is sent to finish the job. The most probable person is a vampire with an ax to grind because of something Gavin did to him in the past. With the help of Gavin’s bear shifter friend Torben, and Torben’s vampire friend Brynja, they set out to stop the vampire—perhaps permanently.
Mick and Gavin decide to join forces since, as Gavin points out, he can teleport Mick away after a hit. The contracts come, and their rough bouts of sex heat up in the process.
However, they’re almost killed on a job—a job no one knew about except Mick’s friend and handler Johnny. When Johnny is murdered, they team up with the two other hit men who also once worked for Johnny, to find and eliminate his killer as well.
With death and destruction now both men’s way of life, will it draw them closer together—or destroy what has become more than just a friendship?
Reader Advisory: This book contains light BDSM.
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/the-hit-man-cometh Review: Gavin is a 180-year-old coyote shifter and Mick is the human assassin sent to kill him. When the planned killing goes out the window, they decide to team up and track down the person who ordered the hit. From there, things lead to an unusual partnership between Gavin and Mick. Along the way, the reader learns some interesting things about paranormals. I liked that the author gave different powers to the shifters and vampires than usual norm used in the genre. Like the ability for shifters to teleport or “air coyote” as they jokingly called it.
The relationship between Gavin and Mick is not what I would call romance. Instead, they build a partnership. At first, it is just for them to track down the person who hired Mick to kill Gavin. Once that is done, they decide to partner up in Mick’s business and to keep giving each other what they need sexually.
The sex between them is what I would term rough sex and not so much BDSM. There is mostly hard spanking, bondage, and some pain play. The sex scenes are short and to the point. There is no real build up or foreplay. And they do become repetitive to me. They are basically all the same. What does grow between them is a trust to have each other’s backs and respect for each other.
Overall, I liked the storyline idea. The writing style was very clean and concise. However, I found myself easily distracted from the book. There was no pull for me to “have” to finish the story as soon as possible. There is no real emotional aspect to this story. These men do not love each other. Gavin and Mick are not looking to be saved from a bad life by love. They purposely team up to continue killing people and having sex with each other. That is really all they are looking for, to not be alone.
I guess I am a romantic at heart. So this story did not give me the happily ever after in love feeling. I need the emotional connection and this one did not give it to me. Even with the great writing technique, I was left unsatisfied.
Title: Sporting Chance Author: Alexa Milne Genre: Contemporary Length: Super-Novel (312 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound (November 6th, 2014) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts Blurb: Sometimes keeping hold of love is just as hard as finding it.
Dan and Iestyn are looking for romance. A school trip, a love of history, a wedding, a tango and the game of chess, and their friends and family all help the two men to realise that they’ve finally found true love.
Iestyn thinks that he’s completely ordinary and that Dan is the only out and currently gay rugby player anywhere. Being gay can be difficult enough. Being famous also has its problems. But being gay, famous and a sportsman can make finding love complicated. So when Dan Morgan meets Iestyn Jones and gives him his phone number, their road ahead has more than a few bumps to overcome.
Will Iestyn and Dan overcome the obstacles thrown in their paths? Or will fame destroy their lives as well as their love?
Review: If you’ve read some of my previous reviews, it may well look like I’m on a bit of a sporting kick with my reading at the moment. That could possibly be true – this is the third or fourth sport based romance I’ve read in the past week, pretty good for someone who only actually follows basketball. What was immediately interesting to me is that rugby is the sport of focus – certainly different. I don’t follow rugby but I don’t live under a rock to not know some of the terminology that I couldn’t help but show an interest.
Then throwing in some hot Welshmen doesn’t hurt either. In fact, this book brought to mind a couple things, Russel Crowe movie called the Sum of Us where Rusty played a gay rugby player. Also, I was reminded of retired Australian rugby league player, Ian Roberts, who came out a few years before he retired from the game.
Which leads me to my next point: I had to Google how to pronounce Iestyn, no matter how much fantasy I read that commonly uses Welsh, Scots and Irish language for fairies, etc. I could not get the syllable breakdown. (FYI, it’s Yes-Tin, if you’re interested).
Iestyn is a teacher, openly gay, and his classroom is certainly full of some interesting characters. Besides the crazy kids, he also has a crazy family and an equally quirky and crazy group of friends. He’s a sci-fi nerd and he loves playing online chess. Completely the opposite to the object of his desire, Dan Morgan, he is a professional rugby player who doesn’t hide his sexuality.
Unlike Iestyn, Dan only has his Nan for family and has a few good friends on the rugby team. Iestyn is completely clueless about Dan and rugby, so it’s a bit of a comedy of errors, one that I have sympathy for. I was charmed by Iestyn’s naivety, as much as Dan was charmed. Iestyn may be thirty-four or five, but he is cute, naive and intelligent. Whereas Dan is twenty-four and sometimes he acts it, so much so I wanted to cuff him on the head to knock some sense into him.
I was pleased to find that unlike many books, the author chose not to dwell on the ten-year age gap, which is fairly common in many stories and usually the number one reason why one of the pair tries to keep his distance. Instead this is played out as normal as possible. The other thing that I found interesting was that both characters were out as gay and were pretty well accepted in their places of work. Instead, the focus was on Iestyn and Dan as a couple where contending with Dan’s fame is one of the most important issues that come up between them almost immediately. The poor sods couldn’t get away too easily!
The story is absolutely filled with a range of emotion. I laughed, smiled, cried, got irritated and then got angry – I also feared that the story could not be contained within the two hundred-odd pages. The story is well paced, though two-thirds in I thought that Dan and Iestyn were ready for a happily ever after until Alexa Milne trips us up and gives us another brief roller coaster of drama.
A quick side note: since this is set in Cardiff, Wales, Doctor Who fans will be more than a little amused by the references to Doctor Who and Torchwood. Any reference to Capt. Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones is a good reference!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Morticia Knight stopping by now with her new release Hesitant Heart, it’s a little historical BSDM number with some very sweet characters. Morticia chats about Domestic Discipline and her characters, so enjoy the post and my review <3 ~Pixie~
Hesitant Heart
(The Hampton Road Club 01)
by
Morticia Knight
Sam is a naïve young man who arrives in Hollywood to escape his brutal father. When the older, sophisticated Aaron rescues him, Sam discovers what it means to fully surrender himself to another.
Eighteen year-old Sam Cunningham is used to living with lots of secrets. He’s had to hide his true nature his entire life or else incur the wrath of his strict and abusive father. When he’s faced with a horrible ultimatum, he flees to Hollywood where he hopes he can escape the fate his father has planned for him.
Aaron Rubenstein is a wealthy and sophisticated man who loses himself in painting portraits of bound men to help stave off his loneliness and despair. Unable to find a lasting connection with anyone, he’s had to resort to paying lovers not only for their affections, but to be allowed to indulge in his darker passions. Aaron’s only respite is his nights at the Hampton Road sadomasochism club where he’s a respected Dominant.
Naïve and inexperienced in the ways men can please one another, Sam takes a job at a bathhouse where he first glimpses a beautiful older man. Aaron notices the sweet towel boy watching him with interest every time he patronizes the Temple of Eros bathhouse. A traumatic incident for the innocent towel boy triggers Aaron’s protective tendencies and he’s compelled to rescue the gentle Sam from the clutches of the Temple’s manager.
They embark on a journey together that teaches them both things about themselves that they never knew. As their bond deepens and Sam is trained for his first night at the Hampton Road Club, an unknown danger lurks. Will Sam’s father find him and destroy both men’s chance for true happiness together? Or will Aaron protect his boy and keep him for always?
Reader Advisory: This book contains a scene of branding.
Publisher’s Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
Title: Jace’s Justice Series: Highgate Shifters, #1 Author: Sydney Presley Genre: Paranormal Length: Novella (94 pages) Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 5th, 2014) Available for early download Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Finding yourself isn’t always easy—unless your true mate helps you along the way…
Jace has always felt as though he doesn’t belong, that he’s surplus to requirements, alone and destined to stay that way for the rest of his life. His love for Louie, his true mate, is solid and real, but Louie has never shown Jace that they’re mates, has never given any indication that he wants them to be together. Jace is convinced that fate has got things wrong in pairing them—until a stranger arrives on packland, throwing everything into chaos.
Louie has lived his whole life keeping his distance from Jace—and his emotions. He loves the man with a passion, but knowing Jace might be taken away from him at any moment means Louie has kept his mouth shut. Jace was found on the side of the road as a cub by their alpha, Sergeant, and Louie has always known that one day Jace’s true family will come back to claim him. To save Jace having to make a painful decision—leave Louie or join his family—Louie has remained in the shadows.
But life has a way of changing things, and with the stranger comes knowledge of some terrible things happening on another wolf compound. Things that the Highgate pack feel compelled to fix. The question is, will Jace and Louie mating also change things, or will they remain the same as they’ve always been, forever circling around their love and never admitting it through fear of being hurt?
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
Review: Jace is kept himself emotionally distant from everyone in the pack, including the alpha and alpha mate who raised him as their own. He has especially hidden himself from his mate Louie. He had the sense of never really belonging. Little did he know that Louie was hiding from him also for fear of Jace having to one-day choice between his real family and Louis. When Jace’s past finally does show up they each are forced to admit how they truly feel for one another.
Jace and Louie always knew who their mate was, so they never pursued other sexual interests and have stayed virgins. As they start to explore sex together, they each learn what the other likes and wants. The sex scenes are descriptive but not overly explicit. Some are more emotionally charged, then really about the sex itself, in my opinion. Jace and Louie support each other emotionally throughout the book and each make the other a better man. The mate bond helps them to understand their mate and give them what each needs. Louie especially helps Jace connect with himself and others.
I liked this book. The writing was well done and fast paced. I enjoyed how the book was more emotionally driven than just about the sex. It does leave the end on a bit of cliffhanger to find out what happens next in the overall arch of the storyline since this is billed as a series. The supporting characters are interesting and perhaps they will be explored a bit more in future books.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more in this series.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
