Dating Ryan Alback by J.E. Birk

Title: Dating Ryan Alback

Author: J.E. Birk

Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novel (250pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (20th February 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Ryan Alback has almost everything he’s ever wanted: a successful acting career, a dog who adores him, great family and friends, and a life outside the closet. The only thing missing is a boyfriend — but Ryan’s been burned by Hollywood relationships before, and he’s not eager to try one again.

Jason Santos has almost everything he’s ever wanted: a fulfilling career teaching middle school, a house in a city he loves, and parents who support him in every way. Too bad he can’t seem to forget the ex-boyfriend who rejected his marriage proposal.

When a talk show host launches a dating contest to find Ryan a boyfriend and Jason accidentally wins, neither of them expect anything to come from it. Yet somewhere between a disastrous massage and a mud sinkhole, they both start to wonder if this date could be more than just a public relations stunt. But before they can move into the future, they’ll both have to learn to let go of the past.

ISBN: 978-1-62649-536-4

Product Link: Riptide Publishing

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: First time reading from this author, and I got to say that it’s an enjoyable story.

Ryan is an actor and a very private person, he was hurt badly by his last boyfriend, who only wanted to use him for his own gain, so he doesn’t date, he also has serious trust issues where people are concern. Other than his family and the Dog that he rescued, those are the only ones that he gives his trust to. When his agent roped him into appearing on a talk show, he got a shock, when he found out that he would be set up with a blind date for Valentines.

Jason, a middle school teacher, wasn’t too keen to go on this blind date, that his best friend signed him up for, when he was announced the winner. Jason was in a committed relationship for years, but he’s now single, but his priorities, are to get his nonprofit fund up and running. He agrees to the weekend date, but with the mistrust and the press hounding his every move, Ryan accused Jason of selling him out to gain publicity, and Jason leaves and goes home.

After a conversation with his best friend, Ryan was told that there’s no way that Jason would’ve talked to the sleazy magazine, that there wasn’t any profit in it for him. On his way to visit his family, Ryan stops to visit Jason and to apologize. They start to date and to work out the issues that they had, and to take on anything that comes at them in the future, even Jason’s ex that comes back claiming that he made a mistake and wants to reconnect with him.

I enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone interested

Return of the Chauffeur’s Son by Tara Lain

Title: Return of the Chauffeur’s Son

Author: Tara Lain

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (204pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd June 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Luca McGrath may be returning to Napa Valley, California as a promising chef with dreams of starting his own restaurant and winery, but his heart still lives with bad-boy billionaire’s son, James Armstrong. Luca spent his childhood playing games with the golden boy of California society, so blinded by James he barely noticed the dark, quiet lure of his conservative older brother, Dylan Armstrong.

But now, Luca’s home and his own powers of attraction are enough to make James question his dedicated heterosexuality and his promised marriage to a wealthy and powerful businesswoman. The obvious attraction between Luca and James spurs Dylan into action—but he’s fighting a huge secret. While Luca dreamed of James, Dylan dreamed of Luca. When Luca gets caught in the struggle between the brothers and gets accused of culinary espionage he’s ready to chuck the fairy tale—unable to even imagine Dylan’s power to make his dreams come true.

ASIN: 978-1-63533-478-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: Luca McGrath is the chauffeur’s son and he’s been away from his home in Napa Valley for about 8 years. He left to study culinary arts in Paris and then he made a name for himself in New York as a renowned Chef. He’s returned home now to a job offer at a prestigious restaurant. Until he finds his own place, he’ll be staying with his father at the Armstrong Estate. From the time they were boys, Luca considered James a very good friend, but from the moment Luca discovered his sexuality, he’s had secret crush on James, so when he returned to his hometown, and heard that James was engaged to be married, he was devastated. James, however, when he saw Luca and found out that he’s gay, has proclaimed himself as bi-sexual, and wants a relationship with Luca, although he’s about to be married to beautiful lady, that will join both powerful families together.

Dylan, who runs the family business, and James’ older brother, realized what James is doing; he tries his best to separate Luca and James from making the biggest mistake of their lives, and to keep both families from being hurt from the fallout, if James gets his way. Although there’s a big age gap between Luca and Dylan, I was excited to read their story, from the friends to lovers’ storyline. At first I didn’t think that they would ever get together, especially with all the misunderstanding moments, and the interference from James. Dylan doesn’t expect to fall for Luca, and Luca doesn’t expect to be the center of attention between the two brothers, especially when he realizes that he’s also developing feelings for Dylan. At the restaurant where Luca works, he’s accused of culinary espionage and fired, Dylan steps in and does everything that he can to clear Luca’s name, and to claim the man, that he’s come to love.

Another great story from this author, and would recommend to anyone.

Walker by Lynn Hagen

Title: Walker

Series: Grizzly Ridge #6

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Shape-Shifter, MPreg

Length: Novella (92pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Inc. (7th August 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Life isn’t easy for Bailey. His mom split when he was a baby, and Bailey grew up with a father who blamed him for her leaving. The silver lining is his best friend. Corky makes life not only bearable, but fun. Until they visit a video game store and Bailey sees the hottest guy he’s ever laid eyes on. Too bad the guy turns out to be a lunatic who bites Bailey and tries to kidnap him.

The last Rising brother to mate has found the person fated to be his. Unfortunately, what could go wrong, went wrong. Not only does Walker have to haul ass before he’s arrested, but he has to get to Bailey before the human goes into mating heat. Walker has his work cut out for him, but Bailey is his one chance at happiness, and nothing will stand in his way

ISBN: 978-1-64010-526-3

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: Bailey was abandoned by his mom when he was a baby, and his father who raised him, has treated him like crap, and only notices him when he wants money. The one constant in his life is his best friend Corky, who’s been there for him always. After a bad day at work, Bailey leaves early and asks his friend to meet at the Video game store to hang out. While his friend is inside checking out the latest games, Bailey is outside having a smoke, when he sees, as he says, the hottest guy ever.

Walker the last of the brothers, has finally found his mate, but all goes wrong, after he bites Bailey and before he can take him to the mountains. Bailey escapes, and Walker has to find him before he goes into the mating heat. Bailey escapes from Walker and heads to Corky’s home. Walker follows and he and his brother kidnap both Bailey and his friend and take them to the mountains. As much as Bailey wants to leave, Walker can’t let that happen, knowing that the creatures on the mountain will try to take his mate and unborn child from him, and he have to do anything possible to save them both.

Love this author’s work and would recommend this story to anyone interested.

Rogue Operative by Lynn Hagen

Title: Rogue Operative

Series: Wildfire #2

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (August 28, 2017)

Length: Novella (108 Pages)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: When Jordan spots the new sheriff riding into town on his motorcycle, he becomes infatuated with the sexy man, but he’s running from a past that still haunts him, a past that has left him guilt-ridden for too long. He thinks he’s the reason his lover is dead and is afraid to give his heart away again. He convinces himself that he can be friends with Mason without falling for the sheriff, but the heart wants what it wants and, soon, Jordan finds himself lost in Mason’s arms.

Mason “Blade” Camden came to Wildfire to put his past behind him. He retired from his mercenary work. Unfortunately, the agency didn’t get the memo. When they send him on an assignment, things go horribly wrong. Now Mason is a wanted man and must draw attention away from the small town, even if that means leaving behind the man he loves.

ISBN: 978-1-64010-560-7

Product Link: Siren-BookStrand

Reviewers: Lisa & Veronica

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Each book in the Wildfire collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Damn sexy men, danger, mercenaries, guns, action and excitement all rolled into one amazing package. Jordan lost the man of his heart to an accident and from that day forth figured it was just him. He was afraid to try to love again, but the sexy ass sherif was sure making it hard. Mason has his own set of problems, a past that was coming back to bite him in the ass. When these two men hook up, they are going to set the sheets on fire.

Lynn Hagen was one of the first author’s of this genre that I came across and knew that she would become on of my all time favorite authors. She hasn’t let me down yet, I can tell you that. A fresh new world that just seems to have the best damn men to be around. Each one of them has an amount of danger and excitement mixed in with so much more.

I had quite a bit of fun reading this and can not wait to get started on the next book. Sexy men with guns and rides a motorcycle just makes a girl want to scream or in this case one sexy man who uses his hands a lot. I would definitely recommend this book.

Veronica’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Jordan, one of the workers from the Lockmere Construction Company that is restoring the small town in the mountains, has some demons of his own to work through, but from the moment that he saw the newly appointed Sheriff ride into town, he’s got the hots for him. Jordan, however, has convinced himself that he’s the reason he’s the cause of his last boyfriend’s death, and he doesn’t want another death on his conscious if he gets involved with the Sheriff.

Mason sees Jordan and wants him, but he’s been in some rough situations in his life and his previous job that he would like to be out of, but as he says, leaving that job isn’t an option. He came to Wildfire to start a fresh life and a new job. Jordan and Mason hook up, but then Jordan family drama intrudes, and then Mason has to go out of town to do a job, but the situation is beyond his control, when his assignment takes him back to save Jordan and his friends that he got close to in Wildfire, to save them from a crazed madman.

I would definitely recommend this series to anyone interested.

Worth the Risk by Lynn Hagen

Title: Worth the Risk

Series: Wildfire #1

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (August 21, 2017)

Length: Novella (109 Pages)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: Isn’t the chase half the fun? That’s what Darien thinks when he sets his sights on one of Wildfire’s investors. Sex is the only thing Darien is interested in, until a scoundrel from Matthew’s past resurfaces. Now, it’s up to Darien to pull Matthew back from the brink of self-destruction, and he doesn’t understand why he’s going out on a limb for a guy he barely knows.

When Matthew and his friends invest in a podunk town, he has no idea what he is in for. Darien makes it known that he wants Matthew, but after a bitter betrayal from a past lover, Matthew doesn’t trust anyone. He thinks Darien isn’t worth the risk. Or so he thinks.

When his life begins to spiral out of control, Matthew is shocked that it’s Darien who comes to his rescue, refusing to allow Matthew to sink into the depths of despair.

ISBN: 978-1-64010-559-1

Product Link: Siren Publishing

Reviewer: Lisa & Veronica

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Each book in the Wildfire collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.

Lynn Hagen was one of the first authors of gay romance that I had read and she got me hooked. Now I admit that all of those were paranormal, so when this series came out I was wondering how they would turn out. So you can imagine my surprise that they were the right story for me. This story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it there all the way to the end.

Darien is the owner of the construction crew that was going to rebuild an old town and help to revive it. Wildfire had been purchased and was going to be turned into the perfect place for the gay community. He had his sights set on one of the men behind the purchase and realizes that Wildfire might just be his perfect home.

Matthew had been born into a home that was always broke, and made his fortune with hard work and dedication. When his life started to unravel due to a bad choice with a man, he started to drink to forget. His best friends thought buying an old ghost town, well almost ghost town, he just went a long with it. He had lost his ability to trust and needed a reason to start over. I would say Darien is up for the job.

It was a pretty good story and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was a fresh and unique idea that I had a lot of fun with. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next story.

Veronica’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Darian has a construction company, and he and his crew are working to restore a small town that was purchased by Matthew and his friends. The first time that Darien saw Matthew, he was imagining how many flat surfaces he can have Matthew on, but he’s not interested in a relationship.

However Matthew doesn’t trust anyone other than his friends, and he isn’t interested in hooking up or getting involved with anyone, since recently, he was accused of a heinous act and he’s still paying the price of the person that is trying to ruin his life.

When Matthew’s life is imploding, although his friends are there supporting him, he’s more surprise that Darien is there to literally lift him up and help him get back on his feet, even when he found out the reason. When a past lover comes back to make more trouble for Matthew and he’s being questioned by the Police, Darien runs to his rescue and shows him that he can be trusted and that they can both have a future together.

I would definitely recommend this story to anyone interested.

You Never Know by Mary Calmes

Title: You Never Know

Author: Mary Calmes

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (194 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21^st July 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Hagen Wylie has it all figured out. He’s going to live in his hometown, be everybody’s friend, explore new relationships, and rebuild his life after the horrors of war. No muss, no fuss is the plan. He’s well on his way—until he finds out his first love has come home too. Hagen says it’s no big deal, but a chance encounter with Mitch Thayer’s two cute sons puts him directly in the path of the only guy he’s never gotten out of his head.

Mitch returned for three reasons: to raise his sons where he grew up, to move his furniture business and encourage it to thrive, and to win Hagen back. Years away made it perfectly clear the young man he loved in high school is the only one for him. The problem? He left town and they have not talked since.

If Hagen’s going to trust him again, Mitch needs to show him how he’s grown up and isn’t going to let go. They could have a new chance at love… but Hagen is insistent he’s not reviving a relationship with Mitch. Then again, you never know.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-907-9

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I love this authors work, and she didn’t disappoint in this story. Hagen and Mitch were high school sweethearts and lovers. Majority of the people in Benson love that they were both out and proud as you can be as teenagers. Since Mitch was a year older, he left for college sooner, while they planned for Hagen to join him a year later. But things didn’t turn out that way. While away at college, Mitch ended things with Hagen and he went and joined the Army just to get away from the town and the devastation that Mitch leaving caused.

Hagen has returned home from the Army to start rebuilding his life, and live on his terms. He was a prisoner of war and he was badly injured during his capture. He runs his own Construction business and he loves making his customers happy. Now in a town as small as Benson, everywhere he goes, he hears that Mitch is back home. Years ago, just the mention of Mitch’s name would cause his heart rate to race, but that’s not the case this time. Hagen is involved with someone and he has no inclination to get back together with Mitch after he left him and broke his heart. A chance encounter happens and Hagen saves Mitch’ two boys from a bad situation. Mitch is grateful and then professes that he still loves Hagen and that he wants him back in his life.

Mitch regrets that he ended things with Hagen years ago, but not sorry that he has two amazing boys from his marriage. He keeps pursuing Hagen, but Hagen doesn’t think that he can ever trust Mitch again, and if he came back to get him, how is it that he hasn’t approach Hagen and the only reason that they saw each other is because Hagen saved his sons. This second chance love story is great, but I’m sorry that I didn’t get to hear the reason that Mitch broke up with Hagen when he went off to college.

I love this author’s work and I would recommend it to anyone.

Clint by Lynn Hagen

Title: Clint

Series: Grizzly Ridge 01

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Paranormal, shape-shifters, M/MPreg

Length: Novella (100pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Inc.

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: The Rising men are pure myth, or so Dane thinks. Everyone in the town of Grizzly Ridge whispers about how either the Rising men can control the wild bears that roam the mountains, or that they are the wild bears themselves.

On his way home from work one night, a stranger nearly hits Dane on the backroad. When the guy gets out of his truck, Dane is kidnapped and taken high into the mountains.

Clint grew up in the mountains, his bear clan hidden from humans. Out on an errand one night, Clint decides to take a shortcut and nearly runs a man over. Pissed at the guy’s carelessness, he gets out and discovers the human is his mate. His bear takes over and Clint bites him, starting the process that will enable Dane to carry his child.

But Clint’s life is filled with dangers, and the biggest danger of all is his father.

ISBN: 9781640104006

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/book/clint

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: Dane is living in a small town and hears all the tales about the occupants of the mountains, especially the Rising men, and he thinks that there’re just myths. One night after work, Dane is walking home and is nearly hit by a driver. When the person gets out of the truck and asks him if he’s ok, within a blink of the eye, the guy bites Dane and takes him up further into the mountains.

Clint is on his way home when he finds his mate on the side of the road. With one whiff of his scent, he bites him and takes him to his home. Clint is the eldest of his siblings and he’s ecstatic yet scared that he found his mate. Dane sees himself as imperfect, but all Clint sees is a handsome man. There are dangers in the mountains, and the biggest one is his father, when he decides that he wants Clint’s mate. Clint will go to any length to make sure that never happens, even if he has to kill his own father.

I love this author’s work and would recommend to anyone interested in reading about paranormals.

Every Breath You Take by Robert Winter

Title: Every Breath You Take

Author: Robert Winter

Genre: Mystery, Suspense Contemporary

Length: Novel (240pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th May 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: When Zachary Hall leaves Utah for a job in Washington, it’s finally his chance to live as a gay man and maybe find someone special. In a bar he meets Thomas Scarborough, a man who seems perfect in and out of the bedroom. But Thomas never dates. He never even sleeps with the same man twice. Despite their instant connection, he can offer Zachary only his friendship, and Zachary is looking for more.

Thomas is tempted to break his own rules, but years before, he became the victim of a stalker who nearly destroyed his life. Even though his stalker died, Thomas obsessively keeps others at a distance. Despite his fascination with Zachary, he is unable to lower his barriers. Frustrated, Zachary accepts he will never have what he wants with Thomas and soon finds it with another man.

But young gay men in Washington, DC are being murdered, and the victims all have a connection to Thomas. Once again someone is watching Thomas’s every move. Can it be a coincidence? When the depraved killer turns his attention toward Zachary, Thomas must face the demons of his past—or lose his chance to open his heart to Zachary forever.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-496-8

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/every-breath-you-take-by-robert-winter-8437-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: First time for me reading from this author and I love this story, the detail into the characters’ lives, and the suspense. It starts off with a guy who frequents this gay bar, he is followed home, and then he is brutally murdered, and the description that the Police found his body gave me the shivers. The Police investigating the murder digs into past lives and finds that not everything is as it seems. Zachary, who moves from his hometown Utah to DC to work and live, is gay. He’s in the closet where his parents are concerned, because from the way they react when they both hear anything concerning gay people doesn’t sit well with him, so he hasn’t told them about his sexual preferences.

Fist day into the city, he goes into this gay bar, because he’s never been to one, and his BFF back home convince him to visit one. There he meets a couple customers, and they have a conversation. One of the guys in the group, Zach describes as ‘one of the most handsome men he’s ever met.’ They separate from the others and Thomas and Zack plans to hook up at Thomas’ home. They leave the bar not knowing that they have eyes on them. The sex scene is beyond hot and steamy and then Thomas tells Zack that he has to leave. Zack plans for another hookup and although Thomas feels deeply attracted to Zack, he has a rule: he doesn’t sleep with the same guy twice, no exception, not even for Zachary.

Thomas tells Zack that they can become friends, but nothing more. I love the way that this author had us viewing his victims through his eyes. The creepiness and extreme that this stalker went to, to get Thomas’ attention is so scary. The way he watches and follows Zack’s every move. When they all work together, and figure out who the stalker is, they’re very shocked to see that its someone from Thomas’s past. Hopefully they can get to Zack in time to prevent him from being the stalker’s next victim.

Anyone looking for the perfect suspense thriller, I would gladly recommend this story.

Choices by Em Woods (2nd Edition)

Title: Choices (2nd Edition)

Author: Em Woods

Genre: Threesome, Contemporary

Length: Short (50 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (21^st June 2016)

Heat Rating: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: When a rodeo clown, a small town veterinarian and his assistant form a complicated trio, they find it’s their choices that determine who finds love.

When rodeo clown Brandt Collins is forced into retirement by an injury in the arena, he heads to long-time friend Kaden Slater’s hometown to settle down. As far as he’s concerned if that old flame ignites into a wildfire, then all the better.

Kaden is glad to see Brandt, but a little complication in the form of Kaden’s new assistant, Mike, throws a wrench in all their plans. Sexy, smart and young, Mike wants Kaden more than he wants his next breath.

Soon, misunderstandings and the past conspire to tear the trio apart before they’ve even begun. And now it’s their choices that will determine who finds love – and who doesn’t.

ISBN: 9781771018883

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/choices

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I love this short story from this author; it is a well written read. It’s a first for me from this author, and I’ll be looking for more of her work. In this small town, no one likes to know that they personal lives are out there for all the residents to know. Brandt is a retired Rodeo clown, and he goes back to his long time friend’s hometown, to stay and rekindle the relationship that he had with the town’s veterinarian, Kaden Slater. Except, that things aren’t that easy for Brandt.

Kaden’s assistant, have a huge crush on him. Well, more than a crush. Mike is in love with him, and he isn’t happy that Brandt is back in Kaden’s life. Now, this is where things get complicated. Brandt wants back Kaden, and wants to make up for the lost years that he wasn’t with him. Mike wants Kaden, and wants to make sure that he isn’t hurt again, because Brandt has a habit of always disappearing years on end and leaves Kaden distraught. Now Kaden wants both Brandt and Mike in his life, and doesn’t want to lose any of them.

Will they be able to sit and talk about the three of them getting together and entering into a relationship, or will they be split apart, because of one hateful man that have a huge issue against gay men. I’m sorry that this story ended the way it did. I was really looking forward to more of this story.

Yes, I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a quick and sexy read.

Would You Wait For Me? by Anna Lee

Title: Would You Wait for Me?

Author: Anna Lee

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (42 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (7^th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Kip made a promise to Lucas that he’d come home to him after his tour overseas, but will Lucas be waiting for him like he promised?

Kip Foster is nearly finished with his tour overseas and is ready to leave the hot desert and constant threat of danger. He hopes to reunite with his lover, Lucas Danvers. When he calls to ask Lucas to meet him at their hotel however, Lucas breaks it off with him. Lucas no longer wants to be his dirty little secret. He says he’s waited long enough for Kip to make a choice and he hasn’t. Devastated, Kip realizes how much he loves Lucas and that if he’s to win him back he needs to do something big. He needs to not let hate and fear control his life. So he makes plans to start living life the way he wants to. Will Lucas still be waiting when he comes home though?

ISBN: 9781786515315

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/would-you-wait-for-me

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: This is a first for me reading from this author and I must say that I love how good a job she did with the characters. Kip is in the Army, and he’s about to be deployed. This means, that he’s got to say goodbye to his boyfriend Lucas of four years. He will be away for the next eight months. A couple weeks shy of Kip returning home, he calls Lucas to talk to him, but the conversation doesn’t go as he would’ve like. He wants Lucas to meet him at a hotel, and Lucas wants to be there with his family when he lands.

It gets sticky here, because Kip is in the closet, and he doesn’t want Lucas exposed to his homophobic friends and possibly parents. He doesn’t know if his parents will accept him when he tells them that he’s gay and that he’s in love with Lucas. Lucas is fed up with being Kip’s secret and wants him to tell his family about them. After his conversation with Lucas, Kip and his friends go on patrol and they’re ambushed, and one of Kip’s friends is killed.

That puts Kip in perspective, and he realizes that how short life is. Especially with the profession that he’s in. He loves Lucas, and vows to return home safely to him, and that he will tell his parents about the way that he feels about Lucas regardless of their reactions. I love the way the author ended this story with the parents’ reaction to being told that he is in love with Lucas.

I would definitely recommend this story to anyone interested.

Kissing Lessons by Susan Laine

Title: Kissing Lessons

Series: Before… and After #2

Author: Susan Laine

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (81 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Steamy

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Blurb: A kiss is just a kiss. It doesn’t have to mean anything. Does it?

At seventeen, Merry has never been kissed. Since he doesn’t want to disappoint his prom date, he asks his more experienced best friend, Boone, for some pointers. Surprisingly, Boone agrees to give him a hands-on lesson. But they have no idea what they’re getting into.

They explore hundreds of ways to make out, but somehow it isn’t enough. A week later, they’re back together for another session. This time things go further than either of them planned, and their relationship becomes awkward and uncomfortable.
Have they learned enough to salvage their friendship and help it evolve? Their lessons have come to an end. They can either part ways forever… or share a true love’s kiss.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-283-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/kissing-lessons-by-susan-laine-8355-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I absolutely love these Friends to Lovers stories. This story is so very steamy, and it doesn’t have any sex scenes. I love how the author wrote the chemistry that these two friends have together. I have to say that the blurb made me want this because I am a huge lover of friends to lover’s stories and asking your best friend to teach you how to kiss, and then the both of them enjoying it so much that they don’t want to stop. WOW.

Merry and Boone have been best friends since kindergarten, they’ve done everything together. Prom is three weeks away and Merry has girl that he wants to invite, he’s never kissed anyone before, so he wants to learn how, so that he won’t be made fun of if he doesn’t do it right. Merry is a bit socially awkward and totally innocent. So, he asked Boone, who is the experienced one in dating, to teach him.

I know a few of the names of the kisses that Boone is teaching Merry, and some I’ve never heard of, but who knew that they were so much names for different kisses. Those are the steamiest kisses, that I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. Just goes to show that not all stories must have sex scenes to be steamy. The author did a great job on this and I’ll be looking forward to more in this series.

For a steamy quick read, I’ll definitely be recommending this story, and I have already.

College Discipline by Caitlin Ricci

Title: College Discipline

Author: Caitlin Ricci

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Short (55 Pages)

Publisher: NineStar Press (20^th February 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 2.5 Hearts

Blurb: Four stories of sex, romance, and college boys learning to kneel.

Hitachi is a police officer reduced to being a glorified babysitter for a rich man’s son. He resents his assignment, but Gabriel isn’t the brat Hitachi believes he is. He’s a man who likes pain, and who wants Hitachi to let loose with him too.

Leo fantasizes about having sex with a complete stranger, but when he gets his chance it isn’t nearly as wonderful as he imagined it to be. His dad’s boss tries to teach him a lesson about making stupid choices, but his education in submission doesn’t end there.

Jensen is horrible at math, and now he’s in a calculus class that he’s barely getting through. His parents get him a tutor, but this tutor is interested in teaching Jensen about far more than just math.

Timothy comes back home, to a tiny town he can’t stand, when his mother’s illness gets worse. He’s made a string of bad decisions, and his mother’s friend is determined to turn his life around before Timothy gets lost entirely.

ISBN: 9781945952616

Product Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/college-discipline/

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I love this author’s work, but I really struggled with these four in one stories. The blurb is what got me to choose this story. Yes, there is intense sex scenes, but the stories are just so unbelievable. Jensen goes to be tutored in Mathematics, because he’s very bad at the subject, and within less than half hour, he has a safe word and he’s in a Play room, being spanked and then have sex with his tutor.

Hitachi has been sent on assignment to pick up someone from the airport, who he’s never met before, and to drive him home. He’s invited inside, and Gabriel quickly starts playing with him, and they role play, and have sex.

Leo has always fantasized about hooking up and having sex with a stranger. He organizes a hook up and goes to this guy’s house, without knowing who the guy is. He is given instructions on what will happen between them. He gets treated roughly with vigorous sex, and then after, the guy reveals himself and it’s his Dad’s boss. He treats Leo like crap, and tells him that he’s teaching him a lesion.

With Timothy, he left his hometown as fast as he could when he was eighteen, but now he has returned home after his mom’s illness have gotten worse. He goes to a bar to relax and they he’s approached by someone, who invites him to a rodeo. He goes to the location, and he’s brutally beaten, he’s rescued by the owner of the building, and then they have sex. The only difference in all of these stories is that Timothy is the only one in his right mind to ask about protection before sex.

I love this author’s stories, but I won’t be recommending this one to anyone.

Runaway by Nic Starr

Title: Runaway

Series: World of Love 07: New South Wales Australia

Author: Nic Starr

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (86pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12^th April 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Dr. Nathan Powell is ready to settle down near his family, and hopefully find the man of his dreams. He returns to the small coastal town where he grew up, but while life is simpler than it was in the city, there are also complications—like patients’ reactions to an openly gay doctor. And like running into Nate’s first love, Damien, an out-and-proud local business owner who is unwilling to be any man’s dirty secret. The reunion reignites old desire even while it stirs up Nate’s guilt over the way things ended with Damien.

When Nate’s nephew runs away, Damien accompanies Nate on his mission to find the young man. The drive to Sydney, and the search of the city, gives Nate time to reconnect with Damien—and to wonder if he made the right decision years ago—when he determined a future for them was impossible. Is a fresh start realistic for two men in their forties? But before he can ponder the second chance they’ve been given, Nate must locate his nephew.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-410-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/runaway-by-nic-starr-8358-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: This is a first time for me reading from this author, and I love how this book was well written and very enjoyable. I love that the characters knew one another already. Nathan knew from a young age that he was gay, and one afternoon while babysitting his little sister, he was caught kissing his boyfriend Damien at the Park. After that encounter, he decides that he’ll go away to Uni.

Years later, he moves back home to take over the position as a Doctor in the clinic where his Dad use to work. When he was living in the city, he was out and proud, but back in the small town, no one knows his orientation and he wants it kept like that, because he doesn’t want any trouble where the patients are concern.

Secure in his job, and reconnecting with friends, and with Damien, Nathan thought that he can just be friends with Damien again, but for him the old feelings are resurfacing, and he thinks that he might’ve made a mistake in running away years ago. When his nephew runs away to the city, Nate and Damien goes to Sydney to search for him. While there, they talk and end up reexamining their relationship. I’m sorry that this story didn’t have at least one or two more chapters to it. But it is a great story and I would recommend to anyone looking for a short read.

Playing With Fire by Dirk Greyson

Title: Playing With Fire

Author: Dirk Greyson

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (199 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 4^th, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Ratings: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Jim Crawford was born wealthy, but he turned his back on it to become a police officer. Add that to his being gay, and he’s definitely the black sheep of the family.

Dr. Barty Halloran grew up with lessons instead of friends and toys and, as a result, became a gifted psychologist… with only an academic understanding of people and emotions.

When Jim’s pursuit of a serial killer goes nowhere, he turns to Dr. Halloran for help, and Barty thinks he can get inside the shooter’s mind. In many ways, they’re two sides of the same coin, which both scares and intrigues him. Together, Jim and Barty make progress on the case—until the stakes shoot higher when the killer turns his attention toward Barty.

To protect Barty, Jim offers to let Barty stay with him, where he discovers the doctor has a heart to go along with his brilliant mind after all. But as they close in on their suspect, the killer becomes desperate, and he’ll do anything to elude capture—even threaten those closest to Jim.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-910-4

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/playing-with-fire-by-dirk-greyson-7720-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: A Cop, a Psychologist and a Serial Shooter. Jim the Cop is on the hunt for a crazed killer that is shooting people from roof tops. With all the evidence and clues that he’s collected from each victim at the Crime scenes, he’s hit a snag in the case and asks his captain if he can bring in a Psychologist that can help to Profile the shooter. Dr. Bartholomew Halloran, the Psychologist is a Professor at the College where he teaches. His field is studying behavior and how people think. Others say that he’s brilliant and is a genius, but completely clueless when it comes to people. He wakes, goes to work to gives his lectures and after work, he goes home to his cat Penelope.

Barty has brought a lot of insight into the killer’s mind and the case. When they’ve gotten closer as to finding out who the Shooter is, he leaves a voicemail message for Jim at the Police station and even mentions Barty’s name. Jim have to protect Barty, so he takes him home to stay with him to protect him. He doesn’t want Barty as the next victim. With Barty staying with Jim, he finds Barty very attractive and realize that Barty is his weakness: he’s in the academic field, he’s a geek, he’s tall and he wears glasses. Jim is trying to guard his heart from another heartbreak from his last relationship that didn’t end too well. But Barty wears him down. Barty has never been in any kind of relationship with anyone. He’s having these `weird feelings` as he calls them, every time he looks at Jim and is trying to figure them out.

When working together pushes Jim and Barty closer, will they and the Police force find and apprehend this Serial Shooter before someone else becomes the next victim, and what happen when this pushes the Shooter closer to Jim’s family?

I absolutely love this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves suspense along with romance.

Make Someone Happy by Hank Fielder

Title: Make Someone Happy

Author: Hank Fielder

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (68pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 26th 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Massage therapist Joe Wells is in a little over his head with his first job at the posh Magic Touch Sports Spa. He’s also secretly falling for his friendly, sexy coworker, the top-notch masseur Andre Swift. All the clients clamor for Andre, and so far none have taken to Joe.

On the verge of being fired, Joe saves the life of a mysterious kitten belonging to a white witch, who grants him a wish: a magic touch that could save his job and maybe even win him Andre’s love and respect. As Joe’s stock at the spa rises to crazy and barely manageable levels of success, demand for Andre’s services drops off. Will Joe lose Andre to an out-of-control spell? Or worse—Andre’s love might prove to be only a result of the magic, just like Joe’s sudden talent.

ISBN: 9781634778558

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/make-someone-happy-by-hank-fielder-7695-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: Love or Magic, which one can you believe in more?

Joe has only been out of Massage school for a short while and is now working as a massage therapist at Magic Touch Sports Spa. He wants to succeed at his new job, but with the demanding customers and his huge crush on Andre, the other massage therapist, it is becoming very difficult to do his job and to satisfy the customers. When one of the customers have had it with Joe’s massage and complains to his boss, Joe is given a ‘do better or else’ he knows that he will be fired if he doesn’t improve.

After work Andre promises to give Joe a few pointers to help improve his techniques. At the apartment, things get embarrassing for Joe and he leaves. On his way home he rescues a cat and the owner wants to reward Joe. Joe tells the lady about his failures at work, about his crush, and about his insecurities. The lady grants Joe one wish, and things start going great for Joe, his relationship is Andre, and his clients are praising him for his massages and booking him for repeats in advance.

Joe is wondering is all of this is happening because of one magic spell. I love this story and recommend it to anyone who want a short read.

No Matter What by Sydney Presley

Title: No Matter What

Author: Sydney Presley

Genre: Shape-Shifter, Paranormal

Length: Novella (89pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (28^th March 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥ 2 Hearts

Blurb: They must protect each other. No matter what.

Quinn has resigned himself to living a life alone. His cabin, on the outskirts of a village, is the perfect place for him to paint. No distractions, lots of peace and quiet—until he goes out for a run as a wolf and sees another wolf scarpering for its life.

Goddard is that wolf. He’s been running for God knows how long, and he’s tired of looking over his shoulder, waiting to be found by the one man Goddard doesn’t want finding him. Injured, he discovers a cabin and goes inside.

Quinn’s and Goddard’s lives are changed forever when they realize they are bonded mates. The thing is, there’s still the problem of the man from Goddard’s past to get over, and when an incident in the village means Goddard’s whereabouts is public knowledge, things might take a nasty turn.

Gone are the days when the two men had to stick by human law. Being mated means wolf law comes first—and if it means killing to keep each other safe, then that’s what they’re prepared to do. They must protect each other. No matter what.

ISBN: 9781786515483

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/no-matter-what

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I love reading Shifter, Paranormal books, and while this is a first for me reading from this author, I’m not sure I’ll be reading anymore from him. I know that all shifter stories are not the same. This story started off reading good when Quinn goes out to run, when he couldn’t sleep and he saw a wolf being shot at, by his neighbor. He follows the wolf’s tracks and it lead back to his cottage, where he finds a naked man in his home.

With the other shifter books I’ve read. The mates are always overjoyed and happy to find their mates, the other half of their souls. Not so in this story. Goddard realizes that although he and Quinn are mates, he doesn’t want a relationship with Quinn because he’s on the run from someone that wants to kill him. Yes he wants to have sex with Quinn, but he doesn’t want to bond with him.

I barely got through the rest of this story as it just dragged on, and I completely lost interest in it. When the person that is hunting Goddard, and wants to kill him finds him, the reason for chasing him from state to state just didn’t make any sense to me. I was completely confused at the reason. But hopefully Quinn and Goddard work out the issues and end up together. I can’t in all honesty recommend this story to anyone.

New Eyes by T.K. Paige (2nd Edition)

Title: New Eyes

Author: TK Paige

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (52pgs)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (27^th December 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Sometimes, all it takes to find what you need is to look closely at what has been there all along.

Roommates Jed and Doyle have been best friends since meeting in college. They have supported each other through all their ups and downs. Now that they’ve graduated and are starting new jobs, they have no intentions of letting that change anything. Doyle is everything Jed isn’t—smart, cute and active at the LGTB center. Jed has always looked out for his friend and been there for him. They have plans and an amazing friendship, everything planned out to the smallest degree.

Any changes could make it all go off the rails. So why can’t Jed get over how annoying he finds Doyle’s ex turned friend, who seems to be around way too often? Why can’t he stop noticing Doyle in new ways?

If Jed doesn’t take a risk, he could miss what’s been there all along.

ISBN: 9781786515100

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/new-eyes

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: This is a first for me reading from this author, and I’ll be looking for more stories from this author. I love reading Friends to Lovers stories, and I also love the interaction that’s going on between the two characters. This story reads from Jed’s point of view about his feelings towards his best friend, as a friend, and his everyday life.

Jed and Doyle have been best friends since College, and into adulthood, they’ve not let anything or anyone come between their friendships. Doyle, has been in love with Jed for years, but haven’t told him anything, and Jed doesn’t see or know it. I love when he starts to realize the enormity of his developing feelings towards Doyle, and the jealousy when he thought Doyle was hooking back up with this ex that hurt him. I love the flow of the story line when they both realize that they love each other, but I hated that as soon as the relationship between them starts to show promise. The author ended it.

I would recommend this story to anyone asking for a quick read as a Friends to Lovers story.

Bringing Nicky Home by Sean Michael

Title: Bringing Nicky Home

Series: The Biker’s Pup #3

Author: Sean Michael

Genre: Contemporary, BDSM

Length: Novel (190 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (3^rd January 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Can the magic Whip and Nicky found at the Gay Riders’ Carnivale continue when they return to their regular lives?

With the Gay Riders’ Carnivale over, Whip brings Nicky home with him to his converted warehouse condo in Ottawa with the hopes that what they started at the Carnivale will grow into something they can both live with forever.

All is going well, the two of them learning more about each other and playing hard between Whip’s returning to work as an EMT and Nicky finding a job at a coffee shop.

When Nicky’s former master, the abusive Dirk, steps back into Nicky’s life, it threatens their very lives. Can Whip and Nicky survive both real life and Dirk?

ISBN: 978-1-78651-521-6

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/bringing-nicky-home

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: I’m not too familiar with this author’s work, and I didn’t read the previous two books in this series to know the circumstances about Whip and Nicky and how they met. From this story, it seems that the last Master that Nicky had, was very abusive and when he met Whip, he decides to go live with him. Although Nicky is living with Whip he wants a job, to help make a contribution in the relationship.

He still wakes with nightmares from when he was being abused and treated badly from his previous master. Whip tries to convince him that he’s safe and no-one will hurt him, once he’s there. Whip and Nicky’s relationship is going smoothly, yes they’re getting to know more about each other. The sex scenes are super hot, and I love the way that Whip keeps reassuring Nicky that he’s doing a good job of taking care of him and their home. Whip is an EMT who loves his job, but during the day when he’s at work, he misses Nicky like crazy.

Things come to a hit when Nicky gets a job working in a Café close to home, and a few days later, Nicky sees his old master Dirk, and messages Whip to let him know. His old master wants him back and will hurt Nicky as much as he can to get him back. Days later, Whip and Nicky are attacked by Dirk and his buddies. Hopefully the Police are called and Dirk and his friends are arrested for assault, and Whip and Nicky won’t have to keep looking out for him. Granted this book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend anyone reading it, to read the previous ones in this series before they read this one.

New Lease by B.G. Thomas (2nd Edition)

Title: New Lease

Author: B.G. Thomas

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short (39pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12^th April 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Wade Porter spent his whole life in the shadow of a lover who doled out snippets of love and time as he saw fit—and who insisted that love stay deep in the closet. But now that man is gone, and Wade finds the oceanside cottage where they spent so many weekends together in the Florida Keys cold and empty. He has come one last time, not even sure he wants to keep living.

To his surprise, the house next door is occupied by another bereaved and lonely man. Kent Walker is an artist of romantic gay paintings who is open to the future—and determinedly interested in Wade. Kent wants to show Wade the beauty in being an openly gay man and the possibilities for a real relationship.

Maybe Kent can help Wade let go of the past and discover a better way to live—and love.

First Edition published in Two Tickets to Paradise by Dreamspinner Press, 2012.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-428-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/new-lease-by-bg-thomas-8357-b

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: In Wade’s younger life, he had never encountered any other gay men, and when he was on vacation, he met this guy that completely rocked his world, both in and out of the bedroom, but also kept him as a dirty little secret, and I mean dirty, because, it was as if he was locked in and living in a dungeon. As per his ex’s orders, he couldn’t have any friends, he was told where to go, and who he couldn’t talk to, and worst of all, where he should live.

Now, Wade is back in the same cottage, where he met his ex, and he’s contemplating suicide, because he can’t live without his lover. Even though, he found out that his ex was married and to a woman. The cottage next door is now occupied by Kent, who is also mourning the loss of his lover. He’s also interested in Wade, and wants to draw him out of his depression, and to show him that there’s a lot more in life to live for. Like a relationship with him. Will Wade allow Kent into his life, and despite the age difference, allow his to show him what the world, and him have to offer?

A first for me reading from this author, and he did a good job on this story. However, if I was there, I would’ve given Wade a slap on the side of his face and tell him to “snap the heck out of this funk” and start living your life.

This is a well written story, and I would recommend to anyone that is interested in reading it.

Harvest Heat by Carol Lynne (2nd Edition)

Title: Harvest Heat (2^nd Edition)

Series: Australian #1

Author: Carol Lynne

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (106 Pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (14^th March 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Love blossoms in the heat and dust of the Outback.

Touring Australia before starting his life as a lawyer back in Kansas seemed like the perfect escape for James. A trip to the Mandarra Horticultural Show has him itching to work on an authentic Australian farm. What he doesn’t expect to find in the bush is a field of sunflowers and a man who makes him tremble with need.

Lachlan has resigned himself to living alone in the Australian bush. Since returning from Sydney to run the family property, he’s put his sexual desires on hold, knowing his mates would never understand. When he takes a chance and hires a good-looking young tourist to help him on the homestead, Lochie begins to wonder just how heated this year’s harvest will be. Will he be able to put his worries aside and take a chance on love?

Publisher’s Note: This book is a prequal to Sunshine, Sex & Sunflowers. This book has perviously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-78651-542-1

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/harvest-heat

Reviewer: Veronica

Review: While I can say that this is not the first story that I’ve read from this author, I can say that it’s one of her best ones yet. I love her stories and will definitely be reading more of them. James’ father wants him to continue in his footsteps and become a Lawyer, but that’s just not James wants. He did everything that his dad wanted him to do, even attend Law school. From the time that he was small, and visited his grandfather on his farm. That’s what he wanted to do. Work with his hands in the soil.

James is in Australia visiting and he wants to experience as much of the beautiful country as he can, but he’s running low on funds and have to find someplace where he can find some cheap labor working on a farm for cash. He’s given a heads up about a farmer, but is told that he might or might not be hired. Lachlan is a farmer, who took over the family business when his dad died. He’s trying to make ends meet and knows that it will be another difficult time harvesting alone.

From their first meeting, Jamie and Lachlan don’t seem to have much in common other than their love of the land. But as they get to know each other, the attraction between them is strong, and the lust between them begins to grow both in and out of the bedroom. Lachlan however is in the closet and none of his friends knows that he is gay, and Jamie isn’t going back in for no-one. He’s proud of who he is. At a get together, with friends, Jamie is attacked and beaten very badly. Lachlan has to decide if he will lose the man he loves because of hateful men, or because of his stubbornness, and Jamie needs to figure things out and decide if he can commit his future to be with a man that isn’t willing to fight for what he wants.

This is a story that I would gladly recommend to anyone interested.

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