Tag: Willa Okati

Breathe Deep by Willa Okati

willa-okati-breathe-deep-coverTitle: Breathe Deep

Series:  St. Hawk’s Medical series 03

Author: Willa Okati

Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Men in Uniform

Length: Novella (100 pages)

Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 28, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Shepherd knows what people think of him. He’s too big, too tall and too broad not to be scary. But though he looks like a grizzly bear, he’s all teddy on the inside. He’s dreamed of finding someone to love. Someone who can help him break through his shyness and who he can shower with all the affection in his heart.

Kit knows what people think of him. That he’s young, good-looking and kissed by luck. He survived leukemia as a teenager, and he thought he had his entire life ahead of him. But now, the cancer might be recurring—deny it though he might—and Kit’s world has come crashing down. He needs someone like Shepherd. Someone kind and caring, who’s strong enough to lean on.

Kit’s falling fast for the big mountain man—but he hasn’t told Shepherd the truth. He’s afraid that knowing he may be sick will be more than Shepherd can handle. And now, after delaying treatment, he thinks he may be running out of time.

Secrets can be life or death—and when it comes to telling the truth, they can make all the difference.

ISBN: 978-1-78430-696-0

Reviewer: Shorty

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

Review: This is the third book in the St. Hawks Medical series. Kit, a nurse tech, has relapse just when he meets a sexy biker named Shepherd. This book was so good yet so sad at the same time. I really felt Kit’s pain and how afraid he was to get to close to Shepherd. 

I admired the way Shepherd did not give up on Kit even after learning what was wrong with him. It was such an emotional book that it had me in tears at times. I was cheering for these two men who seemed to need each other. 

Fantastic book. Highly recommended.

Home Run by Willa Okati

81ybE3CozQL._SL1500_Title: Home Run
Series: Mighty Casey, # 2
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (111 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (July 29th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: If opposites attract—and in this case, they do—then Casey and Nate fit like puzzle pieces. Though married for a year and still rocking the honeymoon lifestyle, Casey’s starting to feel like it’s time for the next big challenge.

Casey’s never been interested in having kids, but knows Nate would love a family of their own and would be a fantastic father. He thinks he’s ready to put aside past prejudices, but he knows it’s not the kind of decision you make on a whim. Nate only wants to have a family with Casey if Casey wants it just as much. Neither would accept anything less.

The annual Rule family reunion is the perfect time and place for Casey to take his hopes for a test drive and inform his choice. He’ll have plenty of chances to practice—with Nate’s ménage-a-parents and seven sisters, there’s a smorgasbord of family to observe and a half-dozen babies to test his limits.

(And a few games to play. This is Nate, after all!)

Is Casey ready to grant Nate his wish to become a dad and wind up the pitch for a proper “home” run?

ISBN: 9781623004088

Purchase Link(s): http://www.loose-id.com/mighty-casey-home-run.html

Reviewer: RG

Review: This book starts where Mighty Casey ended. Hot, sexy and great secondary Characters abound.

Casey and Nate are getting ready to go to Nate’s family reunion when Casey pulls up to Nate’s school. He gets met by Kenneth and told that Nate is running the practice for the kindergartener’s pee wee soccer team. This being Nate and Casey they have to pull over once for a sex break, before they get to Nate’s family home in the Appalachian Mountains.

Nate’s parental unit is a threesome, his mother, Zadie and his dads Smokey Joe and Rudy. Then there is Nate’s Seven Sisters and their husbands and kids. More than a full house. Speaking of that the house is almost a character in itself as it has had many additions added to it and it is a running joke that if a new comer ask for directions to the nearest bathroom that you can’t get there from here.

It is decided that Nate and Casey, in honor of the marriage, will be the Lords of Misrule for this gathering. So they get to determine what games are played Nate take’s charge of Outdoor activities and Casey indoor activities. While at the reunion Casey is deciding whether he is ready to have children with Nate. Nate who can read him like a book knows this and tells him that he shouldn’t decide by what he thinks Nate would want, but only if he was ready. It turns out that Casey is a child whisperer, able to settle the most cantankerous and cranky children in just a few minutes.

Eamon a secondary character is at the family reunion for the first time. Zeke, his fiancé, is on a commercial fishing boat and unable to attend. so Eamon is going for him. Eamon is shy and sweet and he and Zeke have been together since high school, but only became engaged after they finished college.

Nate, as a surprise for Eamon, goes to pick up Zeke from the airport. When Zeke was able to make a surprise trip home for the reunion. And to mask why he went, Mimi, Roger, and Kenneth are brought to the homestead first. Let just say, that the scene when Zeke arrives during the firework display and helped Eamon to light his firework. The reunion of them is touching and I would love to read their story.

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

Mighty Casey by Willa Okati

wo_mightycaseyTitle: Might Casey
Series: Might Casey
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (115 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (May 28th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: RG
Blurb: The only thing extroverted Nate loves more than baseball is his quiet, reserved Casey. The feeling’s mutual, thanks–but it isn’t all fun and games. A wedding planner, Casey’s booked solid during the summer months and thanks to a certain poem about the Mudville Nine, cringes at the thought of ball games. Fair’s fair–with seven older sisters who redefined “wedding drama”, Nate freezes at the thought of tying the knot. Casey might wish things were different, but he wouldn’t trade Nate, his big heart, or his skills between the sheets for a wedding worthy of a Rockefeller.

After losing a strip poker bet, Casey’s promised forfeit is spending a full day at a softball tournament. He’s sure there’s more going on than a simple sports wager and wonders what Nate’s up to, but he’s curious enough to jump in and commit. And so, finally, is Nate, who’s planning a surprise involving an engagement ring and a proposal from the pitcher’s mound.

But things don’t go quite according to scheme for the odd couple when Nate takes his lover out to the ball game. And who knows what might happen when Casey’s called up to bat?

ISBN: 9781623003180

Purchase Link(s): http://www.loose-id.com/authors/u-z/willa-okati/mighty-casey.html

Review: I went in with little to no expectations as I have never read a book by Willa Okati. What transpired was a story I wished was longer because not only were the MC’s well-rounded and interesting, most of the secondary character were also.

Casey is a wedding planner who dislikes baseball and softball because of the poem Mighty Casey at bat. He is in love with Nate, who absolutely loves sports. And Nate with 7 older sisters has a strong dislike of all things wedding related. Losing a bet on strip poker, Casey has to Spend all day at a softball tournament that Nate organized and is playing in.

Casey honors his commitment and attend, with the suspicion that there is more going on than just a softball tournament. He is given a box of Poppernutter, a cracker jack like snack, to hold onto, with the proviso that if he enjoys himself at the tournament he has to open the box and eat it.

Nate is giving hints that he is maybe losing his dislike of wedding enough to marry Casey.

Some of the secondary characters who make this book even more memorable and fun are Mimi, a petite, personality packed, softball dynamo with a wicked sense of humor, Kenneth, gay and geeky in a cute way, and Roger, a former semi-pro player who is attracted to Kenneth, who is also the captain of the opposing team in the championship game. When Kenneth is injured in the championship game of the tournament.

The Proposal and the Wedding scenes on the pitcher’s mound are not to be missed. The hardest part was the belief that anyone could have as much sex as Casey and Nate did that day and still have the energy to play in a tournament.

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

Give Chase by Willa Okati

givechase_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: Give Chase
Series: St. Hawk’s Medical, #2
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Contemporary/ Men in Uniform
Length: Novella (100 pages)
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (March 13th, 2015) Available for early download February 13, 2015
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Declan’s always been careful to guard his heart, but Isaac’s catching up at last. Some things are worth fighting for, even when they’re running fast.

Dr. Isaac Paliades has never been much for letting sleeping dogs lie, and he’s been intrigued by his colleague Dr. Declan Day from the moment they met. Declan’s a hard man to get a read on, one minute cool as snow and the next minute hot-blooded enough to give Isaac a run for his money.

Though they work together, play together—and occasionally sleep together—Isaac has yet to get a good look at the man Declan is behind the carefully constructed masks he shows to the world.

But when the pair of physicians rescue an abandoned baby discovered while they’re out for a jog, Isaac sees cracks start to appear in Declan’s façade. He’s taking the care of their foundling more seriously than anyone imagined he would, and bringing Isaac along for the ride. He’s asking for dominance in bed, and a deeper friendship at St. Hawk’s.
Isaac thinks he’s finally found the key to unlocking Declan’s guarded heart.

But even when the walls come down, can Declan find the courage and will to let Isaac in?

ISBN: 9781784304478

Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/give-chase

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: A story about two doctors who basically want to be with each other but one keeps the other and everyone else at a distance. Isaac has been wanting Declan for a while it’s just a matter of breaking through his shell to the real man underneath. Things change when they find a baby abandoned outside.

Declan was very closed off to everyone. He finally gives in and tells Isaac he grew up in the foster system. Once he holds the baby though his walls begin to crack.
Really enjoyed this wonderfully written story and reading how these men slowly came together when one needed the other. There is a lot of drama throughout as well as some hot sex between Declan and Isaac.

Great read.

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

Take Heart by Willa Okati

takeheart_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: Take Heart
Series: St. Hawk’s Medical # 1
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Ménage and Multiple Partners/Contemporary
Length: Novella (101 pages)
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (January 30th, 2015) Available for early download
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: A gentle hippie with a new heart, a hellion making good, and a rebel doctor discover together how healing takes more than just medicine.

Dr. Brendan West, a dreamer and a doctor, knows there’s more to life than the job, and he wants to experience it for himself. His first step after finding a temporary job at St. Hawk’s is falling for kind-hearted gardener Evan—only to discover that Evan’s already taken by boisterous Griff.

For his part, Griff sees this as more of an opportunity than a threat. He likes the good doc’s kind heart and clear eyes, and the way he sees it, their lonely doc needs them just as much, or more. With Evan on board, he sets to work bringing Brendan into a ménage relationship.

Brendan knows he could fall hard for the odd couple, but the thing is—he’s not in St. Hawk’s for the long haul. He can’t bear to surrender his heart if he’s only going to leave it behind.
Can the doctor, the gardener, and the hellion find a way to make it work, or will they find themselves losing out on love?

ISBN: 9781784303891

Product Link:  https://www.totallybound.com/take-heart

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I really enjoyed reading about Brandon, Evan, and Griff. They all seemed to have the perfect chemistry when they got together. Evan is a heart transplant recipient who’s as sweet as he can be, Griff is a gruff, snarky hunk of a man, and Brandon is a doctor who is looking for love.

Such a sweet passionate story of two men in a solid relationship finding their third that completes them. Off course as always theirs doubts and drama along the way. Lots of flirting and scheming for this to happen. Wonderfully written with great details and hot, steamy sex between the three.

Fantastic read.

Highly recommended.

Flibbertigibbet by Willa Okati

91CpSFRqSqL._SL1500_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?

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/flibbertigibbet

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 **

Tomcat Jones by Willa Jones

51vZLxWHIhLTitle: Tomcat Jones
Series: Tomcat Jones, #1
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Paranormal/Shifter
Length: Novel (258 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-5-59632-913-3
Publisher: Loose-ID (April 21st, 2009)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Tery
Blurb: T.J. Jones never believed in love. A shape-shifting tomcat, he’s had problems with one-night stands involving men who were horrified to find out what he was.

After getting burned one too many times, he decides he’ll shoot instead for becoming a grouchy lifelong bastard of a bachelor.

That’s before he runs into MacGowan, a smoking hot beach boy with an open heart and a sweet smile. MacGowan, an ingenuous, open-hearted sex bomb, wants T.J.’s body, his love, his friendship, and his trust.

T.J. doesn’t dare tell MacGowan that he’s a tomcat on the inside, but soon finds he has no choice when MacGowan’s developing wizard’s powers force the issue. Not only is he unwittingly MacGowan’s familiar, but MacGowan’s powers make him unable to control his shape shifting.

Purchase
Link: http://www.loose-id.com/tomcat-jones.html
Review: Tomcat Jones takes you on a wild ride of a budding Supernatural romance. Author Willa Okati has created some funny situations for her characters to fall into. They are Misfits who find kinship within their oddities. It’s sweet how T.J. and MacGowan struggle with their new magical abilities and new love. T.J. try’s to hide his shape shifting from MacGowan who’s just found out he’s a Wizard.

I liked their kooky, but good-natured best friends. T.J. “Straight” BFF Arden makes a good bi-curious wingman. And Shavey MacGowns buddy is an over protective nice guy always looking out for him. The two best friends end up finding their own love connection. Mr. Jontan the Wizard and his psycho feral cat Sur Lune make good villains. Their sadistic torture of the boys made me laugh.

Okati writes hot, vivid, detailed sex only soul mates could have. T.J. and MacGowns journey to work out fears and insecurities is very realistic. Many people go through this when meeting a dream lover. This was a magical trip about finding true love and Man on Man romance! These are characters I want to know what happens next. I will definitely read the two follow-up books. You should read them in order to know the back-story.

Now and Then by Willa Okati

nowandthen_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: Now And Then
Series: Soulmarked Series, Book One
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Contemporary/ Paranormal
Length: Novella (77 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-784300-025-8
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (May 23rd, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Robbie and Ivan wrought havoc on their first chance at love. Can they mend their fences and find their passion the second time around?

Soulmarked as mates, Robbie and Ivan come from different worlds. Robbie’s the oldest son in a long line of outlaws who live squarely on the wrong side of the tracks, and Ivan’s family tree is packed with law enforcement. That didn’t stop them from falling in love, but when they risked tearing each other apart, they cared enough to let go and hope they’d find a better life.

Years later, the strength of their soulbond still burns bright when chance brings Robbie and Ivan together at the football game of the year. The passion they felt for one another is as powerful as ever, bringing them into explosive contact. They’re not the boys they used to be—Robbie’s turned his life around and raised his younger brothers to be good men, and Ivan’s learned to stand tall and mix justice with compassion. But though they want to hope they can be happy now, not everything has changed. Maybe not enough has changed.

Or has it, after all?

It’s up to Robbie and Ivan, now. Only they can make the choice that will change their lives forever.

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/now-and-then
Review: This is the first book in this series and so far, it is pretty good. It was a bit hard to get into though. However once it happened I couldn’t put it down. I know people have choices some make good ones and some make bad ones. In this story two men who are soul mates had a life till it was destroyed by the wrong choices. Now they have a second chance.

Robbie and Ivan pretty much went the wrong way with their love and it cost them quite a bit of time apart. They had made a promise at one time that when the ball field was built that they would go. However, it didn’t occur to them that they would still both keep that promise. Seeing each other again brought a large amount of pain back in their faces and a lot of passion. Robbie’s first idea was to run, however with the help of his younger brother he had a chance to change his mind.

The fire between them blows even hotter when they come together this second chance at love. There are still many things going through their minds but can they make the choice to choose the right path. Robbie came from a family that always went down the wrong path in life, as with Ivan he was from a family of law enforcements. He was a detective for the city. They had decided the first time to let each other go. But the pain always followed them no matter where they went. They always thought of each other when they woke up and when they went to bed.

Robbie has made some good choices by bringing his younger brothers up in a good way. He taught them about loyalty, fairness, and love. Now he needed to give himself some of the same advice he told his brothers. That things have changed and that they deserve to be happy.
I loved this story but it was missing something important but just not too sure, what it was. I was fascinated by the way Willa can tell a story, though. She has an amazing gift. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book to this series.

The Quiet Game by Willa Okati

2370005019580Title:  The Quiet Game

Author: Willa Okati

Genre:   Comedy/Humor/Contemporary

Length: Novella (59 pages)

Publisher: Total e-bound (September 12th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer:   Mandingo

Blurb: Flirtatious Rhys loves nothing better than chatting up handsome strangers on the job—until quirky Jareth, a player with unique moves, captivates him with absolute silence.

Server and bartender at Rook’s, a restaurant rumoured to be lucky for lovers, Rhys enjoys his life to the fullest. A playful social butterfly, he revels in flirtation and flights of fancy. Though he’s never been one for settling down, after seeing so many happy couples in action he’s started to wonder if it’s about time.

Then Rhys meets Jareth. Or, more properly, Jareth meets Rhys, jumping the terrace fence at Rook’s when they’re closed and there’s no crowd to be lost in. Quirky and compelling, Jareth catches the loquacious Rhys’ attention with deliberate, absolute silence. No matter how Rhys may tempt him, Jareth refuses to speak a word—but there are other ways to get his point across, and Jareth has no problem making his intentions and desires for Rhys crystal clear.

Communicating with the captivating charmer is a challenge, but Rhys is having the time of his life playing the quiet game. He might even—much to his surprise—have started falling for Jareth, a man who makes his own luck when it comes to love

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=2302

Review:   I loved the premise of the story, hence why I chose to review it. But, I just couldn’t get into it for some reason.  Rhys is clearly the kind of guy that everyone man loves to love – literally. And Jareth is a quite mysterious sort, who every man would want to get to know. His air of mystery is appealing and you want to know he’s ‘chosen’ not to talk.  The reader must assume that the story will be revealed and that the jig will be up eventually.  And, since it’s a short story, it’s not going to take that long to get to the point. Spoiler alert:  In a noisy world, sometimes the best means to be noticed is to simply remain quiet – sort of the ‘pregnant pause’ notion.

The story progresses and the reader’s questions are answered, but the only missing piece is ‘why’ should we care about Rhys and Jareth? What is it about the two characters that should make the reader want to root for them?  A quirky, sexy, mysterious man is not enough to make me think that the pro and antagonist should end up together. I took solace in the notion that The Rook is meant for lovers and that this is the premise behind why Jareth and Rhys must get together.

The author’s use of non-verbal cues is nicely handled and so from a writing standpoint, that is very, very clever. Jareth leading Rhys along “the quiet game” is interesting to read even knowing what the end will eventually be. The men only know each other a few days and the end should seem contrived, but it doesn’t. The reader can assume that the capitulation has its precedent in the unusual progress of their relationship.

This is a fun short read for anyone not seeking a deep story, but instead a quick romp, maybe over a lunch of curry and dark beer (a feature at The Rook).

Tattoo You by Willa Okati

18074182Title: Tattoo You

Series: NA

Author: Willa Okati

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (60 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (June, 2013)

Heart: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat: Explicit

Blurb: There’s very little Jacob Lee wouldn’t do to please his Donathan — except get a tattoo. The way Jacob Lee figures it, his lover’s got more than enough ink for both of them with his tasty rainbow body, and Jacob Lee has a major phobia when it comes to needles. But as Jacob Lee learns more about the art of tattooing, his lover’s past, and their shared dreams for the future, he finds it might just be possible to face and overcome his fears after all.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3923

Reviewer: Cat

Review: A quick rundown: Jacob Lee loves his Donathan so much he wants to do something special for him for his upcoming birthday and it will take overcoming some fears to do this.

This was a very charming short story. Perfect for when you need a little something to uplift and warm your heart. These men had a very sweet maybe too perfect relationship, but don’t we all wish for one like that. I was a bit turned off by all the Jacob Lee’s but all in all it was adorable!

Recommendation: If you like a sweet romance with a Happy Ever After, this one is for you

A Beautiful Disaster by Willa Okati

17661158Title: A Beautiful Disaster

Author: Willa Okati

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (136pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (26th March 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After being betrayed and abused by an ex-lover, Sean trusts no one–but he can’t help wishing he could trust gentle-hearted tattoo artist Riordan. When these two vulnerable men, scarred inside and out, find each other, neither is willing or able to walk away.

Both starved for touch and lonely in his self-imposed exile, Sean can’t help wanting Riordan both body and soul and in his bed, and Riordan is captivated by the sweet nature and the beauty he can still see beneath Sean’s scars. Yet despite his hunger for affection, Sean can’t break free of a cycle of shame and despair, not even as Riordan’s falling in love with his beautiful disaster.

Will Sean be able to break through the barriers he’s built around himself and let Riordan in–and will Riordan find the key to unlock Sean’s frozen heart?

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/a-beautiful-disaster.html

Review: Sean has trust in no one anymore. Abused, betrayed and then nearly killed, it has taken everything in him just to live again. trusting another human being is next to impossible, but when he meets Riordan he begins to have a yearning for touch and comfort. The second Riordan sees Sean he is drawn by something in him. Beneath the scars, the pain and the betrayal Riordan knows that there is a strong soul just looking back at him. A warm loving person that needs to be nurtured back to humanity and Riordan is determined to be the man who does it.

This is a very touching story that is filled with a wealth of pain and survival, of determination and beginning to live again. Riordan is a nurse and a tattoo artist he combines both careers to help those who have lasting scars. Creating beauty in a show of strength. Sean used to be an artist, it is no longer an option, but he is still drawn to the beauty of art and it is really all he has left. When Riordan and Sean meet, Sean has issues controlling the hurt and anger still dwelling inside him. But, Riordan’s gentle coaxing begins to ease his heart. Riordan can’t explain what about Sean draws him in. Sean’s wall is drawn tight around him, but Riordan wants to pull it down.

Both Riordan and Sean have faced death. Riordan from being in the wrong place at the wrong time and Sean because of a betrayal that led the man he was trying to run from straight to him. Both men are scarred, but Sean’s scars are far deeper, delving into his emotions and destroying his trust. I found both men to be vastly interesting and the trauma each man has suffered through was touching. The connection both men found in the other was unique and although it was hard to pin point, there was something special between them.

Although I was happy with how the relationship progressed between them, I found other things unsatisfying. Sean should have been in heavy therapy to help him work through everything that had happened to him; to get over the disappointment of the police failing him, to forgive the act of betrayal that led to him being nearly killed and for the loss of his life as he knew it. Riordan might have had experience with external scars and emotional hurt, but he just didn’t have the experience to deal with Sean’s baggage.

I will recommend this story to those who love emotional damaged men, overcoming fears, finding love and a happy ending.

It Takes Practice by Willa Okati

17694354Title: It Takes Practice

Series: N/A

Author: Willa Okati

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Length: Novelette

Publisher: Total E-bound (March 25th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: Let doubters doubt! Fitz means to convince Nathan seven years isn’t too long to wait for a second chance at the love of a lifetime.

Dr Nathan Rey, general practitioner, has endured a case of broken heart syndrome for a handful of years and counting after his wild, bad-boy lover disappeared just before he received his license. Though it’s got easier—one or two flights of erotic fancy a year instead of every night—Nathan couldn’t say it’s got better. He still can’t forget the charismatic Fitz, and no one he’s met since then could begin to compare.

Still, Nathan’s certain he would have someday stopped daydreaming and moved on. He would have found someone else. Filled the empty spots in his life, his heart, and his home. His bed.

That is, if his part-time nurse hadn’t eloped overnight.

If, unable to find someone local right away, he hadn’t called upon the services of a temp agency.

And if the nurse the agency sent to him, certified and licensed, had been anyone but Fitz himself, with far more than work on his mind.

Love isn’t always easy, and it’s very rarely simple. More often than not—it takes practice.

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Review: Yup. I liked this short story a lot. My soft spot for bad boys gone good instantly loved Fitz. He is such a charming character in both his past and his present appearance and personality. No denying that.

He used to be the stoner and the guy that would flow with the wind when back in college with Nathan. While they loved each other and Nathan surely believed they would be together, the day of his graduation, Fitz disappeared from his life. In Fitz’s eyes, he was not the man worthy to stand by Nathan’s side and he would never be able to be that man with Nathan’s help. His need to make it on his own was so that he left without a note or explanation.

Yes, Nathan’s heart broke, and yes, it became easier with time; too much time. After seven years, when there is a knock on his front door, Nathan expects to find a temporary nurse to take the place of the one that abandoned him. That he finds and so much more as the temp is no other than Fitz.

And this is where I loved the text a lot, too. All the emotions and the tension between the characters were fantastically written. The “push n’ pull” and the anxiety Nathan feels were deeply felt and when the two came together it was near magic. Very romantic and softly written, loved it.

The rest of their interaction was pretty cool, too. Some characters they met were funny and some characters claimed sympathy. The way their everyday life was portrayed was quite enticing and well, it gave Fitz a place on the spotlight that I loved even more. It was quite fun.

I didn’t like the fact that Nathan succumbed as fast as he did though, and I didn’t like the ending scene with Chelle as much, but all in all it was a very pleasant read. One I’d definitely recommend to lovers of the genre.