Q*pid by Xavier Mayne ~ Audio Review

Title: Q*pid

Author: Xavier Mayne

Narrator: Randy Sanda

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 12 hrs, 4 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (30th October 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can a computer program understand love better than the human heart?

Archer, the AI at the dating service Q*pid, realizes humans don’t always make the best choices, so it begins making some unconventional choices for them.

Fox Kincade is the last of his group of friends to be single, so he’s delighted when he discovers a new match in his Q*pid app – one that, according to the new AI wizardry, should be the love of his life. Instead of the woman he’s expecting, he’s paired with Drew Larsen, a shy, somewhat nerdy PhD student who has also grown discouraged with romance.

Drew and Fox have little in common – aside from the fact that they’re both straight. Or so they thought. But as the guys get to know each other, they realize Archer might have the right idea. Their path isn’t smooth, because both need to overcome every idea they have about themselves and what true love might look like. But with the help of Archer – and some friends who have stuck with Fox and Drew through the thick and thin of their relationship trials – they might find their way into each other’s hearts.

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Q*pid is a very enjoyable book by Xavier Mayne and the audio is performed by Randy Sanda. I’m not familiar with either the author or the narrator, so other than liking the sound of the blurb, I went into this one completely blind and with no expectations.

What you read in the blurb is basically what you get, which is always a good start. We follow the development and implementation of a new AI for a dating site, which accesses all of a person’s online activity in order to make a better match than the usual dating algorithms. It’s all pretty cool, techy stuff if you’re into that. However, a momentary lapse means that Archer, the AI, starts to make matches which disregard a person’s sexuality. Of all the matches that were made, and those that were actually sent out, we meet Fox Kincaid and Drew Larsen.

What starts out as dinner and drinks to laugh about the predicament of two heterosexual men being matched to another man becomes a really sweet and deep friendship. Drew is a PhD candidate who studies economic history, while Fox is a successful businessman. Fox is very analytical, devoted to his spreadsheets, while Drew is more fluid in his thinking despite his academic background. They also contrast in their reactions to the news. Despite having his two best friends (which I was disappointed we never met) who had the stunning realisation that they were gay (or gay for you) with each other, Fox is adamant that he is straight and that he would never be with a man. Drew is much more composed, if anything he is amused though his anxieties tend to make him over think everything. Drew and Fox are complete opposite in some ways, yet completely compliment each other.

There are some pretty entertaining secondary characters too. Fox’s best friend, Chad, is portrayed as a California surfer dude and he is a riot. He has a heart of gold and wants nothing but the best for his friend. Then there is Mrs Schwartzman, who is Drew’s neighbour upstairs and a strong mother figure for Drew. The elderly woman is written like a Yittish Yoda, but she is certainly entertaining. She too has only the best of intentions for Drew and his life.

What I loved most about this was that the book is thought provoking, particularly in terms of privacy in the digital age. To lesser extent, there was the whole gay for you thing going on, and it was intriguing that perhaps humans need to “broaden their parameters” a little. Seriously interesting thoughts. Another interesting point was how people present themselves online and how we really don’t know what we need in a partner when we must explain it.

The only downside was that I found the plot was a bit slow at times, especially when Fox was being a dick. I accept that in terms of his personality that it was part of his coming to terms with his attraction to another man, it was just sometimes the plot felt as though it slowed down too much. As for the narration, I liked it but it didn’t really connect with my. Granted, Sanda did a good job giving the characters individual voices and even in conveying the themes of the story. However, I was too distracted by the fact I really wasn’t into Fox’s voice and I felt some of the emotion was missing.

I recommend this one if you’re into a contemporary, gay for you story line.

Bachelors Party by Xavier Mayne

Title: Bachelors Party
Series: A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File Five
Author: Xavier Mayne
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Length: Novel (280 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 1st 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Med student Oliver Mitchell has discovered a way to make more tips as a bartender—put on ripped workout gear and serve drinks at the hip new gay club, Burn. The only catch is Oliver is straight. The staff and patrons don’t mind, though, and Oliver fits in well—until he meets James Buchanan Whitford, a local politician with a secret: he’s married.

When James’s scheming wife attempts to catch him in flagrante with Oliver, they flee the city for the refuge of James’s cabin in the woods. There, Oliver faces a new challenge—he’s starting to feel more for James than friendship. Their new relationship must survive political intrigue and small-town politics before they can be together.

With their wedding two months away, it’s time for Troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly to have a bachelor party. Ethan’s older brothers are excited, but Ethan is not. As a straight guy who fell in love with another man, the whole ritual is fraught with complications, and he struggles to reconcile newly granted marriage equality with old traditions. Brandt and Donnelly work to help James and Oliver find their way to happiness while pulling off the bachelor party of the year.

ISBN: 978-1-62380-654-5

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6450

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Once again Xavier has given me a story that topped the charts. If there was a way to give it more than five hearts I definitely would. I absolutely love Ethan and Gabe. Two hot and sexy cops that carry guns. What is not to love? This story is about their bachelor party. Hot strippers, alcohol and crazy times to be seen.

As with all of the books in this series, you will hear about another couple finding love. That is what I love about Xavier’s books. You don’t just get one couples story but two.

Ethan and Gabe were coming to terms with the fact that Liam was planning a bachelor party for them. It was a bit frustrating seeing as they were not sure how to do it since they were both straight to begin with and most of the guest are also straight. Ethan is afraid that it will look strange if they had female strippers and male strippers concerning his friends. Of course they had not a dang thing to worry about because our favorite guys are going to take really good care of them.

Now with Oliver he is straight but wants to take a bartending job in a gay club. He has also been going to school to be a doctor. All he had to do is to flirt and be sweet to the customers. That is all good until James starts coming in. Now he is trying to come to terms with the fact that he is attracted to another man. Things are looking up I would say.

James is married and a politician. His wife is a sour bitch who just wants to catch her husband in a relationship with a man. There is definitely no love between these two. So James has been going to the club, starts talking to the bar tender and knows he cannot go through with what his wife has planned. All he wants is out and his feelings for Oliver are starting to show. So now he has to keep the man he has fallen in love with safe.

Ethan and Gabe are called in to find a missing bartender, which for cops is a normal thing to do. However what they find is two men who have come to terms that they love each other. Sort of like them. All hot and sexy with love all mixed in.

What I have figured out with Xavier’s stories is while you are seeing Ethan and Gabe go forward with their lives. The other couple is a bit of the same kind of people. One is straight and the other is gay. There is a bit of friction with them, but they stand up to others for what they are finding is right. Even though it is perfect, there is always the knowledge that couples all have it in common.

I had a blast reading this and look forward to the wedding. These guys that are being written about are all hot, sexy and perfect for each other. I loved this book almost as much as the other ones. It is with a serious tone to it but there is quite a bit of humor mixed in.

I would definitely recommend reading this story. If gave me everything I could want in a story and so much more. It caught my attention from the moment I started reading it and kept it all the way to the end.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

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

Spring Break at the Villa Hermes by Xavier Mayne

Title: Spring Break at the Villa Hermes
Series: A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File Four
Author: Xavier Mayne
Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (244 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 6, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly celebrate the one-year anniversary of their engagement by flying south for a week of calm relaxation at the Villa Hermes, a gay boutique hotel on the beach. But when the rest of the guests turn out to be college guys on spring break (unwittingly booked into a gay hotel by a passive-aggressive travel agent), their week turns out to be anything but calm.

Ted, one of the spring breakers, has harbored a crush on his roommate and best friend, Bark, since they met freshman year. Now, on their fourth and final spring break, Ted knows they must soon say good-bye.

A lacrosse star and ladies’ man, Bark has no idea Ted has fallen for him—until a storm forces the entire group underground for twenty-four hours of stress and truth-telling. Bark doesn’t want to say good-bye to Ted at graduation either. He just didn’t know how to put his feelings into words or if he could face the consequences of speaking them.

Brandt and Donnelly help the college guys through their crisis by showing them what love between best friends can grow into.

But Ted and Bark aren’t the only spring-breakers with secrets.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-652-4

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6231

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is the fourth book in this series and I have got to tell you that Brandt and Donnelly are still so damn hot together.

In this story you will also meet several young men who are learning about themselves also. Xavier always manages to give one hell of a great read. The characters are so full of depth, feeling and just down right sexy. I know that I will have a great book in my hands when I am reading one of Xavier’s stories.

Brandt and Donnelly are still working on their wedding plans, but have decided to take a little vacation. It also is to see if it is the perfect honey moon spot. What they find is Winnie and Vic, the happy owners of the little bed and breakfast. It is one of those places that are mainly for gay men to have a wonderful vacation time.

What they had not expected were several boys out on spring break. Though things are looking up with lots of eye candy.
Some of those young men though have their own little secrets.

Ted has been in love with his roommate for over four years. This vacation was to tell him good-bye. He felt like his heart was going to rip out of him, but to keep their friendship he figured this was the only way to do it. However Gabe told him what he sees, and to let Bark know how he feels. Bark surprises him in the end. He has many things to look forward to.

Paul has always been gay and thought that the others knew it, but weren’t they surprised by his one night stand. Hot damn they sound good together. Then there is Thor who’s only secret was he had at one time made out with a guy, but when he and Paul take a little more of a look at each other. Well sparks fly. Now Chad and Howie are the ones that have a little more surprises in hand. Just not the way one thinks.

They are coming to grips with their new lives and a storm that is taking over their little vacation spot. I loved the way this book just came together and flew off the pages into my heart. I loved it and cannot wait to read more with Gabe and Ethan in it. Those two cops make my day all the time.

This is one story I would recommend to all. If I could rate is higher than a five I would. Ethan and Gabe’s love for each other just keeps getting stronger and their passion is hotter than ever. They also have this love for helping others. I love that it is the way it is written in these stories. With each one you get more of them, but you also get the story of another loving pair that just doesn’t know it yet.

Hot as all get out.

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

A Wedding to Die For by Xavier Mayne

Title: A Wedding to Die For
Series: A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File Three
Author: Xavier Mayne
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel (249 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 15, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
　
Blurb: When a high-profile gay celebrity couple asks two of the city’s most established vendors to provide cake and flowers for their wedding and they refuse, a resulting boycott threatens to shut them down. It’s up to the next generation in the family-owned businesses to save them from ruin. Justin Capella, baker’s son, and Roman Montgomery, floral scion, work together to plan the gay wedding of the year.

Justin and Roman haven’t seen each other since that fateful day in third grade when a single kiss shocked Justin and sent Roman to boarding school. As fate would have it, Justin and Roman rediscover love while working on the wedding. But disaster might pry them apart again.

Troopers Brandt and Donnelly are working with a statewide task force for the rights of LGBT citizens—all while searching for a killer wedding planner. As guests at the “wedding of the year,” they are the first responders when all hell breaks loose. In investigating, the troopers are led to a shadowy figure they believe seduced Roman into doing his bidding. But the real murderer will cover his tracks at all costs, including Roman and Justin’s lives.
　
ISBN: 978-1-63216-470-4

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5809

Reviewer: Lisa
　
Review: This is part of A Brandt and Donnelly Caper series. Each book focuses on Brandt and Donnelly but always has a new couple hooking up in the stories. I am not one for mysteries and suspense, but when Xavier is the author then you can damn well bet, I am one of the first ones in line to get it. He always gives a person amazing stories with two very hot guys who just happen to carry guns and badges.

The story has such a serious tone to it but there is always a hint of humor when it comes to these two guys and when they include their best friends it is a given. They have the perfect plots to them, always has the romance going but there is usually murder and danger present. My attention gets caught with the first paragraph and is kept there till the very end. It always gives me what I ask for and want in a story.

Brandt and Donnelly are engaged and want the best wedding possible. Although they don’t want to go overboard with it. Now there is a great couple out there that wants to get married but they were told by the bakery and the florist that they could take their ideas of getting married somewhere else. The bakery and florist were not going to participate in gay marriage. So Donnelly and Brandt were asked to get them to change their minds. That is when they meet Roman and Justin. Roman’s family owned the florist shop and Justin’s owned the bakery.

Justin and Roman had been caught kissing when they were in third grade. Roman had taken the blame and was forced to go to a catholic school to get over his ways. The thing was they probably fell in love back then, but it hadn’t been till now that they had seen each other. Now someone was trying to cause damage and pain at a wedding, a wedding that caused a lot of people to get sick. Then one of the grooms die, and the questions were starting to be asked. Roman had a lot of answers for those questions but he has to admit to himself what happened and get it all in to the open.

Now it was up to Brandt and Donnelly to get the answers to the problems coming up, stop the dangers that were out there, help Justin and Roman and plan their own wedding.

This story always has such wonderful twist and turns that will catch you at the end. I loved this story and cannot wait to get my hands on the next one. It gave me gorgeous men, a fight worth fighting, a sadness brought on by one of the characters, excitement, adventure, action, and danger. I can guarantee that if you read this story you will be captivated. I know that once I start reading I can’t stop until I get to the end. Xavier’s books are probably the only mystery and suspense stories that I read, and they are the reason I might check out others. Wonderful story lines and plots, gorgeous characters, lots of heart and soul added in and some very hot sex.

I would recommend reading this book. If you love gorgeous men who carry guns and badges then this will be perfect for you. Not to mention other sexy men finding love and having sex is usually added in. I also hope that those who read it realize that this really does happen in real life. Even if one can marry doesn’t mean that other places take it seriously. That you need to protect each other from the simple things to the harsher ones. It also will have you in tears to see how some parents treat their own children just because they choose to sleep with ones that they don’t approve of. I loved the ending to this book and look forward to another book from Xavier.

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

Frat House Troopers by Xavier Mayne

Title: Frat House Troopers
Series: A Brandt and Donnelly Caper: Case File One
Author: Xavier Mayne
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Length: Novel (258 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62380-133-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 19th, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: State trooper Brandt’s new assignment to infiltrate a sex-cam operation puts him in a very uncomfortable position, especially since he’ll have to perform naked on camera for his audition. Fortunately, his partner and best friend, Donnelly, has his back—whether that means helping Brandt shop gay boutiques for sexy underwear or offering Jäger and encouragement while he researches porn.

Despite his mortification, Brandt gives the audition his best “shot”—and becomes an overnight sensation. But to meet the man behind the operation, he’ll have to give a repeat performance, this time live on webcam opposite the highest bidder. Donnelly makes sure to win that auction for his partner’s sake, but their plan has a flaw: faking it is not an option.

In the aftermath, Brandt is a humiliated mess trying desperately to come to terms with what he’s had to do for the job and his own mixed feelings. But Donnelly has been on a journey of discovery of his own. Suddenly everything the two men thought they knew about themselves and each other gets turned inside out. Meanwhile, they still have a case to solve… but it may not be the case they thought it was

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3458

Review: This is one book that will make you laugh your ass off. I understand going undercover to get your case solved, however for straight police officers going undercover, as a gay porn star is a mighty hard one. However sometimes you find out some things about yourself that will surprise you. This was one of the first books that I had read by Xavier. He has a way with words. I am always glad to find a mystery story with more humor in it then a serious attitude.

Brandt was told by his commanding officer that they wanted to shut down a sex-cam operation. However being straight made the whole discussion harder to figure out. His partner Donnelly was going to help him with all of it. He takes him shopping in the gay shopping district. Where they meet a couple of amazing guys who help them dress to get them where they need to go. The only problem is he has to audition on cam, which might not be so hard, but for the fact that there is another guy watching. Faking it is not an option.

Then he is told that he is doing his first actual show. At first, it is an auction where he is doing a one on one show with the winner of the bid. They made plans to play chess since no one would be watching. Surprise, surprise, they had one of the guys who was going to be taping it. So they couldn’t fake that either. Donnelly was to be the winner of the auction or at least that is the plan. Now he wins all right but how does Brandt get him to understand that someone is watching and that this show needs to be on the level.

What surprise’s Brandt is Donnelly is all for helping. Even encouraging him to get it on. It would seem there is a bit more than attraction going on with these two. Now all they have to do is get it out of the open. They have made many new friends on this case and discovered something new to figure out. Now they just needed to decide if wanting each other was going to be enough.

I loved this book. Although I had got this book as an audible book, I was quite happy sitting down on the couch reading it. I am amazed with the way this story is told. It has its serious parts to it, but it has more humor than most mysteries have. I was quite pleased by it. I would love to get my hands on the next book in this series. It has already shown promise.

I would recommend reading this to anyone who loves police officers, uniforms, funny situations, investigations, and lots of excitement. This book gives you all that and a lot more. I can guarantee that you won’t be let down.

The Accidental Cupid by Xavier Mayne

Title: The Accidental Cupid

Series: A Valentine Rainbow

Author: Xavier Mayne

Genre: Holiday/Valentine / Erotic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-62798-759-2

Length: Short Story (51 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 1^st, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: While performing as Cupid on Valentine’s Day, Josh has the unpleasant task of delivering a break-up message to Dallas from his girlfriend, Jess. Jess is convinced Dallas is gay, and when Josh tries to comfort him, he finds she may very well be right. When Dallas’s best friend Austin arrives, it’s up to Josh to show both young men the love and acceptance they’ve always had in each other.

A part of the “A Valentine Rainbow” set of 14 holiday stories. Get all 14 stories on Feb. 1 when you purchase the set.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4675

Review: Uhm… I liked the poem. Really, I saw nothing wrong with it since sometimes it’s hard to face the truth. So she wrote it instead, so what? Harsh? Hmm, I just can’t see it, more like a huge freaking favor. So now that that’s stated, let’s move on shall we?

Dallas is getting ready to propose to his girlfriend of two years, but Jess has other ideas. So on Valentine’s Day she hires Josh, who is working a gig as Cupid, to deliver a message to her boyfriend. It turns out that the message was a break up poem that leaves Dallas devastated. To top it all he really thinks he’s not gay, but Cupid bring the truth home easily enough. What should have resulted to a spectacular coming out event though, get a bit ruined when Dallas’ best friend and roommate, Austin, comes in.

Awkward situation? Yes! Hilariously delivered? Hell yes! Hot and mouth-watering? Oh just kill me, yes!!! While the story is a bit of overkill with things that immediately make you think, “Can’t happen,” it was fun and funny in its way. Our Cupid was a brilliant perv who despite his clumsiness in this whole mess, managed to do one hell of a job and urging these two utterly perfect men toward each other. Albeit they were too perfect and the virgin-awkwardness was distinctly lacking, replaced by an overwhelming enthusiasm to catch up for lost times, still I liked it, made me smile and shake my head at the jerk-off material that followed.

So yeah, this was a true to Valentine’s Day erotic story that might make you go a bit “aww” and smile or even laugh a bit. I did feel sorry for our Cupid though as he was left out of the “fun,” containing himself with the knowledge of a job well done. But that doesn’t change the fact that if you like a fast and fun read for this year’s Valentine’s then this story might do it for you.

Husband Material by Xavier Mayne

Title: Husband Material

Series: N/A

Author: Xavier Mayne

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (350 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 24^th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 Hearts

Blurb: Husband Material is a long-running reality show, where eighteen lucky guys compete for the hand of one lucky lady. Meet contestant number one, Riley. Since being left at the altar, he’s hit the gym to get into the best shape of his life. Now he’s in it to win it. Contestant number two, Asher, doesn’t really want the bachelorette; he needs the prize money for his sister’s cancer treatment. Asher’s upbeat personality brings Riley out of the funk he’s been in since his breakup. They make a formidable team, with one complication: Asher’s falling for Riley.

Producer Kaitlyn has her hands full when two bachelors are found in the shower soaping up inappropriately, then another live-tweets the entire debacle. If another scandal erupts, the network will cancel the show.

The two bachelors are on a collision course under the watchful eye of a producer torn between wanting them to find true love and trying to keep her show going. In the end, Riley must choose the bachelorette or the bachelor.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4623

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: A new fun twist on the whole “reality” TV phenomenon. We get to imagine what happens behind the scenes, and of course get surprised by plenty of homoerotic encounters even among the straight players. Constants battle each other in hot silver paint, nearly nude loincloths, they climb mountains and create fine sculpture all while trying to impress their leading lady…or maybe each other? This highly entertaining novel shows us that even among the posturing, scheming, and showboating, true love can spark and grow…just not the way the show intended!

Riley has a lot to come to terms with, from his wounded heart to his deep denial of his attraction to another contestant. Asher, trying for a good cause, has to fight to win, and to protect his heart. Having been hurt by lovers experimenting with their sexuality, or in deep denial in his past, Asher tries but fails to protect himself from his deep attraction to Riley. A lot of slow sexual tension builds along with a strong bond, friendship, and eventually yes, love….but it is real, or is it the unusual environment of the reality TV set and set ups? Will Riley’s feelings last beyond the limelight? Or will we see Asher crushed once again?

This is a fun read, perfectly paced, and plenty of steamy and romantic scenes. I’ve never been a huge fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette, but I’m a big fan of this book!

Tag: Xavier Mayne

Q*pid by Xavier Mayne ~ Audio Review

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