Zahra Owens’ Greatest Hits Bundle

Title: Zahra Owens’ Greatest Hits

Author: Zahra Owens

Genre:  Contemporary

Length: Novels/Bundle (806 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (29th January 2016)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb: Don’t miss these four contemporary romances from Zahra Owens:

In Diplomacy, Jack and Lucas start a passionate relationship, which continues long after their partners return. Diplomatic circles are notoriously conservative though, and they each know that the right woman by their side makes a very significant contribution to their success. Will they be able to make the right choices in their professional and personal lives? Or will they need to sacrifice one for the other?

In Façade, Jonas Hunter, high-class body for hire, meets his match in new client Nicky Bryant, an effeminate, tantrum-throwing, attention-seeking bad boy of Paris haute couture, everything he despises in a man. But Jonas soon learns they each carefully maintain a façade.

In The Hand-me-down, Jez pays a visit to his old friend Nick, who introduces his much younger lover, Jaime… and then asks Jex to look after him when Nick is gone.

And in the reader-favorite Western Clouds and Rain, Flynn doesn’t bargain for being captivated gentle, lonely Gable, who captures his heart and moves Flynn to take on an incredible burden: saving Gable’s ranch.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-231-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review:  Usually, I have to say that I really have enjoyed Dreamspinner’s Greatest Hits bundles, immensely. I also have enjoyed a couple of Zahra Owens’ books in the past as well. So you might understand why I am feeling rather confused.

However, I do know two of the reasons that meant my enjoyment was diminished. There are two things that I know many readers of MM romance do not like, one, is sex with women happening (even in the minutest detail) on page, and two, I know that there are many of us who do not like to read about cheating couples (or even worse, cheating that never is really addressed, just overlooked).

But each story is enjoyable in its own right, let me go through them:

Diplomacy ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 stars

Definitely my favourite of the entire collection. This is about US diplomat Jack, and his life living as a closeted and married man. Then one day while on assignment in Belgium, he meets one of the delegates from the English embassy, Lucas. There are sparks as soon as the pair meets.

This was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are hot and the sexual tension is explosive. My only major criticism was that the ending could have had subtitles to denote the amount of time that passed instead of making reader calculate in their heads what’s happened. Ok, that might be lazy, but I like to think not.

Façade  ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

This is about male escort Jonas, and his newest client and world famous fashion designer, Nicky.

It’s a pretty basic story, on the whole. It starts a bit like Pretty Woman except that Jonas is headstrong and arrogant, whereas Nicky is insecure with himself – so nothing like Pretty Woman at all. The sex is explosive between the pair but in my mind I can’t get past how selfish Jonas can be towards Nicky, particularly when it comes to his work. As I said, Nicky is an insecure guy so Jonas probably needed to spend more time cultivating his serious relationship before going to work.

Hand-Me-Down ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

A volcano eruption in Iceland leaves Jez stranded in Barcelona after all the airports shut down. At a bit of a loose end, he visits an old friend, Nick, who introduces Jez to his younger lover, Jamie. Then Jez finds out Nick is dying and in some sort of twisted inheritance, Nick wants Jez to look after Jamie once he’s gone.

An odd start, that’s for sure, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable book, despite the dark tone from the outset.

There was only one main problem after the darkness subsided after the first third of the book – we then go through two thirds of being a vinter, or learning to be a vinter. While the information and research is clearly evident in the writing, I felt sometimes there needed to be a bit pizzazz and just more going on in the plot between Jamie and Jez in general.

Western Clouds and Rain ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

This and Façade are both competing in my mind for least favourite story of the bundle. By this time I’m quite used to Zahra’s formula by now, which includes MF sex and cheating, which may involve women but in this one it definitely did involve the woman.

The main couple are Gable and Flynn. Gable is lonely because the poor sod put his heart and soul in with one person, Grant, who decided to jump into bed with Gable’s married female best friend, Calley. Ok, that part of the story line has officially pissed me off because clearly Gable is too nice for his own good where those two are concerned. These two, Grant and Calley, take up almost the entirety of the second half of the book with their major plot line. In fact, really it was almost like 2 different books because Calley’s pregnancy takes up so word space. Honestly, I’m not sure how much I like the idea of another friend, Hunter, falling for Grant (because that is book 2).

Yet, at the same time, Gable is also a bit of an arse, because after his experiences his relationship with Flynn started off with Gable blatantly using the guy for sex and as a house keeper. But I can push those reservations aside. On the bright side, I think Gable deserves the gentle touch and love that comes with being with Flynn. The two have great chemistry and Flynn is man enough to heal all Gable’s hurts.

Facade by Zahra Owens

FacadeLGTitle: Facade
Series: N/A
Author: Zahra Owens
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (236 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 2009)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Jonas Hunter is a high-class body for hire with a small, exclusive, mostly male clientèle who pay big bucks for his undivided time and attention. Discretion is Jonas’s middle name—he can play his role to the hilt for the client’s benefit and at the same time disappear seamlessly into a crowd, safely anonymous.

He’s persuaded to take on a new client who is everything he despises in a man: the effeminate, tantrum-throwing, attention-seeking bad boy of Paris haute couture named Nicky Bryant. Nicky’s shows are outrageous and always good for a front cover, and his appearance never fails to turn heads. But Jonas soon learns Nicky is a carefully maintained façade himself.

As a fiery attraction grows, Jonas and Nicky have to find a way to walk the tightrope between their public and private personas. They’ll need to learn to love and trust each other around the other people in their lives if they’re going to share their hearts.

ISBN: 978-1-61581-076-5

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1560

Reviewer: Mags

Review: Jonas Hunter is a high-class body for hire with a small, exclusive, mostly male clientele who pay big bucks for his undivided time and attention. Discretion is Jonas’s middle name—he can play his role to the hilt for the client’s benefit and at the same time disappear seamlessly into a crowd, safely anonymous. He’s persuaded to take on a new client who is everything he despises in a man: the effeminate, tantrum-throwing, attention-seeking bad boy of Paris haute couture named Nicky Bryant.

I chose “Façade”, because I found the cover fun, I read the blurb and thought it sounded good. Then I started reading. For the first 80 pages or so of this book, I was interested, and thought that there was a lot of potential for Nicky and Jonas to find romance. Then, out of nowhere, there is a ménage (m/f/m). Which is not so bad in itself, but for me this started a kind of creepy feel to the characters.

Nicky has an undefined relationship with Tanna, his assistant and at one point has unprotected sex with someone else and, everyone is ok with this? Plus there are several sex scenes that may turn readers off, many voyeurs’ scenes, graphic manage m/f/m. The publisher should have disclosed that this was not a full m/m story, as I can’t imagine this would make many m/m readers happy.

For me there are too many gratuitous sex scenes that do not enhance the already weakening plot line of this story. Maybe the author doesn’t understand fidelity, which is needed, for me, to even begin to feel any romantic connection between the two main characters.

The reader gets nothing about either of the main characters back-story. You don’t believe that they can come to any compromise that would lead them to end up together. There is neither character growth nor any real journey. Jonas comes across as flat and Nicky is underdeveloped, too many gratuitous sex scenes that in no way further the meagre plot or relationship.

Some issues pop up, like a photo of the Jonas and Nicky having sex ends on the internet, but nothing happens, no scandal, nothing. Makes you question what the point of it was except to add to all the other unbelievable issues this story brings.

I felt especially let down by “Façade”, because of the engaging start, but, the author was unable to capture the fulfil potential this story started with. At this point, I am unsure if I will take another chance on this author.

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

Cleary Palit by Zahra Owens (Mended Daily Dose) Review & Giveaway!

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Whoop!  Hey guys you will never guess what I have for you today and for the rest of the month! As you can see we have Zahra Owen’s Cleary Palit from Dreamspinner Daily Dose Mended collection today and I can tell you we will be having each Daily Dose on the blog as they are delivered with the Daily Dose delivery package, so for those who bought the entire package as you get your books we will be posting the reviews and we also have some author interviews…. but that isn’t all, each day we will be also giving away the book of the day with a comment giveaway (so make sure you visit everyday and comment) and if that isn’t enough then we have a month long Rafflecopter giveaway where you could win the entire Mended collection!!!!!! I know, amazing! 🙂 So join us this month as we team up with Dreamspinner Press and their amazing authors and Good Luck peeps <3 ~Pixie~

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Mended

Various Authors

Life comes with a bit of hurt, but luckily for these men, it also comes with the right amount of comfort to mend their breaks, both of the body and the heart. From facing deranged exes to economic trials, the men in these tales have faced trial by fire–or in some cases water–for the right to love and live. Step into their shoes as they rebuild their family after a gutting betrayal or traverse the stars with an unexpected partner. The Mended Daily Dose package delivers stories about all kinds of second chances built on love. 

Felicitas Ivey Zahra Owens Emily Moreton Cardeno C. S.A. Garcia Elizabeth Noble M. Lee Ellis Carrington Kim Fielding Ari McKay E.T. Malinowski Bru Baker K.C. Wells Gwynn Marssen Lee Comyn Ashavan Doyon Eli Easton Charley Descoteaux Therese Woodson MA Ford Kenzie Cade Coral Moore L.D. Blakeley Chloe Stowe Ronnie Matthews Jayden Brooks Diane Lennox C. Callenreese Mars Novak Emma Wilson

Continue reading “Cleary Palit by Zahra Owens (Mended Daily Dose) Review & Giveaway!”

Grand Adventures by Various Authors, Blog Tour & Giveaway!

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Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy!  I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉

 

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Description:

On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.

One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.

Foreword by S.A. McAuley

An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)

The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk

When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste

Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)

The Jogger by KC Burn

Holding Court by Cardeno C.

For Dear Life by Mary Calmes

Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington

Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)

That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado

Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys

Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford

Last First Kiss by LE Franks

Tomorrow by John Goode

From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)

Witness Protected by Dawn Kimberly Johnson

Water Under the Bridge by Mia Kerick (Sequel to Not Broken, Just Bent)

A Gentle Shove of Human Kindness by Amy Lane

Air (Roads #1.75 million) by Garrett Leigh (A Companion to SlideRoads: Book 1.75)

An Atheist and a Yoga Instructor Walk into a Bar by Rowan McAllister

Stalking 101 by Moria McCain

Simple Desires by Tempeste O’Riley (A Spin-off of Designs of Desire)

Object of Care by Zahra Owens (A Clouds and Rain Story)

Kid Confusion by Madison Parker (A Companion to Play Me, I’m Yours)

Fall Train by Jaime Samms

The Exhibition by Andrea Speed (An Infected Short; Infected: Roan and Dylan)

What You Will by Tinnean (A Companion to Two Lips, Indifferent Red)

Prologue by Brandon Witt

Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4873

Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4874

Small Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4890

Large Print of cover: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4891

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John Amory:

Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.

I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.

Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!

About John Amory:

John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.

In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).

Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!

Twitter: 

Goodreads: John Amory

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Sophie Bonaste:

1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.

My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.

Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:

Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.

 

I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do. 

 

2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?

Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?

 

3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?

When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.

 

4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?

I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!

About Sophie Bonaste:

Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.

 A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.

 E-mail – sophiebonaste@gmail.com
Twitter – @SophieBonaste
Facebook – Sophie Bonaste
GoodReads – Sophie Bonaste
QueerTown Abbey – Sophie Bonaste
Amazon Author Page – Sophie Bonaste

If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste

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GIVEAWAY!

20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover
Grand Adventures Paperback
$30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard

Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014
End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014

Just click the link & enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Don’t forget to visit the other blogs on the tour!

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Clouds and Rain by Zahra Owens ~ Audiobook

Clouds&RainAudLGTitle:  Clouds and Rain, Audiobook

Series:  The Wranglers, #1

Author:  Zahra Owens

Narrator:  Paul Morey

Genre:   Contemporary Cowboy Romance

Length:  8 Hours and 0 Minutes

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (February 7th 2011)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Flynn Tomlinson has drifted for several years, working odd jobs when he needs the money and moving on when he doesn’t. He’s content with his freestyle life, not tied down, not responsible for anyone but himself. Then he comes across a Help Wanted ad in a post office in Idaho and meets Gable Sutton. Gable can’t pay Flynn until he sells his horses, but a serious accident has left him unable to work his ranch alone.

Working with horses beats stacking shelves at the supermarket, and so Flynn agrees to Gable’s terms. What Flynn doesn’t bargain for is being captivated by this gentle, lonely man who captures his heart and moves Flynn to take on an incredible burden: saving Gable’s ranch.

Product Link Dreamspinner: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3248

Product Link Audible: http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Clouds+and+Rain

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Flynn Tomlinson is a young free spirit that makes a living working odd jobs that he finds wherever his feet take him. He has no home to speak of as his family turned their back on him when they learned he was gay. The only true lover he’s ever had died, leaving him alone again. When he answers a help wanted ad that takes him to the ranch of Gable Sutton, he has no idea this one job will turn his life upside down.

Gable Sutton is an aged and crippled ranch owner. He’s standoffish, a loner and quite bitter. His former ranch hand slash lover left him after a fight, and Gabe’s reaction to this left him permanently injured. There really is a beautiful soul hiding underneath all that bravado, the question is… is there someone out there that can love him enough to see beneath it.

Flynn accepts the job on Gabe’s ranch, knowing full well he won’t be paid until they can sell some horses. The attraction is mutual and almost immediately, these two are putting the barn to good use! But there is something missing. Gabe is very attractive and he definitely gets Flynn’s blood boiling, but the sex is almost clinical, and Flynn wants more. When an accident leaves Gabe in intensive care, he will learn the true meaning of love. Gabe stands by him through it all from start to finish, including his horrendous mood swings in the aftermath of another accident. Can they save their rocky romance AND Gable’s ranch?

There is a lot of push and pull in this book. It’s an emotionally intense read. Flynn’s love for Gable is blinding and unwavering, to a fault. From the get go his attraction to Gable will leave you unsettled. Because you, the reader, can see just how bitter and jaded Gable is so you don’t think it can possibly end well for Flynn. And when Gable goes kind of bat shit crazy after his second accident, it seems as if the writing is on the wall. But like I said, blinding and unwavering, he will love his brooding older man into submission if it’s the last thing he does!

Narrated by Paul Morey! We all know I just LOVE Paul Morey!! He captured the innocence of Flynn as well as the bitter undertones for Gable, perfectly. The written work was a solid 3.5 for me, but Morey knocked it up a notch. Owens has created such an adverse group of friends and lovers with this new series. I can’t wait to read more. I have high hopes for Hunter and Grant!! Must read for all those cowboys and cowgirls out there, and it really is a beautiful love story that isn’t full of fluff. These guys have to work for it, and it’s SO worth it in the end!

*I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Earth and Sky Audiobook by Zahra Owens

Earth&SkyAudLGTitle:  Earth and Sky ~ Audiobook

Series:  The Wranglers, #2

Author:  Zahra Owens

Genre:   Contemporary Cowboy Romance

Length:  10 Hours and 30 Minutes

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (September 27th, 2012))     

Heat Level:  Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Hunter Krause knows better than anyone that running a ranch is hard work. Wranglers are hard to find, and even with Hunter’s foreman and entire extended family on hand, the busy ranch is constantly short-handed. So when horses go missing, Hunter’s brother-in-law hires a man Hunter would never have considered: Grant Jarreau, a man Hunter can’t forgive for leaving Hunter’s best friend Gable after an incapacitating accident.

Grant quickly fits in, befriending Hunter’s sister and making himself invaluable. Despite Hunter’s misgivings, he can’t quite control his body’s reactions to Grant, and he isn’t sure what to do about it. Then Grant saves Hunter’s young nephew from drowning and one thankful kiss opens doors Hunter never knew existed.

While Hunter and Grant tentatively move toward a relationship, the family’s in an uproar, the ranch is struggling, they can’t figure out what happened to the horses, and to top it all off, Grant is hiding something. Can Hunter learn to trust Grant, or will the turmoil already tearing up his family claim another victim?

Product Link Dreamspinner: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3249

Product Link Audible: http://www.audible.com/search?advsearchKeywords=Earth+and+Sky

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  We first met Grant Jarreau and Hunter Krause in book one. Grant is Gable’s former lover and Hunter is the owner of the ranch that borders Gables. Hunter and Gable are also long time friends. Everyone, including me, has preconceived notions about the type of person that Grant is. We are all about to be proven wrong.

Hunter inherited his ranch when his late father passed. He lives there and runs it with his family. It is his life. When his foreman hires Grant on as a wrangler, Hunter is less than pleased. This lying, conniving bastard left his best friend at the worst of times. Grant always ducks and runs at the first sign of trouble, and Hunter doesn’t want him around. As the days pass and Hunter gets to know the man better, he learns Grant is not what he seems. There are two sides to every story. And the overwhelming attraction he has for Grant leaves him breathless and confused.

Grant had his reasons for leaving Gable’s ranch when he did, but in order to keep his secret he lets everyone continue to assume the worst about him. Besides, he and Gable were never in love, they were just in lust. Now he finds himself actually falling for his boss, the boss that can’t stand to be in the same room with him. Fate and circumstance keep pushing these two together and soon enough a rainy day leads to some experimenting. But they have a long, hard road to travel before they can even resemble a couple. Someone is stealing horses from the ranch, add to that Hunters wariness with Grant who keeps asking for time off, but not telling anyone where he’s going. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue, and just when you think they are finally going to pull it off another bomb is dropped.

Oh how I loved this book! The romance between the two ML was realistic and electric. Hunter doesn’t turn gay overnight, he struggles with his growing feelings for Grant, and the author conveys that beautifully. They share some passionate kisses and a lot of heavy petting before they find their way to the bed, well, hayloft actually. But it’s so sexy I listened to it twice!! Hunter’s insecurities balance perfectly with Grant’s assuredness, so neither one comes across as brash or fake. And Paul Morey stepped up to narrate again, Oh yes he did! The voice he uses for Hunter is so Rhett Butler it hurts, I loved it!!

Hunter is so very “Pardon me Grant, did I leave my boots under your bed?” and you couldn’t help but cheer for him and Grant to find that balance and get their much deserved HEA. There are a lot of twists and turns in this one, but I loved the added suspense. And this is not a sequel per say, it more runs alongside Clouds and Rain than comes after. I highly recommend this book, I’m certain that reading it will be just as good as listening, if not better. I will revisit this one again, and again.

*I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

Moon and Stars by Zahra Owens

MoonandStarsLGTitle: Moon and Stars 

Series: The Wranglers/Clouds and Rain 04     

Author: Zahra Owens     

Genre: Contemporary     

Length: Novel (260pgs)     

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd September 2013)   

Heat Level: Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 3½ Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: After an affair with a married DA led to scandal and disbarment, Cooper Nelson left his legal career in shambles, and found solace working as a hand at the Blue River Ranch. Eight years later, during a rare visit into town, Cooper bumps into Kelly Freed, a man he left behind fifteen years earlier when he started out as an attorney. Unfortunately, Kelly is running for sheriff and his wife is terminally ill, so Kelly can’t even consider rekindling their relationship. Cooper knows from sad experience that hiding the truth leads to lives being ruined, so for his part, he refuses to be anybody’s dirty secret. 

In the meantime, circumstances at neighboring Blackwater Ranch have taken a desperate turn. Gable’s friend Calley has breast cancer, and when Gable and Flynn take in Calley’s kids, they need help from their friends. Cooper and Kelly’s combined talents are put to work to ensure Gable can make a bid to become the legal father of his children, and that Calley’s affairs are in order if worse comes to worst. For Cooper, staying away from Kelly was never easy, and now with a common cause, Cooper finds he can’t stop himself from seeking the man out.     

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4204   

Review: After a scandal ruins his career Cooper found solace at the Blue River Ranch as a ranch hand, preferring to keep to himself with very few close friends. When he bumps into Kelly for the first time in fifteen years, his attraction to the younger man flares to life and he finds it very hard to keep his emotions on track. Kelly came to Fremont County for two reasons; for the opportunity to become sheriff and because his ex-lover lives there, but things are far from easy as Kelly’s wife is terminally ill and Cooper refuses to be a dirty secret again. Cooper finds it difficult to resist the attraction between the two of them as they are thrown together in a bid to aid Gable.

You know this is one of those series that really pulls you in all directions, some characters I love, and some I despise and this time the main characters were in the middle of the spectrum with a fine balancing act. Cooper lost everything when he and his closeted married lover were outed, his lover killed himself and Cooper was disbarred and disgraced, now eight years later he keeps his head down and keeps to himself but with the appearance of his college lover his foundations are rocked. Kelly has had a lifelong dream of becoming sheriff and the goal is now within his grasp, but after bumping into Cooper, he finds it hard to wait to see if he can rekindle the love they once shared. Kelly’s wife, Nina, encourages Kelly and Cooper to reunite and become lovers, but Kelly has much to lose if he is found out and Cooper can’t face being a dirty secret. 

This story is really well written, with characters who juggle their lives and loves with difficulty. While Cooper is a great character, who once had his life ripped apart, Kelly is a character who confused me with his actions. Kelly had a yearlong relationship with Cooper but when Cooper left, he married their mutual friend Nina, now he says one of the reasons they moved to Fremont County was because of Cooper but never tried to speak to him until Cooper bumped into him after he had lived there for nearly a year. Their relationship is far from easy as Cooper tries his best to resist Kelly because the man is married, but his love for Kelly never really died. Kelly wants to stay in the closet keeping everything about Cooper hidden but circumstance force him to take a stand.

While Cooper’s and Kelly’s relationship is playing out we see previous characters trying to make plans for the future when Calley falls ill, Gable and Flynn ask both Cooper and Kelly for help as they try to secure the future for Gable’s children. This part of the storyline was blown out of proportion with Bill (Calley’s ex-husband) being thrown into the role of the baddie for no reason, Calley should have just asked instead of making a big deal out of it. I have noticed that throughout this series that Calley has been treated like the victim with all the gay men rallying round the poor helpless female when in actual fact she has only ever reaped what she sowed, poor Bill is still treated like the bad guy. 

I recommend this to those who love cowboys and deputies getting it on, difficult decisions, rekindling love, hot sex, an interesting storyline, and a very happy conclusion for two hot men.  

CowboyNovels

 

 

Floods and Droughts by Zahra Owens

Title: Floods and Drought

Series: The Wranglers 03

Author: Zahra Owens

Genre: Western, Contemporary

Length: Novel (300pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Tim Conroy knows all about patience. He’s waited three years for Rory McCown to get out of jail after doing time for stealing horses from the Blue River Ranch. Now that Rory is eligible for parole, Tim makes it his goal to persuade his boss, Hunter Krause, to give Rory a second chance.

He almost regrets it when Hunter agrees. Rory is a morose loner one moment, then arrogant and overconfident the next. The attraction between them is still there, but as soon as they start to get close, an old enemy throws a wrench in the works… and their fledgling relationship may not be strong enough to weather the coming storm.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2812

Review: Tim has been keeping tabs on Rory while he has been in prison. When he is eligible for parole, Tim gets Rory a job on the ranch.  The same ranch where Rory got into trouble in the first place.  Tim takes on the responsibility of Rory and has to fight hard to prove that Rory deserves a fresh start with a clean slate. Rory doesn’t know why Tim has gone to so much trouble, but is thankful. Rory has some secrets that he keeps hidden, but as he gets closer to Tim he decides it is time for him to get clean.

This was very well-written and I did like the dynamics between Tim and Rory and the progression of their story. Rory has had a crap hand dealt him and there are vague references to things that have happened to him in the past. When Rory and Tim meet up again, the sparks are still between them, but Rory has a lot he needs to work through before he is truly comfortable.  And Tim has a hard time trying to get people to accept Rory, especially his brother.

There is conflict where there needn’t have been any, if certain people had kept their noses out.   As Tim and Rory had enough to deal with and because of one person’s interfering Rory nearly loses everything.  Even with Tim standing by his side it is still a near run thing. Tim is a lovely character and he is far from as gullible or naïve as some people think him to.  He is strong-willed when he believes in something and he believes in Rory 100%. Rory really isn’t sure about Tim at first and it takes him a while to realize that Tim is serious about him and won’t let him down.

Tim and Rory are really hot together and are well suited.  They complement each other and each has something within themselves that the other needs. We also briefly catch up with Gable and Flynn, Hunter and Grant (grrr) and some of the other characters from both Clouds and Rain and Earth and Sky and for me some of them are still not likeable.

So ,with this one I am going to recommend it to those who love troubled men, hot cowboys, hot sex, a bit of danger, a bit of angst, a strong-willed young man and a happy ever after.

Earth and Sky by Zahra Owens

Title: Earth and Sky

 Author: Zahra Owens

 Genre: Contemporary

 Length: Novel

 Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

 Heat Level: Hot

Heart Rating: 1 1/2 (but just for Hunter)

 Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb:  Hunter Krause knows better than anyone that running a ranch is hard work. Wranglers are hard to find, and even with Hunter’s foreman and entire extended family on hand, the busy ranch is constantly short-handed. So when horses go missing, Hunter’s brother-in-law hires a man Hunter would never have considered: Grant Jarreau, a man Hunter can’t forgive for leaving Hunter’s best friend Gable after an incapacitating accident.

Grant quickly fits in, befriending Hunter’s sister and making himself invaluable. Despite Hunter’s misgivings, he can’t quite control his body’s reactions to Grant, and he isn’t sure what to do about it. Then Grant saves Hunter’s young nephew from drowning and one thankful kiss opens doors Hunter never knew existed.

While Hunter and Grant tentatively move toward a relationship, the family’s in an uproar, the ranch is struggling, they can’t figure out what happened to the horses, and to top it all off, Grant is hiding something. Can Hunter learn to trust Grant, or will the turmoil already tearing up his family claim another victim?

 Review:  You know I read the first book Rain and Clouds and loved it, so I was looking forward to this one as well but My God what were you thinking casting Grant as Hunter’s love interest.

This book seems to run parallel to Rain And Clouds but there are mistakes during the times that the books coincide and that is really annoying, Grant is the big baddie in Rain And Clouds, he was Gable’s lover who ran out on him when Gable was injured, he also slept with anything that didn’t move fast enough and oh so helpfully slept with a married woman because she wanted a baby.

In this book he is a misunderstood generous man who made a few mistakes, never cheated on Gable, try’s to blame Gable for what happened between them and he’s just helping his friends out when he sleeps with them to get them pregnant behind their husbands backs. I can’t stand this character because he has no redeemable qualities no matter how I look at it.

Now Hunter on the other hand is a great character, he has hidden his ‘gay’ side from everyone even himself, he finds himself attracted to one of the hands, acts on it and then needs to come to terms with what they had done. He then explores his feelings and continues to act on it while still trying to deny that he is gay. He also has to deal with his family’s dramatics and a revelation from his ex-girlfriend.

I disliked Callie and the mother of Grant’s children just on principle, as both these women find it acceptable to sleep with another man behind their husbands backs just to get pregnant.

This book would have been a lot better if Grant was not in it and Hunter actually met a man he deserved and not the sleaze that is Grant.

My honest opinion is this… stick with Rain and Clouds because honestly any decent human being will be disgusted with some of the characters morals in this one.