Hiya guys, Felice Stevens stops by today with the blog tour for the newest release in her Breakfast Club series, Second to None. We have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Zane’s review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Second to None
(The Breakfast Club 03)
by
Felice Stevens
Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn’t love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.
Tyler Reiss’s dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.
Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart. Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn’t mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.
Hiya guys, Felice Stevens pops in today with the newest release in her Breakfast Club series, Second to None. We have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Zane’s review, so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Second to None
(The Breakfast Club 03)
by
Felice Stevens
Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn’t love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.
Tyler Reiss’s dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.
Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart. Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn’t mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.
Title: Second to None Series: Breakfast Club, #3 Author: Felice Stevens Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (248 pages) Publisher: Felice Stevens (January 28, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn’t love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.
Tyler Reiss’s dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.
Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart.
Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn’t mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.
ASIN: B01B1M1NCE
Product Link: http://amzn.to/1PXfHyO
Reviewer: Zane
Review: Second to None is the third book in Felice Stevens’ Breakfast Club series. If you’re new to this series, one-click “Beyond the Surface” and “Betting on Forever” to meet Julian and Nick, and Zach and Sam. You’ll LOVE them. And then you’ll be ready… for Marcus.
Playboy Marcus, my Marcus. Yes, unapologetic slut (I do love those) Marcus knocked me off my feet. I knew he had a heart of gold, and I knew, just knew when it was his turn to find love. He would fall hardest of all. And did he ever, meeting his match in Tyler.
A delightful surprise, the dancer gave as good as he got, made Marcus do some dancing of his own. There was no loving and leaving Tyler or his pint-sized secret weapon: his niece. Sweet with adorable little girl moments, Lillie helped Marcus to open up and love.
Marcus and Tyler struggled inwardly and with each other, battling life’s twists and turns.
Facing their fears together, they found themselves and their HEA. Added bonus: more of Marcus’s best friends and former MCs Nick/Julian and Zach/Sam, and a crossover with Micah (I love him; why doesn’t everyone else?) and Josh from the Memories series.
All of Felice’s books are sweet and sexy, but this one was more intense. The sexy scenes were crazy hot, and at the same time, so loving – everything I wanted them to be and then some. I love these two – great characters, wonderful writing, and what a story!
I am a diehard Felice fan. I crave that guaranteed HEA with those GOD-I-GOTTA-HAVE-THEM-SHMOOPY moments. This author is not afraid to have her guys speak their feelings, show their softer side. And these very same oh-so-sweet men will steam the hell out of a room when they rip each other’s clothes off. Especially Marcus and Tyler – the intensity in both the love and sex – Ladies and Gents, this is Felice Stevens at her best.
I am sad for the series’ end (Julian, Zach and Marcus have all found love), though that is eased by the Zach and Sam novella just weeks away. After that? We’ll see what the lovely Ms. Stevens conjures up next.
I know neither I nor the Fiercest of Felice’s fans can wait!!!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys we have Nic Starr stopping by today with her brand new release More Than A Friend, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Zane’s review so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
More Than A Friend
(More Than 02)
by
Nic Star
Tim Walker is a free man. He’s broken up with his girlfriend and is ready to move on to a new relationship. But the relationship he wants to pursue is fraught with challenges. Firstly, Scott Richardson is a man, and only Tim’s closest friends know Tim’s bisexual. Secondly, everyone knows Scott relishes the single life. And then there’s the big one: Scott is the younger brother of Tim’s best friend, Paul.
Scott can’t deny an attraction to his brother’s friend Tim. Lean, dark-blond, and blue-eyed, Tim is hot and hard not to notice—especially since Scott and Tim work together. Too bad the man is straight, and too bad Scott worries how Paul will react if Scott hooks up with his best friend.
Tim and Scott want to see if there’s a chance for more than friendship between them, but neither of them wants to lose Paul. Together, they must find the courage to follow their hearts and find a way to have it all.
Title: More Than a Friend Series: More Than, #2 Author: Nic Starr Genre: Contemporary Length: Novella (111 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 7, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts Blurb: Tim Walker is a free man. He’s broken up with his girlfriend and is ready to move on to a new relationship. But the relationship he wants to pursue is fraught with challenges. Firstly, Scott Richardson is a man, and only Tim’s closest friends know Tim’s bisexual. Secondly, everyone knows Scott relishes the single life. And then there’s the big one: Scott is the younger brother of Tim’s best friend, Paul.
Scott can’t deny an attraction to his brother’s friend Tim. Lean, dark blond, and blue-eyed, Tim is hot and hard not to notice—especially since Scott and Tim work together. Too bad the man is straight, and too bad Scott worries how Paul will react if Scott hooks up with his best friend.
Tim and Scott want to see if there’s a chance for more than friendship between them, but neither of them wants to lose Paul. Together, they must find the courage to follow their hearts and find a way to have it all.
Review: Nic Starr’s “More Than a Friend” is the second book in the “More Than” series, but it can be read as a standalone. Though there are characters from “More Than a Superstar” there is enough background provided that you will not be lost.
I liked Scott and Tim and their easy-going friendship. Their initial attraction to one another was believable and intriguing; it was fun seeing them each come to terms with their feelings. The fact that it wasn’t common knowledge that Tim was bisexual added an entertaining bit of confusion to the mix.
The build up to them getting together was good; I was looking forward to them taking it to the next level. The initial encounter with the two had a pretty good lead in and I thought they’d explode upon impact. Though they took it a bit slower than I expected, when things moved along, well, these two were definitely hot, sexy fun and more than burned up their sheets.
So, Scott, dating his brother’s best friend, and Tim, dating his best friend’s brother – they can’t have it easy… Can they? I am happy to say that though there was conflict and a slight bump in the road to ever after, they didn’t waver and all worked out in the end.
If you’re looking for a short and sweet read with some sexy thrown in, grab that blanket and that glass of wine or a cup of coffee and curl up with Scott and Tim; Nic Starr’s got a story to tell you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Title: Rough Road, Series: Lake Lovelace, #2 Author: Vanessa North Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (185 pages) Publisher: Riptide Publishing (September 28, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts Blurb: Eddie Russell is many things: A wealthy pillar of the community. An outrageous flirt. A doting best friend. A masochist with a kink for brawling with his bedmates. But he is definitely not a man who invites intimacy. His friends are close but few, his lovers rarer still.
When Eddie runs his Mercedes off the road on a hot July afternoon, Wish Carver comes to his aid—and leaves his number in Eddie’s phone. Wish, a road crew worker half Eddie’s age and sexy as sin, seems fascinated by Eddie’s different sides. Mutual attraction and compatible kinks ignite the sheets, but it’s their connection outside the bedroom that Eddie begins to crave.
When the two come down on opposite sides of a local issue, Eddie finds his growing feelings for Wish at odds with his business interests and his devotion to his best friend, local wakeboarding legend Ben Warren. Torn between old loyalties and his new love, Eddie is reluctant to make a choice. But he knows he can’t make Wish wait too long to make up his mind.
Review: “Rough Road” is the second book in Vanessa North’s “Lake Lovelace” series, but if you don’t read the first book, “Double Up” first, you won’t be lost. Having read it myself, though, I do recommend you give it a go.
I loved Ben and Davis and adored Ben’s best friend, Eddie, a supporting character who generated his own little spotlight. News of a book about Eddie was a delightful surprise; I could not wait to get my hands on it! For all my excitement, Eddie and Wish (short for Aloysius) did not disappoint.
Flirty kinky Eddie is out and proud. Adorable and direct, you never know what he’s going to say. He’s even more fun to read now that he’s got his own story. And Wish… Wish is the stuff my dreams are made of. Young, hot and just as kinky, he’s perfect for Eddie. Forty-four year old Eddie and twenty-four year old Wish are a May December fantasy come to life for this reader (I do LOVE that trope)!
So… the kink. Let’s talk pain kink. There is no typical Dom-sub relationship here; this one is pure sadomasochism. Eddie the unapologetic pain slut is the perfect companion to Wish, who gets off on giving him what he wants. From chance meeting to sexy exploits, this one night hook up continues beyond anything they imagine; their instant attraction blossoms into something real.
Rough and raunchy sex turned into love – who could ask for more?
Outside of the bedroom is where the conflicts arise – their struggle to get past their differences (political, financial, and emotional) is their Rough Road. Though at first their differences seem to be insignificant, deeper issues lie beneath the surface. Much to this reader’s relief, Eddie and Wish work past it all, and they do navigate the way to their HEA.
This is another winning read from Vanessa North, one of the few authors that make first person present tense seamless and easy to read, in my opinion. Truth be told, I haven’t read anything from this author I don’t like, and this book is no different.
Filled with romance, sweet sexy moments and fun-loving kink, Eddie and Wish made my day. Pleasure, pain and piercings – What’s not to love?
Rough Ride is an easy recommendation, as is Vanessa North. Hop on board for a sweet romance with some kinky fun – you won’t regret it.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Vanessa North popping in today with her new release Rough Road, we have a great guest post, a fantastic excerpt, a fabulous giveaway and Zane’s review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Rough Road
(A Lake Lovelace Novel 02)
by
Vanessa North
Eddie Russell is many things: A wealthy pillar of the community. An outrageous flirt. A doting best friend. A masochist with a kink for brawling with his bedmates. But he is definitely not a man who invites intimacy. His friends are close but few, his lovers rarer still.
When Eddie runs his Mercedes off the road on a hot July afternoon, Wish Carver comes to his aid—and leaves his number in Eddie’s phone. Wish, a road crew worker half Eddie’s age and sexy as sin, seems fascinated by Eddie’s different sides. Mutual attraction and compatible kinks ignite the sheets, but it’s their connection outside the bedroom that Eddie begins to crave.
When the two come down on opposite sides of a local issue, Eddie finds his growing feelings for Wish at odds with his business interests and his devotion to his best friend, local wakeboarding legend Ben Warren. Torn between old loyalties and his new love, Eddie is reluctant to make a choice. But he knows he can’t make Wish wait too long to make up his mind.
Hi guys, we have Melanie Hansen visiting with the tour for her latest release Signs of Life, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Zane’s review for you to enjoy, so check out the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Signs of Life
(Resilient Love 02)
by
Melanie Hansen
Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
Blurb: Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
Review: “Resilient Love” is Melanie Hansen’s first series; “Everything Changes” is her debut novel. You do not need to read it prior to “Signs of Life”, but I recommend you do. I loved Jase and Casey, and the bit of information I did glean about Jeremy piqued my interest for his story, which I dove into immediately following Jase and Casey’s HEA.
In “Signs of Life” we meet the briefly mentioned Jeremy. He and Kai are from completely different walks of life with seemingly little in common, and yet they are explosive together in the best way. With an instant attraction and sizzling heat, there was such electricity between the two every time their paths crossed – these guys were hot, hot, hot! They engaged in rough play and had a power kink that I really couldn’t get enough of; I absolutely loved their sexy scenes.
Though Jeremy and Kai each had their own demons to battle and neither was in the market for anything serious, the progression of their relationship from physical to emotional was extremely believable, yet not predictable. I was invested from the beginning, falling for them as they fell for each other.
A well written and impressive sophomore effort, I was captivated from start to finish. This is not an easy read – there is sadness and angst, but Kai and Jeremy are well worth your time. I was drawn in by the dialogue; there were words spoken by the two MCs I found to be equally beautiful and painful with so much rawness, laying one another’s hearts and souls bare.
Even with the emotional turbulence and requisite conflict, not only do Jeremy and Kai get their HEA, but we are left with a clear glimpse into their future. Not so clear is the future of Kai’s best friend Loren, whom we are given just enough of a background to want more, and to hope that there will be a Resilient Love 3, and that he will be one of the MCs. I find myself clamoring for this book (that I don’t even know for sure will be written) already!
I easily recommend this author and this book (as well as the first). Melanie Hansen is now on my radar, and I’m sure as soon as you read her, she’ll be on yours, too!
Title: Beyond the Surface Series: The Breakfast Club, #1 Author: Felice Stevens Genre: Contemporary Length: Novel (229 pages) Publisher: Felice Stevens (August 17, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts Blurb: On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He’s unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick’s life is centered on helping burn victims. Until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.
For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.
When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it’s Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn’t prevent.
Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.
Review: I am so excited – Felice Stevens has a new series! “The Breakfast Club” centers around three men who have been friends since college, each with their own story. Meet Zach the introverted programmer with a lonely heart, Marcus the club owner and destined to be single forever manwhore (YES!!!! I get to read another unapologetic slut!), and Julian, the fashion designer playboy secretly nursing a broken heart from his younger days. The men have remained close, not only keeping in contact but meeting for breakfast weekly, hence the title.
This first book is Julian Cornell’s story of love lost and found again with firefighter Nick Fletcher. The high school lovers were broken apart by Nick’s need to be “normal” and inability to accept that he was gay, and further distanced when Julian left school as a result of intolerance and bullying.
After two decades of being apart a chance meeting reignites the spark between them, bringing forth a love for one another that neither had outgrown. Battling internal issues and wounds that have yet to fully heal, Julian and Nick struggle to deal with the past and present. Challenges within their personal and professional lives threaten to split them apart again, but this time they fight for each other, for their love and happiness.
What a great read! Classic Felice Stevens, complete with sexy scenes (can we say hot-as-sin leather pants and kitchen sex???), shmoopy declarations of love and tender heartfelt moments leading to her guaranteed HEA, this book more than delivers. Her seventh M/M romance, this author’s writing continues to shine and her stories and characters captivate.
As you may have figured, Ms. Stevens is an auto-read (and reread) for me. I easily recommend if you’re a fan of romance, HEAs, sexy fashion designers and/or firemen – even if you just want to read about second chance love with some leather pants thrown in!
As Julian and Nick begin their HEA, one more member is added to this exclusive breakfast club, and this reader is ready to move on to the next story… Oh, Zach… I’m waiting…
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya peeps, we have Felice Stevens stopping by today with her brand new release Beyond the Surface from her brand new series The Breakfast Club. We have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Zane’s review, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Beyond the Surface
(The Breakfast Club 01)
by
Felice Stevens
On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He’s unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick’s life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.
For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.
When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it’s Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn’t prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.
Blurb: Cory fled the foothills to deal with the pain of losing Adrian, and Green watched her go. Separately, they could easily grieve themselves to death, but when an old enemy of Green’s brings them back together, they can no longer hide from their grief—or their love for each other.
But Cory’s grieving has cut her off from the emotional stability that’s the source of her power, and Green’s worry for her has left them both weak. Cory’s strength comes from love, and she finds that when she’s in the presence of Adrian’s best friend, Bracken, she feels stronger still.
But defeating their enemy is by no means a sure thing. As the attacks against Cory and her lovers keep coming, it becomes clear that their love might not be enough if they can’t heal each other—and themselves—from the wounds that almost killed them all.
Review: At first release (2005), Amy Lane’s “Little Goddess” series was clearly a precursor to her future work. Showcasing her creativity and writing skills, it introduced the author and her characters as forces to be reckoned with. Now, in a second edition, “Little Goddess” is back. Better than ever. If you haven’t read it, stop now and pick up “Vulnerable”. You’ll need it before reading “Wounded”, and really, it’s a damn good book.
Picking up where Vulnerable leaves off, Cory and Green are grief-stricken and attempting to heal, though not finding solace in one another as lovers should. True to Amy Lane’s style, forces beyond their control will soon change that. The lovers and those around them who are also in pain must come together to control their destiny.
Secondary characters are brought to the forefront. There are new names, faces, and relationships; no character is unimportant in this series. Ms. Lane continues to build Green and Cory’s world(s), with more layers of love, romance, family, loyalty and yes, treachery and betrayal. Age old opposing forces of good vs. evil, love vs. hate arise as Cory, Green, their friends, family and enemies struggle to persevere. We learn more about their magic, their preternatural selves and their importance to one another.
Lane immerses us in rich character history; in this first volume of “Wounded” Green’s past is further revealed. Faces from said past have returned – both to help and to cause harm. The bond between Green, Cory and their loved ones, how they handle this as a united front, as a family, through the danger is the crux of this amazing story.
As with any Amy Lane book, there is love and romance, but here it is taken to another level. The intimate moments are not just love and sex, but are filled with magic, beauty, romance, sadness and angst. There are happy and tender moments as well, and sometimes it is a combustible whirlwind of it all. There are times when love literally saves the day.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Ms. Lane is the master of her craft. Her skill with the written word is one of the best I’ve encountered. It draws me in every time, bringing me back for each new release, and at times for a reread of one of my many favorites.
Being reintroduced to these characters, I remembered why I fell so hard. For all their power there is such vulnerability; they are easy to love. I’m so invested in them and their world. I urge you to venture into the world of “Little Goddess”, the world Amy built. Let a little fantasy into your reality – not only will you not regret it, you’ll come back for more.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hiya peeps, we have the brilliant Felice Stevens visiting us today with her newest release Embrace the Fire, Felice lets us have a peek at an excerpt and has brought along a great giveaway, we also have Zane’s review for you to check out so enjoy the post an click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Embrace the Fire
(Through Hell & Back 03)
by
Felice Stevens
Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but finally he’s accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
Hi guys, we now have Mickie B. Ashling visiting with the blog tour for her newest release Enforcing Emory, we have a brilliant excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and we have Zane’s awesome review, so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Enforcing Emory
by
Mickie B. Ashling
Olympic figure skater Emory Lowe falls in lust the moment he lays eyes on his new neighbor, hockey player Nikolai (Nik) Vetrov. On the surface, Nik is a typical badass enforcer, intimidating and dangerous, on and off the ice. The only son of Ukrainian immigrants, Nik has been groomed from childhood to fulfill his father’s dreams of seeing him in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Igor guides his son toward that goal with a controlling—and abusive—hand, steering him clear of anyone who might ruin his chances.
Although Emory is the US National Figure Skating champion, he’s in-your-face gay, and his audacious persona rubs Nik and his family the wrong way. Raised by supportive and loving parents, Emory is Nik’s polar opposite in every way but one—his desire to succeed. Underneath the fluff and glitter beats the heart of a fierce competitor, and this side of Emory’s personality begins to close the distance between the two athletes.
While the attraction was one-sided in the beginning, Nik finds himself responding to Emory’s flirting. Before the incongruous pair have a chance at any sort of relationship, they must survive the pressures of career, separation, and most importantly, Igor’s ruthless homophobia.
Review:“Love Cubed” – the title and blurb caught my attention and drew me in. I was so excited to read this! Eddy LeFey is not a name I recognize, but I’m always willing to give first-time or new-to-me writers a chance.
I liked the concept/story, it held my interest, and my curiosity was most certainly piqued as to what exactly this “trauma” was that Francis had suffered. Francis and the rest of the characters were diverse and interesting; I wanted to know more about each of them as I continued reading. I loved the concept of a ‘throuple’ (new word to me) in a collegiate setting.
Those positives, the fact that I received the book as an ARC for review, and really, just wanting to know the outcome of these three young men are the reasons I did not DNF this book. Even with a good story and good characters there were glaring issues that I just could not overlook, and I did try.
The writing was problematic for me. There was some serious head hopping going on; I frequently had to stop to figure out who was talking/thinking. Then, the characters’ names were all over the place. If the character was speaking or being addressed, his name was in the sentence. It was extremely wordy and repetitive.
People were saying the same thing they had said a couple of chapters back and then some – so much of this could have been edited out.
In erotic fiction, phrases like “special place”, and “private place” are very uncomfortable to read, and tend to feel, well, creepy. If you’re writing about sex that is sexy to the characters, it should be sexy to the reader. The one major sex scene was equally uncomfortable as was the concept that the abused Francis would want to lose his ‘consensual’ virginity to an attempt of double penetration. With reference to the erotic dialogue, realistically, even college kids say cock, balls and ass.
Ah, college kids. Throughout the read, I kept pausing and telling myself -“College kids don’t talk like this!!!!!” The endearments were cloying and not realistic – “water-bug”, “song-bird”, “lover-boy”. People have boyfriends and lovers, not “intimates”. As simple as the writing was, the dialogue was much older and stodgier than the characters themselves. If that isn’t enough, characters were ‘emoting’. Okay… just tell me what they’re feeling. Use adjectives.
Please!!!!
I struggled with a rating for this; ultimately because I did like the concept, characters and plot I gave this a 2.5. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this book. However, I did (after putting this down) read other reviews and there are those that loved this book and everything about it. As a reader first and foremost, I urge you to do your research and come to your own conclusion.
Though this one most certainly wasn’t for me, who knows? It might work for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Series: N/A Author: Astrid Amara Genre: Sci Fi/Fantasy Length: Novel (224 pages) Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (May 26th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts Blurb: Worst Possible Birthday: Being sold into slavery by none other than your lover.
Tover Duke’s rare ability to move anything instantly across light-years of space makes him a powerful, valuable asset to the Harmony Corporation, and a rock star among the people of the colonies. His life is luxurious. Safe. Routine.
He has his pick of casual hookups passing through Dadelus-Kaku Station. His one brush with danger of any kind—the only bright spot in his otherwise boring life—is Cruz Arcadio, a dark-haired, hard-bodied engineer whose physical prowess hints he’s something much more.
When a terrorist abducts Tover, hurling him into a world of torture, exploitation and betrayal, it’s with shattering disbelief that he realizes his kidnapper is none other than Cruz. As Tover struggles to find the courage to escape his bondage, he begins to understand the only way to free his body, his mind—and his heart—is to trust the one man who showed him that everything about his once-perfect life was a lie.
Warning: This story contains descriptions of extreme violence and assault. It also contains graphic sexual depictions. It also has a lot of birds. And pirate movies from the future. And romance.
Review: Kidnapped on your birthday? By your lover? Well, this started off with quite the bang! Sci-Fi is not a ‘go-to’ for me, so I was thrilled to find that the world building though complex wasn’t confusing. Astrid Amara has shown such attention to detail, building a future-fantasy world so layered, so rich that the words painted vivid pictures in my mind.
The characters were fleshed out just as deeply. Tover, the ‘rock star’ navigator, living the life of luxury, naïve and/or in denial of the injustices of the world around him. We are with Tover from his initial abduction throughout his torturous captivity, witnessing his rescue, escape and freedom.
Who are the allies? The enemies? Are they one and the same? Cruz, Tover’s some-time lover, the engineer, aide to the terrorists that kidnapped him? Terrorist himself? Is he this horrible traitor, or is he really just misunderstood? Not everything is what it seems.
There is a definite darkness to this story as indicated in the blurb. There is indeed violence and torture (no rape/noncom) which though not easy to read, was completely in line with the book and subject matter, including PTSD suffered by Tover. Shining through those tough times were moments of romance and heroism, of happiness and self-discovery.
Being a romantic sap, it was not lost on me that the place Tover truly found himself, the home of Cruz and his family, was called Carida, which sounds quite like ‘querida’, an endearment of love and caring in Spanish/Portuguese. The descriptive beauty, the events and dialogue that took place in Carida are some of my favorite in this book.
Ms. Amara has penned an epic journey of loss and love, where the hero does save the day (more than once) and love does win out. Though not the usual sweet and humorous read I have come to expect from this author, this latest release has only reaffirmed why Astrid Amara is an auto-buy for me, and why I can easily recommend this to one and all.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Jane Davitt popping in with the tour for her newest release Closing The Loop, we have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Zane’s review, so ejnoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Closing The Loop
by
Jane Davitt
A “closed loop” voyage occurs when a vessel departs from a port and returns to the same port upon completion of the voyage.
A week on a tropical gay cruise is just what Lee needs after a bad breakup and a Canadian winter. It’s a shame his ex is on board, but Lee is sharing a cabin with Cole, a hot lawyer who—as luck would have it—is actually from Lee’s city. So when Cole unexpectedly awakens Lee’s kinky side, Lee begins to dream that they can actually take their shipboard romance home with them.
But Cole is keeping secrets involving a troubled young man on board the ship. And Lee, after his recent brush with betrayal, finds it difficult to trust Cole when he says Justin isn’t a rival.
Then he learns the truth and is also drawn into the tragic story. His dream vacation is in danger of turning dark, but he’s determined to navigate Cole and himself to a safe harbor before their blisteringly hot romance is lost at sea.
Blurb: When Teyth was but a child, a cruel prince took over his village, building a great granite tower to rule over the folk. Greedy and capricious, the man will be the bane of Teyth’s existence as an adult, but as a boy, Teyth is too busy escaping his stepfather to worry about his ruler.
Sold into apprenticeship to the local blacksmith, Teyth finds that what was meant as a punishment is actually his salvation. Cairsten, the smith, and Diarmuid, his adopted son, are kind, and the smithy is the prosperous heart of a thriving village. As Teyth grows in the craft of metalwork, he also grows in love for Diarmuid, the gentle, clever young man who introduces him to smithing.
Their prince wants Diarmuid too. As the tyrant inflicts loss upon loss on Teyth and Diarmuid, Teyth’s passion for his craft twists into obsession. By the time Teyth resurfaces from his quest to create immortality, he’s nearly lost the love that makes being human worth the pain. Teyth was born to sculpt his emotion into metal, and Diarmuid was born to lead. Together, can they keep their village safe and sustain the love that will make them immortal?
Review: So… Amy Lane decided to write her version of a fairy tale. Of course, this couldn’t just be *ANY* old fairy tale. It has to be not just of romance but of a darkness with angst and pain… with a brightness all its own, spun and woven with the most elaborate web of words as only she can do. It is those very words that paint the picture, which give the detail, from the landscape to each character to the minutiae of their very attire – words that enable you to visualize all that occurs.
As with any fairy tale, where there is good, there must be evil, and it does triumph at times. There is an evil stepfather, an evil prince. There is love lost, love found in many different ways. There are times when the ugliness of violence pervades all that is good. Somehow, though, the good does shine through. Love and romance shine through. The balance of such things is what makes this author the success she is, what makes this book the literary work of art it is.
I have always referred to Amy Lane as a master wordsmith. I’ve yet to read another whose very words paint such visions of color and light, of despair and darkness. Those words of beauty are a treasure I appreciate each and every time I am blessed enough to read them. Having read almost all of her books, I can honestly say “Immortal” is the most beautiful, the most haunting. Written in older English style, the tale of Teyth and Diarmuid captivated me from the very beginning.
Teyth, whose name literally means ‘silence’, is an artist of the soul, besieged by the need to create, a need which supersedes anything and everything including love of self and love of mate. Diarmuid, his mate, loves Teyth beyond reason, which is as one would like to think love should be. Though he is caused undue pain by him, he loves Teyth, not in spite of this but because of it, as it makes the man whom he loves. Through these two we learn of love real and true, and that beauty and ugliness are sometimes not so far apart. Their pain and suffering are epically proportionate to their love and devotion.
Tormented by strife both internal and external, by love and loss, by violence and evil, does their love stand the test of time? Teyth with his silence, his need to feed his artistic soul, Diarmuid with his desire to lead them to peace and happiness, away from all that threatens them… their love for each other throughout all of this… can they find what they long for?
I say ‘fairy tale’ but this is by no means a typical HEA. Rather, in a fantastic and magical series of events we are gifted with a truly appropriate and beautiful ending to this epic tale. In their very own way, Teyth and Diarmuid did become “Immortal” – both in Amy’s story and in my heart.
Leave it to Amy Lane to write a fairy tale that kicks my ass. Leave it to me to ask, no, BEG her to do it again. The tears, the wonder – the words. Teyth and Diarmuid stole my heart and broke me. I finished with wet eyes, a sort of mended heart, and much like Teyth, with no words.
Now that I seem to have found them again, I can’t possibly recommend this book or this author enough. Thank you Amy, for the gift of your words, for the gift of “Immortal”.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys we have Debbie McGowan & Raine O’Tierney popping in today with the blog tour for their newest release Leaving Flowers, they answer a couple of questions for us, there’s a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Zane’s review for you to check out. So enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link
Attractive young man sitting against brick wall and plant leaves, looking away
Leaving Flowers
by
Debbie McGowan and Raine O’Tierney
Shy and awkward since childhood, Aidan Degas is now a man lost. His twin—Aidan’s other half, Nadia—died tragically young, leaving him with nothing to get him through his days but his job at the prestigious Grand Heights Luxury Apartments and the flowers he lays upon her grave. When Aidan is assaulted on the job by a tenant, it’s the graveyard he turns to for strength and solace.
Patrick loves being assistant groundskeeper at the sprawling cemetery where he tends graves and offers a bit of comfort to mourners. When he sees a sad young man lingering over an old grave, his curiosity is strangely piqued for reasons he doesn’t understand. He’s never done this—struck up a friendship with a mourner. But soon that friendship blossoms into a romance.
It’s not going to be easy for the pair. Aidan is so damaged, like petals crushed in an angry fist, and even with Patrick’s warm heart and Irish charm, it might not be enough to bring him back from the edge.
Title: Uncovering Ray Author: Edie Danford Series: Ellery College, #1 Genre: New Adult Romance Length: Novel (309 pages) ISBN: 9781619226418 Publisher: Samhain Publishing (April 28th, 2015) Heat Level: Explicit Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts Reviewer: Zane Blurb: When the right love uncovers the wrong secrets…
Hey, man–you a chick or a dude? Dealing with the same old boring question is a downer for college drop-out Ray Fayette, especially when it’s asked by the low-tipping, over-privileged students at the Ellery Diner.
When six-foot-five, muscle-bound straight arrow Wyatt Kelly publicly smacks down a fellow frat bother for caveman behavior, Ray’s interest is sparked. Wyatt’s not-so-subtle attraction sparks a few other things too.
But getting to know Wyatt proves dangerous. His sexy smiles and smart questions slide under even Ray’s prickliest defenses. Worse, his academic mentor happens to be Ray’s ex-stepfather, the dictatorial jerk who just kicked Ray out of his house. Again.
Wyatt suggests a housing arrangement that has surprising appeal—there’s space available at his frat house—but he’s unaware just how complicated Ray’s “identity issues” are. Ellery College kicked out Ray for a reason—a reason that could deep-six Wyatt’s academic career and Ray’s newly hopeful heart.
Review: Edie Danford’s “Uncovering Ray” brings us into the genderqueer world – a world where the individual does not identify as either male or female. Is Ray a boy or a girl? Does it matter? Perhaps it wasn’t supposed to, but it did matter to me. I wanted to just go with the flow and be this really cool person and just feel like “Well that’s just Ray, not a ‘he’ or a ‘she” but nope. I fell into the trap. The whole book, I wanted to know. Is Ray male? Is Ray female?
Wyatt succeeded where I failed. Apparently he took one look at Ray and that was it for him. While I applaud and appreciate this, I never felt I got a true glimpse into Wyatt’s head in that regard. I wanted to know if Wyatt questioned himself, questioned Ray’s gender. That being said I loved Wyatt. I loved the idea of a guy being just that cool. He seemed older than his years… whereas Ray seemed younger.
The story itself is of Ray, who Ray is, with and without Wyatt. Ray is messed up, much like many young adults that find themselves in the unique position of not identifying specifically with one particular gender. Ray’s history is a little vague at times, but you do see the struggle, the battle with family, society and self to be, quite simply, Ray.
While the first half of the book seemed to move a little slowly for me, it was the lead in, the build-up for the conflict and strife ahead. There is romance and sex; there’s angst, upset and resolution, all of which surprisingly had me in tears, both happy and sad. I’m not much for book crying, but Ray tugged at my heart.
It is eventually revealed whether Ray is female or male.
Surprisingly, as much as I wanted to know, the reveal defeated the point for me. If it really didn’t matter, then Ray should have remained… Ray.
Kudos to the author for some really difficult accomplishments – while I’ve read other genderqueer books, this is the first that did not inundate me with excessive use of pronouns, did not have me stopping every few paragraphs to wonder whose point of view I was reading. A main character without a specific gender role is not easy to read, and really, for a good part of the book, there was no male, no female. There was only Ray.
The start of this series has definitely captivated and held my interest. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the second book, simply because I want to read whatever it is that Edie Danford is writing next. If you’re looking for straight up MM or even MF this is not for you. If you’re willing to read something different and think you can keep an open mind, take a chance and give this a go. It challenged me; I think it might challenge you. Who knows? You might come out of the read looking at things a little bit differently; I know I did.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **
Title: Second to None
Title: More Than a Friend
Title: Rough Road,
Title: Signs of Life
Title: Beyond the Surface
Title: Wounded (Vol. 1), 2nd edition
Title: Love Cubed
Title: Song of the Navigator
Title: Immortal
Title: Uncovering Ray