Condor and the Crown by John Simpson

Title: Condor and the Crown

Series: Condor 05

Author: John Simpson

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (23rd September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When former President of the United States David Windsor is appointed the American ambassador to the Court of St. James, it necessitates a move to England. Uprooting his family and moving his staff, David and his husband, ex-Secret Service Agent Shane Thompson-Windsor, settle into Winfield House with their adopted son, Jack, and two feisty Scottie puppies.

Life is finally settling into a routine when Jack is abducted by Libyan nationals. No longer able to call directly upon US military forces, David turns to his successor as President, Victoria Wilson, to enlist her aid and gain her approval of a daring rescue attempt, and asks his cousin King William for help luring the kidnapper to British soil for retribution. It’s a mission that will ultimately involve the British Marines and even personal phone calls to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi as David will stop at nothing to see his son safely home.

Review: Another incredible story from John Simpson. David Windsor and Shane Thompson-Windsor are back along with their adopted son Jack in this new exciting installment of Condor. In this one, David and Shane work together along with the American Government to rescue their son from Libyan nationals; dealing with the fall out and exacting their revenge.

This is a brilliant addition to the Condor series and doesn’t let it down. The anger and fear that David and Shane feel when they find out that Jack has been kidnapped comes out of the pages at you.   The way that Jack tries to be brave for his dads is heart-breaking and the rage and vengeance that they feel to their son’s kidnapper is understandable.

I also loved that we saw quite a bit of Darren Wilson (President Victoria Wilson’s son) and he met a new love interest. I also liked all the details that were invested in this story as the descriptions of the Palaces were quite knowledgeable. I was a bit thrown with King William not being married in this and Prince Harry having two sons.

(Sorry…but this is a bug bear of mine.) I would also like to point out that in England (where I live ;-)) the police do not pull up in front of you to stop you, (as David told Shane they did).   They signal you with lights and sirens to pull over and they pull in behind you.  It is true that a diplomat is not required to stop though.

So all in all a brilliant story that I will recommend to everyone and advise them to buy, a definite for the ‘read now’ list.

Hunter Angel, Mignight Gamble by Ryssa Edwards

Title: Hunter Angel, Midnight Gamble

Series: Immortal Pleasures 03

Author: Ryssa Edwards

Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary

Length: Novella (86pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: It’s not impossible for a human to fall for an angel–but when the angel is a bounty hunter with a debt to pay before he can take a mate and the human is a purple-haired Goth who runs a gay nightclub, the course of true love is downright terrifying.

Azriel, Hunter Angel, is paying for mistakes he made eons ago. His lonely life didn’t matter until he fell wings-over-heels in love with Zane, a purple-haired virgin who runs a gay Goth club in New York City. Now the Hunter is longing for the right to take a mate–a right he has to win by capturing Draken, a renegade angel who’s trying to start World War III.

Zane felt an instant attraction to the tall, dark, and scary Hunter Angel when Azriel healed him of an accidental injury. But then Azriel did a vanishing act.

The Renegade angel Draken has learned that Azriel is on his trail–and he decides he wants to put his mark on Zane and challenge Azriel to a duel.

To win his heart`s desire, Azriel must risk what he cannot bear to lose–Midnight Gamble, winner take all.

Review: This is another great story from Ryssa Edwards. I would recommend that the Immortal Pleasures series is read in order.  You don’t have to, but I recommend you do… lol.  Zane is part owner of the club Redemption.   He’s been waiting for nearly six months for Azriel to come around again.   Azriel wants Zane something fierce but needs to redeem himself before he is worthy of Zane.

Zane won’t take no messing about and he makes sure people know it.   He is proud of his club it’s his baby and he loves it.   Azriel is determined to protect Zane.   I loved watching how sweet Azriel was when he courted Zane and how these two come together to overcome the evil that is after them.   Watching Azriel hold himself back as Zane puts himself in danger because he trusts Azriel is really sweet.

So I recommend you go out and buy this as… Ooohhh so hot hunky Angels, both light and dark, just looking for those mortals that complete them… what’s not to love.  A sweet sexy read and I can’t wait for the next one.

 

The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe

Title: The Gladiator’s Master

Author: Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe

Genre: Ancient Rome

Length: Novel (233pgs Epub)

Publisher: Carina Press (19 September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When Roman politician Caelius inherits a stable of gladiators, there is one who captures his attention above the others…one whose eyes gleam with hate, pride and desire.

Forced into slavery by Roman greed, Gaidres can barely conceal his contempt toward his new Dominus. Gaidres has a plan: kill Caelius and end the lineage of the Roman family that enslaved him. For his plan to succeed, he must make a show of respect and obedience—even when called on to service his master’s desires.

Gaidres is shocked to learn that in the confines of his quarters, Caelius doesn’t want to dominate his slave, but to be taken by him. The sex is explosive as they break society’s taboos and, to Gaidres’s dismay, they form a tenuous relationship. Even when Caelius learns of Gaidres’s plans for revenge, he knows he can’t live without his perfect lover. Is he willing to risk it all to tame his gladiator’s heart?

Review: This is an incredible piece of writing which is historically accurate. Gaidres is a Thracian who was forced to become a slave when his village was laid to waste by a Roman who wanted a Thracian in his ludus, as his Gladiator.   Caelius is the new Dominus, inheriting from his uncle.  He is not like most Romans as he actually cares about his slaves.

These two men come together and they strike sparks off each other.  Caelius is determined that in the end he will have Gaidres’ heart and Gaidres is determined that he will kill Caelius. Gaidres is a man with no forgiveness in him after what happened when he was captured and he will make the Romans pay.   But, as he gets to know Caelius he is greatly conflicted as his hatred and bitterness turns to something else and he feels guilt that he is betraying his lost love.   This is far from an easy struggle for him and it tears at him greatly and it isn’t until he thinks that Caelius may be dead that he admits how he really feels. Caelius is a man who knows what he wants and he is different in how he wants it as he is submissive in bed, but he is a strong and capable man out of bed.   He is also fair and compassionate and wants to change the way things are.   Which is maybe a bit advanced for this timeline but then again someone has to start a movement to get it going.

The plot was fantastic; the sex is hot and explosive.   There is rich detail and the character portrayals are brilliant and the way the history came alive as you got to know the characters and those they interacted with was incredible. Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe you have brought another story to life.  Thank you.

I recommend that everyone read this as it really is brilliant. I mean, come on, hot Gladiators, hot Dominus, sword fights, back stabbing plots, tragic disaster and cute kids this is a definite “must read”.

 

 

 

 

 

The Nobelman and the Knave by Pelaam

Title: The Nobleman and the Knave

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Historical, Gay Romance

Length: Novel (153pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (24th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Timon uncovers a world he never dreamed existed when his comfortable life is turned upside down after rescuing a young slave destined to be a rich man’s toy.

Timon promises the slave, Agapito, that he will return the young man to his home and family. However, fulfilling that promise is jeopardized when his own sister’s fiancé, the black hearted Sir Jocelyn, decides not only to reclaim the slave destined to be his, but to claim them both as his own.

Review: Timon is determined to keep his word to Agapito and get him home after buying him from a pirate to save him from Sir Jocelyn, even if it means putting himself in danger. Agapito falls in love with his rescuer and is determined to rescue Timon in return when Sir Jocelyn sets his sights on Timon as well.

This is a sweet love story that leaves you with a warm smile on your face as you read about these two young men who fall in love with each other and come out the victors in a surprising twist. Timon is a very big-hearted man who is willing to overlook his sister’s faults although you want to shake him and tell him his sister is nothing but a self-centered b***h who would sell him for a pretty bauble if she could.   Agapito is a sweet young man who keeps a secret to the last and you really do cheer them both on as they fall in love.

The sex scenes are truly making love and are as explicit as they are hot, sweet and heartfelt, the storyline is solid with no holes in it and everything is tied up nicely by the end and Sir Jocelyn is punished in a way that for him must be torture (although you do wish both Agapito and Timon weren’t so nice). It was also nice that both Captain Ghislain and Leighton were given protection as well. The characters drew you into the story and had you hoping for a happy ending not just for the two MC’s but their supporting characters as well.

So I have to recommend this to everyone as it’s a sweet romantic love story that is best read with a cup of tea and a box of chocolates and it will leave you with a warm glow, as well as a wish for a story for Captain Ghislain and Leighton.

 

 

 

Blood Howl by Robin Saxon and Alex Kidwell

Title: Blood Howl

Author: Robin Saxon & Alex Kidwell

Check out the dynamic duos interview with MM Good Book Reviews – Champagne Sips with Alex and Robin

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (186pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner (12 September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Gun for hire Jed Walker doesn’t figure it for a difficult job—a simple smash and grab retrieval—except his new client doesn’t want money or goods. He wants shy, gorgeous Redford Reed, a man who turns Jed’s world upside down inside a day. He is in no way prepared to fall hard and fast for his newest assignment.

Redford Reed lives his life locked in his grandmother’s house, haunted by a terrible curse and watching the world pass him by until Jed shows up, sent by a man who will stop at nothing to claim Redford as his own. Teaming up with Jed is Redford’s only chance at survival, but as the violence escalates, so does the tension between them. Even though they each finally have something to live for, now it’s going to take all Jed’s skill and every bit of courage Redford has just to stay alive.

Review: Redford is a trapped in a lonely existence, in a dull drab house, until Jeb cons his way in. Jeb is an odd job man and the more dangerous the jobs are the better.  When he takes a job to steal something and he’s told that it’s the only thing of value at the house he thinks it’s an easy job.

This book was brilliant.  It’s not your usual werewolf story and there are no instant mates or love. Redford, you just feel sorry for as he’s been brought up by his grandmother who would lock him up in a cage on the full moon and since she died he has had no real contact with anyone and is very lonely. Jeb realizes that he can’t go through with the job and takes Redford under his wing.

These two men couldn’t be more different if they tried; you have Redford who is shy, innocent and sweet and Jeb who is brash, sexually outgoing and tough.  What we get when these two men are together is a surprising love story. Watching as Jeb discovers new things about himself and then panic over them is cute.   I thought his and Redford’s relationship was even cuter and the way they were always being interrupted when things got interesting was funny and frustrating.

I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, werewolves, big guns, explosions and a big tough guy turning to pools of goo for the man they love.

When Dawn Breaks by Eden Cole

Title: When Dawn Breaks

Author: Eden Cole

Genre: BDSM/Multiple Partners

Length: Novella (15,425w)

Publisher: Risky Ink (1st September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit/Scorching

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 1/2

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Steven has an undeniable desire, a passion, a craving–to be tied up and spanked. He wants to be given orders and treated roughly during sex by two big men. He can’t help himself, and resisting the urge will drive him insane. For the last year, he’s been visiting a club where Jasper and Nic meet his needs very well. But Steven also wants a relationship with someone special. He wants to be loved.

Ever since their one date, Patrick has been after Steven to go out again and develop something serious. Steven can’t risk Patrick finding out about his secret. A warm and caring man like Patrick could never understand his desires, so Steven deflects Patrick’s advances as much as he wants to be with him.

When an unexpected disaster happens, everything in the dark must come to light.

Review: I think this is the first time that I have had mixed feelings about an Eden Cole book. Patrick is a gentle man who will do what he must to have Steven, Steven has secret desires that he knows Patrick cannot fulfill so he tries his best to rebuff him and seeks what he wants at a shady club.

Ok, this is what conflicts me about this book – Patrick is a wonderful man and will give Steven anything he needs but he won’t hurt him.  Steven is more like a spoiled brat who wants to have his cake and eat it, when he can’t get what he wants off Patrick he causes fights and tries to look for the men who gave him what he wanted before he got with Patrick. Patrick ends up giving into Steven and he has to stand by while two men hurt the one he loves…all to please Steven.  So that is the conflict I have. Steven and Patrick love each other, but Steven will not be satisfied unless he is being hurt.   So Patrick will let two men have sex with and hurt Steven. I honestly cannot see this as working out between these two men and don’t think it is realistic at all.

Saying that though, the sex is scorching and more than makes up for the story line, so I would recommend this to those who love BDSM, hot sex and multiple partners.

 

 

 

 

Sing for your Supper by Jaime Samms

Title: Sing For Your Supper

Author: Jaime Samms

Genre: Cowboy/Western, M/M, M/M/M

Length: Novella (68pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (15th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Hunger can drive a man to do just about anything in order to satisfy it, but when it’s hunger of the heart, will past relationships keep three men wanting more?

Taylor has left home, chased out by his family because he’s gay, and pursued across the prairies by the man who violently assaulted him in his own home. Now he’s homeless, friendless and using his charm and skills learned on his knees before his father’s farm hands to pay for his meals.

Matt sees something more than a desperate whore in the young rancher who comes to his diner in hopes a quick blow job will buy him a meal. He sees past Taylor’s current circumstances to a man who just needs a clean break.

Matt sends Taylor off to his friend Jim’s ranch hoping the older man will see the same things in Taylor and give him the opportunity to start over. No one expects the visceral attraction between the rancher and his new hire.

When Taylor’s past catches up to him, and he realizes he’s put both men in jeopardy just for trying to help him, he thinks maybe he deserves to be branded the fool he is.

Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Saddle Up ‘N Ride anthology by Total-E-Bound

Review: Taylor is running from his past and for the past six months he’s had to do things he isn’t proud of to keep going.  He is reaching a breaking point when he meets Matt.  Matt owns a diner and he takes pity on Taylor sending him to the ranch of his friend Jim.   Jim takes Taylor on and when Taylor’s past catches up to him a few secrets are revealed.

At first, I didn’t see where this story was going but I was pleased with the unconventional storyline, Taylor’s fear and hopelessness comes across clearly, Matt seems easy-going but a bit of a riddle and we figure out something unsavory happened to him in the past and Jim is like a solid tree; standing tall and true for these two hurt men.

I really did enjoy this book and I am sure you will agree that this is not the usual type of relationship that we see in the m/m genre simply because it doesn’t follow the unspoken rules of what a happy ever after should be.

I will recommend this to anyone who loves complex men, complicated relationships, hot sex and an unconventional ending.

 

 

 

Profound in his Silence by G. R. Richards

Title: Profound In His Silence

Author: G.R. Richards

Genre: Contemporary/ Interracial / Multicultural / Ménage (M/M/M) / Exhibitionism / Public Places

Length: Novella (68pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure) (11th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Will an opera novice snag the leading role…or the leading man?

For a cocky young opera performer, there sure are a lot of things Charles has never done. Until he snags the title role in a new production of Debussy’s impressionist opera Pelléas et Mélisande, he’s never even played a part outside the men’s chorus.

Rehearsals are hell with a merciless director like Jean-Luc, but Charles’s conversations with co-star Bo make the days bearable. In fact, things just keep getting better when the director finally admits that his artistic vision involves strong homoerotic overtones. Charles can get on board with that idea, on stage and also in his budding relationship with Bo, but in this domain, too, there are things Charles has never done.

Can Bo assuage Charles’s fears on his own, or will the director need to take charge once again?

Review: Ok, I have to say this one grew on me the longer I read it.  Charles is acting his first lead character role in an Opera and he is very nervous but Charles has a problem… when he is nervous his mouth runs away with him.  Bo is also a lead character and is more of a strong silent type.

Charles at first came across as a spoiled brat because his mouth ran away with him a lot.   But, he was actually nervous and I was quite shocked at how explosive his coming together with Bo was for the first time as there wasn’t a lot of indication that there was an attraction between them.  Bo was quite sweet in his acceptance of Charles’s fear and I wasn’t at first sure how to take his solution to the problem and am still slightly conflicted about it.  We don’t get to know any of the characters all that well and we rarely see any of them outside the rehearsals.  I was disappointed that we only really saw them once as a couple outside the rehearsal and even then it was before they got together and you know that they have gotten closer when we haven’t been looking.

The sex is hot and there is one m/m/m scene but it is essential to the story and the progression of Bo’s and Charles’s relationship. So hot sex, an ok storyline and a happily ever after.

 

 

 

Ralston's Way by Talia Carmichael

Title: Ralston’s Way

Series: Prentiss 01

Author: Talia Carmichael

Genre: Western

Length: Novella (80pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (22 August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When the computer guru meets the rancher who likes things his way, who will have their way?

Blayne Dalton knows from their first introduction he will need all his calm reasonable skills to deal with Morgan Ralston. The rancher is aggravating and determined to avoid him. The calm he is known for goes out of the window. He can’t decide if he’d rather deck him or kiss him senseless. How do you rope a cowboy? You teach him that not everything has to be his way.

Morgan Ralston likes things his way. On his ranch, he is the one who make the decisions. Well at least he is supposed to be. When his brother decides to hire a new office manager and cook he knows it will lead to nothing but disruptions. What he gets is not what he expected. The man who becomes his office manager is not a problem to the ranch. The trouble is of a more personal nature—to his libido. Avoiding him doesn’t work. It’s time to approach this as he does everything else. After all when it comes down to it…there isn’t any other way but Ralston’s Way.

Review: I liked this book as it was a cute read.  Morgan is a typical cowboy he’s grouchy, likes things his way and has a soft heart under a hard shell.  Blayne is not your typical computer geek and he is interested in finding out more about Morgan.

The story line was good and has laid a solid foundation for future Prentiss books. Morgan is a great guy who exhibits gruff thoughtfulness and great sense of humor.   He doesn’t come across as romantic but it is all the little things that he does that shows he cares.   Blayne is smart, sexy and has a temper (with Morgan that is) and Morgan’s behavior confuses him.   He actually asks his dad about it and he’s told that Morgan is courting him.  At times there doesn’t seem to be any emotion between the two MC’s, but I think that might be because of the way things are described.   Because, the actions of the two show us that there is quite a bit of feelings involved. The rest of the characters who we were introduced to seem cool and the interaction between them as a family was heart-warming (you know the teasing, the irritating, the annoying, the little slaps and the joking) and I look forward to the future books.

This is a lovely light read that has hot sex, a misunderstanding, lots of hot men and a happy ever after, so really what are you waiting for.

 

 

Bound for the Forest by Kay Berrisford

Title: Bound For the Forest

Author: Kay Berrisford

Genre: Historical (1817), Fantasy/Paranormal, BDSM

Length: Novel (218 pgs.)

Publisher: Loose Id (13th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer:  Pixie

Blurb: England, 1817. Ex-soldier Melmoth Brien returns to his ancestral home in the ancient Greenwood, intending to retrieve his family’s valuables and get the hell out of there. When he’s beaten to it by Scarlet, a young woodsman turned thief, Brien overpowers him and ties him up, demanding he help get the family fortune back by leading him deep into the forest. The flash of sexual fire between them is undeniable, but a force more powerful than rivalry or lust is ratcheting up the tension.

Brien’s family are Protectors of the Greenwood, a responsibility he has discarded like every other in his life. To Scarlet, whose very life-force is bound to the Greenwood, this makes Brien a traitor. He would use anything, even his body, to drive him away. After all, a traitor may stir the fouler Spirits, who will demand blood. And Scarlet knows he is marked for sacrifice…

Lured ever deeper into a realm of ritualized sex and magic, bondage and blood, the fighting gives way to rampant lovemaking, but Scarlet needs more than just sex to survive. Can Brien admit his identity as a Protector and bind his underling forever, or will the Greenwood Spirits enslave them both?

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM theme and elements, dubious consent, ritualistic sexual practices, ritualistic impalement, sex in partly shifted tree form, violence, and voyeurism.

Review: Melmoth Brien wants just one thing and that’s his family’s hidden treasures so he can pay his debts off before he is dragged to the debtor’s prison.  His plans go awry though when he comes across a young woodsman about to set fire to his old family home. Scarlet has to drive out the intruders before they damage the forest but he never expected Melmoth to appear and ruin his plans.  Now he needs to get rid of Melmoth as he is a faederswica (a traitor) before the bad spirits take over.

This has some fantastic world building and really draws you in to their world.   The characters are well written and interesting and the basis for the Greenwood Lore and its protectors is a good concept. Melmoth is a strong hardy man who has a wanderer’s heart.   He can’t settle anywhere and I think the explanation for this was good.   Scarlet is a strong but submissive man, he will stand up for what he believes in and won’t take any crap from Melmoth.   He also knows that even though he longs for Melmoth, Melmoth will leave and Scarlet has to stay. The conflict between them is good, they don’t have it easy and they both try to fight the attraction and that attraction is scorching.

The sex is hot between the MCs and you can see how their feelings change throughout the book.   There is a slight BDSM theme and the scenes are light BDSM which is worked in quite well.   There are also some scenes that are slightly disturbing that include Scarlet with the Green Man and then the Wild Things.

So I recommend this if you like fantasy/paranormal, light BDSM, hot sex, a sexy lithe man and a hunky ex-captain.

 

 

 

The Egyptian Slave by Alcamia Payne

Title: The Egyptian Slave

Author: Alcamia Payne

Publisher: Xcite Books (January 30, 2011)

ISBN: ISBN: 9781908086402

Genre: Historical (ancient Egypt)

Length: 5000 words

Heat level: Moderate

My Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Artemis

From the Publisher:  Mem, favorite of the pharaoh, has one problem; he seems to have lost his mojo. One day, he gives in to impetuosity and buys a new slave girl, Toomela at the slave market. For some reason boyish Toomela excites Mem, but he can’t think why, especially since she seems to irritate him. However, when Mem decides to indulge himself with the girl he gets more than he bargains for, as Toomela exposes her dark and erotic soul and turns out to be a boy. It seems at last, Mem has found the answer to all of his sexual fantasies.

About the Author:  I can’t imagine not being an author, since I grew up around books and come from a long line of self-confessed book addicts. I actually started writing the moment I could pick up a pen and quickly won numerous small competitions for creative writing which involved flights of fancy and fantasy. After university I did a number of stimulating jobs in translating, medicine, teaching and later as a metaphysician. Always though, I was the frustrated writer and spent all of my spare time scribbling away. I eventually gave vent to my creative passions by writing for the romance and science fiction markets.

My Review:  This was my first experience with a short story so I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of character development and plot. The premise of the story is simple…Mem (a very important man in this ancient Egyptian society) is in an extremely bad mood because he has lost all interest in sex. As a very virile, handsome, and important member of society he USED to bed every slave girl possible but none of them stir his passions at all anymore. He seeks the council of the Pharaoh, physicians, astrologers and the great seer Oba. Mem doesn’t understand why the little slave girl Toomela seems to stir such interest in him. She has no hips, no girlish figure, and is rather impudent!

When Mem decides that Toomela needs a little bit of training on how to be an obedient slave girl, his libido comes back in full force. A little bit of time helping him bath and relax with a massage has Mem ready to believe that his problem is solved. Toomela keeps it hidden quite a while into their sex play before it is finally revealed that SHE is actually a HE and Mem is thrilled with the discovery!

This is a very short story so there really isn’t enough time to develop a plot but the characters are quite enjoyable and the writing is descriptive. I could definitely see a longer story based on this one with some sort of plot twist to liven it up a bit.

There is some light dominant/submissive play and despite the short acquaintance that Mem and Toomela have there seems to be some genuine caring and tender feelings between the two in the end. Overall a very quick read (19 page…under 30 minutes of reading time) but an enjoyable one.

Ex Equals by L. A. Witt

Title: Ex Equals

Author: L.A. Witt

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Extended Novella (152pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure (18th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the first day of his new career as a community college math teacher, Chris Reuben gets an unexpected—and most unwelcome—blast from the past: one of his students is his former navy shipmate…and ex-boyfriend.

Justin Hayes isn’t after a second chance when he signs up for an algebra class taught by his ex. All he wants besides a passing grade is a chance to make amends with the man he loved and hurt while they were deployed together three years ago.

Pain, guilt, and bitterness aren’t the only lingering feelings, though, and even if three years is enough to melt the ice between them, they’ve already risked their careers for each other once. Can Justin convince Chris that what they once had is worth putting careers and hearts on the line again?

Review: I have to say that this was a great read. Chris has just started working at the college as a teacher when his ex walks through the door and he is soooo not happy to see him. Justin has signed up for Chris’s class as a way to confront the past.   He knows he hurt Chris three years ago and now he wants to make amends.

I have to say this story touched my heart.  With the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal just being passed this is a fitting story. After a brief relationship that went horrible wrong when Justin got promoted and made Chris’s life a living hell it was understandable for Chris’s reaction to having Justin back in his life was not a happy one. Justin does try his best to get through to Chris but I don’t think he understood just what he did to Chris.   It wasn’t just that he dumped Chris; it was that he undermined his authority at work and made it impossible for him to carry out his job.   So even if Chris had decided to re-enlist Justin had effectively ruined his career. I found that I respected Chris more because even though he still loved Justin he would no longer let him walk all over him and I know it would have been really hard for him to forgive the way that Justin treated him.

The story flips between the past and the present from both MCs point of views, so we can fully understand what happened between them.   It also shows their fear that although DADT is no longer in effect that it won’t make much difference to the higher-ups if Justin did come out, and that he would be hounded out of the Navy.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it showed a more realistic view of how people behave when they are scared of being outed and a very valid point that although DADT has gone it won’t change some people’s attitudes. So I recommend this as a ‘must read’.

 

 

 

Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost by Z. A. Maxfield

Title: Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost

 Author: Z.A. Maxfield

 Genre: LGBT Paranormal/Contemporary

 Length: Novel (214pgs)

 Publisher: Loose Id (23rd May 2011)

 Heat Level: Moderate

 Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

 Reviewer: Pixie

 Blurb: Fitz Gaffney finally has some breathing room. His mother’s out of town, his piano teachers have backed off, and he gets to spend time at a school where he only has to be adequate for an entire year before all his responsibilities comes crashing back in again. With this freedom comes the realization that he’s lonely, but his first attempt at dating goes horribly awry.

Fitz’s new — but possibly imaginary — friends, Julian and Serge, want to help him find happiness. His used-to-be-stepbrother Ari Scheffield wants to help him gain confidence and a little much-needed cool. His housekeeper Marguerite wants to keep fowl in the back yard for butchering because duck confit is expensive and she has pillows to re-stuff. And his possible new boyfriend Garrett wants to prove he didn’t mean for their first date to end with Fitz lying unconscious in a dumpster.

All Fitz wants is someone who cares about him, and suddenly there seems to be a glut. How’s a shy guy to know what’s real when he’s confronted by crazy ghosts, a less than truthful boyfriend, and relatives with hidden motives? It’s a Rhapsody For Piano And Ghost.

Review: I absolutely adored this story which really surprised me because I have put off reading this book mainly because of the title.   Yeah, I know childish, but it’s been in my ‘to be read’ file for months.   So today I gritted my teeth and opened it up and wished I’d opened it ages ago.

Fitz Gaffney may be a musical genius but when it comes to interacting with others he’s a dud.  Ari Scheffield was Fitz’s step-brother (for 3 months) and has sworn to keep an eye on him for Fitz’s mother.  Garrett Fender is a student at Fitz’s school and is interested in being more.

Fitz is a man who is sweet, innocent and gullible who has been cocooned by his mother from the outside world.   He snatches at the first friendship that comes along and it embarks him on a journey of discovery and true love. Ari feels more for Fitz than brotherly love but he knows that his chances are slim especially when Fitz gets a boyfriend.  The relationship between Fitz and Ari is deeper than we first think and I liked being able to understand their relationship and see its progression.  Even when they were at each other’s throats. Fitz learns that you can’t trust everyone and that it’s okay to rely on others for support sometimes.

Okay this book is brilliant and funny and I loved most of the characters to death. The story is written beautifully and is extremely smooth; the characters are wonderful whose interaction is great. I loved Julian and Serge, they made me laugh and they made me want to cry. The story is rock solid and the danger was a surprise and very well done.

So I recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t already got it because it’s incredible good.

Dark Run by Josh Lanyon

Title: Dead Run

Series: Dangerous Ground 04

Author: Josh Lanyon

Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense

Length: Novella (151pgs)

Publisher: Loose Id (13th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The boys are back in town — and Paris is burning!

For Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, the strain of a long distance relationship is beginning to tell after eleven months of separation. A romantic holiday could be just the thing to bridge the ever-growing distance, but when Taylor spots a terrorist from the 70s, long believed dead but very much alive, it’s c’est la vie.

Now instead of sipping wine and seeing the sights, the boys are chasing a wily and deadly foe through the graveyards and catacombs of Paris.

Of course, it could always be worse — and soon it is.

Review: Taylor MacAllister is finally getting to see the love of his life after 11mths.   But, nothing goes right.   from the second he arrives at the airport to catch his flight, Will Brandt is looking forward to Taylor’s arrival but everything seems to go wrong and everything he says is wrong.

This is an interesting time for Taylor and Will as we find out if their relationship can really stand up to the trials that are about to be thrown at it. I loved the story line.   It had a bit of grit, a bit of mystery and enough action and danger to satisfy me.   Oh…and it had heartbreak and love.  I think Will made mistakes and he knew they were wrong otherwise he wouldn’t have tried to hide them.  I also felt very sorry for Taylor and wished he hadn’t had to go through all the angst, I mean honestly how much can one man take.

This is a great Action/Adventure/Mystery with twists and turns that keep you reading and the turbulence in the relationship has you biting your nails as you wonder what will happen to them. This is a definite ‘got to be read’.

Inheritance by Lissa Kasey

Title: Inheritance

Series: Dominion 01

Author: Lissa Kasey

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Length: Novella (176pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: As the only male studying magic in a female-dominant society, Seiran Rou’s life is already on a precarious perch. Then he finds a dead co-worker on his doorstep, and Sei realizes someone is trying to set him up for the fall. It could be anyone—including his own mother, a powerful witch and leader of the Dominion, the ruling body of elemental magic.

Sei’s only saving graces are his on-again, off-again vampire boyfriend, Gabe, and the mysterious Jamie, who wants to help him for reasons Sei doesn’t understand. They may be all that stand between Sei and the Dominion’s demands to control his magic. One man’s devotion could be the key to save Sei’s life and pull him back from the brink of losing his humanity to the magic he possesses.

These short stories are all part of Dominion.

Free short Story – Lissa Kasey – Friction.

http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/11918944-friction

Free short story – Lissa Kasey – Decadence.       

http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/12305648-decadence

Free short story – Lissa Kasey – Consequences. 

http://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/download/11550554-consequences

Review: Seiran (pronounced Say-ron) has problems, a lot of problems.   He has OCD, fear of commitment, someone wants him dead and his mother wants him to have a child (shudder). Gabe will do anything for Sei and does his best to protect him, which is hard to do when Sei keeps running from even a hint of commitment.

This book was cool and was written really well.   I was impressed with how well it drew me.  I loved the struggle that Seiran had with himself about Gabe and how he really feels about him.   I also loved the fact that although Gabe loves Sei he doesn’t crowd him and lets him come round on his own; rather than force the issue, no matter how long it takes. The characters are cool and we get to know them quite well, the way some of them are written into the story and their parts were quite surprising.   Believe me, no way did I think the baddie was who they turned out to be and the relationship that Seiran had with his mother made me shudder. There are a couple of loose ends but I don’t think we have seen the last of Gabe and Seiran.

A definite must read for those who love magic, vampires, paranormal, mystery and danger, hot men, ok, I could go on for a while, but what I do say is that this is an incredible paranormal romance.

 

Protecting Francis by Amber Kell

Title:  Protecting Francis

Series:  Yearning Love #2

Author:  Amber Kell

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  Total-E Bound (September 19, 2011)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥Hearts

Blurb:  Francis thought he had it all until danger came into his life…and he realized the man he’d always liked had become the one man he longed to love.

When Francis agreed to let his cousin stay at his place, he had no idea it would trigger a chain of events that would change his life forever. Bill Timmons had watched Francis for months waiting for the perfect time to insert himself into the other man’s life. When Francis gets into trouble, Bill decided this time nothing was going to stop him from protecting Francis.

Reviewer:  Portia

Review:  In my humble opinion, Amber Kell is the Queen of the Novella.  She manages to churn out sweet romances with just enough heat to keep me coming back for more.  Protecting Francis is the second in the Yearning Love series.  I liked it better than Taking Care of Charlie.  In that book, Charlie had issues and Marcus was his knight in shining armor.  In Protecting Francis, Francis is so not in need of protecting.  On one hand he is very limp-wrist cliché, on the other he has a mean left hook and is not afraid to use it.

I wish the other MC, Bill could have been developed more.  But, it was really sweet to watch him try to get close to Francis without scaring him off.  God bless him, I just wanted to hug him and tell him “it would be all right.” (Because, I know Amber Kell ALWAYS finds a way to bring a happily ever after.)

If you are into sweet romance, sweet loving and a bit of suspense…this is a must read.

Chance's Vindication by Stephani Hecht

Title: Chance’s Vindication

Series: Lost Shifters 13

Author: Stephani Hecht

Genre: Shapeshifter/Paranormal

Length: Novella (117pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (15th September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes your biggest enemy can be the love of your life.

Raised in complete isolation, Raven shifter Chance knew little of the shifter world. While he realized that the Ravens were at war with feline shifters, he didn’t understand just how deep the hatred went until he took refuge with a coalition of felines – felines who sometimes seemed more likely to kill him than protect him from the Ravens hunting him. Living among his enemies, while being hated by his own kind, Chance withdraws into himself and begins to lose hope that he’ll ever be happy. To make things worse, Chance finds himself drawn to Thomas, a Lion shifter who despises all Ravens.

When Thomas is assigned to guard Chance, he’s not happy. His job is to kill Ravens, not babysit them. But as time passes, Thomas realizes he’s attracted to the shy, sweet man. But years of war against the Ravens, along with his own personal demons, lead Thomas to resist the draw he feels for Chance. Then Chance is taken captive and Thomas realizes how much his little Raven means to him. Will he find Chance in time, or will they both lose all hope of ever finding a happy ending?

Review: Stephani Hecht has done it again; she has brought us yet another sweet, sexy romance from the coalition of cat and hawk shifters.

Chance knows full well that nearly every shifter in the coalition hates him and all because he had the misfortune of being born a Raven, the coalition’s hated enemy.   He just wishes that one shifter in particular would like him. Thomas is a lion shifter who despises the Ravens for what they did more than twenty years ago and for making his brother feral.   But, that still doesn’t stop him from wanting the raven shifter Chance, who doesn’t smell or act like any other Raven he knows.

I loved these characters as they both have internal struggles as to what to do. Chance feels guilty because he’s a Raven and he takes a lot of crap for it but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt him. I thought he was the bigger character for it and admired him for being able to have such an open heart even after the way others treat him. Thomas understandably hates Ravens and it’s nice to see his character work through his attraction to Chance along with his guilt at that attraction (because his brother is locked in a cage due to the serum the Ravens made) and come out the other side a better shifter.

These stories don’t have to be read in order as they are easy to pick up but for you to understand everything going on it is best if you did.   As there are ongoing storylines throughout, we also get to see several shifters from several of the other Lost Shifters books and I have got to admit that my favorite is Shane and he always adds a bit of danger to every book he’s in. (I love you Shane!!)

So what would I recommend?   This is yet another sweet romance with danger, intrigue, hope, crossed-wires, hot men, hot sex and a happy ever after (well as much as you can when you’re fighting the Ravens), so I have to say read it, love it and adore it.

 

 

Mate Dance by Amber Kell

Title: Mate Dance

Series: Dragonmen 03 (2011 Edition)

Author: Amber Kell

Genre: Fantasy/Shapeshifter

Length: Novella (123pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (17 September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥ 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Intergalactically renowned dancer, Raven knew something was lacking in his life but it wasn’t until he rescued a little girl did he learn it was a dragon shifter prince.

Heading to a bar after a dance performance, intergalactically famous dancer, Raven, ran into a little girl beside the dead body of her grandmother. His one good deed in helping out the little girl would lead him into the arms of a dragon prince. Raven soon learns that once a dragon spots its mate it will keep him closer than gold.

Review: Okay, I know what some of you will say, it’s a re-issue what a rip off.   But I’d have to say you’d be wrong. I have read both versions of this book (well all three if you include the blog story before it was first published (God I’m really sad, I need my own padded room!!)) and I have to say Amber Kell’s writing improves each time around.

Raven is THE dance star of the known Galaxies, but at the moment he’s feeling like his spark has faded and he really needs a holiday. Crown Prince Kaemon has just discovered he has a daughter but when she arrives he finds it difficult to pull his attention away from the sexy man who found her.

As this relationship progresses we learn that Kaemon is a bit sneaky. Raven isn’t sure if he is ready to settle down. And Trisha (Kaemon’s daughter) takes after her father a lot and the nanny is a stark raving lunatic. I am sure some people will feel that Kaemon has little interest in his daughter but as I said he’s sneaky, the more Raven loves Trisha the less likely he is to leave.

This is a nice light sexy read with a sexy dragon shifter, a very bendy dancer, a cute princess and a slight bit of danger that will take you by surprise. So what are you waiting for, go help Ms Kell on her quest for World Domination and get this book.

Dark Edge of Honor by Aleksandre Voinov and Rhianon Etzweiler

Title: Dark Edge of Honor

Author: Aleksandr Voinov & Rhianon Etzweiler

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (284pgs)

Publisher: Carina Press (15th August 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 1/2Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sergei Stolkov is a faithful officer, though his deepest desires go against the Doctrine. A captain with the invading Coalition forces, he believes that self-sacrifice is the most heroic act and his own needs are only valid if they serve the state.

Mike, an operative planted within Cirokko’s rebels, has been ordered to seduce Sergei and pry from him the Coalition’s military secrets. His mission is a success, but as he captures Sergei’s heart, Mike is tempted by his own charade and falls in love.

When the hostile natives of the planet Cirokko make their move, all seems lost. Can Mike and Sergei survive when the Coalition’s internal affairs division takes an interest in what happened in the dusty mountains of Zasidka Pass…?

Warning: This book contains some scenes that some readers may find offensive. Dubious consent/Torture

Review: This is a true Science Fiction war story. Mike is a spy for the Alliance CovOps and it is his duty to infiltrate and pass on the military secrets of the Doctrine.   He has his target in his sight and it isn’t long before he has his target in the palm of his hand; but he loses his own heart in the process. Sergei is a Captain in the Doctrine and he has his own secrets and desires that go against what the Doctrine stand for.   He fall’s for a translator and unwittingly betrays the Doctrine but still can’t quite find it in himself to hate the translator.

This is not an easy story to read.   If you go into this expecting love to conquer all or thinking that everything is going to be nice and easy then you have another think coming. This is a hard gritty read about what it is really like to fall in love with an enemy; it answers questions that you really don’t want to know the answers to.   Could you continue to betray the man you have fallen in love with? Could you sit by and listen to your lover, the man you love be tortured for your Cause? Could you forgive the man who betrayed you and caused hundreds of deaths? It answers these questions and some of the answers are not pretty.

Watching these two men struggle with their conscience about what they should do and what they want to do is interesting because both think they are right.   There is no obvious bad evil army because, as with most things in life, just because you don’t agree with it doesn’t make it wrong.

So what do I recommend…well, this story has it all, a harsh backdrop, war, abuse of power (dubious consent etc.), blackmail, betrayal, torture, vindication, escape, oh, and don’t forget the hot sex and love, so for me a must read.   But, for you, only if you like any of the above and a great gritty read.

 

 

Eoin by R. J. Scott

Title: Eoin

Series: The Fire Trilogy 03

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Length: Novella (156pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (17th September 2011)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Eoin is faced with the End of Times. With his friends at his side, can he rescue the prisoner that might hold the secrets to winning the battle between Cariad and City as well as the key to his heart?

His bond brothers, Kian and Darach, probably hate him for his necessary lie, two-thirds of the Council wants him dead, and the prisoner’s amber Fire is killing them both.

The third book in the Fire Trilogy discovers more old Guardians, ancient Cariad magik and, not least of all, the other half of Eoin: Trystyn.

Review: This is the concluding story to The Fire Trilogy and R.J. Scott doesn’t let us down. If you haven’t read the others in the series, then you need to for this one to make sense.

Eoin is the Guardian of the City but all isn’t well.  He knows that two members of the council are conspiring to take his Amber fire to prolong their own lives and he also knows that the previous Guardian is building an army to take revenge on the council.   He has to stop all of this as well as find his bond mate and save him. Trystyn disappeared several years ago and in all that time he has been held by Wynn, the old Guardian, who has been stealing his Amber fire.   When he is rescued he has to make Eoin realize that all six of them together can defeat Wynn and the council.

I found this book brilliant.   The way that Eoin takes responsibility because he doesn’t want any danger coming to his friends even though he hasn’t seen them in years is incredibly sweet. Trystyn is an extremely strong character who makes me wish this book was longer so we could get to know him better. There is a lot more action in this book as it wraps up everything so there are no loose ends and it is done brilliantly and the writing is smooth.

I recommend that if you love hot men, magic, a bit of danger and a fantastic ending then this is definitely for you.