Hi guys! We have Jay Northcote popping in today with his new release Tops Down Bottoms Up, we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Tops Down Bottoms Up
by
Jay Northcote
Will Rowan’s festival fling with sexy dancer Seth lead to something more permanent?
Rowan is stuck at a folk festival helping out a mate, and it really isn’t his scene. The yoga and singing workshops are bad enough, but morris dancing is the final straw. Bearded men with beer guts prancing around wearing bells—who wants to watch that?
All Rowan’s preconceptions are shattered when he meets Seth—a morris dancer, and the stuff Rowan’s fantasies are made of. Seth persuades Rowan to come to a dancing workshop, and Rowan’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to know Seth better. The attraction is mutual, and a lesson filled with innuendo and flirting leads to an incredible night together.
When Rowan arrives home, he’s gutted to find that Seth has given him the wrong phone number. Assuming Seth did it on purpose, Rowan resolves to forget about him. But fate—and friends—conspire to get them back together. Will they manage to stay in step this time around?
A much shorter version of this story was originally published in the Not Quite Shakespeare Anthology by Dreamspinner Press. This version has been revised and extended. Almost half of it is new content.
Hi guys, we have Charlie Cochrane popping in today with the tour to her newest release Lessons in Loving thy Murderous Neighbour, we have a fantastic guest post from Charlie, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the tour wide giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Lessons in Loving thy Murderous Neighbour
(A Cambridge Fellows Mysteries Novella)
by
Charlie Cochrane
Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith like nothing more than being given a mystery to solve. But what happens when you have to defend your greatest enemy on a charge of murder?
Blurb: Damien Fitzgerald has lived through hell and is determined to never let anyone get close to him again. A fervent reporter, he throws his life into his work and doesn’t care whose toes he steps on. But someone else does. He’s got a stalker, and the messages are growing increasingly threatening. He turns to his best friend, Justin Warfield and his lover, Private Investigator Marcus Drummond. Seems like a good idea until Robert Wyler becomes part of the package.
Robert Wyler, the manager of the bar at the Warfield Inn, has always been misunderstood. Sure he takes care of his body, wears his hair long and likes tatts, but that doesn’t mean he’s domineering. A cold exterior hides the more passionate man inside. Men like Damien Fitzgerald get on his nerves. Too good looking. Too arrogant. But when Justin and Marcus needed his help to guard the man from a stalker, Robert couldn’t say no.
Damien and Robert have a history. Whenever they are near each other sparks fly. Can Damien and Robert get past their prejudices to find the real men hiding underneath. Will they find love before the stalker gets to Damien and their chance at happiness is destroyed forever…
Review:This story is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Damien has a problem, someone seems to be stalking him and he’s not sure who it is. In Damien’s line of work he’s made a lot of enemies and a personal one he daren’t even think of, but as the messages get more threatening he turns to Marcus for help. As Marcus investigates who is after Damien he insists that Damien stay at the Warfield Hotel where Damien meets bar manager Robert a man who Damien can’t help but provoke.
Robert might be big, strong and covered in tattoo’s but he’s not interested in dominating anyone, tired of being mistaken for a Dom he stays clear of relationships but Marcus and Justin’s friend sneaks under his skin, especially when Robert has to talk Damien down from a panic attack. Asked to help keep Damien safe Robert can’t refuse but Damien doesn’t make it easy.
I have to admit to not having read either Drifting Sands or Crashing Waves and while there are mentions of what has happened in previous books it doesn’t have an impact on reading this book as a standalone… although it has made me extra curious about the previous stories which I’ll be reading very soon.
Damien comes across as a bit of a control freak at first until you learn his backstory and then you understand his need to be in control of everything he does. Robert seems to be a gentle man for all his size and strength; he has a heart of gold and will help any of his friends if he can. When these two are together sparks fly with both of them needling the other without them at first recognising their attraction to each other. The relationship between them is a slow progress throughout the story with the danger to Damien taking precedent and damn it’s a dozy of a danger.
This is a great story that has you hooked from the first pages, Damien’s fear jumps out at you from the pages and his bewilderment and then denial of the situation speaks clearly of a man hoping the truth is something very different than what it is. Robert’s patience and understanding is amazing to see, these two guys need each other desperately they just need to get to the same page.
The mystery and danger that stalks Damien is slightly chilling and if you’ve ever had a stalker you’ll know what I mean. C.J. Baty has woven the danger perfectly and while you have a clue as to who is involved it’s a bit of a shock to find out the extent of one person in particular’s involvement. I will give a warning to those who have been victims of domestic violence and abuse that there are some flash backs that may cause distress.
I have to recommend this to those who love mystery and danger, a brilliant storyline, two men finding love during a tense and difficult time and a wonderful happy ending.
Blurb: One hot cop. One bar owner out for redemption. One smoking-hot summer fling destined to leave scorch marks…
Mason Hanks has returned to Rainbow Cove, Oregon with one goal in mind: turn the struggling coastal community into a thriving LGBTQ tourism destination. Step one is transforming an old bar and grill into a gay-friendly eatery. Step two? Don’t piss off Nash Flint, the very hot, very stern chief of police who’s not so sure he’s on board with Mason’s big plans.
Nash Flint just wants to keep his community safe and enjoy the occasional burger in peace. He’s not big on change nor is he a fan of Mason’s troublemaking family, especially his rowdy older brothers. But Mason slowly wins him over with fantastic cooking and the sort of friendship Nash has been starving for.
When their unlikely friendship takes a turn for the sexy, both men try to steer clear of trouble. Nash believes he’s too set in his ways for Mason, and Mason worries that his family’s reputation will ruin any future with Nash. Burning up the sheets in secret is a surefire way to crash and burn, and discovery forces a heart-wrenching decision—is love worth the risk of losing everything?
Trust with a Chaser is a 75,000 word stand-alone gay romance with a May/December theme, a hot law-enforcement hero, opposites attract, plenty of sexy times, and one hard-fought, guaranteed happy ending with no cliffhangers.
Review: This new series from Annabeth Albert is going to be great judging by this first book, which I liked A LOT! In fact, if it wasn’t for some little niggling sore spots that bothered me at times, I might’ve loved this book!
Nash Flint, aka ‘Sherriff Sexy’, is the 40 year old town sheriff who followed in his late father’s footsteps to become the lawman in their little town. Everyone respects Nash, but that’s because they don’t know Nash’s closet is deeper than anyone else’s, and he loves hiding his true self in there. Nash is so afraid of discovery that he’s paranoid and constantly on guard about hiding his sexuality. Aside from his two closest friends and his mother, nobody knows the true Nash.
Mason Hanks has returned to his little town of Rainbow Cove and opened a LGBT-friendly eatery with the hopes of making the little town more progressive and turn the community into a coveted LGBT destination. Rainbow Cove is in desperate need of a boost in tourism, but the citizens are not know to be very progressive in thinking, so Mason knows the road ahead is a bumpy one.
I loved Mason so much because he’s such a hardworking man who’s trying to show everyone that being a Hanks does not mean he’s just like his family. The Hanks are trouble and have a long and rich history of getting in trouble with the law, and Mason’s deadbeat brother makes things very complicated for Mason.
I loved the romance and chemistry between Mason and Nash, I thought the age difference was done well, and their relationship was sweet and CUTE! But Nash’s constant paranoia about being found out and his total refusal to come out of the closet was ridiculous. I understand people have reasons to not come out and this whole process is very personal, so I was trying not be too judgy. I think I failed a little bit at the judgy part.
The other thing that bothered me is the stigma that is attached to the Hanks name; I get that Mason’s father and his brothers have done nothing but get in trouble with the law their whole lives, but Mason has NEVER gotten in any trouble at all, so shouldn’t he get the benefit of the doubt? I hated how people refused to see his true potential and didn’t appreciate this hardworking young man just because of his last name. But even old dogs can learn new tricks, so I loved how they all came together at the end to support Mason when he needed it most.
Aside from those two sore points, I liked everything about this book and I’m looking forward to the next one. I can’t wait!
Blurb: Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they’re perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.
Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.
It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.
When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?
Review: Cardeno C’s Hope series is for those of us who don’t mind reading a sweet May-December romance. I’ve read Cardeno C in the past, but is still one of those authors I judge by the books as they come. However, in saying that, I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the Hope Series. Although I have read the series out of order, I recommend reading the series in its proper order to get a full feel on the characters. Between each book we get to meet our upcoming heroes as well as catch up with our old friends. Being that I actually read the third book last, it was nice that everything fell into place nicely.
The story is about Todd Smitty and Sheriff Richard Davis, who also happens to be a retired soldier. For three years Todd and Richard had a secret relationship. Richard thought that Todd was just there for fun, which was why he didn’t want their relationship revealed. But when Todd’s sister, also Richard’s best friend, needs their help, the two are thrown back together and they need to do something they had not done before: communicate.
OK, so two things. 1) This is one of those books that seem to be based around the fact the guys didn’t communicate the first time around. It’s now up to them to get it right the second time. This kind of trope usually pisses me off, but I have to admit that I kinda just went with the flow for this book. 2) There is an element of BDSM in their relationship, I personally liked it and suited them very well. The only thing is that I thought that others, who may not like BDSM (the Dom is too controlling) or were not expecting it, may be turned from the book.
Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC (29 Sept 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Two men with a shared history and a mutual attraction must be honest with themselves and each other so both their dreams come true.
Quiet, unassuming Tanner Sellers spends his time running a diner in Hope, Arizona. Not particularly social, twenty-two-year-old Tanner keeps to himself and enjoys his simple life, but he longs for someone to call his own. In his most secret fantasy, that someone is sexy Steve Faus. But Steve is his friend’s father and mentor’s widower and therefore off-limits.
Despite some challenges, thirty-nine-year-old Steve Faus has had a good life. He’s extremely successful at work, has a great relationship with his college-age son, and lives in a wonderful town. Eighteen months after losing his partner, the one thing Steve lacks is someone to share his life. If Steve is honest with himself, that someone is the young man he has known and cared about for years. Steve and Tanner want one another. All they need is a little push in the right direction to make both their dreams come true.
Review:Jesse’s Diner is the second book is Cardeno C’s Hope series. I will admit that this is the only book in the series I’ve read so far, so I can definitely say that this can be read as a standalone story.
However, in saying that, after reading this book, I want more of this series. That means for the time being it’s back to book one, McFarland’s Farm.
This is a sweet story about the equally as sweet Tanner. He’s quiet and finds it difficult to be around people and so as a result he is quite lonely, too. However, when he moved to live with his grandmother as a teen, he made friends with local boy Mike. Being friends with Mike meant that in school he had “friends” but once school was over and Mike left, no one kept in touch with him.
But Tanner’s one saving grace is that one of Mike’s dads, Jesse, hired Tanner to work and when Jesse got terminal cancer he left his beloved diner to Tanner. Mike calls Tanner one day, worried about his father and asks Tanner to look in make sure that Steve is eating, looking after himself, etc.
Then there is Mike’s other father, Steve. He arrived in Hope as a young man (around Tanner’s age), pretty lost and probably a tad bit burnt out. He met Jesse, who was approaching 40 and ready to settle down with a partner and adopt a child (i.e. Mike).Now, fast forward around 20 years, Jesse is gone and Steve has thrown himself into work and has become something of a recluse when he did change his work habits.
There is a shared attraction between Steve and Tanner and now Steve is the older man in the relationship.
This is just filled with tender, sweet emotion. This is something of a slow burn, which on reflection, probably makes for a more satisfying story. If you like May-December stories, this is a great one to immerse yourself into, especially if you like the whole “best friend’s dad” type of story.
Blurb: Wealthy, attractive Lucas Reika treats life like a party, moving from bar to bar and man to man. Thumbing his nose at his restaurateur father’s demand that he earn his keep, Lucas instead seduces a valued employee in the kitchen of their flagship restaurant, earning himself an ultimatum: lose access to his father’s money or stay in the middle of nowhere with a man he has secretly lusted over from afar.
Quiet, hard-working Jared McFarland loves his farm on the outskirts of Hope, Arizona, but he aches to have someone to come home to at the end of the day. Jared agrees to take in his longtime crush as a favor. But when Lucas invades his heart in addition to his space, Jared has to decide how much of himself he’s willing to risk and figure out if he can offer Lucas enough to keep him after his father’s punishment is over.
Review: Cardeno C’s Hope series is for those of us who don’t mind reading a sweet May-December romance. I love a book that doesn’t make a big deal about an age gap, I mean after reading some May-December books it’s laughable when some books make a big deal out of 5 years difference. But that’s another rant for another time.
I’ve read Cardeno C in the past, but is still one of those authors I judge by the books as they come. However, in saying that, I’ve read the second book in the Hope Series, Jesse’s Diner, when it was released a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. Although I have read the series out of order, I recommend reading the series in its proper order to get a full feel on the characters. Between each book we get to meet our upcoming heroes as well as catch up with our old friends.
MacFarland’s Farm is about Jared and Lucas. Jared is a quiet guy who works hard on his land but is in real need of help, not that he is looking for any help. He’s open about his sexuality, but does not advertise and is still close friends with ex-wife and deeply respects his ex-father-in-law.
Then there is Lucas, he has been spoiled his entire life by his father. His father, who was widowed, worked hard to make a lot of money to provide for his kids. The problem is, Lucas is 24, barely finished college over 5 years and thinks that life is party. He also assumes that his father’s money is his. Things come to a head when Lucas is caught in a compromising situation. His father and sister decide that the best way for Lucas to learn responsibility is to go to the town of Hope in Arizona and work for his ex-brother-in-law.
The problem is that 1) Lucas needs a massive attitude adjustment before he can grow up, and, 2) they guys are attracted to each other.
Look, Lucas is unlikable in the beginning but Cardeno C weaves magic and Lucas becomes a relatable character. The guys work well together although I was disappointed that the chemistry wasn’t exploding off the page. This is a sweet romance and part of me just wanted there to be more!
Publisher: Hostile Whispers Press (13th June 2017)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Welcome to Brawlers Bar…
If there was a way to destroy his life, Hunter Black could do it. He was a catastrophe waiting to happen. Survival was his only priority and having to leave his old life behind that meant a job of the legal variety. He’d found one as a bartender at Brawlers Bar and a safe place in a huge house with the rest of the bar crew who quickly became the family he’d never had. The one thing Hunter didn’t need was his old life tracking him down.
Deputy Wren Gramble hated his job and his weekend assignment of staking out a bar in the middle of nowhere waiting for drunks. Although he’d heard the homophobic and racist jokes going around about the crew and customers, he kept his head down and stuck to his job and nothing else. He despised being driven back into the closet, but he’d reached the end of the line and what he’d do if he earned another transfer he didn’t know.
Linus Trenton was considered the normal one in his family and according to the weird ones that meant he should be punished daily. He never came out one way or another, if he found someone attractive he was attracted. His life was complicated enough having a crush on the sweet and awkward Hunter but now he had to throw Wren into the mix. Linus didn’t have time for dating or romance, most of the time he didn’t even think about having a sex life, although, Wren and Hunter were ruining his calm.
Hunter was in lust with the handsome deputy the minute the man pulled him over, but a man like that wouldn’t give him the time of day. His friend, Linus, was another matter altogether. Hunter wanted both. His bosses made it work with their man, why couldn’t he? Could Hunter prove he wasn’t as much of a screw up as he appeared or would he have to call in backup to claim his men?
Review:This book is part of a series and is best read in order.
Hunter is quiet, he doesn’t think much of himself and he is very accident prone so when Wren shows an interest in him he hasn’t got a clue what he should do. Wren has been watching Hunter from afar, he plucks up the courage to ask Hunter out and he discovers that there’s another man who has his eye on Hunter. Linus has wanted Hunter for a couple of years but has held off approaching him, now with the deputy sniffing around Hunter Linus needs a dash of Dutch courage to break the cycle of just being friends with Hunter.
This is a great story that has a dash of danger. Hunter is a really sweet character who has no confidence in himself and thinks of himself as a fuck-up. Wren seems like a stand up type of guy, he likes being a deputy but could live without some of his colleagues. Linus is the more normal one in his family, he doesn’t believe in monogamy but he’s wanted Hunter for some time he’s hidden his interest thinking that Hunter isn’t interested in him.
What we have with this story is three men who desperately need to be loved, finding each other and forming a relationship between the three of them. They all have their own worries especially with Linus’ really dangerous job (you’d think the deputy’s job would be more dangerous but you’d be sadly mistaken). Their relationship sparks quite quickly once they get over that there are three of them interested in each other, but insecurity still plagues Hunter.
Danger comes in the form of the Sheriff, who has a hard-on for the Brawlers; the Sheriff is a bigot and hates the rough Brawlers and targets them as much as he can. We get a bit of excitement when Linus is asked to work his magic and help the State police investigate the corrupt Sheriff.
This story really should be read after reading the Twirled World Ink series and the other Brawlers stories believe me, this is the first book that I’ve read by J.M. Dabney and for the first couple of chapters I felt kind of lost as there were a lot of characters from the first three books and then in later chapters from the Twirled World Ink series so I felt really lost because I didn’t have a clue who these people were of what connection they had to each other.
The actual story is interesting; we get some danger and a touch of action. We also have a great ménage romance between Hunter, Linus and Wren which is pretty hot. I must admit that there wasn’t a great deal of relationship building but it was still good. While the title is Hunter, I actually felt it was more about Linus. I mean while we get a general overview of Hunter we actually find out more about Linus and seem to spend more time in Linus’ view point than Hunter’s.
I recommend this to those who love characters who need hard loving, a great storyline and a really happy ending.
Blurb: Daniel Culver was devastated when his wife died. He was left alone to raise his daughter while trying to live with a broken heart. Each day is a struggle, and the fear of losing his family has Daniel pushing those he cares for away.
Archer Forum is running from his past and everything he thought was important to him. Being rich didn’t bring him happiness and being the creator of a drug that is killing shifters has him filled with guilt. He wasn’t sure that feeling would ever go away. All he wants is a fresh start, to make amends and just be happy.
Love doesn’t come around often, and it’s Archer’s turn to seize the day. Daniel is his fated mate. It’s up to him to convince Daniel that love is worth the risk before a ghost from Archer’s past steals his hopes and dreams of a happily ever after away.
ISBN: 978-1-64010-394-8
Review: Each book in the Nehalem Pack collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
There is nothing better than a good paranormal romance with two gorgeous men involved. They are entertaining and have just the right mix of feelings in them. There is also quite a bit of danger or excitement in it as well. This one caught my attention and kept it all the way to the very end. I love the mixture of characters that this story and the other ones have in it. Will always keep you entertained. Daniel lost his wife to an accident, or should I say his mate and it had devastated him. He was left alone to raise his cutie pie daughter and he wasn’t doing a very good job at it. He also needed some help, which with the help of his daughter came one very sexy man. A man with a secret that could hurt them. Also this man seemed to think that he was his mate.
Archer was a scientist and loved what he did. That is until what he did was end up killing shifters from the poison he made. Running sounded good, but you can only run so far. To top it off he has found his mate and his mate had a daughter.
I love the way this author puts together a story that not only draws you in but keeps you entertained as well. They have a serious tone to them, but there is a bit of humor floating around. I do get a kick out of the whole thing. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Blurb: At Scotland Yard, DI Timothy Stoker is no better than a ghost. A master of arcane documents and niggling details who, unlike his celebrity-chasing colleagues, prefers hard work to headlines. But an invisible man is needed to unmask the city’s newest amateur detective, Hieronymus Bash. A bon vivant long on flash and style but short on personal history, Bash just may be a Cheapside rogue in Savile Row finery.
When the four fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo—trophies that protect the hunters who killed the two vicious beasts—disappear one by one, Stoker’s forced to team with the very man he was sent to investigate to maintain his cover. He finds himself thrust into a world of wailing mediums, spiritualist societies, man-eating lions, and a consulting detective with more ambition than sense. Will this case be the end of his career, or the start of an unexpected liaison? Or will the mysterious forces at play be the death of them both?
Review: DI Timothy Stoker loves his work, he doesn’t care about grabbing headlines, he just wants to solve his cases and begin the next case. His newest case is to unmask a flash amateur detective who keeps solving high society cases; Stoker has to go undercover to get close to Hieronymus Bash and he discovers that Hiero is not quite what he thought.
Bash loves debunking spiritualists and solving mysteries, but when, during a séance, a fang from the Demon Cats of Scavo disappears right under his nose he knows a simple solution will not be forthcoming, and he ends up with a tag-a-long in the shape of Timothy Kipling, a man who seems to be hiding something.
Stoker and Bash couldn’t be more different from the other, Stoker is plain and unassuming, disappearing into the background and often overlooked and forgotten. Bash on the other hand is flashy, attention grabbing and lives to be the centre of the spotlight. These two together make for an odd couple but surprisingly they hit it off and discover a mutual attraction.
The mystery storyline is quite attention grabbing in itself, we have the creepy story of the Fangs of the Demon Cats of Scavo and their shocking disappearances, we have characters who thrust themselves into the culprit spotlight and there’s one character in particular who you desperately hope gets his comeuppance because his behaviour is just *shudder* beyond the pale.
I quite enjoyed this story and really enjoyed the descriptions and setting, all the characters are fleshed out perfectly so you can imagine them in your mind’s eye as they crop up in the story. There are some action scenes that are quite exciting and daring, and believe me Stoker and Bash just seem to attract danger.
The relationship between Stoker and Bash is quite tempestuous, Bash is a full-on passionate man while Stoker seems to have a banked passion that he controls with an iron fist, and it leads to some passionate interludes but with Stoker pulling back in the times in between.
Overall this story was a fascinating read, I found the characters to be enthralling, the storyline fascinating and the romance to be fitting for the time.
I recommend this to those who adore historical mysteries, fantastic characters, danger and action, and an ending that has you impatiently waiting for the next book.
Blurb: David Lauriston has been recuperating at Lord Murdo Balfour’s Laverock estate for the last five months. At Laverock, he has regained his health and confidence and has found—with Murdo—more happiness and contentment than he has never known before.
David is all too aware that some day soon he will have to leave Laverock—and Murdo—and return to his legal practice in Edinburgh, just as Murdo will have to return to his life in London. But when David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, asks David to return to Edinburgh to visit him on his deathbed, it seems that day has come sooner than either David or Murdo would have wished.
Chalmers begs David to undertake one last piece of business for him: to secure the future of Chalmers’s daughter Elizabeth. But to carry out his old mentor’s wishes, David must travel to London, with Murdo.
No sooner have the two men arrived in the capital than they encounter Murdo’s ruthlessly manipulative father, who reveals a shocking secret that rocks David to his foundations. What’s more, when David discovers Elizabeth is facing far greater danger than even her father feared, he is determined to help her, no matter the cost to his own safety.
As the stakes rise, it is Murdo who must choose what he is prepared to sacrifice to keep David at his side, and ask whether there is any possibility of lasting happiness for men like them.
Review:This is a great series for those historical romance lovers out there! Be sure to read all three in order, or the plots won’t make sense. The writing grabs hold of my attention quickly, and my mind begins to wander with the possibilities. Much of the beginning of the book is all about Murdo and David living and working together, getting to really know and enjoy each other in a safe, private environment. I think that really was important to help cement their relationship.
From the beginning of the series, I loved the dominance and heavy-handedness of Murdo. He’s powerful, he’s independently and inheritably wealthy, he’s defiant, he’s nobility, but he has a weak spot, David.
David is the perfect foil for Murdo. He’s highly intelligent, he has submissive tendencies, but book three shows he can equal the playing field just fine. He’s strong enough to stand up to Murdo, he’s strong enough to be what Murdo needs, now if they can just admit to each other what their needs and wants really are. Admitting to love, when their kind of love doesn’t stand a chance in society, seems foolish to David.
But they do, and where there’s a will….Murdo finds a way. I thought the solution the author weaved up was perfect. I knew all along it would involve Chalmers’ daughter, but the oh so clever Joanna Chambers came up with a perfect social explanation that would last Murdo and David’s lifetime, and a happy lifetime together it should be.
The dominant role Murdo has played through the series mellows a bit, and David finally admits to his true desires, his true love and let’s go of others’ expectations. I like how Chalmers, David’s mentor, is actually the person to allow David to let go, to admit to his feelings and have the hope and courage to grab hold of his dreams.
A great trilogy, I look forward to more from this author for sure!
Blurb: Ghost, once known as the cub Luca, is finally home. Back among his kind and learning what it means to be both a man and a shaman, Ghost battles the expectations of his people, his family, and the pressures of a society that is both foreign and familiar. His power is greater than any seen before, dwarfing that of even the legendary Shaman Gray Shadow—and his union with Kane places him in the center of a controversy that rattles wolfkin society around the world.
Kane, greater alpha and Heir to Black Pine Clan, has finally defeated the traitor and murderer that destroyed the heart of Black Pine years before. Freed at last from guilt and pain, Kane has a new enemy to face: his own people. Placed on trial for violation of Law and blasphemy, Kane will have to fight to the death to preserve his bond with Ghost and keep his mate and people safe.
The soulbond between Ghost and Kane is forged by the creator and Goddess of the wolfkin. Usually, a sacred and treasured union that honors the pair and their clans, this soulbond is seen not as a gift, but a threat to eons of tradition and Clan Law.
The union of a Shaman and Alpha is anathema—but how to reconcile that belief when it is the wolfkin Goddess who forged it? Can Ghost and Kane save themselves, preserve their bond, and find a new future when the laws of the ancient past threaten to tear them apart?
**This book is part of a series and is not standalone. Prior books should be read to understand content. 104,000 words. Brief flashbacks of sexual assault and abuse. Mature content and violence.***
Review: This sequel picks up where the first book leaves off. Wolf is confused by wolves acting more human than wolf. He does not understand why they are not acting like who they are. We see Roman and Claire being judged and convicted by the tribunal.
Simon is still doing his experiments with a new master that I figured out who it was before they were announced. So it came as no surprise to me. This book is a fantastic addition to the series. It adds more in depth details to characters such as Wren, Gerald and Caius.
I found myself unable to stop reading until the very end and was sorry when there was no more. I hope there will be more to this series and that next time we will not have to wait two years to read it. I truly loved everything about this story.
Blurb: Two years after his last encounter with cynical nobleman Lord Murdo Balfour, David Lauriston accidentally meets him again in the heart of Edinburgh.
King George IV is about to make his first visit to Edinburgh and Murdo has been sent North by his politician father to represent his aristocratic family at the celebrations.
David and Murdo’s last parting was painful—and on Murdo’s part, bitter—but Murdo’s feelings seem to have mellowed in the intervening years. So much so, that he suggests to David that they enjoy each other’s company during Murdo’s stay in the capital.
Despite his initial reservations, David cannot put Murdo’s proposal from his mind, and soon find himself at Murdo’s door—and in his arms.
But other figures from David’s past are converging on the city, and as the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit unfolds around them, David is drawn into a chain of events that will threaten everything: his career, his wellbeing, and the fragile bond that, despite David’s best intentions, is growing between him and Murdo.
Review: Did I mention how much I enjoyed Provoked? I dug right into that wonderful book, filled with tension. Beguiled takes off running with tension, and Murdo has been holding on to David’s rejection for a couple of years now. Their past encounters were rife with passion, yet they lived in two different worlds, with different ideals, and went separate ways. Murdo feel’s it was David’s idealism that separated them in the first place and he’s determined to get under his skin and have him again. It’s not an accident that Murdo decided to go to Edinburgh after all, not just family commitment…Murdo went seeking David.
David has been busy working his way up with his friend Chalmers’ help and influence. He owes him a good showing for the King’s visit and amidst his long hours and heavy caseload agrees to get fitted for a new suit so he can meet his commitments and attend several patriotic events. Of course, David wasn’t prepared to see the man who exposes his weaknesses, that tempts him at every turn, Murdo Balfour. The sparks fly once again, David and Murdo battle back and forth between passion and frustration, pride and what David sees as weakness in himself.
Once again, political station, commitments to friends and political disagreements act to force David and Murdo apart. But a tragic injury to David forces them together. Giving them time to build on their passion, or time for an angry husband to catch up with David and finish the threat to his life? Will David and Murdo take this time to get closer, to find a solution to their predicament, how long can they hide their true relationship? I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!
My only complaint is the cliffhanger…I know there is going to be a very angry, very dangerous, politically powerful Lord coming after David in the very near future, but can Murdo protect him? Ugh…eagerly awaiting the next bite of passion from these two!
Blurb: After being incarcerated at a prison that leans over the edge of the world, Fayt must do whatever it takes to escape (or simply survive) the horrors that await him. You will take control of Fayt and guide him on his path, but be careful, for not everyone posing as an ally will lead you down the road to freedom.
Note: This is an interactive story, and it is important that you keep a record of your choices close by.
Review: I have read one interactive story many years ago but I have to say this one is much better. You make Fayt’s, a half human/ half elf, decisions for him as instructed throughout the story. The prison is a dismal place that fills you with dread at every turn. The Warden is a dreadful man full of malice and evil at every turn. The atmosphere is spooky and dangerous as our MC tries to keep a low profile.
Though I was a little disturbed by the non-con I still enjoyed the story and where it took me. I will be reading it again and choosing different options to see where else the story ends besides the one I chose.
Fantastic read and highly recommended but I will warn you there are scenes of non-con depending on your choices.
Publisher: Joanna Chambers Books (16th April 2017)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group of weavers accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. The last thing he should be doing is agreeing to help the brother of one of the convicted weavers find the government agent who caused his brother’s downfall.
David’s personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, David tries his hardest to live a celibate existence, castigating himself whenever his resolve slips.
But then—into David’s repressed and orderly world—bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.
Cynical, hedonistic and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. Whilst David refuses to entertain the prospect of entering into a loveless marriage for propriety’s sake, Murdo is determined to wed one day—and has no intention of giving up the company of other men when he does so. But as appalled as David is by Murdo’s unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man’s sway.
Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, distracting him from his promise to find the agent provocateur responsible for the weavers’ fate, and forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.
But is Murdo more than a mere distraction?
Is it possible he could be the very man David is looking for?
Review: I know it’s a great book when I stay up reading until 2:30 in the morning on a work night! I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoy historical romances, I really truly love m/m romance, I get all hot and bothered over Scottish men, and I love a bit of intrigue…this book contains it all! The drama, the angst, the steamy hot and erotic sexual encounters. Chambers has really developed complex characters in both David and Balfour; they each have concrete reasons for being the way they are, how they react to their life situations, and how they see themselves in the peerage. The book opens with an intense scene of a public hanging and decapitation, and really sets the tempo for the tension I felt throughout the book. It’s edgy, it’s philosophical, and it’s exciting throughout.
I really enjoyed how the author is building up tension and magnetism between the two main MC’s, and that they are both drawn to and repelled by each other throughout the plot. I’m also surprised and intrigued by the fact that the bleeding heart idealist David is the rough and gritty lover, and the brutish lord Balfour is the more sensual, intimate lover. That was a nice twist. The drama unfolds as David and his bleeding heart agrees to help Euen, the brother of the executed men he advocated for in court. He wants David’s help tracking down the spy that got his brother killed, and that path may just lead to Balfour! You just know no good can come of it. You see the train wreck coming but can’t help but turn the pages even faster.
As the characters paths begin to align the book becomes nail-biting, and at the same time the sexual confrontation is also coming. The end of book one was at once painful, and settling. I really truly felt sorrow for David’s self-sacrifice for his ideals, and understanding in him accepting what love and family he has as his best comfort in the world. But I know I want so much more for him. I’m left irritated a bit with Balfour, and my mind is whirring with the many possibilities that may lie in store for David and Balfour in the next book!
If you enjoy reading about the Ton and you love a hot, angsty romance, this book is for you! I couldn’t put it down!
Blurb: Adrian DeSoto spent most of his time in high school being bullied and beaten up, simply because he was perceived as gay. Always slight, effeminate, he was the perfect victim for guys like Martin Cavanaugh, one of the high school jocks. When it all got too much, Adrian was faced with two options, one more devastating than the other. Eleventh grade saw a new Adrian, one who hid his fears and pain behind a mask in a bid to survive.
Eleven years later, and Adrienne is one of the top drag acts in Orlando. She’s fierce, funny, and exuberant. A face from the past gives her a shock, and after that there’s only one thing on her mind – revenge.
Marty Cavanaugh has a particular kink. He loves it when a drag queen goes down on him. But that’s as far as it goes. He won’t admit to himself what’s under that tight fitting dress. And then he meets Adrienne and his whole world goes into a tailspin…
Warning – Contains men in drag, honey! You have been warned.
Review: Following Adrian and Ric from high school to adulthood, seeing how their paths intersected when a small kindness made a huge difference in their lives. I enjoyed this aspect of the story very much. This ties nicely in with the two previous books in the series.
Once Marty is introduced we get a picture of not just a closeted man, but someone in denial with a true fear of accepting who he is. When Marty and Adrian realize who they are to each other it gets wild, emotional, and challenging for both parties. Adrian finds out just how easy it is to take the low road when you’re hurt by someone, how easy it is to hurt back and how badly it made him feel.
It was fun and fascinating to read the story through “Adrienne’s” view as she puts on her makeup takes the stage, and how her persona changes as she transitions back to Adrian.
Joel Leslie did a fabulous job of narration. His different voices for each character, even those for Adrian/Adrienne were unique and smooth.
When Ric and Marty to finally reconcile and come together its hot and it’s passionate. Great read, heart-warming, funny at times, heart-breaking at others. Great series!
Blurb: A summer fling is an ideal cure for a broken heart. But when it’s with your best friend, things get complicated.
When Adam is dumped by his boyfriend, a week away at a beach resort seems like a great opportunity to get over his ex. Sun, sea, and no-strings sex will be just the boost he needs to move on with his life.
Adam’s best friend, Finn, agrees to accompany him at short notice. Finn’s had a crush on Adam for years, but is determined to put his feelings aside and be the perfect wingman in Adam’s time of crisis.
A spontaneous threesome with another guy forces Adam and Finn to confront their attraction to each other. Having a holiday fling together wasn’t part of the plan, and as their trip heats up, they soon realise that one night of fun won’t be enough for either of them.
The passion might be scorching, but their hearts and friendship are on the line. If their romance is going to survive the flight home, they have to be honest about what they want.
Review: Summer Heat is a beautiful story, with almost no angst at all, perfect for when you’re in a mood for a light read. There’s flirting and steamy sex between two best friends who realize the road from friendship to romantic love isn’t as complicated as it may seem; this fun, light romance, presented in a vacation setting full of relaxation and good vibes, will definitely lighten your spirits.
Adam and Finn have been best mates for years, and even though they’ve both felt attraction towards the other person, they never had an opportunity to act on it. But after Adam gets dumped by his cheating boyfriend and both Finn and Adam decide a rebound vacation is just what the doctor prescribed, things heat up between the two men. A threesome gives them the push they need to act on the attraction and feelings they both have, and the rest is history.
There’s no drama, no conflict, just lots of steamy, dirty sex and gallons of cum left for the cleaning lady to deal with. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it, right?
I liked this book a lot, but I can’t say I loved it. Both Adam and Finn were too similar as narrators and at times it was confusing as to who was doing the “talking”. I didn’t think either of them stood out in any particular way; actually, this is probably the first time that I found a secondary character to be more interesting and to stand out more than the main characters.
I’m intrigued by Niall (the pink-haired cupid who was also the 3rd person in the ‘Adam and Finn threesome’) and I’m really hoping he’ll get his own story. Serving as best man at Adam and Finn’s future wedding would be the perfect setting to cement Adam and Finn’s lasting relationship while telling Niall’s story. Doesn’t hurt to hope, right?
Blurb: Leigh is the King of the Adaquo Clan of dragons, but he is unlike the other kings. Instead of being big, strong warriors, like his friends, he is a tall, slender, twink, who is very feminine in his features, and has the mouth of a champion in sarcasm. Due to Leigh’s looks, his father, the previous king, taught Leigh how to fight so that he could not only lead his people, but defend himself.
Leigh has always had a crush on Grin, a soldier and warrior for the Ingenium Clan. When Grin comes to Leigh one night flirting, it shocks Leigh to his very core. The man of his dreams wants him too, and Leigh will not let this opportunity pass. Leigh and Grin declare their undying love for each other and claim one another as mate, but a new evil in Leigh’s clan threatens to pull these two lovebirds apart.
When members of Leigh’s clan go missing, he knows it is up to him as their king to protect them and stop this evil force, but to face it he must leave his warrior mate behind and fight this battle without him. When Leigh becomes a victim of the very evil that is threatening his people, Grin calls upon their friends, the other kings, as well as two magics, to aid him in his search for his missing mate.
Leigh finds himself in a very strange palace, surrounded by a veil of fog created by a very powerful sorcerer, with no hope of escape, and no hope of rescue. Can Leigh fight his way out of the hands of this madman? Is he destined to live his life without the man he loves? Or will his mate Rescue the Dragon King? .
Review: In this exciting addition of the series we see Leigh in action as his people go missing he is determined to find out who took them and rescue them. The culprit is a race that is vicious and only wants to breed to ensure their race’ survival. Unfortunately for them instead of humans they kidnapped dragon shifters.
I loved this story. Leigh is so delicate and beautiful yet deadly. I loved how he never backed down from a fight despite his small stature. He is fierce and a force to be reckoned with. I was thrilled when he and Grin finally got together as mates.
Hi peeps! We have Cardeno C. popping in for a flash visit with her Hope Collection, she has a new addition to add in a couple of weeks, Smitty’s Sheriff and you can have a peek at the blurb! <3 ~Pixie~
McFarland’s Farm
(Hope 01)
by
Cardeno C.
Quiet but lonely Jared has to decide how much of himself he’s willing to risk to keep party-boy Lucas.
Wealthy, attractive Lucas Reika treats life like a party, moving from bar to bar and man to man. Thumbing his nose at his restaurateur father’s demand that he earn his keep, Lucas instead seduces a valued employee in the kitchen of their flagship restaurant, earning himself an ultimatum: lose access to his father’s money or stay in the middle of nowhere with a man he has secretly lusted over from afar.
Quiet, hard-working Jared McFarland loves his farm on the outskirts of Hope, Arizona, but he aches to have someone to come home to at the end of the day. Jared agrees to take in his longtime crush as a favor. But when Lucas invades his heart in addition to his space, Jared has to decide how much of himself he’s willing to risk and figure out if he can offer Lucas enough to keep him after his father’s punishment is over.
Two men with a shared history and a mutual attraction must be honest with themselves and each other so both their dreams come true.
Quiet, unassuming Tanner Sellers spends his time running a diner in Hope, Arizona. Not particularly social, twenty-two-year-old Tanner keeps to himself and enjoys his simple life, but he longs for someone to call his own. In his most secret fantasy, that someone is sexy Steve Faus. But Steve is his friend’s father and mentor’s widower and therefore off-limits.
Despite some challenges, thirty-nine-year-old Steve Faus has had a good life. He’s extremely successful at work, has a great relationship with his college-age son, and lives in a wonderful town. Eighteen months after losing his partner, the one thing Steve lacks is someone to share his life. If Steve is honest with himself, that someone is the young man he has known and cared about for years. Steve and Tanner want one another, all they need is a little push in the right direction to make both their dreams come true.
Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they’re perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.
Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.
It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.
When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?
Cardeno C. – CC to friends – is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few “awwws” into a reader’s day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno’s stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever- after sunset.
Blurb: Raven Stone is an almost 500 year old vampire who is next in line for the throne to become the king of not only the vampires, but of the paranormal race as a whole. But to claim the throne he must to complete his Coterie, a circle of five men of different breeds of paranormal who are his destined mates. And he must claim them all before his 500th birthday, or he will lose the throne forever, and for the first time in paranormal history the Stone family will not hold the honor.
Raven has already found and claimed four of his mate’s, but his birthday approaches and forces are against he and his mates from finding their last mate. When Raven smells the scent of their last mate on a greedy vampire who leads the Clearnight Haven coven, he and his mate’s, Lorcan, Ash, Ciro, and Jareth, travel to the small town in upper Washington State in America.
Joel is a human who works at the local newspaper as a junior reporter, but if he can get the story of the century, he hopes it will be enough to convince his boss that he should be promoted to one of the senior reporters.
The town bigwig and major asshole, Malcolm Dean has gone missing, and no one even blinks an eye from his loss, but when the mysterious billionaire Raven Stone comes to town and takes over all of Dean’s business holdings, Joel smells the story he’s been looking for.
As Joel sneaks around trying to uncover what Raven Stone looks like and who he is, an even juicier story, with a bigger fish, an evil man named, Mario Gallo, gets dropped in his lap.
When Joel goes to The Raven Club to do a story on Raven Stone he never expected to find five men that he feels an overwhelming attraction to. After a night of mind blowing pleasure with the five men, Joel is shocked to learn who these men truly are and who they say he is to them. Joel isn’t ready for what they offer him and he runs, concentrating on his story, when suddenly Joel disappears.
When Raven and the others learn that Joel has gone missing, they know he is in danger and they must find him before it’s too late. And if they find him, will they be able to convince Joel that he belongs with them?
Review: I love vampire stories and even more so when other paranormals are added to the mix. However this book seriously lacked a solid story line for me as it was mostly sex scenes, yes I know this is an erotica book but come on, with a little story thrown in the mix.
Raven has to find his other mate before his time runs out and he is forced to let someone else rule. Joel was a little cutie who is a reporter. He gets himself in trouble looking into a story when he runs from his mates not understanding what is going on seeing as he’s human.
Sorry, but I just did not like this book. Maybe a little less pages upon pages of nothing but sex in the next book and I’ll love it.