Looking After Joey by David Pratt

21863254Title: Looking After Joey
Series: N/A
Author: David Pratt
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (255 Pages)
ISBN: 978-1-925931-93-5
Publisher: Wilde City Press (April 2nd, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Blurb: Wouldn’t it be great if a porn character stepped out of the TV, into your life? Well, be careful what you wish for. Because that’s how Calvin and Peachy end up looking after Joey. And teaching him everything he needs to know to be a gay man in New York City. His final exam? A fabulous Labor Day party on Fire Island. But first, they all have to get invited. This will involve a rogues’ gallery of eccentric Manhattanites, including portly, perspiring publicist Bunce van den Troell; theatrical investor Sir Desmond Norma; studly thespian Clive Tidwell-Smidgin; lubricant king Fred Pflester; and a mysterious young man named Jeffrey. Tender, wise, witty, and often utterly deranged, Looking After Joey will make you wish that you, too, had a porn character at your kitchen table asking, “So, when can I have sex?”

Purchase Link: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/looking-after-joey/#.U31uByiAOwU

LeeAnn’s Review: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

This story took you inside, literally of the porn world. Seriously Calvin somehow gets sucked, no pun intended, well maybe a little, into the porn world where all they do is have sex. Need your pool cleaned? Oops the pool boy won’t have change for when you go to pay him…oh let’s have sex…you know the bartering system. This is awesome for a while, as Calvin looks for Joey, his favourite porn star EVER. However, Calvin realizes that although it is fun to have sex with all these random people, they really have no point other than the sex. And that if anything is not done correctly “them”, the ones who watch, will not be happy!
This story brings, what I always thought about the porn industry, to life. There is a lot of humor, some angst, anger, sadness and want for revenge in this story. You get a little surprise in the book, which I refuse to reveal. You will need to read it to find out what it is. I believe it is worth your time. But don’t take my word for it. Go ahead, buy this, you know you want to. Who wouldn’t with promises of porn with hot sexy guys in it? In the pool, among other various places. So go ahead buy and enjoy your ride…again, pun intended? Maybe…maybe not.

Lisa’s Review: ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Well I am not really sure what to say about this book. It is way out there in a way I never thought possible. Calvin really didn’t have a life it would seem. However, he has always loved this one character in a porn that he watches. What he had not expected was to get drawn into the porn. One minute he is at home watching it, the next he was having sex with everyone he came across. Sounds like a blast however he was wanting one guy and then he realized all he wanted to do was get back home.

Calvin even manages while doing this amazing porn thing to call his best friend Peachy for help. So he decides to throw in a little attitude and maybe they will kick him out of the movie so he could get home. He did want to take Joey with him but he didn’t think that was possible.

That is until he wakes up to find Joey in his apartment looking completely lost. He has never had anything other than sex, pizza, and beer. Never seen darkness and no women, he was really lost in this world. So Calvin and Peachy try their hardest to show Joey what life will be like here in reality.

It is a funny if not quirky book but it is missing something vital for me to really like it and get into it. I did laugh threw out most of the book, I mean when someone ask you constantly when can I have sex it gets to be a big laugh. I just need a bit more of a plot and story line to really get into it. I did get caught in the beginning but did have a bit of trouble staying with it. It just did not come off as something real to me.

A Possum Christmas by S. Allen

61Dgt24RKtL._SL1000_Title: A Possum Christmas
Author: S. Allen
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (104 Pages)
Asin: B00GRA3FWW
Publisher: S. Allen (November 16th, 2013)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: LeeAnn
Blurb: Ollie was finishing the last of his juice box when he noticed Christopher watching him. “Do you want one? I have another box.”

“You do know that’s not real fruit juice, right? It even states so on the box.” Christopher scrunched up his nose in distaste.

“This is a really yummy fruit flavored beverage, do you want one or not?” Ollie offered again.

“Yes, but do you have an actual cup I can drink it out of?”

When Ollie had asked Christopher out for coffee, he had no expectations of gaining a boyfriend right before Christmas. Ollie had no interest in committing to a relationship, but he had no way of predicting the impact that one prickly man could have on his life.

Christopher had a solid three-month expiration date on all of his previous boyfriends. Could Ollie be the exception?

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Possum-Christmas-S-Allen-ebook/dp/B00GRA3FWW
Review: I really enjoyed this book.

Ollie is a very carefree, fun-loving guy, on the outside but he has been hurt in the past and doesn’t want to be hurt again. He has many friends but has never been in love with any of his previous boyfriends, nor has he introduced any to his close circle of friends.

Christopher has also been hurt in the past and has a bad reputation as a mean and unfeeling man. When these two meet and become close however, they feel a change in their attitudes towards a committed relationship. Soon, however, just when they start to feel the other could be the one, life interferes and things are said that nearly tear them apart.

I highly recommend this book. So do yourself a favor and get this…I wasn’t sure what this would be about but I am so glad I read this. I believe this is the second book but I am not sure what the name of or when the third comes or came out. A perfect read alone book though. Stands very well on its own.

Three's a Crowd by Kassandra Cox

threes_crowd2__52428.1394582386.300.450Title: Three’s A Crowd
Author: Kassandra Cox
Genre: Contemporary Ménage/ MMF
Length: Short (40 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-77130-754-3
Publisher: Evernight Publishing (March 12th, 2014)
Heat Level: Medium
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Reviewer: LeeAnn
Blurb: Adam has played a role for so long that he lives half a life, burying the need within for the sake of appearances. Paul knows and accepts the man he is, but is gun-shy and not willing to risk his heart again too soon. Janine cares for them both and is determined to help them by arranging a ménage that is nothing short of pure hedonistic pleasure. Will love conquer all, or is each too afraid to reach for more?
Be warned: ménage sex (MMF), m/m sex, anal sex
Purchase Link: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/threes-a-crowd-by-kassandra-cox/
Review: Adam enjoys men more than he enjoys women, although he has dated women more than he has dated men. But, due to his job, he is afraid to go after what really does it for him. His “friends with benefits” Janine is his go to when he needs relief, as he is hers. One night Janine decides to add her friend Paul into the mix. She knows how Adam feels and wants to help both men. Maybe they were “the one” for each other. She was willing to orchestrate to see what might happen.

Let’s just say it was an amazing success. However, Adam was still unsure how his partners in the firm he worked for would react to him being in a relationship with a man.

This was a short story, but I enjoyed it very much. The relationship between Paul and Adam turns out to be…oops…can’t tell you what happens exactly or what would be the point of you reading it? So go ahead, buy the book. You won’t be disappointed. Not a lot of sex in here, but what is VERY nice for sure.

Grand Adventures Anthology by Dreamspinner Authors

GrandAdventuresLGTitle: Grand Adventure Anthology
Author(s):
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano
Witness Protected by Dawn Kimberly Johnson
Water Under the Bridge by Mia Kerick
A Gentle Shove of Human Kindness by Amy Lane
Air (Roads #1.75 million) by Garrett Leigh
An Atheist and a Yoga Instructor Walk into a Bar by Rowan McAllister
Stalking 101 by Moria McCain
Simple Desires by Tempeste O’Riley
Object of Care by Zahra Owens
Kid Confusion by Madison Parker
Fall Train by Jaime Samms
The Exhibition by Andrea Speed
What You Will by Tinnean
Prologue by Brandon Witt
Genre: Contemporary/Fantasy
Length: Anthology (320 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-996-1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 31st, 2014)
Heat Level: Low – Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Review: LeeAnn
Blurb: On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous Hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.

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

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

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4873
Review: As you may know, there are 28 shorts in this anthology. Written by some authors who have met Tj and Eric and others who have not yet met them. The Foreword by S.A. McAuley is a true testament to what great friends Tj and Eric have as well as the Prologue by Brandon Witt. These two parts prepare you for the Grand Adventure you are about to go on.

The authors came together to make this anthology out of love , respect and awe for two brave men who have captured so many hearts by letting us see their love grow through videos and posts. To see them make their way through one of the toughest things possible and still come out smiling in the end. Their love has been truly inspirational and fun to watch grow. The fact that they let us all watch and be a part of their journey together is why we all love them and why this book was put together. To help them was the only thing these wonderful people could do. It was a must, in their minds and they pulled it off brilliantly.

All of the shorts in this book are amazing. The HEA that almost all of these stories have give you just that much more hope that we too, can find what Eric and Tj have with each other.

As you also may know, all the money that is made from the selling of this anthology, the t-shirts and posters sold, will go directly to Tj and Eric to help them with medical costs and renovations needed to Eric and Tj’s new home when he finally gets to go home to Tj and Otter.
So please, do yourself a huge favour and get this book, not only for where the money goes but to have a wonderful experience meeting all of these authors and reading their amazing short stories. They are very gifted people who deserve the recognition for their work and unbelievable generosity!

I will definitely be rereading this book again because I so enjoyed every single story in here. I know you will as well.

Serving Love at Carnival by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes

20800113Title: Serving Love at Carnival
Series: International Men of Sports
Author: T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (168 pages)
ISBN: 9780857156631
Publisher: Totally Bound
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: LeeAnn
Blurb: Anything goes during Carnival, and two men are about to discover just how hot the nights can get in Rio.
A long-time member of a samba school, Pablo knows that Carnival in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro is always hot, and the tall, sexy man he hooks up with during the festivities is even hotter. He usually doesn’t go back for repeats, but something about Diego has him working harder than he ever has to try to meet up again.

Diego travels all over the world on the pro beach volleyball tour, but has found that the sexiest man he’s ever met lives right there in Rio. After a few false starts, they finally seem to hit a groove, but as time goes on, ghosts from Pablo’s past begin to affect their present.

It’s tough being the partner of a professional athlete, competing with travel, fans, and training for their limited time. Pablo’s always been let down by people who found it easy to leave him behind. Is he prepared to accept what Diego can offer?

Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/serving-love-at-carnival
Review: From the very beginning, I liked Pablo and Diego…a lot. I love how they met when neither was looking for anything more than a one-night stand. What they found was so much more than that. Their love grew over time. Whether they were texting each other or calling on the phone you see “see” a connection developing between these two men.

They had to learn to go to each other with their problems not a friend they have had for years. Building that trust was crucial and they did it very well. There was a great deal of lovemaking in this book. I could have said sex but not long after they, “hooked up” you could see it was more than sex for these two guys. I rooted for them to have a HEA and I was thrilled with how the authors worked it out. Here is to hoping Thi, Pablo’s best friend since his teens finds his HEA.

This is the sixth book in the International Men in Sports series. However, it is a standalone book. But I suggest, if you can, to get them all. The three I have now read are all wonderful stories.

Burning Up the Ice by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes

burninguptheice_exlarge_PNG-210x336Title: Burning Up the Ice

Series: International Men of Sport, #5
Author: T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (207 pages)
ISBN: 9781781847473
Publisher: Totally Bound (February 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: LeeAnn
Blurb: two men, two very different sports, and one rink—sharing ice has never been so hot.
Olivier ‘Big Bang’ St Pierre is back in his hometown while he recovers from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hockey’s a contact sport—still, he didn’t count on the locker room being dangerous. As a professional hockey player, he also didn’t count on it being hard to find ice time. But when a rink shuts down unexpectedly in a winter-sport-crazy town, even being a big name won’t help as people scramble for whatever they can get.
The first time Ethan Campbell hears from the local hockey legend he knew as a kid, Olivier manages to insult both his family’s rink and his new sport—curling. So he’s not exactly receptive when Olivier shows up in person to plead his case. He makes a sarcastic offer…and is shocked when Olivier takes him up on it. Ethan’s bad experience with hockey had left him cold. But soon he and Olivier are burning up the ice.
Ethan is tied to his town, job, and family, while Olivier will be going back to Chicago to rejoin his team as soon as he’s able. It can’t possibly last…can it?
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/burning-up-the-ice-print?search=burning%20up%20the%20ice
This is book five in the International Men of Sports series. See the full series listing here
Review: I really enjoyed this story. Oliver is in need of a private place to practice, to try to get his knee back into shape after having had major surgery on it. Ethan’s family owns an ice rink facility that, due to the closing of a major one due to repairs, is overflowing with requests for ice time. Somehow, Ethan finds himself offering Oliver use the rink after hours. The fun soon begins thanks to Oliver’s obsession with learning to drive the Zamboni, much to Ethan’s amusement.

Soon time together becomes more than time on the ice and working Oliver’s leg out. Their feelings for each other are real and seem to complete each other. They found in each other that missing part and begin a romance that, given time and dedication will become the best it can be. Yes so there is sex on the Zamboni, countertop and in the office but that just adds to the already great chemistry between the two. Add in the possibility of a romance for Ethan’s sister Chelsea. Meeting Ethan’s parents and nephew and hearing about Oliver’s relationship with his parent’s rounds this story out very nicely. NOT to mention seeing into the world of NHL teams and what makes a person become an athlete in a sport that is very dangerous at times.

So I have no problem saying this…if you like hockey and sex and love all rolled into a great story…then buy this book!

Simple Men by Eric Arvin

71LVMxYSo5L._SL1350_Title:  Simple Men

Author: Eric Arvin

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (200 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-61581-427-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 12th, 2010)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: Chip Arnold is a well-liked football coach at a small liberal arts college, but his personal life is in a bit of a rut. He goes out drinking with his colleagues, gets along well with his players, and dates all the prettiest women in town—he has the life most straight men dream of. But lately none of the women he dates seem to be igniting any passion in him. Then he meets the new school chaplain, Foster Lewis. 

Romantic attraction to another man is new and terrifying, and Chip just can’t put his finger on why he’s drawn to Foster, but it’s stronger than anything he’s felt for anyone in his life. Never one to back down from a challenge, Chip decides to go for it. But love is never simple, and sometimes it’s a downright mess!

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1743

Review: I absolutely loved every thing about this book!

Chip and Foster were so cute together and right for each other. Lynn made me a little angry but in the end, she redeemed herself. Katie with her golf cart was a riot! Yes, Chip and Foster had their problems, mostly Lynn’s fault, but they worked them out.  I also loved the side story with Brad and Jason…loved how that unfolded…not fast but after years of being best friends.

Now…to get that dang squirrel!!!

A Different Dawn by George Keegan

18304439Title:  A Different Dawn

Author: George Keegan

Genre: Contemporary (M/M)

Length:  Short (39 pages)

Publisher:  George Keegan (August 4th, 2013)   

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: Over thirty and at a crossroads in his life, freelance writer Chris Thorne is searching for himself. At odds with his traditional family and chafing from the expectations of a close female friend, Chris faces more than the isolation of a life spent in front of his laptop, it is more the loneliness of his true self-struggling for acceptance against the judgment of those around him.

When Tony Costanzo, the handsome son of Chris’s Italian neighbors, comes for a two-week vacation from New York to help his father with renovations, Chris and Tony form a close bond that extends beyond mere friendship. Discovering that they are two souls constrained by tradition, they take the first step in moving beyond the isolation of their lives.

Purchase Link:  http://www.amazon.com/A-Different-Dawn-George-Keegan-ebook/dp/B00ECB8HKI

Review:  Wasn’t sure about this book. The author did tend to ramble a bit and give more description of people and things than necessary. However, I did like how he described what Chris was feeling about Tony and gave a little background information about his experiences that helped him to discover his sexuality. I loved the chemistry between Tony and Chris and how Tony just took control and swept Chris away.

The ending left an opening for a possible relationship between the two. I liked that also. Rooting for them if there is another book 

Holy: The Awakening by Peter Jason Payne

81f6g9cFvTL._SL1500_Title: Holy: The Awakening (Angels and Demons)

Author: Peter Jason Payne

Genre: Young Adult M/M Paranormal Romance

Length: Short (23 pages)

Publisher:  Peter Jason Payne (February 21st, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Heart

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb:Ambriel’s father died in a car wreck, leaving him the man of the house. It’s a heavy responsibility for a teen still in high school. 

To make matters worse, Ambriel has a deep, closeted secret that sets him apart from his carefree peers.

When Ambriel finds a kindred soul in his fellow classmate Jack, his difficult life takes a turn for the better.

However, there are dark forces at work in Ambriel’s hometown. Witchcraft and demonology have taken root and demons have been summoned, their infernal presence a threat to everyone. Ambriel is particularly vulnerable, because he isn’t just an average teen boy.

Ambriel is an angel.

What is holiness? What is goodness? Are they false constructs created by an hypocritical society? Or are they real, powerful virtues deep inside of us, waiting to be unleashed?

Holy is an M/M paranormal romance that explores the concepts of righteousness and wickedness, and seeks to challenge our preconceived notions of what is good and bad, right and wrong. At 6,000 words, this YA micro-novelette is the first entry of the Angels & Demons series.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Holy-The-Awakening-Angels-Demons-ebook/dp/B00IL6NKJI

Review: OH my!  This book had me right from the start! Ambriel is an angel. He is drawn to Jack who is also one but doesn’t know it until Ambriel shows him. They connect instantly and are drawn to each other. Samael is a Demon or a God and is called forth by Jude. Although Jude doesn’t believe it until he, himself is revealed to be a Demon. Just when it’s getting to where we will be told what Jude’s true name is…..the book ends!  So good. Even though I was left hanging…will have to look for another book connected to this 

Lenny for Your Thoughts by Anyta Sunday

81W1jPXRKiL._SL1500_Title:  Lenny for Your Thoughts

Author:  Anyta Sunday

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novel (316 pages)

Publisher: Anyta Sunday (January 2nd, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer:  LeeAnn

Blurb: Lenny’s life in the small village of Waldau hasn’t changed in years. 

Now it’s time to make a change: a new life, a new city, and a chance to forget his cousin Julien–the boy he . . . well, the boy who left him behind. 

But just as Lenny’s future looks like it’s becoming reality, Julien returns, bringing with him all the sweet, wonderful, and painful memories of their past. 

What does his cousin want? 

And is it something Lenny can give him? 

Purchase Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Lenny-Your-Thoughts-Anyta-Sunday-ebook/dp/B00CMRQEMM

Review:  It took me a long time to get into this story. It kept going back and forth between the past and the present. I have read other books that go back and forth but not as much as this one did. I loved all the characters in the story but I think I would have liked it much more had it started in the past and worked its way to the present.  It was a good story, don’t get me wrong, but I would have enjoyed it more had it been done a little differently. I was rooting for Lenny and Julien the entire time and knew about Ben’s crush before it was revealed 🙂

Hard Times Part 2: Harder For More by Eve Bliss

81BSjQQKEfL._SL1500_Title:  Hard Times Part 2: Harder For More

Author:  Eve Bliss

Genre: Contemporary

Length:  Novella (80 pages)

Publisher:  EB Publishing (January 10th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: In installment 2 of Hard Times, Stuart Finch’s perpetually throbbing cock has made one thing obvious: the more sex he has, the more he wants because Stuart is constantly harder for more. 

When he interviewed for the banking apprentice position, Stuart told the demanding bank executive he would do anything to be hired and keep the job, and he meant every syllable. Stuart just had no idea the type of erotically exhilarating and arousing tasks his boss would ask him to perform when he made that declaration — or how much he would enjoy performing them. 

Up until now, Stuart Finch’s stimulating interactions with his new boss and a friendly neighbor have been but a prelude to the main event: losing his virginity. Before long, Stuart is overwhelmed with the penetrating duties he’ll perform for his boss during the day and the steamy hot nights he’ll spend in the hulking arms of his amorous neighbor. 

In fact, the non-stop sex is downright exhausting, but worth every tingling sensation, stimulating penetration, and sensational orgasm

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Times-Part-Harder-More-ebook/dp/B00HTSJURK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392507216&sr=1-1&keywords=hard+times+part+2

Review: OK wow! Let’s start with that.

In the first book, young Stuart was untouched…well pretty much. In this one he, well, let’s say he is virginal no more. What with between his boss and neighbour, and with the possibility of being with a co-worker, his dance card is full. Not to mention the waiter from the hotel! How he is not totally exhausted by the end of this book, I have no idea! So yeah, if this is the type of book you want to read…*wink* I say buy it…buy it NOW!

I enjoyed it although I was a little exhausted what with all the “relations” he was having throughout the book. Phew! So yeah, buy it. You won’t regret it J

Hard Times Part 1: Hard to Resist by Eve Bliss

Title:   Hard Times Part 1:  Hard to Resist

Author:  Eve Bliss

Genre:  Erotica

Length:  Novella (74 Pages)

Publisher:  E Publishing (Jan 9th, 2014)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn P.

Blurb: Carl Dempsey can’t wait to have Stuart Finch’s sensuous virginal lips wrapped around his cock. Training new apprentices to enjoy sexual pleasure and forbidden desires is better than any other financial or social gain his banking position provides and he plans on exploring every sensual dividend of the anxious handsome asset sitting before him. 

Stuart is surprised when he returns home from work to find his ruggedly handsome neighbor, Tobias “Mac” MacFarland, naked and waiting for him with a raging erection, surrounded by rose petals and candles setting the mood for Stuart’s last night as a virgin. 

Navigating his way through the carnal desires of two powerful sexy men that enflame his skin and libido will be hard for Stuart to resist. 

Purchase Link:    http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Times-Part-To-Resist-ebook/dp/B00HTSJN18/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391213288&sr=8-2&keywords=hard+times+by+eve+bliss

Review:  All Stuart wants ….needs is a job to help him take care of his mom and three sisters. Since his father died and the stock market crash happened, jobs have been few and far between. So he goes to see his grandfather’s former protégé to get a job as the bank manager Carl Dempsey’s apprentice at Commerce Savings and Loan.

Now to say Stuart learns a lot from his boss is one thing. What he learns is not what a person would expect. Very interesting, intimate things. Then at the boarding house he is staying in, he meets Mac who has also taken an interest in Stuart. Let the fun begin in this first installment of three. I liked this story a lot. Was sad it stopped where it did but that will only fuel a person’s desire to by the next two books. So go out and get it…you will NOT be sorry you did.

Gaudete by Amy Rae Durreson

GaudeteLGTitle:   Gaudete

Author:  Amy Rae Durreson

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella (74 Pages)

ISNB:   978-1-62798-586-4-1-62798-586-4

Publisher: Dreamspinnerpress.com (December 1st, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: Every Christmas, child chorister Jonah Lennox used to meet Callum Noakes at Aylminster cathedral when Callum’s mother came to sell roasted chestnuts at the market. After years of friendship, an argument separates them, apparently forever. Putting away the memories of his lost friend, Jonah left the cathedral and moved on with his life.

When Jonah returns to the cathedral after ten years away, the market in the cathedral brings back memories—and Callum, who has made a life for himself as a woodturner. Upon meeting again, attraction pulls them together, and the holiday may inspire their old friendship to mature into new romance.

Purchase Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4488

Review:  I really liked this story. I love how friendships from the past can turn into romance and love of your lifetime later. They do say friendship should be the foundation of romance, which I agree as I am married to one of my best friends. J

I loved the flash backs to their childhood. Really gave great insights to the things they did and went through when younger. Heartbreaking at their last meeting when young though.  How ever, they were there for each other…anchors if you see what I mean. J

I highly recommend everyone read this!

Alaska by Kim Fielding

AlaskaLGTitle:  Alaska

Author:  Kim Fielding

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella (45 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-603-8

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (Dec. 1st 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer:  LeeAnn

Blurb: Best friends Scott and Marco meet on a rooftop on Christmas Eve, each temporarily escaping from his difficult home life. With no gift to share, Marco instead promises to someday rescue Scott and take him to Alaska. As the years pass, they meet—first by design, then by chance—on occasional Christmas Eves, only to find life growing increasingly difficult. They treasure the few moments they have together, but will they ever reach Alaska?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4505

Review:  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book and throughout it, I kept wondering will these two ever catch a break? I had a heavy heart through almost this whole book…happy when they were able to reconnect, but sad when years went by without any contact at all.

However, I NEVER gave up hope and I was thrilled by the time I got to the end of this story. Not a fuzzy, heart thumping story as there is no sex, but there is an enduring love that was awesome to witness.

Celebrating You by Grace R. Duncan

19090820Title:  Celebrating You

Author:  Grace R. Duncan

Genre:  Holiday

Length:  Short (49 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-595-6Pages56

Publisher: Dreamspinnerpress.com (December 1st, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: With the world’s population down to almost nothing and his husband dead, Daniel is sure he’ll spend Christmas alone with his dog, cats, and goats. Jake has been wandering aimlessly since the world went to hell and he lost his partner. As far as he’s concerned, there’s nothing to celebrate. But he finds himself helping Daniel with his Christmas tree and listening to him describes all the things to be thankful for.

Through tree decoration, dinner, and a chess game, Daniel and Jake discover a connection between them that hints at a possibility both had long declared impossible. When the chess game is over and they’re in each other’s arms, they realize how good it feels… and how right. But after having lost everything, are they willing to believe in the possibility of something beyond basic survival?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4497

Review:  They feel the “zing” when they first meet, but both have lost someone they loved.

I enjoyed this story very much. The connection they had right off the bat. The love that quickly grew, whether they wanted it to or not was great to read. Having these two, their menagerie of animals and their wonderful Christmas that led to a future was wonderful. I strongly suggest you read this.

You won’t be sorry.

Gift Wrapped by Sam Hill

Gift-wrappedLGTitle:   Gift Wrapped

Author:   Sam Hill

Genre:  Contemporary

Length:  Novella (46 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-62798-592-5

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (December 1st, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb:   Noah hates his job at the popcorn kiosk, and finding out his original holiday plans to return home have fallen through doesn’t help make his season bright. The daily Secret Santa gifts left on the counter of the kiosk are, so far, more frustrating than cheerful. Then a clown determined to turn Noah’s frown upside-down convinces him that Christmas might not be as terrible as he’d expected.

Purchase Link:   http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4494

Review:  I loved the whole concept of a Secret Santa / Admirer. Noah keeps getting gifts left at his kiosk. All he does is leave for a minute or two and there is a package waiting for him. Not just any old thing in them either…things he wants or brings back good memories for him.  Daniel is working as a clown and has the annoying tendency of calling him darling…why? Noah has no clue but he’s wondering does he have two stalkers? One being his Secret Santa and the other being the clown?

As you will discover as I did, this is a wonderfully charming story and I am so very glad I was able to read it. What Daniel does for Noah regarding Noah’s mom and sister is wonderful. A must read. Please do. You will enjoy every minute.

From This Window by Diana Jean

FromThisWindowLGTitle:  From this Window

Author: Diana Jean

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Nap-sized Dream (41 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: LeeAnn

Blurb: Agoraphobic Lucas Davidson spends his days watching people from his window, taking detailed notes of what he thinks their lives are like. Occasionally he’ll go downstairs to the Da Vinci Café and fulfil his quota for human contact. That’s where part-time clerk Jeremy Roberts meets him. Lucas intrigues him, so Jeremy coerces him into attending a Christmas Eve party, and one night of fun turns in to a morning of choices. Can Lucas accept the colorful world Jeremy shows him, or do his introverted issues run too deep for anyone to help him?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4482

Review: At the beginning of this story, Lucas reminded me a bit of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory. I say this because he didn’t mind being alone and some of the sarcastic things he said sounded like something Sheldon would say. That is where the similarities end. Three years ago, after having graduated college and only finding dead-end jobs, Lucas turned into himself and had no will or want to even get out of bed.

Lucas sits at his window, day after day watching the people on the street go into and out of the store across from his apartment. Jeremy works below at the Café and lives across the hall from Lucas. Jeremy is a photography student and loves to photograph people and things. He also has a huge crush on Lucas. Not that Lucas would know that…..until the night he was “kidnapped” by Jeremy and brought to his Christmas Party. A slightly tipsy girl told Lucas that Jeremy thought he was pretty and wanted to photograph him.

I won’t tell you more of this but I will say that Jeremy is exactly what Lucas needs. He is awesome for him and I am very happy they met and that I got to read their short story.