Love Wins ~ Anthology

Anthology - Love Wins CoverTitle: Love Wins

Series: Anthology

Author: Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Chruch, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Marrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens

Genre: Paranormal, Holiday, Contemporary, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy 

Length: Novel (330 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 12, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts (Combined)

Blurb:  With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

ISBN:  978-1-63533-429-6

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/love-wins-7898-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I think that this was one hell of a perfect gift in my eyes.  The proceeds are going to be given to the LGBT in Florida after the tragic shooting in June. It was an amazing book and for the perfect reason.  I do admit though I just couldn’t read the ones with females in them because I don’t do girly parts at all.  However the hot men in this book made up for the girly parts in spares.  

Abstract Heart by Lucie Archer ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Nick spends nearly every lunch break at the modern art museum, hoping to catch a glimpse of docent Kris. Kris has noticed the cute guy hanging around the exhibits too but never manages to approach him. It will take a matchmaking security guard to bring these two introverts together.

Thank god for friends because if it was left up to these two they wouldn’t get past hello and you can definitely see the heat between them.  It is a very cute little story about finding that one person you want to be with.  

Cats and Christmas Trees: Trouble Waiting to Happen by M.A. Church ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

What’s a half human to do when Christmas rolls around? Kirk tries ignores it, but his shifter mates Tal and Dolf, being sneaky kitties, persist in finding out what’s troubling him so they can make it better.

This was the perfect Christmas story for my favorite shifters.  I love how this author just makes these two cats, well like cats.  When I received this anthology I had not even realized that this story had been included and let’s just say I jumped for joy.  Tal is the perfect omega and Dolf is the perfect alpha, then you add in Kirk and you have got one hell of a threesome.  

A Chance for Hope by Deja Black ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

In the aftermath of tragedy, freelance writer Brad Truscott is drawn to ease Paul Bachman’s grief. But will Paul ever be ready to take another chance on happiness?

I think that this story will hit closer to home for those who suffered from this loss the most.  It shows the heartache, but it also shows hope.  A second chance at love and the tenderness found in each other.  I enjoyed reading it.

Changing Things by Nicole Dennis ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Despite his allergies, Ryan puts up with the two rescue cats his boyfriend, Seth, adores. But when an especially severe asthma attack sends Ryan to the hospital, Seth realizes something has to give—either his relationship with Ryan or his guardianship of Fili and Kili.

This was a cute little story that was a blast to read.  I think Seth picked the right choice also, but you really need to read it because I am not telling.  I enjoyed reading it though. 

Especially in Orlando by Troy Storm ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

When bighearted mover Dalton is hired to haul away a hot young guy’s belongings after a breakup, he can’t help returning to see how the good-looking older man is dealing with the transition. George is happy to take Dalton up on his offer of solace. But then George’s ex, Peter—aka Mr. Prissy Pout—has second thoughts, and while George isn’t interested in taking him back, he and Dalton are willing to share their experience—and more.

Now this one was more sexual then actually fun to me.  I didn’t much care for it but then that is me.  I hate to admit that I basically skimmed over the story and read parts of it.  Which for me was a bad thing because it just gave me an eye of what was going on.  

Free to Love by Kris T. Bethke ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Henry is tired of hiding their relationship, but Shane is afraid to risk losing his job and his parents by coming out as gay. When his worst fears prove true, Shane finds that life outside his parents’ repressive control is so much better than anything he could have imagined.

Parents can be just as cruel as a stranger it would seem.  I felt bad for Shane but the end result rocks.  I enjoyed reading this story and will definitely be checking for these guys to have a longer story in the future, with more juicy details.

Happily Ever After, After All by L.A. Merrill ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Once upon a time, Princess Aubergine dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding to the girl of her dreams. Things haven’t exactly worked out that way. Locked in a tower for ten years, Aubergine managed to scare off all the princes coming to rescue her. Now it’s up to her to do the rescuing—until a band of students from the local Ladies’ Academy happen upon her tower and devise a daring escape plan.

Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me.  I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it.  When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess.  

The Importance of Pride by Ravon Silvius ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

College history professor Patrick Levine is looking for a subject for a research proposal when he discovers his granduncle’s journal. To his shock, not only was Uncle Marty gay, but he’d been at the Stonewall riot in 1969. Will learning more about his uncle’s history help Patrick face his own fears about coming out?

I just can’t imagine what his uncle went through to get where we are now.  It is still a fight for the LGBT to be considered equal and I fear what the future will be like.  This is a very sweet story of a young man who is not out but finds out that his uncle was a true believer.  I don’t know if I said any of this right, but I will tell you that this was an inspiring story.

The Insomniac Sommelier by Julie Lynn Hayes ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Kirk Westmoreland dreams of owning his own restaurant someday, but for now he fights insomnia while working at family-owned Venezia with his control-freak older brother. After work he tries to de-stress at Sweeties, a small diner run by his sister and her wife. When Kirk meets the diner’s new server, Ashley, he ends up going home with him—to the best sleep he’s had in forever. If he can’t keep his life at Sweeties compartmentalized from his life at Venezia, Kirk will have to decide which one he’s willing to give up.

I definitely can understand insomnia.  This is a really cute little story if not a bit off, but was still a fun little story.  I just felt like it wasn’t for me though, because there was just something missing but I couldn’t figure it out.  Other than my issues, this is a cute story.

Looking for George by David C. Dawson ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Betty’s innocent crush on actor George Clooney became something more when he saved her from a fall at the hotel she works at in London. When she discovers her Italian holiday trip will take her only a few miles from the actor’s summer villa… well, surely fate means for them to meet again.

Now the story is a fantastic story, however I hate female characters so the story didn’t do anything for me.  I hate to admit that I just skimmed it and didn’t really read it.  When I received it I was told it was m/m or m/m/m romance so to my shock this came up and well you can guess.  

Love Over Lotto by Jude Dunn ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Craig Batson and Tom Rendelle have plenty of joy together but not so much money. Determined to improve their finances, Craig borrows a library book on the secrets of winning the lottery and empties their rainy-day fund to buy dozens of lottery tickets. Tom explodes when he finds out, leaving Craig to wonder if their love can survive.

This is a very cute story however it is a bit blown out.  I got a headache within the first few minutes afterwards.  As for the characters, they just seem a bit off to me.  Tom, who works blows at almost everything and then there is Craig who stays home and paints.  They don’t really have that much going for them until the lotto.  Other than those issues it is still a cute story but not really my idea of fun.

More Than His Scars by Jana Denardo ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

Facing the anniversary of the day he lost his arm while serving in the Middle East, Aaron is understandably depressed. It’s up to his lover, Rhys, to plan a special day to help Aaron see how amazing he really is.

This story has many different aspects to it, if that is the word for it.  On one sense it has the paranormal or fantasy seeing as Rhys and his children are not human.  Then you have Aaron who is not only human but was military until his arm was taken in the war.  It is a sad story with a happy tilt toit.  I am afraid that no matter how good it was, it just wasn’t for me.

Overcoming Fear by Grace R. Duncan ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

In the year since a global pandemic ravaged their world, Duncan has done everything he can to ease Mark’s fears of losing him. When a minister and his wife seek out Mark for help, Duncan sees an opportunity to show Mark another level of commitment—if Mark will dare to take it.

One is afraid of losing another person in his life, the other wants forever.  I liked this story quite a bit, no to Christmas themed but it was a lot of fun to read.  I get a kick out zombies, apocalypse and pandemic stories.  This was a lot of fun and look forward to reading a bit more from this author.

Prevailing Zzz’s by Tray Ellis ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

After eight months together, Greg wants Win to move in with him. But how can Win agree when Greg’s snoring leaves him sleep-deprived and miserable?

Let’s just say that if I had left it up to the blurb for this particular book I would have just went on past.  I believe if you love someone deep enough, then their snoring is no big thing.  It is a fun little book if not a bit quirky to me.  

Pushing Back Oblivion by Alicia Nordwell ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Fighting a rapidly growing brain tumor, Cohen promises his partner, Jaime, that he’ll never give up. Through surgeries and setbacks, at times that promise and Jaime’s voice are all Cohen has to cling to.

Now this one was just a tease.  It is a sweet story but way too short to get any more than a hint of what is going to happen.  It went from one time, then to another, then two months after the fact that it left a good portion of the story out.  Other than that it was cute.

Reluctant Valentine by Xenia Melzer ♥♥♥♥♥ 4.5 Hearts

A best-selling thriller novelist, Dean writes romances as a relaxing hobby. But when writer’s block strikes, sexy handyman Morgan shows up to provide all the inspiration he needs.

The first thing I have to say is I could have done without the first few lines in this story.  Even if he is the author and it was just about his book, it was well gross.  I hate anything female in my story and almost just put it down to skimming this book.  Other than that we have an author who needs some inspiration and it comes to him in a sexy man.  It is a very cute love story about finding first love.  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Taking a Chance by Renee Stevens  ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Gabe and Toby work for the same company, Gabe in the US and Toby in London. After meeting at a convention, they spend nearly every moment of their time together, but when they both have to return home, their only option is to attempt a long-distance relationship.

This was just a teaser.  Moving away from home to be with the man you love and then that is it.  It is a cute little story but I sure do wish the author might make it a longer story later.  I would love to see how these two do in the future.  

Overall
Overall some of the stories rocked, some were just stories and then of course the girly parts but the basis for the book still stands.  This is to help the LGBT community and for that we need to pick up those books and start reading.  Or maybe I should say we need to start buying these stories.  I enjoyed reading them and was glad to have a extra from one of my favorite paranormal love stories mixed in.  I would definitely recommend it.

Love Wins ~ Anthology & Guest Post by Ravon Silvius!

ANTHOLOGY - LOVE WINS Banner

Hi guys, we have the charity anthology Love Wins and one of it’s authors (Ravon Silvius) popping in today to let you know a little about the anthology before it’s release next week. Ravon Silvius explains a little about his story so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Anthology - Love Wins Cover

Love Wins

by

Lucie Archer, Kris T. Bethke, Deja Black, M.A. Church, David C. Dawson, Jana Denardo, Nicole Dennis, Ravon Silvius, L.A. Merrill, Grace R. Duncan, Xenia Melzer, Jude Dunn, Julie Lynn Hayes, Tray Ellis, Troy Storm, Alicia Nordwell, Renee Stevens

With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

Full list of stories below.

Release date: 12th December 2016
Pre-order: Dreamspinner Press

Continue reading “Love Wins ~ Anthology & Guest Post by Ravon Silvius!”

One Pulse ~ Charity Anthology Guest Post by John Amory!

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Hey guys, today we have John Amory, one of the authors from the Dreamspinner Press Charity Anthology One Pulse, visiting with an incredible guest post, so check out the post and then I want you to check out the blogs that the other One Pulse authors will be visiting during the next two weeks. <3 ~Pixie~ 

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One Pulse

by

Jon Keys, Alicia Nordwell, Mickie B. Ashling, M.T. Aspen, M.A. Church, Caitlin Ricci, George Seaton, Jayce Ellis, Bree Cariad, Chrissy Munder, Ellis Carrington, Felicitas Ivey, John Amory, Grace R. Duncan, John Goode, J. C. Long, Elizabeth Noble, Renee Stevens, Troy Storm, Connie Bailey, Dev Bentham, Andrea Speed, Laura Lascarso, Lila Leigh Hunter, Emery C. Walters, C.C. Dado, Sera Kane, KC Burn, Vicktor Alexander, Edmond Manning

Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.

To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.

Continue reading “One Pulse ~ Charity Anthology Guest Post by John Amory!”

Wide Open Spaces by Renee Stevens

Renee Stevens - Wide Open Spaces CoverTitle: Wide Open Spaces

Series: States of Love 02: Wyoming

Author: Renee Stevens

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (98pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-63477-702-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (31st August 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 – 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Devon fled Wyoming as soon as he turned eighteen, leaving behind his high school love, Levi. After six years in the big city, Devon returns to his hometown. Not much has changed, except that Levi is no longer in the closet. He’s also single and living his dream—managing the local wild horse population. Both of them are very interested in picking up where they left off, but Devon is no more ready to reveal his orientation than he was as a teenager.

No one is going to shove Levi back in the closet—not even Devon. For a relationship to work, they’ll have to put the past behind them and find the courage to face the future as who they really are—a couple in love. But Devon doesn’t know if he’s strong enough. Maybe Levi would be better off without him—and his hang-ups.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States. (Written by various authors)

Purchase Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/wide-open-spaces-by-renee-stevens-7393-b

Review: When Devon left Wyoming for the big city when he was eighteen he was determined never to return even if he had left the man he loved behind, six years later Devon returns after realizing that he’s a small town boy at heart. Levi returned to Wyoming when he finished collage and although he had regrets about Devon leaving he understood why he did, but when Devon returns and they pick up their relationship Levi can’t help wonder if Devon is trying to push him back in the closet. Devon has to face his fear of coming out or he might just lose Levi for good.

This story is pretty good and the characters are interesting, we get to see these men reconnect and rediscover each other. Their love never really faded so it rekindles quite quickly, they are hot together and they are a great couple.

Levi is relaxed and comfortable with his sexuality, he came out while he was at collage and has refused to hide from the bigots. Devon was out in the city but now he’s home he has no intention of letting anyone know he’s gay, he’s scared of how they will act towards him so avoids all mention of his sex life. It causes tension between Levi and Devon when Levi realizes that Devon won’t go out in public with him even as friends, because Devon doesn’t want to be tarred with the gay brush.

Like I said earlier this story is pretty good but it does lack something, it meandered along at a decent pace but never quite struck the cord with me. I was expecting something more really, maybe more soul-searching and some more tension, but it kinda just fizzled out and left me feeling like there should have been more to the story.

I recommend this to those who love gentle rekindling love, finding the courage to be yourself and a kinda sweet happy ending.

No More Hiding by Renee Stevens

NoMoreHidingLGTitle: No More Hiding
Series: N/A
Author: Renee Stevens
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (256 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 12, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Phillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he’s been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?
When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.

Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky.

Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip’s chance at the life he never thought he could have.

But is it possible?

ISBN: 978-1-63216-987-7

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6510

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is a new author for me, but I must admit that it was pretty damn good. There were a few issues that I found but not enough to disappoint me.

Phillip had been once married to a woman and had two kids. When they divorced she ran with the children. To me the bitch should be shot that is for sure. I couldn’t imagine what he was going through, while searching for them He spends six long years looking, but hasn’t given up. His brother has told him, that he needs to continue living.

However who would stand beside him during these times.

He meets Vance and the attraction is there. However he has to come to terms that he needs to tell him what is going on. Vance is pretty damn hot let me tell you. He puts up with Phillips jealousy and attitude when most would say to hell with it. However with everything that has happened, I suppose we should give the man some slack.

The problem I had with it was the fact that the kids were too easy-going with what has happened and the way life is now. It just comes off as a bit strange to me. I don’t know what to say without giving the story away, so I must say you have to read this book.

It was not my type of story, so I would probably not being putting it on my favorite list but it is a pretty damn good story. The guilt one feels when life must go on, but part of you is still missing is felt throughout. It has a lot of twists to the story that will keep your attention. I had fun with it and would recommend it.

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

No More Hiding by Renee Stevens Release Day Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys, we have Renee Stevens and her debut novel No More Hiding visiting today, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway to celebrate so check out the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

Renee Stevens - No More Hiding FS

No More Hiding

by

Renee Stevens

Phillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he’s been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?

When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.

Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky. Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip’s chance at the life he never thought he could have. But is it possible?

Continue reading “No More Hiding by Renee Stevens Release Day Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway!”