Enticing Elliott (Moon Pack #5)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB: Elliott comes to the Moon pack bar to meet with Anthony. Little does he know that Anthony's plans include handing him off to Parker, the pack security officer. Parker takes one look at the slim accountant and knows he's found the submissive mate of his dreams. Warning: there are m/m encounters that feature hot sex and lengths of rope.
My Review:Aside from my usual complaint about the shortness of the stories I am becoming addicted to Amber Kell's Moon Pack! This one was sweet, hot, interesting and a little too short.
Finding Farro (Moon Pack #6)by Amber Kell 3*
BLURB: When mutants kidnap Farro's son and take him to Dark Fae territory he has to rely on Anthony to get him back. With problems of his own will the alpha mate be able to cope with all the changes in his life and still handle his pack duties? Book Six in the Moon Pack series. m/m sexual situations.
My Review: A fairly good story that gave us more Silver and Anthony as well as a romance between Farro and Kylen. However that romance is rather glossed over to put forward the story of Anthony and his wish to be more for his partner Silver. Also the blurb is misleading because Dare from book 4 is the one kidnapped by the mutants and Farro's son is later kidnapped by a member of the Moon Pack. That aside over all the story is good and helps the storyline for the Moon Pack continue in an interesting way.
Getting Gabe (Moon Pack #7)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB: Unaware he has werewolf DNA, Gabriel is stunned to learn after an attack that not only will he change into a wolf but that two fae warriors are his mates. Now he has to help his men find the scientist who is creating the mutants before his new formula hits the streets.
My Review: Another menage with twins (but without any incest) made this an unusual addition to the Moon Pack serial. There was more on the main Moon Pack Storyline and, as is getting more and more obvious, these books need to be read in alphabetical order to follow that storyline. As to the individual story about Gabe and the Twins that was well written and I loved it.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
LHNB Stories
LHNB Stories
27th June
In The Right Light by GB Gordon 4*
Dance With Me by Aubrey Watt 3*
The Brat Whisperer by J.A. Rock 4*
28th June
When It's Right by Aria Grace 4*
29th June
So Hot With Love by JH Knight 3*
Pride of the Veld by LE Franks 4*
27th June
In The Right Light by GB Gordon 4*
Dance With Me by Aubrey Watt 3*
The Brat Whisperer by J.A. Rock 4*
28th June
When It's Right by Aria Grace 4*
29th June
So Hot With Love by JH Knight 3*
Pride of the Veld by LE Franks 4*
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Reviews Of Amber Kell books
Baiting Ben (Moon Pack #2)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB Ben joined Silver's club to meet a mate. As a lone wolf he needs to join a pack to survive. But just when he thinks he found his mate in the elegant Thomas, Dillon a man from his old pack, comes into town to claim Ben for himself. What is a wolf to do?
My Review As with the first book I enjoyed meeting members of the Moon Pack but could have done with more story. This overly short story (personal opinion on length!) was a pretty easy read and I really liked how the difficulties of two men wanting to mate with Ben was solved.
Courting Calvin (Moon Pack #3) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB When Calvin's sister is kidnapped will he be forced to betray a friend to get her back or will the sexy vampire, Alesandro, come to his rescue?
My Review A lovely continuation of the Moon Pack storyline that had a few of the old characters but focused mainly on the Vampire leader and his love interest. Again it was too short and I think that Ms Kell needs to either write longer stories (to keep her fans happy) or bring all of them out in one book!
ETA on 28th June
Denying Dare (Moon Pack #4) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB Weretiger Dare longs for the attention of Steven. But the werewolf is searching for a mate among his own kind. Until Anthony douses his friend in a batch of catnip and the big kitty pounces. Book Four in the Moon Pack series. m/m sexual situations.
My Review This gets my usual complaint of being too short but other than that it gave me exactly what I had hoped for. A continuation of the Moon Pack storyline and a wonderfully sweet romance between Dare and Steven.
BLURB Ben joined Silver's club to meet a mate. As a lone wolf he needs to join a pack to survive. But just when he thinks he found his mate in the elegant Thomas, Dillon a man from his old pack, comes into town to claim Ben for himself. What is a wolf to do?
My Review As with the first book I enjoyed meeting members of the Moon Pack but could have done with more story. This overly short story (personal opinion on length!) was a pretty easy read and I really liked how the difficulties of two men wanting to mate with Ben was solved.
Courting Calvin (Moon Pack #3) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB When Calvin's sister is kidnapped will he be forced to betray a friend to get her back or will the sexy vampire, Alesandro, come to his rescue?
My Review A lovely continuation of the Moon Pack storyline that had a few of the old characters but focused mainly on the Vampire leader and his love interest. Again it was too short and I think that Ms Kell needs to either write longer stories (to keep her fans happy) or bring all of them out in one book!
ETA on 28th June
Denying Dare (Moon Pack #4) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB Weretiger Dare longs for the attention of Steven. But the werewolf is searching for a mate among his own kind. Until Anthony douses his friend in a batch of catnip and the big kitty pounces. Book Four in the Moon Pack series. m/m sexual situations.
My Review This gets my usual complaint of being too short but other than that it gave me exactly what I had hoped for. A continuation of the Moon Pack storyline and a wonderfully sweet romance between Dare and Steven.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Review of Chaser by Rick R Reed
Chaser (Chaser #1)by Rick R. Reed 5*
BLURB: Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare, even if he does make an ass of himself. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond with a dick that’s just right. (They met in the bathroom—of course he looked!) But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance.
When Caden runs into Kevin one night on the El train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin's place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about.
But the course of true love never did run smooth, and Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for. This isn’t the same Kevin he fell in love with… is it?
My Review: This was a sweet story that was easy to read. The main subject of attraction and what causes it, and why we fall for a particular type, was well covered in this one, as was the fairly superficial aspects of the singles scene and trying to find someone special. To make the relationship between the two main characters extra difficult the author throws in the rather nasty complication of the BFF of Caden doing all in his power to break them up so that he can try and get with Kevin!
BLURB: Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare, even if he does make an ass of himself. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond with a dick that’s just right. (They met in the bathroom—of course he looked!) But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance.
When Caden runs into Kevin one night on the El train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin's place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about.
But the course of true love never did run smooth, and Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for. This isn’t the same Kevin he fell in love with… is it?
My Review: This was a sweet story that was easy to read. The main subject of attraction and what causes it, and why we fall for a particular type, was well covered in this one, as was the fairly superficial aspects of the singles scene and trying to find someone special. To make the relationship between the two main characters extra difficult the author throws in the rather nasty complication of the BFF of Caden doing all in his power to break them up so that he can try and get with Kevin!
Love Has No Boundaries
I'm still reading these online stories (I've become quite addicted to them:D)
24th June
Six by Tara Spears 5*
25th June
Undeniable by Reece McKinley 4*
The Five Times Raptor Messed With The Bull (and the one time he got the horns) by Xara X. Xanakas 4*
26th June
You Get Full Credit For Being Alive by Cari Z. 5*
24th June
Six by Tara Spears 5*
25th June
Undeniable by Reece McKinley 4*
The Five Times Raptor Messed With The Bull (and the one time he got the horns) by Xara X. Xanakas 4*
26th June
You Get Full Credit For Being Alive by Cari Z. 5*
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Review of Beast In Me by Sommer Marsden
Beast in Me: Book Two in the Divination Falls Trilogy by Sommer Marsden 4*
BLURB: Weather worker Cameron Bale rolls into Divination Falls after being prompted by Spirit and Brother Lighting. He discovers that the small, hidden town full of shifters and magical types is suffering a series of unsettling events. There's speculation from the town seers that he could be the answer they've been looking for. Cameron's willing to try and help: he's got nowhere to go and nothing to lose. His life is simply about loneliness and it turns out that Trace, a grumpy wolf with stunning eyes, knows just what that feels like. Cam finds himself wishing maybe they could be alone ... together. Oh yeah, and battle whatever evil it is that still lurks in Divination Falls.
My Review:This was a good second book in the trilogy but it could have done with a sharper look at the editing. The transition from one scene to another were not marked so that occasionally I was left thinking "WHAT!" before realising that the scene had changed. Apart from that the concept was good and the execution was fair but a little bit too short on tension. At least the romance between Cameron and Trace was good and the sex scenes were hot.
BLURB: Weather worker Cameron Bale rolls into Divination Falls after being prompted by Spirit and Brother Lighting. He discovers that the small, hidden town full of shifters and magical types is suffering a series of unsettling events. There's speculation from the town seers that he could be the answer they've been looking for. Cameron's willing to try and help: he's got nowhere to go and nothing to lose. His life is simply about loneliness and it turns out that Trace, a grumpy wolf with stunning eyes, knows just what that feels like. Cam finds himself wishing maybe they could be alone ... together. Oh yeah, and battle whatever evil it is that still lurks in Divination Falls.
My Review:This was a good second book in the trilogy but it could have done with a sharper look at the editing. The transition from one scene to another were not marked so that occasionally I was left thinking "WHAT!" before realising that the scene had changed. Apart from that the concept was good and the execution was fair but a little bit too short on tension. At least the romance between Cameron and Trace was good and the sex scenes were hot.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Love Has No Boundaries
LHNB
22 June
Strip, Please by Jena Wade 4*
An Angelic Meeting by Vicktor Alexander 4*
An Adventure In Beginnings by Alex Whitehall 4*
23 June
Tarnished Toys (ending one: LIKE YOU) by Gabbo de la Parra 4*
Tarnished Toys (ending two: IN OTHER WORDS) by Gabbo de la Parra 5*
Breathing Snow by Dev Bentham 4*
Smartass by Lynn Lorenz 4*
22 June
Strip, Please by Jena Wade 4*
An Angelic Meeting by Vicktor Alexander 4*
An Adventure In Beginnings by Alex Whitehall 4*
23 June
Tarnished Toys (ending one: LIKE YOU) by Gabbo de la Parra 4*
Tarnished Toys (ending two: IN OTHER WORDS) by Gabbo de la Parra 5*
Breathing Snow by Dev Bentham 4*
Smartass by Lynn Lorenz 4*
Reviews of First Books in Series.
Review Of Bounty for Hunter (Bounty #1) by A.J. Wiliams 4*
BLURB:Keylee isn’t your typical bounty hunter. She’s young, petite, and has a Doberman pinscher as her personal bodyguard. Just as Keylee returns to town from a month long assignment, she’s asked to protect a man named Hunter, who has jumped bond and is on the run from other bounty hunters and the police. The mere fact that she knows who Hunter is and why the police are after him, places her life at risk. Now, Keylee has a limited time to save Hunter and herself
My Review: This was a lovely short story that made for a great start to a new series. I just hope that the following ones are longer because I wanted much more after reading this one. Keylee & Hunter were both wonderful characters and the action was face paced and racy with plenty of good descriptions.
Review Of Attracting Anthony (Moon Pack #1) by Amber Kell 5*
BLURB:Anthony Carrow never thinks to find the love of his life when he goes to a bar with his best friend Steven Dell. Getting over the death of his lover has been a hard task for Anthony. After two years he’s still broken-hearted and doesn’t have any intention of joining the dating scene. However, going with Steven to scope out a werewolf club to help his friend find a mate leads to unexpected consequences.
Silver, alpha leader of the Moon pack, has been searching for his mate for a long time. Unhappy with the men he meets he’s given up searching for the man of his dreams until Anthony walks into the bar.
Can a man who’s already suffered a loss once be persuaded to give love a second try or will fear hold them back from finding the love they both deserve.
My Review: I really enjoyed reading this one because it took the usual theme of shifter meets fae and they end up soul mates and then added a few twists to make it into a story that was interesting and new. There was plenty of hot sex but also lots of humour and a few bits of magic. In fact all that was missing was a longer story!
BLURB:Keylee isn’t your typical bounty hunter. She’s young, petite, and has a Doberman pinscher as her personal bodyguard. Just as Keylee returns to town from a month long assignment, she’s asked to protect a man named Hunter, who has jumped bond and is on the run from other bounty hunters and the police. The mere fact that she knows who Hunter is and why the police are after him, places her life at risk. Now, Keylee has a limited time to save Hunter and herself
My Review: This was a lovely short story that made for a great start to a new series. I just hope that the following ones are longer because I wanted much more after reading this one. Keylee & Hunter were both wonderful characters and the action was face paced and racy with plenty of good descriptions.
Review Of Attracting Anthony (Moon Pack #1) by Amber Kell 5*
BLURB:Anthony Carrow never thinks to find the love of his life when he goes to a bar with his best friend Steven Dell. Getting over the death of his lover has been a hard task for Anthony. After two years he’s still broken-hearted and doesn’t have any intention of joining the dating scene. However, going with Steven to scope out a werewolf club to help his friend find a mate leads to unexpected consequences.
Silver, alpha leader of the Moon pack, has been searching for his mate for a long time. Unhappy with the men he meets he’s given up searching for the man of his dreams until Anthony walks into the bar.
Can a man who’s already suffered a loss once be persuaded to give love a second try or will fear hold them back from finding the love they both deserve.
My Review: I really enjoyed reading this one because it took the usual theme of shifter meets fae and they end up soul mates and then added a few twists to make it into a story that was interesting and new. There was plenty of hot sex but also lots of humour and a few bits of magic. In fact all that was missing was a longer story!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Review of Hook's Pan by Marie Hall
Hook's Pan (Kingdom # 5) by Marie Hall 5*
BLURB: Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her starring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairytales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.
Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed.
What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalleyI hadn't actually read any of the previous Kingdom stories but that didn't really matter. There was enough backstory given, without ruining the flow of the story, that I had no trouble understanding what was going on. In fact the backstory about other Bad Boys of The Kingdom made me eager to go find them and read those too. So this one is all about turning Hook into a hero and Marie Hall does it with style and humour. I loved that Peter Pan was shown to be exactly what an undisciplined ten year old would be without adult correction. The Heroine was sympathetic and believable without being a wimp, in fact I loved her snarky responses to Hook and really enjoyed the whole romance. As for Hook I loved him even though he managed to hold a grudge against Pan for so long.
BLURB: Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her starring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairytales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.
Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed.
What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalleyI hadn't actually read any of the previous Kingdom stories but that didn't really matter. There was enough backstory given, without ruining the flow of the story, that I had no trouble understanding what was going on. In fact the backstory about other Bad Boys of The Kingdom made me eager to go find them and read those too. So this one is all about turning Hook into a hero and Marie Hall does it with style and humour. I loved that Peter Pan was shown to be exactly what an undisciplined ten year old would be without adult correction. The Heroine was sympathetic and believable without being a wimp, in fact I loved her snarky responses to Hook and really enjoyed the whole romance. As for Hook I loved him even though he managed to hold a grudge against Pan for so long.
Friday, June 21, 2013
More Love Has No Boundaries Reads.
I am really loving these online reads (though I have had the patience to wait for some to become downloads :D).
21 June
When Karma Comes Knocking by Jinjur Louis 5*
Four Seasons With You by May Ridge 4*
Double Exposure by Sam Kadence 5*
Head Over Heels by Sunne Manello 4*
One Week by K. Mason 4*
21 June
When Karma Comes Knocking by Jinjur Louis 5*
Four Seasons With You by May Ridge 4*
Double Exposure by Sam Kadence 5*
Head Over Heels by Sunne Manello 4*
One Week by K. Mason 4*
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Review Of Whistle Blowing
Whistle Blowing (Love is Always Write)by Ada Maria Soto 5*
BLURB: Former Navy medic Sebastian Thompson has classic good looks and a true blue heart. But that doesn't mean he has the confidence to make a move on the gorgeous young blond who just breezed into the Blue Dragon Bar. Fate will play its hand, anyway. Finding the same young blond beaten to the edge of death, terrified of a hospital, Sebastian has to choose - walk away, or try to save a life.
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?
My Review: I wasn't sure about this one when I started reading it, as I felt Sebastian was rather too good to be true about taking in a stranger and helping him stay away from those in authority, just because the man said it was too dangerous. That said it soon became apparent as the story continued that the Character of Sebastian was one of those rare humans who do good things because it's the right thing to do. This endeared him to me and I actually loved that the whole story was told from his POV. I did get a little swamped by some of the medical detail but found it actually made sense to have it. When the story really started to go places the hint of paranoia and danger from Daren was beautifully written and kept me glued to the pages as I rushed to finish it. My only complaint is that it really needed an epilogue to tie up a few loose ends.
BLURB: Former Navy medic Sebastian Thompson has classic good looks and a true blue heart. But that doesn't mean he has the confidence to make a move on the gorgeous young blond who just breezed into the Blue Dragon Bar. Fate will play its hand, anyway. Finding the same young blond beaten to the edge of death, terrified of a hospital, Sebastian has to choose - walk away, or try to save a life.
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?
My Review: I wasn't sure about this one when I started reading it, as I felt Sebastian was rather too good to be true about taking in a stranger and helping him stay away from those in authority, just because the man said it was too dangerous. That said it soon became apparent as the story continued that the Character of Sebastian was one of those rare humans who do good things because it's the right thing to do. This endeared him to me and I actually loved that the whole story was told from his POV. I did get a little swamped by some of the medical detail but found it actually made sense to have it. When the story really started to go places the hint of paranoia and danger from Daren was beautifully written and kept me glued to the pages as I rushed to finish it. My only complaint is that it really needed an epilogue to tie up a few loose ends.
Love Has No Boundaries
Rating more of the wonderful stories written by Goodread Authors in the M/M Romance Group.
18th June
Anything For You, Sir by Max Vos 5*
19th June
Playing For Keeps by Lexi Ander 4*
Synchronicity by Kiera Andrews 4*
Per Ardua Ad Astra by Gilbert Cole 3*
20th June
To Steal The Tithe by Kaylah Hunter 4*
Nothing's Missing Now by Westbooke Jameson 4*
Touch Of Hope by Brandon Shire 3*
18th June
Anything For You, Sir by Max Vos 5*
19th June
Playing For Keeps by Lexi Ander 4*
Synchronicity by Kiera Andrews 4*
Per Ardua Ad Astra by Gilbert Cole 3*
20th June
To Steal The Tithe by Kaylah Hunter 4*
Nothing's Missing Now by Westbooke Jameson 4*
Touch Of Hope by Brandon Shire 3*
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Review of Menial: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction
Menial: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction by Various Authors. 4*
BLURB: Miner. Harvester. Mechanic. Sanitation Worker. These are not the typical careers of your average science fiction protagonist. Until now.
MENIAL: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction presents seventeen stories about the people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
From the literal guts of a spaceship, to the energy-starved lands of a future Earth, to the inhospitable surfaces of other planets, MENIAL explores the stories of people who understand and maintain the building blocks of civilization. They work hard, live hard, and love hard. They're not afraid to build the future they want to live in, even knowing the often high human cost of hard labor.
My Review: I picked this because it was about unusual jobs in Science Fiction and I was glad I had done so. There were some really good stories in there. Unfortunately one or two I didn't like, but that was more because of my taste than that there was anything actually wrong with the stories. Overall there is a nice diversity of stories and anyone who enjoys short Science Fiction stories should at least give it a try.
BLURB: Miner. Harvester. Mechanic. Sanitation Worker. These are not the typical careers of your average science fiction protagonist. Until now.
MENIAL: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction presents seventeen stories about the people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
From the literal guts of a spaceship, to the energy-starved lands of a future Earth, to the inhospitable surfaces of other planets, MENIAL explores the stories of people who understand and maintain the building blocks of civilization. They work hard, live hard, and love hard. They're not afraid to build the future they want to live in, even knowing the often high human cost of hard labor.
My Review: I picked this because it was about unusual jobs in Science Fiction and I was glad I had done so. There were some really good stories in there. Unfortunately one or two I didn't like, but that was more because of my taste than that there was anything actually wrong with the stories. Overall there is a nice diversity of stories and anyone who enjoys short Science Fiction stories should at least give it a try.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Review Of Exodus Towers by Jason M Hough
The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle #2)by Jason M. Hough 4*
BLURB: The Exodus Towers features all the high-octane action and richly imagined characters of The Darwin Elevator—only the stakes have never been higher.
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley Like The Darwin Towers this book is deeply Character driven but this time the characters are shown to be not as previously portrayed. The Villains from book one are now showing touches of good and the good guys are shown to have major flaws that make them less sympathetic to the reader. Hough delivers surprise after surprise and lots of action. I was hooked to the story and I am very upset that I have to wait for so long until I can get my hands on book three to see what 'The Builders' are really up to.
BLURB: The Exodus Towers features all the high-octane action and richly imagined characters of The Darwin Elevator—only the stakes have never been higher.
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley Like The Darwin Towers this book is deeply Character driven but this time the characters are shown to be not as previously portrayed. The Villains from book one are now showing touches of good and the good guys are shown to have major flaws that make them less sympathetic to the reader. Hough delivers surprise after surprise and lots of action. I was hooked to the story and I am very upset that I have to wait for so long until I can get my hands on book three to see what 'The Builders' are really up to.
Monday, June 17, 2013
A NetGalley Review Book by Z A Maxfield
Review of Grime and Punishment (The Brothers Grime #1)by Z.A. Maxfield 5*
BLURB: The Brothers Grime is Jack Masterson's way of helping people in crisis after disability ends his career as a firefighter. Jack's people get to a scene long after the physical trauma ends. They don't solve crime or rescue the victims. They help people move on. The new job is all Jack wants or needs, until he gets the call about old flame Nick Foasberg's suicide.
Ryan Halloran's cousin Nick has been on a downhill slide for a long time. Despite that, Ryan does everything he knows to help. Ryan only understands part of what happened between Nick and Jack in high school, but after Nick's suicide, Ryan agrees both he and Jack need closure. They work together to clean the scene and despite the situation, heat flares between them.
Jack is keeping a painful secret and fighting his attraction to Nick's lookalike cousin, Ryan. Ryan calls himself a magnet for lost causes and worries Jack might be the next in a long line of losers. Despite his misgivings, despite the past and the mistakes they've both made, Jack gives Ryan something to look forward to, and Ryan gives Jack a reason to stop looking back, in Grime And Punishment.
My Review: I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book from Netgalley because of the fact that the Hero had an unusual job so I thought it would be worth reading. I was right! This book was excellent, both in the way it portrayed the very difficult job that Jack had to do, but also in the way the story drew me into the lives of Jack and Ryan. The author managed to bring a lot of issues into the light without dragging me away from the interesting romance between the two men. The secondary characters were also well written and I look forward to reading book two in the Grime Brothers stories, especially if the next one is going to be about Dave.
BLURB: The Brothers Grime is Jack Masterson's way of helping people in crisis after disability ends his career as a firefighter. Jack's people get to a scene long after the physical trauma ends. They don't solve crime or rescue the victims. They help people move on. The new job is all Jack wants or needs, until he gets the call about old flame Nick Foasberg's suicide.
Ryan Halloran's cousin Nick has been on a downhill slide for a long time. Despite that, Ryan does everything he knows to help. Ryan only understands part of what happened between Nick and Jack in high school, but after Nick's suicide, Ryan agrees both he and Jack need closure. They work together to clean the scene and despite the situation, heat flares between them.
Jack is keeping a painful secret and fighting his attraction to Nick's lookalike cousin, Ryan. Ryan calls himself a magnet for lost causes and worries Jack might be the next in a long line of losers. Despite his misgivings, despite the past and the mistakes they've both made, Jack gives Ryan something to look forward to, and Ryan gives Jack a reason to stop looking back, in Grime And Punishment.
My Review: I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book from Netgalley because of the fact that the Hero had an unusual job so I thought it would be worth reading. I was right! This book was excellent, both in the way it portrayed the very difficult job that Jack had to do, but also in the way the story drew me into the lives of Jack and Ryan. The author managed to bring a lot of issues into the light without dragging me away from the interesting romance between the two men. The secondary characters were also well written and I look forward to reading book two in the Grime Brothers stories, especially if the next one is going to be about Dave.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Review Of FlashWired by Anna Butler
FlashWired by Anna Butler 4*
BLURB: One day, someday soon, Jeeze Madrid was going to wake up and realize just what he'd been passing up; he'd see what Cal Paxton was offering him so faithfully—"Faithfully, Jeeze! Even you can't deny that!"—and grab it. And they'd finally have what Cal wanted.
Cal Paxton and Jeeze Madrid are the top scouting team on the Pathfinder-class starship, the Carson, on the very outer edge of Earth's expansion across the galaxy. A Pathfinder's job is to evaluate planets for colonization. Cal's and Jeeze's job is to find the planets for the Carson's scientists to analyze.
Cal and Jeeze are wingmen, best friends... and lovers. Cal wants more than a casual relationship but Jeeze, recently divorced, is wary of commitment. When Jeeze is shot down over a planet inhabited by a race Earth has never before encountered, what will Cal find when the Carson can finally mount a rescue mission? Will he ever succeed in persuading Jeeze to take up that offer of hand and heart?
My Review This was a well written story with interesting characters and a very unusual alien encounter but.. and it's a big but... it wasn't really a good ending for me, hence the mark down to a 4*. On the other hand I would love to read something a little longer from this author as she definitely has a way with words and that makes for an interesting and intriguing read.
BLURB: One day, someday soon, Jeeze Madrid was going to wake up and realize just what he'd been passing up; he'd see what Cal Paxton was offering him so faithfully—"Faithfully, Jeeze! Even you can't deny that!"—and grab it. And they'd finally have what Cal wanted.
Cal Paxton and Jeeze Madrid are the top scouting team on the Pathfinder-class starship, the Carson, on the very outer edge of Earth's expansion across the galaxy. A Pathfinder's job is to evaluate planets for colonization. Cal's and Jeeze's job is to find the planets for the Carson's scientists to analyze.
Cal and Jeeze are wingmen, best friends... and lovers. Cal wants more than a casual relationship but Jeeze, recently divorced, is wary of commitment. When Jeeze is shot down over a planet inhabited by a race Earth has never before encountered, what will Cal find when the Carson can finally mount a rescue mission? Will he ever succeed in persuading Jeeze to take up that offer of hand and heart?
My Review This was a well written story with interesting characters and a very unusual alien encounter but.. and it's a big but... it wasn't really a good ending for me, hence the mark down to a 4*. On the other hand I would love to read something a little longer from this author as she definitely has a way with words and that makes for an interesting and intriguing read.
More Love Has No Boundaries Stories
Love Has No Boundaries Stories:
15th June:
Only Way Out Is In by Lyn Gala 5*
Treasure by Kim Fielding 5*
Sticking it by K Vale 4*
Ass Over Teacup by Jackie Nacht 4*
16th June
Worthy by Lia Black 5*
The Sentinel by Eden Winters 5*
Hard And Fast by Jack Greene 4*
17th June
Falling Away by Lisa Henry 3*
15th June:
Only Way Out Is In by Lyn Gala 5*
Treasure by Kim Fielding 5*
Sticking it by K Vale 4*
Ass Over Teacup by Jackie Nacht 4*
16th June
Worthy by Lia Black 5*
The Sentinel by Eden Winters 5*
Hard And Fast by Jack Greene 4*
17th June
Falling Away by Lisa Henry 3*
Friday, June 14, 2013
Love Has No Boundaries Stories
Love Has No Boundaries Stories:
Animal Magnetism (Love Has No Boundaries)by Willow Scarlett & Andrea Speed 4*
The Three Of Us by Stephen del Mar 5*
Learning To Dance by Annette Gisby 3*
Last First Kiss by Piper Vaughn 4*
Animal Magnetism (Love Has No Boundaries)by Willow Scarlett & Andrea Speed 4*
The Three Of Us by Stephen del Mar 5*
Learning To Dance by Annette Gisby 3*
Last First Kiss by Piper Vaughn 4*
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Review of The Alecto Initiative
The Alecto Initiative (Loralynn Kennakris, #1)by Owen R. O'Neill & Jordan Leah Hunter 5*
BLURB: Life's never easy out in the Methuselah Cluster, the most remote region humanity ever settled, but when her alcoholic father found her a 'job' while he went off-planet to look for work for a 'few months', 11-year-old Loralynn Kennakris began to learn just how ugly it could get. Within the year, her employers sold her to a brutal slaver captain, who took from her the last thing she owned: her name.
Most girls in Kris's position last a year or two. The strong ones might last four. Kris survived for eight before she was set free, thanks to the Nereidian League Navy.
Unfortunately, eight years growing up in Hell prepared Kris for nearly everything but freedom, and her new life isn't at all what she imagined. Not only must she find her way in a bewildering society full of bizarre rules, but the very people who rescued her think she's a terrorist plant, a beautiful interstellar celebrity is complicating matters in more ways than one . . . and now someone is trying to kill her.
But Kris hasn't stayed alive by respecting boundaries or obeying rules, and her adopted society is about to find out what it's like to collide with a someone who has no concept of a no-win scenario.
The Alecto Initiative is the gripping story of an extraordinary young woman forced to come of age while looking Death in the eye. It is the powerful and thought-provoking beginning to a new science-fiction series unlike any you have ever read
My Review: To paraphrase the last paragraph of the blurb: This is an extraordinary story about a courageous heroine! She had me rooting for her to succeed from page one.This is the first in a new series and I look forward to reading many more books about Loralynn Kennakris and the universe she lives in.
BLURB: Life's never easy out in the Methuselah Cluster, the most remote region humanity ever settled, but when her alcoholic father found her a 'job' while he went off-planet to look for work for a 'few months', 11-year-old Loralynn Kennakris began to learn just how ugly it could get. Within the year, her employers sold her to a brutal slaver captain, who took from her the last thing she owned: her name.
Most girls in Kris's position last a year or two. The strong ones might last four. Kris survived for eight before she was set free, thanks to the Nereidian League Navy.
Unfortunately, eight years growing up in Hell prepared Kris for nearly everything but freedom, and her new life isn't at all what she imagined. Not only must she find her way in a bewildering society full of bizarre rules, but the very people who rescued her think she's a terrorist plant, a beautiful interstellar celebrity is complicating matters in more ways than one . . . and now someone is trying to kill her.
But Kris hasn't stayed alive by respecting boundaries or obeying rules, and her adopted society is about to find out what it's like to collide with a someone who has no concept of a no-win scenario.
The Alecto Initiative is the gripping story of an extraordinary young woman forced to come of age while looking Death in the eye. It is the powerful and thought-provoking beginning to a new science-fiction series unlike any you have ever read
My Review: To paraphrase the last paragraph of the blurb: This is an extraordinary story about a courageous heroine! She had me rooting for her to succeed from page one.This is the first in a new series and I look forward to reading many more books about Loralynn Kennakris and the universe she lives in.
More from Love Has No Boundaries
Online reads found here
10th June:
Lost Time by Parker Williams 3*
Stalking Dreams by Leta Blake 4*
Off Sides by Dianne Hartsock 3*
Winter Winds by Missouri Dalton 5*
11th June:
Friends Or Lovers by Sara York 3*
Life Drawings by Jane Davitt 4*
Desert Rain by Victoria Zager 4*
Happy Endings by Deanna Wadsworth 3*
12th June
Badass Of His Dreams by Missy Welsh 4*
Jackson's Law by Vanessa North 4*
Routine Watch by Gina A Rogers 4*
13th June
#FirstImpressions#SecondChances by Heidi Belleau 4*
Silver Ice by Suilan Lee 5*
Straight Men Can't Cook by Anna Birmingham 4*
10th June:
Lost Time by Parker Williams 3*
Stalking Dreams by Leta Blake 4*
Off Sides by Dianne Hartsock 3*
Winter Winds by Missouri Dalton 5*
11th June:
Friends Or Lovers by Sara York 3*
Life Drawings by Jane Davitt 4*
Desert Rain by Victoria Zager 4*
Happy Endings by Deanna Wadsworth 3*
12th June
Badass Of His Dreams by Missy Welsh 4*
Jackson's Law by Vanessa North 4*
Routine Watch by Gina A Rogers 4*
13th June
#FirstImpressions#SecondChances by Heidi Belleau 4*
Silver Ice by Suilan Lee 5*
Straight Men Can't Cook by Anna Birmingham 4*
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Review of Broken by Jessica Freely
Review of Broken by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: Eben does what his brother, mob boss Nicky Flannery, tells him, even when he’s not so sure it’s right. Letting Nicky do his thinking for him is a lifelong habit. So is hiding the fact that he’s gay. Then Nicky buys a Hong Kong rentboy to expand the mob's escort business and Eben's life gets a lot more complicated.
Forced into prostitution, Song Xiu is an unsentimental survivor. He takes his pleasures where he can and leaves his clients weak in the knees. Xiu knows he's hot for Eben's powerful body, but it’s more than that. Eben's kind face and gentle touch give Xiu a strange feeling that no amount of sex or drugs can banish. Is this what people call love?
Eben is instantly attracted to Xiu's erotic beauty, but it's the sweet young man beneath the glossy surface that he falls for. When he learns Xiu's story, he begins to wonder if Nicky is really the hero he grew up worshipping, or something else entirely.
An unguarded moment leads to a passionate encounter that rips away all of Xiu and Eben’s illusions. Suddenly the answers to their questions become alarmingly clear. They have one last chance to rescue each other from their broken lives, but only if they can survive Nicky's retribution
My Review: Interesting, Intriguing, Intense all could be used for this story. Both main characters fit the title of Broken but at the same time they are both good people caught in a bad situation. I loved how they interacted and how the secondary characters were equally well written and helped make this a story I enjoyed reading immensely.
BLURB: Eben does what his brother, mob boss Nicky Flannery, tells him, even when he’s not so sure it’s right. Letting Nicky do his thinking for him is a lifelong habit. So is hiding the fact that he’s gay. Then Nicky buys a Hong Kong rentboy to expand the mob's escort business and Eben's life gets a lot more complicated.
Forced into prostitution, Song Xiu is an unsentimental survivor. He takes his pleasures where he can and leaves his clients weak in the knees. Xiu knows he's hot for Eben's powerful body, but it’s more than that. Eben's kind face and gentle touch give Xiu a strange feeling that no amount of sex or drugs can banish. Is this what people call love?
Eben is instantly attracted to Xiu's erotic beauty, but it's the sweet young man beneath the glossy surface that he falls for. When he learns Xiu's story, he begins to wonder if Nicky is really the hero he grew up worshipping, or something else entirely.
An unguarded moment leads to a passionate encounter that rips away all of Xiu and Eben’s illusions. Suddenly the answers to their questions become alarmingly clear. They have one last chance to rescue each other from their broken lives, but only if they can survive Nicky's retribution
My Review: Interesting, Intriguing, Intense all could be used for this story. Both main characters fit the title of Broken but at the same time they are both good people caught in a bad situation. I loved how they interacted and how the secondary characters were equally well written and helped make this a story I enjoyed reading immensely.
Review of Toxic by Belinda McBride
Review of Toxic (Sex and Chocolate)by Belinda McBride 5*
BLURB: There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be
My Review: What another great story from Ms McBride. There are the usual cast of interesting characters as well as a love story and a great subplot about nefarious organisations. In fact I can't wait to read more about the wolves of Truckee and hope that Ms Mcbride won't take too long in providing them.
BLURB: There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be
My Review: What another great story from Ms McBride. There are the usual cast of interesting characters as well as a love story and a great subplot about nefarious organisations. In fact I can't wait to read more about the wolves of Truckee and hope that Ms Mcbride won't take too long in providing them.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Love is Always Write Volume 10
Review of Love Is Always Write Volume 10 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 10:
TIME ENOUGH – Kiernan Kelly (science fiction/time
TO KEEP A SMILE – Valentina Heart (contemporary/family drama)
TUMBLEWEED – S.A. Meade (contemporary/cowboy)
UNDERWATER SECRETS – Charlie Richards (paranormal/merman)
USING BROKEN WINGS TO FLY – Eden Connor (contemporary/PTSD)
THE VAMPIRE AND THE BEAR – Deanna Wadsworth (paranormal/vampire)
THE WAR AT THE END OF THE WORLD – Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane (historical/writer)
WEST, HAVEN – Jenna Jones (contemporary/musicians)
WHERE THE LAND GOES ON FOREVER – S. A. McAuley (contemporary/scientist)
A WHISPERED CRY – Sammy Goode (fantasy/military)
WITH THIS RING – Jeff Erno (contemporary/intergenerational)
THE WOLF AT MY DOOR – Pia Veleno (contemporary/mild bondage)
My Review: This volume has a story for everyone in it. Personally I enjoyed most of them and will reread at least three of them many more times in the future.
BLURB: Stories in Volume 10:
TIME ENOUGH – Kiernan Kelly (science fiction/time
TO KEEP A SMILE – Valentina Heart (contemporary/family drama)
TUMBLEWEED – S.A. Meade (contemporary/cowboy)
UNDERWATER SECRETS – Charlie Richards (paranormal/merman)
USING BROKEN WINGS TO FLY – Eden Connor (contemporary/PTSD)
THE VAMPIRE AND THE BEAR – Deanna Wadsworth (paranormal/vampire)
THE WAR AT THE END OF THE WORLD – Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane (historical/writer)
WEST, HAVEN – Jenna Jones (contemporary/musicians)
WHERE THE LAND GOES ON FOREVER – S. A. McAuley (contemporary/scientist)
A WHISPERED CRY – Sammy Goode (fantasy/military)
WITH THIS RING – Jeff Erno (contemporary/intergenerational)
THE WOLF AT MY DOOR – Pia Veleno (contemporary/mild bondage)
My Review: This volume has a story for everyone in it. Personally I enjoyed most of them and will reread at least three of them many more times in the future.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Review of A Hell Hound's Fire
A Hell Hound's Fire by Siobhan Muir 4*
BLURB: Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.
Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.
Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.
My Review As an introduction to the new series of Cloudburst, Colorado this was a very good story. The Characters were well rounded and there was a lot of information packed into it for something so short. However I did find it a little too short, even though the world building was first rate and the sex scenes were hot. So, as it was offered as a way of introducing new readers to her writing, I say that the author achieved that and I will be looking for more Cloudburst stories in the future.
BLURB: Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.
Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.
Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.
My Review As an introduction to the new series of Cloudburst, Colorado this was a very good story. The Characters were well rounded and there was a lot of information packed into it for something so short. However I did find it a little too short, even though the world building was first rate and the sex scenes were hot. So, as it was offered as a way of introducing new readers to her writing, I say that the author achieved that and I will be looking for more Cloudburst stories in the future.
Saturday, June 08, 2013
Review of Book 1 in a new series
I Like Em Pretty (N'awlins Exotica Series #1)by Michael Mandrake 4*
BLURBNew Orleans is supposed to be the big easy. One night changes everything for Frankie Choteau.
New Orleans. A city rich in tradition, diversity, and on the comeback trail from hurricane Katrina. Francois “Frankie” Choteau, a resident of this town, a cop with a hot temper and low tolerance for bs. Kajika Fortier, a transplant from Oklahoma came here looking for a dream and unfortunately it’s turned into a nightmare. On a hot summer night, they meet and cross paths during a very difficult situation. Despite this, the attraction between them is evident and loneliness for both men is a fate worse than death. They’d both like a chance at happiness but will the circumstances and Frankie’s uneasiness prevent their happy ever after?
My Review I enjoyed this story but would have liked to give Frankie's female police partner a quick kick up the backside at times. Which just goes to show how well Michael Mandrake has written the characters in this book. If you enjoy flirtatious pretty boys and handsome police officers getting together and learning to give and take in their new relationship then you need to read this at once. I just hope that the next book is all about some of those wonderful secondary characters. In fact my only complaint, and the reason it doesn't get 5*, is that there wasn't really any tension as such and Frankie's job was mostly glossed over, even though he was supposed to be swamped with a lot of cold cases and recent homicides.
BLURBNew Orleans is supposed to be the big easy. One night changes everything for Frankie Choteau.
New Orleans. A city rich in tradition, diversity, and on the comeback trail from hurricane Katrina. Francois “Frankie” Choteau, a resident of this town, a cop with a hot temper and low tolerance for bs. Kajika Fortier, a transplant from Oklahoma came here looking for a dream and unfortunately it’s turned into a nightmare. On a hot summer night, they meet and cross paths during a very difficult situation. Despite this, the attraction between them is evident and loneliness for both men is a fate worse than death. They’d both like a chance at happiness but will the circumstances and Frankie’s uneasiness prevent their happy ever after?
My Review I enjoyed this story but would have liked to give Frankie's female police partner a quick kick up the backside at times. Which just goes to show how well Michael Mandrake has written the characters in this book. If you enjoy flirtatious pretty boys and handsome police officers getting together and learning to give and take in their new relationship then you need to read this at once. I just hope that the next book is all about some of those wonderful secondary characters. In fact my only complaint, and the reason it doesn't get 5*, is that there wasn't really any tension as such and Frankie's job was mostly glossed over, even though he was supposed to be swamped with a lot of cold cases and recent homicides.
Love Has No Boundaries Online Stories
Love Has No Boundaries Stories
I have read a lot of these already and will just list the ones I have read so far with my rating. Feeling too lazy to review so many!(some others were reviewed previously)
Heart in a Bottle by Wendy Clements 4*
The Tail of a Dog by Summer Devon 5*
Open Arms and Open Eyes by Michelle K. Grant 3*
The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton 5*
Lost In The Echo by Jack L. Pyke 3*
Love You So Hard by Tara Lain 5*
Rough in the Saddle by Hennessee Andrews 4*
Nor Iron Bars A Cage by Kaje Harper 5*
Midnight Muffins by Erica Pike 4*
Cherry Blossoms and Titanium by Tia Fielding 3*
Cartoon Logic by Andrea Speed 2*
I have read a lot of these already and will just list the ones I have read so far with my rating. Feeling too lazy to review so many!(some others were reviewed previously)
Heart in a Bottle by Wendy Clements 4*
The Tail of a Dog by Summer Devon 5*
Open Arms and Open Eyes by Michelle K. Grant 3*
The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton 5*
Lost In The Echo by Jack L. Pyke 3*
Love You So Hard by Tara Lain 5*
Rough in the Saddle by Hennessee Andrews 4*
Nor Iron Bars A Cage by Kaje Harper 5*
Midnight Muffins by Erica Pike 4*
Cherry Blossoms and Titanium by Tia Fielding 3*
Cartoon Logic by Andrea Speed 2*
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Ten Reviews of mostly short stories
Review of Lone Wolf by Dellani Oakes 4*
BLURB: The year is 3032 and mankind has expanded far beyond Earth's galaxy. Matilda Dulac is a member of the Galactic Mining Guild. With her lover, Marc Slatterly, she works in a small mining ship in deep space. Their well ordered life is suddenly thrown into chaos when one miner arrives with a load of Trimagnite, a highly toxic liquid ore.
Enter The Lone Wolf. Wil VanLipsig, known as the Lone Wolf, arrives to take the Trimagnite off their hands. Is it a coincidence for him to show up on Marc's ship years after Marc thought he'd killed Wil? Or is this the beginning of something far more insidious?
My Review: Action, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Danger and Bold Characters! This story had them all. I am eagerly anticipating the next in this new series by a new to me author :D
Review of Love is Always Write Vol 7 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 7:
NOT A PIECE OF FICTION – Harry Issott (paranormal/post-apocalyptic)
AN OCEAN APART – Sammy Goode (contemporary/established couple)
OF CANYON ASHES – Cody Richardson (contemporary/firefighter)
OF ETERNITY AND TREMBLING – Thursday Euclid (paranormal/angels)
OF HONOR AND LOVE – S.J. Frost (historical/19th century Japan)
OFFICE POLITICS – Elizabeth Lister (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
OUR SONG – Nicole Dennis (contemporary/musicians)
PILLOW TALK – J.H. Knight (contemporary/college
PLAYING WITH FIRE – Jennivie Wirries (contemporary/ménage)
PLAYING WITH SHADOWS – Sasha L. Miller (fantasy/adventure)
THE PORTRAIT OF HIS SUBLIMITY – Cay McKat (contemporary/BDSM)
PREDATORS – Clancy Nacht (contemporary/BDSM)
THE QUESTION GAME – Wt Prater (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: Loping these as a great read in between other stories.
Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 8 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 8:
RAINBOWS AND PUPPIES – Jonathan Treadway (contemporary/bears)
THE REST OF FOREVER – Kate Aaron (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
THE ROAD TO HELL – Sara York (suspense/private detective)
ROSES IN THE DEVIL’S GARDEN – Charlie Cochet (historical (1925)/prohibition
agents)
SAFE – Kim Dare (contemporary/dominance)
SANDS OF THYME – EM Lynley (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
SEE RIGHT THROUGH – Sara Winters (contemporary/friends to lovers)
SHADOW DANCE – Cherie Noel (contemporary/dancers)
SHOW ME YOURS – Kaje Harper (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: This one is my favourite of the lot as one of the stories is to my prompt and I couldn't have asked for a better story than the one Charlie Cochet wrote to it.
Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 9 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 9:
SIN – N.R. Walker (sci-fi/scientist)
SKIN OR SCALE – Jaime Samms (paranormal/fantasy/college)
SOULMATES – Andrea Speed (fantasy/magic)
SPY HILL – Dusk Peterson (historical fantasy/alternate universe)
STAY WITH ME – AJ Jarrett (contemporary/law enforcement)
STEAMY – Vicktor Alexander (sci-fi/poly m/m/m/m)
STUCK ON YOU – Anna Birmingham (contemporary/college)
TAKE A BREATH – Tam Ames (contemporary/ER)
TAKE MY BREATH – Tami Veldura (contemporary/college)
TELLING JASE – Penny Wilder (contemporary/performance arts)
THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO JERSEY – Gina Rogers (contemporary/hurt-comfort)
My Review: Yet again a wonderful mix of stories to keep me interested.
Review of Shouting In The Silence by Malcolm Rhodes 1*
BLURB: Olivia Hernandez opened her olive green eyes wide. Her regular time in her sleeping chamber had been disturbed by a blaring siren that she hadn’t heard in many years. Her mind flashed back to her academy training when her instructor had drilled into her and her fellow trainees the dire necessity of responding when the siren went off. In the years since she had achieved officer status, she had never had the siren go off and knew of nobody else who had either....
My Review: What can I say that won't sound too critical of the author? It was poorly written, very short and felt incomplete.
Review of
Taken (Love Has No Boundaries)by Kim Dare 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
They aren’t real; at least that’s what I was always told. Yet here I am, bound and at their mercy. I have no memory of how I got here. I know that I’m supposed to be afraid and ashamed of the things they do to me, but the thing is, I’ve never felt safer or more loved in my entire life.
Photo Description:
Three elves crowd around a captured human. The human is bound and gagged; chains attached to his collar restrain him to the floor, and his hands are cuffed behind his back. The elves are all clothed but the human’s clothing has been torn away, rendering him naked and vulnerable. Each elf is tall, slender, and elegant, with long flowing hair. All three elves are reaching out toward their captive human, beginning to explore his body
My Review: A short but very hot fantasy story. If you are into elves, male on male menage stories and some very nice sex then you should read this.
Review of Great Catch(Love Has No Boundaries)by Megan Slayer 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story
Dear Author,
We have been best friends since elementary school and started fooling around together the summer we turned fifteen. Other than being best friends, I know that we just fool around to have fun. It doesn’t mean anything more than that; at least I know that it doesn’t mean anything more than that to him.
It’s not like we do it every day. Except lately it seems that when we are together, even when we are just hanging out, I can’t help but get the feeling that he is looking at me differently than he normally does… Like he is waiting for me to say something or do something. But it’s driving me crazy, because I know I want more. But I know he doesn’t… Does he?
Photo Description:
Two young men are side by side on a bus and appear to be sleeping. The boy on the left wears a sleeveless dark blue T-shirt and a grey visor turned backwards. He has his arm around the boy on the right, who rests his head against his friend’s chest, cushioned by a towel or pillow. Their fingers are laced together, holding on as they sleep.
My Review: I enjoyed this one. The progression of friends to lovers to full blown relationship was nicely written and I was only unhappy over the fact that it wasn't longer.
Review of BTW I Love You (Don't Read in the Closet Events)by Nico Jaye 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
When Aidan logs onto the Internet one night during winter break, he hardly expects to meet tall, dark, and handsome Jake - let alone discover over the course of their chats and emails that Jake may actually be...well...pretty much perfect. However, with Jake studying abroad 8,000 miles away, Aidan soon finds himself struggling with the intense feelings that he's developed for a man he's never actually met.
With an ocean between them and all of the doubts and questions that come with the distance, will their relationship ever find wings? And when they finally meet in person, can their online romance become an IRL happily ever after?
My Review: A sweet romance that shows that not all relationships need to start face to face. I loved the steady growing of crush to lust to love and the way the two main characters worked at the long distance relationship together until they could meet face to face.
Review of
Prisoner 374215 (Love Has No Boundaries)by Angel Martinez 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
He enters my cell daily at ten pm. He leaves in the morning at six am. He never says a word. Never moves from where he sits right beside the thick steel door. He does not beat me. He doesn't take me to the tiled room at the end of the corridor. He doesn't goad me, smirk when I wince afterwards, cry, or scream. I'm not sure what he does when I drift off, into deep, exhausted, pain-drenched sleep. I think he just watches. A fixture, a security, so they may state that I'm not left unattended. Sometimes I wish...
Photo Description:
While the cell is sparse and cold, at least this one has a bed. The figure resting there is too thin; too still, the prominent bones the result of long starvation, the stillness the product of too much anguish and abuse. He watches, though. An anxious, intelligent mind still occupies this frail and failing body, one that watches and wonders about the new guard occupying his cell each night.
My Review: This was a rather dark and intense short story that made me feel quite unnerved at times. It was really gut wrenching and for a short story it packed quite a punch!
Review of Ten Year H-Itch (Love Has No Boundaries)by Pelaam 3*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
We’ve been together for ten years now and love each other very much. The stresses of daily life have gotten in the way and put a strain on our relationship. We don’t seem to spend the time or energy on our relationship like we should. Help us to find the spark we once had.
Photo Description:
The black and white photo shows two men, but only the man closest to the camera is in focus. He sits in bed, propped up on pillows, staring pensively at the camera. In the background, his partner reclines on the far edge of the same bed. His hand reaches for his lover’s nipple as he watches the other man intently.
My Review:A short, gentle read about reviving a relationship. Nice but not very memorable.
BLURB: The year is 3032 and mankind has expanded far beyond Earth's galaxy. Matilda Dulac is a member of the Galactic Mining Guild. With her lover, Marc Slatterly, she works in a small mining ship in deep space. Their well ordered life is suddenly thrown into chaos when one miner arrives with a load of Trimagnite, a highly toxic liquid ore.
Enter The Lone Wolf. Wil VanLipsig, known as the Lone Wolf, arrives to take the Trimagnite off their hands. Is it a coincidence for him to show up on Marc's ship years after Marc thought he'd killed Wil? Or is this the beginning of something far more insidious?
My Review: Action, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Danger and Bold Characters! This story had them all. I am eagerly anticipating the next in this new series by a new to me author :D
Review of Love is Always Write Vol 7 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 7:
NOT A PIECE OF FICTION – Harry Issott (paranormal/post-apocalyptic)
AN OCEAN APART – Sammy Goode (contemporary/established couple)
OF CANYON ASHES – Cody Richardson (contemporary/firefighter)
OF ETERNITY AND TREMBLING – Thursday Euclid (paranormal/angels)
OF HONOR AND LOVE – S.J. Frost (historical/19th century Japan)
OFFICE POLITICS – Elizabeth Lister (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
OUR SONG – Nicole Dennis (contemporary/musicians)
PILLOW TALK – J.H. Knight (contemporary/college
PLAYING WITH FIRE – Jennivie Wirries (contemporary/ménage)
PLAYING WITH SHADOWS – Sasha L. Miller (fantasy/adventure)
THE PORTRAIT OF HIS SUBLIMITY – Cay McKat (contemporary/BDSM)
PREDATORS – Clancy Nacht (contemporary/BDSM)
THE QUESTION GAME – Wt Prater (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: Loping these as a great read in between other stories.
Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 8 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 8:
RAINBOWS AND PUPPIES – Jonathan Treadway (contemporary/bears)
THE REST OF FOREVER – Kate Aaron (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
THE ROAD TO HELL – Sara York (suspense/private detective)
ROSES IN THE DEVIL’S GARDEN – Charlie Cochet (historical (1925)/prohibition
agents)
SAFE – Kim Dare (contemporary/dominance)
SANDS OF THYME – EM Lynley (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
SEE RIGHT THROUGH – Sara Winters (contemporary/friends to lovers)
SHADOW DANCE – Cherie Noel (contemporary/dancers)
SHOW ME YOURS – Kaje Harper (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: This one is my favourite of the lot as one of the stories is to my prompt and I couldn't have asked for a better story than the one Charlie Cochet wrote to it.
Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 9 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 9:
SIN – N.R. Walker (sci-fi/scientist)
SKIN OR SCALE – Jaime Samms (paranormal/fantasy/college)
SOULMATES – Andrea Speed (fantasy/magic)
SPY HILL – Dusk Peterson (historical fantasy/alternate universe)
STAY WITH ME – AJ Jarrett (contemporary/law enforcement)
STEAMY – Vicktor Alexander (sci-fi/poly m/m/m/m)
STUCK ON YOU – Anna Birmingham (contemporary/college)
TAKE A BREATH – Tam Ames (contemporary/ER)
TAKE MY BREATH – Tami Veldura (contemporary/college)
TELLING JASE – Penny Wilder (contemporary/performance arts)
THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO JERSEY – Gina Rogers (contemporary/hurt-comfort)
My Review: Yet again a wonderful mix of stories to keep me interested.
Review of Shouting In The Silence by Malcolm Rhodes 1*
BLURB: Olivia Hernandez opened her olive green eyes wide. Her regular time in her sleeping chamber had been disturbed by a blaring siren that she hadn’t heard in many years. Her mind flashed back to her academy training when her instructor had drilled into her and her fellow trainees the dire necessity of responding when the siren went off. In the years since she had achieved officer status, she had never had the siren go off and knew of nobody else who had either....
My Review: What can I say that won't sound too critical of the author? It was poorly written, very short and felt incomplete.
Review of
Taken (Love Has No Boundaries)by Kim Dare 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
They aren’t real; at least that’s what I was always told. Yet here I am, bound and at their mercy. I have no memory of how I got here. I know that I’m supposed to be afraid and ashamed of the things they do to me, but the thing is, I’ve never felt safer or more loved in my entire life.
Photo Description:
Three elves crowd around a captured human. The human is bound and gagged; chains attached to his collar restrain him to the floor, and his hands are cuffed behind his back. The elves are all clothed but the human’s clothing has been torn away, rendering him naked and vulnerable. Each elf is tall, slender, and elegant, with long flowing hair. All three elves are reaching out toward their captive human, beginning to explore his body
My Review: A short but very hot fantasy story. If you are into elves, male on male menage stories and some very nice sex then you should read this.
Review of Great Catch(Love Has No Boundaries)by Megan Slayer 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story
Dear Author,
We have been best friends since elementary school and started fooling around together the summer we turned fifteen. Other than being best friends, I know that we just fool around to have fun. It doesn’t mean anything more than that; at least I know that it doesn’t mean anything more than that to him.
It’s not like we do it every day. Except lately it seems that when we are together, even when we are just hanging out, I can’t help but get the feeling that he is looking at me differently than he normally does… Like he is waiting for me to say something or do something. But it’s driving me crazy, because I know I want more. But I know he doesn’t… Does he?
Photo Description:
Two young men are side by side on a bus and appear to be sleeping. The boy on the left wears a sleeveless dark blue T-shirt and a grey visor turned backwards. He has his arm around the boy on the right, who rests his head against his friend’s chest, cushioned by a towel or pillow. Their fingers are laced together, holding on as they sleep.
My Review: I enjoyed this one. The progression of friends to lovers to full blown relationship was nicely written and I was only unhappy over the fact that it wasn't longer.
Review of BTW I Love You (Don't Read in the Closet Events)by Nico Jaye 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
When Aidan logs onto the Internet one night during winter break, he hardly expects to meet tall, dark, and handsome Jake - let alone discover over the course of their chats and emails that Jake may actually be...well...pretty much perfect. However, with Jake studying abroad 8,000 miles away, Aidan soon finds himself struggling with the intense feelings that he's developed for a man he's never actually met.
With an ocean between them and all of the doubts and questions that come with the distance, will their relationship ever find wings? And when they finally meet in person, can their online romance become an IRL happily ever after?
My Review: A sweet romance that shows that not all relationships need to start face to face. I loved the steady growing of crush to lust to love and the way the two main characters worked at the long distance relationship together until they could meet face to face.
Review of
Prisoner 374215 (Love Has No Boundaries)by Angel Martinez 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
He enters my cell daily at ten pm. He leaves in the morning at six am. He never says a word. Never moves from where he sits right beside the thick steel door. He does not beat me. He doesn't take me to the tiled room at the end of the corridor. He doesn't goad me, smirk when I wince afterwards, cry, or scream. I'm not sure what he does when I drift off, into deep, exhausted, pain-drenched sleep. I think he just watches. A fixture, a security, so they may state that I'm not left unattended. Sometimes I wish...
Photo Description:
While the cell is sparse and cold, at least this one has a bed. The figure resting there is too thin; too still, the prominent bones the result of long starvation, the stillness the product of too much anguish and abuse. He watches, though. An anxious, intelligent mind still occupies this frail and failing body, one that watches and wonders about the new guard occupying his cell each night.
My Review: This was a rather dark and intense short story that made me feel quite unnerved at times. It was really gut wrenching and for a short story it packed quite a punch!
Review of Ten Year H-Itch (Love Has No Boundaries)by Pelaam 3*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
We’ve been together for ten years now and love each other very much. The stresses of daily life have gotten in the way and put a strain on our relationship. We don’t seem to spend the time or energy on our relationship like we should. Help us to find the spark we once had.
Photo Description:
The black and white photo shows two men, but only the man closest to the camera is in focus. He sits in bed, propped up on pillows, staring pensively at the camera. In the background, his partner reclines on the far edge of the same bed. His hand reaches for his lover’s nipple as he watches the other man intently.
My Review:A short, gentle read about reviving a relationship. Nice but not very memorable.
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Review of Strawberries For Dessert by Marie Sexton
Review of Strawberries for Dessert (Coda Books #4)by Marie Sexton 5*
BLURB: When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing more than dinner and a one-night stand... but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they're both in town, Jon readily agrees.
Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work
My Review: Again this is a part of a series that I had not read before. Again it didn't matter as it seemed to stand well on it's own. However I might well be looking for previous books in the series as the author has done a wonderful job of getting me very interested in her Characters. The two in this story are so opposite and yet fit so well together that even though I knew the ending was (probably) happy, because of the opening, I was hooked and rooting for the relationship to work out. I especially liked that it was told from one POV but the emails to a friend gave us the thoughts of the second main character.
BLURB: When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing more than dinner and a one-night stand... but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they're both in town, Jon readily agrees.
Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work
My Review: Again this is a part of a series that I had not read before. Again it didn't matter as it seemed to stand well on it's own. However I might well be looking for previous books in the series as the author has done a wonderful job of getting me very interested in her Characters. The two in this story are so opposite and yet fit so well together that even though I knew the ending was (probably) happy, because of the opening, I was hooked and rooting for the relationship to work out. I especially liked that it was told from one POV but the emails to a friend gave us the thoughts of the second main character.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Half a dozen plus one reviews.
Review of Cats by P A Ellwood 4*
BLURB:Cats tells the story of Neisal, an Alien on another world. One who is the last of his race. Contemplating suicide, he is saved by the most unlikely of friends. Cats. Not just any cats though, these are not native to his world, but are from Earth.
My Review: This is a science fiction short story that was a little too twee. The alien was the last of his kind but it is never adequately explained how that came to be. Nor was the quick acceptance by the human women that believable. However that said it had a lovely feel good factor to it and was overall an enjoyable read. I believe it would work well for young readers and those people who (like me) enjoy a few minutes of escapism that makes them feel good to be human.
Review of An Intrepid Trip to Love (A Little Bite of Love, #1) (A Little Bite of Love #1)by Charlie Cochet 5*
BLURB:Tristan ‘Trip’ Hagan is a Husky shifter who was born to be the Hagan Clan’s next Alpha, a position of honor and nobility, a position he never wanted and was all too happy to pass onto his younger brother. But when they discovered his brother couldn’t have pups, the responsibility of continuing the Hagan Alpha line fell back to Trip. At the tender age of eighteen, Trip gave in under the weight of the Hagan Council’s demand for him to fulfill his duty, but after years of struggling to uphold his family’s traditions, Trip found the courage to do what no other Hagan Alpha had done in the history of the clan: he came out.
With his Enforcers—the Devil Dogs, at his side, Trip won the battle against the Council, who attempted to banish him and take his young son away. His victory allowed him to remain within the clan and raise Robbie. Now five years later, the dust has settled, and Trip is living a happy life with his cheeky pup and their own little makeshift family. Brook—Robbie’s mother, her true mate Deacon, and the Devil Dogs are the only ones who support Trip and know of his heartache.
True mates within canine shifter clans are very rare, but Trip has had one since he can remember. Despite losing his heart to Boone twenty years ago, Trip holds little hope of ever getting to bond with the sexy Enforcer, as it’s against clan laws for pure-bloods to bond with half-breeds. How much longer can Trip and Boone resist the longing in their hearts? With the call from their feral halves to seal the bond growing stronger by the day, can Trip and Boone find a way to be together without losing everything?
My Review:This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love Has No Boundaries' event I am very grateful to Nikyta for providing the prompt that inspired this story. I loved the humour and the anguish and especially the love that was infused in this story. The Characters were so well written that I wanted to meet them. I hope the Charlie Cochet writes more about these wonderful Husky Shifters and their world. I for one will buy the books if she does.
Review of The Good Fight (The Good Fight #1)by Andrew Grey 5*
BLURB:Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.
John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can't even see his niece and nephew.
As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn't have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren't without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one
My Review: I was amazed by some of the things I learnt whilst reading this book. The author has done a wonderful job of teaching about Native Americans without making it preachy or insulting. As to the actual story, what can I say that can possibly do it justice? The characters were so good and the tension and conflict between them and the Child Services was well written and never intrusive on the overall romance between Jerry and John/Akecheta.
Review of Human Frailties (Love Has No Boundaries )by Jaye McKenna 5*
BLURB: PHOTO DESCRIPTION: The man stands against a fog-shrouded landscape lit by a full moon shining through thin clouds, his long, black hair whipped by the wind. His stance is open but ambiguous― it could be welcoming or threatening― and one foot rests upon a glowing jack-o-lantern. Under his open robe he wears only leather pants and high boots. In one hand he holds a staff topped with a skull; above the other hand float glowing, arcane symbols.
Dear Author,
Darkness has been a part of my life since I can remember.
I never understood why it was so hard for me to be part of the bright world. The Internet couldn’t satisfy my need, so I went to this arcane little book shop. The old hag behind the counter gave me a book, where she said I might find the answers to my questions.
Supposedly, this book opened your power to summon entities to obtain knowledge. One in particular drew my attention. Its name was unpronounceable, but I could not bring it to me without saying its name aloud. Its symbols― a black dog, a pumpkin on fire, and a heart surrounded by thorns― were a potent siren song. They simply drove me crazy.
When I finally untied my tongue and called, it didn't come to me. Instead, it took me to a sinister realm. Forget my questions. All I want to do now is drop to my knees and worship him.
Sincerely,
Gabbo de la Parra
My Review: Another of the free stories for the Love Has No Boundaries event. Yet again a wonderful prompt and an equally wonderful response. The author has taken everything from the prompt and produced a lovely love story that was spiced up with fantasy and suspense.
Review of Ashe's Nightmare by C.L. Warden 3*
BLURB:Ashe has fallen into his life as a vampire's food source by chance but when his mistress needs to leave the city he has two options. Go back to the street where she found him or let himself be given to the most feared of vampires in another city across international borders. His choice will lead him to Killian and the first chance he has at love with another man. Killian's power is of nightmares even if he is everything Ashe wants
My Review: For such a dark beginning this was really a very sweet and romantic love story about a vampire and his human servant.
Review of Super Gay by Vicktor Alexander 4*
BLURB: When William “Will” Ladler shows up at the Radisson Hotel for the wedding of his best friend’s younger brother, he’s surprised to see the gorgeous, effeminate young man he’d danced with the night before at a club, standing at the altar dressed in a tuxedo as a member of the wedding party. Will watches as the younger man’s long auburn hair blows in the wind, missing the entire ceremony. He’s determined to not only find out the younger man’s name but to get his number and ask him out on a date, which is what he’d wanted to do the night before.
Derrick “Rick” Tramun is beyond shocked to see the gorgeous Will Ladler at his older brother’s wedding. Their night was cut short by a fight and Rick’s overprotective friends, who were determined to make sure that he makes it home by his curfew. After dancing with Will the night before and jacking off to the memory of it before bed, Rick is more than happy to take Will up on his offer for dinner, much to his family’s horror and against their objections. His family has always been super supportive of his lifestyle, so why were they so against his dating Will?
But when Will sees exactly how flamboyant and effeminate Rick is and Rick finds out exactly how much Will can “pass” as a heterosexual man, will the two of them be able to make a go of their relationship or is Rick too “super gay” for straight laced Will?
My Review: This is a story about how one's perceptions are too often based on looks rather than character. The older man is very conservative and a little bit in the closet about being gay and has to reevaluate his opinions when he falls for an out and out flamboyant makeup wearing gay guy. I like the way the two men interact and how the older guy manages to be more honest by the end of this rather sweet romance.
Review of Blind Devotion (The Shifters #3)by M.D. Grimm 5*
BLURB: In Haven, Montana, the shifters and their human allies are safe-for now. But that safety hinges on the town's location remaining a secret, and it's about to be compromised.
Cougar shifter Travis Kuger spent the past ten years alternating between craving revenge and wishing he could forget his painful past. Ever since the shifter-hating Knights blinded him and killed his family, Haven-and Sheriff Jack Ulger-have been Travis's refuge.
Travis and Jack know their friendship could be much more, but Jack is part of Haven's ruling wolf shifter pack. If he takes a non-wolf mate, he'll be banished forever. But when one of the Knights infiltrates Haven, love becomes the least of their problems.
My Review: Even though this is book three in a series that I haven't read before, it didn't seem to matter. The story stood up very well on it's own and was very interesting.The two main characters are different shifters that aren't supposed to want to be together. One being a wolf and the other a blind cougar shifter. Yet somehow the author has made their love story interesting and added a dash of suspense by having psychics as the enemy of the shifters (and the cause of the cougars blindness). There was added tension by having the Wolf pack being very steeped in traditions that won't accept change very easily. I really liked this story and recommend it to any fans of the Shifter Genre.
BLURB:Cats tells the story of Neisal, an Alien on another world. One who is the last of his race. Contemplating suicide, he is saved by the most unlikely of friends. Cats. Not just any cats though, these are not native to his world, but are from Earth.
My Review: This is a science fiction short story that was a little too twee. The alien was the last of his kind but it is never adequately explained how that came to be. Nor was the quick acceptance by the human women that believable. However that said it had a lovely feel good factor to it and was overall an enjoyable read. I believe it would work well for young readers and those people who (like me) enjoy a few minutes of escapism that makes them feel good to be human.
Review of An Intrepid Trip to Love (A Little Bite of Love, #1) (A Little Bite of Love #1)by Charlie Cochet 5*
BLURB:Tristan ‘Trip’ Hagan is a Husky shifter who was born to be the Hagan Clan’s next Alpha, a position of honor and nobility, a position he never wanted and was all too happy to pass onto his younger brother. But when they discovered his brother couldn’t have pups, the responsibility of continuing the Hagan Alpha line fell back to Trip. At the tender age of eighteen, Trip gave in under the weight of the Hagan Council’s demand for him to fulfill his duty, but after years of struggling to uphold his family’s traditions, Trip found the courage to do what no other Hagan Alpha had done in the history of the clan: he came out.
With his Enforcers—the Devil Dogs, at his side, Trip won the battle against the Council, who attempted to banish him and take his young son away. His victory allowed him to remain within the clan and raise Robbie. Now five years later, the dust has settled, and Trip is living a happy life with his cheeky pup and their own little makeshift family. Brook—Robbie’s mother, her true mate Deacon, and the Devil Dogs are the only ones who support Trip and know of his heartache.
True mates within canine shifter clans are very rare, but Trip has had one since he can remember. Despite losing his heart to Boone twenty years ago, Trip holds little hope of ever getting to bond with the sexy Enforcer, as it’s against clan laws for pure-bloods to bond with half-breeds. How much longer can Trip and Boone resist the longing in their hearts? With the call from their feral halves to seal the bond growing stronger by the day, can Trip and Boone find a way to be together without losing everything?
My Review:This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love Has No Boundaries' event I am very grateful to Nikyta for providing the prompt that inspired this story. I loved the humour and the anguish and especially the love that was infused in this story. The Characters were so well written that I wanted to meet them. I hope the Charlie Cochet writes more about these wonderful Husky Shifters and their world. I for one will buy the books if she does.
Review of The Good Fight (The Good Fight #1)by Andrew Grey 5*
BLURB:Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.
John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can't even see his niece and nephew.
As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn't have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren't without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one
My Review: I was amazed by some of the things I learnt whilst reading this book. The author has done a wonderful job of teaching about Native Americans without making it preachy or insulting. As to the actual story, what can I say that can possibly do it justice? The characters were so good and the tension and conflict between them and the Child Services was well written and never intrusive on the overall romance between Jerry and John/Akecheta.
Review of Human Frailties (Love Has No Boundaries )by Jaye McKenna 5*
BLURB: PHOTO DESCRIPTION: The man stands against a fog-shrouded landscape lit by a full moon shining through thin clouds, his long, black hair whipped by the wind. His stance is open but ambiguous― it could be welcoming or threatening― and one foot rests upon a glowing jack-o-lantern. Under his open robe he wears only leather pants and high boots. In one hand he holds a staff topped with a skull; above the other hand float glowing, arcane symbols.
Dear Author,
Darkness has been a part of my life since I can remember.
I never understood why it was so hard for me to be part of the bright world. The Internet couldn’t satisfy my need, so I went to this arcane little book shop. The old hag behind the counter gave me a book, where she said I might find the answers to my questions.
Supposedly, this book opened your power to summon entities to obtain knowledge. One in particular drew my attention. Its name was unpronounceable, but I could not bring it to me without saying its name aloud. Its symbols― a black dog, a pumpkin on fire, and a heart surrounded by thorns― were a potent siren song. They simply drove me crazy.
When I finally untied my tongue and called, it didn't come to me. Instead, it took me to a sinister realm. Forget my questions. All I want to do now is drop to my knees and worship him.
Sincerely,
Gabbo de la Parra
My Review: Another of the free stories for the Love Has No Boundaries event. Yet again a wonderful prompt and an equally wonderful response. The author has taken everything from the prompt and produced a lovely love story that was spiced up with fantasy and suspense.
Review of Ashe's Nightmare by C.L. Warden 3*
BLURB:Ashe has fallen into his life as a vampire's food source by chance but when his mistress needs to leave the city he has two options. Go back to the street where she found him or let himself be given to the most feared of vampires in another city across international borders. His choice will lead him to Killian and the first chance he has at love with another man. Killian's power is of nightmares even if he is everything Ashe wants
My Review: For such a dark beginning this was really a very sweet and romantic love story about a vampire and his human servant.
Review of Super Gay by Vicktor Alexander 4*
BLURB: When William “Will” Ladler shows up at the Radisson Hotel for the wedding of his best friend’s younger brother, he’s surprised to see the gorgeous, effeminate young man he’d danced with the night before at a club, standing at the altar dressed in a tuxedo as a member of the wedding party. Will watches as the younger man’s long auburn hair blows in the wind, missing the entire ceremony. He’s determined to not only find out the younger man’s name but to get his number and ask him out on a date, which is what he’d wanted to do the night before.
Derrick “Rick” Tramun is beyond shocked to see the gorgeous Will Ladler at his older brother’s wedding. Their night was cut short by a fight and Rick’s overprotective friends, who were determined to make sure that he makes it home by his curfew. After dancing with Will the night before and jacking off to the memory of it before bed, Rick is more than happy to take Will up on his offer for dinner, much to his family’s horror and against their objections. His family has always been super supportive of his lifestyle, so why were they so against his dating Will?
But when Will sees exactly how flamboyant and effeminate Rick is and Rick finds out exactly how much Will can “pass” as a heterosexual man, will the two of them be able to make a go of their relationship or is Rick too “super gay” for straight laced Will?
My Review: This is a story about how one's perceptions are too often based on looks rather than character. The older man is very conservative and a little bit in the closet about being gay and has to reevaluate his opinions when he falls for an out and out flamboyant makeup wearing gay guy. I like the way the two men interact and how the older guy manages to be more honest by the end of this rather sweet romance.
Review of Blind Devotion (The Shifters #3)by M.D. Grimm 5*
BLURB: In Haven, Montana, the shifters and their human allies are safe-for now. But that safety hinges on the town's location remaining a secret, and it's about to be compromised.
Cougar shifter Travis Kuger spent the past ten years alternating between craving revenge and wishing he could forget his painful past. Ever since the shifter-hating Knights blinded him and killed his family, Haven-and Sheriff Jack Ulger-have been Travis's refuge.
Travis and Jack know their friendship could be much more, but Jack is part of Haven's ruling wolf shifter pack. If he takes a non-wolf mate, he'll be banished forever. But when one of the Knights infiltrates Haven, love becomes the least of their problems.
My Review: Even though this is book three in a series that I haven't read before, it didn't seem to matter. The story stood up very well on it's own and was very interesting.The two main characters are different shifters that aren't supposed to want to be together. One being a wolf and the other a blind cougar shifter. Yet somehow the author has made their love story interesting and added a dash of suspense by having psychics as the enemy of the shifters (and the cause of the cougars blindness). There was added tension by having the Wolf pack being very steeped in traditions that won't accept change very easily. I really liked this story and recommend it to any fans of the Shifter Genre.
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