Review of Different Senses by Ann Somerville

Different Senses by Ann Somerville 5*
BLURB: Javen Ythen is an angry man. A shooting on the job triggered his genetic empathy, and as a result, he lost his career as a cop, and his lover. Now he has to find something to do with his life, while coming to terms with losing the job and the man he loved, as well as a racial heritage unsuspected by anyone in his family.
He lives in a society divided by class and race. Born to privilege, nonetheless his search for a new career brings him up in repeated contact with the much despised banis race, and despite his own prejudices, he finds himself drawn towards the people and their concerns. Perhaps in working with those he knows little about, he will come to understand them - and himself.

My Review: I picked this one up because of the fact that it was a science fiction story that sounded interesting. I kept reading it because it was also a collection of stories about the main Character that were all tied together through detective cases. It was well written and I loved the way the world building was done. It took it's time growing the relationship between the main character and his love interest whilst keeping the reader focused on the political and racial issues of the people around him. If you like stories that are full of truly interesting characters and great depths then this is for you.

Review of The Family We're Born With by Kaje Harper

The Family We're Born With (Finding Family #1) by Kaje Harper 4*

BLURB: Jesse Calhoun met Devin Palmer five years ago, in front of a Christmas tree at a friend's party. It was Jesse's first holiday alone, away from home. Devin didn't have much of a home to go back to. They found a way to make the season brighter, together.
Four years ago, Jesse brought Devin to his parents' house and came out to them. It wasn't all roses, but his family came around, and Devin has spent each holiday with the Calhouns since then. Jesse really loves sharing Christmas with his family, and sharing his family with Devin.
So he isn't prepared to hear his mom say, “I don't want Devin to come to the house for Christmas Eve this year.” Suddenly it's not smooth sailing, keeping peace with the family he was born with.

My Review: Such a good story that really shows the ins and outs of family life and all the emotion and drm that brings. I loved that the main couple in this story were well established and had been together for some time. It gave the story a nice comfortable feel to the relationship which made for a nice change to the norm. I am finding Kaje Harper to be an author I enjoy and I will be adding her to my auto buy list at this rate. I will certainly be on the look out for Finding Family #2 in the hope that it will be about Sam's little brother.

Reviewing two great shorts by Jessica Freely

Complimentary Review Copies Provided by Author in return for an honest review.


Undaunted (Freedom #2) by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: Larke didn't know Droje was a rebel when he found him beaten and bruised in an alley. Now they're on the run and there's no going back. While Larke can't get enough of Droje's hot body, the man's radical ideas -- like freedom and justice for all -- challenge his whole worldview. There may be more to life than illicit sex and survival, but unless Larke can get Droje to the safe house in time, neither of them will survive long enough to find out.
This sequel to Unlawful is the second short story in the Freedom Series, set in the universe of Jessica Freely's novella, His Own Devices
My Review: As with the first book in this series (Unlawful) I was pleasantly surprised at how much story Ms Freely managed to squeeze into so few pages. There were even some nice little sex scenes to spice up a really interesting piece within a continuing storyline about two great characters. I don't want to tell you more as it would include spoilers and besides I want you all to go out and get it to read for yourselves.

Unbound (Freedom #3) by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: When Larke met Droje his whole world changed. Now he's left behind everything he's ever known to join Droje's band of freedom fighters. Life on the run is full of perils but Larke doesn't care so long as he's by Droje's side. Every day he's discovering more -- about who he is, who he can become, and the unprecedented feelings he has for Droje. But when an enemy from within nearly costs Larke his life, Droje's efforts to protect him could end their relationship and rob Larke of his chance to help the rebellion as only he can. In this third volume of the Freedom series, Larke learns that before he can free others, he must first free himself.
My Review: Book three was written just as well as the first two books, with plenty of story for such a short piece. In fact my only complaint about this series is that I don't have a longer story to read. What I especially liked with this one that Ms Freely used characters from her previous book, His Own Devices, which gives it a nice united feel about the galaxy it is set in. Again I advice reading it for yourself if you enjoy m/m science fiction romance, though I also advice reading them in order to get the most out of the storyline.

Reviewing Old Loyalty, New Love by Mary Calmes

Old Loyalty, New Love by Mary Calmes 5*
BLURB: When jackal shifter Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in the military escaping his father's prejudice before returning to civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very rich man. After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude. But Roman knows a lot more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate.
Despite the decades Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt departure left the jackal shifters without an alpha heir. As a psychopath shifter staking claim as alpha draws Quade back home, and Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a choice he never anticipated. But doing so means he must leave Roman behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work together
My Review: I've ended up on a shifter kick and am glad I picked this one to read. It was nice to read about a shifter that was other than wolf. I felt that the author had done a wonderful job of bringing her Characters to life and I really wanted to keep reading about them they were so nice. Even the secondary characters came to life in her writings. If you enjoy unusual animal shifters and a story that keeps you up all night reading then pick this book.

Review of Pocket-Sized Prince by Stormy Glenn

Pocket-Sized Prince (Aberdeen Pack #1) by Stormy Glenn 5*
BLURB: Iben Khenti knew he was an alpha by the time he learned to walk. Unfortunately, due to his small size, no one ever takes him seriously until it is too late. Having lived over two hundred years with a wolf that refuses to accept anyone that Iben is interested in makes for a very lonely life, and one that is quickly coming to an end. Iben is losing control of his wolf, and if that happens, the bloodshed will be unimaginable. Iben needs someone to counter his feral nature. He just never expected to find it in the omega of his new pack.
When Zack Evens is sent to welcome the new alpha into pack lands, he could think of a million other places he would rather be. When Iben steps down from the plane, Zack is positive that there has to be a mistake. He is all of five feet seven and a hundred and thirty-five pounds. When Iben shows interest in him, Zack is positive that the alpha is just like the one that had abused him. He can't help but show every bit of disdain he feels for Iben, putting them both in a dangerous situation that could cost them not only the pack but their very lives.
My Review: I love shifter stories most of the time and I enjoyed this one a lot. But this one was a little bit different to the normal Macho Alpha falls in love, in that the Alpha wolf was a smaller man and he wore eyeliner!! I loved it as there was action, romance, passion and tears (mine at the sad bits), oh yes and no 'fated mates' so it deserved the 5* rating I have given it. If you want to read a quirky, action filled shifter romance with lots of emotion and great characters then give this one a try.

Review of Concubine by Jill Knowles

Concubine by Jill Knowles 4*
BLURB: Scholar, captain...war prize. Prince Kael of Korai is stunned when his father gives him to an enemy warlord in a desperate attempt to salvage Korai's reputation. With his country's honor at stake, Kael resolves to submit to Warlord Taren's every debauched whim.
But life in Zandria isn't anything like what Kael imagined. Instead of pain and cruelty, Warlord Taren seduces Kael until the bewildered prince craves his Master's every intimate caress. As he sinks into the decadent, sensual life of a concubine, Kael makes a powerful enemy, one who wants him removed from Zandria by any means necessary. Betrayed by his body, trapped by his honor, Kael must learn to trust his Master or get them both killed.

My Review: Even though this has some BDSM elements it is not at all as brutal as some I have read in that genre. In fact it is a lovely little fantasy story that I wish had been a lot longer. I loved the characters and the romance between Kael and Taren was beautifully written. There was a nice subplot with a little intrigue and action too. So overall it hit all the right spots for an enjoyable short read and I would recommend it if you have a few hours to fill.

Review of Saint's Return by Amber Kell

Saint Returns (The Thresl Chronicles #6) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB: After centuries of isolation, Saint has returned to reclaim what is his…
Saint, a Thresl of unimaginable power, has spent centuries trapped beneath rubble. Now free, he is determined to claim both his throne and his mate. Anyone who stands in his way will be annihilated.
Marsley Jacks is unsure if he wants to be the mate of a ruthless Thresl. After spending most of his life protecting the shifters, he's unsure if allowing a power-hungry Thresl take over is the best thing for the species.
Two men with opposing views—will they come together in time to save their people?
My Review: I am now absolutely delighted, annoyed and disappointed! Delighted to have read book 6 of The Thresl Chronicles, annoyed at how rushed it felt and disappointed that I have finished it with what felt like half the story missing.
It felt a little bit rushed with the story of Saint and Mars' relationship and that annoyed me as I felt their story deserved to be richer than it was. Also I am disappointed that the ending seemed rushed and the story ended long before I expected it to. WARNING: Spoiler ahead:
I was most disappointed over the fact that the conflict of who should rule the Thresls was so easily glossed over and seemingly with no hard feelings or troubles - it was way to contrived for my liking.

No reviews just yet

However I did want to give everyone a heads up as Amber Kell just released book six in her Thresl Chronicles and it's about Saint *YAY*
Here's the gorgeous cover (aren't those eyes great?)

and don't forget to look for my review as soon as I've read it.

n.b. I have rated all the short stories I've been reading lately (in between crocheting for Bespokecrochet4U etc.) and they can be found on my Goodreads page.

I've been a little remiss

about reviewing lately. I have rated a bunch of shorter stories over on Goodreads but not done anything here. So I am adding two longer ones with reviews now because I really want to gush about how much I liked them both :D

The Scientist and the Supermodel (Genetic Attraction #1) by Tara Lain 5*
BLURB: Geneticist Jake Martin has brilliant scientific vision, but he’s blind to his own nature. Despite his flagging interest in women and his past experience with a man, he’s convinced himself he’d be happy if he could just have his older boss, Emmaline Silvay, as his lover. Living in his closeted dream world, he’s unprepared for the powerful attraction he experiences to supermodel Roan Black, “the most beautiful man in the world.”
Jake can’t resist the gorgeous, androgynous creature. Who could? he thinks. But Roan refuses to accept him until Jake admits that it’s a man he wants and this man in particular. Jake tells himself it’s just sex, but his refusal to understand what he really needs threatens the best chance at happiness he’s ever had. Is there a future for a PhD scientist who refuses to see and a high school dropout supermodel who understands all too clearly?
My Review: I think anyone who has actually been reading my reviews has already figured out that I love Tara Lain and her books so it won't come as any surprise to know that this one comes into that category too. I fell in love with the characters but especially Roan, although I did pity him being seen as an object of lust by most people who knew him. He was just such a unique person who had more patience with Jake than Jake really deserved. Mind you most of the time I felt really sorry for Jake in his utter confusion about his sexuality and life in general. I think what struck me most about this story was how it highlighted the fact that sexuality can and is a fluidity with no plain black or white about it.

House of Gargoyles (Supernatural Holidays) by Shannon Phoenix 5*
BLURB: Angela inherited a house in a small town in the midwest that she hadn't even known existed. When she arrives, she finds the townspeople behaving strangely and the house itself seems to resent her.
Tazariel is a gargoyle who has expected to live his entire life alone with the other gargoyles in the house they are trapped in. When Angela moves in and nearly falls through the stairway of the house that everyone seems to have forgotten, he saves her.
Unfortunately, not everyone loves gargoyles. In fact, after vampires and gargoyles came out to the public, gargoyles were subjected to massive attempts at genocide. Now Angela and Taraziel are caught up in ancient vows and new dangers. Tazariel cannot leave the house grounds, and Angela isn't safe without him. They must find a way to stop the forces that move against them before death comes for them all. To save Tazariel, Angela may need to betray his most sacred vow and sacrifice the greatest love of her life.
My Review: I don't come across many paranormal romances with Gargoyles so when I do I snatch them up as I love Gargoyles. Luckily this one was better than most that I've read. In fact the story was well written and beautifully done with great characters and lots of intrigue as well as humour and action. I hope the author writes more in this world she has created as I was thoroughly lost in it and couldn't put the book down (lack of sleep is nothing compared to a good story). I don't want to be more precise as to why I loved it so much, as I will be tempted to give away the plot with lots of spoilers, so instead I will just say, if you would like to read a paranormal with a new twist then you need to read this book.

Review of The Pack or the Panther (Tales of the Harker Pack #1) by Tara Lain

The Pack or the Panther (Tales of the Harker Pack #1) by Tara Lain 5*
BLURB: Cole Harker, son of an alpha werewolf, is bigger and more powerful than most wolves, tongue-tied in groups, and gay. For twenty-four years, he’s lived to please his family and pack—even letting them promise him in marriage to female werewolf Analiese to secure a pack alliance and help save them from a powerful gangster who wants their land. Then Cole meets Analiese’s half-brother, panther shifter Paris Marketo, and for the first time, Cole wants something for himself.
When Analiese runs off to marry a human, Cole finally has a chance with Paris, but the solitary cat rejects him, the pack, and everything it represents. Then Cole discovers the gangster wants Paris too and won’t rest until he has him. What started as a land dispute turns into World War Wolf! But the bigger fight is the battle between cats and dogs.
My Review: Can I just say that I am very glad that there will be more about the Harker Pack in the future because I would have been very upset if there weren't. I really loved this story, it was hot, sexy and intense. As usual Tara writes interesting and intriguing characters that you wish you could meet in real life, but I felt really sorry for Cole most of the way through it because of the way the pack treated him. So glad it had a happy ending for him (and it came with a little twist that made me smile a lot). As for Paris he was a wonderful character and Tara managed to make me see him in all his feline glory. To top it off there was a villain who was well worth reading about, he wasn't just a token baddy he was a truly, truly awful man. To make the story even more interesting was the clever use of the cat v dog scenario between Paris and Cole with plenty of raised hackles and appropriate nicknames. If you have ever liked any of Tara's previous stories then you need to add this one to your collection!

Reviewing Sacred Fate (Chronicles of Ylandre #1) by Eressë

Sacred Fate (Chronicles of Ylandre #1) by Eressë 5*
BLURB: In the dual-gendered realm of Ylandre, the great divide between the high-born True Bloods and the lower-ranked Half Bloods is deemed impassable by most. Rohyr Essendri dared to cross it when he took young Lassen Idana from his provincial town and made him his paramour. Lassen perforce learned how to navigate the intricate byways of life at court. What he never expected, however, was to fall in love with Rohyr, a most inadvisable and impractical thing to do when one’s lover is sovereign ruler of the land. But anything worth having is worth fighting for, both figuratively and, as Lassen discovers, literally speaking.
Contains hermaphroditism and explicit homoerotic sexual encounters.

My Review: I really loved this story. It was sufficiently different than other fantasy stuff that it had me hooked from the start. I fell for both heroes and really lived the story with them. As I have mentioned many times before I love a book that is so well written it can move me to tears and this one did that more than once. I just want ot say that anyoen who loves a well written story with a depth of emotion and a clarity of world building needs to read this!

Review of The Last Concubine by Catt Ford

The Last Concubine by Catt Ford 4*
BLURB: When Princess Lan'xiu's brother delivers her under duress into General Hui Wei's harem as a political offering, her only question is how soon her secret will be discovered. She is under no illusions: when the general discovers she is actually a he, death is his only future-though he doesn't plan to make it easy. Lan'xiu has dressed as a woman all his life, but he is no damsel in distress. He can swing a sword with the best of them.
General Hui Wei has everything a man could want: power, wealth, success on the battlefield, and a harem of concubines. At first, he regards Lan'xiu with suspicion, but he finds himself strangely drawn to her. When he discovers the beautiful young woman is actually a man, his first reaction is to draw his sword. Rather than waste such beauty, he decides to enjoy the spirited Lan'xiu's submission-and ignites a passion and desire deeper than anything he's felt with other wives. But court intrigue, political ambitions, and the general's doubts may be too much for their love to overcome.
My Review: Apart from the fact that this was a really sweet and lovely romance, with a wonderful twist of intrigue, I really loved reading a book with a different setting than the norm. No regency London or contemporary America for this couple, oh no, they live in ancient china and Catt does a great job of making that land come alive in her book. Agreed the culture was more fantasy than fact and the verbiage was a little off (such phrases as puppy love for instance) but the whole storyline was more of a fantasy romance anyway so it didn't bother me. However if historical accuracy and facts are your thing you might be a little distracted and not enjoy this.

Review of Omorphi by C. Kennedy

Omorphi by C. Kennedy 5*
BLURB: High school senior Michael Sattler leads a charmed life. He’s a star athlete, has great friends, and parents who love him just the way he is. What’s missing from his life is a boyfriend. That’s a problem because he’s out only to his parents and best friend. When Michael accidentally bumps into Christy Castle at school, his life changes in ways he never imagined. Christy is Michael’s dream guy: smart, pretty, and sexy. But nothing could have prepared Michael for what being Christy's boyfriend would entail.
Christy needs to heal after years of abuse and knows he needs help to do it. After the death of his notorious father, he leaves his native Greece and settles in upstate New York. Alone, afraid, and left without a voice, Christy hides the myriad scars of his abuse. He desperately wants to be loved and when he meets Michael, he dares to hope that day has arrived. When one of Michael’s team-mates becomes an enemy and an abuser from Christy’s past seeks to return him to a life of slavery, only Michael and Christy's combined strength and unwavering determination can save them from the violence that threatens to destroy their future together.
My Review: Wow! This story is so intense, heartbreaking, eyeopening and so much more, that I am actually lost for words to say everything it made me feel. This story needs to be read by anyone interested in how to survive after any kind of abuse, as it is so well written that it is easy to read and yet does not pull any punches on the facts, or the horror, of abuse. I fell in love with all the characters, but especially Christy and Michael, and I was so upset when the story ended, even though it is 480 pages of deep and emotional storytelling.