Reaping Havoc by AJ Rose
Blurb
No one asked Mitch Seeker if he wanted to be a grim reaper.
He didn’t sign up for the rumors, the lack of friends, or the erratic schedule.
He doesn’t want to go through life watching people die. Especially not a man he
loves. Mitch’s solution is simple—don’t fall in love. He’ll never have to
explain why he doesn’t age or why he’s around death so often. Most of all, he
will never be a widower.
But when his head is turned by world-class skier Nate Koehn, Mitch believes he may have the answer. If the soul attached to Nate is any indication, Mitch has found himself another reaper, in which case, his undeniable feelings don’t have to be suppressed. However, the spectral tag-a-long is only the beginning of Nate’s burdens. After a catastrophic loss, Nate is no stranger to grief and the hole it leaves behind.
The question they both must answer is loud and clear: is the pain of losing love worse than the pain of never having loved at all?
But when his head is turned by world-class skier Nate Koehn, Mitch believes he may have the answer. If the soul attached to Nate is any indication, Mitch has found himself another reaper, in which case, his undeniable feelings don’t have to be suppressed. However, the spectral tag-a-long is only the beginning of Nate’s burdens. After a catastrophic loss, Nate is no stranger to grief and the hole it leaves behind.
The question they both must answer is loud and clear: is the pain of losing love worse than the pain of never having loved at all?
My Review
You never really know what you’re
going to get when you open a book. You hope it will blow you away. You plead
with the word Gods that this will be an experience you will never forget…
good experience that is. Especially when it’s one of your most favorite authors.
AJ Rose is one of my most faves! I have never been disappointed with any of
her work. Her words stay with me.
Reaping Havoc, well… This one is tattooed in my brain forever. This book was a ride on a never-ending rollercoaster of emotion. I cried myself dry. I laughed till it hurt. I felt. You hear reaping and you think death… and yes there’s death. But never has a book made me feel more alive. More appreciative of the minutes, the breaths, the beats of my heart. Mitch and Nate are like beacons. They are hope, life, death, love. Separately they are but pieces in the puzzle of existence. Together, they are a masterpiece of true life! I wanted to pick up a new hobby when I was done reading. I wanted to make my life matter more than what I thought I was already doing. That says something about a book. When you finish and you want to find cures for things! This book touched me deeply. AJ Rose’s talent shows in every word of this story, and you will be swept away in it. Outstanding book! A must read, must own, must love tale! |
Betting on Forever by Felice Stevens
Blurb
A weekend fling in Atlantic City couldn’t be more out of
socially shy Zach Cohen’s comfort zone, but a bet with his best friends forces
him to put aside the humiliation he’s hidden for years and step away from
behind his computer screens and online world. When he meets Sam Stein, despite
their spark, Zach expects nothing more than a night of passion and a kiss
good-bye. Yet weeks later, he can’t keep the man out of his head.
After a split-second decision with tragic results ends his twenty-year police career at the same time as his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging, he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.
Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend was much more than a one-night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality, and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.
After a split-second decision with tragic results ends his twenty-year police career at the same time as his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging, he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.
Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend was much more than a one-night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality, and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.
My Review
Felice Stevens AKA Happily Ever
After Goddess has once again filled our hearts with a brilliant love story.
Betting on Forever (Book 2 in her Breakfast Club Series) is all about Zach.
Book one (Beyond the Surface) covered Julien’s love life and how he fell, and
refell in love with his hunky fireman MAN! We saw Zach at their daily
breakfasts, quiet, shy, nerdy Zach. I was so freaking excited to see him get
his story. Zach’s epic pair-up is with ex-cop Sam. Yes, another man in
uniform. My heart almost exploded. I knew that Zach had sadness in his past
and we finally get to see what that is all about. He finds his match in Sam,
someone who’s past, though not identical to the hurts, is just as painful.
These two were born for each other. And I love love loved watching them heal,
mend, and grow. They each helped the other carry their pasts and throw them
over a cliff and fly into their future.
Felice has an amazing knack of mixing hot lusty love with beautiful tranquil love. Her recipes are delicious and you find yourself talking about it long after it’s been consumed. Betting on Forever is a romance with fractured men looking for their imperfect life. Because nothing and no one is perfect and the road to happily ever after is never easy! Bravo! |
Winter Wonderland by Heidi Cullinan
Blurb
Finding Mr. Right can be a snow lot of fun.
Paul Jansen was the only one of his friends who wanted a relationship. Naturally, he’s the last single man standing. No gay man within a fifty-mile radius wants more than casual sex.
Paul Jansen was the only one of his friends who wanted a relationship. Naturally, he’s the last single man standing. No gay man within a fifty-mile radius wants more than casual sex.
No one, that is, except too-young,
too-twinky Kyle Parks, who sends him suggestive texts and leaves X-rated snow
sculptures on his front porch.
Kyle is tired of being the town’s resident Peter Pan. He’s twenty-five, not ten, and despite his effeminate appearance, he’s nothing but the boss in bed. He’s loved Paul since forever, and this Christmas, since they’re both working on the Winter Wonderland festival, he might finally get his chance for a holiday romance.
But Paul comes with baggage. His ultra-conservative family wants him paired up with a woman, not a man with Logan’s rainbow connection. When their anti-LGBT crusade spills beyond managing Paul’s love life and threatens the holiday festival, Kyle and Paul must fight for everyone’s happily ever after, including their own.
Kyle is tired of being the town’s resident Peter Pan. He’s twenty-five, not ten, and despite his effeminate appearance, he’s nothing but the boss in bed. He’s loved Paul since forever, and this Christmas, since they’re both working on the Winter Wonderland festival, he might finally get his chance for a holiday romance.
But Paul comes with baggage. His ultra-conservative family wants him paired up with a woman, not a man with Logan’s rainbow connection. When their anti-LGBT crusade spills beyond managing Paul’s love life and threatens the holiday festival, Kyle and Paul must fight for everyone’s happily ever after, including their own.
My Review
OH MY MY MY! This is book three in
Heidi’s Minnesota Christmas series. Each one touched my heart. But none as
much as Winter Wonderland. Paul’s character I just wanted to protect him,
love him, bake him things, and murder his family. Thank God for Kyle.
Seriously. Paul needed him. It was a love story that had me in tears more
often than not. My heart ached and then it soared. I loved Kyle and Paul
together. Everything made sense when they were together.
Winter Wonderland really showed that sometimes family isn’t blood. SOMETIMES we find love and acceptance in friends, in strangers, and in community. This book shows love in all the shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. When I was done reading this I wanted to put up my Christmas tree. I wanted to have a snowball fight. Hell, I wanted to track down a Lifetime Christmas special and force my husband to knit me socks while we watched it! This is a perfect book to put you in the holiday spirit and to appreciate the love you have. |
Breakaway by Avon Gale
Blurb
Drafted to play for the Jacksonville Sea Storm, an NHL
affiliate, twenty-year-old Lane Courtnall’s future looks bright, apart from the
awkwardness he feels as a gay man playing on a minor league hockey team. He's
put his foot in his mouth a few times and alienated his teammates. Then, during
a rivalry game, Lane throws off his gloves against Jared Shore, enforcer for
the Savannah Renegades. It’s a strange way to begin a relationship.
Jared’s been playing minor league hockey for most of his career. He’s bisexual and doesn’t care if anyone knows. But he’s determined to avoid another love affair after the last one left him devastated. Out of nowhere a one-nighter with rookie Lane Courtnall gives him second thoughts. Lane reminds Jared why he loves the game and why love might be worth the risk. In turn, Jared hopes to show Lane how to be comfortable with himself on and off the ice. But they’re at different points in their careers, and both men will have to decide what they value most.
Jared’s been playing minor league hockey for most of his career. He’s bisexual and doesn’t care if anyone knows. But he’s determined to avoid another love affair after the last one left him devastated. Out of nowhere a one-nighter with rookie Lane Courtnall gives him second thoughts. Lane reminds Jared why he loves the game and why love might be worth the risk. In turn, Jared hopes to show Lane how to be comfortable with himself on and off the ice. But they’re at different points in their careers, and both men will have to decide what they value most.
My Review
Oh this book! I was in love after
chapter one. Lane is by far one of the funniest most delightful characters I’ve
ever read. I couldn’t get enough of his quirkiness, social ineptness, and
outspoken nature! He is HILARIOUS! Of course Jared is pretty much his opposite.
And he GETS Lane and because it’s hockey and love it’s perfect!
I love hockey books, period. If you don’t like them don’t let this sway you from reading it. It’s not a technical know how about the game. It’s about the people who play it and the fact that behind the mask is a person who has all the same things to deal with as you do.
Avon Gale brings beauty and love to a rough and tough game! This is an outstanding book!
I love hockey books, period. If you don’t like them don’t let this sway you from reading it. It’s not a technical know how about the game. It’s about the people who play it and the fact that behind the mask is a person who has all the same things to deal with as you do.
Avon Gale brings beauty and love to a rough and tough game! This is an outstanding book!
A Fortunate Blizzard by LC Chase
Blurb
There are worse things than being stranded in a
blizzard.
Artist Trevor Morrison has always appreciated the little things in life, treating each day as a gift. And with good reason: he’s been on the transplant-recipient list for too long now. When he learns just how numbered his days truly are, he resolves not to take them for granted. But he won’t be unrealistic, either—which means romantic commitments are off the table.
Marcus Roberts seems to have it all. He’s handsome, financially sound, and on the fast track to partnership at a prestigious law firm. In reality, though, his drive for success has meant no time for friends or relationships. Add in the fact that his family discarded him long ago, and he’s facing yet another holiday season alone.
When the biggest snowstorm to hit Colorado in decades leaves Marc and Trevor stranded at the same hotel, a chance encounter and a night of passion leads to more than either of them expected. Finding comfort in each other is a welcome surprise, but time is not on their side. Either they find a way to beat the odds, or they lose each other forever.
Artist Trevor Morrison has always appreciated the little things in life, treating each day as a gift. And with good reason: he’s been on the transplant-recipient list for too long now. When he learns just how numbered his days truly are, he resolves not to take them for granted. But he won’t be unrealistic, either—which means romantic commitments are off the table.
Marcus Roberts seems to have it all. He’s handsome, financially sound, and on the fast track to partnership at a prestigious law firm. In reality, though, his drive for success has meant no time for friends or relationships. Add in the fact that his family discarded him long ago, and he’s facing yet another holiday season alone.
When the biggest snowstorm to hit Colorado in decades leaves Marc and Trevor stranded at the same hotel, a chance encounter and a night of passion leads to more than either of them expected. Finding comfort in each other is a welcome surprise, but time is not on their side. Either they find a way to beat the odds, or they lose each other forever.
My Review
Talk about a book that puts thing
into perspective for you. I can’t, nor would I want to, feel the terror, the
hopelessness that Trevor felt. My husband has the same blood type as Trevor
and issues like this have crossed my mind. What would we do? Please don’t let
this ever happen. Things like that.
Fate. It’s an amazing thing. A blizzard thrusts Marc with Trevor in spectacular fashion. Marc, lonely, sad, and in great need of a happy ending just like Trevor. My heart ached for him. I can’t imagine falling in love with someone to find out there isn’t a forever. Miracles. They do happen and this book reminds you of that. Things DO happen for a reason and as emotionally draining as this book was? It made the happily ever after that much more breathtaking. I absolutely 100% adore everything about this book! Highly recommend! |
Scenes from Adelaide Road by Helena Stone
Blurb
Can a young man find the
courage he never knew he had when faced with losing everything he holds dear?
A few months before his final exams in secondary school, nineteen-year-old Lennart Kelly discovers he’s inherited a house on Adelaide Road in Dublin from a grandfather he never knew. Having been ignored, bullied and abused for as long as he can remember, Lennart can’t wait to leave behind his father and the small town he grew up in. Moving away as soon as he finishes his exams doesn’t cure his deep-rooted insecurities though.
Meeting twenty-three-year-old Aidan Cassidy in a gay club on his second night in Dublin, scares Lennart. Used to being ignored and ridiculed, he doesn’t trust the attention he receives and can’t believe a man like Aidan could possibly be interested in him. It takes infinite patience and understanding from Aidan to slowly coax Lennart out of his shell.
But the past refuses to stay where it belongs and Lennart’s father is determined to take the house in Dublin off his son by whatever means necessary. Just when Lennart is learning to trust and embrace life, a violent attack threatens everything he holds dear. Suddenly Lennart is in danger of losing his house, the man he’s grown to love and maybe even his life. If Lennart wants to protect Aidan and safeguard his future, he’ll have to find the courage he never knew he had.
A few months before his final exams in secondary school, nineteen-year-old Lennart Kelly discovers he’s inherited a house on Adelaide Road in Dublin from a grandfather he never knew. Having been ignored, bullied and abused for as long as he can remember, Lennart can’t wait to leave behind his father and the small town he grew up in. Moving away as soon as he finishes his exams doesn’t cure his deep-rooted insecurities though.
Meeting twenty-three-year-old Aidan Cassidy in a gay club on his second night in Dublin, scares Lennart. Used to being ignored and ridiculed, he doesn’t trust the attention he receives and can’t believe a man like Aidan could possibly be interested in him. It takes infinite patience and understanding from Aidan to slowly coax Lennart out of his shell.
But the past refuses to stay where it belongs and Lennart’s father is determined to take the house in Dublin off his son by whatever means necessary. Just when Lennart is learning to trust and embrace life, a violent attack threatens everything he holds dear. Suddenly Lennart is in danger of losing his house, the man he’s grown to love and maybe even his life. If Lennart wants to protect Aidan and safeguard his future, he’ll have to find the courage he never knew he had.
My Review
First I’m going to start out with
saying that I adore the way Helena Stone writes. There’s such a poetic grace to
her style. I’ve read many of her works and have never been disappointed. I’ve
always felt like I just experienced something extraordinary and with Scenes
from Adelaide Road that feeling still stands.
This is a breathtaking story. One that brings a secret past to a hopeful future. My heart wept for Lennart. For his tragic life growing up to discovering something I felt had he known, his entire upbringing would have been better. He’d have felt the love he so desperately deserved. Then there’s Aiden. Oh I love that man. He is an anchor for Lennart and you just kind of cling to him right along with Lennart.
Now this story isn’t all self-discovery and finding love. Lennart and Aiden have a fight on their hands and it gets so ugly my heart broke and rage flared as I turned the pages.
This story has a lot to it. Love, power, bliss, hatred, discovery, and relief. This is an absolute must read by all!
This is a breathtaking story. One that brings a secret past to a hopeful future. My heart wept for Lennart. For his tragic life growing up to discovering something I felt had he known, his entire upbringing would have been better. He’d have felt the love he so desperately deserved. Then there’s Aiden. Oh I love that man. He is an anchor for Lennart and you just kind of cling to him right along with Lennart.
Now this story isn’t all self-discovery and finding love. Lennart and Aiden have a fight on their hands and it gets so ugly my heart broke and rage flared as I turned the pages.
This story has a lot to it. Love, power, bliss, hatred, discovery, and relief. This is an absolute must read by all!
Kage Unmasked by Maris Black
Blurb
The final installation in the KAGE TRILOGY.
Kage and Jamie have finally come to terms with their feelings for each other, but there is still plenty of drama to work through. Friends and family don't want to let them be, and now that Kage has his UFC contract, his uncle is worried that the public will find out about his nephew's boyfriend. Will the drama be too much to handle? Will the stakes be to high?
Discover just how far Kage and Jamie will go for love.
Kage and Jamie have finally come to terms with their feelings for each other, but there is still plenty of drama to work through. Friends and family don't want to let them be, and now that Kage has his UFC contract, his uncle is worried that the public will find out about his nephew's boyfriend. Will the drama be too much to handle? Will the stakes be to high?
Discover just how far Kage and Jamie will go for love.
My Review
Kage Unmasked is the third and final
installment in Maris Black’s Kage Trilogy. If anyone read them one by one like
I did than you know how nail-biting and intense it was. Maris’s character Kage
isn’t perfect. He’s flawed. He’s a killing machine. He has dark memories
suppressed where he can’t grab. The last 2 books we watched as Kage and Jamie
succumbed to the raw, feral need to be with each other. They hurt each other,
tested each other. And they broke each other’s hearts repeatedly. By the time
book 3 came we were all like, “COME ON LET THEM BE TOGETHER!” LOL. Maris likes
to strap you into her roller coaster of emotion and watch as you crumble from
the safety of the sidelines. By now you know each book was a cliffhanger until
the final one. And every one was beautiful torture. If you haven’t read them
than read them all together.
Kage Unmasked truly is what its title says. Kage breaks free from his burdens. Realizes the secrets that have haunted him and falls in love. All of it was worth it.
This book is in your face, breath stopping action… in the bedroom and out *wink* Kage and Jamie love like no other. It’s brutal at times. This trilogy is fabulous and book after book and page after page was an adventure I’d take over and over again.
Fabulous book to an outstanding trilogy!
Kage Unmasked truly is what its title says. Kage breaks free from his burdens. Realizes the secrets that have haunted him and falls in love. All of it was worth it.
This book is in your face, breath stopping action… in the bedroom and out *wink* Kage and Jamie love like no other. It’s brutal at times. This trilogy is fabulous and book after book and page after page was an adventure I’d take over and over again.
Fabulous book to an outstanding trilogy!
GIVEAWAY
One person will win one of these ebooks!!! The ebook will be sent directly to you through Amazon. So you'll need to supply the email address your kindle or amazon acct is attached to.
Contest will run until December 15th. Winner is contacted via email so please check your spam!!!
Good luck!
I read a LOT, so I'm just going to list a few new and old favorites. The Brandywine Investigations series by Angel Martinez, the Matter of Time series by Mary Calmes, The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr, and Fortunate Blizzard by LC Chase.
ReplyDeleteFavorite book read in November was The Tin Box by Kim Fielding.
ReplyDeleteIt's fascinating checking out each bloggers' "top reads". There's always a title I haven't seen yet, or skimmed over elsewhere but the review/comments make me think again. In this case fascinated by three, Felice Stevens, Heidi Cullinan and Avon Gale.
ReplyDeleteCurrently listening to Good Bones by Kim Fielding and loving that. Read and enjoyed an ARC of Dom of Ages by K.C. Wells.
ReplyDeleteomg there are so many but return to blackcreek is my fav so far
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Winter Wonderland by Heidi Cullinan as well. I also enjoyed the ARC of Dom of Ages by K.C. Wells and Parker Williams.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite in November were Heidi's "Winter Wonderland" and Felice's "Betting on Forever"
ReplyDeleteI have read so many good ones in November. I'm going to go with Double Blind by Heidi Cullinan. But I loved Kage Unmasked, Unfortunate Blizzard, Takeover, and Sutphin Boulevard.
ReplyDeleteIn November probably Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan. However, I read Unfortunate Blizzard by LC Chase the first day of December and just fell in love. Not technically November by my favorite recent read.
ReplyDelete