Diverse Reader: January Top Reads #Reviews #Giveaway

It was a great month for books! Of course that always makes my Top Reads that much harder! Huge props to you authors for making this a tough choice! But, alas, I was able to. I read a lot of books this month. Some published in this month some not. Either way if I read, and I loved it, that's all that mattered. Here are my January Top Reads for 2016. There's a giveaway at the end to win one of these books! Don't miss it.

Fake It! By Victoria Kinnaird

Jack Daveyson grew up with a guitar in his hands and his head full of melodies. Ten years after writing his first riff, he knows exactly what he wants to do with his life - graduate high school, escape Wayville and hit the road with his band, Forever Fading Echoes.

But it's a bit hard to launch a band without a singer. Enter JJ Keswick.

JJ is everything Jack isn't: rich, confident and popular. He also happens to be one of the best singers Jack has ever heard.

Jack reluctantly lets JJ into his band and into his life. The spark between them in the practice studio grows into something neither of them were expecting - a love that threatens to tear their lives apart.

International bestselling author Victoria Kinnaird is proud to introduce you to The Keswick Chronicles, a YA rock'n'roll romance.

Pack your guitar, pull on your band tee shirt and turn up the volume - it's time to meet your new favourite band.

Review:

Sometimes we grow up faster than the rest of the world is ready for. In Jack & JJ’s case that’s what happened to them.
Everyone loves JJ. Everyone wants to be with JJ. He’s that guy when you were in high school that you hoped everyday would just notice you once. You hoped he would finally see you and then, like lightening, would be struck with an epiphany that you were made for him. Yeah, so everyone wished that of JJ.
Jack is a creative, lanky, musical genius with the greatest friends in the whole world. He too loves JJ, but Jack falls in love with the other JJ… to understand what I mean you have to read the book.
This is more than a high school romance. It’s about building a future, deciding who’s going to be a part of it, and owning that. It’s realizing that sometimes we need to walk away from the comfort, and brave the brash world. The unknown is terrifying, but sometimes when your hand is clutching someone you love, it’s not as crippling. Sometimes, it gives you wings and you get to fly over all the broken parts.
This is a gorgeous tale. I love how it made me feel when it ended. I love how I know I’ll never forget it.

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Farm Fresh by Posy Roberts

Jude Garrity visits the farmers market every Saturday. As an environmental engineering student, he’s curious about living off the grid and sustainable agriculture.

And one particular farmer.

Hudson Oliva has worked hard to support his commune, where queer people live without fear of harm or retribution. When Jude asks pointed questions about living there, Hudson realizes he needs to be honest about his home. Few people know what the farm is actually about, but Jude is insistent.

Jude moves to Kaleidoscope Gardens, however his sexual hang-ups make it hard to adjust. He’s an uptight virgin living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions. Falling for Jude wasn’t part of Hudson’s life plan. But when vindictive rumors about the commune begin to spread, love might be all he has left.

Review:

WOW! This was breathtaking, amazing, thrilling, freeing! I’m trying to think of all the words to describe it but It will fall flat. If this book is any indication, this will be one heck of a series.
This story takes place mostly on a commune, Kaleidoscope Gardens. They are people who live free in every way. They live, love, and breathe. It’s so refreshing. Now, for someone like me it would be terrifying. I truly connected with Jude in how he saw everything the first time. I loved how we followed the tour of the place with him and really felt the shock and yes even the terror of living with people who live open. When I say open I mean sexually.
The story is told MOSTLY in Hudson and Jude’s POV but you also get Charlie and Leo’s POV’s too. Normally, that would irritate me because I don’t like many POV’s in one story. However, this did no such thing. It made complete sense. It perfected the story. Because Charlie, Leo, Jude, and Hudson are like one organism in a sense. They share a house… and everything in it.
Jude’s past is horrifying and heartbreaking. It’s no wonder he has so many mental hang ups over sex. And Hudson doesn’t have it that easy either. So many of these people in this commune have suffered a past that has left them scarred. Coming to Kaleidoscope Garden’s is a salve for them.
This it truly and outstanding story. I carried my kindle everywhere with me…. All day. I refused to do anything until I finished. And then, I wanted more. More of these fascinating characters and this amazing place.
Posy Roberts has created a world of brilliance. I can’t wait to read more of this series. This is a must read! A huge bravo to Posy!!!

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Of Gods and Monsters: Hades by Wulf Francu Godgluck

******WARNING*******
This is not a story about a hero, or some bad boy-badass-antihero.
This is a love story between two monstrous villains and one valiant kid, held together by their entwined heartstrings.
It won't be pretty.
It won't be pleasant.
There's no fluffy good feelings about it.
It will rip out your heart and never give it back.

Breno Hades el Oscuro took no bullshit from anyone. He ruled the crime world of the United States. When the King fell, what was left in the ashes was not the small boy that grew up without his father, not the same kid that chose a life of crime at seventeen, nor was it the King who had killed and clawed through a river of blood to stand at the top.

The King was dragged from his throne of bones into a deep dark pit, leaving only the raw flesh of a savage monster to crawl out of Hell.
One that knew love, but didn't want it again.

Kemono Orochi was destined to inherit the legacy of his father, known as The Dragon's Tongue. It was an inheritance he never wanted it, never desiring the power that came with the title of Dragon. Kemono ended it all by tearing off the Dragon's head, watching the serpent's remains be consumed in hellfire. Now tormented by the scars of his past inflicted by his father, he is struggling to come to terms with the Akuma he has become.

One that wants to devour everyone in his path to protect the only one that matters to him.

The only person that had ever made his icy heart beat.

His heart. His love. His beautiful pride.

Rex Hunter dreams of becoming a principal ballerino...all fierce, like a Phoenix. But this Phoenix has lost his wings and fallen prey, straight into the clutched claws and callus hands of two vicious beasts. Each bore the blackest of hearts, each desiring to keep him safe, cherished and loved unconditionally. Or was Rex just destined to be the goo that would stick two shattered souls together and prevent them from forever falling to pieces?

There will be blood, gore and nasty shit.

There will be watersports, crude, angry, sometimes sensual and other times just downright dirty and dysfunctional sex.

BUT...

There will always be LOVE...

Because even villains understand the tortured scars love leaves in its wake.

Review:

This is book 2 in Wulf Francu Godgluck’s Of Gods and Monsters series. After reading book 1 I knew what to expect from this author. He is a dark erotica writer. Be warned that there could be triggers and that he is far from shy about addressing ALL sexual proclivities. It is violent, gory at points, it’s vulgar, and it’s saturated in a deviant nature. But you can see I gave it 5 stars. See, when I read a book I look at one very important thing. Does it make me want for more? And it did. Even before the cliffhanger *glares* I didn’t want it to end. It’s such a well written, brilliantly structured book. The characters are flawlessly broken, needing, wanting and they own you completely. Yes, I may not practice the things they do but I certainly can appreciate the raw and gritty lifestyle these monsters live. Hades got my attention in book one and I have eagerly awaited this book. Rex, that sweet little gingersnap! He is deceiving when you first see him. All sweet and alluring but indeed a lion he is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading him. Wulf is AMAZING at what he does. Bringing dark erotica to the pages. Luring you into a hellish world, one of which you don’t come out of unscathed. It may not be your cup of tea but if you do take a sip it will absolutely change your world.

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Johnnie by Cardeno. C

A Premier lion shifter, Hugh Landry dedicates his life to leading the Berk pride with strength and confidence. Hundreds of people depend on Hugh for safety, success, and happiness. And at over a century old, with more power than can be contained in one body, Hugh relies on a Siphon lion shifter to carry his excess force.

When the Siphon endangers himself and therefore the pride, Hugh must pay attention to the man who has been his silent shadow for a decade. What he learns surprises him, but what he feels astounds him even more.

Two lions, each born to serve, rely on one another to survive. After years by each other’s side, they’ll finally realize the depth of their potential, the joy in their passion, and a connection their kind has never known.

Review:

Oh my goodness I LOVED this book! I am a shifter book fan but I don’t get to read many that I really fall in love with. I hate that it took me so long to actually read it! What a creative concept for a shifter book. A premier lion with more power than he can handle needing a siphon to help him hold on to some so he doesn’t die. Johnnie has done this job for over a decade and been but a forgotten shadow until he wants it no more and does something that changes everything! This was such a powerful and phenomenal story. I loved how Cardeno C shows that everyone needs love. Needs to know they matter. That even five minutes of your time can literally save a life. I adored the creativity behind the whole Premier/ Siphon thing.
This is not just an outstanding shifter book, it’s an outstanding story in itself and an absolute must read!

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Fire & Rain by Andrew Grey

Since the death of their mother, Josten Applewhite has done what he’s had to do to take care of his little brother and keep their small family together. But in an instant, a stroke of bad luck tears down what little home he’s managed to build, and Jos and Isaac end up on the streets.

That’s where Officer Kip Rogers finds them, and even though he knows he should let the proper authorities handle things, he cannot find it in his heart to turn them away, going so far as to invite them to stay in his home until they get back on their feet. With the help of Kip and his friends, Jos starts to rebuild his life. But experience has taught him nothing comes for free, and the generosity seems too good to be true—just like everything about Kip.

Kip’s falling hard for Jos, and he likes the way Jos and Isaac make his big house feel like a home. But their arrangement can’t be permanent, not with Jos set on making his own way. Then a distant relative emerges, determined to destroy Jos’s family, and Kip knows Jos needs him—even if he’s not ready to admit it.

Review:

I really and truly love this series. There’s not a book in it I don’t love. This one was actually one of my favorite tropes. Rich guy rescuing poor guy… Now I know Kip isn’t rich but he has steady income, great job, and gorgeous home. Jos has nothing. Kip is on patrol and finds Jos huddled in a doorway with his young brother. It was like BAM. I mean as a reader even you feel it. I knew it. Jos’s life was about to get better. And it did in so many ways.
Of course there are trials and tribulations. A lot of soul searching on everyone’s part and drama!!! But, it’s a love story, a rescue of sorts. Jos was scared, he felt alone taking care of his little brother on the streets. Kip felt alone because he had no family. Great friends, but we all need that closeness. Whether it be a family you are born into or one that you build. It’s a need. And watching these 3 become one was so beautiful.
This is a great story and a fabulous addition to an already brilliant series. Can’t wait for more!

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Second to None by Felice Stevens

Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn’t love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.

Tyler Reiss’s dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.

Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart. Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn’t mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.

Review:

Each book I read by Felice Stevens is better than the last! So, it’s no wonder why I think Second to None is her best book yet. She has an amazing ability to make you feel her words! Each character clings to your heart like a tattoo! I’ve been waiting for Marcus’s story since book one. The violet eyed playboy had my undivided attention. And, as predicted, he tore me apart. Marcus IS the meaning, “Money can’t buy you everything.” The one thing he NEEDS in his life. The one thing he realizes he wants, cannot be bought. Enter Tyler. Gorgeous, smart, graceful Tyler. From the outside he just looks like another go go dancer. But then he moves and you realize, wow there’s a story there. He’s far too talented to be dancing at Sparks! And there is indeed a story that’s so brilliant. I couldn’t put this book down. Felice’s promise of a happy ending is a guarantee in all her books. But, she won’t make it easy on you! You’ll cry and laugh and fan yourself quite a bit.
I’d love for this book to have gone on forever. I’d love this series, like all her series, to never end! So, I’m not going to say this is the end of The Breakfast Club because I see some characters that Felice could have a lot of fun with and I’m curious.
I do have to say, it was a HUGE treat to see some surprise characters pop up in this book and Felice fans will squee just as I did!
You’ll enjoy this book. You’ll be washed away by the emotion and then, when it’s over, you’ll want to do it all over again.
Bravo, Felice, for yet another magnificent book, for yet another amazing memory.

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The High King’s Golden Tongue by Megan Derr

Prince Allen has trained his entire life to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, who has made their kingdom one of the wealthiest and most influential in the empire. For the past few years he has trained to become the new consort of the High King. The only thing no one prepared him for was the stubborn, arrogant High King himself, who declares Allen useless and throws him out of court.

High King Sarrica is ruling an empire at war, and that war will grow exponentially worse if his carefully laid plans do not come to fruition. He's overwhelmed and needs help, as much as he hates to admit it, but it must be someone like his late consort: a soldier, someone who understands war, who is not unfamiliar with or afraid of the harsher elements of rule. What he doesn't need is the delicate, pretty little politician foisted on him right as everything goes wrong

Review:

I don’t know where to begin with this book. I finished it last night and literally had to sleep on it. It rendered me speechless. It was so much more than a book. It truly was an entire experience. I felt involved in what was going on and every facet of what happened affected me. It’s a rare thing that a book pulls me in like I’m a character in the Neverending Story. I felt like I needed to get my butt over to Harken and deal with things LOL.
This is the first Megan Derr book I’ve read and I promise you that it is far from the last. She’s a freaking literary wizard I tell you!
Allen… oh Allen. What an outstanding character. Smart, stronger than any soldier ever, kindhearted, and his ability to love? It’s like art. Rare and beautiful!
The King? Well. I got his pain it made sense. I think he blamed and rejected all the wrong people but in the end he got himself together.
The ensemble of characters. It was like finding a pair of shoes you love, seeing there’s only one pair left and they’re your size… and on sale! It’s a miracle and you never want to take them off. That was this cast!
I had one heck of a book hangover afterward. I couldn’t watch TV, I was staring out the window actually wondering what these characters were doing right now. LMAO! I know, ridiculous, but it was that breathtaking!
I want to keep talking about it hahahaha!!! The descriptions, the work Megan went into to create this land! WOW! I mean I can’t even imagine the notebooks and post it notes!!!!
I want to say it’s the best book I’ve read all year but the year just started! I will say I won’t forget it, ever and that the second there’s a second book to this series I’m devouring it!
AMAZING!

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A Kind of Truth by Lane Hayes

Rand O’Malley dreams of superstardom. He hopes to one day sing the blues like a rock god. Moving to New York City and hiring a new manager are steps to make his dreams a reality. But nothing moves as fast as Rand would like, and everyone has opinions, which include he keep certain pieces of himself quiet if he plans on making it in the Big Apple. Like his bisexuality.

Will Sanders is a gifted musician who dazzles Rand with his ability to coax gorgeous notes from an electric guitar one moment and play the piano like a professional the next. He’s a geek, but Rand isn’t concerned about Will’s pressed exterior clashing with his tattoos. His focus is music. Yet there’s something about Will that makes Rand think there’s much more to the quiet college student than he lets on. As Rand’s dreams begin to materialize, he’s forced to reconsider his priorities and find his own kind of truth. One that might include Will.

Review:

Rand and Will; these are the newest MC’s in Lane Hayes New book A Kind of Truth. Rand is the Lead singer for an up and coming band called Spiral. He and his close friends created it, and come to New York to make it big. Because if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Lacking a guitar player they hire this guy Terry, recommended by Will. Oh Will…. I don’t want to give anything away but Will is positively the best ever! He is truly the meaning of the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” There are so many layers to him and each time we discover something else you're more in awe of him. Rand remindsme of someone so much the opposite of Will it’s not even funny. From his constant need to move his body, to refusing his own sexual identity. These two were a relationship nightmare LOL. Watching it unfold was like walking through a corn maze. You knew there was freedom, there was a way to openness.
Lane has an amazing ability to grasp an emotion and force you to absorb it. I sat there reading, silent tears pouring from my face. She just seems to get it and it’s a relief when you can feel the author’s own feelings in each word.
This is another fabulous book by this amazing author.

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