Release Day Review: Ravensong by TJ Klune #Review #Giveaway

Author: TJ Klune
Title: Ravensong
Series: Green Creek #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication Date: July 31 2018
Length: 400 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Gordo Livingstone never forgot the lessons carved into his skin. Hardened by the betrayal of a pack who left him behind, he sought solace in the garage in his tiny mountain town, vowing never again to involve himself in the affairs of wolves.

It should have been enough.

And it was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. In the end, they faced the beast together as a pack… and won.

Now, a year later, Gordo has found himself once again the witch of the Bennett pack. Green Creek has settled after the death of Richard Collins, and Gordo constantly struggles to ignore Mark and the song that howls between them.

But time is running out. Something is coming. And this time, it’s crawling from within.

Some bonds, no matter how strong, were made to be broken.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon US 

Amazon UK

Review

We might be only, what, not quite two-thirds of the way through the year, but I can say with 100% absolute certainty that Ravensong is my #1 MOST anticipated book of the year. TJ Klune has other books out this year, but hands down it's THIS book that had me counting down the days. It's hard, right, when you anticipate something with such fervor, that quiet fear that the book won't live up to the expectations you've been building and building, but y'all don't worry in the slightest because damn was Ravensong EVERYTHING I wanted. I promise not to spoil anything for those of you who have been waiting with bated breath just like I was because I would cry if someone had spoiled anything in this book for me. I was honestly flipping the pages as fast as I could read them because I couldn't stop and had to know what was coming next. I will say this though, do yourselves a favor and re-read Wolfsong before picking this up, especially if it's been a while. For those of you who, like me, listen to Kirt Graves' brilliant audio almost on repeat, you're good to go! 

Ravensong is the story of Gordo Livingstone, witch to the Bennett pack and Mark Bennett, his mate and the one who shattered his heart all those years ago. I've been dying to find out the backstory to Gordo and Mark and to see exactly what happened between them to make Gordo so angry, so hard and cold toward all the Bennett's and boy did TJ deliver!  This is a second-chance romance at it's absolute best. There's heartbreak and betrayal, anger and resentment, and so much pain between Gordo and Mark. Some of it I figured out from the bits and pieces shared in Wolfsong, but most of it I read with my mouth hanging open. As always, TJ's storytelling brilliance shines as bright as the sun. There really isn't anyone in the whole of the fiction genre, romance or otherwise, that tells a story quite like he does. His words, the pacing, the way he builds and is able to transport you directly into the story is unparalleled. I absolutely loved how TJ showed the past and how those events helped shape who Gordo, Mark, Elizabeth, Thomas became and even how Gordo views Carter, Kelly, and Joe. That history was fascinating to read about and boy did it ever make so many things make so much more sense! *no spoilers, remember, so yeah that's vague!

This is a heavy, intense book. There is so much going on, so many things in play as the Bennett pack fortifies itself for the battles headed their way. But in the midst of the angst and drama, there are some truly wonderfully lighthearted moments that will make you laugh out loud until you cry. The humans of the pack, Rico in particular, and then of course Carter and Kelly bring some much needed levity in the perfect moments. It's never too much, but just exactly right as someone with only TJ's mastery can do. It would be easy for their actions to be over the top and take away from the story itself, but it never does. 

And in case you were wondering about the "Big Bad" TJ has mentioned more than a few times in the lead-up to Ravensong's release, never fear. The "Big Bad" is definitely big and so, so bad. As you'd expect, the action in Ravensong is every bit as on the edge of your seat as Wolfsong. There are some truly hold your breath moments where you're not at all sure what's going to happen and you can never guess with TJ so you just have to keep going and going. The suspense in this book nearly gave me heart palpitations, I kid you not. I love how different this book is from Wolfsong, while keeping the same tone and of course the lyrical, repetitive way TJ emphasizes certain things (pack, pack, pack) lets you know you are most definitely back in Green Creek. Gordo as a narrator is certainly not Oxnard Matheson and it's such a delight to be immersed in Gordo's jaded, snarky viewpoint. 

I know there are two more books coming in this series and if I thought the wait for Ravensong was never ending, the wait for Heartsong (Robbie and Kelly's book - that's not a spoiler btw, it's been mentioned by TJ many times!) is going to be interminable. But that's what makes this series so out of this world fantastic. These characters that have become like family and friends that we don't want to say good bye to we welcome back with open arms because it's like coming home. Ravensong is a love story, but it's also about family and loyalty and fighting to protect those you love. It's also one hell of an emotional roller  coaster so be sure to strap in folks. The ride is going to get even bumpier so be ready. 

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Cover Reveal: Loving A Warrior by Melanie Hansen #Giveaway

Pre-Order Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Carina

Length: 77,300 words approx.

Publisher: Carina Press

Blurb

BUD/S: six months of the most intense training there is. It’s survival of the toughest, and Matt Knytych is determined to come out the other side a navy SEAL.

Distraction is life or death. And just the sight of former marine Shane Hovland is enough to shake Matt’s concentration.

Shane came to BUD/S training ready to prove himself—again. Semper Fi is forever, but he needs a new start. Not this dangerous heat with a man he barely knows.

Everything they’ve ever wanted is riding on a thin, punishing line. And they’ll have to fight for more than just each other if they want to make it through intact.

After all, the only easy day was yesterday.

Author Bio

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Review Tour: Fusion by Posy Roberts #Review #Giveaway

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Cover Design: Olive Us Designs

North Star Trilogy

Spark (Book #1) - Amazon US | Amazon UK

Flare (Book #3) - Amazon US | Amazon UK - Pre-Order

Blurb

Kevin and Hugo make plans to blend their lives, but bleak news changes everything. Building a future together is still a priority, but only if their relationship can survive.

Love strengthened by adversity.

Everyone in Kevin’s life knows him as straight rather than bisexual. There was no need to come out until now, but loving Hugo is worth any prejudice he’ll encounter. Hugo does his best to be patient while Kevin navigates his way toward openness, but he refuses to be put back in a closet for long.

Kevin wants to tell his kids without screwing up their newfound stability, and he worries about telling his ex because Erin might use the truth against him to renegotiate custody. Kevin wants it all finalized, but time isn’t on his side.

When Erin gets grim news, it shakes everyone to the core and rips Kevin away from the life he planned with Hugo. The news brings Hugo’s past hurts bubbling to the surface. Yet when Erin turns to Hugo for support, their new connection shows him how essential he is to Kevin and his kids.

Despite the chaos, it’s clear Hugo is very much a part of this unconventional family.

Review

I was honored to read Posy Robert's beautifully written novel "Fusion". This is Posy's second novel in the series and must be read in order, the first being "Spark," in which she introduces her character's Kevin and Hugo. 

After everything Kevin and Hugo had struggled through, it finally seemed that their future together was more of a possibility then just a mere distant dream. Hugo's insecurities, while still present from time to time, didn't seem to hold him back from opening up to a future with Kevin. As with Kevin, he was finally able to stop being dominated by the image of his domineering and bigoted father.

As both Kevin and Hugo start to get more comfortable with their growing relationship and the upcoming divorce between Kevin and Erin devastating news throws everybody's life in a downward spiral.

I was consumed with so many emotions as I read this emotionally, heartbreaking, yet inspiring journey of Kevin and Hugo's. These two men were faced with a situation that had no possible great outcome and were lost as how to be able to make the correct choices. However, what may seem so strange to on lookers or those not privileged enough to actually have the open minds to accept things that are always "in the norm" to them, would not even understand that through Erin, those two were able to gain strength and determination to let their guards down and strive towards a future even after the worst devastation.

I was an emotional blabbering mess after reading this book and am absolutely excited and looking forward to the final book in this series.

 

July 24 - BooksLaidBareBoys, Mainely Stories, July 26 - Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter, Katie's Book Corner Reviews, Gay Media Reviews, Mikku-chan, July 28 - Diverse Reader, Dog-Eared Daydreams, Cupcakes & Bookshelves, July 30 - Xtreme Delusions, Making It Happen, August 1 - MM Good Book Reviews, August 3 - Bayou Book Junkie, Lillian Francis, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Author Bio

Posy Roberts started reading romance when she was young, sneaking peeks at adult books long before she should’ve. Textbooks eventually replaced the novels, and for years she existed without reading for fun. When she finally picked up a romance two decades later, it was like slipping on a soft hoodie . . . that didn’t quite fit like it used to. She wanted something more.

She wanted to read about men falling in love with each other. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and see characters navigate the unpredictability of life. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.

Her stories have been USA Today’s Happily Ever After Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her family and friends and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.

Follow Posy on BookBub | Subscribe to Posy’s Newsletter | Join Posy’s Reader Group |Website

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Random Double Review: Dominion and Destiny by Nicholas Bella #Review #Giveaway

Author: Nicholas Bella
Title: Dominion
Series: Gods and Slaves #1
Self Published
Publication Date: May 23, 2017
Length: 122 pages

Reviewed by Meredith

Synopsis

"Blood, lust, and passion fuel the gods."
In a world controlled by the Celestial Gods of Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water, the life of a slave is inconsequential. A relationship between the gods and humans, outside of instant gratification, is strictly forbidden. To the gods, all humans exist to serve them, but only those who have influence over the masses have been spared a certain degradation of servitude as long as they carry out the wishes of the gods. 
When Mateo is captured by bandits and taken into slavery. He has no idea what his future holds, but he knows it can't be good. He is from the badlands, places so far removed from the gods’ temples, that they are practically barren. The people of the celestial cities look upon them as blasphemers, and less than human. He is poor, he has no influence, no proper education, and no skills that he could use to elevate himself to a status deserving of the gods' mercy. So, when he's sold off to a Ludus to be trained as a gladiator if he survives the Trial of Fate, his curse and his hope for salvation become unified. Either in life or death, he will pay tribute to the gods and respect their Dominion.
Eloy is the powerful and merciless God of Fire and like the flames he controls, his temper and desires run just as hot bordering on insatiable. When he sets his eyes on Mateo for the first time, he becomes intrigued. Watching the human fight so bravely, ignited his passion in an intensity that can only be matched by his lust for blood and entertainment. Being a god with millions of humans worshiping him, he’s used to getting exactly what he wants and right now, he wants Mateo. 

WARNING: This novella series is not for sensitive eyes, as it is brutal, dark, raunchy, and in your face with its lewd, crude, and rude attitude. I'm talking no-holds-barred bloody battles and dirty, wet, messy sex with hot, animalistic men who have no inhibitions. They take what they want when they want it, and they don’t have to be nice about it. This series is intended for very mature readers who are looking for something out of this world to read.

Author: Nicholas Bella
Title: Destiny 
Series: Gods and Slaves #2
Self Published
Publication Date: July 21, 2018
Length: 162 pages

Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

"Favor of the gods is given to those with passion."

Mateo has quickly learned that his fate is at the mercy of the gods and the frenzied crowd at the arena. Knowing that if he has any hope of gaining his freedom, it will be through the blood he sheds on the sands. That is his destiny... or is it? When his prowess in the arena catches the eye and desires of the very same god who not only spared his life before but also took his virginity, his destiny may very well change directions. Only one problem... humans and gods aren't supposed to let their emotions get entangled. Will such a forbidden act doom him... or free him? 

​WARNING: This novella series is not for sensitive eyes, as it is brutal, dark, raunchy, and in your face with its lewd, crude, and rude attitude. I'm talking no-holds-barred bloody battles and dirty, wet, messy sex with hot, animalistic men who have no inhibitions. They take what they want when they want it, and they don’t have to be nice about it. This series is intended for very mature readers who are looking for something out of this world to read.

Buy Links

Dominion

Destiny

Reviews 

I will be reviewing both of these books but separately, as they are cross posted on Amazon and Goodreads:

Dominion:

I am a huge Nicholas Bella fan and when this book released last year I actually held off. I was nervous because it felt so different from anything else I'd seen him write. I didn't want to be heartbroken and disappointed if I didn't like it. When the second book released I said, "Okay, I'm just going to go and do it." Was I disappointed? No, thank God. I was shocked. Dominion introduces a new world, or maybe not too new from books we've read throughout our lives. It felt like what I'd expect if Spartacus went to Mount Olympus. In this case Mount Olympus came to him, and changed the world. It made it uneven, unfair, and torturous. 

Nicholas Bella brought his own naturally dark twist to the story and in my opinion made it more believable than any books I've read on Gods and Slaves. While people may be grossed out at times, or even shake their heads at the antics, I dare say slaves had it that bad, maybe worse.

There's a realism to the fantasy that this author pulls off and I loved Mateo. I loved this character because it felt like he was one of us. A regular guy trying to survive. In this book I was on the fence with Eloy, the God of Fire so I can't give a good projection of him in this book. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I was glad I had book two to read right after. I very much recommend this.

Destiny:

Book two was outstanding! I'm just cutting right to the chase with that. It picks up where book one left off. While we aren't finished with Mateo in this book (need book three) we see him evolve even more. He's so strong, brave, and smart. Even the God of Fire, Eloy is smitten with him. Ahhh Eloy. We got to see more of him in this book and I actually love the guy... crazy! I love that he sees what Mateo has been trying to say. I am holding on to hope that Mateo makes it to the end, I won't lie I am scared. But this continuation builds this already good story arc even further. I'm totally invested and desperate to read more of Mateo and Eloy, and the rest of these questionable Gods.

You do need to realize this isn't a fluffy story. Bad things happen and the suspense is high. There's no Pegasus flying into to whisk Mateo and Eloy away. These two are going to have to fight.

I am so excited for the next book and to find out the fate of these two.

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Release Day Review: Alpha Unit One, New York by Chris T. Kat #Review #Giveaway

Author: Chris T. Kat
Title: Alpha Unit One, New York
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood
Publication Date: July 27, 2018
Length: 161 pages

Reviewed by Jenn

Synopsis

The cat’s out of the bag….

In a world that accepts shifters as normal and thinks nothing of human/shifter couples, baby shifters and small shifters are treated as subpar. They are not allowed into the more dangerous professions, and their mates have legal control over what they can and cannot do.

Nicholas Reed is about to challenge the established rules. At twenty-eight, Nick has just been accepted into New York’s Alpha Unit One—an elite law enforcement team, composed equally of humans and shifters, that specializes in drug crimes. It is Nick’s dream job. But if they find out what he’s hiding, his career could be destroyed.

Enter a huge complication in the form of Sam Black, an older lion shifter who is the leader of the unit… and Nick’s mate. Nick wants Sam, and he wants to keep his job, but he can’t have them both. He also can’t choose between them.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

I have not read very many shifter books, but this one is definitely different than any I’d read before.

We have a world where shifters are accepted and human/shifter couple are as well. Nicholas Reed has started his dream job in New York’s Alpha Unit One-a very elite law enforcement team. Nick is excited, nervous and hiding a couple secrets. When Nick meets his new boss, Sam Black, he knows all his secrets are going to be found out. 

Sam is a lion shifter and everything about Nick calls out to the man and his lion. Sam knows he’s met his mate and he knows Nick is hiding something. Once Nick’s secrets come out, the mates have some adjustments to make. Sam has to control every protective instinct he and his lion have and put their trust in Nick. This is easier said than done at times, but Sam loves his mate and wants him to be happy. The author does a good job of keeping the police work a part of the story and not just focusing on the mating of Nick and Sam.  I love myself some kinky books, really, but there were some parts of this book that even I felt uncomfortable. That was my only issue though. That said, this was a good read with some really cute moments.

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Tier Two Advertising Sale On Diverse Reader

Diverse Reader is having a sale!!! There are 4 slots in Tier Two up for grabs! Originally priced at $25.00 for 3 months is now being offered for $15.00!

Get your book, blog, audiobook whatever for August, September, and October advertised for just $15.00.

It will be a first come first serve and it must be LGBTQA+ related and can not be nudity or prejudice, or anything offensive.

Contact Meredith at diversereader@yahoo.com if you're interested.

Random Review: Broken Rules by Michaela Grey #Review #Giveaway

Author: Michaela Grey
Title: Broken Rules
Series: Mended Hearts #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Publication Date: July 24, 2018
Length:224 pages

Reviewed by Truus


Synopsis

Sanyam Desai is a Dom, a master of his craft. He knows exactly how to make a person beg, and he does it for a living, but he has no idea how to be in love.

Sterling Reynard is in desperate need of manners and someone who cares enough to take him in hand, but he knows he’ll never be loved.

When Sterling’s world crumbles around him, he turns to the one person who’s never asked for anything from him but his trust. But their relationship is built on quicksand, and one careless word will bring the whole thing down.

Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon US 

Amazon UK

Review

A story with a difficult to define relationship between two men who constantly overstep their own boundaries.

Sanyam is a good Dom and recruits a lot of customers. Sterling aka Fox is shattered, indoctrinated by his parents, and so in need of attention and a firm hand, he doesn’t recognize or acknowledge it himself.

When Sanyam and Fox cross paths, Fox is a rude brat and a big dick, not only to Sanyam but to everyone. Sanyam looks right through him and understands what Fox needs. When Fox's whole life is falling apart, Sanyam offers him a solution. 

It wasn’t a perfect relationship, it was so flawed and this was exactly what makes this story plausible. The struggle they went through and their imperfections felt real.

Their characters were likeable and stayed that way throughout the whole story. They were both engaging and they learned from their previous actions. 

It was an emotional story, the hurt felt awfully real. 

An intriguingly written story, with a steady pace and a good lovable plot. I really loved it how all the side stories and the main were entwined and this all together made it to a very lovely and appealing journey.

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Exclusive Cover Reveal: Looking Forward by Michael Bailey #Excerpt #Giveaway

Title: Looking Forward

Author: Michael Bailey

Release Date: August 25, 2018

 Length: 90k+

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer~ Simply Defined Art

 Synopsis

Owen Hannity was nineteen when he lost almost everyone he thought he could trust.  Each loss more painful than the last.

With the unwavering support of his best friend, Andy, Owen put the pieces of his life back together.  Now, more than two decades later, Owen owns and operates a successful comic shop.  Despite his modicum of success, he still feels like a shell of a man, carrying the emotional scars from his devastating losses.

Without warning, Owen’s past returns.  Secrets come to light.

Secrets that could either destroy Owen or finally give him the strength to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about Andy, himself, and the way in which he views the world. 

To see that he is truly worthy of loving himself and finally begin…

…Looking Forward.

 

Excerpt

I found my glass empty and excused myself from the table.  I hadn’t realized how busy the bar had gotten.  It was literally wall to wall men.  I found myself standing in line waiting to get a refill.  As I stood there, I could have sworn I felt something brush my ass.  I turned to the guy behind me, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary, so I turned back to the bar.  It happened again, the hand brushed my ass and stayed, cupping my right butt cheek.  I wheeled around to the guy behind me, and said, “Something I can do for you?”

He tried to play innocent as he pulled back his hand.  “Excuse me?”

“I’d appreciate it if you kept your hands to yourself.”

He chuckled darkly.  “Prissy little bitch, aren’t you?”

I felt my cheeks flush with anger as I bit out, “Don’t be a dick.  This ass isn’t yours.”

“No, it’s mine.”

Both Dickhead and I turned to find Jack glaring down at him.

“Now, get your fucking hands off of him.”  Jack slid up beside me and draped his arm possessively across my shoulders so that my neck was resting comfortably in the crook of his arm.  “Everything okay here, babe?” he asked, pulling me tight against his body and leaning in, kissing the top of my head.

My brain short circuited.  I was at a complete loss for words.  I didn’t know that Jack had seen the interaction, and even if I did, I certainly didn’t expect for him to come to my rescue.  Especially with that kind of display.

Dickhead took a noticeable step back and threw up the offending hand.  “Sorry.  Didn’t realize he was with someone.”

“That should matter?” Jack bit out.  “Do you think it’s okay to just walk around, copping a feel whenever you want?  What if he’d been straight?  Is that how you’d make a straight guy feel comfortable in a gay bar?”

Dickhead seemed to stammer.  “Sorry.” He repeated as he backed away and headed in the opposite direction.

I looked up at Jack and said, “Thanks.”

He grinned down at me, and I felt a little flutter in the pit of my stomach, like something tiny and new waking for the first time.

There had been a few crushes in high school.  Longings for someone that I knew there was no way in Hell I would ever have but wanted nonetheless.  This was a similar feeling, but different, richer, more vibrant.  Something that hinted at possibility.  I knew that was crazy, even as I was feeling it, but it was there just the same.  I couldn’t control it, so I did my best to ignore it, pretend it wasn’t there.  When Jack didn’t remove his arm from around my shoulder as we turned back to the bar, that feeling became more and more difficult to ignore.

We made our way back to our table, Jack staying close almost as if he were afraid of another man either hitting on me or making me uncomfortable.  I knew the notion was ridiculous.  He didn’t know me, why would he want to protect me?  Andy cocked an eyebrow at me, silently asking what was going on. I gave a subtle shake of my head.  I had no idea.

 

 About The Author

I'm the oldest of three, from the Glass Capital of the world, Toledo Ohio.

Don’t laugh too hard.

I've dreamed of writing since I was eleven years old when I wrote a truly awful Choose-Your-Own-Adventure. It sold exactly zero copies. I think my mother may have a copy lying around somewhere. Mothers keep that kind of thing.

Through junior high and high school, I wrote a number of short stories, one actually published in the first (and only) issue of his high school’s literary magazine.

Life took control shortly thereafter, as it often does, and the dream of writing was put on hold. Then, in November of 2016, I took a leap of faith, and began writing my first novel as part of the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) competition. The goal of the competition is to write a 50,000-word novel in a thirty-day period.

I failed.

However, on the advice of a friend, I “pushed through”. And so, in September of 2017, my first novel was published.

 

Links

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