Diverse Reader: Flashback Friday

Review

This month I chose Hell and High Water (Thirds Book 1) by Charlie Cochet as my Flashback Friday review. I have to admit to being reluctant at first to read a shifter book, but my best friend convinced me to give it a try and I’ve never looked back. This series is one of my very favorites and one I recommend to everyone. The way the author uses science to explain the shifters is just brilliant and it makes you think...this COULD happen.

Our main characters are Dexter J. Daley and Sloane Brodie. Dex is a former homicide detective and human, Sloane is a team leader for THIRDS and is a Jaguar Therian (shifter). Thirds stands for Therian Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron and is a force made up equally of humans and Therians to keep things fair and to strive to always have equality. When Dex comes on board, Sloane’s team has been trying to recover from a huge loss and doesn’t want to accept a new member. Dex is used to making quite an impression on people and definitely does on his first day at Thirds. Quickly the team realizes that though they don’t want a new member, Dex may be just what they need. Sloane is not so sure, but he can’t deny how drawn he is to Dex. This is book 1 of a series that is 10 books long and one that gets better with each and every book.

I love these books and these characters so hard. Dex and Sloane may lead the pack, but the rest of their team members often steal the show. Their team is a family and as with most families, they can drive each other crazy, but they always have each other’s backs. The comraderie, love, and support along with the practical jokes and pranks help make this book, this team feel like the family you wish you had. I am so crazy about each character, I am so glad I took this journey with Thirds. Charlie Cochet found a way to write a story that made us believe panthers, lions and cheetahs could run down our city streets along with their human partners...made us want to see it. The heart of these books is family and Dexter J. Dayley. He was the right man at the right place, the right time and he helped heal a broken unit. He is an extremely charismatic, loving and kind man with a side of silly, plain crazy and a wild streak a mile wide. I wouldn’t change a hair on his head and seeing the power of Dex is action kind of feels like coming home to me. He’s a bit of a sanctuary, even while he’s driving everyone crazy. If you have never read this series, you are missing out on so much wonderful! The author is releasing the first book in a spin off series soon and now is the perfect time to catch up.

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Friday, June 15, 2018

Flashback Friday: Out In The Field by Kate McMurray #Review #Giveaway

Author: Kate McMurray
Title: Out In The Field
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
(1st edition was published by LooseID)
Publication Date: May 16, 2016
(1st edition published April 24 2012)
Length: 216 Pages
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

Matt Blanco is a legend on the Brooklyn Eagles, but time and injuries have taken their toll. With his career nearing its end, he’s almost made it to retirement without anyone learning his biggest secret: he’s gay in a profession not particularly known for its tolerance.

Iggy Rodriquez is the hot new rookie in town, landing a position in the starting lineup of the team of his dreams and playing alongside his idol, Matt Blanco. Iggy doesn’t think it can get any better, until an unexpected encounter in the locker room with Matt proves him wrong.

A relationship—and everything it could reveal—has never been in the cards for Matt, but Iggy has him rethinking his priorities. They fall hard for each other, struggling to make it through trades, endorsement deals, and the threat of retirement. Ultimately they will be faced with a choice: love or baseball?

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Review

It's June, y'all, so that means lots of sunshine, warm temperatures ... and baseball. I've gotta be honest, I'm not so much a fan of baseball--I'm a diehard hockey girl--but that being said, I do love books about baseball. Weird, I know, but it is what it is. And for baseball romance, there's not one better than Out in the Field by Kate McMurray. This book was first released in 2012, (I read it the first time in 2013) then re-released in 2016 by Dreamspinner and I can't tell you the number of times I've read this book. I adore it; Iggy and Matt are absolutely wonderful characters and the romance is as swoon worthy as you can find.

There's hero worship--Iggy has been a huge fan of Matt's for years and when he arrives to play for the Brooklyn Eagles it's with stars in his eyes and his hero worship not diminished in the least. I loved this aspect, the rookie at the beginning of his career and the veteran on his way out. I'm a big fan of age gaps in my romance so if you enjoy that as well, this will hit all of your buttons. I like the balance McMurray shows in the book between Matt's advice when it comes to baseball and then the intimate times between them when they're just Matt and Iggy.

If you like your sports romances to include a lot of actual sport, this one has a lot of baseball, but not so much as to take away from the romance. I also really liked how the subject of being gay and playing professional sports is handled; nothing too over the top but not too easy either. I appreciate that in the new edition things have been updated to show the change in LGBT laws (like same-sex marriage being legal in all 50 states) and the progress made in accepting gay athletes in general. There's some angst too, and really, it just adds to the depth of the book. Matt and Iggy are open and honest with each other in a way that's refreshing and heart-melting. The chemistry between these two is super hot, but it's intimate and emotional, not just physical.

Really, Out in the Field is just an all-around fabulous book. Awesome characters who are so likable and genuine, you will fall in love hard and fast with them, a great plot, and lots of romance and swoony moments. Oh, yeah, the baseball. It's fun and action packed and keeps this book on my re-read shelf. If you haven't checked this one out yet, be sure to do so. You'll love it!

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Friday, June 8, 2018

Flashback Friday: Everyday History by Alice Archer #Review #Giveaway

Author: Alice Archer
Title: Everyday History
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Publication Date: June 29, 2016
Length: 290 pages

Reviewed by Morningstar

Synopsis

Headstrong Ruben Harper has yet to meet an obstacle he can’t convert to a speed bump. He’s used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing.

Shy, cautious Henry, Ruben’s former high school history teacher, suspects he needs a wake-up call, and Ruben appears to be his siren. But when Ruben bolts, Henry is left struggling to find closure. Inspired by his conversations with Ruben, Henry begins to write articles about the memories stored in everyday objects. The articles seduce Ruben with details from their weekend together and trigger feelings too strong to avoid. As Henry’s snowballing fame takes him out of town and further out of touch, Ruben stretches to close the gaps that separate them.

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Review

The concept and delivery of this story have stuck with me even two years later so much that I often think about the history of my own things and the love that those things represent. That’s why it’s my flashback book because it’s one that I want people to experience and to love. It’s a book that touches all parts of the reader.

This is not just a story about a young man trying to figure out his sexuality. This isn’t a story about growing up and experiencing life to make sure you are ready for the tough things, the commitment things, the you are my world things. This is a story about a man who sees history in everything we touch, cherish, and have by our side through the everyday life. The picture of you and your best friend on your very first vacation together, the tea kettle that’s been handed down generation after generation in your family, or the hat your mom made you for the cold winter in your favorite color. This story not only shows us that love can persevere through distance and time but that our history is embedded in the very things we live with every day.

Reuben and Henry could not have been more opposite as people and at entirely different points in their lives. Reuben was the cocky, beautiful, popular guy that oozed charisma. But through the course of an internship, something changed. A change that made him unsure, naive, and enraptured with his teacher. Henry is smart like I will make you love history without even knowing smart. On the surface, he is exactly what you expect a history professor to be. Shy wears glasses, tweed vest, ironed shirts…typical. Henry is anything but typical and lives with a secret of his past that holds him back in life and love. A past that literally sends him into a panic at the mention of it. But after one weekend, a year after they met, Reuben brings him to life. This sends Henry on a course that changes his life.

Alice Archer writing style is somewhat poetic but not. It is a unique style that helped make me love these two characters, The Historian and The Explorer, as Alice calls them in her book. You know how when you’re reading, and a quote or paragraph catches you, and you want to highlight it to remind you later of that part? I was so engrossed in this story I couldn’t even THINK to highlight anything but if I did most of the book would’ve been highlighted!

Even though through most of the book Henry and Reuben are not together, the unique way that Alice Archer writes this story with Henry’s articles, Reuben’s reactions to those articles, Henry’s letters to his cousin, Reuben’s experiences in love, and finally Reuben’s fight to get to Henry she makes you feel like they are on this journey together. I will not lie and say this was an easy read because it most certainly was not. It wasn’t the most angsty read I’ve ever read, but it was painful, heartbreaking, and soul hurting kind of read that I love! The ending...that ending is worth EVERYTHING!

This is the kind of book that makes me want to be a reader, makes me addicted to stories, and puts me in awe of authors.

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Beaten Track Publications

Friday, May 18, 2018

Flashback Friday Review: Unbroken by Larry Benjamin #Review #Giveaway

Author: Larry Benjamin
Title: Unbroken
Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing
Publication date: September 8, 2018
Length: 268 pages

Reviewed by Truus

Synopsis

My parents, unable to change me, had instead, silenced me. When they'd stilled my hands, they'd taken my words, made me lower my voice to a whisper. Later, I remained silent in defense, refusing to acknowledge the hateful words: Brainiac. Sissy. Antiman. Faggot.

Lincoln de Chabert's life is pretty unremarkable until he comes home from kindergarten and announces he will marry his best friend, Orlando, when he grows up.

His parents spring into immediate action, determined to fix him, igniting an epic battle of wills as Lincoln is determined to remain himself, and marry whom he chooses, at all costs.

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Review

There are just a few books that make such a deep impression on me… like an imprint, something you can always find and feel.

I finished and reviewed this read on December 30, 2016, and I could not get it out of my mind for a long long time.

It was deeply moving. When I recommend stories this is always one of them.

Larry Benjamin, a Bronx-born wordsmith, a Lambda Literary finalist, and an IPPY Gold Medalist and, god I understand why! Because his writing style is striking and one of a kind.

Every line, every sentence is just a piece of art. Definitely a must-read !!

The writing style was striking. I was caught immediately.

It had a yearning in it.

There were people who made my teeth grinding and I wanted to scream, cry and throw chairs.

This book....the longing....my heart.....it almost flew out of my body....reaching the sky.

Lincoln and Jose, two beautiful boys –omg- I loved them from the first line.

Lincoln was twelve and knew he wanted to marry Jose. They had a long way to go.

This story is told from the kind and beautiful mind of Lincoln, what a personality he has, so determined, firm. I bow to him.

Several times I cried it was so emotional. All those experiences in life they went through.

And never ever did Lincoln's love temper...it was like a rock.

The story expands over a long period. And not one moment should be missed. It starts in 1962 and ends in the now. Their journey isn't easy at all, cobblestones as their path, but for the most part, they had each other and that was a reassurance. I can't go into details because it would take their journey away and it is so so worth reading.

Together they were growing into loving and caring boyfriends, lovers, fathers and finally husbands.

There are beautiful beautiful lines, I'll put them in my heart and they will never leave.

The way this story is written is strong, kind, honest, convincing, very realistic, and deeply touching, it made me very emotional.

I'm astonished by this author's brain. It’s one of the few times I ran into a writing style so superior my heart swelled.

“I don’t pray often, but when I do, I pray that I die five minutes after you so I’ll always be here to look after you but not have to live without you.”

"Sometimes the best mom is a dad."

Btw...I so so loved Lincoln's voice !! And "At Last" awesome choice!!

Highly recommended

"My parents, unable to change me, had instead, silenced me. When they’d stilled my hands, they’d taken my words, made me lower my voice to a whisper. Later, I remained silent in defense, refusing to acknowledge the hateful words: Brainiac. Sissy. Antiman. Faggot."

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Friday, May 11, 2018

Flashback Friday: Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford #Review #Giveaway

Author: Rhys Ford
Title: Sinner's Gin
Series: Sinners
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reece Notley
Publication Date: December 24, 2012
Length: 260 pages

Reviewed by Erin

Synopsis

There’s a dead man in Miki St. John’s vintage Pontiac GTO, and he has no idea how it got there.

After Miki survives the tragic accident that killed his best friend and the other members of their band, Sinner’s Gin, all he wants is to hide from the world in the refurbished warehouse he bought before their last tour. But when the man who sexually abused him as a boy is killed and his remains are dumped in Miki’s car, Miki fears Death isn’t done with him yet.

Kane Morgan, the SFPD inspector renting space in the art co-op next door, initially suspects Miki had a hand in the man’s murder, but Kane soon realizes Miki is as much a victim as the man splattered inside the GTO. As the murderer’s body count rises, the attraction between Miki and Kane heats up. Neither man knows if they can make a relationship work, but despite Miki’s emotional damage, Kane is determined to teach him how to love and be loved — provided, of course, Kane can catch the killer before Miki becomes the murderer’s final victim.

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Review

Doing a flashback review is always such fun. Looking back, visiting favorites, remembering the first time I fell in love with a certain book always leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy. When I pick the book I'm going to review, I try to pick one that might have been overlooked way back when, or might not be on everyone's radar, or has a special meaning to me. Books are personal things, am I right? The characters, or the setting, or even the time in your life when you read a certain book can have a lasting effect on you. I knew when my turn came around this month exactly which book I would choose. It's definitely not one that has been overlooked or been under any sort of radar, but it IS special to me and to so many of you as well.

Rhys Ford's Sinner's Gin is a classic in every sense of the word. I first read Sinner's Gin only a few months after it was released a little more than five years ago. It was my first book by her and it was the beginning of a long standing, bordering on obsessive (in the best possible way) love of Rhys as an author and her books. Whether Rhys is writing urban fantasy, shape shifters, or contemporary romance with a bit of murder and mayhem thrown in for good measure, there isn't another author quite like her. Or another family quite like the Morgan's.

Who knew way back when that Kane and Miki and the rest of the Morgan clan would be so beloved? Well, maybe Rhys did, and by the end of reading Sinner's Gin the first time I knew Kane and Miki would always and forever find themselves in my top favorite couples of all time. I'm not alone. I've seen more times than I can count Kane and Miki on lists of favorite couples, Miki on lists of favorite rock stars, the audio listed on many favorites, too. And let me just tell you, Tristan James's Irish accent is to die for, no lie. But back to Kane and Miki. These two, I swear, my heart just melts and my sighs are epic whenever I think of them. Of Kane's strength, his commitment to his family, his job, and especially to Miki. Of Miki's vulnerability, though it's hidden beneath his prickly personality. Until it comes to the brother of his heart, Damien, or to Kane's da, Donal, or to his dog, Dude, and most importantly to Kane. Watching them fall in love was such a gift. Full of ups and downs, but so deep and tender and permanent.

I could gush for a really long time about Sinner's Gin. About why it means so much to me, about how Rhys's portrayal of the Morgan family is wondrous and makes me wish everybody could have a Donal, a Brigid, and a Quinn. A Connor wouldn't be bad, either. Neither would a Kiki. How everyone should have someone like Damien in their life, someone to stand beside you as you face the world and all the cruelty it can sometimes bring down on someone. How having someone like Kane in your corner means everything and having someone like Miki, while not always easy, is always worth it in the end. I have the honor and privilege of being able to review Sin and Tonic, the final book in the Sinner's Gin series in a few weeks, so I'm going to save the rest of my gushing for then. Not to be mean or anything (or not TOO mean) to you all but let me just say, Sin and Tonic is EVERYTHING you want it to be. If by some chance you're reading this review and haven't read Sinner's Gin for whatever reason, please fix that immediately. Anyone who loves romance, who loves mystery, who loves books about family, both biological and found, needs to read this book and the series as a whole. Kane and Miki along with the rest of the Morgan's will forever embed themselves into your heart, I promise.

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Friday, May 4, 2018

Flashback Friday by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy #Review #Giveaway

Authors: Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Title: Him
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Length: 361 pages

Reviewed by Jenn

Synopsis

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend... and a big one to learn about himself.

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Review

I first read Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy in September of 2015! It was one of my very first exclusively M/M books and it couldn’t have been a better example of all things wonderful!

Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley were best friends who crossed a line one night that they didn’t know how to uncross. Ryan walks away from their friendship without looking back or so Jamie thinks. When the two meet up again, their college hockey teams are matched up for the national championship. These two friends find out that they never truly left their feelings behind and begin again. That friendship quickly catches fire again and these two men cannot deny what those two boys ran from any longer. The worst part of being grownups and in the public eye as a professional athlete is hiding. We get to see what happens behind the scene of a relationship that is so beautiful and so loving at the same time that it seems almost impossible.

I absolutely love this book so darn much!! Wesmie has stayed with me and I’ve read it and it’s follow up books countless times. I’ve never mentioned this book to someone and not been met with equal passion and love for this story. This series and this couple made me laugh and cry and cheer so loud for love! I remember thinking about how love is love and all love should be cherished, this book is such a wonderful example of those beliefs. The friendship, the family, the team and the couple in the middle of it all are quite simply amazing! #WesmieForever

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