Random Review: The Great Wall by Z. Allora #Review #Giveaway

Author: Z. Allora
Book: The Great Wall 2nd Edition
Series: Made In China book 1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: PL Nunn
Publication Date: January 9, 2018
Length: 280 pages

Reviewed by Truus

Synopsis

Destiny will be decided by a battle between heart and mind…. 

Jun Tai “Styx” Wong loves two things: playing the drums, and his best friend, Jin. But being a good Chinese son means he can’t have either—he’ll have to marry a girl of his parents’ choosing and settle into a traditional job. His move to the bigger city of Suzhou is both a blessing and curse, as living with Jin makes it harder for Styx to suppress his desires. Nearly dying while trying to eradicate his feelings serves as a wake-up call for Jin, who takes extreme measures to keep Styx safe from harm. 

When given a second chance at life and happiness, will Styx be able to claim the future he wants with Jin, his bandmates, and his music? Can love and hope grow with the constantly looming threat of Styx’s parents ordering him home? Great things await—if Styx finds the courage to break down the wall that stands between him and everything he wants.

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Review

As the son of a conservative Chinese family Jun Tai/Styx has a duty to fulfill: "Take care of your family and marry a nice girl". What he really wants is to marry his best friend Jin and be part of a band, together.

Jun Tai and Jin are friends from way back when they were five years old.

As a teenager he didn't understand why Jin would look at girls...his heart hurts.

When Jin begs for Styx to come with him and live with him in Suzhou, far away from home, he just follows his heart, and there they go.

 Living with Jin is wonderful and hurtful. He craves him... his mind and body are in conflict.

After Styx makes a wrong decision, one that almost costs his life, Jin is devastated and makes his own decision how to go on with their friendship.

 Watching Jin take the lead and Styx's the one who followed blindly, is just divine. Styx is innocent and oblivious to what Jin really wants.

Jin is delighted when there will be two more guys sharing the two bedroom apartment because now Styx will have to share Jin's bed... Free-spirits Li and Indigo don't hold back on any subject. They have their own tale in this story, equally fun and intriguing as Styx and Jin's.

 "Jin wanted more—more than Styx would ever be able to give, but the maddening part was he truly wanted to give Jin everything."

 Styx's hope to gain a real and free future, free from duties towards his family. The only chance to live is to earn money by creating a successful band.

 It's an extended story, a somewhat slow burn with lovable and endearing personalities. The growing love is sweet and strong despite all the difficulties. The Chinese environments are wonderfully entwined, we even get a sightseeing!! It's all about growing up in and extricate the Chinese culture. A culture where being gay is not allowed and family honor is the main priority.

 Overall a good written story. The progress of the boys 'growing up' is well put down.

There are parts that will give you blurry eyes, a silly smile and will play with your heartstrings.

 I'm in love with the cover

Giveaway

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Contest will end January 31st

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Random Review: The Librarian's Rake by Z. Allora #Review #Giveaway

Author: Z. Allora
Book: The Librarian's Rake
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anna Sikorska
Publication Date: October 25, 2017
Length: 123 pages

Reviewed by Jenn


Synopsis

Opposites might attract, but is acting on that attraction wise?

Librarian Tristan Cooper can’t steer clear of sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy Phillip—the man is hot—but Phillip is bound to find quiet, bookish Tristan boring, like all Tristan’s boyfriends. Tristan yearns to explore his wild side, the part of himself he’s only allowed into his fantasies, and maybe rakish Phillip is just what he needs to feel free.

Sexperienced hairdresser Phillip is more of a believer in happy endings than happily ever afters. Experience has taught him not to hope for more—until he meets sweet, vulnerable Tristan, who seems genuinely interested in his heart. But Phillip can’t trust enough to see himself as a man Tristan might want for more than a night.

With the help of a pair of matchmaking grandfathers, Tristan and Phillip might find the courage to step beyond their comfort zones and discover what has been missing from their lives….

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

This is a story of opposites attracting with a bit of a twist! Tristan and Phillip couldn’t be more different at first glance, but that’s what makes this book so much fun!

Tristan is a librarian and a bit stuffy, his last boyfriend broke up with him for being too boring. He is very handsome and very sweet, I think he is quite perfect. You can tell Tristan wants to let loose and have fun, he just needs the right incentive. In walks that incentive in the form of Phillip.

Philip is a hair stylist who tends to spend a lot of time on his knees. He lives by the “catch and release” motto when it comes to dating. He hasn’t met anyone to make him want more and then he meets Tris.

Tris wants Phillip to teach him how to have fun and how to be more adventurous. Philip takes Tris under his wings with a new haircut and new clothes. Philip also begins to see that Tris doesn’t need to change because Tris is so special. I love the fact that Phillip understands that he's the one changing, Tris is making him more. While Phillip is scared, he can’t deny his librarians hold on him. As these two become closer, it becomes more obvious how alike they really are.

This is such a sweet and fun book with a lot of sexy too! I loved Phillip and Tris together so much, I just kept thinking how much they fit. The good boy who wants to be bad and the bad boy who needs to be good. I loved their chemistry and their honesty with each other. Such a good read and one I know I’ll read again! 

Giveaway

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Contest will end October 31st!

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Random Review: Secured and Free by Z. Allora #Review #Giveaway

Author: Z. Allora
Book: Secured and Free
Series: Entwined Dreams #2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover art: Art by K-Koji
Cover artist: Paul Richmond
Publication date: May 26, 2017
Length: 226 pages

Reviewed by Meredith

Synopsis

An abusive Dom robbed Orion Gordon of his love of BDSM, destroying his confidence and leaving him unsure he’ll ever find peace through submission to another. Still, deep inside, his longing continues.

Marcus Sadir loves Hunter Dixon, yet can’t be the one thing Hunter truly desires: a sub to control. And Hunter can’t find satisfaction in the sadistic aspects of the BDSM lifestyle, while Marcus thrives on inflicting and sharing pain. When Marcus convinces Hunter they should find a third on a permanent basis, they discover Orion might be the key to bridging their differences and joining them on a deeper level.

But they must help Orion move past his trauma enough for him to enjoy new facets of BDSM and kink again. Their journey toward becoming whole—together—won’t be without challenges. Can Orion trust enough to try again?

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Review

I love me some BDSM! I hadn’t read Z. Allora until now so I was super excited. I’ve heard amazing things about this author and eager is what I was to start this. Now, this is book 2 of the Entwined Series. I never read book one and I will say without a doubt this is a standalone. Though there’s mention of the couple before this book I wasn’t lost and didn’t feel like I was missing something.

With BDSM books there’s the worry that so much will go unmentioned, rules won’t apply, or the author didn’t do proper research. With Secured and Free that is not the case. If anything I felt like Z. Allora was hammering it in. The rules and what happens to subs when rules aren’t followed. 

Abuse in the BDSM community happens and in this we see Orion, a sub who was abused by a Dom, trying to heal. He wants to give up on BDSM because he can’t untie the permanent restraints he feels imprison him. Of course Orion never expected not one but two amazing guys to come into his life.

Marcus and Hunter are in an established relationship when this opens. Clearly, they love each other but they can’t give each other what they need. Marcus wants a third and until that happens they have an open relationship. Who would have thought that Orion would be the one to save them and together make them stronger.

I loved the growth of this story. I also loved how the author didn’t skimp on the facts, rules, and at times clinical conversations and scenes. 

If you’re a fan of BDSM you’ll love this. I will happily be reading more from this author.

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Contest ends June 30th!

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Saturday Author Spotlight: Z. Allora #Interview #Giveaway

It's that fabulous time of week! Author Saturday Spotlight time! YAY! This week we have Z. Allora. Author of such books as Lock & Key, Illusions and Dreams, Club Zombie Series, and many more. Today we will have a nice sit down and get to know this amazing person and author. So, as always, grab your beverage (s) and enjoy!

Randy Camster failed at being married. His life now centers around work, TV sports, and listening to his friend Jake complain about how Randy’s lack of a sex life will be the downfall of mankind. Not true! Well, not totally. He’s just never understood the fascination with sex until… ladyboy performer Lalana Dulyarat shimmies into his world via an Internet ad for Thailand tourism.

Jake O’Neil’s open pansexuality yields him interesting bedmates, but he’s never chased after the mythical illusion of love. He focuses on others, like his best friend Randy, who needs a Bang-Cock vacation. Finding an adorable little imp named Boon-nam wasn’t on the itinerary. Gay, straight, and undecided, Jake has had ‘em all, but never a virgin aching to take a walk on the kinky side after having her affirmation surgery. Talk about pressure. And what’s with everyone warning him not to break her heart? His is the one in danger.

Zombies suck, but they’re not after brains! Forget mindless rotting corpses shuffling along. These zombies are young, hot, and looking for action. One day Kai Bauer is tending vineyards in Germany, the next he’s on a plane heading for… well, he doesn’t really know. Wait a minute! He’s a what? And they have to drink what to live forever? The transition begins on his nineteenth birthday. He must find a mate in four years or he’ll have a long, un-fun life.

That’s Jasper’s problem too. After decades, the ex-priest has given up on finding a mate. He’s willing to be Kai’s mentor and friend. Gorgeous, distant, and off-limits, meet young, virile, and gay.

Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.

Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have.

After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?” gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved.

Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.

Interview

Thank you so much for being here today, Z. It’s a real pleasure. I’ve never had the chance to pick your brain and I very much look forward to it. So, let’s get to know you a little better.

(Straightening beret & grins) Glad to be here Meredith. I’m an oversharer so ask away!

What are three little fun facts about you that isn’t widely known?

Wow, as an over sharer I’ll need to dig deep.

1) The smell of bananas makes me nauseous… which is totally a bummer because imagine the fun I could have with a phallic fruit. (SIGH) Evidence life is UNFAIR!

2) On my 10^th visit to India, the customs agent demanded I get a special visa since I kept going back and forth so much from China >>> If I wasn’t there for business WHY was I going to Bangalore so often??? (Explaining I’m a love slave who doesn’t wish to be parted from my love wouldn’t cut it….)

3) I’ve lived in 3 other countries (Singapore, Israel and China) & I’ve traveled to 32 countries. I try to entwine my travels and experiences into my characters and their journeys.

What are some of your favorite scenes to write?

Sex scenes… People roll their eyes or say they skim the sex scenes >>> I can’t imagine why. During these scenes everything is cut away and the characters are raw. It’s not about tab A into slot B… Sure, these can be fun, interesting and hot but I need to know/show: What do the characters say? What do they avoid saying? What are they thinking? Usually when the body is so completely engaged the lies they tell themselves fall away leaving only the purest of truth. Sex can be a book’s sodium pentothal.

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Plotter… Usually I’m bitten by a plot bunny >>> in the form of a compelling scene. Then I have to detective work my way into who the hell this person is and what’s their story.  I use Scrivener so as I develop scenes and chapters I can easily shuffle the order as the story unfolds in spurts of discovery. (I’ve taken as long as 4 years to write one story and I have as many as 10 works in progress on my laptop.)

How important are names in your books and how do you choose that perfect one?

I can’t begin to really write the character in depth until I have their name (& face). I’ll take notes calling characters: A and X, but without the names I can’t truly begin the story. When choosing a name I figure out the characters age, and parental situation then I look to see what were popular/unpopular names to figure out if any hit me (or their fictional parent) as a fit. I use Scrivener’s tool that helps with names as well as baby name sites. I use another website for my sci-fi names.

Aside from writing, what are some of your other talents?

Multiple… oh… um, never mind I’m behaving! Let’s see…

Oh! I can twirl a rifle (I was in color guard for years). Broke my nose & needed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands to prove it.

I have my hair license in NY because I was afraid 3 Bachelor’s degrees (Psych, English & Philosophy) and a Masters in Psychology might not be enough to find work >>> true story.

Bargaining: Living in China & Israel taught my how to get the lowest prices available (to a foreigner). I enjoy the process of the back & forth. I have fun with it so the shop/stall keepers have fun too.

Can you tell us about some of your future projects?

The Craving is a Sci-fi/space opera, which will be out in Nov/Dec 2016 with Dreamspinner Press. As a long time Trekkie I found it fun to play in this arena but make NO mistake it’s a ROMANCE 1^st and foremost!!! In the Xantha star system’s dimensional art made by Ambrosial monks can change not only hearts and minds, but promote action. Monks need to maintain the Principles of Purity… how long do you think that lasts in one of my books?

Secured and Free is a BDSM ménage novel being released in Mar/Apr 2017 with Dreamspinner Press. I tend to highlight the variations on any given spectrum. In this book, I look at sadism, dominance and submission from different angles than are usually written about because I enjoy exploring the edges and celebrating the differences. (There’s no one way to sub/Top space.)

Will you be attending GRL this year or any other upcoming conventions?

I’ll be attending YaoiCon in San Francisco this year! This will be my second YaoiCon and the first I’m going to have a table (insert terrified rant). But unfortunately that means I can’t go to the GRL this year, but I hope to be there next year.

Can you tell your readers and future fans how to follow your career? Website, Facebook, Twitter etc…

E-mail:  Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com  

Facebook: Z Allora Allora

Twitter: @ZAllora

Website: www.zallorabooks.com

Blog: zallora.blogspot.com

Pinterest: ZAllora Allora

What brings you the greatest joy as a writer?

Writing! So much of being a writer isn’t about writing (if you care about selling your work). When I work with a publisher I feel a huge responsibility that they get their investment back for taking a chance on me. This means I have to promote my work and my brand. Some of it is natural: Facebook, or playing on your website over sharing cause that’s what I do… (& somehow by sharing who I am is my brand so whew!). But posting about my books (aka remembering to post buy links or linking my blog posts to my work) doesn’t always come naturally to me though I’m working on it.

Fast Fire Questions:

Okay, buckle up…

Cat or dog? Dog

Night or day?  Day

Dancing at a club or Netflix and chill?  Depends… I’d like to think dancing but more likely curling up with my love watching movies.

What’s your favorite movie?  Only You 

Favorite color? Teal

One place you’d love to visit?  Erotic Temples of India

Cupcakes or brownies?  Cupcakes (cause icing!)

Favorite childhood book?  Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of Nimb

Okay, thank you, Z., for being here. This has been a lot of fun! I can’t wait to see what you write next.

Giveaway

Z is doing a great giveaway for one winner.

Book 1 and 2 of Club Zombie Series

Book 1: Zombie ahead

Book 2: Zombies Suck

Enter the rafflecopter below. Contest ends 

August 12th.

Winner will be contacted via email.

Thank you to Z for being here and being fabulous!

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