Monday, December 11, 2017

Random Review: City Boy by A.E. Wasp #Review #Giveaway




Author: A.E. Wasp
Book: City Boy
Series: Hot Off The Ice #1
Self Published
Publication Date: June 29, 2017
Length: 318 pages

Reviewed by Jenn


Synopsis

Follow the money or follow your heart?

All Bryce Lowery knows how to do is play hockey. He’s been playing professionally since he was fifteen. Twenty years later, he’s rich, famous, tired, and alone. And possibly gay according to his ex-wife.

When a blown tire leads directly to mind-blowing sex with a motorcycle-riding white knight named Dakota, Bryce discovers he is most definitely gay. Now Bryce has a tough choice to make, follow the money to a new multimillion dollar contract, or follow his heart into the unknown?

All Dakota Ryan knows how to do is grow apples. Now at twenty-four, he faces losing both his home and his livelihood in one cruel twist of fate.

Then Bryce Lowery crashes into his life like the answer to all of Dakota’s prayers. He’s whispering promises to make all of Dakota’s wildest dreams come true. But Dakota knows better than to give his heart to someone who could leave, and if life has taught him anything, it’s that everyone leaves.

Dakota has a choice, sit back and wait for Bryce to decide his fate, or for the first time in his life, chose what he wants his future to be.








Review

What if everything you thought you knew about yourself was wrong, what would you do? Everyone around you seems to know a secret about you that you don’t know yourself.

Professional hockey player Bryce Lowery is having a tough time, he’s at a crossroad in his life. Bryce is recovering from knee surgery and has some decisions to make, should he retire or sign a new contact with his team. Bryce and his salary has always taken care of his whole family and walking away seems really scary. When he learns of an Apple farm he has inherited, he decides to go check it out and to eventually get his mom settled in there.

Dakota has lived and worked on the apple farm since hew was a boy. When he loses his own family, the owner takes him in and they become a family. Dakota has been promised the farm, but when he can’t produce a new will, he has to prepare himself for a new owner. As Dakota sets out on a motorcycle ride to clear his mind, he meets a man in distress and stops to help.

When a blown tire leaves Bryce stranded on the road and a guy on a motorcycle stops to help, all of a sudden Bryce as an answer to a question he never really asked himself before. Bryce sees the handsome, sexy  Dakota and his mind and heart tell him “I’m gay” Bryce truly did not know this about himself, he hasn’t been lying or hiding. He has been focused on his career and taking care of his family and really didn’t  notice he was gay. Seeing Dakota makes him notice, really notice. With lots of flirtation and am enormance amount of attraction, the two spend a steamy afternoon in a cabin. There is no denying it now, thanks to Dakota, a handsome stranger, Bryce learns he is most definitely gay. He embraces the afternoon knowing he’ll never see Dakota again.

The next day the two men will discover that through the Apple farm, they are connected. Where will they go from here and what will Bryce decide to do about his future are all questions that need answers. One thing is very clear though, that afternoon in the cabin was no fluke. These two could really have something together if they’re willing to take a giant chance. With the help of family and friends, both old and new, Bryce will finally begin to embrace what so many saw but him. He is a man falling in love with another man for the first time in his life and it’s okay, he’s going to be okay.

This is such a genuinely sweet romance, I love Bryce and Dakota so much. I love how the author wrote Bryce as someone open and honest, if somewhat oblivious. His reactions are so honest and real, he just won me over so quickly! I was happy to learn this is the first in a series and book two, Country Boy is already out. I’m looking forward to reading this and hopefully we’ll see Bryce and Dakota some more too.





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Sunday, December 10, 2017

Random Review: The Black Feather by JM Wolf #Review #Giveaway





Author: JM Wolf
Book: The Black Feather
Series: The Angels and Demons of Babylon #1
Publisher: Encompass Ink
Publication Date: September 6, 2017
Length: 308 pages

Reviewed by Meredith

Synopsis

Archangel turned Archdemon, Bastion (Belial) McDowell was left with the horrid memories of the mistakes he's made that cost him not only his white wings but also caused the death of his lover. Wandering amongst the humans in hopes of finding a way to earn his place back in the light realm, one tragic accident involving an eleven-year-old boy has changed his entire way of life. Watching over the kid from the shadows for ten years, Bastion watched him grow into a handsome young man and struggled with the decision to make himself known finally. But, is Bastion truly ready to let his past go to give this human his all? Especially since the human looks exactly like his fallen lover. 

21-year-old Scott Grayson's life had gone to hell ever since the accident when he was eleven that took his mother away from him. Locked up in his home like a prisoner with an abusive father, Scott was an empty shell stumbling through life, until he was rescued from an ambush in an alleyway by a mysterious man in a black cloak with eyes as blue as ice, who left a black feather for Scott to remember him by. After discovering a strange cafe called "Angel's Haven" in the direction where his rescuer ran off to, Scott decided to check it out and eventually meets the mysteriously dark and sexy owner Bastion, whose eyes resemble the man in the black cloak. 

Circumstances have brought these two together, and Bastion's secrets become harder to hide from Scott. Especially when a prophecy reveals an upcoming war where both Bastion and Scott play a role in the event. Can Bastion accept the darkness that he's been denying to keep Scott safe from the army of demons hunting for them? And can Scott find the strength within himself to fulfill his role in the prophecy and fight alongside the demon his heart belongs to? 

TRIGGER WARNING: 
This book contains mentions of alcoholism, abuse, past grief, violence, death, gore, thoughts of suicide, and loss. This book also includes figures from religion and demonology.









Review

I've said this many times, I love angel and demon stories. They are some of my favorites in the paranormal/fantasy genres. 

When I came across The Black Feather by JM Wolf, the cover and blurb ticked all my boxes. I loved the layers in this story. From love to hate and all the emotions in between.

So, who were the characters in play? Bastion (love that name btw) was an awesome character. A protector, a watcher of sorts. For a decade he's watched over Scott. Scott lived in Babylon with his awful father. And yes he was a nightmare. He was almost God only knows what by these thugs but Bastion swooped in and saved him.

There's drama, emotions, suspense, and surprises in this book making it a real page turner. Well written and kept me engaged the entire time. If you're a fan of books with action and sweet love then this is a good read for you.






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Blog Tour: His Taken Omega by L.C. Davis #Excerpt #Review #Giveaway

BLOG TOUR

 
Title: His Taken Omega (Mountain Shifters #11)
Author: L.C. Davis
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: Wolf Conan
Release Date: December 3, 2017
Length: 70 000 words/260 pages
Genre/s: M/M shifter Mpreg romance
His Taken Omega is a standalone story within the Mountain Shifter universe.

 
 

 Blurb
Nicholas wants nothing to do with omegas, and Avery has already signed a contract binding him to another Alpha. Fate has other plans for them both.
As the omega spokesman for the infamous Futurus Initiative, Avery Callahan is a controversial figure who’s used to being envied, occasionally despised and always the center of attention. His kidnapping at the hands of the twisted omega at the helm of the radical anti-Futurus group known as Epsilon shook his perfect world to the core, and Avery’s abnormally conventional parents no longer know what to do with him. In a last-ditch effort to save their son’s reputation—and his engagement to a prestigious politician—the Callahans send him to the small, idyllic pack of Southbend for some much-needed rest and recovery.
When Avery arrives in Southbend, he finds the Meyer household anything but welcoming and he immediately clashes with the rakishly reluctant head of the household. Nicholas might be a brilliant lawyer with good looks and charm in abundance, but he makes no secret of the fact that Avery is persona non-grata in his pack. How is Avery supposed to heal his own wounds when an Alpha who looks at every omega with disdain makes him question everything, including his participation in the breeding program he’s devoted his life to promoting?
~
Nicholas has it all on the surface—rising-star status as an attorney with his own practice, a sizable inheritance and the option of going home with any omega he chooses at the end of the night—but beneath the mask of his status, he hides a secret that makes him feel unworthy of the title of Alpha. Past abuse has left him with a deep-seated revulsion towards omegas, the very class of shifter he’s supposed to crave. He uses work and meaningless flings with other Alphas and betas to distract himself from the family life he
doesn’t believe he deserves, but in the wake of his estranged father’s death, Nicholas is called home to take on a role he never wanted.
Forced to give up his high-profile career and take the reins of his family’s pack, Nicholas finds himself wholly unprepared to fill the shoes of the man he hated. Because fate isn’t cruel enough, the Spirits choose this moment to send him his destined mate—a charming yet infuriatingly stubborn omega he can never love or even claim. At least, that’s what he thinks until he realizes that the very traits that repel him from other omegas draw him to Avery in a way he finds as bewildering as it is intoxicating.


Review

His Taken Omega by LC Davis is a shifter Mpreg story. Though there’s only one or two scenes where there’s actually shifting it is there.

I was utterly engrossed in this story. What a unique plot. I love when an author really gets creative and takes a typical story and builds on it fabulously.

Nicholas is forced to be the alpha after his father’s death. He’s spent his life hiding as a famous lawyer. He never wanted to return home to a life he fled from many years ago. When we first meet Nicholas’s family, I have to say I understand why. But it was more than that and as his story unraveled it broke my heart.

Avery is a celebrity in his own right. He’s the spokesperson for an organization that matches Omegas with Alphas. It’s more complicated than that but I don’t want to get into the technical and give anything away. Avery is brought to Nicholas’s pack to recover after having a breakdown. His backstory is also very sad.

These two guys fix each other. Seriously, there’s no other way to say it. They are destined for each other and it filled me with so much joy to see them complete each other.

There’s a fantastic story here and it weaves and turns and comes full circle beautifully. I really enjoyed it.

Excerpt 2
“Well,” Nicholas said, coming to a stop in the middle of the town square. “This is the great metropolis of Southbend. What do you think?”
“I think it’s lovely,” Avery said, hesitating. “And very, very rural.”
“It is certainly that.” Nicholas grinned. “Should we head back? You must be tired after your trip.”
“I am,” Avery admitted, falling into step beside him. “Guess I am here to relax.”
“That’s what I heard.”
“What else have you heard?”
Nicholas wasn’t sure how to respond. Avery gave him a knowing look.
“You can be honest. You won’t hurt my feelings.”
“It’s nothing bad, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I guess that depends on whether you consider the public face of the Futurus Initiative having a nervous breakdown in the middle of a fundraiser to be a bad thing.”
“Everyone knows what you went through. You’re a hero. If they’d judge you for that, they’re not worth the time.”
“It’s been three months,” Avery murmured.
“Three months is barely enough time to enjoy summer break, let alone get over being kidnapped.”
“Maybe you can tell my parents that. They’re convinced I’m irreparably broken.”
“You don’t look broken to me.” Nicholas pretended to look the omega over for damage. “Maybe a small dent right here,” he said, poking the dimple on Avery’s cheek that deepened when he smiled.
“Either way, it looks like I’m stuck here until I can convince my parents of that.”
“That makes two of us. For what it’s worth, it’ll be nice to have the company.”
Another lie, but at least this one was for a worthy cause. It wasn’t Avery’s fault that an Alpha with an irrational aversion to omegas—or at least intimacy with one—had imprinted on him.
Avery was there to recover, not to find a mate when he already had one. The more Nicholas reminded himself of that, the better. His aversion had kept him single into his early thirties, so surely he could manage to control the hormones and irrational impulses for the few weeks Avery would be staying with them. Once he went back, both of their problems would be solved. Avery could go back to his life as the Futurus golden boy, and Nicholas could sleep a little easier knowing that he wasn’t going to imprint on the next omega who walked into his office looking for help.

In the meantime, he just had to fight the urge to commit the greatest sin of his profession: telling the truth.
Buy Links ~ Available on KU
 
 
About the Author
L.C. Davis is an MM romance author with a passion for LGBT representation.
His series include The Mountain Shifters, Queer Magick and Kingdom of Night.
 
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Random Review: Desperately Seeking Santa by Eli Easton #Review #Giveaway





Author: Eli Easton
Book: Desperately Seeking Santa
Self Published
Publication Date: November 22, 2017
Length: 160 pages

Reviewed by Erin


Synopsis

Journalism student Gabe Martin gets his first professional assignment—to write about a Christmas charity dinner that benefits a children’s home. It sounds like a total snooze-fest until Gabe learns that the event’s Santa is a mystery man. He shows up in costume and no one has a clue who he is. Uncovering Santa’s identity sounds like the perfect angle to turn a fluff piece into serious journalism.

Mack “The Mountain” McDonall, at 6’10”, is University of Wisconsin-Madison’s enormous star wrestler. When Gabe first claps eyes on him at a wrestling match, it’s lust at first sight. Gabe’s friend, Jordan, sets up the pair on a date. But when Gabe chatters on about his plans for outing Santa, Mack goes cold, and their first meeting becomes an epic fail.

As Gabe researches the children’s home, he learns that Mack has secrets a guy famous for being a brute wouldn’t want the world to know. Can Gabe find his holiday spirit, write a killer article, win the heart of a surly giant, and give everyone a very merry Christmas?

NOTE: This 50,000 word short novel features a new couple but includes Jordan and Owen, from the author’s book “Superhero”. It can be read as a stand-alone.









Review

It sure doesn't feel like Christmas until I read an Eli Easton holiday story. Her stories are full of all the best things of this time of year and they will absolutely put you in the mood, no matter if you're a scrooge or an elf all about spreading the joy. Desperately Seeking Santa was so much fun--light, sweet, and sure to satisfy. 

Gabe Martin is all set to cover his first event as a journalist when he's tasked with writing about a charity dinner. He's not all that excited about it, to be honest, thinking it's just another ho-hum event, that is until Santa shows up, decked out in all his red and white glory. No one knows who's buried under that coat and beard and Gabe decides his angle is going to be exposing whoever the secret Santa is. If you've read Easton's Superheroes (and if not, shame on you!) you're in for quite the special treat as Jordan and Owen figure prominently in this book. It was such a delight to see these guys again! And it's Jordan who drags Gabe to a wrestling match where he's completely awestruck by Mack McDonall, otherwise known as "The Mountain". At 6'10" the nickname is perfect and Gabe is immediately smitten. An introduction leads to a date, where things don't go exactly swimmingly thanks to Gabe's talk of wanting to expose the secret Santa from the charity dinner. 

Mack was such a gentle guy--a definite case of there's more than meets the eye. He's quiet and shy and hiding a big part of himself until he learns to trust Gabe, a thing that doesn't come easily to the big guy. We find out why Mack dressed up as Santa and as the two learn more about one another, Gabe's feelings change, not just about Mack, but about himself, too. These two were utterly adorable together. So sweet and endearing. Desperately Seeking Santa was a heartwarming, charming holiday story that really shows why Easton's Christmas stories are a must for anyone needing some feel good cheer. 






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Saturday, December 9, 2017

Blog Tour: Leaning Into A Wish by Lane Hayes #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway





LEANING INTO A WISH
LEANING INTO SERIES, BOOK 5
LANE HAYES
M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 11.20.17







COVER DESIGN: Reese Dante


Ryan Haskell loves everything about the wine business. He’s fortunate to work at one of the most prestigious wineries in Napa Valley doing something he enjoys with the people who are like family to him. But he could do without the good-natured intern slash former jock with the wicked grin who always seems to be in the way. Ryan isn’t sure why the new guy is under his skin when everyone else loves him. Thankfully he’ll be gone after the holidays.
Danny Meyers can’t believe his luck when he lands an internship at Conrad Winery. It’s the perfect temporary gig to wrap up his graduate studies. He’s left his dreams of tennis stardom on the court to focus on a new career and a new life. However, he didn’t count on the spark of attraction he feels for his prickly co-worker. When their tentative friendship blossoms into something more than either man counted on, they may have to change direction and lean into a holiday wish.











Review

Oh, what a fun story!!

I loved these two main characters and their brief but super fun friction. Ryan is the do-gooder of the two. He follows the rules, works hard and never goofs off at work. And he wants love, that special someone just for him. Danny is that fun loving guy we all wished we could be. He has the jokes, the smile, and of course, Ryan finds him annoying and hot.

Ryan was the character that drew me in. His prickly nature was fun to see especially when Danny would try to get him to relax and enjoy life. And I loved that he wanted love, and a relationship with a man that would show him casual affection and someone he could go home to at the end of the day endeared me to him. 

Their falling in love was sweet and a slow burn kind of thing. Even though this is a novella and I really wanted more of them, it was told perfectly, and I never felt like I was left unsatisfied when it was over. Definitely a recommended read!








EXCERPT

I rolled my eyes then turned toward the bar area set up outside on the terrace. And immediately ran into Danny. I frowned and glanced back into the kitchen, wondering if Geordie somehow set this up.
“How’d you get out here so fast? I thought I saw you inside a second ago.”
“Keeping tabs on me? I’m flattered.”
“Don’t be. I’m on a refill mission.” I held up the empty glasses in my hand in case he needed proof. “Excuse me.”
“Ah. That’s important. Hey, be ready at nine a.m. tomorrow. We can use the courts at your condo complex. I’ll bring an extra racket and balls. You bring you.” Danny grinned before stepping aside to let me pass.
“Wait a sec. How do you know where I live?”
“I followed you home, memorized your license plate number, wire-tapped your place—nice boxer briefs, by the way—and rummaged through your trash. I’m gonna recommend you eat less Nutella. Too much of a good thing can end up being bad for you.”
He pursed his lips and held my stare. The intensity was overwhelming and so was he. Yeah, I figured he was messing with me, but the fact he got even a few things correct was disconcerting.
“How do you—”
Danny threw his head back and guffawed. The hearty sound rang through the terrace, garnering a few curious glances our way. “Dude, I was kidding. But…I do know where you live. See you on the court. And Ry?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t be late.” He winked before turning on his heel and heading inside.
I watched him through the open doorway. The contrast of standing in the dark while peering into the well-lit house made me feel like a voyeur. I couldn’t tear my gaze from him. Straight or gay or whatever he was, Danny was fucking hot. And when a sexy man who moved like a panther casually brought up your underwear preference…it did things to a guy. It made me want to do things to him too.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.










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Friday, December 8, 2017

Flashback Friday: Out of Bounds by A.R. Barley #Review #Giveaway




Author: A.R. Barley
Book: Out of Bounds
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: March 14, 2016
Length: 169 pages

Reviewed by Michael


Synopsis

When the weather outside starts cooling down, inside the dorm things are heating up. Can these college roommates fall in love without going out of bounds?

Beaten and heartbroken, Jesse Cole is placed in a new dorm room after his last roommate attacked him. Just wanting to be left alone to heal in peace, he's shocked when tall, dark and dangerous-looking Nick Moretti walks in.

Nick doesn't have time to tiptoe around his new roommate—he's too busy working in order to pay for school. But something about Jesse brings out his protective instincts. As their cautious friendship grows and becomes loaded with sexual tension, he wants to make Jesse comfortable.

Enter the perfect plan: a line of tape down the center of the room. Boundaries established.

But as innocent movie nights become hours-long temptation marathons, and whispered chats from across the room delve into straight-up dirty territory, crossing the line has never been so satisfying.





Review

One of the first books I read when I started my M/M journey was “Out of Bounds”.  I’ve always been drawn to the underdog, which is one of the reasons I decided to read this.  I was drawn to the down-on-his luck Jesse, who just wanted to live his life in peace after being beaten up and thrown out by his former friend/dormmate Ryan.

Jesse is rehoused in to another dorm room with Nick, who is VERY much his opposite in almost every way save one.  Jesse is a neat freak, and Nick is totally not.  Jesse is slight and meek, Nick is large and muscular.  While Jesse doesn’t know it, the one thing they have is common is the fact that they are both gay. 

Jesse suffers from a form of PTSD after his beating by Ryan.  He’s constantly jumpy and doesn’t like being around people.  It doesn’t take long for Nick to pick up on this, and he devises a way to allow Jesse to feel safe within his own space.  Nick literally separates the room in half using nothing more than tape as a boundary.  They each agree not to cross the line, and if one does, then the other gets to come up with the penalty.  This imaginary divider does the trick, and soon enough, Jesse seems to be coming out of his shell. 

The tape divider may seem juvenile to some, but I thought it was rather cute.  As was the protective streak Nick developed toward Jesse, going so far as to walk the latter to class and waiting for him once class was done.  The only problem I had with Nick was his failure to come out to Jesse from the outset.  Perhaps that would have gone a long way in healing some of Jesse’s wounds.


This was a cute story, with some very endearing moments, without heavy doses of angst.





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Release Day Review: Fire & Flint by Andrew Grey #Review #Giveaway



Author: Andrew Grey
Book: Fire and Flint
Series: Carlisle Deputies #1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: LC Chase
Publication date: December 8, 2017
Length: 200 pages

Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

Jordan Erichsohn suspects something is rotten about his boss, Judge Crawford. Unfortunately he has nowhere to turn and doubts anyone will believe his claims—least of all the handsome deputy, Pierre Ravelle, who has been assigned to protect the judge, as he's been receiving the threatening letters. The judge has a long reach, and if he finds out Jordan’s turned on him, he might impede Jordan adopting his son, Jeremiah.

When Jordan can no longer stay silent, he gathers his courage and tells Pierre what he knows. To his surprise and relief, Pierre believes him, and Jordan finds an ally… and maybe more. Pierre vows to do what it takes to protect Jordan and Jeremiah and see justice done. He’s willing to fight for the man he’s growing to love and the family he’s starting to think of as his own. But Crawford is a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he’s not above ripping apart everything Jordan and Pierre are trying to build in order to save himself….





Review

I am a huge fan of Andrew Grey’s Carlisle Cops Series. This series (Carlisle Deputies) stays true to one character being down and out and the other swooping in to make it all better. That is a reoccurring things for this series and I love that.

In Fire and Flint we have Jordan who works for a crooked judge and stumbles on something that is very illegal. His only issue is, if he reports it he may not get to adopt Jeremiah, the boy he has been fighting for. When the judge begins getting death threats the Sheriff sends over one of his deputies, Pierre, to protect the judge.

Of course you see where this is going. Jordan and Pierre get hot and heavy and the fight to protect not just their relationship but the adoption becomes harder and harder.

I love that this series fills me with warmth and strong love. The MC’s in this book feel indestructible to me. Pierre was a rock and I adored him. I loved how he was written, I loved how he filled Jordan and Jeremiah’s hearts so flawlessly.

I did find Jordan to be a little annoying at times with his hot and cold situation. On the other side of that I understood he really let fear rule him for so long. It’s obvious without Pierre we really don’t know how this would have ended.

I actually did have one major issue with this book and it shocked me. Because I’m a huge Andrew Grey fan I rarely if ever have issue. Jeremiah is a four year old in this story but he’s written more like an 8 or 9 year old. I’ve raised three kids and there’s no way any of them would be anything like Jeremiah is at their age. If I didn’t know he was 4 I would have honestly assumed he was double that age. It really took me out of the story at certain times and I just wasn’t able to shake it off.


It is a great story and I love the plot and building. Good addition to the series.





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