Reviews

Books I’ve read and reviewed

Taking a Stand for HOME FIRES–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for the final book in Kate Sherwood’s Common Law M/M police romance series. HOME FIRES is the capstone of a thrilling and beautifully written group of books that relate the conflicts inherent when a “prodigal son” returns to his hometown, and finds that things are really, really different. It’s a fab conclusion to LONG SHADOWS, EMBERS, and DARKNESS. This small-town epic is tense and filled with intrigue between local law enforcement, federal agents, friends, neighbors and criminals.

About the book:
Trouble comes to Mosely, Montana, from the outside world. When the residents of Mosely are left on their own, they can make things work. Sure, there’s always been a militia operating up in the hills, but they were small-scale—just survivalists doing their thing—until organizers came in from out of state. Now Jericho Crewe and the rest of the sheriff’s department are facing down a heavily armed band of fanatics, and the feds are busy elsewhere.

The odds are hopeless, but Jericho swore an oath to serve and protect the citizens of Mosely. He won’t walk away from that, even if Wade Granger’s begging him to run away somewhere and finally be together the way they always should have been.

But this time, it’s Jericho who refuses to leave Mosely, even if staying kills him.

My Review:
Under-Sheriff Jericho Crewe wants to quit his post and make a life with his high school love and local criminal kingpin, Wade Granger. He’s just about to do this until he learns the powder keg that is Mosely is about to blow sky-high.

Mosely, this small Montana town, situated a few miles of mountainous forest from the unprotected Canadian border, is a hot bed of criminal activity due to long-time smuggling operations. Wade is usually in the center of whatever is going down, but this time Wade wants out of Mosely just as bad as Jericho. Thing is, their local homesteading militia has recently been co-opted by folks from out of state, gunning–literally–for a showdown with the Federal agents policing the border.

They stage an ambush killing some agents, which is horrible, but that seems like it was merely a means to an end for these hardliners. No, they have an even bigger agenda, and it soon becomes starkly clear that Mosely is poised to become ground-zero for a militia-led war on the Federal government. It’s impossible to prevent with as small as a police force as exists in Mosely, or is it?

I really loved the tension throughout this book. Jericho is a great investigator, and his brand of no-bull morals is refreshing, even if it’s not always aligned with police procedure. Wade and Jericho have been a building issue for more than a month, with both of them acknowledging they have a deep connection, but not being able to openly embrace it while they exist on opposite sides of the law. Wade’s exasperation with Jericho’s determination to do what’s right, even when it means certain death, is endearing, and I was so engaged with these guys in the climax. Expect firefights, dastardly militia, small-town folks protecting their own, and a well-deserved change of scenery. The end of the story, most enjoyable, might could be the beginning of a new one. (Yay!) I know I’d follow Wade and Jericho into further entanglements, especially if I get to experience their growing love story up close and personal!

I highly recommend the whole series, and know that I enjoyed this one best because I read the books in order. As they are all out now, it’s easy to pick up the collection and binge-read away.

Interested? You can find HOME FIRES on Goodreads, Riptide Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble iTunes, and Kobo. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Kate Sherwood started writing about the same time she got back on a horse after almost twenty years away from riding. She’d like to think she was too young for it to be a midlife crisis, but apparently she was ready for some changes!

Kate grew up near Toronto, Ontario (Canada) and went to school in Montreal, then Vancouver. But for the last decade or so she’s been a country girl. Sure, she misses some of the conveniences of the city, but living close to nature makes up for those lacks. She’s living in Ontario’s “cottage country”–other people save up their time and come to spend their vacations in her neighborhood, but she gets to live there all year round!

Since her first book was published in 2010, she’s kept herself busy with novels, novellas, and short stories in almost all the sub-genres of m/m romance. Contemporary, suspense, scifi or fantasy–the settings are just the backdrop for her characters to answer the important questions. How much can they share, and what do they need to keep? Can they bring themselves to trust someone, after being disappointed so many times? Are they brave enough to take a chance on love?

Kate’s books balance drama with humor, angst with optimism. They feature strong, damaged men who fight themselves harder than they fight anyone else. And, wherever possible, there are animals: horses, dogs, cats ferrets, squirrels… sometimes it’s easier to bond with a non-human, and most of Kate’s men need all the help they can get.

After five years of writing, Kate is still learning, still stretching herself, and still enjoying what she does. She’s looking forward to sharing a lot more stories in the future.

Catch up with Kate on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Honing One’s INSIGHT–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new M/M paranormal mystery/romance from Santino Hassell. INSIGHT is the first book in his The Community series and features an empathy on the hunt for clues to his estranged twin’s death. Was it murder, or a tragic accident? I’ve loved Hassell’s contemporary romances, SUNSET PARK, FIRST AND FIRST, and INTERBOROUGH, so I couldn’t wait to jump into this new series.

Bout the book:
Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.

Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.

Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.

My Review:
Nate Black is a 22 y/o empath trying to make it on his own in a Houston suburb. He’s got some family, but they’re all crazier than him, and he knows from crazy. Theo, his estranged twin, has more powerful empathic gifts and moved to NYC shortly after high school ended, but Nate’s hidden his empath abilities nearly his whole life, like their mother–who went crazy and killed herself–had instructed. Nate wants to fly under the radar, but he’s overcome by a vision of Theo being drowned, in a way that’s totally sketchy, and he knows his brother is dead. The only way to discover the truth behind it: head to NYC. Only Nate has barely a few hundred dollars to his name, and his big idea–to hitch his way from Texas–isn’t the smartest.

Trent is a graduate student living in LA and driving home the southern route so he can visit friends in Houston. This has him crossing paths with Nate twice. The second time, he offers Nate a ride. Along the several days ride, Trent and Nate develop a connection, which is far stronger than Nate has ever experienced. Though Trent has never had sexual relations with a man, he believes himself to be bisexual, and he wants some intimacy with Nate. Nate’s attracted to Trent, too, but he’s used to walling himself off from everyone to keep their emotions out of his head. So, both are reluctant to make the first move. Not that it doesn’t happen, because it does, but this isn’t a traditional romance. What happens in New Orleans, though, doesn’t stop when the trip ends.

Still, once they reach the bright lights of NYC, Nate goes his own way, promising to keep in touch with Trent. Nate knows he needs to touch base with Theo’s closest friends if he wants to learn the truth, and he doesn’t want to involve Trent in what might be dangerous. Plus, Trent doesn’t know about the empath community and Nate’s afraid Trent will balk if he thinks Nate is somehow using his gift to influence Trent into being gay-for-him. Connecting with Theo’s pals alerts The Community that Nate’s on the scene, however.

The Community is a hidden network of empaths and telepaths in the NYC area. Nate had no idea of the scope, what with his sheltered rural Texas life, but he’s appropriately wary of the cadre of folk who want his loyalty and service. The more Nate learns, the more sinister things seem, and he reaches out to Trent for some normalcy, and insight, because Trent is truly the only person he feels he can trust. I really liked the twists and turns of this one. Expect it to morph into a thriller near the end. More empaths have gone missing/dead than just Theo, and Nate’s put himself on a path that is far from safe by poking through the hornet’s nest of intrigue that is The Community. As a reader, it was hard to know from what corner the danger came, and that’s a testament to the fantastic writing here. The romance is not formulaic, and was all the more interesting due to the odd circumstances. Also, it was freaking unbelievably hot when Trent and Nate got it on. Nate’s empathic abilities grow, and he’s able to experience his and Trent’s lust, and turn that back on them–creating a chemistry that is downright combustible.

I’m so looking forward to the next book in the series!!

Interested? You can find INSIGHT on Goodreads, Riptide Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iTunes. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

You can find Santino online on his website, Facebook, and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Updating the Classics: SEEKING MANSFIELD-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a newly-released YA romance from Kate Watson. SEEKING MANSFIELD is a contemporary re-telling of MANSFIELD PARK, an Austen novel I haven’t read.

About the book:
Sixteen-year-old Finley Price has perfected two things: how to direct a world-class production, and how to fly way, way under the radar. The only person who ever seems to notice Finley is her best friend, the Bertram’s son Oliver. If she could just take Oliver’s constant encouragement to heart and step out of the shadows, she’d finally chase her dream of joining the prestigious Mansfield Theater.

When teen movie stars Emma and Harlan Crawford move next door to the Bertram’s, they immediately set their sights on Oliver and his cunning sister, Juliette, shaking up Finley and Oliver’s stable friendship. As Emma and Oliver grow closer, Harlan finds his attention shifting from Juliette to the quiet, enigmatic, and thoroughly unimpressed Finley. Out of boredom, Harlan decides to make her fall in love with him. Problem is, the harder he seeks to win her, the harder he falls for her.

But Finley doesn’t want to be won, and she doesn’t want to see Oliver with anyone else. To claim Oliver’s heart—and keep her own—she’ll have to find the courage to do what she fears most: step into the spotlight.

My Review:
4.5 Stars for this contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s MANSFIELD PARK.
Finley Price is sixteen and living with her godparents, the Bertram’s, now that her famous actor father has died and her abusive alcoholic mother is in jail. The Bertram’s have three kids, Tate, Juliette and Oliver—who is Finley’s best friend—even though he has a giant crush on Finley. Juliette is mean and petty, and their aunt is spiteful and awful, pretty much telling Finley she ought to behave like a servant in the Bertram household.

Finley is a theater aficionado, and been working stage crews for years. Her deepest desire is to be a part of the Mansfield Theater Program, but she lacks the confidence to apply—and to ask for help. Oliver wants to send the application in for Finley, but listens to his father’s advice on the subject. Oliver just wants what’s best for Finley—and for her to seek it for herself. New neighbors, Emma and Harlan Crawford arrive, and their status as teen movie stars is exciting to everyone but Finley. She’s used to blending into the background, and is afraid Harlan will make things difficult. He once starred in a movie with her father.

New friendships and relationships develop, with power-brokering happening too. Emma is sweet on Oliver, but she recognizes that Finley needs to be a priority in his life. For me, it seems manipulative, and the blurb gets it right that Harlan pursues Finley mostly out of boredom and the desire for a challenge. That said, Finley isn’t easily won over, and there are lots of peaks and valleys in the myriad love stories that are taking place. It’s kind of a love-square (as opposed to a triangle) situation and I know that’s not cool for all readers. For me, the love angles can be summed up thusly: if you can’t be with the one you love…(honey)…love the one you’re with.

I really liked Finley, and those who’ve read Mansfield Park all agree that she’s a far more interesting and strong heroine than her model (Fanny Price). Finley’s survived a lot of challenges, and she faces new ones with compassion and strength. For all the love stories in the book, this is a clean read with just kissing on the page. That said, there are allusions to off page sexcapades, which form the base of the final conflict.

As a YA book, it felt accessible and interesting. I think teens will be interested in the theater aspects and celebrity issues, which update the plot for modern readers. The HEA comes on the closing pages, and it seems like there could be more of this story to tell.

Interested? You can find SEEKING MANSFIELD on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iTunes. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

About the Author:
Kate Watson is a young adult writer, wife, mother of two, and the tenth of thirteen children. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has studied in Israel and lived in Brazil, the American South, and now calls Arizona home.

Her first novel, SEEKING MANSFIELD, debuts in Spring 2017, with the companion novel to follow in 2018. She is also a contributor to Eric Smith’s Welcome Home adoption anthology coming in 2017.

Find Kate on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Caught Offside–CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY: Review and Giveaway!

Hi There! Today I’m sharing a review for a New Adult hockey romance from Cindi Madsen. CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY is the fourth book in her Taking Shots series about collegiate hockey players, and a sweet, fun read.

Catch my review below and enter to win a huge gift basket of goodies including a $50 Sephora GC, too!
About the book:
Confession #1: I used to be a puck bunny, but after a hockey player broke my heart, I gave up all things hockey. Now I’m just focused on finding a way to pass my math class so I can graduate college.

Confession #2: Ryder “Ox” Maddox’s deep, sexy voice sends fuzzy tingles through my entire body, and I’m powerless to stop it. Which is a big problem since the hot, surprisingly funny hockey player is my new math tutor.

Confession #3: I can’t stop thinking about how ripped Ryder is from all his hockey training, and how fun it’d be to cross lines with him.

Confession #4: I kissed a hockey player and I liked it.

Confession #5: If I’m not careful, I might relapse and fall for Ryder, and then I’ll be totally pucked.

My Review:
This is the fourth book in a series, but fully enjoyable as a standalone.

Lindsay Riviera is a college senior looking to remake her life. She grew up not knowing her father, and with a mother who used her looks and wiles to find boyfriends to support their lifestyle. That’s not who Lindsay wants to be, and she struck out to be a sex-positive person, in control of her finances and lovers. Thing is, while she hung out with the hockey players at Boston College, and took great thrill in hooking up with them, she got her feelings bruised when the player she thought was really into her turned out to be using her the way she’d used others.

So, she stepped back, took a hockey hiatus, and accepted it when her tell-all expose on collegiate sports–written by her handpicked reporter–turned out to be more pro-sports than she liked. All Lindsay needs to do is pass her remedial mathematics course, and she can graduate and leave her “puck bunny” status in the rear view mirror. Lindsay isn’t happy to learn the only math tutors available either despise her…or are on the starting defense for the Screaming Eagles hockey team.

Ryder “Ox” Maddox is a pleaser. He’s a sophomore in college and a math major, despite his father’s desires. Ryder’s dad played professional hockey for years, and is determined to see Ryder follow on his skates. His mother isn’t quite so stern–after all her marriage was ruined by Ryder’s father chasing too many puck bunnies, and she’s an upstanding mayor in a posh Connecticut burb. Which is why Ryder needs to be a perfect kid–and also why Ryder’s an uptight guy.

Still, he really likes Lindsay’s sass, and hopes to charm her into his life. HE has no idea about her player-chasing ways but she comes clean about it, and he seems untroubled–until his team mates are trying to score her.

I really liked the frankness of this New Adult romance. It’s about making mistakes and learning from them. Lindsay and Ryder make lots of mistakes, and they make it right time and again. It has a nice sex-positive message, with Lindsay holding herself accountable for her own actions, and not allowing anyone the slut-shame her. There’s a rather slow burn to the romance, with Lindsay pushing Ryder away, and building a friendship that slides into more. And, they make good partners to each other, as well. There’s real conflict regarding the status of their relationship, and the status of their academics–because Lindsay is due to graduate, and Ryder isn’t ready to let her go.

For me, the story was mostly about the complicated dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the small hockey-fan community. Lindsay is a strong determined woman, who makes choices that benefit her–and allows Ryder to join her where she is. Likewise, Ryder is a great guy, kind and compassionate, but also scarred by his heavy parental expectations, and the infidelity that tore his family apart. I liked the book and felt the plot was mostly on target. There’s some unexpected melodrama with Ryder’s parents, particularly, but the resolution managed that to my satisfaction.

Interested? You can find CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER PUCK BUNNY on Goodreads, Amazon (US, AU, UK, and CA) Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this a Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win .
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Cindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a pretty new pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

You can visit Cindi on her website where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books. Also, check her out on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Goodreads.

Scots Lads Find Love: MY HIGHLANDER COWBOY–Review & Giveaway

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review and giveaway for a contemporary M/M romance from Alexa Milne. MY HIGHLAND COWBOY is a sweet and sassy romance between a questioning Highland rancher and the sexy fashion designer who’s the brother of his best friend’s fiance.

About the book:
Duncan McLeish owns a ranch. Unlike most ranches, this one is in the Scottish Highlands. Having inherited a failing farm from his grandfather, he turns it into a successful business. He has friends and he loves his home, but he’s lonely, and not even infrequent trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh slake that thirst to find someone. Then Drew Sinclair walks into his life.

Drew Sinclair is tantalizingly close to getting his clothing brand noticed in the industry. He and his business partner, Joy, create individual dresses, while, on the side, Drew produces a line of men’s lingerie. He visits Scotland to design a bridal gown for his sister, Jenna, who is marrying Duncan’s best friend at Christmas.

Duncan and Drew have nothing except their Highland upbringing in common, but they say opposites attract, and the attraction is immediate. Is this simply a summer fling, or can two men who live such opposite lives miles away from each other find a way to love?

My Review:
Drew Sinclair is a thirty y/o out-gay man living his dream of designing couture clothes in London. He’s also got a sideline in manties (lacy men’s lingerie). He’s staying at a ranch in Scotland’s highlands to measure his sister Jenna and her two attendants for dresses for Jenna’s Christmas wedding. It’s just summer, and the highland nights are long. Especially so because Drew is very much attracted to the tall, smoldering Duncan McLeish–owner of the ranch and best man to Jenna’s fiance.

Duncan’s nearing forty and hardly acknowledged his sexuality. He’s had few partners in his life, though he’s sure he’s more into men, than not. And Drew is so outre in comparison to any of the anonymous men he’s fumbled with over the years. He admires Drew’s fire, and determination. Still, Duncan’s not good expressing his needs or desires. Drew accurately intuits Duncan’s attraction, and they do hit it off, but it’s super intense in ways neither expected. Drew isn’t able to leave his business behind, so he does what he must; and it hurts both himself and Duncan. Still, neither man can forget those moments they shared, and Duncan reaches out when Drew was trying to move on.

Is it possible they could make it work, despite the distances? It doesn’t seem so, but changes in Drew’s opportunities could pave the way through the impasse. Only, is he jumping too soon?

This is a sweet and sassy romance, with Drew bringing the sass as well as the sweetness. Duncan’s a great guy, and has a lot of love to offer, but his devotion to his heritage is holding him hostage in a place where there aren’t a lot of options for gay partners. I liked how they worked through things, each man making a plan to carve time for the other. These guys have so much love to give, and recognize that connections like theirs are special and shouldn’t be denied just because they aren’t 100% convenient.

There are really nice side characters here, who are supportive and loving of both Duncan and Drew. We get to meet some other closeted men or Duncan’s acquaintance, and the stage is set for new romances down the road.

Interested? You can find MY HIGHLAND COWBOY on Goodreads, Pride Publishing, and pre-order it on Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a backlist book of Alexa Milne’s, or a paperback copy of MY HIGHLAND COWBOY.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Originally from South Wales, Alexa has lived for over thirty years in the North West of England. Now retired, after a long career in teaching, she devotes her time to her obsessions. Alexa began writing when her favourite character was killed in her favourite show. After producing a lot of fanfiction she ventured into original writing. She is currently owned by a mad cat and spends her time writing about the men in her head, watching her favourite television programmes and usually crying over her favourite football team.

Catch up with Alexa on her website, Facebook, and twitter.

Trusting NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW–Review and Giveaway!

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary M/M romance recently re-released by L.A. Witt. NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW is a quirky romance for two men who find they have the same thing in common: their boyfriend. O.O That was a big hook for me, but I’ve loved some of her recent books, including AFRAID TO FLY and JUST DRIVE, so I couldn’t wait to get into this one.

Scroll down to catch my review and enter to win a backlist book from LA Witt!
About the book:
“I believe you have something of mine, Zach.”

The stranger’s accusation throws Zach Owens for a loop. He’s never seen this man in his life, and he’s not prepared when he finds out what they have in common—their boyfriend, Jake.

Make that ex-boyfriend. With the jerk out of the picture, Zach hurries after the stranger to apologize… which quickly leads to some sizzling hot revenge sex.

Despite starting on the wrong foot, Nathan Forrester can’t get enough of the sexy movie theater owner. Still, he’s jaded and distrustful—especially when Jake keeps materializing in Zach’s presence despite Zach insisting that relationship is over.

With a devious ex-boyfriend trying to sabotage their fledgling relationship, Zach and Nathan need to learn to trust each other, or they’ll both wind up with nothing.

This 61,000 word novel was previously published, and has been revised to include an extended ending.

My Review:
Zach is a movie house owner out on a date with his boyfriend, Jake, when a stranger sits beside him and proceeds to inform him that Jake is also his boyfriend. Yeah, awkward. Both Zach and the stranger leave Jake at the bar–but Zach can’t get over his feelings of shame, and reaches out to the other man, for camaraderie, and a drink to settle the story.

Turns out Nathan and Jake had been dating four years, and Zach’s furious he was unwittingly pulled into this situation. Nathan shares Zach’s fury and the two of them quickly decide the ultimate revenge would be to have it off together. Only, it’s HAWT. A week later, Zach’s still daydreaming about how good he and Nathan were together. And a week after that, he’s thrilled to see Nathan buying a ticket for one of the art house movies showing in his theater. They talk, briefly, and Nathan makes it clear he’d like to see Zach again. Could it be that it was a one-in-a-million good time, or can they catch lightning in the bottle again?

It’s better. So good they don’t want to stop seeing each other, but they hardly know one another and it’s terribly awkward that they have barely more than revenge sex and an ex between them. Still, they think it would be okay if what develops is a rebound fling. And it sort of is. Until it’s more. And that just eats Jake alive when he reaches out to try to repair the breach with Zach. And then tries to manipulate both Zach and Nathan into a fight.

I really liked the in-depth discussions regarding trust, and the lack of it, that Nathan struggles with regarding relationships. He’s had two serious boyfriends who were cheaters–and when Zach is late or can’t make a date, he’s almost certain that’s just Zach messing around on him. Not that it should matter if they aren’t that serious. But, somehow along the way this got serious for both of them, and Zach has a fun and sexy way of working on Nathan’s trust issues. Expect a bit of bondage, some highly inappropriate projector room shenanigans, a scheming ex, and so much sexytimes the book needs a fire extinguisher. I loved it.

Interested? You can find NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW on Goodreads and Amazon (US and UK).

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a backlist book from LA Witt.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Lauren Gallagher is an abnormal romance writer who has recently been exiled from the glittering utopia of Omaha, Nebraska, to an undisclosed location in South America. Along with her husband, a harem of concubines, and a phosphorescent porcupine, she remains, as always, in hiding from the Polynesian Mafia. For the moment, she seems to have eluded her nemesis, M/M romance author L.A. Witt, but figures L.A. will eventually become bored with the wilds of Spain and come looking for her. And when that time comes, Lauren will be ready. Assuming L.A. doesn’t have her hands full keeping track of Lori A. Witt and Ann Gallagher, which she probably will.

Visit her website, Facebook, and twitter.

Heartache and Healing: LOCKE AND KEY-A Review


Hi there! Today I’m excited to share a review for a new romantic suspense novel from Cristin Harber. LOCKE AND KEY is the eighth book in the NYT best-selling Titan series, but it’s a standalone romance, so newcomers should still enjoy it. I know that I was able to jump right in and enjoy the story–and Titan community.

About the book:
THE STOIC SPECIAL FORCES OPERATOR
There’s only one person to blame for darkening the last years of Locke Oliver’s military career: Cassidy Noble. And damn if he doesn’t have to save her from the side of a frozen mountain. Even after the job is done, he can’t shake the woman from his thoughts. He blames her for the deaths in his Army unit so many years ago, and he’s not ready to let that go. It’s driving him to the point of distraction, and now his Titan Group boss says to get his act together or get out.

THE FEISTY, FALLEN REPORTER
Cassidy is a disgraced journalist, once accused of treason—Or she’s an American hero. It depends on who you ask. She’s on a mission to rebuild her name and started with a simple question but discovered a complex web of spies and possible human trafficking.
Titan Group believes in her. Locke does not. Until he can’t deny the truth any longer about the past or what she’s uncovered in her investigation.

BECOME AN INSEPARABLE TEAM
Cassidy volunteers to go undercover. Locke would do anything to stay by her side as she slips into the network and is sold to the highest bidder. All is going right until everything goes wrong. Nothing is as they expect including falling in love with the woman he thought he hated.

How about a little taste?

Locke ducked close to her ear, purposefully rasping a five o’clock shadow against her neck, and again asked, “Do we know anything new?”

She whimpered. He had to have heard the quiet groan, and he swayed them together and— damn, she felt him. Cassidy’s eyes went wide as he held her backside against his crotch.

Was Locke turned-on? Locke was turned-on. And he wanted her to know. The realization was as potent as a narcotic. It hit her blood, and she was high.

But he’d asked about work. What was she supposed to do? She tried to recover. Shaking and stupidly pretending this wasn’t a thing, she turned. Eye to eye, she couldn’t read him!

He didn’t move. Didn’t touch her. Was the ball in her park? He’d asked about Alex, twice. But he had a hard-on!

Cassidy was so confused and turned on that she couldn’t trust her instincts. She needed to do what she did best— work. Focus on the job.

“He’s in there.” Cassidy, failing to regain her composure, was still breathless.

Locke smiled. “Good to know.”

She’d made the right choice in focusing on work. She was there for Alex. If Locke wanted to… pursue something, he could do it when she wasn’t busy. He had her number.

“Cass…” His eyebrows challenged her to admit their tension escalating.

There was Cass again. She hated nicknames— until they flowed from his mouth. They needed space, but she didn’t trust her legs. They were weak as her mind was wild. She tried to swallow, shifting away—

“Don’t go.” He was holding her, hugging her. Locke cupped her cheek and let his fingers slide along her jaw. She was drowning in him as Locke’s hand moved down her neck, letting the thump of her pulse jump against his fingertips. “I—”

“Excuse me,” a woman snapped as she bustled in, grabbing her shawl, and she sneered on the way out.

“Oh, God.” Cassidy jumped, her cheeks hot and her embarrassment swallowing her alive. She choked on the knot in her throat and covered her face, backing away from him. “I’m so sorry.”

“Cassidy.” Locke reached for her.

“So, so sorry.” She tilted to face him, and they stood in the dark shadows. She was the reporter; he was the protector.

His voice rumbled, not judgmental or embarrassed. “You have nothing to say sorry about. To anyone.”

“We might disagree on that.” She’d staked the rebound of her career on Alex, but when Locke came around, she always seemed to forget.

“I don’t try to upset you.” The pregnant pause hung heavy. “Not on purpose anyway— maybe for fun, playing around, but I won’t do that again.”

“Okay…”

He was playing down their moment of intimacy. Maybe for him it had been nothing but an erection and a tease, while for her it was the stuff of nightly fantasies. How foolish was she? Embarrassment made her stomach drop.

But still.

Again, they were almost stomach to stomach. Too close. Too intimate. Too… much. “I’m not upset.” But that wasn’t true.

“You’re something,” he said.

“Something,” she agreed. “True.” Something she’d never, ever admit to. Tugging her bottom lip between her teeth, she couldn’t map out his intentions-

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” Cassidy froze, wondering what she’d done wrong.

His gaze lasered on her lips. “That.”

Finally, she saw the same desperate hunger on his face. The authority in his command made her shiver. Unquenched lust boiled in his eyes, and Cassidy didn’t know how to handle this Locke— the uncontrolled and unscripted one. “Oh… um. I…”

In a tailspin, she couldn’t decide whether to fight for what she could finally read on his face or pull her act together and act like they were working together. She did neither, standing there, still unsure.

“You keep biting that lip, Cass.” Locke lifted an eyebrow and scorched her panties. “Don’t do that.”

“Okay.” The devil on her shoulder whispered, Bite your lip again. Or bite his. Maybe they could kiss and work.

Locke lifted his chin, his gaze falling past her. “Alex is leaving.”

Wait— what? Damn it.

My Review:
Locke Oliver is a former Special Forces operative who now works for the Titan Group, a private security agency with far-reaching duties and responsibilities. While on a mission to retrieve a DC schoolteacher under threat from FSB termination, he encounters Cassidy Noble. Cassidy is a disgraced reporter whom Locke has long-blamed as responsible for his unit getting attacked in Iraq nearly a decade ago. Cassidy was an embedded reporter on the scene, who had reported that there were insufficient troops available.

Cassidy wouldn’t give up her sources–even though they had died in that fire fight. She even went to prison to protect the identities of her her sources. And she’s still mostly a pariah. She was writing opinion pieces for this prestigious school in DC, and profiling Alex Gaev, a prominent teacher, which was how she and Alex ended up in Russia. Alex, a man with a dark history, is the reason they were running for their lives from the FSB.

Locke is an emotional mess after seeing Cassidy–who trips his PTSD buttons. Some tough love from his Titan buddies convinces him that his hatred for Cassidy is misplaced, and he’s trying to make amends for his previous bad behavior when he recognizes that Cassidy is investigating Alex, on her own. Locke knows that this is a bad, bad, idea, and makes the link that Alex is somehow linked to the criminal elements that run a new and lucrative sex-trafficking ring.

As they investigate Alex together, the heat begins to grow between Cassidy and Locke, and when Cassidy puts her life on the line to break this case wide open, Locke knows his conflicts are real, and of the love variety.

For me, some of the love aspects happened too conveniently, and too quickly, but the backstory regarding Alex, his lost love and his meager life were really interesting. I also liked how Locke got his head figured out, and began healing from his horrific experiences in Iraq. Cassisy is a great gal, and a strong female lead, so that was exciting. The investigation seemed to be complicated, but the inter-agency support at Titan was fun; sure to be enjoyed by fans of the series as they get glimpses of people from previous books. For me it seems that Jax or Ryder will be getting a love interest soon.

Interested? You can find LOCKE AND KEY on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and Google Play.

About the Author:
Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.

You can catch up with Cristin on her website, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Team Titan Facebook, or sign up for her newsletter.

Odd Couple Love: BEACH BALLS–Review and Giveaway!

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review and giveaway for a new contemporary M/M romance from Tara Lain. BEACH BALLS is the third book in her Balls to the Wall series, but is a standalone romance. That said, I did enjoy both VOLLEY BALLS and FIRE BALLS.

Be sure to drop down and catch the excerpt, and enter the giveaway below.
About the book:
Adam James is so far in the closet he could find Narnia. As an attorney for the homophobic WMA Development, he can’t come out without risking the million-dollar paycheck waiting for him once they push their big land development deal through the city council—money that will finally allow Adam to live according to his own terms. Then, on an early morning scuba dive, Adam meets a tall, lean rebreather diver named Sky who makes him want to hug a tree.

Sky Sea Mickeljohn stands for the environment, world peace, and being openly gay. He won’t compromise his principles for anyone—even the damned lying developer lawyer he can’t help lusting after. True, the WMA land development deal could put thousands of people at risk, but Sky still wants to risk his heart. In the fight between freedom and integrity, is there a place for love?

How about a little taste?

The guys nearest the beach started laughing and pointing. What’s going on?

He looked at Gary, who shrugged.

Adam pointed toward the commotion. “I’m going to go see.” He walked out onto the grassy verge that led to the sand where he’d been sitting earlier with Sky. The guys were still laughing. One asked, “What’s he gonna do?”

Adam pushed into the line of men all facing the ocean and pointing. “What’s happening?”

Ian said, “This crazy guy is standing there in the water like he’s headed for us, but he’s not moving. Looks like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

One of the other men asked, “What’s he wearing?”

Carly smiled at Adam. “It’s called a dry suit, and it looks to me like he’s waiting for someone. Wonder who that could be?” He laughed.

Waist-deep in the water stood a tall man in a full dry suit complete with hood and mask, his mouthpiece dangling. He had a little bottle of what must be oxygen on his chest.

I’ve got a funny feeling about this. When Adam stepped off the lawn onto the sand, the figure in the suit began to pace out of the water with a slow and deliberate stride.

The “creature” analogy was dead-on.

When the creature got out of the surf, he stopped to peel off the mask and hood, revealing curly hair.

Adam smiled. He’d know those curls anywhere.

Sky came a few feet closer. Even in the fading light, Adam imagined he could just make out the blue-gray eyes.

Sky stopped again and began to unfasten the dry suit. What kind of show were they in for?

Slowly the puffy dry suit peeled down the tall body, fully dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. A patter of applause started, and Sky kicked off the suit to reveal flip-flops. Jesus, he must think he was James Bond or something. By this time everyone was clapping, and Sky gave a little bow.

Son of a bitch, the guy has a sense of humor. He’d rigged this whole elaborate entrance just to get a laugh. But looking at that lean, hard body in those shorts made another part of Adam’s anatomy very happy.

Sky picked up the dry suit and walked the ten feet to Adam. “Hi. I believe I was invited for cocktails.”

No recourse. He just laughed. “You do know how to make an entrance.”

My Review:
Adam James is an attorney assisting a realty development group gain an ocean-side parcel of land for a multi-million dollar high rise and park complex. He’s also a closeted gay man, and he’s lonely. He regularly visits the estate of a sympathetic friend who arranges for other closeted men to come together–and I mean that in the most dirty of ways.

One weekend, while scuba diving off the coast, Adam encounters Sky, a tall, lean, shy man who cussed him out for disturbing the aquatic life on the coastline. Adam’s still intrigued, even if Sky indicates being with a closeted man isn’t his style. That said, Sky accepts Adam’s invitation to a barbeque, and their night is really, really, wow. Thing is, Adam hasn’t been honest about who he is, and Sky didn’t reveal his full name, either, so it isn’t until several days later that they recognize they are on opposite sides of the development plan. Sky Sea Mickljohn’s parents raised him to be an environmental activist, and he’s spearheading the resistance to the development plan.  The plan that was supposed to make Adam enough money that he could afford to come out of the closet and support his law practice even if he lost clients due to his sexuality.

While Adam and Sky sort out the personal and professional lives, Adam recognizes the simplicity of living an out life. Likewise, Sky recognizes that he’s been too quick to judge Adam for his personal life choices, and, well, they still connect with each other on a very personal level. This is a feel-good story about two seemingly opposite guys finding common ground, and the strength to walk unexpected paths. I really liked the sweetness, but the sexiness was off the charts. Adam is every bit the responsive lover that Sky didn’t know he was needing in his life. It was also interesting how Sky thought of himself as so disconnected from humanity, and how Adam grounded him in a way he hadn’t expected needing.

Interested? You can find BEACH BALLS on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes and Kobo.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 GC to Amazon.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 23. Her best­selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft.

She lives with her soul­mate husband and her soul­mate dog in Laguna Beach, California, a pretty seaside town where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

You can find Tara at:

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Earning a Love WELL-TAILORED–Review & Giveaway

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M romance from Silvia Violet. WELL-TAILORED is a spin-off from her Thorne and Dash series, but easily enjoyed on its own. Having read all three Thorne & Dash novels, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one!

Be sure to scroll down and enter giveaway below.

About the book:
Marc longs for a grand romance, but he doubts he’ll ever be that lucky. Then he meets Darius, an arrogant tailor who pushes all his buttons. When Darius offers him a job, Marc hesitates—he needs a direction for the future, not another man who doesn’t believe in relationships.

Darius lives by a few unbreakable rules: never sleep with employees, fashion should be simple, and romance is for fools. Marc, with his shimmery-sweaters collection, makes him want to break every single one.

They quickly give in to desire, but Darius wants to protect himself and Marc refuses to repeat past mistakes. It’s only when they let go of assumptions, that love has a chance to take hold.

Well-Tailored is a companion novel to the Thorne and Dash series. It can be read as a standalone.

My Review:
Marc is a high-priced rent-boy looking for a stable life. His best friend, Riley, used to work the same business, but he’s now engaged to a fabulously wealthy man who adores Riley top to bottom. And Marc wants that kind of love. He’s also wanting more of a livelihood than, well, sexytimes, and had a desire to go into costume design when he was a teen. Those plans were set aside when his parents disowned him at age 16. Marc’s only in his early twenties, but he’s determined to re-make himself, and he gets a great opportunity to work as an assistant to Riley’s fiance’s tailor, Darius.

Darius is a English ex-pat who learned tailoring at his grandfather’s knee. He had a bad experience about a decade ago, working for a tailor who used and abused him–quite literally–but he’s highly successful now, and determined to be the best custom tailor in Atlanta. His exacting standards are why he’s lost three assistants in the past two years. And he suspects Marc will be just a flighty. But, with a stellar recommendation from on of his best clients–Thorne–Riley’s fiance, Darius decides to take a chance. And, also, to sample Marc’s…assets. Because these two are crazy hot for each other.

It’s supposed to be a one time thing. But Neither Darius nor Marc is unaffected. Their long days and frustrating experiences lead to further sexytimes, with Darius always being the bossy boss–but he’s unexpectedly charmed by Marc’s fabulous demeanor, and stunning costume sketches. So much so that Darius is considering a partnership. Could it be both business and please in store for these guys? Marc’s insecure after having so many flings go south and Darius is afraid to get burned again. Especially when there’s an anonymous, but lucrative, offer made to purchase his tailoring business.

This is a sweet and very sexy spin-off from the Thorne and Dash series, and fans will like that it runs parallel to the the later part of the second, and the third book. Marc is a great guy–and I truly only loved him more in reading his love story. Darius is a hardened man, with few friends and a bitter outlook, but he grows a lot in his interactions with Marc. Marc isn’t a doormat for his abuse, and the more time he spends with Marc, the more he comes to crave their interactions. Soon, instead of hooking up after work, they begin to build a friendship. Including movie nights and dates. It’s a huge turnaround for Darius, who had been so closed off. I loved seeing those changes in him, and I did admire how he constantly considered Marc’s role in the business, and what selling off would mean for Marc. It was considerate, even if Marc had no idea any of this was happening.

There are lots and lots of sexytimes, as they agree to scratch each other’s itch, but both Marc and Darius soon recognize that their relationship is growing deeper and more meaningful as time winds on. That was awesome to experience, and I was glad that both of the lonely hearts made a strong connection.

Interested? You can find WELL-TAILORED on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK), Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iTunes.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win one of three audiobooks of PROFESSIONAL DISTANCE or PERSONAL ENTANGLEMENT.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia’s stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, curling up with her favorite books, and spending time with her family.

Catch up with Sylvia on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or sign up for her Newsletter.
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Unexpected Intrigue GUARDING MR. FINE–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a M/M romantic suspense novel from HelenKay Dimon. GUARDING MR. FINE is the third book in her Tough Love series of spy-romances and I liked it. I also enjoyed the first two books, MR. AND MR. SMITH and THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS, though you don’t have to read those first.

About the book:
In this steamy novel of seduction and international intrigue, two brave men are stripped of their defenses—and exposed to dangers and desires that simmer below the surface.

As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk—and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding—and he requires hands-on attention day and night.

Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth—in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden—or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

My Review:
CIA Special Agent Seth Lang is not happy to be reassigned to “guard” the new consul general in Munich–especially when the man he meets turns out to be the one he picked up anonymously the weekend before the job was to begin. Still, Rick Fine suits his name, and Seth’s more frustrated than ever.

Rick Fine isn’t just a consul–he’s deep cover CIA tactics, and sure his predecessor was doing some shady, shady things that led to his fatal “accident.” How to prove it as a stranger in a new place? Make use of all his tactical training–and keep Seth handy. Even if he’s guilty for hiding a secret about Seth’s past mission. It’s not long before Rick turns up discrepancies in budgets and humanitarian aid drops seemed inexplicably filled with weapons instead of medicine. But, those powerful people who made the former consul go away are certainly not interested in keeping snoopy Rick Fine alive. Nope, that’s Seth’s problem.

This books takes place over several seriously action-packed days. Seth discovers weaknesses in the security, and Rick uses his deep cover contacts to flush out the perpetrators who’re using the consul’s office to traffic arms. Thing is, people keep turning up dead, and Seth and Rick might soon be one of them. Expect steamy sexytimes, shoot-outs, and a raging inferno of more than lust. Each book in the series keeps me on my toes, and wanting the next book!

Interested? You can find GUARDING MR. FINE on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I received a review copy via NetGalley.

About the Author:
HelenKay Dimon spent the years before becoming a romance author as a divorce attorney—not the usual career transition. Now she writes full-time and she’s much happier. The author of more than thirty novels, novellas, and short stories that have twice been named “Red-Hot Reads” and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, she’s on the board of directors of the Romance Writers of America and teaches fiction writing at UC San Diego and Mira Costa College.

You can find HelenKay online on her website, Facebook, twitter Tumblr and Pinterest.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!