Reviews

Books I’ve read and reviewed

Tough Love in CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS–Review & Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(29)Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary M/M cozy mystery/romance from Julie Lynn Hayes. CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS is the second book in her Rose and Thorne series. It’s the sequel to BAD DOGS AND DRAG QUEENS and features the continuing misadventures of Federal Agents Vinnie Delorosa and Ethan Thorne as they protect a starlet from a dangerous stalker.

Check out the excerpt, review and get in on the gift card giveaway below!

CivilWarandBrokenHeartsFSAbout the book:
Hollywood comes to Roanoke when a major film studio announces they’re shooting part of their Civil War film at a local plantation. Vinnie is dismayed to discover that the lead actress is none other than the beautiful and popular Caroline St. Clair. Ethan and Vinnie made her acquaintance in LA the previous Halloween, while undercover, and Vinnie still hates her for hitting on his man. Ethan reassures his partner that Roanoke is big enough for all of them to co-exist without running into one another.

But Fate has it in for Vinnie and Ethan, and they find themselves assigned to a new case involving the actress. Apparently she requested Ethan specifically, to Vinnie’s dismay. But he doesn’t have a choice, he has to play nice. It’s small consolation to Vinnie that his new undercover identity involves Hollywood heartthrob Troy McGarrett, who is very handsome and openly gay. Troy isn’t shy about letting Vinnie know he finds him attractive.

Jealousy abounds in the second book of the Rose and Thorne series, and time is not on Vinnie and Ethan’s side. If they don’t solve the case before the film shoot is done, there’s a good chance they’ll be separated for the first time since they were partnered. Assuming Vinnie doesn’t kill Caroline St. Clair himself.

The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.

A tasty tidbit…

“Hey, Vin, did you see who’s in town?”
I was slumped at the kitchen table, my head cradled on top of my arms. I was grumpy and sleepy—and maybe a few of the other Seven Dwarves—and I needed my first cup of morning coffee before I could even consider being slightly civil.
We’d spent most of last night sitting in our car, in the goddamn middle of nowhere, staring at nothing, assigned to a fruitless surveillance in a small town about an hour from Roanoke. As it turned out, all the real action was in a different small town in the complete opposite direction from where we waited, because our so-called informant couldn’t spell the name of the place correctly. What a difference one letter makes. So we’d ended up completely wasting our time, got lost trying to find the rest of the task force at the end of the night, almost got hit by a deer that came out of nowhere and took a sudden shine to our car, and then suffered the indignity on our return of being asked where the hell we’d been all night—and we still needed to do the paperwork. And now Ethan wanted to play Twenty Questions?
“Don’t know and don’t care,” I mumbled.
I heard him slap something down on the table. I forced one eye open, just in time to see him sashay toward the coffeemaker. Okay, for that ass, I’d open the other one too. I watched as he poured the blessed elixir into two mugs, added the appropriate amount of creamer and sugar to each, then returned to where I still watched him and set one in front of me.
Right next to the morning paper. Real subtle, Ethan.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a sweet and fluffy buddies romance between two long-term partners, Vinnie and Ethan, who also are work partners. What you need to know about the series: They are some type of fictional federal agents that go undercover to help the police. Essentially, Vinnie will get put into a dress, and Ethan will help him out of it. And, some other plot things will happen. That’s been the case for the first two books.

In this book, starlet Caroline St. Clair is in Roanoke to film some on-location scenes for the Civil War-era epic she’s working on. She recently split from her fiance, the director of the film who’s flaunting his new younger fiance right under Caroline’s nose. Ethan helps thwart a shooting when he and Vinnie find Caroline out and about in Roanoke. She thinks it must be her stalker, but no one can trace his (now deleted) threatening emails. Caroline gets Ethan assigned to serve as her personal bodyguard, claiming he’s her fiance to cover his appearance in her life. And this about sets Vinnie’s head to explode. Vinnie’s assigned as a personal assistant to Caroline’s beautiful, out-and-proud, co-star, Troy McGarrett. Troy’s helpful, but doesn’t mind helping himself to some of Vinnie, if the opportunity arises.

I pretty much had this one figured out from the start, but I liked how it all played out. There’s a ton of cattyiness, and Vinnie’s his usual chatty narrating self. Troy was super cool, a good friend and support to Vinnie, throughout. I also liked how our homophobic foe from the first book got a bit more humanized in this one. Ethan’s about beside himself, fending off Caroline’s unwanted advances and keeping Vinnie from making many, many professional mistakes, though we still don’t get a lot of his personality on the page. The next book seems to have a lot more of Ethan, however, so I’m looking forward to that. If you like low steam romance and fluffy cozy mysteries with lots of snarky banter, I think this will hit your sweet spot.

Interested? You can find CIVIL WAR AND BROKEN HEARTS on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

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

About the Author:
Julie Lynn Hayes first began publishing short stories and poetry in the 1990’s, when it was a different ballgame altogether, and Ebooks hadn’t been dreamed of yet. That changed in 2010 with the acceptance of her first romance novel. She’s come a long way since that first book appeared, and is finding the journey a very educational one.

She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and her cat Ramesses. She often writes of two men finding true love and happiness in one another’s arms, and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. Her great challenge is to be told something can’t be done—she feels compelled to do it.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch, needlepoint and knitting, and she loves to cook, spending time watching the Food Network. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian. Her family thinks she’s a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, and Wayward Ink Press.

Catch up with Julie on her blog, Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

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Reality Bites in HIS ROYAL FAVORITE-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a fabulous contemporary M/M royalty romance from Lilah Pace. HIS ROYAL FAVORITE is the sequel to HIS ROYAL SECRET, but I found it easy to enjoy despite not having read the first book.

His Royal Favorite (His Royal Secret, #2)About the book:

The conclusion of Lilah Pace’s racy, romantic male/male duology following His Royal Secret…

James, Prince of Wales, is making history. He’s decided to come out to his subjects—and the world. However, telling the truth means exposing his relationship with lone-wolf reporter Benjamin Dahan. Although Ben never wanted commitment, the unexpected depth of his feelings leads him to join James in the media’s harsh spotlight.

When the news story explodes across the globe, Ben can endure the mockery and dirty jokes. But after his tragic past is cruelly revealed, his life begins to implode. Can even his love for James be worth this?

James has it no easier. His revelation divides the country and sparks turmoil within the royal family. He must struggle to defend not only himself and Ben, but also his younger sister, who hovers on the brink of a breakdown that could endanger her life.

Is Ben strong enough to survive the onslaught and stand by James’ side? And will James have to make a choice between Ben and the crown?

My Review: 

Ben and James met in Kenya, nearly six months ago. Ben is a financial reporter who has traveled the world and seen a lot, but suffered the deaths of his parents when he was young, and also the cruel manipulations of a much elder lover when he was just a boy. James is the Prince of Wales, next in  line for the throne. They reconnect in London, and their clandestine relationship has grown to the point of love. To risk a spoiler of the first book, James is now the Price Regent, leading the monarchy as his grandfather ails. His uncle, Prince Richard, is none-too-pleased to learn of James sexuality, and certainly sees how he can use this to his own benefit.

James has decided that he can no longer live in the closet, and he’s given Ben the opportunity to walk away–but both men feel a love deeper than either expected, and Ben agrees to come out by James’ side. And it’s horrible.

Yep. The tabloids. The royal in-fighting. Ben’s personal insecurities about all the beautiful young gay men being foisted at James, men more suitable partners for their aristocratic blood and genteel manners. Plus, Ben’s job is a source of stress, as a leak seems to be spilling into the papers, there. James is heartsick for all the Ben has lost, but joyous that he can love his man openly.

There are many bumps in this road, and not all of them are relationship based. James’ sister, Princess Amelia, is unwell, and has been since their parents died. Her self-harm is at the crisis stage, and James knows that once his “reign” ends, he’ll have no power to get her the psychiatric help she needs; the rest of their family would never institutionalize her for fear of the scandal. And, Richard’s been very chatty with the Archbishop regarding the impossibility of an openly gay man becoming the Governor of the Church of England, as James will, when his grandfather dies and he continues in succession. A grand objection from the church would nullify James’ coronation, and he’d not fight for the crown, if it came to that.

Beyond the political, the love story is one that simmers and boils. There are many questions for each man to face, and it’s new to each of them. Neither has had a stable adult relationship before, and they are terrifyingly in love, but is it enough to overcome all the stumbling blocks? Ben is an intensely private man, and he’s being plastered all over the tabloids. He’s fiercely independent, and the security needs relegate him to giving up his flat and essentially moving in with James. His job? Oh man, that’s the worst part.

So, it’s an HEA, but in a very realistic way. Life does not go back to “normal” as it cannot, but there are new expectations of normal, and new paths to forge, together. Ben must adapt to life in the spotlight, at least for now, and he gets assistance from some unlikely partners. I really liked how that part worked, because I wanted to see a bridge built between Ben and James’ friends. There is so much bittersweet going on, but the undercurrent of honest love and affection is the most delicious bit. The Epilogue sweeps up nicely all the leftover bits, and helps the reader know that this is a real and true happiness that lasts, not simply the giddiness of first love. No, we can expect that James and Ben make a life together.

The whole pomp and circumstance of the Royals is not really my thing, but this book gave it more than just a fantasy role. It’s hard work, and constant pressure, and a whole lot of protocol that keeps it all in order. While I hadn’t much interest previously, I definitely gained a larger appreciation for the institution and I surely loved James for all his selflessness in executing his duties. Ben did, too, and was a giant support when James needed him. Their tenderness was so beautiful, but their sexytimes were tons of fun, too.

Interested? You can find HIS ROYAL FAVORITE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

About the Author:

Lilah Pace is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author, so she can’t give away too much about herself here, but she has lived everywhere from Italy to the United Kingdom before putting down roots in the American South.

She’s addicted to Diet Coke, loves her dog, and daydreams about several British movie stars (though usually no more than two at a time).

And while it took her a long while to get up the courage to write books, now she hopes she’ll never stop.

Catch up with Lilah online on her website, twitter, and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

 

 

Figuring It Out Without BURNING TRACKS–Review and Giveaway!

BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m excited to share a review and giveaway for a contemporary lesbian love story from Lilah Suzanne. BURNING TRACKS is the second book in a series and probably best enjoyed after reading BROKEN RECORDS. This story centers on a young, married stylist, who’s not sure she’s ready for motherhood, and is tempted by a sexy client.

Catch a bonus interview, an excerpt, and enter the $25 GC and ebook giveaway, below.

Burning Tracks 900px FRONT (Tumblr)About the book:
In the sequel to Broken Records, Gwen Pasternak has it all: a job she loves as a celebrity stylist and a beautiful wife, Flora. But as her excitement in working with country music superstar Clementine Campbell grows, Gwen second-guesses her quiet domestic bliss. Meanwhile, her business partner, Nico Takahashi and his partner, reformed bad-boy musician Grady Dawson, face uncertainties of their own.

How about a taste?

“There’s a reason you two aren’t allowed to hang out alone.” Arms crossed, one impeccable eyebrow raised, lips twisted, hair artfully tousled, and dressed to the nines: Alexander Wang black-on-black tropical-printed board shorts, a slim fit black-and-white chino and matching black lapel jacket, black boots, and a black and white scarf to tie it all together. “Nico,” Gwen says.

“Nico?” Grady is up in a flash. “You came?”

Nico’s face softens into his Grady look. “Of course I came. Did you really think you were getting rid of me that easily?” Grady comes closer, and Nico brushes a spiraled lock of hair from his face. “I’m sorry it took me so long. There were storms over Dallas, and I got stuck on the tarmac with a dead phone. I barely made my connection, and the clusterfuck of morons known as the United gate at JFK could not get its shit together, and I may be banned outright from Charlotte-Douglas International, can you believe they flag you as a security risk and hold you in a room with no phone signal or Wi-Fi just for threatening one person with shoving that goddam intercom up their—” He opens his arms for Grady; his look of annoyance slips away the moment they touch. “Anyway, I’m here.”

Grady sighs, crowds into Nico’s space, and tucks himself into Nico’s body. Much better, a perfect fit. “God, I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Nico sinks one hand into his hair, strokes the nape of his neck with other, breathes him in, and closes his eyes. “I’m so sorry. About the apartment and taking off and not being here yesterday, I tried to so hard to make it because I know how difficult it is for you. You shouldn’t have been alone.”

Grady sniffs and holds him tighter. “It’s okay. We’re okay. I’m sorry, too.”

Still ensnared in the sheets and duvet and barely awake, Gwen presses her hands to her cheeks and awws. “You guys,” she coos.

Grady lifts his head from Nico’s neck to smile at Gwen. “I wasn’t alone, though.”

“Mmm” Nico says. “And how much trouble did she get you into?”

“None,” Gwen says, defensive. Here she kept Grady safe and sound, searched all over Nashville and Las Vegas while he was off burying himself in work and what thanks does she get? None.

But then Grady smirks and says, “Kind of a lot.”

“Grady.” Gwen throws a pillow at him. “You’re such a tattletale, gosh.”

He bends to whisper something in Nico’s ear, and Gwen doesn’t miss the way his lips drag and linger on the shell of it, or the way Nico’s breath catches and his eyes roll back. When Nico lifts Grady’s shirt and traces around the tattoos with reverent fingers, Gwen takes that as her cue to extricate herself from the bed, put on some pants and a bra, and go fetch her luggage.

“‘Kay you guys have fun and make sure to change the sheets when you’re finished.”

“Wait.” Nico tugs Grady’s shirt down. Then he goes to the case he always has nearby. “You have trouble of your own, Gwen. Thought you might want to know about this.”

Gwen catches the magazine and folded-up papers he tosses her way: screen grabs from a few entertainment websites printed out in black and white.

Is This Clementine Campbell’s Girlfriend? Our source says, “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Clementine and Gal Pal Definitely More Than Pals Sunning On Vegas Pool Deck.

Our exclusive source and close confidant of both says: Clementine’s married girlfriend “would cheat for sure. She was always touching her. There’s been an energy between them from the very beginning.”

There are pictures: her rubbing sunscreen on Clementine’s bare back, which looks far steamier in a fuzzy long-range picture than it actually was; a picture of them from the back at the store in the Venetian with their hands clasped and Clementine curled in close and her lips on Gwen’s cheek; and most damning of all, grinding together at the VIP club at the Bellagio just last night.

“I don’t—” Frantic and confused, she flaps the magazine and printouts in the air. “What is this? This isn’t— Nico, I didn’t, I swear.”

Nico holds both hands up. “Hey, I am well aware of the slander of tabloids. I get it.” He gives her a sympathetic look. “I’m just not sure Flora is going to.”

Some thoughts on writing from Author Lilah Suzanne:

Tell us something no one else knows about your characters.
Gwen thinks that Flora’s group of teacher friends is nice, but a little boring. And that’s okay, Flora has plenty of fun with book club and wine and cheese nights no matter what Gwen thinks, but sometimes Flora and her friends will go to a burlesque show. Sometimes Flora’s teacher friends will join in. Teachers aren’t always boring.

Have you ever had writer’s block? How did you overcome it?
I do, often, but now I try to identify what’s blocking me instead of giving up and deciding the story just isn’t meant to be: Does the chapter need to go in a different direction? Do I need to let an idea sit for a while? Am I insecure about the story and letting that discourage me? Am I too worried about other’s expectations and letting that discourage me? There’s almost always a good reason for writer’s block that isn’t “I’m terrible and everything I do is terrible.” Almost always.

What book you’ve written would you like to see made into a movie?
Well, I happen to think this series would make an excellent movie. Or a television series.

Do you work on an outline or plot or just let the story takes you where it wants to go?
I do both. I outline but not in detail. I need to know where I’m going and what happens next, the basic story arcs, but otherwise I let the plot and characters flesh out as I go.

Always nice to get some insights on how authors approach their work!

My Review:
This is an interesting and complicated love story for a married couple that may be having some problems…and how it all gets back on “track.”

Gwen is a stylist living in Nashville with her wife, Flora. They’ve had some bumps in their road, but have been together for ten years. Newly settled in a nice house and neighborhood, Flora is ready for a baby. And Gwen isn’t, exactly. She wants Flora to be happy, and loves her wife, but she’s scared, and afraid to talk about it, in case it upsets Flora.

Meanwhile, her business partner, Nico and his partner country music singer Grady, are having trouble. Grady wants a big commitment, and Nico’s a little nervous. He style Grady, and Grady’s best friend, Clementine. If things go bad, then Nico and Gwen are in big financial trouble. Plus, the culture shock of staid Nashville compared to wild Hollywood is a difficult transition for both Gwen and Nico to make. As Nico and Grady struggle, Gwen has to step up her work hours, something that Flora understands, but doesn’t always accept. It’ll be way harder to be flexible once they have a child. For a woman who’s been a huge disappointment to her parents, Gwen is sure to also disappoint Flora, right?

And, it’s sure not easy for Gwen to keep her focus when gorgeous, driven, and talented Clementine seems to be making moves on her. They spend a lot of time together, as Nico steps away to clear his head, and Gwen takes on the responsibility of dressing both Grady and Clem for their events–and tracking down manic Grady to prevent him falling off the wagon. Meanwhile, Flora. The baby that may come. Their lives seemingly stalled.

Just want to say this one ended up being really emotional, without being angsty. Most of the story is told from Gwen’s POV in the present, but there are several chapters from Flora’s POV that detail periods of their lives together, in the past. How they met, fell in love, and filled one another’s lives. Instead of cutting the tension, these sweet recollections raise the stakes when we experience Gwen in the moment with both Flora and Clementine. No one wants to watch a love die, and that includes Gwen. She’s got a ton of insecurities, due to her non-relationships with her parents, and always feels that she’ll fall short at being a good wife and mother. Clem’s interest is tantalizing, and scary. It’s nothing like Flora’s patient and constant affection.

For people who hate cheaters in stories, I’ll go so far as to say: you won’t be riled. Gwen learns the real truth of her life, and makes it all work in a way that only settled, married people can. There’s a bit of heartbreak, but it’s not due to romantic difficulties. There’s a lot of sweet moments, and I was glad that Nico and Grady seemed to hash out their confusion. The end is totally HEA-swoony and give a sense of closure on the series, though I imagine we’ll see more books. And, that’s a good thing. Expect lots and lots of sexytimes for Gwen and Flora, and I liked that bunches. Even though lesbian fiction isn’t in my wheelhouse, I was fully able to connect with the characters and their passion.

Interested? You can find BURNING TRACKS on Goodreads, Interlude Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link below for your chance to win a $25 Interlude Press gift card or one of FIVE ebooks.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Lilah Suzanne has been writing actively since the sixth grade, when a literary magazine published her essay about an uncle who lost his life to AIDS. A freelance writer, she has also authored a children’s book and has a devoted following in the fan fiction community. She is also the author of Interlude Press books Spice, Pivot and Slip, and Broken Records, which was named a Top Pick by RT Book Reviews Magazine.

Find Lilah online on her website, Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

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Tough Times Finding ONE DOM TO LOVE–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary BDSM novel from the writing team of Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, and Isabella LaPearl. ONE DOM TO LOVE is the first in a four book menage series, and I’m catching up so I’m ready when the next book drops in September.

One Dom to Love (The Doms of Her Life, #1)About the book:

Raine Kendall has been in love with her boss, Macen Hammerman, for years. Determined to make the man notice that she’s a grown woman with desires and needs, she pours out her heart and offers her body to him—only to be crushingly rejected. But when his friend, very single, very sexy Liam O’Neill watches the other Dom refuse to act on his obvious feelings for Raine, he resolves to step in and do whatever it takes to help Hammer find happiness again, even rousing his friend’s possessive instincts by making the girl a proposition too tempting to refuse. But he never imagines that he’ll end up falling for her himself.

Hammer has buried his lust for Raine for years. After rescuing the budding runaway from an alley behind his exclusive BDSM Dungeon, he has come to covet the pretty submissive. But tragedy has taught him that he can never be what she needs. So he watches over her while struggling to keep his distance. Liam’s crafty plan blindsides Hammer, especially when he sees how determined his friend is to possess Raine for his own. Hammer isn’t ready to give the lovely submissive over to any other Dom, but can he heal from his past and fight for her? Or will he lose Raine if she truly gives herself—heart, body, and soul—to Liam?

My Review:

Raine was an abused child, the last to leave home when she ran away at age 17, six years ago. She was discovered by Macen Hammerman, also known as Master Hammer, lurking in the alley outside his home/Dungeon. He took her in, got her medical attention, paid for her college education and keeps her as a general purpose employee. He’s mad for her, but won’t touch her–or let anyone else do that–because he’s afraid his true desires, to have her enter a Master/slave 24/7 domination contract, break her–just like he experienced with his late wife.

Master Liam is Hammer’s best friend. They have been close since they shared Hammer’s wife in a menage, but that was before Juliet killed herself eight years ago. Now struggling with his own ex-wife’s infidelity, Liam has joined Hammer’s dungeon. He’s attracted to Raine, and confused by Hammer’s hands-off edict. Liam sees that Raine suffers with lack of direction, and lack of affection. And, also, that Raine’s fed up with Hammer ignoring her blatant admiration.

Because Hammer won’t move without a shove, Liam decides to offer to train Raine, and in the interim, her acting out causes Hammer to require her punishment. It’s a heartbreaking moment, but Liam’s the savior Raine’s long-since gave up wanting. Not that anything is simple. Nope. Hammer wants what he now can’t have. And, while Liam wanted to provoke Hammer’s jealous streak, he’s finding himself quite smitten with Raine. Raine’s torn, between the man she’s loved for six years, and the man who seems to want to build a future with her.

While there’s lots of sexy in this one, not all of it is sexy. I wanted to smash Hammer’s nose, at least three times, and felt myself nearly submitting to Liam’s deft charms. Oh, that thick Irish brogue was delicious, too, if only in my mind. The scene is set for a love triangle to best all others, and path that clearly leads to healing via menage for Liam and Hammer. I liked Raine, and Liam lots, and I’m excited to see how their training goes, especially as Hammer’s got plans to thwart it.

Interested? You can find ONE DOM TO LOVE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

About the Authors:

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold well over a million copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

You can find Shayla on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her Alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls and heal their scars to find their happily-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, Jenna’s books will surely leave you breathless and craving more.

A mom of four grown children, Jenna and her Alpha-Hunk husband live in Kansas. Jenna loves books, Harleys, music, and camping. Jenna’s zany sense of humor and lack of filter exemplify her motto: Live. Laugh. Love.

Meet the wild and wicked family in her sultry series: The Doms of Genesis. Or become spellbound by the searing love connection between Raine, Hammer, and Liam in her continuing saga: The Doms of Her Life (co-written with the amazing Shayla Black and Isabella La Pearl). Journey with couples struggling to resolve their pasts to discover unbridled love and devotion in Jenna’s new contemporary series: Passionate Hearts.

Find Jenna online on her website, Facebook and twitter.

Find Isabella on Facebook, and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Galactic Battles at the FLASHPOINT-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a brand new space opera/sci-fi adventure by a brand new author, Adam Quinn. If you’ve liked sagas like Star Wars and Star Trek, you might could be interested in FLASHPOINT.

Flashpoint (Book One of the Drive Maker Trilogy)About the book:
Guilt-ridden over her role in the cataclysmic Order War, Taylor Ghatzi decided to retire from galactic politics and dedicate her life to the Emergency Service—until a deadly terror attack strikes her home world, and she may be the only one able to unravel the mystery behind it.

Meanwhile, Cherran DeGuavra, the son of the most important statesman in the past century, gave up on trying to reunite the galaxy frayed by his late father’s greatest mistake, but now must call upon all of his diplomatic powers to prevent it from tearing itself even further apart.

With the galaxy’s powers on a war footing and their own government obstructing them, Taylor and Cherran may need to start a fight to prevent one.

My Review:
This is the first book in a sci-fi space opera trilogy and is an excellent first book by a young author.

The galaxy is still healing from the Order War which claimed billions of lives in the quest for freedom from the repressive Galactic Government. Ten years ago marked the final battle, and General Taylor Ghatzi, a powerful telekinetic female humanoid, was on the front line at the point of the Pyrrhic victory. It’s where Taylor lost her friend and partner, Prince Steve.

Now, the galaxy is splintered into several factions, some systems under better (Meltian Empire) rule while others were in worse (Kaleknarian Empire) control. On Icarus Day, the annual remembrance of the final Order War battle, Admiral Ghatzi is caught is a deadly battle with fire-throwing telekinetics (aka Firestormers) from a rebel organization calling itself the Alliance. She’s able to save many, due to her quick thinking and quicker reflexes, including Hezekiah, her second in command. Hezekiah is a man she might find some solace with, if she wasn’t his commander, and if he doesn’t get killed first. Hashing out the goals and leadership of the Alliance is as high on Taylor’s list of priorities as is preventing any movement that could tip the precarious galactic power structure into war.

Cherran DeGuavra is a Meltian diplomat charged with filling his father’s large, and powerful, shoes in keeping the balance of peace in the galaxy. He’s all about the appearance of calm, knowing that a single misstep could be seen as aggression in PanGal, the loose association of ambassadors from all the empires. That the Kaleknarians have aggressively occupied Tracsion, the only system planet that mines flip-drive powering tracsionite, is a move toward war. Cherran also believes the Meltian government is not as cohesive as the president would like–specifically Ryan Harrison, chair of the Defense branch, seems to have far too many secrets, and some odd over-reaching goals, for a peacetime commander. That Harrison wants to send a powerful contingent of warships to liberate Tracsion, as well as take out colluders to the Icarus Day attackers–the small rebel Jacobian organization–is also suspect, especially for Admiral Ghatzi. She believes Harrison may be protecting the very people behind the attack, using his political will to take out rival organizations.

The stage is set for battle and it’s up to Taylor to navigate the frontlines with caution, and competence, while Cherran works his diplomatic magic–both endeavoring to maintain the peace, free the oppressed, and figure out Harrison’s angle. It’s a tense book, with several battles and skirmishes spanning what amounts to roughly two weeks’ time. Through the dual POV, Taylor and Cherran, we get both the political and the tactical sides of the experience, and there’s a tiny dash of romance–Taylor definitely has feelings for Hezekiah, which seem to be reciprocated. I expect the next book will explore this relationship as it develops from genial commander-subordinate to a more equality-type romantic one. I liked the action and the adventure of this galaxy, and the creativity of the many factions. The political intrigue was also good, but a little harder for me to follow with Cherran’s POV, compared to the investigation being run by Taylor and her commander. It think this is an inherent problem with the shell-game that is politics, than with the author’s skill, however. It’s always a tough piece to write, and to understand, when the characters can’t see the full picture due to elaborate subterfuge by the main antagonist, in this case Harrison.

Still, I really enjoyed the book. I’m a fan of adventure sagas, and this one’s definitely headed in a great direction, with Harrison’s main objective still a bit murky, and Taylor, Hezekiah, Cherran and others keeping very close tabs on him. It’s unclear if Harrison’s a mastermind, bent on ultimate galactic control, or a puppet whose nefarious projects have taken on their own new and dangerous roles. There are so many characters, it’s a little hard to track everything, but I found the pace to be good, with little down-time. The goals are always for peace, even if some battle is necessary to achieve it. Taylor’s battle scars are not only physical, she still suffers nightmares of her time in the War; and her growing affection for Hezekiah is scary–she doesn’t want to lose another lover, like she did with Steve. It’s endearing. I’m anxious to see how all of this plays out in the coming books. A great first book in a series, and one I’ll continue to follow, for sure.

Interested? You can find FLASHPOINT on Goodreads and it’s on sale at Amazon for $.99.

About the Author:
Adam Quinn is a Chicago-based author of science fiction and space opera. When he’s not writing about the technology of the future, he’s studying engineering so that one day he can help create it.

Looking for more of Adam’s work? Check out his Facebook page, or his website to learn about all his current work, and subscribe to his newsletter to make sure you’re the first to know about new releases.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Getting Caught in RED DIRT HEART–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a book that I’ve held off reading far too long. RED DIRT HEART is a contemporary M/M romance series from N. R. Walker, and I’ve owned all four volumes for *shockingly* more than a year, yet never cracked it once. AND I KNOW IT’S GOOD. I’ve seen the reviews. I just never got around to it…until now.

Red Dirt Heart (Red Dirt, #1)About the book:
Welcome to Sutton Station: One of the world’s largest working farms in the middle of Australia – where if the animals and heat don’t kill you first, your heart just might.

Charlie Sutton runs Sutton Station the only way he knows how; the way his father did before him. Determined to keep his head down and his heart in check, Charlie swears the red dirt that surrounds him – isolates him – runs through his veins.

American agronomy student Travis Craig arrives at Sutton Station to see how farmers make a living from one of the harshest environments on earth. But it’s not the barren, brutal and totally beautiful landscapes that capture him so completely, it’s the man with the red dirt heart.

Please note: This book is set in Australia, using Australian English and lingo.

My Review:
I’m embarrassed I’ve held onto this book so long and not read it. Life got in my may it seems. That said, Book 1 of this series is so lovely I jumped straight into the sequel. I’d honestly binge-read them all if my life wasn’t intruding on my reading.

So…Charlie Sutton is a 26 y/o cattle farmer operating Sutton Station in the middle of Autralia’s Outback ever since his father died three years prior. He had a real clash with his homophobic father, and planned to never return to his birthright. The brutal landscape is host to red dirt, extreme heat, and flash flooding. Charlie’s a closeted gay man, certain he’ll spend his life alone and celibate. Though his station (think: ranch) is enormous, it’s also hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town. No opportunities to meet a man to pique his interest. Plus, who would choose to live in such isolation? He has some dedicated hands on the station, but they’re staff. His own mother left when he was a small child.

Travis Craig is not your typical Texas cowboy. He’s booked a four-week stay at Sutton Station to study the harsh farming environment of Australia, and he’s rarin’ to go. Also, he’s 23 y/o, and gorgeous. Charlie’s mortified at how attractive he finds his new (temporary) employee. He’s so overwrought about it, he starts treating Travis kinda badly–until Travis gets right into his face and lets Charlie know that his interest is not only noted, it’s reciprocated. They begin a completely-on-the-down-low tryst, and it’s so bittersweet. Charlie’s falling hard for Travis, and saving up every single memory knowing that they only have a few weeks to share. Well, unless Travis gets his way, that is.

It’s a beautiful romance with an HEA that’s spectacular. Like I said, I jumped right into the second book, and–schedule willing–I’ll finish the whole series in the next couple of weeks. If you’ve been wondering if you should to dive into this series, the answer is heck yeah. It brought me back to my Thorn Birds love affair, only because the setting is so lush it’s almost another character. Plenty of lovin’ going on here, too. I loved how Charlie found such a great connection with Travis, and began to allow himself to live again.

Interested? You can find RED DIRT HEART (Book 1) on Goodreads, Amazon ($.99!), Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

About the author:
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal. She’s been writing ever since…

Find Ms. Walker online on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Their Experience Was STAGED–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m really excited to share a review for a new alternate universe M/M romance from Kim Fielding. You already know I enjoyed A SECOND HARVEST and LOVE CAN’T CONQUER, but STAGED is something altogether different. It’s a new episode in the Belonging ‘Verse series offered by Riptide Publishing, and it’s a really unique story setting. All the stories take place in a world very much like ours, except slavery was never outlawed…

Staged (Belonging, #3)About the book:
Once the second-prize winner on My Slave’s Got Talent, Sky Blue has spent the past few years singing at a failing New York nightclub. While Sky has never had control over his fate, his life seems to take a turn for the worse when he’s torn from the familiar comfort of performing and sold to a rich and enigmatic man.

Morgan Wallace takes his newly purchased slave to San Francisco, his intentions unclear. On the one hand, he treats Sky with more kindness than Sky has ever known—treats him like a real person. On the other hand, he shares Sky at parties hosted by his sadistic new friends.

A confused slave is an endangered slave, and Sky isn’t even sure of his master’s real name. Is he Morgan Wallace, wealthy and cruel, or Mackenzie Webster, caring and compassionate? Caught between hope, fear, and an undeniably growing attachment, Sky struggles to untangle which parts are real and which are merely a performance. His future, his heart, and even his life may depend on it.

Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: dubious consent, explicit violence and non-consent.

My Review:
This book is the third set in the “Belonging ‘Verse” series that explores an alternate world where slavery was never abolished, and is set in current times. It is a stand alone read.

The book has these warnings: dubious consent, explicit violence, and non-consent. You need to understand that this is a fictional slave society. Slaves are not allowed to refuse any task or action desired by any master, even ones not their own. This book contains rapes and horrific beatings of slaves, including the MC, Sky Blue.

Sky Blue is a slave, born from a slave in a whorehouse, though his father was a well-known freeman singer. He was sold at age 8 to a music producer. He later took second in a slave singing competition, and toured the world with the all-slave band 2Nyte. These days he sings in a rundown club, and he knows his days are numbered there. He’s not surprised when he’s sold to a slave trader, and he’s fretful, awaiting purchase in a filthy warehouse where he’s caged all day and night. Then he’s bought.

Morgan Wallace seems wealthy and kind, at first, but he’s never handled a slave before. Sky is anxious for direction, and has no idea what to do with himself. He travels from NYC to San Francisco and there he learns the worst of his new experience. He and Morgan make the rounds at all-male, private, BDSM parties. Which are horrifying. Truly. Not only are the slaves there mistreated, they are disfigured and raped for the dubious enjoyment of their masters. These are freemen who take great pleasure in breaking the toys of their fellows.

Morgan seems genuinely apologetic and torn regarding his employment of Sky at these parties. He seemingly takes no pleasure in it, and spends days tending Sky’s wounds in the aftermath. He buys Sky all sorts of gifts, and it’s utterly confusing to Sky. Why? Why torture? Why make amends? Can none of these people see him as human? The answer to that is: NO. Sky challenges Morgan’s beliefs regarding the intellect of slaves, but Morgan’s in a position where he can’t stop his association with the horrible cretins, and manumission (freeing of a slave) is not allowable–unlawful–in any case. That said, he has a genuine affection for Sky. Sky’s also perversely attracted to Morgan–and often takes the upper hand in their private, intimate activities. Sky’s never had a home, only a place to stay where he was communally housed with other slaves. The apartment that he and Morgan share is the first place that feels uniquely home to him.

I don’t want to give away the big twist, but I will acknowledge that I expected it. Morgan’s activity is too shady, and his remorse too sincere. He’s clearly playing a dangerous game with Sky and his new BDSM associates, and he’s unable to pull out, even if it means hurting Sky more and more. Still, Morgan recognizes that Sky is as much a man as he is, and just as intelligent, debunking the indoctrinated fiction that slaves are somehow lesser beings, and unable to feel any sense of their position. This makes Morgan realize that his actions are all the more heinous.

I loved how Sky was so in touch with his humanity, and the limitations and injustice of his station. While there is absolutely a thriller/horrifying aspect to the book, the ending is truly tender and spectacular. Sky never imagined what his fate might be, but he made actual decisions–generally forbidden–that directed the course of his new life and happiness. When he had the opportunities to escape, he demonstrated, without any shadow of doubt, his humanity and commitment to Morgan. It was really so sweet, and I was happily rewarded by bearing witness to Sky’s HEA.

Writing a book from a slave’s perspective is never easy, I imagine. This whole alternate universe is a statement about control, and the lack of it. It allows deep investigation of the darker side of humanity, perspectives that linger malevolently on the side of our current experience, but have never really faded: entitlement, prejudice, absolute power, exploitation, and the like. It’s not a pretty picture–and surely exists on the fringe of society today. By internalizing these stories, readers are able to gain a new empathy for those who don’t have any real power over their destiny or livelihood. I enjoyed the previous two books in this series for that same reason. That said, none of the books are upbeat or happy, though they do end with an HEA, as well. There are no actual repercussions for owners who abuse their slaves, while there are many torments to which a slave can be subject, not the least of which is being sold off to work in dangerous mines. There is a small movement to abolish slavery, but it is still in its infancy.

You are warned in the blurbs–non-consent, violence and dark themes within. Let the reader be wary.

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

About the Author:
venicebigKim Fielding is the bestselling, award-winning author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

After having migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States, Kim calls the boring part of California home. She lives there with her husband, her two daughters, and her day job as a university professor, but escapes as often as possible via car, train, plane, or boat. This may explain why her characters often seem to be in transit as well. She dreams of traveling and writing full-time.

Catch up to Kim on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

FOOL ME ONCE into Sexy Times–Excerpt and Review

FOOL ME ONCE BOOK TOUR
Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new contemporary romance from Katee Robert. FOOL ME ONCE is a fun and feisty romance between an agoraphobic gamer-girl and a rich-boy-turned-cowboy. I liked it!

fool me onceAbout the book:
Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

How about a sexy taste?

She pinched the bridge of her nose. “If I say you’re right, am I ever going to live it down?”

He didn’t answer, and she opened her eyes. Their reflection was slightly distorted in the passenger window, but even she could see he had a seriously tense look on his face. She belatedly realized that they were pressed together, her back to his front, and that he was…

Oh my God. She couldn’t resist leaning back into him, just a little. Yep, that’s not a micro penis. A shiver worked its way through her, leaving goose bumps in its wake, and her nipples perked right up, showing through the thin fabric of her T-shirt. There was no way he didn’t feel her reaction, not with his arm creating a band across her ribs, his forearm against the underside of her breasts.

Even as she noticed, he started to release her, his hand sliding over her stomach, but he stopped when he hit her hip, his pinkie finger dipping below the waistband of her shorts, just a little. It wasn’t anywhere near anything vital, but that little intrusion made her moan all the same.

“Fuck.” The word was barely audible, but she felt it in the way his body tensed behind her.

She shivered again, torn between telling him to back off and getting the top button of her jeans all undone for him. If she didn’t make a decision—and fast—he was going to back off again. It was written all over the tension she could feel emanating from his body.

Aubry started to reach for his hand, still undecided on whether she wanted to encourage or threaten him, but he moved, bending down to brace one hand on the truck in front of them, the other still on her hip. The move brought his mouth against her ear, and his harsh exhale made her shake.

She arched against him. She couldn’t help it. Her body took over, a primal part of her knowing he could give her all the pleasure she could handle, and was only too happy to extend an invitation by rubbing her ass against his hard length.

His grip on her hip tightened, but he didn’t try to stop her. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

She knew. They had to stop for so many reasons, the least of which was that they were on the side of a freaking highway and it was only a matter of time before a car drove past.

But she didn’t want to stop.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, but can be enjoyed on its own.

Aubry Kaiser is a reclusive gamer woman, who’s had a hard life. She made the best of it by playing videogames, notably Deathmatch, and getting a degree in computer programming. As an adult, she struggles to connect with humans, and has one close friend, Jules. Aubry receives an exclusive invitation to play a beta-version of the newest Deathmatch, at the DeathCon conference. If only she didn’t have crippling social anxiety. Or a giant bodyguard who’d make sure she arrived safely and was approached by no one.

Quinn Baldwyn is a rich boy turned cowboy. His oil baron parents have long-eschewed his reluctance to join their blue blood world, and have attempted to make him thoroughly miserable. His little sister, Jenny, is due to be married in two weeks–and he doesn’t want to go because he knows his folks will harass him into conflict. If only he had a date specializing in salty repartee who’d keep the family claws at bay…

Okay, so Jules totally hooks prickly Aubry into taking placid Quinn to DeathCon and Quinn into taking Aubry to the wedding on an extended road trip. She doesn’t push them to make things physical. Nope. That all started on a lonely highway to San Diego with a car breakdown. It’s so steamy, you might need a towel to wipe off your e-reader screen. Aubry and Quinn aren’t soul mates, but they are attracted by their verbal sparring. Usually Aubry’s acid wit sends men on the run, but Quinn turns all her jabs into parleys. It’s rather fun and certainly entertaining.

I liked the slow reveal of their building feelings. As they spend more and more time buried within each other, both Quinn and Aubry recognize they have excellent chemistry–it’s not enough for them to risk Jules discovering their attraction once they return from their extended road trip, however…at first. Determined, Quinn–with some seriously sexy moves–is able to convince Aubry they should give it a try.  And, then his family pretty much spoils everything. For a time.

There’s an HEA here that’s really super cute. I don’t want to reveal much, because it’s so unique and I hate to spoil. Rest assured, Quinn and Aubry are on the exact same page with each other by the end, despite their initial differences. It’s a quick, fun read that really entertained.

Interested? You can find FOOL ME ONCE on Goodreads, Amazon (US and UK) Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.

About the Author:
New York Times & USA TODAY Bestselling Author Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Catch up with Katee online on her website, Facebook, Twitter , Pinterest, Instagram , and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Getting Healthy UNDER MY SKIN–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary YA romance from Laura Diamond. UNDER MY SKIN brings together two teens who are survivors of loss–a heart transplant recipient and the twin sister of the heart donor. It’s interesting, but has flaws.

Under My SkinAbout the book:

Bookish Brit Adam Gibson is one wonky heartbeat away from a fatal arrhythmia. But staying alive requires Adam to become keenly focused on both his pulse and the many different daily medications he must take in exactly the right dosages. Adam’s torn between wanting to live and knowing that someone else must die in order for him to do so. He needs a new heart.

The pressure is getting to him. Adam stops talking to his friends back home, refuses to meet kids at his new school, and shuts his parents out entirely. His days are spent wondering if can cope with having a dead man’s heart beating inside his chest, or if he should surrender to the thoughts of suicide swirling around in his head.

And then a donor is found…

Outspoken artist Darby Fox rarely lets anything stand in her way of achieving her goals . Whether it’s painting, ignoring her homework (dyslexia makes a mess out of words anyway), kissing a hot boy she doesn’t even know, or taking the head cheerleader down a peg , no one has ever accused Darby of being a shy. She also happens to be the twin sister to a perfect brother with good looks, good grades, manners, and the approval of their parents – something Darby has never had.

Darby’s always had bad timing . She picks the worst time to argue with her brother Daniel. In a car with bald tires, on an icy road in the freezing cold, the unthinkable happens. In a split-second, everything changes forever.

My Review:

3 Stars for this contemporary YA romance.

Adam is a 16 y/o Londoner living in New York. His family had relocated to the US because Adam has an unspecified heart condition that is worsening to the point that he’s too sick in general, but not sick enough to be prioritized on the heart transplant list. He lives in some upstate NY town that has a really great heart transplant team…wherever that is. Adam is severely conflicted about his condition. He sees the struggles his parents are enduring, and hates witnessing their suffering on his behalf. As his heart function precipitously declines and he’s hospitalized, he has no faith that he’ll receive a donor heart in time, and wonders if he even deserves to get one. He’s just a kid, and has no outstanding qualities. His manipulative counselor, Dr. Shaw, believes Adam is depressed, and strongly hints that he’s suicidal. It’s borderline abusive, and I had serious problems with Dr. Shaw’s ethics and actions throughout the book.

Daniel and Darby Fox are fraternal twins. While Darby is a talented artist, she struggles with school due to severe dyslexia. She’s also an impulse free spirit. Daniel is a stellar student and champion athlete. Darby feels their parents favor Daniel in everything, though she dearly loves Daniel. He’s a great guy. The blurb already tells readers that Daniel dies and Adam gets his heart. It’s really sad. I agree.

Adam and Darby meet in the hospital and hit it off. Darby was severely injured in the car wreck that killed Daniel. Adam is currently recovering from his transplant. Neither really wants to discuss their medical issues–Adam is still conflicted, and not sure how to handle the physical issues he’s now experiencing. A racing heart was a sign of trouble–now he’s being tested with all sorts of exercise, and he’s getting panic attacks. Dr. Shaw’s manipulating him, and her new medications for his depression and anxiety are freaking him out. He can’t discuss his fears with his parents, as they think he’s as suicidal and Dr. Shaw says. Darby is a breath of fresh air, but Dr. Shaw does some completely unethical things that keep them apart.

I think I’d have liked this story a whole lot more without Dr. Shaw. As a person who has worked in the medical field a long time, I understand that the machinations in this book would be enough to get a physician severely reprimanded, if not have her license disciplined or revoked. It created a whole lot of unnecessary drama, in a story that was already rife with conflict and complications.

Both Darby and Adam are riddled with survivor’s guilt. They have long-term medical issues. They have parental issues. They have survived serious illness and injury. That’s a lot. Then, they meet a person who might make all their suffering fade, just a bit. And–instead of fostering connection and openness–the psychiatrist breaks anonymity, reveals her own inner traumas to teens, and prescribes medications that the patient has trouble taking. Oh, and she’s really, really antagonistic. I’ve been in therapy sessions. Never has the psychiatrist acted so rashly, brashly and foolishly as this caricature. I understand the author is a psychiatrist; if she was presented a case file of Dr. Shaw I wonder if she’d recommend her be sanctioned. I sure would, if she treated my son like Adam was treated.

The end is tied up too neatly. The only upside I found was Adam got a new therapist, and his parents were made to understand some small degree of the fallacies they’d been fed by Dr. Shaw. It seems like Darby and Adam will be getting along, perhaps having some romance. I wished I had had more of that story, and less of the freaky shrink completely messing Adam around.

Interested? You can find UNDER MY SKIN on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:

Laura Diamond is a board certified psychiatrist currently specializing in emergency psychiatry. She is also an author of all things young adult—both contemporary and paranormal. An avid fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and anything magical, she thrives on quirk, her lucid dreams, and coffee. When she’s not working or writing, she can be found sniffing books and drinking a latte at the bookstore or at home pondering renovations on her 225 year old fixer upper, all while obeying her feline overlords, of course.

You can find Laura on her website, Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Rocking Out A Broken Heart: SUMMERLYPSE–Review & Giveaway!

Summerlypse tour bannerHi there! I’m so excited to share a review and giveaway in support of a new, diverse YA romance from Gerardo Delgadillo. SUMMERLYPSE is a rollicking adventure, with a Texan boy losing his heart, and finding it all over again. In Mexico.

Be sure to enter to win a $20 GC below.

summerlypse coverAbout the book:

After his crush rejects him, seventeen-year-old Colton catches a plane to Mexico, hoping to forget all about girls. But a night out at a dance club crowded with long legs in miniskirts doesn’t help, especially when he meets the club’s beautiful DJ, Alex.

In awe of her mixing skills, Colton finds it hard to believe Alex is deaf. As they bond, she asks him to help her win a DJ contest behind her rich, estranged father’s back.

Colton’s not a wimp or anything, but millionaires with armed bodyguards are not his ideal vacation buddies. The only problem—if he helps her, he may fly back home in a body bag.

ADVANCED PRAISE
“Packed with unexpected twists and South-of-the-Border danger, Summerlypse grabbed my attention from the first enticing page. With a quirky writing style that offers both depth and entertainment, Summerlypse is an original, diverse story that will delight anyone looking for a unique spin on teen relationships.” –Anna L. Davis, Author of Open Source (Enhancement Series)

“SUMMERLYPSE by Gerardo Delgadillo is a great young adult story about two unlikely friends who team up hoping to win a summer DJ contest in Mexico. This book has a well-defined cast of complex characters with a thoughtful focus on the hearing-impaired. An entertaining read!” ~ K.S. Jones, award-winning author of Shadow of the Hawk

“SUMMERLYPSE is a great read.  The characters are real and well crafted, and the story kept me interested to the end.  I liked it. I recommend it.” — Rickard B DeMille, author ofTweet Revenge, Hellfire, Defending Daniel

My Review:
This is a very sweet YA contemporary romance that has an interesting and positive Hispanic setting and characterization.

It’s the end of junior year and Colton finally works up the nerve to ask out his crush, Miranda, only to learn that she’s not interested. At all. He’s crushed, and looking to lick his wounds, which is how he ends up on a flight to Mexico with his best friend, Martin–to stay with Abuelita for two weeks. Colton’s a blonde, blue-eyed lanky kid, who catches the eye of many a senorita, but he finds a real spark with DJ Alex, cousin to Martin’s girlfriend.

Alejandria isn’t like the girls Colton normally finds attractive. She’s thin, and petite, and dresses much like hoodie-wearing Colton, but he’s drawn to her. When he finds out that she was injured in a kidnapping gone wrong, which resulted in her deafness, he’s even more intrigued. Knowing that Alex’s father has tons of money scares Colton, especially when Alex’s bodyguards take him to meet her dad. See, Alex hates her father, his wealth, and lifestyle; she’s cut him out long ago, and won’t even accept his money to get cochlear implant surgery. Colton can help her win the Summerlypse DJ competition, and the prize money will get Alex the surgery–no help from her detested father needed.

It’s not simple. It’s, like, the opposite of simple, in fact. Colton’s drawn in to a world he can barely fathom, with gun-toting bodyguards, a threatening father, constant risk to reveal all his secrets, and one DJ that turns his volume to eleven. I liked Colton, though I sometimes felt as if his voice was muddled into that of a person who wasn’t a native English speaker. I loved how he embraced all of this strange and wondrous Mexican experience, having botched conversations in Spanish, braving the treacherous streets on foot and by car or bus. Looking for his happiness, even if it means turning down the many texts and emails from suddenly interested Miranda. Alex is The One, he’s maybe 80% sure, and he’s willing to do ANYTHING for her, which was absolutely charming. I loved that he attempted to mend the fracture between Alex and her father, even as her dad’s interference was a constant problem.

This is a fairly clean read, with minor language issues, and some underage alcohol use. The setting wasn’t quite fleshed out enough for me, though I appreciated the wide range of locales. Mexico is a big place; I wanted to know where we actually spent our time. The Summerlypse competition was cool, and I liked how Colton threw himself in head-first, to help out a virtual stranger. Their instant connection had all the thrills of infatuation, and was very sweet to experience. Expect a bit of kissing, and nothing more. While I liked Colton’s adventure a lot, I did struggle to connect to him, a bit–mostly due to his internal voice. He’s almost too fast and rambling, in his brain. That said, I loved the diversity of characters, and this cool peek at a teen’s eye in Mexico.

Interested? You can find SUMMERLYPSE on Goodreads, and it’s currently only $.99 on Amazon through Aug 14th.

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About the Author:
Gerardo Delgadillo lives in the Dallas metropolitan area with his wife and children and dogs and cats and the occasional rabbit. Originally from San Francisco and raised in Mexico, he loves to write about contemporary teens in distress in English and Español. So no magic, dragons, or unicorns.

Gerardo’s fun facts:
– At the tender age of sixteen, when giant lizards ruled the world, Gerardo was a DJ–turntables and all.
– Cloud computing is his area of expertise–just don’t ask him what cloud computing means.
– He loves football, the one played with the feet by footballers, La Liga from Spain being the best.

About his novels:
– His writing must be emotional, or else…
– He believes in the Oxford comma, but the Oxford comma doesn’t believe in him.
– Loves first person present tense POV.

Catch up with Gerardo on his website, Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram.

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