M/M Romance

Love In GRIF’S TOY–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for Joseph Lance Tonlet’s extraordinary contemporary M/M BDSM romance. This is a rough read–lot’s of loss and some serious orgasm denial/humiliation as part of the kink, but I LOVED it. (Totally an ADULT book.)

Grif's Toy (Tease and Denial, #1)About the Book:
Grif believes he’ll live his life as a virgin. After all, who would want him? How could anyone find him, a guy who came with less than man-sized equipment, worthy of their love?

What he hadn’t counted on were the two amazing men who would change his life. After entering college, he meets Tate, his fun-loving roommate. While years later, with Tate now just a memory, Wes, a handsome, rugged ex-marine who runs his own security firm enters his life.

Both men lead Grif through a twisted mesh of pleasure, pain, and denial, as they force him to see his value, despite his size and insecurities.

My Review:
4.5 Stars. I finished this and had to sit on the review. It is not a happy-happy book, nor does it have a lot of humor to offset the sincere emotional challenges.

Marcus “Grif” Griffin is a poorly-endowed man. He only recognized his “equipment” was substandard on his first day of junior high gym class when all the boys were naked in the shower and Grif’s stick didn’t measure up.

He is gay–he knows this from a young age–but he doesn’t know how to handle being so deficient. Luckily, Grif has a very understanding and accommodating father who ensures Grif is never in danger of being exposed.

The book shifts time frames almost by chapter, though the entire book is told from Grif’s POV. We can see that Grif is currently in a relationship, with a Dom-type man, Wes. At first, I hated Wes. I thought he was inordinately cruel to Grif, but, as I read on, I could see the development of Grif’s character dynamic. He has a humiliation kink, and Wes has a sadist streak that loves to exploit it.

We get snatches of Grif’s first sexual partner–Tate, his “straight” college roommate and bestest friend in the whole world–even if the sex is all one-sided. We learn about the deep bonds that Grif makes, first with Tate and then with Wes. The sex is not as steamy as other BDSM books, mainly because it is always tempered by humiliation and orgasm denial. As a reader I was totally in synch with Grif’s emotional landscape. When he was anxious about exposure, I was, too. I think that’s the mom in me, but I was thoroughly engaged–which, again, is why I hated Wes so much. All I wanted was for Wes to love and satisfy Grif–but what I didn’t get until, perhaps, the final third of the book was: he was. Wes thoroughly satisfied Grif, in every way Grif desired.

When the timeline flashed into Wes and Grif meeting, and how they took baby steps forward to the point where Grif was able to feel like a total man, not a disappointing or deficient one, I was ready to jump into Wes’ arms and smooch him all over his face.

These two are a really special couple.

Interested? You can find GRIF’S TOY on Goodreads, Amazon, AllRomance iTunes and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Joseph is a born and raised Southern Californian—with a twenty-year stint of living in the Midwest. He loves the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego and considers himself lucky to live where people dream of vacationing.

A lifelong reader of m/m fiction, he began his writing career one night sitting at his MacBook and has never looked back. He writes to bring the characters he dreams about to life.

You can find Joseph on his website, Facebook, twitter, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends.

They Shared A FORBIDDEN RUMSPRINGA–A Review

Hi there! Here’s a sub-genre I never thought I’d read: Gay Amish Romance. But, I’ve been a fan of Keira Andrews for a bit now and I thought I’d give it a go. WOW!!! FYI:  This is an adult read.
A Forbidden Rumspringa (Gay Amish Romance #1)

About the book:
When two young Amish men find love, will they risk losing everything?

In a world where every detail of life—down to the width of a hat brim—is dictated by God and the all-powerful rules of the community, two men dare to imagine a different way. At 18, Isaac Byler knows little outside the strict Amish settlement of Zebulon, Minnesota, where there is no rumspringa for exploration beyond the boundaries of their insular world. Isaac knows he’ll have to officially join the church and find a wife before too long, but he yearns for something else—something he can’t name.

Dark tragedy has left carpenter David Lantz alone to support his mother and sisters, and he can’t put off joining the church any longer. But when he takes on Isaac as an apprentice, their attraction grows amid the sweat and sawdust. David shares his sinful secrets, and he and Isaac struggle to reconcile their shocking desires with their commitment to faith, family and community.

Now that they’ve found each other, are they willing to lose it all?

Note: Contains explicit sexual situations and graphic language. This is not an inspirational/Christian romance.

My Review:
I never thought I could get so beat up by forbidden Amish love. As a kid I remember seeing WITNESS and being blown away with this quiet, idyllic life–or so I thought!

Issac is 18 and due to begin Church in his sheltered devout Amish community in Zebulon, Minnesota. He has lived here for the past seven years, ever since his sect had broken from a more “worldly” Amish community in Ohio. This community breach occurred because three Amish teens drowned while intoxicated in the period of rumspringa, a time of youthful experimentation (rebellion) in Amish communities that precedes adulthood and marriage. Rumspringa is forbidden in their new community.

In this new community, Issac’s family is less well-off. In Ohio they were allowed to have English jobs and sell their handicrafts openly. Their new locale is far more remote and restrictive. The families must subsist off the land by farming, and minimal sales of wares to tourists. Issac is unsure how to live in this life–he’s not interested in farming–and he also misses his older brother, Aaron, who ran away.

Isaac’s father arranges for Isaac to become an apprentice carpenter, to David a man the community is questioning. David is 22 and unwed. This is strange, and Isaac wonders why David, who is industrious and attractive, is unmarried. He also feels shame for finding David attractive–especially as David’s sister, Mary, makes no secret of her interest in Isaac. All of Isaac’s friends are beginning “dating”, and Isaac has no interest in the women of their community.

Working with David becomes a torture–Isaac is so incredibly, shamefully, aroused by David. The best/worst thing? It seems David reciprocates.

Okay, David TOTALLY reciprocates. And David has a secret life in the “English” world that Isaac never could have dreamed. Together, David and Issac find love, but is it meant to be? There is no homosexuality in the Amish community, and especially not in their even more restrictive sect. Their time together becomes a forbidden rumspringa, and the longer it continues, the more dangerous their feelings become. If they are caught, they will be shunned, leaving David’s widowed mother and five sisters without a provider. Isaac fears his family will also suffer, having two sons who are shunned.

Still, as David takes steps to begin a family life, Isaac realizes that he cannot stay in Zebulon. His heart is David’s and he can’t go on pretending that he’ll one day marry. Isaac finds the courage to make his future outside–and his love is soon rewarded.

This is, without question, an HEA. And the Amish life was so detailed and well-described, I could feel the constriction around my heart for Isaac and David. I had never imagined the Amish life would be so interesting, or complicated. Even Isaac’s siblings feels stifled in this new life. His younger brother, Ephraim, begins to strike out against the many rules of their world. Meanwhile, David’s family is under constant scrutiny–and yet he finds his path rightly. The end is quick and satisfying, with a sequel published and a third book in the offing.

Interested? You can find A FORBIDDEN RUMSPRINGA on Goodreads, All Romance, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Keira AndrewsAbout the Author:
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

You can catch up with Keira on her website, Facebook, twitter, and Goodreads.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

They Were CAUGHT ON CAMERA–Reviews! (And, a FREE book!)

Hi there! Today I’m sharing reviews for Lily Harlem’s scorching new M/M serial, CAUGHT ON CAMERA. This five-part romance is erotic and sensual, following a love affair that develops between two porn stars. THIS is an ADULT read.

About the Books:

When Reece Carter is caught on camera canoodling with hunky gardener Cade Davenport, a new, super-sexy opportunity presents itself that he just can’t walk away from.

Reece Carter is working hard and feeling the heat. It’s a scorching hot day and he’s slaving away indoors. But at least he has a nice view from the window—sexy gardener Cade Davenport—no job too big or too small—who is mowing the lawn minus his shirt.

Soon thirst overcomes Reece and he finds himself swimming, kissing and getting frisky in the hot tub with the super-confident, seize-the-moment Cade, whose wit, humour and cocky smile is irresistible.

What Reece doesn’t know is that the walls have ears and the trees have eyes. His every moan, gasp and erotic move is being recorded in fine and shocking detail.

But what does that mean? And what about the intriguing offer Cade puts to him? Shouldn’t he just punch his lights out for filming him without permission? And will Reece’s life ever be the same again after being caught on camera?

My Review:

This series follows two Brit men, Reece–a painter–and Cade–a gardener, as they embark on new careers as porn stars, together.  Reece never suspected what Cade was setting him up for, when Cade suggested a break from the work they were doing at the same country mansion.

Their illicit tryst in the pool/hot tub was a calculated maneuver, but the end result is…love.

Okay, it takes a bit of the long way ’round, but yes, there’s a lot of love to go with the sex. And, there’s a LOT of sex. See, Cade has a plan when he first sees the painter doing a room refresh at the mansion where he also works. Cade knows Tom, the homeowner, makes gay porn movies, well, because Cade has done a couple smaller shoots for his production company. Cade is attracted to Reece and is able to tempt him into some au natural attention–which happens to be recorded by hidden camera. Cade sends Reece a teaser of “their” movie, and, though Reece is mortified, he’s also turned on.

Tom gets a look at their movie and he likes what he sees. He offers Reece some cash for a simple scene, and Reece is swayed not just by the cash, but also by Cade’s insistence on doing the scene with Reece. Reece doesn’t want to read to much into it, but he’s intrigued by Cade’s interest. He’s also quite excited by his scene partner.

Their first scene goes great, and a contract is offered for a feature because Cade and Reece have fantastic chemistry. Each novella in the series is a separate scene for the film and the growing relationship. Expect menage and scripted BDSM fun. Reece tells the whole story, but Cade is especially candid. He likes Reece, a lot, and wants more than just the scripted sex.

Still, once the cameras stop rolling, can these two find room in their lives for a…boyfriend?

Each episode is incendiary, but sensual, too. I latched on to this series from the start and looked forward to each release, but now the whole thing is available and a must-read for lovers of M/M erotic romance. I’m a total sucker for Brit men, and these guys are positively edible. Sweet and sassy, and insatiable and courageous sexually. The ending is perfect, and horribly wrong–because I absolutely didn’t want this book to end!

Interested? You can grab Caught on Camera: PART ONE for FREE on Amazon,  Amazon UK, ARe and Totally Bound.

Each of the other episodes are $.99 apiece. You can find them here:

Part TWO: Totally Bound  Amazon Amazon UK ARe

Part THREE:  Totally Bound  Amazon Amazon UK ARe

Part FOUR:  Totally Bound Amazon Amazon UK  ARe

and Part FIVE: Totally Bound Amazon Amazon UK ARe

About the Author:
Lily Harlem lives in the UK and is an award-winning author of contemporary erotic romance. She writes for publishers on both sides of the Atlantic including Ellora’s Cave, HarperCollins, Totally Bound, Xcite and Sweetmeats Press. Her HOT ICE series regularly receives high praise and industry nominations.

Before turning her hand to writing Lily Harlem worked as a trauma nurse and her latest HarperCollins release, Confessions of a Naughty Night Nurse, draws on her many experiences while nursing in London. Lily also self-publishes and The Glass Knot, The Silk Tie, Breathe You In (USA Today Reviewer’s Recommended Read of 2013) and Scored have been blessed with many 5* reviews since their release.

Lily also co-authors with Natalie Dae and publishes under the name Harlem Dae – check out the Sexy as Hell Box Set Trilogy available exclusively on Amazon – The Novice, The Player and The Vixen – and That Filthy Book which has been hailed as a novel ‘every woman should read’.

One thing you can be sure of, whatever book you pick up by Ms Harlem, is it will be wildly romantic and down-and-dirty sexy. Enjoy!

You can catch Lily on her website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Author Page, Pinterest. She’s also got a newsletter, Goodreads and Google +.

Check out her blogs on Raw Talent, BritBabes, and Hockey Romance!

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

He Found Himself IN DARKEST PERU–Review and Giveaway!

peru-640 copy
Hi there! Today I’m sharing in the blog tour for Louise Lyons‘ IN DARKEST PERU, a contemporary M/M romance novella where one jilted young man must get lost in the wilds of the Peruvian jungle in order to find himself.

IndarkestPeru-WAYWARDINKPUBLISHING-smallpreviewAbout the book:
Shy and geeky Rhys White, has recently been ditched by his boyfriend of five years. On top of that he’s been made redundant from his job as a computer programmer.

Tired of being boring and unadventurous, he throws caution to the winds and buys a plane ticket to Peru.
Rhys’ adventure in Peru starts out well, but then disaster strikes. All of his belongings are stolen. Everything is gone—passport, wallet, phone, clothing, the lot.

Stranded in Cuzco, not too far from the famous Machu Picchu, Rhys tries to find someone to help him. He’s about to give up, when a sexy Brazilian named Rafael, comes to his rescue…

My Review:
Rhys is a newly-single computer programmer who has just been let go by his employer. Rhys has always felt that his ex, Jonathan, was a good guy who loved him, but it turns out Jon was a cheater and a user, and Rhys is a bit shattered over it. His self-confidence is pretty low. He’s super down on his luck, but decides to make lemonade of all his lemons by booking a trip to Peru to explore a bit while waiting for a new job to surface.

Arriving in Peru is exciting. Rhys is finally starting to gain some confidence in his ability to navigate around when his bus to Cuzco is held up and the bandits take his bag containing all his cash and his passport. He’s several days travel from the British Consulate and has nothing to his name. Rhys is In Deepest Despair…

A young man, Rafael, hears of Rhys’ plight and offers to be his guide throughout Cuzco, and to take him to Lima–all in exchange for deferred payment. Rafael is in Peru to make money as a guide, but he isn’t certified–he needs some good recommendations before that can happen.

Thing is, Rafael is GORGEOUS. So lean and well-built, friendly and kind. Rhys is In Deepest Lust. Good thing it’s an attraction returned…

Rhys hadn’t missed the searching looks Rafael had been giving him ever since, whenever they weren’t hiking in single file. He remembered how Rafael had grabbed his hand to assist him on steep parts of the track, and how afterward he had held on a little longer than necessary, as if he enjoyed the contact and wanted an excuse for it to continue. Could this gorgeous, sexy, Latin man actually like Rhys?
“You like girls… or boys?” Rafael whispered.
“Boys,” Rhys answered breathlessly. Oh God, he does like me.
“You have a boyfriend?”
“No. I did have a boyfriend. He broke up with me a few weeks ago.”

The novella is well-paced and has delightful British humor, which always charms me. I was so happy for Rhys’ fortune to change and for him to find the love for himself that he’d lacked. (I did enjoy the steamy bits, too!) Rafael is a good soul, and the kind of guide I’d hope would rescue me if I was stranded In Darkest Peru…. 😉

Interested? You can find IN DARKEST PERU on Goodreads, Amazon (US, UK and AU), Wayward Ink Publishing, AllRomance, and Barnes & Noble.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
$20 Wayward Ink Publishing Gift Card
$5 Amazon Gift Card
1 x eBook copy of In Darkest Peru
1 x eBook copy of Conflicted or Second Bite of the Cherry (winner’s choice)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author
Louise Lyons comes from a family of writers. Her mother has a number of poems published in poetry anthologies, her aunt wrote poems for the Church, and her grandmother sparked her inspiration with tales of fantasy. Louise first ventured into writing short stories at the grand old age of eight, mostly about little girls and ponies. She branched into romance in her teens, and MM romance a few years later, but none of her work saw the light of day until she discovered Fan Fiction in her late twenties.

Posting stories based on some of her favorite movies, provoked a surprisingly positive response from readers. This gave Louise the confidence to submit some of her work to publishers, and made her take her writing “hobby” more seriously.

Louise lives in the UK, about an hour north of London, with a mad Doberman, and a collection of tropical fish and tarantulas. She works in the insurance industry by day, and spends every spare minute writing. She is a keen horse-rider, and loves to run long distance. Some of her best writing inspiration comes to her, when her feet are pounding the open road. She often races into the house afterward, and grabs pen and paper to make notes.

Louise has always been a bit of a tomboy, and one of her other great loves is cars and motorcycles. Her car and bike are her pride and joy, and she loves to exhibit the car at shows, and take off for long days out on the bike, with no one for company but herself.

Catch up with Louise online on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Captivated by BEAR, OTTER AND THE KID–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing the love for a M/M romance I’d had in my TBR for, well, TOO long. I get nervous about books not living up to their hype, and so many people loved BEAR, OTTER, AND THE KID…I was afraid I wouldn’t. Silly V!

Bear, Otter, and the Kid (Bear, Otter, and the Kid, #1)About the Book:

Three years ago, Bear McKenna’s mother took off for parts unknown with her new boyfriend, leaving Bear to raise his six-year-old brother Tyson, aka the Kid. Somehow they’ve muddled through, but since he’s totally devoted to the Kid, Bear isn’t actually doing much living—with a few exceptions, he’s retreated from the world, and he’s mostly okay with that. Until Otter comes home.

Otter is Bear’s best friend’s older brother, and as they’ve done for their whole lives, Bear and Otter crash and collide in ways neither expect. This time, though, there’s nowhere to run from the depth of emotion between them. Bear still believes his place is as the Kid’s guardian, but he can’t help thinking there could be something more for him in the world… something or someone.

My Review:

Bear McKenna is one day shy of his 18th birthday when his mother takes off with her latest loser of a boyfriend and 95% of his savings leaving Bear with $137.50 and a forged Power of Attorney so he’ll be able to manage the legalities of caring for his 6 y/o half-brother, Tyson. Mother Of The Year, right?

The story begins three years later. Bear has done a valiant job raising the Kid, as Ty Is called. Bear and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Anna and his elderly neighbor Mrs. Paquinn manage the care of Kid, but it’s nearly summer and Bear is looking forward to the return of his BFF, Creed, from college. What he doesn’t expect is the return of Oliver (Otter), Creed’s older brother, from his three year self-exile in San Diego. Otter is gay, and he and Bear shared a drunken kiss three years before, the very night Otter up and left for Cali.

Bear has always wondered why, but so many people have left him, he doesn’t expect any different.

But, things are. Otter is depressed and Creed wants Bear to find out why. Turns out Otter has silently loved Bear for a long, long time. He never did anything about it because Bear was straight, and a child, comparatively. There is an 8 year age difference.

The writing is so beautiful; we are in Bear’s head throughout and we see his slow changes, his gradual acceptance, his deep love for Kid, and Anna, and Creed….and Otter. Their summer of love is tender and tragic, by turns. It seems, this summer, all the chickens come home to roost. Some good, some vile. The absolute love that Bear has for Kid, the way his life is forfeit to caring for his wise, eccentric, ecoterrorist-in-training, 9-going-on-60 year old brother is spectacular, and humbling.

This book. THIS book. It is amazing. It is broken and tender and loving and lost and I am better for knowing Bear and Otter and the Kid’s story. I want to hug each of them, and make their sorrows cease, but I don’t have to because they can do that even better than I can.

This a romance, but it is also a story, an epic poem of love lost and gained and squandered and regained. I loved every one of the words. Even the bad words, even the hate, because it made the love that much more beautiful.

Interested? You can find BEAR, OTTER, AND THE KID on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press, AllRomance, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

I’ve already bought the sequel. I’m gonna squeeze that one in just as soon as I can!

About the Author:

When TJ Klune was eight, he picked up a pen and paper and began to write his first story (which turned out to be his own sweeping epic version of the video game Super Metroid—he didn’t think the game ended very well and wanted to offer his own take on it. He never heard back from the video game company, much to his chagrin). Now, two decades later, the cast of characters in his head have only gotten louder, wondering why he has to go to work as a claims examiner for an insurance company during the day when he could just stay home and write.

He lives with a neurotic cat in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. It’s hot there, but he doesn’t mind. He dreams about one day standing at Stonehenge, just so he can say he did.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Love & Deception in RISE & FALL–Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

Hi all! Today I’m SO eager to share the latest installment of Charlie Cochet’s THIRD series. I’ve blogged about HELL & HIGH WATER and BLOOD & THUNDER and RACK & RUIN so I’m all in on this M/M Romance/Police/Shifter series. If I HAD a guilty pleasure this series might be it; but, since I feel no guilt, it’s really all about the pleasure….

Rise & Fall 

(THIRDS Series, Book #4) by Charlie Cochet 
About the book: 
After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost.

With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart.

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Available for purchase at

   

How about a little taste?

Dex sorted out all of Sloane’s pillows, fluffing them up and arranging them before bringing the tray over. Once Sloane was settled, Dex placed the tray over his lap and kissed him, tasting a faint hint of minty freshness. Sloane stared down at the tray.

“Is it okay?” Dex asked. Had he forgotten something? “Eggs Benedict and pancakes are your favorite, right?”

Sloane nodded.

“What’s wrong?”

“You made heart-shaped pancakes.”

Dex held back a smile. “Are they too unmanly? Should I have made them grenade-shaped? I’m sure Letty’s got a mold for those.”

Sloane chuckled. “No, hearts are fine. It’s real sweet. Thank you.”

Dex sat down on the edge of the bed beside him. He ran his fingers through Sloane’s hair feeling guilty for having left him on his own last night. Sloane could take care of himself, even if he was injured, but his partner was drugged up and obviously feeling a little out of it, considering his reaction to the heart-shaped pancakes. Maybe it was time he took care of his partner like he’d promised he would.

“Why don’t you eat your breakfast while I shower, and we’ll watch a movie or something together?”

Sloane gave him a wide smile. “I’d like that.”

Dex left Sloane to his breakfast and went off to shower as quickly as he could. Showering wasn’t as much fun without his partner. As he lathered himself up, a naughty thought occurred to him. He’d also promised he’d make his partner purr. Finishing up, he could barely hold back his smile or the heat spreading through him. Easy there, Daley. Don’t get yourself worked up yet. He dressed in his comfy cotton pajama bottoms and a loose faded Back to the Future T-shirt before heading out into the bedroom.

Sloane was smiling, his plate devoid of any evidence food had ever been on there. Wow, his partner had been hungry. Really hungry. Starving. Sort of like after…“Please tell me you didn’t.”

Dex removed the tray and put it on the floor against the wall. He pulled the blanket back and tried to lift Sloane’s T-shirt, but his partner slapped his hand away. “Sloane, let me see, damn it.” He grabbed Sloane’s wrist with one hand and managed to pull up the cotton shirt, cursing under his breath at the tiny beads of blood seeping through the bandage. “For fuck’s sake, did you try to shift?” When Sloane looked away, Dex had his answer. No wonder his partner was out of it. It wasn’t just the meds. Sloane hadn’t recuperated from postshift. Dex opened the minifridge and found it empty.“When?” He slammed the fridge door shut.

“Last night. After you called,” Sloane mumbled.

“Last night?” Dex put a hand to his head. Veggies and hummus were all well and good for Sloane’s Human side, but not for the Felid inside him. He needed meat, protein, and more than the packet of sliced chicken Dex had left him in the fridge. “Fuck. Sloane, you know you’re not supposed to attempt shifting. The doctor said so, and it’s in the packet. To make matters worse, you do it when there’s no one here to perform postshift trauma care? With no access to the right foods? What were you thinking?”

“I’m thinking I need to fucking heal, and if that’s the quickest way to do it, then it’s a risk I’m willing to take!”

Sloane’s ferocity surprised Dex, and he took a step back. His partner’s pupils were dilated and his fangs slightly elongated. Fuck, what the hell was going on? It was like Sloane was having trouble controlling his feral side. Dex could see it. He could see the Felid inside Sloane staring back at him from behind glowing amber eyes. Could the meds be doing this? The recovery packet the doctor had given them specifically instructed Sloane to not shift while he was healing, especially while on his meds.

“Okay, take it easy. It’s me.” Dex held his hands up in front of him and swallowed hard, aware of the telltale signs. “There’s no hurry for you to heal, Sloane. It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay,” Sloane snarled, his fingers flexing against the sheets and his nails starting to grow.

Fuck. Oh fuck.

“Sloane, you need to breathe. Calm down.” Dex slowly edged away from the bed. Why was this happening? Sloane had never lost his grip on his Felid side. Not to mention he’d yet to fully recover from his first attempt. “Please, Sloane. Your body’s not healed from the first try. Who knows what a second attempt will do?”

There was no reply from Sloane. He was gritting his teeth, his face red, and his muscles straining.

“Sloane, you need to stop.”

“I can’t.” Sloane lowered his head, his fierce gaze on Dex.

“Why?”

“To protect you!”

Dex gasped as Sloane let out a roar, his body starting to shift. What the hell was Dex supposed to do? He’d never faced a Therian who’d lost control of his Human side, much less an Apex predator. Quickly, he backed up against the far wall, cringing as Sloane’s cries of agony filled the room. Sloane tore at his clothes, pulling his T-shirt and pajama bottoms off before his mass shifted, bones popped, and fur pierced his skin. Dex reached into his pocket and with shaky hands placed a call.

A gruff voice answered. “What do you want?”

“Ash, you have to help me.” The panic in his voice must have been clear, because Ash’s tone instantly transformed from its usual gruffness to concern.

“What’s going on, Dex? Talk to me.”

“It’s Sloane. He’s shifting, but it’s not… not normal. He tried last night but couldn’t complete the transformation. Then we got into an argument, and it’s like he’s lost it. I don’t think he’s in control. How is that possible?”

“Hide.”

“What?”

“Hide somewhere he can’t get to you. I’m on my way. I’ve still got my key to your place.”

Ash hung up, and Dex shoved his phone in his pocket. Where the fuck was he supposed to hide? When he moved his gaze to the bed, he stilled. There was no time for hiding. The huge black jaguar lay in the center of the bed, his tail thumping against the headboard. He sniffed the sheets, then the air before his gaze landed on Dex.

Wow! I can tell you, reading that passage had my heart racing!

My Review:
OMG. I’ve just… Well… Where to start?

*takes a deep breath* *remembers how Dex had to be assertive to win Sloane* *channels her inner Dex*

Okay. This is the fourth book in the THIRDS series. And at the end of the previous one, Sloane Brodie was injured by a car bomb explosion. It was (perhaps) fatal and we waited on pins and needles, praying alongside Dex, his partner in their job–and in bed (though THIS is a down-low issue)–to hope that his heart (and Sloane) will make it through the night.

I’m not spoiling this part. I will say that it is tense, and the feels are heart-wrecking.

Ash has been left to care for/tail Dex as Dex begins the revenge mission to end all revenge missions. Beck Hogan, chief of the Ikelos Coalition and person responsible for Sloane’s injuries, is Dex’s target–but Dex doesn’t know that he is Beck’s target. He and Cael are the prime targets for Ikelos operatives who consider Therian THIRDS operatives to be traitors to their race–and knowing that Cael is precious to Ash, who had recently infiltrated then double-crossed the Coalition.

Problem with Dex’s vengeance plan? Destructive Delta is put on leave. With Ash and Sloane severely injured, they can’t go on patrol, and the brass is determined to keep the unit on ice until Hogan is in custody, or dead.

Dex works on the side, however, setting up a shadow office and calling in favors from Delta and Alpha agents–all to take Hogan out. It’s dangerous, from a real life and a professional standpoint. There are set-ups and double crosses, and Hogan gets the best of Dex time and again.

Plus, Dex’s really walking a very very thin line of dishonesty–one that could very well cost him his job, and Sloane.

The pace never lets up. There is loving that THIRDS fans have been clamoring for (cough, cough CALVIN & HOBBS!!!) and Cael and Ash reach an understanding, if nothing else.

The intricate web of this world is being tightened and the relationships are becoming strong, more open, and trust is a conscious element within the Destructive Delta group. Plus, all the side characters are more fleshed out, filling roles as POV characters and humor elements.

I didn’t read this book, I inhaled it. Can’t wait for the next chapter in this series.

About the Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!
Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.  You can find Charlie at
                  
Giveaway
Click the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win
a $25 Amazon GC and a THIRDS swag pack.
Good luck, and keep reading my friends!
Presented By

Cover Reveal! MOMENT OF TRUTH By Karen Stivali

Hi there! Well, you know how I felt about MOMENT OF IMPACT, so I’m signing onto the bandwagon. MOMENT OF TRUTH is the second book in this New Adult M/M romance series, and today I get to flash the COVER!! (Looks like Tanner is making his debut!)

MomentofTruth large coverAbout the book:

Collin expected to spend another summer fixing cars and working at the college pizzeria. Instead, he’s living in a beach house on Fire Island, waiting tables at a hip seaside restaurant and, for the first time since he and Tanner got together, they can publicly be known as boyfriends. Being “out” takes some getting used to, but with the help of new and old friends, Collin is happier than he ever imagined. And more in love. But newfound freedom brings unexpected challenges, and when friends get flirty, old insecurities arise. Moments of doubt and jealousy threaten their happiness, and Collin and Tanner must confront the truth or risk losing it all.

Interested? You can find MOMENT OF TRUTH on Goodreads, and pre-order it on Dreamspinner Press.

Karen stivaliAbout the author:
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies, and fictional British men. She’s also the multiple award-winning author of contemporary and erotic romances. Her lifelong fascination with people has led her to careers ranging from hand-drawn animator, to party planner, to marriage and family counselor, but writing has always been her passion. Karen enjoys nothing more than following her characters on their journey toward love. Whether the couples are m/f or m/m, it’s guaranteed that Karen’s novels are filled with food, friendship, love, and smoking hot sex–all the best things in life.

When Karen isn’t writing (and often when she is), she can be found on Twitter attempting witty banter and detailing the antics of her fruit-loving cat, BadKitteh. She loves to hear from readers (and other writers), so don’t hesitate to contact/follow/like her at twitter, Facebook, her website, Pinterest, and Goodreads. You can also email her here.

Check Out ENTICING HART!

tourbutton_enticinghartHi there! Today I’m featuring a new release from Mae Hancock. ENTICING HART is a contemporary M/M romance between some D-lish cowboys. Swoon… 

enticing-hartAbout the book:

Hart Emile is tired of cruising for guys, living a soulless existence. He needs a change; so when an acquaintance gives him the number of the gay friendly Red Fox Ranch that’s hiring for staff, he heads south.

Oak Redman is eighteen years old and desperate to explore his awakening sexuality. The moment Hart lays eyes on the handsome young rancher he’s smitten. Not only is Oak hot, spirited and very persistent, he is also the ranch boss’s son and strictly off limits. Hart tries to fight his feelings and to respect his boss and the family who quickly become dear to him, but after Oak’s grandma suggests he gets with Oak he can’t deny himself the most exciting and enticing man he has ever met.

Hart’s not the only man to have noticed how sweet and charming Oak Redman is. A family friend, Steve, is also anxious to have the affections of the young rancher. Can Hart work out Steve’s dark secrets before it’s too late and keep his job, his lover and his life?

Thoughts from Mae:

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about the topic of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In Enticing Hart, it makes up a side issue because one of the lead characters, Oak has a parent with the condition. My first attempt at presenting the topic was in a theatre play I wrote some years ago. It was called Putting Matters Right, and was about a young woman who lived with her mother that had the condition. I guess it’s something quite close to my heart because I’ve experienced someone with OCD first hand, my mother.

In this case I identify with Oak who struggles with his father’s condition, which has grown progressively worse. In this story—as in reality, the person affected won’t seek help for the condition. We all say we’re a ‘bit OCD’ from time to time, and that might be true, but some people still manage to live a relatively normal life whilst struggling with quite severe compulsions each day.

I guess what I wanted to present in Enticing Hart were a number of things which I’ve observed over my whole life during my relationship with my mother. She’s able to hide her OCD really very well most of the time, and because it’s never been diagnosed we’re not really sure if it is OCD or Obsessive Personality. Nevertheless, she’s acknowledged that there is something wrong. So often during her interactions with others she’s able not to give away any sign of the condition and it’s common for people and their families to often suffer in silence because they can’t reach out for help.

In the case of Oak I wanted to convey the impact it’s had on his life, having a parent with the condition isn’t easy. It’s stressful doing things the way they want them done, and no amount of helping will relieve the problem. I personally feel that the disorder is exacerbated by stress or something psychological, which bother’s the person subconsciously. In the case of Bay, Oak’s father, he’s been a single dad for many years and is putting his work and his children before his own needs. The problem is that ignoring himself is in turn impacting on his relationship with his family and he’s unable to see this.

OCD is not without humor. I’ve spent many occasion laughing with my mother over the funny things she does. I think if she couldn’t laugh about it then misery might ensue. Laughter helps us all to put things into perspective, so if the numbers aren’t even, tea and coffee holders aren’t straight—it feels like the end of the world—but the reality is different. I think this perspective reminds us all that the people who we love, and who love us, are able to help us through difficult times and understand the balance between respecting our wishes and making us realize what is important in our lives.

How about a little taste?

Bay’s cell rang.

“Excuse me.” Bay eased it out of his jeans pocket. “Hello? He’s what?” His eyebrows knitted. “Yes, okay. I’m coming.” He buried the phone back in his pocket and stood.

“I’m sorry about this, but Skip’s got one of the chickens again. I’m going to have to go get him. Come with me if you want. Bring your coffee. There’s always some crisis happening here. There isn’t much normal about this ranch, I’m afraid.”

Hart followed Bay across the wooden floors of the house, their steps echoing. At the chicken coop, Kristen held a struggling black-and-brown puppy by his collar.

“What in the hell was he doing in there?” A muscle twitched in Bay’s neck as he opened the coop.

“I don’t know, but he’s mauled another one of the hens.” Kristen barely hid her concern as a hen lay on its side with a wing flapping a little. Feathers were scattered across the ground.

“For God’s sake, you’re supposed to be watching him. We can’t have him running wild all over the ranch.” Pushing the gate shut from inside, he glanced at Hart. “If it’s not foxes or coyotes or wolves…it’s this damned untrained puppy.”

“Can I help?” Hart asked.

“Go with Kristen. I’ll be back in a minute when I’ve sorted this mess out.”

Hart strolled back to the porch, where Kristen took his coffee mug. She passed him the wriggling puppy, which licked his face uncontrollably.

“Wait here. I’ll get the leash.” She disappeared into the house and returned to hook the clip onto the dog’s collar. He jumped from Hart’s arms.

“I’ll bring you a cup of fresh coffee. Yours’ll be cold by now. I’m sorry about this. I’d like to say it’s not usually like this, but it kind of is.”

He chuckled, and she slipped through the door again, taking Skip with her. Hart leaned on the porch railing and watched Bay leave the chicken run, holding the now dead bird and hooking the gate closed behind him. He rounded the corner of a shed and moved out of sight.

Kristen appeared at Hart’s side, still holding Skip on the leash, and handed him a steaming mug. “Please take a seat.” She settled into one of the chairs.

“Thanks.” He perched uneasily on the wooden chair.

“We have seven ranch hands living here in the bunkhouse. Are you going to stay there too?” she asked.

“If you’ve got the room.” He shuffled back, trying to relax, and tossed his Stetson in his hands idly.

“I think so. My dad’ll know.”

The house phone rang; Skip followed her inside as she went to answer it. While Hart waited, a wind chime tinkled in the breeze. From down near the barns, a cowboy headed toward the porch, his tall figure backlit by the sun. Broad shoulders tapered to a small waist. The man couldn’t be older than nineteen. The hairs on Hart’s arms stood on end. The young cowboy mounted the steps and glanced at Hart, lifting his lush, delicate features into a sweet smile.

It was enough to make Hart melt.

“Hi. I’m Oak, like the tree.” His voice held a vibrant, acquiescent note, and he reached out, taking Hart’s hand. A good, firm handshake corresponded with big, honest baby-blue eyes. High cheekbones filled with a flush of pink flattered his brown skin. Lust roared through Hart as a faint scent of cinnamon made its way to his senses. Those full, deep-pink lips needed kissing. A well-crafted bicep showed off a tribal tattoo peeping from under the sleeve of Oak’s T-shirt. The muscle beneath twitched intermittently.

Hart shifted in the dry air on the porch, and a bead of sweat trickled down the back of his neck, making him shudder. “I’m Hart,” he replied, unable to get another word out.

Kristen opened the porch door and smirked at Oak. Immediate embarrassment rushed heat to Hart’s cheeks. Had she noticed his jaw dropping in awe of the rancher’s son?

“Oh, right, my dad told me you were coming,” Oak said, ignoring Kristen.

Dad? Oh, no. Could Oak be the boss’s son?

“Dad, there’s a call for you!” she shouted as Bay approached the porch.

“Kristen, honey, can you deal with it? I’m showing Hart around.” Bay stopped and rested his foot on the bottom step. “I’m sorry about the interruptions, Hart. I see you’ve met my boy, Oak.”

“Yes.” Of course, the most beautiful man he’d ever seen would be the boss’s son.

“Come tour the ranch now.” Bay gestured for Hart to follow. “So, how many years’ experience did you say you have?”

Pushing up from the wicker chair on the porch and barely able to distract himself from lean, athletic Oak, Hart followed Bay. “Nice to meet you, Oak,” he called over his shoulder, hoping to catch another of Oak’s sweet smiles. He probably has a great ass too.

He took an extra step to catch up. “I worked on ranches my whole life, sir.”

His new boss had arrived in the nick of time, because he sure as hell didn’t know what to say to Oak. Especially as Hart needed to keep his mind on the job, and not on Oak. Hart suspected Bay wouldn’t be best pleased to know Hart had one eye on his son. He should take the job seriously anyway. Crazy place—but somehow he liked it.

Interested? You can find ENTICING HART on Goodreads, All Romance, Amazon (US, or UK).

About the Author:
In Mae’s Words….

I’ve always written stories and enjoy reading all types of literature from thrillers to romance. I’m interested in people who experience social marginalization and these are often themes that appear in my stories. I’ve written erotic literature for pleasure for a long time, but it’s only recently I’ve put romance and erotica together and found I enjoy writing about the exciting journey we all go on when falling in love. My interests include cultural history, particularly in the Greek and Roman worlds.

Catch up with Mae on her website and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Cephalopod Coffeehouse Jan 2015 They Had To THINK OF ENGLAND–A Review

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Hi there! Welcome one and all to the Cephalopod Coffeehouse, a cozy gathering of book lovers, meeting to discuss their thoughts regarding the tomes they enjoyed most over the previous month. Pull up a chair, order your cappuccino and join in the fun.

Hi all! Happy new year to my fellow Coffeehousers! I”m eager to see what books you loved best this month!

For me, I read some cool YA, some hot erotica and some sweet romance. But, most of those were to be reviewed on a deadline, and I couldn’t hold them for this post. Still, THINK OF ENGLAND was a shining spot in my winter reads. It’s a M/M romance, which I loooove. This is historical fiction which explored many of the societal mores of 1900’s, not only homosexuality–which was a hanging offense–but also antisemitism and xenophobia.

Think of EnglandAbout the book:
Lie back and think of England…

England, 1904. Two years ago, Captain Archie Curtis lost his friends, fingers, and future to a terrible military accident. Alone, purposeless and angry, Curtis is determined to discover if he and his comrades were the victims of fate, or of sabotage.

Curtis’s search takes him to an isolated, ultra-modern country house, where he meets and instantly clashes with fellow guest Daniel da Silva. Effete, decadent, foreign, and all-too-obviously queer, the sophisticated poet is everything the straightforward British officer fears and distrusts.

As events unfold, Curtis realizes that Daniel has his own secret intentions. And there’s something else they share—a mounting sexual tension that leaves Curtis reeling.

As the house party’s elegant facade cracks to reveal treachery, blackmail and murder, Curtis finds himself needing clever, dark-eyed Daniel as he has never needed a man before…

Warning: Contains explicit male/male encounters, ghastly historical attitudes, and some extremely stiff upper lips.

My Review:
I adored this historical M/M mystery/thriller romance.

Captain Archie Curtis is a survivor of a horrific injury while serving in the British army–not even in battle. While inspecting a shipment of weapons, Archie and his platoon were maimed and fatally wounded when their rifles exploded in their hands. Archie lost three fingers and has a limp from a misfired round that caught him in the knee. He dwells in misery, feeling half-a-man due to his loss of fingers, livelihood, and companions.

Acting on a tip, from the faulty gunmaker no less, Archie accepts the invitation of an old family friend Sir Hubert Armstrong, for a two-week stay at his remote country house. Sir Hubert is an industrialist, and his lavish home is a marvel of electric feats. It seems that Sir Hubert has been accused of tampering with the very weapons which destroyed Archie’s compatriots. The house company is interesting, but Capt. Curtis is rather annoyed with Daniel da Silva, a flamboyantly effeminate “poet” who is not only Portuguese, he’s a Jew.

The other male guests take thinly veiled jabs at Daniel, but Archie’s most frustrated that da Silva’s always underfoot when he’s investigating Sir Hubert’s private files. They men strike up a tenuous partnership when it seems that they are both seeking Sir Hubert’s dark secrets.

Meanwhile, they’re captured in a compromising position–one in which they could be prosecuted–or fall under Sir Hubert’s more dark enterprise: blackmail.

Daniel is quite comfortable with his ‘invert’ sexuality, but Archie hasn’t ever considered himself gay. Still, Archie can’t deny the strange attraction he’s beginning to experience for the wily da Silva.

There’s a whole lotta intrigue in this book. And a quietly developing tender romance. The stakes are death if da Silva and Archie are caught by Sir Hubert, and I’ll just say, the book ends with quite a few deaths. Super high tension, mostly on the intrigue-side, however.

I loved the fervor Archie had in pursuit of da Silva, and protecting him from the very dangerous tenants of Sir Hubert’s abode. There was such biting humor, and such valiant gallantry. I swooned. The end was really, just, all I hoped it would be.

Interested? You can find THINK OF ENGLAND on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Please take a minute to pop in on my fellow bloggers, to see what book tickled their fancy this month! And, as always, keep reading my friends!

1. The Armchair Squid 2. WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME
3. A Creative Exercise 4. Trisha @ WORD STUFF
5. Nan @ Hungry Enough To Eat Six! 6. Stephanie Faris
7. Life Before the Hereafter 8. mainewords
9. Words Incorporated 10. StrangePegs – A Shot in the Light
11. V’s Reads

Living Life ACCORDING TO HOYLE–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m featuring a review of a newly revamped, re-released historical M/M romance from best-selling author Abigail Roux. ACCORDING TO HOYLE is an interesting, well-paced, adventure following the travels and travails of two pairs of lovers in 1880’s western US. There is a complicated plot, and few romantic interludes in the closing chapters. It felt an awful-lot like Maverick–only gay.

According To HoyleAbout the book:
By the close of 1882, the inhabitants of the American West had earned their reputation as untamed and dangerous. The line between heroes and villains is narrow and indistinct. The concept that a man may only kill if backed into a corner is antiquated. Lives are worth less than horses. Treasures are worth killing for. And the law is written in the blood of those who came before. The only men staving off total chaos are the few who take the letter of the law at its word and risk their lives to uphold it. But in the West, the rules aren’t always played according to Hoyle.

U.S. Marshals Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington are escorting two prisoners to New Orleans for trial when they discover there’s more to the infamous shootist Dusty Rose and the enigmatic man known only as Cage than merely being outlaws. When forces beyond the marshals’ control converge on the paddlewheeler they have hired to take them downriver, they must choose between two dangers: playing by the rules at any cost or trusting the very men they are meant to bring to justice.

My Review:
4.5 stars. It seems, in the West, everybody’s got a secret (or six) to hide. Gabriel “Dusty” Rose is a well-known English gunman living out his exile in the western states in company of any of many Native American tribes. He’s hunted out for use by the Secret Service for information about a Native artifact he may (or may not) have, but he doesn’t wish to cooperate and is subsequently jailed for trial–it seems folks are always attacking Gabriel, hoping to be faster on the draw than the legendary killer. Gabriel and two other inmates Cage and Hobson are picked up for transit by two US Marshals–Eli Flynn and “Wash” Washington.

Flynn and Wash are solid lawmen. They believe in trials and punishment, though Wash is clearly not convinced that the law is always ‘right’. These men have been friends for many years, even since the War Between the States, and enjoy each other’s company. Flynn has a deeper affection for Wash than he will acknowledge, however Gabriel–a consummate judge of character–clearly notices. Not that Gabriel cares–he prefers men and doesn’t hesitate to make this plain.

Interestingly, the BULK of the story is told from the POV of Cage, a mute prisoner who has deep secrets and is likely to be hanged for burning diseased Army blankets, and Flynn, who cannot fathom the open affection he witnesses between Gabriel and Cage.

The transport of the prisoners is delayed by weather, fighting, and difficult terrain. Just when it seems Cage and Gabriel will be separated, losing the one true connection either of them had mustered in some time, there’s a switch, and the foursome of Flynn, Wash, Gabriel and Cage end up going downriver on a paddle boat bent for trouble. When it is seized by river thieves, Flynn must depend upon Gabriel, an uncommon killer, to help him save Wash–and all the rest of the passengers. (But, mostly Wash)

They four men build a tight comaraderie over the course of this book–and the resolution is clearly meant to build into a new adventure. Flynn’s constant exposure to Gabriel’s insightful, if unwelcome, commentary causes Flynn to investigate his feelings about Wash, and leads to the best connection of his life. Cage has terrible secrets, which come to light in captivity, but it’s Gabriel’s affection that wins out.

The book reads a lot like a Maverick/Indiana Jones plot, lots of foreshadowing, governmental intrigue, and double-crosses, with a dash of romance here and there. I did very much enjoy the ride, and I’d likely go back for more. I had wished for more steam, and to better understand this Native artifact, but it seems that will be reserved for the next story.

Interested? You can find ACCORDING TO HOYLE on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Riptide Books. I received a review copy on NetGalley.

About the author:
Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of ‘Call of Duty’ throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.

You can catch up with Abigail online on her website, Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!