Sexy Reads

His Heart is CHROME, Forged In Steele–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for Rie Warren’s latest release in the Carolina Bad Boys series, CHROME: WITH A HEART FORGED IN STEELE. You all know how much I’ve enjoyed bad boys STONE, LOVE and STEELE, and Boomer is a lovable giant hooked on a feisty dirt-biking mechanic with a sordid past.

Chrome: With a Heart Forged in Steele (Carolina Bad Boys #4)About the book:
Boomer Steele is big. He’s bad. He’s the Retribution MC pres. He’s been dealt the worst hand imaginable and bears the scars inside and out. Not that anyone knows it. He’s watched his younger brother and sister hook up and hitch up with the loves of their lives, and now he’s the last Steele standing alone. Maybe he should keep it that way.

Then one feisty honey makes him feel, gets in his grill, pisses him off.

She goes by the name of Rayce. And that’s exactly what she does on her motocross bike when she’s not busy getting her hands dirty with her fellow grease monkeys as the only female mechanic at Stone’s Garage. She’s into fixing bikes, racing hers, and making Boomer’s life a living hell just for the fun of it. Oh, and she hates being treated like a girl.

Sparks flying? That’s an understatement where these two are concerned. Yet when Rayce needs a place to live, and Boomer offers her a room in his house, their unquenchable attraction wins out over antagonism. Sometimes. Rayce’s crappy upbringing makes her think love is for stupid fools asking for heartbreak. She’s not willing to go there for any man. Not even Boomer Steele.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Note to readers: this book addresses the issue of domestic abuse.

How about a little taste?

Liked it so much I was considering banging her against the bathroom door. “Yeah.” I rubbed a hand over my mouth. “You could say that.”

Then she did something entirely feminine, a side of her I’d never truly seen before, and performed a little twirl that lifted the skirt up her firm thighs before she stopped in front of me, her face glowing.

I started sweating, right then and there. “Jesus. You’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

“Serves you right, old man.”

“I wanna be your old man.” Growling, I scooped her into my arms. “Been missing you.”

I wouldn’t say I was at an impasse with Rayce, but I’d hardly seen her in several weeks. That was going to end tonight, after I watched Hunter either crash and burn or end up a happily married man.

My lips slid up the curve of Rayce’s neck, and her skin tasted like hot womanly sweetness. I licked the shell of her ear, ghosted to the corner of her mouth, and touched the point of my tongue against the seam of her lips.

She parted them with a gasp.

I looked down at her with heavy eyelids, our mouths separated by just a breath of space. “Been dreaming about kissing you. Feeling your lips on mine.”

“Why don’t you?” she asked, all throaty and sultry.

“You don’t want it enough yet.” I backed away from her.

My Review:
Boomer has crushed on Rayce for a good long time. He’s seen his sister and brother settle down with lovers and he’s lonely in his big empty home. Boomer witnessed the fear in Rayce’s eyes and her embarrassment over the ramshackle trailer she shares with her father. A father who’s drunk more nights than not, and also has a right nasty mouth on him.

Rayce seems to want to be with Boomer, but she’s reluctant to let any one help her out. She works hard at Stone’s garage and is fearless on the racetrack, so why is she holding back against his sure love? When Rayce pulls a disappearing act, Boomer goes to find her–and finds his worst fears confirmed. It’s not a pretty home life, that’s for sure. So Boomer does what he does best, takes care of Rayce. Moves her into his empty home and treats her with care and respect. They’re roommates, without the sexy benefits. That’s what Rayce needs, to prove that she and Boomer can co-exist and she isn’t bartering her body for a place to live. Truth is, that scenario has happened before and it might happen again, if Rayce isn’t careful. Her filthy “father” has a whole new set of humiliations in store for Rayce, and Boomer’s the muscle that lifts her out of the darkness and the rock she needs to stand on.

I was glad to see Boomer get his happy ending. He’s such a caretaker, and deserves to have a partner who loves him with her whole heart. Rayce is a good woman in a bad situation, used and abused by the one man she believed should love her. It’s not as gory as some of the Retribution stories, or even Brodie STEELE’s book, but it does involve verbal, emotional, and even physical abuse of a woman–though some of this is off the page. It’s clear that Rayce’s father has no love for her, and the reason was plain to me early on. That said, I liked how this one was all tied up. It’s not a sunshine and roses upbeat story, but there’s a lot of love and a definite HEA. Also, it’s a dirty dirty read when the sexytimes get going.

Interested? You can find CHROME: WITH A HEART FORGED IN STEELE on Goodreads and Amazon. It’s free on Kindle Unlimited and a $.99 special for release day.

Rie WarrenAbout the Author:
Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is the author of Sugar Daddy and the Don’t Tell series—a breakthrough trilogy that crosses traditional publishing boundaries beginning with In His Command.

She lives in gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina with her small family where she basks in the sunshine during the day, and adjourns to her woman cave at night. A nocturnal creature, she stays up way too late talking to herself, her characters, and anyone who will listen. She’s all about writing with heat, heart, and a hint of the dark, and she doesn’t shy away from the impossible.

Rie’s work has been called “edgy”, “daring”, and “some of the sexiest smut around”.

You can find Rie online Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

 

Cephalopod Coffeehouse Oct 2015–WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT-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.

When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After, #3)This month I’m reviewing an historical romance from Tessa Dare. I’ve enjoyed some of her books in the past and ran across a recommendation for this new release, WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT, from a friend on Goodreads. I must say I enjoyed it.

I picked up this book on the review/recommendation of Khanh, who rarely finds a 5-Star gem, and gushed over this historical romance. Thanks, Khanh!

Madeline Gracechurch is a proper young Englishwoman whose stepmother and father wish to have settled favorably with a husband. At 16, Maddie is unable to mix in company, however, She suffers intense agoraphobia and knows that she will disgrace her family if pressed into London’s social marriage network. She’s a devoted penpal to her “afianced” however, one Captain Logan MacKenzie, A Highland Scot fighting the French–who happens to be entirely fictitious. She sends him letters and sketches, and arranges to have return letters from him delivered from him.

This charade continues for years, Maddie feeling bad, but not entirely. She expects that her letters are being trashed somewhere, entertainment for anonymous troops who think her a flighty girl. Remorse does set in when her godfather gifts her a Highland estate so that she and Captain MacKenzie will be comfortable upon his return. She decides to end this ruse, now some eight years old, by reporting the death of the valiant Captain. She mourns him properly, vows to never wed and decamps form her father’s home to her Highland estate, in the company of her “ruined” spinster Aunt Thea.

Maddie has been comfortable in her estate for two years now. She has a tidy income from her scientific drawings and the working farm. She is a good mistress, knowing her tenants and ensuring their welfare. What she is not is a woman looking for a man, and one appears on her doorstep out of the bonny blue sky: Captain Logan MacKenzie.

Not just the good captain, he has brought some of his displaced soldiers with him. To stay. Yes, Logan exists, and he received many a letter from a foolish English lass he expected to be decrepit or club-footed or have some gross malformation that rendered her unsuitable for marriage. The young, delicate comely woman who is terrified by his brawn (and assertion that they be married posthaste) is not at all whom he expected to find.

Logan has has a bad time of life. Abandoned by his parents, left as an orphan and pressed into His Majesty’s service by his “adoptive” family, Logan has never known a real home, nor real love. He doesn’t believe in it, and figures that the spoils young Maddie received by conning her family ought to suit him and his cast-off men who have nowhere to live after all their sacrifices for the Crown.

Aunt Thea is overjoyed, and canny. She wants her Maddie to have a love-filled life, and this rugged Highlander seems to fit the bill. Maddie, for her part, is attracted and intrigued, but she agrees to handfast her captain only because he threatens to reveal her subterfuge to all of London’s society.

It’s a big mess, of Maddie’s own creation as she acknowledges, and she womans up. She makes her vows, but allows herself some time to adjust to married life. In particular, she forestalls the consummation of their marriage in the hope that she can locate MacKenzie’s cache of her letters and destroy the evidence thereby unsealing their deal. In the meantime, they spend quite a bit of time together, managing the estate. Maddie’s even prepared to hand this over to Logan, in return for him letting her be, but Logan knows how the English change their minds and take back what they give in Scotland. So he won’t be having any of her deals.

Plus, he’s mighty attracted. His initial lust tempers into admiration when he sees how compassionate she is to all those around her estate. A true affection blossoms between Maddie and Logan, one that is fierce. It scares both Logan and Maddie, but Maddie takes steps to protect her heart–until she recognizes that Logan’s armor guards him too closely for very good reason.

Maddie and Logan are two excellent characters. While Logan is a battle hardened man, he’s not a brute. He’s educated and appreciates Maddie’s peculiarities. Maddie practically swoons when she find him reading her treasured copy of Pride and Prejudice, yet she can’t allow herself to believe such a beautiful physical specimen could truly love her. In fact, she very much believes Logan when he tells her he cannot.

There are some delightful sexytimes. Maddie is a virgin, and Logan has been celibate ever since Maddie’s letters began arriving. He lived a model life to give his men hope, and when the letters started he couldn’t set a bad example of carousing when the men believed he had a steadfast sweetheart. It has created a serious (10 years!) back-up of lust for Logan to carry. The sexual tension is delicious with a constant build and excellent resolution. Logan’s selflessness is a problem through the story–all the way to the very end, and yet, it’s his most endearing quality.

Where can I find me one of those magic mirrors or circles of standing stones? I need me a sexy Highlander, toot sweet.

Interested? You can find WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT on Goodreads, Amazon, All Romance, and Barnes & Noble. This is a mass market paperback so it’s probably in Target and other convenience booksellers–and try the library, too.

Thanks for stopping in, and don’t forget to dash in and see what all my fellow Coffeehouse readers picked as their fave book for the month. Oh, and Happy Halloween!

Traveling a ROUGH ROAD-A Review

Today I’m sharing a review for Vanessa North’s ROUGH ROAD, a contemporary M/M BDSM romance. It the sequel to DOUBLE UP, which I greatly enjoyed. This time, it’s Ben’s best friend, Eddie, who is finding his perfect match. Perhaps…

Rough Road (Lake Lovelace, #2)About the Book:
Eddie Russell is many things: A wealthy pillar of the community. An outrageous flirt. A doting best friend. A masochist with a kink for brawling with his bedmates. But he is definitely not a man who invites intimacy. His friends are close but few, his lovers rarer still.

When Eddie runs his Mercedes off the road on a hot July afternoon, Wish Carver comes to his aid—and leaves his number in Eddie’s phone. Wish, a road crew worker half Eddie’s age and sexy as sin, seems fascinated by Eddie’s different sides. Mutual attraction and compatible kinks ignite the sheets, but it’s their connection outside the bedroom that Eddie begins to crave.

When the two come down on opposite sides of a local issue, Eddie finds his growing feelings for Wish at odds with his business interests and his devotion to his best friend, local wakeboarding legend Ben Warren. Torn between old loyalties and his new love, Eddie is reluctant to make a choice. But he knows he can’t make Wish wait too long to make up his mind.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, and is probably best enjoyed if read in order. That said, it can be read as a standalone.

Eddie Russell is a 44 y/o flamboyant gay man. He’s been that way since he was unceremoniously outed in his teens, and he’s had a chip on his shoulder ever since. He’s wealthy, owning a boat dealership in Lake Lovelace, FL. He’s embarrased by his wealth, most of the time. Still, he knows having his money helps his friends, most notably Ben. Ben is currently engaged to Davis, and they are planning their wedding. So, why can’t Eddie be happy for them? Does Eddie’s love for Ben include attraction? Or, is it simply the deep love of a longtime friend?

This is a big issue for Eddie to contemplate, because–when he meets strapping, young, sexy “Wish”–Eddie’s not sure if he can see a future for himself. See, Wish is a 22 y/o road construction worker. He’s been staying near Lake Lovelace due to a current road improvement project and the recent relocation of his sick mother to his brother’s home. Wish likes Florida, and would like to stay–which can only happen if the new bridge project widening the access to Lake Lovelace gets funded. Unfortunately, the proposed site of the construction would take out Eddie’s boat dealership and Ben’s pro shop. Eddie’s opposed, and politically connected–which is a problem for his fledgling relationship with Wish. His campaign against the bridge has very real implications for Wish’s ability to stick around.

I loved the straight talk in this book. Wish has no compunctions with calling Eddie on his BS. Eddie has all sorts of reasons why he and Wish shouldn’t start anything, but the plain fact is, Wish is a strong Dom, one who can control a bossy sub, like Eddie. The sexytimes are often very physical, definitely pushing the edge of rough play. Eddie likes it VERY rough, and has no qualms about blood play and deep bruising. It was this need which kept Eddie from seeking a permanent relationship with Ben. I think Ben and Eddie have a very strong relationship, and their discussions only strengthen these emotional bonds, while still providing freedom for both men to find happiness.

Wish is a breath of fresh air for Eddie, who’d been in a serious rut. The end doesn’t turn out right without the candor and hopefulness that both Eddie and Wish share. I adored the deep rapport they build, and the fantastic sexytimes were a delicious bonus. HAWT!

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

Vanessa NorthAbout the Author:
Author of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, Vanessa North delights in giving happy-ever-afters to characters who don’t think they deserve them. Relentless curiosity led her to take up knitting and run a few marathons “just to see if she could.” She started writing for the same reason. Her very patient husband pretends not to notice when her hobbies take over the house. Living and writing in Northwest Georgia, she finds her attempts to keep a quiet home are frequently thwarted by twin boy-children and a very, very large dog.

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

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Surviving in a BANE New World

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for Amelia Gormley’s BANE, out today. This is the next (and perhaps last) book in the Strain M/M romance, post-apocalyptic series. As you know I read and loved STRAIN and JUGGERNAUT, and those books must be read first in order to properly enjoy BANE.

Bane (Strain, #2)About the book:
The weapon that nearly destroyed humanity may be their only salvation.

Rhys Cooper’s unique immunity to all three strains of the virus that nearly annihilated humanity has brought him the unwanted attention of Clean Zone scientists. They’ve summoned him for testing—ostensibly in the hopes of finding a vaccine—but Rhys’s partner, Darius Murrell, has good reason not to trust any government. He and his comrades in Delta Company were unwitting test subjects for Project Juggernaut, the military experiment that gave them superhuman abilities and unleashed the pandemic. Doubting the government’s intentions, Delta Company refuses to let Rhys go alone.

Fear of infection has kept Zach Houtman and his lover Nico Fernández apart for a decade. They meet rarely, just long enough to coordinate their spying on the head of the government’s virus research division. Secretary Littlewood is a vicious predator, and they suspect he’s trying to acquire the strain of the virus that would make him superhuman. To stop him, they need the perfect bait: Rhys.

For Rhys, helping them might cost him his relationship with Darius—or his life. For Zach and Nico, even if their plan succeeds, they still face the ultimate question: can infected and uninfected people ever live together safely?

My review:
This is the third book in the STRAIN world and should absolutely be read after JUGGERNAUT and STRAIN. It picks up the story where both JUGGERNAUT and STRAIN left off, bringing their romantic pairs (Rhys and Darius from STRAIN and Zack and Nico from JUGGERNAUT) in direct contact to save what is left of the world.

This series of books is set approximately 100 years in the future after a military-developed supervirus decimated the population. People left on the planet? Estimates are in the ten thousands–the majority of them uninfected survivors living in small-to-large enclaves, the largest a settlement in Colorado Springs. The others are experimentally-treated soldiers, Jugs, who help comb the country to kill the lingering revenants–ravenous, Bane Gamma infected zombie-like persons.

Rhys is a survivor who is likely to be immune to all three strains of the Bane virus, and the scientists who remain in Colorado Springs want to test his blood and determine if a vaccine can be developed. Rhys’ partner, Darius, is a Jug who will not leave Rhys to the whims of the scientists. The Jugs are outcasts, and rather bitter about it, due to their lethal blood. He and several other jugs travel from the Seattle area to keep Rhys safe.

They encounter Zack in Colorado, as he is a health worker for the scientists–this meeting is scarring for Rhys who was the subject of abuse from Zack’s father and brother for nearly half his life. Over the course of testing, however, they build a rapport, and Zack confides in Rhys, Darius and the other Jugs about the disappearances in the compound, and how he knows that there are real scary things going down–likely due to the machinations of the sadistic Secretary Littlewood.

There are lots of political issues with the still developing society in Colorado, not least of which is a forced breeding program. Zack enlist Rhys’s cooperation to help discover the secret lab of Littlewood, and the chase–quite literally–is on.

If you were hoping Zack and Nico would work things out, they do, but it’s not pretty–for a long time. I just marveled at the deft plot twists and fantastic use of character in this book. I could honestly see and feel the scenes unfold. The love between Rhys and Darius is as harsh as their world, and it’s erotic and delicious, too. Expect extreme monogamy. Yay! Also, expect the Jugs to save the freaking day, yet again. I hate to say it, but this book is frighteningly on-point with contemporary issues (think: corporations buying up the natural park lands) and with the supramilitaristic response when faced with the viral outbreak.

Rhys was a child when the outbreak occurred, and his adult insight–as he travels past burned out hospitals and tenements where the infected were locked down and incinerated alive–is poignant. Darius’ constant love is engaging, Zack’s commitment to his purpose (to remain Bane Alpha-free) is as noble as it is frustrating. Nico has known for years that he could sexually transmit safety to Zack, but Zack feels called to remain unprotected. His faith has a surprising reward and gave me the ability to breathe again–after holding my breath so long in fear that Zack would become infected and turn revenant.

The series is phenomenal, and I cannot love it more.

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAbout the Author:

Amelia C. Gormley may seem like anyone else. But the truth is she sings in the shower, dances doing laundry, and writes blisteringly hot m/m erotic romance while her son is at school. When she’s not writing in her Pacific Northwest home, Amelia single-handedly juggles her husband, her son, their home, and the obstacles of life by turning into an everyday superhero. And that, she supposes, is just like anyone else.

Her self-published novel-in-three-parts, Impulse (Inertia, Book One; Acceleration, Book Two; and Velocity, Book Three) can be found at most major ebook retailers, and be sure to check http://RiptidePublishing.com for her latest releases, including her Highland historical, The Laird’s Forbidden Lover, the The Professor’s Rule series of erotic novelettes (co-written with Heidi Belleau), and her upcoming post-apocalyptic romance, Strain.

You can contact Amelia on Twitter, Facebook, GoodReads.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Out Today! A Whole Lotta Carolina Lovin’

CBBs release day-promoHi there! You know I’ve loved me some of the fantastic Carolina lovin’ books from Rie Warren. Well, in preparation of her next release, there is a BONUS for all her devoted readers. Today marks the release of the BOXED SET of her three full-length novels, STONE: AT YOUR SERVICE, LOVE: IN THE FAST LANE and STEELE: INTO YOUR HEART, plus some early chapters from CHROME:FORGED IN A HEART OF STEELE, coming soon!

All these books feature sexy, foul-mouthed, hot blooded Carolina men who have given up on love and find it in the most unlikely of places. They are sweet and sassy and super-duper sexy.

CBBs Box Set--Final Tall versionInterested? Carolina Bad Boys Box Set is available on Amazon and Goodreads. The release week price for all three novels is $.99!

Chrome: With a Heart Forged in Steele (Carolina Bad Boys #4)

Chrome: With a Heart Forged in Steele

Is coming soon to an Amazon near you…

Boomer Steele is big. He’s bad. He’s the Retribution MC pres. He’s been dealt the worst hand imaginable and bears the scars inside and out. Not that anyone knows it. He’s watched his younger brother and sister hook up and hitch up with the loves of their lives, and now he’s the last Steele standing alone. Maybe he should keep it that way.

Then one feisty honey makes him feel, gets in his grill, pisses him off.

She goes by the name of Rayce. And that’s exactly what she does on her motocross bike when she’s not busy getting her hands dirty with her fellow grease monkeys as the only female mechanic at Stone’s Garage. She’s into fixing bikes, racing hers, and making Boomer’s life a living hell just for the fun of it. Oh, and she hates being treated like a girl.

Sparks flying? That’s an understatement where these two are concerned. Yet when Rayce needs a place to live, and Boomer offers her a room in his house, their unquenchable attraction wins out over antagonism. Sometimes. Rayce’s crappy upbringing makes her think love is for stupid fools asking for heartbreak. She’s not willing to go there for any man. Not even Boomer Steele.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Preorder it here.

Ride: In Between the Covers (Carolina Bad Boys #2.5)Ride: In Between The Covers

Also available, the sexy novel that brought Josh Stone and his Lady LeeLee together back in STONE: AT YOUR SERVICE….   Amazon

Rie WarrenAbout the Author:
Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is the author of Sugar Daddy and the Don’t Tell series—a breakthrough trilogy that crosses traditional publishing boundaries beginning with In His Command.

She lives in gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina with her small family where she basks in the sunshine during the day, and adjourns to her woman cave at night. A nocturnal creature, she stays up way too late talking to herself, her characters, and anyone who will listen. She’s all about writing with heat, heart, and a hint of the dark, and she doesn’t shy away from the impossible.

Rie’s work has been called “edgy”, “daring”, and “some of the sexiest smut around”.

You can find Rie online Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!

Wrapped Up In A COLLAR AND TIE–Reviews and Adieus…

Hi there! It’s my great pleasure to share reviews for the final book (and companion!) in the Ganymede Quartet, A COLLAR AND TIE. I have shared reviews for this alternate historical M/M series: A MOST PERSONAL PROPERTY, A PROPER LOVER, and A WILLFUL ROMANTIC, each having a free companion novella as a bonus.

In truth, I adore these boys, and their travails have become mine.

A Collar and Tie (Ganymede Quartet #4)My Review:
This is the FINAL book (sighs from the loss!) of the Ganymede Quartet, and the books need to be read in order.

I have faithfully followed this series, loving every second of Henry’s angst and Martin’s solicitousness. The books are set in an alternate historical period, NYC circa 1901, but in this world slaves are still present, and Companion slaves are purchased by wealthy families for the personal use of their teenaged children. Martin is a Companion from the House of Ganymede who was purchased for Henry Blackwell, scion of the industrialist Hiram Blackwell, seven months ago. Henry’s darkest secret is that he loves Martin, even though it is unnatural and unacceptable gentlemanly behavior.

Henry is a romantic fool, wishing that he could change the world so that his love for Martin could be shared with any, and every, one. He has no desire to marry a woman, even though he knows this is expected. He fears his father will take Martin away if he learns of Henry’s proclivities, and yet he cannot contain his ardor. *swoon*

Henry is a desirable partner for the ladies, because he is wealthy and handsome, and his lack of interest is almost catnip for some of the girls of his acquaintance. Still, Henry’s impulsiveness is bound to get him into more trouble–when he steals private moments at the Metropolitan Ball with Martin. His indiscretion leads to a falling out with his best friend, Louis, and a hasty retreat into the bowels of NYC’s seedy gay society.

I was so enamored of this part–of Henry finding common folk with whom to share his joy over being with Martin. Being that he’s still only 16, Henry’s compass doesn’t necessarily point in the proper direction. Martin’s attempt to steer him rightly is unwelcome, and leads to further discord. Oy vey, Henry! It is meant to be, child, just not the way YOU want it to be…

I had my heart broken along with Henry, though I knew he was being petulant and rotten to Martin. I awaited reconciliation and, like Martin, was rewarded for my patience. As a romance, this book (and series) hits all the marks. It is sexy and sweet and sad and joyous. I have angsted alongside these boys for the better part of a year–and I could go ten more years hearing their wondrous tales.

All the main issues are accounted for: Henry and his parents have a better relationship. Henry learns to deal with his love for Martin in private. People want to be around Henry, despite his “invert” issues. Martin is fantastic and lovely and wonderful and Henry will be a better man for loving him.

This book ends with a satisfying resolution, but I’m still not satisfied. I’m a little bitter that this is the end, in truth. I need more Henry and Martin in my life. I want to know how their lives change. I want to tag along to college, and to see Henry attempt to court a lady. I want he and Martin to live long happy lives together, filled with adventure and love.

I know I won’t see them again like this, and I am melancholy over it.

Sign of a fantastic series….

Interested? You can find A COLLAR AND TIE on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

As is Ms. Glass’ custom, she releases a companion novella from the POV of Henry’s Companion, Martin. This is a freebie, but won’t make much sense for people who don’t read Henry’s book, first.

26093726I adored A FREE CHOICE, which is to be expected, really, as I have adored the series in its entirety.

The book is a wrap on the series, and mostly follows the final three days of A COLLAR AND TIE, from Martin’s perspective. It is lovely and wonderful, and I want more!

Martin has recently reconciled with his master and lover, Henry Blackwell. Henry’s family is an odd mix, and not quite what Martin had hoped for when he was being sold as a Companion last September, but Martin has found love and devotion in his master and he could not have wished for better circumstances.

Martin does wrap up his thoughts on the 14th Street debacle and his misery over Henry’s bad temper quite well. I was so glad to see his playfulness and thoughtfulness come out so strongly. I think Martin is finally comfortable enough to be a partner to Henry, and not solely his slave. I do so want to see them try Chinese food, and go out adventuring with Mr. Ross and Simon! To see them play with Mr. Wilton and Russ.

I think I might not go gracefully into this goodnight, Ms. Glass!

I am not ready for this series to end. And I am eager for further stories to bring them back to me.
*crosses fingers*
*contemplates pact with the devil*

You can find A FREE CHOICE on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
Darrah Glass is a writer and generally inquisitive person who likes her fantasies to be as historically accurate as possible. She loves research, sex scenes, and researching sex scenes. She’s married and happily childless, does yoga, never cleans her house, likes shoes and toenail polish, and is vain about her hair. As far as her priorities are concerned, she’d rather write than do just about anything else, and she drives a 15-year-old car but carries really nice purses.

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

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends! 🙂

Moving Beyond WHAT HE LEFT BEHIND-A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a super sexy M/M/M ménage romance newly-released from LA Witt. WHAT HE LEFT BEHIND is a book about married friends helping a friend recover from abuse. My goodness, it was a swooner! I’ve loved these other books from LA Witt, ON THE CLOCK, LONE WOLF and STARSTRUCK, and jumped at the chance to review this one. So glad I did.

What He Left BehindAbout the book:
Can you ever have a second first time?

Josh Carver thinks it’s just another lunch with his best friend, Michael—until Michael confesses he just turned down a date with his hot veterinarian crush. It seems Michael’s abusive ex left him more scarred than Josh realized.

Josh and his husband, Ian, have done their best to help Michael leave his horrific past behind, but even Josh is stunned when Ian suggests that Josh help Michael with his fear of physical intimacy. After all, it isn’t like it would be the first time—Josh and Michael were once each other’s firsts.

A hesitant first kiss, and Josh and Michael’s natural attraction eases the way. But with Michael still balking at the prospect of sex with someone new, Ian steps into the breach.

Everything is fine and dandy until emotions become so entangled, their friendship—and a marriage—could be at risk.

Warning: Contains three guys who will do anything for each other, a hot tub that’s always the right temperature, and a cat with an attitude problem.

My review:
This is a “melt your e-reader” erotic, contemporary M/M/M ménage story that can be summed up thusly: sex, and feels, and sexy feels.

Michael was in a long term relationship with an abusive partner, Steve, for five years. It has been roughly five years since Michael escaped Steve’s abuse, and he’s been working with a therapist all this time, but he still cannot bear to be touched, and has had no sexual relations with any partners in all that time. Each time Michael tried to initiate something with a potential partner he suffered panic attacks and PTSD episodes. He’s in his mid-thirties and completely, miserably, celibate.

Josh is Michael’s friend from childhood. They grew up together and shared all their first sexual experiences. They were besties with benefits, for a long time, but haven’t had any sexual relations in more than a decade–not since Josh met and married Ian. Ian and Josh have a stable, satisfying monogamous marriage, and a close friendship with Michael. When Michael confesses his fears over having sex with a new partner, it is Ian who suggests that Josh offers himself to Michael. That’s right. Ian is so sure that Josh can give Michael sexual healing–without damaging their marriage–that he urges Josh to help Michael get it on.

Through fits and starts, Josh is able to coach Michael to open up sexually. They are slow and tentative with each other, and it’s shattering Josh’s confidence, always wondering if he’ll push Michael too far, while also worrying that he is pushing Ian away.

I’m just gonna say that this is one of the most tender, most honest, and most absolutely scorching ménage stories I’ve read in a long time. The feels! My god! I wanted to weep whenever Michael clenched up and panicked. And Josh is an absolute mess inside. He tells the story, so we are constantly privy to his conflict. Ian is spectacular. Honest, and compassionate, and unrelenting as a sexual partner. When Michael becomes comfortable with Josh, and his anxiety over new partners is the last hurdle, Ian is steadfast. And hot! I almost chuckled when Josh began watching them interact and realized, ‘Hey! Why am I WATCHING when I could be joining in!’ I was cheering these guys on from this side of the screen for sure.

Of course, all good things come to an end, and Michael needs to find himself a stable partner, opening up the next round of conflict between the three of them. Turns out so, so good! It’s an HEA all the way.

Interested? You can find WHAT HE LEFT BEHIND on Goodreads, Samhain Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AllRomance.

About the Author:

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who, after three years in Okinawa, Japan, has recently relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two cats, and a three-headed clairvoyant parakeet named Fred. There is some speculation that this move was not actually because of her husband’s military orders, but to help L. A. close in on her arch nemesis, erotica author Lauren Gallagher, who has also recently transferred to Omaha. So, don’t anyone tell Lauren. She’s not getting away this time…

Visit her website, Facebook, and twitter.

Thanks for popping in my friends, and keep reading!

Sexytimes in CROSS MY HEART–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for CROSS MY HEART, a New Adult ménage romance from AM Hartnett. It’s a steamy read, with a good bit of heart.

imageAbout the book:
Dangerous, but worth the risk?

Evie and Ryan are selective. Not just any man will do. After weeks of trying to make a connection online they finally extend an invitation that outs their sinful search to their widowed landlord, Seth. And then Seth reveals a secret of his own: he’s more than eager to become his young tenants’ playmate.

In spite of the explosive dynamic the threesome find in bed, Ryan’s insecurities bubble to the surface. He wanted a lover who wouldn’t hurt Evie, but as he watches his woman writhe with the ecstasy another man gives her, it becomes clear that Seth isn’t the one Evie needs to worry about leaving with a bruised heart. Sharing the control in bed was the easy part. Losing control of his emotions could destroy what he has with Evie.

My Review:
Evie and Ryan are two 20-somethings who met in their apartment building. Over the course of several months they developed a friendship, and then more. They are currently an exclusive couple who enjoy some light kink, including bondage, but Ryan has recently revealed that he is bisexual and has desires to have relations with men. Evie’s on board, if she can be a mutually-pleasured party–Ryan thinks he’s the luckiest man evah.

He kinda is.

Thing is neither he, nor Evie, can find a suitable third. They have some feelers out on the kink webforums, but the leads aren’t good. Most of the respondents don’t want to play equally with Evie or Ryan.

A disastrous tryst ends with a mortifying rescue by their landlord, Seth, who isn’t exactly averse to a bit of kinky fun with his tenants.

I like the emotional and sexual landscape of this book. It is told by Evie and Ryan, and we get the full sense of their experience, which is both good and bad. Expect some seriously hot sexytimes and some low points–especially when Ryan blows the whole thing up. Honestly, I need to know Seth has his own book coming, because this dude stole the story.

This is a story set in London, so expect the Briticisms to be strong and loverly. It made my Anglophile heart swoon. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

Interested?  You can find CROSS MY HEART on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author:
A.M. Hartnett began writing erotica upon receiving what, at the time, she considered very bad advice from a career counselor. Since 2006, her short stories have appeared on the web and in various anthologies, including Kristina Wright’s Best Erotic Romance series and Rachel Kramer Bussel’s Curvy Girls.

Find AM on her website, twitter, and Facebook.

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends.

Getting Real in A CASUAL THING–My Review for Joyfully Jay

Hi there! Today I’m back with a book I recently reviewed for Joyfully Jay. It’s a New Adult M/M romance that’s a lot sweet and a bit spicy. This is the first book I’ve read from Annabelle Jacobs, but it won’t be my last.

A Casual ThingAbout the book:
Patrick Mason travels to Bristol to spend the summer with his brother, Ben. He’s cat sitting for the first two weeks while Ben goes on holiday. But Ben neglected to tell him he wouldn’t be doing it alone. Will Adams—Ben’s mate and Patrick’s long-time crush—is staying in Ben’s guest room while he waits to move into his new house after a breakup.

Against his better judgment, Patrick convinces Will that a little no-strings fun is just what they need. Patrick doesn’t want to get involved with a guy on the rebound, and Will isn’t interested in starting something serious with a student. But Patrick’s never been good at separating sex from feelings, and this time is no exception. As their weeks together draw to a close, they need to decide if they have something worth pursuing or if it’s really just a casual thing.

I really enjoyed this novel. It’s short and sweet, perfect for an empty afternoon. And that cover is really perfect, as the entire romance kicks off with a simple dropped towel… 😉

Expect some steam, some regret, and some break up to make up–HEA style.

You can check out my complete review over on Joyfully Jay. Pick up the book on Amazon, All Romance or Amazon UK.

About the Author:

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her husband, three rowdy children, and two cats.

An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

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

Thanks for popping in, and keep reading my friends!

Intense Love, Serious Stakes in BO–A Review

Hi there! Today I’m sharing my review for BO, the third Retribution MC novella from Rie Warren. I’ve been keeping up with her Carolina Bad Boys series with STONE, LOVE and STEELE, and her bikers: HUNTER and KINKAID, but BO is different. He’s a recent vet, suffering PTSD, with a few friends who do him more than one solid.

imageMy Review:
This is the third book in the Retribution MC series but can be read as a standalone.

Bo is a recent veteran returned stateside following the drawdown of troops in the Middle East. His last mission went bad, resulting in capture, torture and death of his many in his unit. He suffers PTSD and nightmares as a result. His buddy in the Retribution MC, Hunter, gets him signed up for counseling with the sultry Dr. Veronica Hartley. (Pardon me while I love that name…)

Unfortunately for Bo, V is the sexiest woman he’s seen in a long, long time. How can he confess his horrors while sporting a hard-on? Clearly the only thing to do is avoid his sessions, which only draws Dr. Hartley to seek Bo in his personal training studio…. The attraction is fast and fierce, but Veronica backs off, referring Bo to a colleague. Once she feels she’s given him some time to heal, she’s back–and this time with out the conflict-of-interest. Veronica still counsels Bo, but as a friend and lover, helping him to move past his survivor’s guilt and make contact with his family.

But V has a big secret of her own, one revealed in her love of motorrcycles, her giant tattoo and her handiness with a blade. If Bo wants to spend his life loving the woman who helped him heal, he’s gonna have to get her out of a very dangerous situation.

I liked Bo. He’s a stand-up guy with a desire to work past his tragic past. V is a good match, never letting Bo get too much of the upper hand. Her lack of history and family is mystifying–at first. Both Bo and V are lonely, and find solace with each other, which is nice. I wasn’t expecting the grisly turn things took, however. It was fun to see all the Retribution guys out on rescue detail, and for Bo to get support from his few surviving Marine pals. If you are expecting a sweet story, this isn’t it–but it does have a lot of intensity and two characters that you’ll be rooting for from the first page.

Interested? You can find BO on Goodreads and Amazon. The final book in this series, COLETRANE, drops next month. Pre-order it here.

image

Rie WarrenAbout the Author:
Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is the author of Sugar Daddy and the Don’t Tell series—a breakthrough trilogy that crosses traditional publishing boundaries beginning with In His Command.

She lives in gorgeous Charleston, South Carolina with her small family where she basks in the sunshine during the day, and adjourns to her woman cave at night. A nocturnal creature, she stays up way too late talking to herself, her characters, and anyone who will listen. She’s all about writing with heat, heart, and a hint of the dark, and she doesn’t shy away from the impossible.

Rie’s work has been called “edgy”, “daring”, and “some of the sexiest smut around”.

You can find Rie online Goodreads, Facebook and twitter.

Thanks for popping in and keep reading my friends!