A VVivacious Review: Caught In Between (Daniel and Ryan #8) by Tamryn Eradani

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Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Daniel wants to be overwhelmed and he wants to know how it will be if they add a third. But thinking about that particular scenario has him overwhelmed in a completely different way. Will Daniel be able to pose his quandary to Ryan and most importantly what will be Ryan’s response?

Wow, considering how much I was dreading this one, it was pretty amazing. In fact, it might be one of the very best of this series.

I know I made a lot of hue and cry in my last review about how things were all of a sudden moving too fast mostly because I didn’t think Ryan and Daniel were ready for this. But what this story unquestionably proves is that they are ready, they are comfortable enough in their relationship with each other that they can bring in a third for a night of fun. 

I loved how the scene was set up. It was delicious. The setup for the scene and scene itself had to be pretty spot on considering my thoughts on the whole affair but I am glad to say that my apprehensions are unfounded. 

But my absolute favourite thing about this book was that the whole storyline was an amazing way to showcase how far Daniel had come along in their relationship because all of a sudden his motivations have changed. Instead of wanting to do what Ryan tells him to do because it makes him happy he now wants to do things Ryan tells him to do because it makes Ryan happy. This was something I never expected would come forward in this particular storyline but seeing how amazingly it was incorporated, made me question how I hadn’t ventured down this particular avenue. Also seeing their relationship at such a turning point really helps contrast Daniel’s feelings very well.

Now I can’t wait for the next one because as Daniel points out all this just proves how far along Daniel is in their relationship but where exactly is Ryan in their relationship and I truly can’t wait to have that question finally answered. 

Cover Art by Natasha Snow. I love Natasha Snow’s covers they are exquisite but this particular one doesn’t only go very well with the theme for the covers but fits the storyline perfectly, like to the point that the cover seems like a scene from the book.

Sales Links:  NineStar Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published September 11th 2017 by NineStar Press
ISBN139781947139824
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series Daniel and Ryan #8

A MelanieM Review: Scratch the Matchmaker by Austin Daniels

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Rating: 2 stars out of 5

After his boyfriend moves out of state without telling him, Jay wants only to indulge in a weekend of drunken self-pity. Before he can get started, though, he is rescued by a stray dog.

While obtaining the necessary food and supplies he needs to take care of the dog, named Scratch, he meets Richard, a veterinary student. Better still, Richard offers to meet up to talk to him about caring for a dog.

Lessons in taking care of a dog lead to lessons Jay never expected, but Jay isn’t the only one with a sour past, and all the two men hope to learn from and with each other may be cut all too short.

Well, I only wish the story I found had been half as cute as the premise and the cover.  I think just about everything here needs to be addressed from the format to the multiple points of views that take you immediately away from the main characters story into various side vinaigrettes of dog matchmaking and sex.  There is a weird element of “yes, let’s immediately be boyfriends and D/s even though I just met you” that’s disconcerting as well as downright less than sexy.

Honestly it makes you want to take Jay to therapy and remind him about not talking to strangers.

I wish I could say Scratch the Matchmaker by Austin Daniels is all about perspectives. That its just me. But I really feel that it would be hard pressed to find readers to overlook the faults I found. This needs more than another looksee from a editor or two.  And that’s from someone who adores a dog story within a romance!  It’s just disorganized, the writing is poor and the characters are one-dimensional.  I’d give this one a pass.

Cover design by Michelle Seaver.  Just adorable, from the dog to the design.  Great job.

Sales Links:  Less Than Three Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 164 pages
Published September 13th 2017 by Less Than Three Press
ISBN139781684310975
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Free Dreamer Review: Fortitude Smashed by Taylor Brooke

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Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

After scientists stumbled across an anomalous human hormone present during moments of emotional intimacy, further research created the ability to harness the direction of living energy and pinpoint when two lines will merge. Personalized chips are now implanted beneath the thumbnails of every infant, where glowing numbers count down to the moment they will meet their soul mate. Fate is now a calculation.

But loving someone isn’t.

When Shannon Wurther, the youngest detective in Southern California, finds himself face-to-face with Aiden Maar, the reckless art thief Shannon’s precinct has been chasing for months, they are both stunned. Their Camellia Clocks have timed out, and the men are left with a choice—love one another or defy fate.

The idea of a sort of inbuilt clock counting down to Day X isn’t exactly a new idea. Usually, Day X marks the person’s death. In “Fortitude Smashed” the Camellia Clock counts down to the second when you meet the love of your life, your soulmate. I think that was an interesting take on things.

With the whole Camellia Clock and personalized chip set-up, I’d expected a Science Fiction story. What I got, however, was a contemporary story set in  present-day California.  I must admit, I was a bit disappointed by that. It almost seemed a little bit lazy to me, as if the author didn’t want to bother with coming up with a whole new world. Instead, she opted to set it in the present day and just added the Camellia Clocks. Consequently, there was very little worldbuilding involved. I would’ve liked to know how the whole Clock thing actually works and if there is a way to opt out of having that chip implanted.

Considering Shannon is a cop and Aiden is a thief, I’d expected lots of tension there. So I figured, even if there’s no SciFi plot there, at least there’s still gonna be lots of conflict. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t. Aiden stops his thievery pretty soon and the tension between the two is the usual romance-tension. I will say that I’m normally not a reader of contemporary romances, because I always feel like I need a little more than “just” a love story. And that’s just what “Fortitude Smashed” is: Just a contemporary love story.

I liked that both Aiden and Shannon had their issues. Especially Aiden struggled with mental illness and Shannon was wonderfully supportive. Neither of them was exactly perfect but they still worked together really well.

There were plenty of sex scenes and they were really hot, without being overly explicit. Taylor Brooke definitely has a way with words. All her descriptions are wonderful, no matter if she was writing about the landscape or body parts. She definitely also has a sense of humour and I found myself laughing out loud a lot.

Overall, “Fortitude Smashed” was a bit of a disappointment to me. I’d expected SciFi but got contempary. I’d expected a crime plot but got a “normal” love story. I guess I mostly just had the wrong expectations. As I’ve said before, I’m not a huge fan of contemporary romance novels and I probably wouldn’t have picked this up, if I’d known it wasn’t Science Fiction.

Still, this book did have its moments and I’m sure lovers of contemporary romance witha bit of a twist can and will enjoy this book. It just wasn’t for me.

Cover: I really like the cover. It looks very summery and is a nice change from the usual covers of M/M romance. And it matches the feel the story gave me.

Sales Links:

Amazon

Interlude Press

Barnes & Noble

Book Depository 

Book details:

ebook, 346 pages

Expected publication: September 21st 2017 by Interlude Press

An Alisa Review: Someone to Call My Own (Road to Blissville #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker

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Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Psychic Emory Jackson and former black ops specialist Jonathon Silver are men from two completely different worlds with one thing in common: heartbreak. Emory still mourns the loss of his husband five years prior, and Jon is reeling with grief from the recent death of his twin brother.

Sparks fly when mutual friends introduce them, but it’s so much more than basic attraction. There’s an undeniable awareness and a sense of belonging that neither man can deny. Despite Emory’s premonition of a future with Jon, he has vowed never to love again. Jon is convinced that his tainted soul is the reason he will never have someone to call his own. What if they’re both wrong?

Maybe these broken men with their jagged edges could somehow align perfectly to form something whole and beautiful. But will that realization come too late for them?
I really liked the premise of this story and the prologue drew me right in.  Unfortunately as the story went on it didn’t keep the same pace of excitement for me.  I had never read this author before so I did not know what to expect.  There is nothing wrong with the writing other than it is a style that doesn’t work for me.  It was a bit too sweet and fluffy for my tastes.  I was expecting something a bit gritty from the blurb and prologue.
Another thing I struggled with is that this story is insta-love on crack.  They literally meet one time at a dinner party and are instantly in love with each other.  Because of the psychic aspect to the plot it was basically a fated mate story.  I struggled with it though because they were both human and it just seemed so unrealistic I couldn’t get past it.  I found the entire love story completely unbelievable and I was not emotionally connected to this couple at all.  I was actually more interested in Emory and his dead husband and any emotions I felt while reading this were attached to that aspect of the story.  There were some very touching scenes between those two.

Someone to Call My Own is the second book in the Road to Blissville series. These books can be read as standalone or as part of the series. The author first introduced these characters in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries, but it isn’t necessary to read that series first. I had not read any other books in either series and I was able to follow along with the plot and characters with no problem.
This was not a bad book, it just wasn’t the book for me.  I think fans of this author will enjoy this installment.  
This cover was done by Simply Defined Art and I think it is a nice cover.  There is nothing that stands out to make it unique and it is a bit dark in my opinion but overall it is well done.

Sales Links:AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2ezOhtg

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2xIi2g6

Book Details:
ebook, 223 pages
Published September 5th 2017
Edition Language
English Series Road to Blissville #2
Characters Emory Jackson, Jonathan silver

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into Always (Leaning Into Stories #1.5) by Lane Hayes

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Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Let me start by saying I love Lane Hayes’s work, so I immediately jumped at the chance to read this one for review. I was given three weeks, but I took less than three days to read it, savor it, and write this review. This story was delicious, delightful, and decadent. Better than a fine piece of chocolate!

Set in San Francisco, this story was originally part of an anthology and is now going to be the start of a new series. All I can say is “Sign me up!” because if the rest are anything like this one, I’m all in.

There’s not much I love more than a geek, so I was quite happy to find that Eric Shuster is that and more. He’s also cute, humble, sweet, and the type of person who sees to the needs of his friends before his own. His work partner and ex-lover, Nick, has announced that he’s getting married, but Eric can see immediately that he’s marrying for money, not love. The girl is the daughter of a wealthy investor and Nick is always on the lookout for more funds for their technology company, whether they need them or not.

As the story evolves, Eric finally faces the fact that he and Nick were really never in love, just friends and fuck buddies, and there’s no reason to grieve his loss. He ends up spending more time with his friends, especially Zane Richards, a handsome sportsman who loves his water sports, whether they be surfing, water polo, or sailing. In fact, Zane has his own company working with the wealthy who need an experienced yachtsman to simply sail or to race. Eric and Zane become closer than they’ve ever been in the dozen years they’ve known each other as they rediscover their likes and dislikes and explore a deeper connection than the usual surface level among friends.

I highly enjoyed watching their friends-to-lovers relationship develop. Ms. Hayes provided the perfect amount of heat and humor and even a little angst, though thankfully that wasn’t overdone. Just give me a love story that will cheer me up, make me break out my personal fan, and leave me feeling warm and fuzzy and you’ve made my day. This one made my day. I highly recommend it to all MM romance lovers, and especially to those who enjoy friends-to-lovers romances. Yummy!

~~~~

Cover art by Reese Dante shows a male naked torso against a scenic background photo depicting the Golden Gate Bridge with sailboats gracefully floating along below on the deep-blue water of the bay. It feels refreshing and is both attractive and pertinent to the story.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 100 pages
Published September 5th 2017 by Lane Hayes
Original TitleLeaning Into Always
ASINB075CVSKG6
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesLeaning Into Stories #1.5

BLOG and Review TOUR: Someone To Call My Own by Aimee Nicole Walker (excerpt and giveaway)

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SMTCMO Blog Tour Banner

SOMEONE TO CALL MY OWN

Road to Blissville Series, Book 2

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 09.05.17

Someone-to-Call-My-Own-customdesign-JayAheer2017-eBook-cover

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

SMTCMO 3D Cover

BLURB

Psychic Emory Jackson and former black ops specialist Jonathon Silver are men from two completely different worlds with one thing in common: heartbreak. Emory still mourns the loss of his husband five years prior, and Jon is reeling with grief from the recent death of his twin brother.

Sparks fly when mutual friends introduce them, but it’s so much more than basic attraction. There’s an undeniable awareness and a sense of belonging that neither man can deny. Despite Emory’s premonition of a future with Jon, he has vowed never to love again. Jon is convinced that his tainted soul is the reason he will never have someone to call his own. What if they’re both wrong?

Maybe these broken men with their jagged edges could somehow align perfectly to form something whole and beautiful. But will that realization come too late for them?

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2ezOhtg

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2xIi2g6

SMTCMO teaser1

SMTCMO teaser6

EXCERPT

“I think we need to clear the air,” Jonathon said in a calm, rational voice.

“There’s nothing to clear,” I countered. “I’m nothing to you; you’re nothing to me.”

“You think it’s that simple?” Jonathon took two steps toward me. I took three steps back. Jon jerked to a stop when he saw my reaction. “Emory…” He broke off and ran both his hands through his hair. “I know you felt it the night we met. I saw your eyes widen in surprise when the electricity shot through our bodies.”

“So.” Denying it existed wasn’t working. It was time to change tactics. “That doesn’t mean I want or will act on it.” I ran my hand over the infinity tattoo I had inked over my heart. It felt like River’s name was burning my skin like he knew the truth and was calling me a liar.  Or, maybe it was anxiety that gripped my heart in its tight fist. Whatever the reason, I felt lightheaded and dizzy. Suddenly, my body felt cold and hot at the same time, and tiny little needles pricked my skin from head to toe. I licked my lips that had suddenly gone dry and numb.

“Emory?” I heard Jonathon’s voice, but it sounded like he was calling to me at the end of a very long tunnel instead of five feet away. He walked toward me, but I kept backing away. I hoped he would stop, but I saw the determination in his eyes. “Emory, I just want to help you.”

“Then leave,” I wheezed between gasps.

“I’d never leave anyone alone in this condition,” Jonathon said angrily. “Now be quiet and let me help you.” He gripped my bicep firmly, but not painfully, and guided me to a kitchen chair. He gently set me in the chair then placed his hand on my stomach beneath the center of my ribs and the other on my chest. I burned beneath his touch. I wrapped my hands around his thick wrists and tried to push his hands off of me. “Stop it, Emory,” he said firmly. “You’re hyperventilating, and I can help you. I. Will. Not. Hurt. You.”

Hot tears of humiliation flowed freely down my face. No one had ever seen me in the midst of a panic attack and I’d always been able to pull myself out of them on my own. That one was different, and I knew I needed help.

“Ignore my hands on your body, but look into my eyes and listen to me.” His demanding, deep voice was nearly hypnotic. “Inhale deeply through your nose, Emory. Hold it for a count of three and release it slowly. When you do, you’ll feel my hands moving up and down with your lungs, and your brain will recognize you’re breathing even before the fresh oxygen pushes the carbon dioxide out of your body. Do it with me, Emory.”

I breathed in slowly, held it for three seconds, and released it. I focused on the way his hands moved up and down with my breathing and pretended that I expelled all the bad energy with every exhale. I repeated the process ten or twelve times before I was completely calm again.

Jonathon pulled his hands off of me and balled them into fists. He didn’t look angry or like he wanted to hit me. It looked like he needed to do something with his hands but wasn’t sure what. He lowered himself into a chair beside me.

“What caused your panic attack?”

“You,” I replied sullenly.

“Emory, I haven’t done anything to you so why would the sight of me cause you to panic?” Jonathon sounded truly baffled and a little insulted.

I knew it would take drastic measures to push him away, so I let him have it with both barrels. “I had a psychic vision about you—well. Us.”

Aimee Logo

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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A Lila Review: By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel by Meghan Maslow

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Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The last thing half-dragon, half-fairy private investigator Twig Starfig wants to do is retrieve a stolen enchanted horn from a treacherous fae, but there’s no denying the dazzlingly gorgeous unicorn who asks Twig to do just that. Literally, no denying, because compelling the reluctant detective is all part of a unicorn’s seductive magic.

To add to his woes, Twig is saddled with the unicorn’s cheeky indentured servant, Quinn Broomsparkle. Dragons are supposed to want to eat humans, but Twig’s half-dragon side only wants to gobble up Quinn in a more . . . personal way. Making matters worse, it’s obvious the smokin’ hot but untrustworthy sidekick is hiding something. Something big. And not what’s in his trousers. In the PI business, that means trouble with a capital Q.

Throw in gads of zombies, a creepy ghost pirate ship, a malfunctioning magic carpet, and Twig’s overbearing fairy father’s demands to live up to the illustrious Starfig name. Naturally, an old but abiding enemy chooses this time to resurface, too. Those inconveniences Twig can handle. The realization he’s falling for a human who isn’t free to return his affections and whose life may hang on the success of his latest case?

By Fairy Means or Foul was a nice surprise. I don’t read fantasy often, but the blurb for this story sounded interesting, and the author delivered. This isn’t your typical story. The mix of humor and dark moments make the story fun, and inviting.

Yes, the story is over the top but it goes with the characters, the settings, and the plot. Everything works together and the world-build enhances it. The author’s imagination brings to life a series of worlds within the main one that entice the reader to read one more page.

The main characters complemented each other and their differences help them in their journey. Quinn’s and Twig’s relationship is slow coming and their enemy-to-lovers arc is well written. Perhaps, a little less information would have made this story great.

The cover by Lou Harper fits the fantasy category and give us our first view of Twig and some of the worlds. .

Sale Links: Amazon

ebook, 280 pages
Published: September 29, 2017, by Meghan Maslow
ASIN: B074M4WNTV
Edition Language: English

A MelanieM Review: Would it be Okay to Love You? (Would It Be Okay to Love You? #1) by Amy Tasukada

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Rating: 4 stars out of 5

A robot fanboy. An erotic voice actor. When love comes calling, will they shed their armor?

Sato’s only long-term relationship is the one he shares with his Gundam collectibles. He dreams about the kind of unconditional love his parents enjoy. If only he could break out of his shell, he might find his special someone…

Outgoing playboy Aoi has sworn off relationships. He knows they only distract him from his budding voice acting career. He’s earned a few loyal fans, and if he keeps at it, he may even earn enough to never worry about being evicted again…

When Sato meets Aoi at the local anime store, there’s definitely a spark. But even as they tread carefully, their commitment issues and Aoi’s troubled past soon muck things up before they can start. In order for Sato and Aoi to have their happily-ever-after, they’ll both have to take a leap of faith… and hope to be caught.

Would It Be Okay to Love You? is the first book in a gay romance series set in Japan. If you like original characters, nerd culture, and simmering chemistry, then you’ll love Amy Tasukada’s charming multicultural love story.

Buy Would it Be Okay to Love You? to get your own love collectible today!

Would it be Okay to Love You? (Would It Be Okay to Love You? #1) by Amy Tasukada is a sweet gentle romance set in Japan.  Readers familiar with Yaoi or Boy’s Love manga will recognize that Amy Tasukada loves this form of fiction and in a way pays  homage to it with this lovely series and story.

I’m a fan of this author whose tales are often located in Japan, both historical and contemporary.  Her knowledge and love of the culture and people is as much a part of her stories as are the plots, they enhance them even as they are supplying an amazing foundation for her characters and world building.

Here Tasukada gives us Sato, shy nerd accountant at a anime studio and Aoi, a voice actor just becoming popular who meet at an anime store.  Between them, they have raised enough walls that it will take time for them to work their way to the relationship they want and need.  I loved that Sato goes with his family to the shrine and makes a wish for romance.  It’s sweet and so innocent in a way.  Plus a great contrast to Aoi, who is scrambling just to make ends meet and is much more street wise.

If you’ve read the author’s stories, then you know this is a slow-burn romance accompanied by terrific scenes that inform you about Tokyo and clubbing.  Here’s an example:

They strolled to the karaoke club. Sato rambled on about more aspects of his job. It wasn’t the most thrilling conversation, but the way Sato?s eyes glistened with light when he talked about numbers had its charm.

White walls with neon lights greeted them as they entered the karaoke club. Vinyl decals of classic anime characters reached from floor to ceiling. There was no doubt they were in Akihabara, the geek epicenter of Tokyo. If they ran through the offered songs, more than half would be anime songs from the past decade. Although, if Aoi really had to admit to himself, he was probably as nerdy about boys’ love as Sato was with Gundam robots. They both belonged in Akihabara.

The receptionist handed them microphones and escorted them to their room. A white sofa lined the decaled back wall, and a thick binder of songs sat on a table. The room was small, but two people didn’t need anything bigger.

What follows is a funny, charming scene where Sato and Aoi listen to CDs and sing karaoke.  I ending up just smiling and laughing along with them, totally won over.  I had also learned something new about going out in the Akihabara!

If you love romance, here is one to check out.  It’s a quick read, it has characters that you will easily connect with and a romance to root for.  I loved it.

Cover art is perfect for the characters and story.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

ebook, 152 pages
Published September 19th 2017 by Macarons & Tea Publishing
ISBN139780997865363
Series Would It Be Okay to Love You? #1