An Ali Audiobook Review: Better Than Safe (Better Than #4) by Lane Hayes and Tyler Stevens (Narrator)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

Paul Fallon is a fashion advertising guru. He’s a genius at dealing with difficult editors, art directors, and designers alike. He thrives on the chaotic atmosphere and constant challenges. But in his personal life, he’s hoping for peace and stability. Settling down with a nice doctor or lawyer sounds perfect. Anyone but an artist. He’s been there, done that, and he doesn’t want to relive the heartache.

Seth Landau is a model, occasional guitarist, and aspiring painter. He’s quirky, flighty, and wise beyond his years. Life has taught him some tough lessons, then given him opportunities he never dreamed of. He’s learned to appreciate the fragility of life and to express it in his work. Seth’s flare for the absurd combined with a supple mind and a beautiful body are too alluring for Paul to ignore. Against his best intentions, Paul is drawn to the younger man whose particular brand of crazy challenges Paul to accept that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes taking a chance is better than being safe.

I really, really liked this book. This ended up being a well done romance and there were quite a few things I liked about it. Paul is the narrator and he gets set up with Seth by a friend. Seth is much younger and at first glance doesn’t seem to have his act together. As the story unfolds though we realize Seth is so much more than he initially seemed. I fell for Seth right along with Paul. At first I thought he was kind of charming but a pain in the bottom and way too much trouble but by the end I was all swooney and ready to declare my endless love for him right along with Paul. I thought the plot was interesting and it moved along at a good pace without a lot of angst. I liked how problems would arise but instead of the usual drama we often see in books, these two just communicated (a novel idea I know) and worked through it. There was no insta-love and their relationship progressed in a way that felt realistic to me. Some of the most touching scenes were every day moments (like a picnic). The story wasn’t filled with sex scenes…..just the right amount…and they were HOT. Seth was a dirty talker and that made the scenes really work for me.

This was my favorite book by this author. I’ve only read book 2 of this series but had no problem reading this without reading the others. The couples from books 1 & 3 made multiple appearances and there is a very brief appearance of the guys from 2.

I listened to this on audio and REALLY liked the narrator. I thought he did a great job on all of the characters and it really made the sexy scenes hotter.

Cover art by Aaron Anderson. I liked the cover on this a lot. It was consistent with the other books in the series and I found it visually appealing.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Audible | Amazon

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio, 9 pages, 8 hrs 12 mins
Published March 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press, LLC (first published September 25th 2015)
Original TitleBetter Than Safe
ASINB01CKGVNFC
Edition LanguageEnglish

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: A Fortunate Blizzard by L.C. Chase

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

This story was outstanding! Heartwarming and heartbreaking, it made me smile, and it made me cry, and I didn’t want it to end. I love these guys!

Trevor Morrison is dying. It’s a few days before Christmas, and his doctor has just told him that it’s likely his last. She didn’t use those exact words, but she did tell him that his kidney function is getting worse, and the dialysis he’s undergone for the past seven years may not be able to keep the kidney functioning much longer. She’s also given him a pamphlet on making the decision to go off dialysis and die naturally, virtually pain free, a decision he’s been leaning toward making. All this wonderful news is joined by more wonderful news—a blizzard is going to make it impossible to fly out of Denver to visit his family in Connecticut for Christmas.

When he gets stranded on his way to the airport, and the shuttle manages to get to a hotel, he meets Marcus Roberts in the bar. Marc is an attorney and a workaholic who is frustrated that he’s stuck in a hotel when he could have just stayed at his office and kept working. But his assistant forced him out, and now his car is out in a snowbank on the turnpike, and he’s stuck in the hotel. At least he has a room, something that is no longer available to the new arrivals.

One look at Trevor and Marc is struck by the need to get to know him. Initially inviting him to his table to talk, and later, inviting him to his room to share the comforts of the hotel room and other things that might arise, Marc eventually realizes that being forced out of the office that day may be the best thing to ever happen to him.

Trevor is very hesitant to allow anyone to get close to him, but Marc manages to squirm his way under Trevor’s defenses, and when the airport is still not open the next day, Marc invites Trevor back to his home to await Trevor’s rescheduled flight out the day after Christmas. Trevor is very clear that this is only a casual encounter, and Marc agrees, but when neither of them is prepared for it, their emotions complicate the casual and make it more.

They spend Christmas together, and Trevor, a renowned artist, manages to get Marc’s creative spark going by using their artistic skills to decorate for Christmas. Marc has not had a Christmas celebration in many years. Estranged from his mother, a woman who stifled his artistic creativity and shunned him for his sexuality, Marc hasn’t picked up a paintbrush in years. However, with Trevor encouraging him, he begins to think that he might have a future in which he can enjoy artistic pursuits and not just use work as his twenty-four hour a day focus.

All good things end, and when Trevor is gone the day after Christmas, Marc realizes that his priorities need a major overhaul, and one of the first things on his list is to find Trevor and convince him that their future is not impossible.

hurt
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, this one is a keeper. I highly recommend it to all lovers of contemporary M/M romance, especially to those who enjoy a tearjerker, hurt-comfort, men with disabilities, and those who just want a book that they can devour from beginning to end with no interruptions. Don’t miss a chance to read this one!

~~~
Cover Art by L.C. Chase is a beautiful portrayal of two young men, one kissing the cheek of the other, set against a backdrop of a snow scene with an empty park bench— a scene mentioned as being one of Trevor’s art creations in the book. It’s the perfect cover for such a wonderful story.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 175 pages

Expected publication: November 2nd 2015 by Riptide Publishing

original title A Fortunate Blizzard

ISBN13 9781626493391

edition language English

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Dinner at Fiorello’s by Rick R. Reed ~ Audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

Henry Appleby is considered by many to be a spoiled little rich kid living in the lap of luxury with his wealthy parents, enjoying the good life. But Henry has a burning desire, deep in his soul, to become a chef. Not something his parents would approve of, he’s sure. However, for Henry, food expresses emotions and memories and he wants to be able to bring those emotions to others through his cooking. So when he spots an ad for an all-around helper at Fiorello’s, a small Italian restaurant, he decides to go for it—against his father’s wishes. His father had already arranged a summer job for Henry as an apprentice in his law firm, a prelude to Henry entering college in the fall and ultimately following in his father’s footsteps to become an attorney.

The first day on the job, Henry meets Vito Carelli, the tall, dark, brooding chef who never cracks a smile but who produces the most amazing food. Unknown to Henry, Vito lost his husband and young son to an auto accident a little over a year ago, and now life has lost its meaning, and he has all he can do to put one foot in front of the other to survive the hollowness in his heart.

Though Henry is attracted right from the first day, every attempt to befriend Vito, or even flirt with him, is met with a stony glare. Until one night Henry’s world is turned upside down when he discovers his mom is having an affair. Then one thing leads to another, and he’s outted to both parents, and Vito is the only person willing to listen and help the young man whose heart may be as broken as his own.

I loved this story. It’s a bittersweet romance, with the focus more on the characters than on the sexual attraction, and that makes it so much more than the usual. It starts out slowly, backfilling the history of each character, giving them life and dimension. But by about halfway through, I found myself longing to hear more, to experience their dynamic, and to wallow in the heartbreak that is Vito’s grief, and I realized that I didn’t want to pause it for any reason. (To heck with real life responsibilities!) Joel Leslie’s outstanding narration gives life to the characters. Vito’s sexy, deep, Italian-accented voice and Henry’s light, youthful vibe fit the characters perfectly and make it believable when the characters themselves, while ultimately attracted, acknowledge their age difference and the necessity of going slow as they see where their relationship may lead. Throughout the story, he narrates not only the words, but the emotion—sometimes raw and poignant though it may be.

The supporting cast of characters—from Henry’s parents and housekeeper to Rosalie, the owner of Fiorello’s and Carmella, the lusty hostess with an eye for the men—each has his or her own voice given character by the author and infused with life by Joel Leslie.

It’s not often that I’m so affected by a story that the characters stay with me long after I finish, but that’s the case here. I finished this book a few days ago, and I still feel Vito’s pain at his loss. The agony of his grief was so realistically written and so realistically performed by the narrator that I, too, feel as if I’ve lost someone important to my life.

I highly recommend this story, in audiobook if you can do it, but e-book if you can’t. It’s a beautiful love story, not just showing the early stages of what may become love for Henry and Vito, but the love Vito holds for his son and his husband—a love that transcends their death. Don’t miss a chance to pick this one up.

~~~~~~~~~~

Cover Art by Reese Dante features a head shot of gorgeous Vito in the foreground with a profile of youthful Henry in the background. It’s beautifully done and perfect for the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Audible | Amazon

Audiobook Details:

NarratorJoel Leslie
Length7 hours and 11 minutes

A BJ Review: The 13th Hex (A Hexworld Short Story) by Jordan L. Hawk

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

The 13th Hex is the prequel short story to the all-new Hexworld series. If you like shifters, magic, and romance, you’ll love Jordan L. Hawk’s world of witch policemen and the familiars they bond with.

Romance. Magic. Murder.

Dominic Kopecky is a Metropolitan Witch Police fanboy who failed the magic aptitude tests when he was young. He’d dreamed of working at MWP with witches and their familiars who take the form of birds, toads, and cats. But his lack of magic led him to become the next best thing—a hexman who does the grunt work of using ink, paper and gemstones to create spells that witches later activate with their magic. But hexes were an exact science and a badly done one could turn very deadly when activated.

When the beautiful unbonded crow familiar, Rook, seeks Dominic’s help investigating murder by patent hex, Dominic isn’t sure why. He’s not a witch, the case has already been closed, and someone seems willing to kill to keep it that way.

I loved this one right from the start. Well-written, well-paced, intriguing characters, and a very unusual world set up. I read it first in the Charmed and Dangerous anthology, and when I saw that it was going to me a series, I was totally jazzed!

Both characters are quirky and compelling, and the writing was excellent with danger, heat, and humor well-mixed. I found myself giggling that the familiar was a crow and Dominic’s last name was KoPECKy. As did some of lines like ‘keep your beak out of it’ and a bunch of others.

A lovely sweet romance, some nice heat, and a fun story. Overall, it just hit all the right notes for me.

Beautiful cover! I love the layout of it as well as the elements that speak of another time and paranormal together very well. I am eager to see a rendering of the other character on the cover for the next one if the author runs true to how she did the covers on previous series.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd edition
Published April 5th 2016 by Jordan L. Hawk
ISBN139781941230183
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHexworld 0.5

A Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Manties in a Twist (The Subs Club #3) by J.A. Rock

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

Look, I’ll never stop missing Hal, but this Subs Club my friends started to review suck-ass doms isn’t gonna bring him back or give him justice. For me, it’s just another chance to hang out with my friends, even if they think I’m too dumb to understand the important work we’re supposedly doing.

But maybe I’m not as dumb as they think—at least I know when I’ve got a good thing going. Which is why I just moved in with my dom. Ryan’s awesome possum. He’s really short, never makes me feel stupid, and is up for anything. One word: costumes. Two more words: women’s underwear. We’re all about the lace, no leather.

Except when we do pony play. We first tried it as a joke, but turns out I’m ballin’ at it. Now PetPlayFest is coming up, and I wanna take down the Subs Club’s archrival, Cinnamon the ponygirl, in the horse show.

My friends think I’m spending too much time with Ryan and ignoring my obligations to the group. But since when is friendship an obligation? Ryan’s my first serious relationship, and I want to take it . . . seriously. At some point I need to think about my future, not my past.

—Kamen

Kamen and Ryan are the best couple ever! This story is the definition of MORE—more of the Subs Club series, more of a look at how the men of the Subs Club have grown and matured, more healing from the death of their friend Hal, more forgiveness to those involved in Hal’s death, more of a relationship than any of the others in the series, and more kink: manties and pony play.

This installment of the Subs Club series explores Kamen’s new relationship with his diminutive dom, Ryan. Though his exact height is never specified, Ryan is a tiny man, especially when in the presence of his six-foot-four sub, and Kamen is not only not uncomfortable with that, he clearly treasures it. He’s turned on by Ryan’s short stature, tiny hands, and commanding personality.

As the story opens, they’ve not been together very long and have not yet settled on what their particular kink will be, though they are exploring cross-dressing. Turned on when Kamen tries on a pair of lacey panties left behind by Ryan’s friend, Amanda, when she did her laundry at their place, it takes hours for the two to surface from their steamy sex session. Kamen tells Ryan: “Either an angry hamster was in these panties… Or you looked so hot in them I tried to tear them off you so I could get more of your dick down my throat.” They immediately dive into a catalog to order more women’s underwear, stockings, a garter belt, and a sundress. Though Kamen has no desire to put on makeup and a wig, they do have some fun with the cross-dressing experiences, and Kamen begins to wear the feminine underwear when they go out with his friends from the Subs Club.

All the men are maturing and changing, with Miles and Drix enjoying parenthood with Miles’s newly adopted son, Zac, and Dave and D still strong together in their D/s relationship as well. But their friend Hal’s death is never far from their thoughts, and when Dave gets upset with Kamen because Ryan doesn’t seem to share the depth of their grief, Kamen gets upset as well—but with Dave, not with Ryan. Kamen can see the bigger picture now, and recognizes that Hal, his Dom, and Cinnamon, the sub who was in the same room at the time, all had a part in Hal’s demise. In fact, Kamen suggests that the club members all saw where Hal was headed, and even though they didn’t realize it at the time, there’s a small part of him that feels responsible as well. So from Kamen’s perspective, it’s time to mature and keep going—forgive and forget—stop forever wallowing in the past.

Ryan and Kamen support each other in everything they want to experience—from their career choices, to where they live, to their choice of kinks, so when Kamen comes home and tells Ryan he’d like to try to defeat Cinnamon in PetPlayFest, Ryan is immediately onboard with that idea. Cinnamon has always been a bitch to Kamen and his Subs Club friends and takes every opportunity to berate and belittle Kamen. She’s all about pony play and has won the festival for the past few years. Not this year, Kamen vows.

I love the way the author introduced pony play, and in fact, all forms of pet play, and made it not only acceptable, but quite interesting. Using practice for Kamen’s challenge as the vehicle for reader’s education, the author not only described the play, but used the bond that was forming between the MCs to endear them as a couple through this experience. They grew together and they acknowledged that growth and their need to communicate to stay on track. The story is filled with humor, but also introspection, stages of grief and healing, and true love. This couple is my favorite, not only in this series, but in all of the books I’ve read in the past year. Kamen and Ryan were so right for each other, their romance so sweet, their devotion and support of each other so complete, one couldn’t help but root for them to win the play fest and to firmly move on to their HEA.

There are so many positives to this book. I picked it up because it was Manties(!), but I couldn’t put it down because it was so much more. I hate to see them go. I want to move next door to this couple so I don’t ever have to say good-bye.

Obviously, I highly recommend this MM romance, especially to those who like a little kink in their play. This is a great book for those who are just beginning to explore BDSM, but it’s also for those who enjoy all its aspects. Don’t hesitate to buy this one!

~~~~~
Cover Art by Kanaxa shows a set of cuffs against a purple argyle background. The background, using different colors, is being repeated throughout the series, and a different BDSM-related symbol is displayed on the cover each time. I like the way the general look of the cover links all the stories in the series, however, considering the two major kinks in this story: manties and pony play, I think a better symbol could have been included on the cover. Handcuffs really don’t play a role in this story at all.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 283 pages
Published April 2nd 2016 by Riptide Publishing
Original TitleManties in a Twist
ISBN 1626493472 (ISBN13: 9781626493476)
Edition LanguageEnglish

SeriesThe Subs Club with links to Barb the Zany Old Lady’s reviews :

J.A. Rock Talks Bed Bath & Beyond and the latest release,Manties in a Twist (The Subs Club, #3) -giveaway

Manties in a Twist (The Subs Club, #3) by J.A. Rock
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by Kanaxa

Purchase a Copy/Read an Excerpt here

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have J.A. Rock here today to talk about the latest in The Subs Club series, Manties in a Twist and share a little insight into the book and characters. Welcome, J.A.!

*************

Hi! I’m J.A. Rock, and right now I’m touring the internet talking about my latest release Manties in a Twist—Book 3 in The Subs Club series. Thanks so much to the blogs that are hosting me on this tour, and be sure to leave comments on the tour posts for a chance to win your choice of two backlist ebooks and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Bed Bath & Beyond

Full disclosure: I’ve never been inside a Bed Bath & Beyond, the store that Ryan and Kamen make their bitch in Manties in a Twist as they decorate their new apartment. I’ve only heard tell of BB&B in legend. My mom’s obsessed. My brother made multiple trips there when he moved in with his girlfriend. Even my sister has purchased linens there. But for some reason it’s this terrifying and magical place that I’m afraid to set foot in.

I’m not much of a decorator. I made my roommates pick out all the stuff for our apartment. I don’t really see what’s wrong with having a coffee table that’s missing one leg. I did, for research purposes during Manties, browse the BB & B online store, but I feel like that doesn’t do it justice. I’m picturing an epic castle of home necessities—a place where, like Pier One and Crate & Barrel, I would a) not know what anything is called, except maybe “towels” and b) break something valuable within ten minutes of stepping inside.

The part I’m most curious about is the “beyond.” I understand what I might find in the bed and bath sections, but “beyond” just seems so…vast. Are we talking kitchen? Automotive? Lawn and garden? Is there a small, sad food court, like at SuperTarget?

I don’t have plans to investigate anytime soon, so I guess I’ll just have to keep imagining this veritable Eden of domestic merchandise—this place that seems like an adulthood rite of passage, that makes Kamen and Ryan feel like they’ve finally conquered growing up. Any BB & B fans here? Is it something I should try once? Or is it overrated?

About Manties in a Twist

But maybe I’m not as dumb as they think—at least I know when I’ve got a good thing going. Which is why I just moved in with my dom. Ryan’s awesome possum. He’s really short, never makes me feel stupid, and is up for anything. One word: costumes. Two more words: women’s underwear. We’re all about the lace, no leather.

—Kamen

About the Subs Club series

After the death of their friend Hal at the hands of an irresponsible dom, submissive friends Dave, Kamen, Miles, and Gould band together to form the Subs Club—an organization seeking to expose dangerous local doms. The club slowly evolves as romances blossom, loyalties are tested, and tensions mount in a community already struggling for unity in the wake of Hal’s death.

From domestic discipline to knife play to fashion paraphilia, and from family drama to new jobs to first loves, the members of the Subs Club explore life’s kinks inside and outside of the bedroom as they attempt to let go of the past and move forward.

About the Author

J.A. Rock is the author of queer romance and suspense novels, including By His Rules, Take The Long Way Home, and, with Lisa Henry, The Good Boy and When All The World Sleeps. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Alabama and a BA in theater from Case Western Reserve University. J.A. also writes queer fiction and essays under the name Jill Smith. Raised in Ohio and West Virginia, she now lives in Chicago with her dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.

Connect with J.A. Rock:

Website: www.jarockauthor.com
Blog: http://jarockauthor.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jarockauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ja.rock.39

Giveaway

To celebrate, J.A. is giving away your choice of two ebooks from her backlist and a $10 Amazon gift card. Leave a comment to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 9, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A Stella Review: Neon White E4 (A Tooth Claw and Horns Chronicle #4) by Wulf Francu Godgluck

RATING 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

Is the path to vengeance truly worth the secrets it will reveal? Everyone is seeking answers and, more importantly, retribution for those responsible.

Raven’s life is dangling between fine lines. Being forced to face his own demon, one he never knew existed, is proving more deadly than anyone could have predicted.

Jessy works against the clock to keep Raven’s condition hidden from the Caption, but when an acquaintance pays the precinct a visit, she finds time has run out. It’s a man both she and Landon had hoped never to lay eyes on again.

Meanwhile, Bla’Gar seeks out an old friend in hopes of gaining answers to help Raven, wondering if she might leave a very nasty bite of her own instead.

And Niko reflects on his past, that has brought him to the present; one he could never have foreseen.

Some truths are better left unsaid; others…might be too painful to face.

Some warnings before I give you my thoughts on Neon White Episode 4 by Wulf Francu Godgluck.

First of all, if you haven’t read the series or even the last episode, and you are planning to do it, don’t read this review, it will spoil your reading.

Please be aware the A Tooth Claw and Horns Chronicles series is not for everyone. As I had already said in the reviews of the previous episodes, it’s very dark, violent, hard to understand and complicated. If you are not comfortable with these triggers, don’t buy it. BUT the first book is still free, so if you want, you can give the series a chance and not make your wallet cry.

This 4^th episode seemed to me more complex and full than the previous ones. There is a lot going on, not just in the MCs couple but in the secondary characters too.

Detective Raven is been bitten at the end of episode 3, he has no sire, he is not a human anymore, but a vampire, not a normal one because he burns in the moonlight and not sunlight. Bla’Gar has no idea how to help Raven, he tried everything he knew but nothing worked. He should have killed Raven since his first drink of demon blood, but he couldn’t. He needs to save his Raven before he loses him to the darker nature that will just kill him.

Raven’s point of view broke my heart, I could read his thoughts and see him suffering through a deep agony. He can’t fight it, he’s struggling through two parts of himself, where the Strigoi virus is feeding the darker part. The dualism in Raven is hard to witness till the the ending, unexpected.

This is not only Raven and Bla’Gar’s story, here you can find out how Nick and Bruce met, and let me tell you, in so much darkness, their scenes were so welcome. Plus there’s still the mystery of the disappearance of Seth, the alpha of Bla’Gar’s Lycan clan, to solve (we get just a glimpse of him and I can’t wait to know more). Then we know a little more of what it is going on into Jessy’s life too.

Just a note on the writing, there are multiple PoVs, a lot, and I’m not a fan of them, but in this case they aren’t a negative choice because they worked perfectly and were necessary for a plot like this.

The next episode will be the season finale, I can’t wait for it to come out and I really hope the evil author will give a HEA to these troubled characters.

The COVER ART by Wulf Francu Godgluck follows the style of the whole series and it’s well done and different from the usual.

Sales Links: ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 78 pages
Published March 19th 2016 by Wulf Francu Godgluck
ASIN B01D04CNIO
Edition Language English

A Tooth Claw and Horns Chronicle series (with links to Stella’s reviews)

A Free Dreamer Review: Devil at the Crossroads (Deal with a Devil) by Cornelia Grey

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

The devil covets more than his soul …

Six years ago, Logan Hart sold his soul to the devil to become the greatest bluesman of all time—and now the devil has come to collect.

The irony is that Logan squandered his gift. High on fame, money, and drugs, he ignored his muse and neglected his music. And despite managing to escape showbiz in a moment of clarity, it’s too late to redeem himself. All that’s left is to try to go out with some dignity. Alas, the prospect of an eternity in Hell isn’t helping much with that goal.

But Farfarello, the devil who bought Logan’s soul, isn’t ready to drag him down to Hell quite yet. He’s just spent six years working his ass off to whip a bluesman into shape, and he refuses to let that—or the opportunity for more sinful pleasures with Logan—go to waste.

A blues guitarist selling his soul to the devil. Well, been there, done that, right? That’s what I thought when I first read the summary. But “Devil at the Corssroads” is a really interesting take on that trope.

The sex scenes were sizzling hot and made me drool. But even before they got at it, there was this sexual tension that made the butterflies in my belly go crazy. Cornelia Grey definitely knows how to write sensual and erotic characters. “Devil at the Crossroads” pretty much oozes sexiness and passion from the beginning right through the end.

But what made me give this novella five stars wasn’t the hottest sex I’ve read in ages. There’s more to this than simple pornography. I often find novellas lacking something. Usually I feel like it’s incomplete or the plot is not detailed enough or a million other little things that I missed. But “Devil at the Crossroads” is different.

The characters were very well developed and unique. Farfarello really isn’t what you think of when you hear the word “devil”. I loved the way Miss Grey described his looks. Definitely a unique character.

I really liked Logan as well. The shame he felt at ruining his chance at fame was very compelling. I felt really bad for him.

The balance between plot and porn was perfect. The storytelling is utterly compelling. I felt like I was right there with the characters, living their experiences through them. It all felt very realistic. Even though we only got to see short snapshots from those six years, I felt like I knew everything there was to know. And I most definitely liked the ending.

I also loved the references to other famous blues musicians. Talking about Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and the like made me really enjoy the whole setting. I’ve always had a thing for blues, and when Logan mentioned a song title, I immediately felt the urge to look it up. Thanks to this book and a dear online reading buddy, I’ve also discovered my favourite singer: some of Hozier’s songs fit the mood perfectly.

To sum it up, “Devil at the Crossroads” is an incredibly hot novella with unique characters and a very realistic setting. A must read!

The cover by Jared Rackler is absolutely gorgeous. It’s so simple and yet it fits the mood perfectly.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | ARe | Amazon

Book details:

ebook, 75 pages
Published September 23rd 2013 by Riptide Publishing (first published September 21st 2013)
ISBN139781626490581
Edition LanguageEnglish

SeriesDeal with a Devil

Note: While this is technically part one of the “Deal with a Devil” universe, each story can be read as a stand-alone.

A Review Redux: A Mika Review: Fish Stick Fridays (Half Moon Bay #1) By Rhys Ford

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

Deacon Reid was born bad to the bone with no intention of changing. A lifetime of law-bending and living on the edge suited him just fine—until his baby sister died and he found himself raising her little girl.

Staring down a family history of bad decisions and reaped consequences, Deacon cashes in everything he owns, purchases an auto shop in Half Moon Bay, and takes his niece, Zig, far away from the drug dens and murderous streets they grew up on. Zig deserves a better life than what he had, and Deacon is determined to give it to her.

Lang Harris is stunned when Zig, a little girl in combat boots and a purple tutu blows into his bookstore, and then he’s left speechless when her uncle, Deacon Reid walks in, hot on her heels. Lang always played it safe but Deacon tempts him to step over the line… just a little bit.

More than a little bit. And Lang is willing to be tempted.

Unfortunately, Zig isn’t the only bit of chaos dropped into Half Moon Bay. Violence and death strikes leaving Deacon scrambling to fight off a killer before he loses not only Zig but Lang too.

I wonder if Rhys Ford has a magic chair that she sits in at home to churn out these 5-star books and characters. I mean I expected nothing less, but a couple of months ago when she announced that she had a new series starting I was elated. I mean, c’mon. everyone knows how I feel about Cole and Jae; they are my heart. She announced a new series, and a freaking kid was a main character. I was down for it. I love children in my stories. Their age adds an extra layer of vulnerability to the characters.

This book was everything and more that I could ever ask for. I am swooning for Deke! He’s amazing. He hasn’t had an easy life, and anybody’s that went through what he did would understand if he decided to be selfish and only look out for himself. His lack of parents, the fast life he grew up in couldn’t prepare him for caring for his 8 year old niece Bobo Zigfried! She’s a tornado wrapped in a hurricane. Full of life, love, adoration and kind of a cynic to be so young. Right from the beginning its full of action! I love the dynamics between Deke and Zig they are the coolest people that I like I’ve read from the author to date.

Lang is a freaking sweetheart in his own way! I think Rhys Ford did a good job with combining the two mc’s past histories together. This wasn’t her usual buildup of love between two guys. Dare to say it, but I totally got the insta-love feeling without the cheesiness that goes with it. I kind of see them as a love as first sight kind of thing. I mean the descriptions about one another were so endearing, and sweet. This is definitely a favorite of mine, and I cannot wait until the next in the series. This is the perfect family that Rhys Ford throws together!

Cover Art by Reece Notley:This might be my favorite cover from this artist. They are teasing us by not showing Deacon’s entire face, but everything else that is important to his person is there. Loved the color schemes for the cover. The motorcycle definitely rocks.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 204 pages

Published November 30th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

original title Fish Stick Fridays

ISBN 1623809487 (ISBN13: 9781623809485)

edition language English

series Half Moon Bay #1

A BJ Review: F.I.S.T.S. Handbook For Individual Survival in Hostile Environments by Bey Deckard

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

Sarge (F.I.S.T.S #1) – 5 stars

Sergeant Wilkes has had a long and prestigious military career. When he’s injured on the front, Murphy brings him in. Murphy is the opposite of Sarge… big, tattooed, and delightfully submissive. Can a couple space marines stationed on an alien planet where an endless war rages on find something special in each other?

Gritty, violent, somewhat gory short novella. Its kinky, smoking hot and romantic almost in spite of itself. This story made me bawl like a baby, and I loved it!

Sarge is an older, hardened officer Dom; Murphy a younger 6ft 8in quiet, muscular, tattooed, sweet enlisted sub. Murphy also has the ability to see psychic/emotional colors (auras?). The two come together when Sarge is injured fighting on the front line, and Murphy uses his special talent to help him. Right there on the battlefield, wounded and in pain, Sarge propositions Murphy:

“You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.”

At first it’s just an interesting diversion for Sarge, but that changes as he comes to realize what he’s found in Murphy.

Murphy is intelligent, but he doesn’t talk much. And damn it, he doesn’t need to because the nuance of communication between him and Sarge is exquisite. When it comes to D/s, one thing that fascinates me is when the physically larger guy is the submissive/bottom. And my goodness isn’t Murphy an enticing one. But it’s more the two together that really gets me about this story. They’re perfect together. Such devotion. I was seriously holding my breath and biting my nails at the end.

Speaking of the ending, it felt a bit abrupt at first. But the more I thought on it, the more I realized that wasn’t the case–the ending is perfect. I would love to explain that specifically, but don’t want to spoil it. Just read this little gem. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for the next in this series to come out.

Murphy (F.I.S.T.S. #2) – 4.75 stars

Sometimes when it seems like it’s too late, the right person comes along and opens your eyes…

Murphy is the continuing story of the D/s relationship between two Space Marines who found each other in the midst of hopelessness and misfortune.

Sarge and his newly minted squad travel across the galaxy on a top-secret mission that could help win the war. However, to Murphy something about the mission stinks, and it’s not just the planet they’ve landed on.

After the events of book one ends with a semi-cliffie where we aren’t sure if one of the MC survives, I was very happy when this book came out! It shows us the guys have both survived and gotten off that godforsaken planet. Yes! Not only that, they’ve been promoted and are heroes of a sort.

I enjoyed getting Sarge’s point of view here–enjoyed watching the veteran soldier trying to keep his growing feelings for Murphy in check (and sometimes failing); enjoyed the chance to view Murphy from someone else’s perspective; and enjoyed that even though it’s Murphy who can see the colors of other people’s emotions, Sarge is so keyed in to Murphy that it’s nearly the same for him even without a special sense. I just love how neither of these guys really have to vocalize much because they are just so perfectly in tune to each other.

Must admit that getting to read from his own POV how the crusty old career solider goes all gooey and vulnerable over his big moose of a soldier boy was a delightful treat. And this about sums it up in Sarge’s own words:

“My career has always come first. Always. What the hell are you supposed to do when something else becomes more important?”

This short story serves up kinky, raunchy sex, hurt/comfort, sweet love, a bigger bottom/sub and a smaller top/Dom, and a dangerous mission gone wrong that offers up a good helping of plot and action.

The Missing Reel

A short scene from Sarge (F.I.S.T.S #1) which the author left out in order to keep the nature of their relationship somewhat ambiguous.

It takes place a week after the explosion that took Sarge’s eye and shows their first encounter after Sarge’s comment about seeing what “good boys get.” Perfect little scene that I’m glad the author decided to give us the opportunity to read the first time these guys interacted in this dynamic and felt it gave an insight that set the tone for the rest of the relationship. Since this is a deleted scene from the first story, I’m not going to rate it separately.

The cover on this anthology is pretty plain, meant to emulate a must used/stained field manual.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

143 pages

Published July 7^th, 2015 by Bey Deckard

Kindle Edition
Published June 8th 2015 (first published June 1st 2015)
ASINB00ZA9T6WE
Edition LanguageEnglish

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Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | iTunes | Audible | Amazon

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Manties in a Twist (The Subs Club, #3) by J.A. Rock Riptide Publishing Cover art by Kanaxa

Bed Bath & Beyond

About Manties in a Twist

About the Subs Club series

Giveaway

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Manties in a Twist (The Subs Club, #3) by J.A. Rock
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by Kanaxa