Designs, Scattered Thoughts and More Decisions. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Designs, Scattered Thoughts and More Decisions

So. After much thought and looking at designs, the poll, other sites, I’ve arrived at…nothing concrete. But with input, we are getting closer. Highest on the list readers want to see? More reviews. So on that front, we are looking for more reviewers so that we can handle more reviews here of every sort. We are a LGBTQIA review site, that means we want to review books of LGBTQIA content…all LGBTQIA content. From fiction to non fiction, to gay to lesbian, and all the genres you can think of.

We want to review them all. We are doing good but we’d like to do better. Also we are losing one of our reviewers this month. BJ is moving on to writing full time and we wish her well. She will be hard to replace. But try we must as Yoda would say. So if you love to read, are already reviewing books or want to try your hand at reviewing or know someone who reviews or any combination of the three, write us at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com. Send us a link to some of your reviews or a sample too. We have more than enough books to go around!

Meantime, as the heat wave continues in the US…its a perfect time to curl up with more books in ebook, audiobook or even paperback form. Here some you might want to consider for your TBR list. Meanwhile, its still July, so grab up those blueberries, hotdogs, and favorite scoops of ice cream and celebrate and the month ends.

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This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 24:

Designs, Scattered Thoughts and More Decisions
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 25:

Cover Reveal for Flying Fish by Sedonia Guillone
Cover Reveal for Amber Kell & RJ Scott – The Case Of The Guilty Ghost Signal Boost Productions
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: Checkmate by Nicki Bennett and Arial Tachna
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Island Doctor by Sue Brown
A MelanieM Review: All Note Long by Annabeth Albert

Tuesday, July 26:

Angel Martinez Talks Drowning in Ideas, Writing, & Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (guest post and excerpt)
Roller Girl by Vanessa North Blog Tour – Riptide Publishing
Its Release Day for By Quarry Lake – Josephine Myles (excerpt and giveaway)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: By Quarry Lake by Josephine Myles
A BJ Review: Deductions by Lyn Gala
A Jeri Review: The First Morning After by Marie Lark

Wednesday, July 27:

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Best in Show by Kelly Jensen
A Stella Release Day Review: Settling Down by Nicole Forcine
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Temptations of Desire by Tempeste O’Reily
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote
A Lila Review: Witch King by T.A. Creech
A MelanieM Review: Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters by Angel Martinez

Thursday, July 28:

Book Blitz and Giveaway – Laid 3 by A.J. Llewellyn
Release Blitz and Giveaway- The Beginning – Victoria Sue
Series Recap – Anna Butler – Taking Shield Series Tour and Giveaway
An Alisa Review: Damaged by Noah Willoughby
A BJ Review: Femme by Marshall Thornton
A BJ Audiobook Review: Sunset Park by Santino Hassell

Friday, July 29:

Release Blitz Tour and Giveaway- Annabelle Jacobs – Bitten by Mistake
Release Day for Priest and Pariahs by Mann Ramblings (excerpt and giveaway)
With or Without You by Zane Riley Tour and Giveaway
Book Blitz and Giveaway – Another Secret by Stevie Woods
A Lila Audiobook Review: Duke in Hiding by MJ O’Shea
A Jeri Review: Fish Out of Water by Amy Lane
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: No Quarter by Christine D’Abo

Saturday, July 30:

A MelanieM Release Review: Bitten by Mistake by Annabelle Jacobs
An Alisa Review: Finally His by Shawn Lane

A Lila Audiobook Review: The President’s Husband by Michael Murphy and Randy Fuller (Narrator)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

When an assassin’s bullet strikes his predecessor, Grayson Alexander becomes the first openly gay President of the United States and his husband, David Hammond, becomes the first openly gay First Husband. With their world turned upside down, David relies on his career as a medical school professor and ER doctor to keep him grounded. But his decision to keep working ruffles feathers from day one.

Gray throws himself into learning everything he needs to know to be President, especially a liberal president surrounded by a conservative cabinet and staff. Even though he puts in outrageous hours working and traveling seven days a week month after month, he’s happy. But David has trouble coping with Gray’s new job requirements. He can’t help but feel abandoned by his husband of ten years.

When Gray asks for his help with a public-health crisis, David obliges, but he is furious about what happens once the emergency passes. When they learn that the President’s staff has manipulated them both, they wonder if their relationship can survive the White House.

The President’s Husband is a remarkable read. If you’re looking for a political thriller, a steamy romance, or a drama, this is not it. This story is solely about the relationship between the newly appointed President of the United States and his husband of ten years.

We get to meet David and Gray during the Presidential Inauguration. The author gave us a hint of their relationship and how comfortable they are with each other. After ten years of marriage, they knew each other well and respected their individual careers and their dedication to them.

David and Gray have a great chemistry that it’s easy to feel during the entire story, even when they weren’t together. They have an active sex life, which the reader gets to hear more about than actually be witness to, but it works with the focus on their marriage. The on-page sex isn’t there to arouse the reader but to complement the couple’s relationship.

The political discussions are minimal since we only get David’s POV. There’s enough to set the stage for the book, but mostly, everything seems separate from the main plot. Yes, politics kept them apart, but the policies and procedures aren’t the main reason for it.

I think they are more medical references and information in the story than politics. The medical crisis David helps Gray with is the main point of content between them. There are a lot of details about what happens during this time, and some parts may be a little monotonous.

There’s a lot of drama involve in this novel, and David takes the center stage. We pass a significant amount of time in his head, making it difficult to get to know Gray. In reality, David is the main character and Gray is just his husband. We don’t get to see the antagonist doing his bidding, just mentions of him. It isn’t until the climax that we get to see the extent of his involvement.

David and Gray interact with a high amount of characters, but we only get to learn the names of a handful. David’s experiences are more important than how he gets them. Gray’s not a strong character, but he’s likable enough. I like David and how he took life by the horns, but he was a bit whiny in certain areas.

In order to enjoy this story, you need to be in the right frame of mind. You have to forget about everything you know about the President and how his family is handled. There aren’t meddling family members or best friends. David takes all his decisions using logic and tries to retain the status quo instead of rocking the boat. And this cost them both deeply.

Overall, this is a story about marriage and how communication is essential in a relationship. They could have solved a lot of problems with a simple conversation, but the rest of the drama is just an added bonus. I’m surprised by the lower rating in this story, but I think is more of a case of expecting a different story.

Personally, I’d had them get a divorce and become friends instead, but that’s just me. I enjoyed their courting and how they fought to be back together. I think Gray’s POV was needed. Plus, I think they were too young for their level of accomplishments.

This is my first story narrated by Randy Fuller. He did an excellent job, not only with the characters’ voices but with the feelings behind their exchanges. Also, I love how mature his voice is. It made it easier to visualize the main characters as older men with established careers instead of young men trying to figure out life. He also incorporated the omniscient narrator and gave it its own tone.

The cover by L.C. Chase goes with the story, but it’s hard to see the two men like David and Gray. There weren’t enough details in the story to have a clear picture of what they look like.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Randy Fuller
Length: 7 hours and 26 minutes

Published: May 24, 2016 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B01G2IUW38
Edition Language: English

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Desire’s Guardian by Tempeste O’Reily ~~ Audiobook narrated by Jeff Gelder

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

desires-guardian audio Chase Manning, the BFF of James Bryant from Designs of Desire, looks and acts like a twink on the surface, but once someone gets to know the man below the surface, they are shocked at the strength of character and dominant nature they find. And that’s what Rhys Sayer, James’s bodyguard, finds out when he stops being offensive to Chase and starts to allow himself to see with his eyes and not just his prejudices.

When they first met, Rhys had just broken up with his cheating boyfriend, and when the gregarious Chase approached him, he shunned Chase’s advances. That was enough for Chase because he’s no one’s fool. The problem is that he’s still attracted to the big hunk of manhood and finds Rhys incredibly sexy. Even so, he resists the job offer made by Rhys and his partner Mark who need a good IT man. He only capitulates when they sweeten the deal with office space for his new business and after a lot of arm twisting by James, who is now friends with Rhys.

This is not just a simple love story. There’s plenty of danger and intrigue when Rhys and his police officer brother, Dal, connect the dots on a current murder case and realize most of the young victims are Chase’s former boyfriends. Unfortunately, Chase inadvertently puts himself in harm’s way.

I enjoyed this story, though not quite as much as I did the first one. On the flip side, this narrator did a better job than the one who did the first one. However when he narrates, he speaks too quickly and often sounds as if he’s reading the story to a library audience, rather than putting in the necessary drama to bring the book to life. So, as with the first book in the series, I would recommend this story to lovers of MM romance, particularly if you enjoy a story where the big, muscular guy is dominated by the smaller, more effeminate man. However, it might be best to invest in the e-book rather than the audio version.

Cover art by Reese Dante is similar to the first book with a soft, watercolor background. In this case, a man’s hand and wrist are featured with a prominent black cuff on the wrist. This has a direct link back to the story so makes the cover both beautiful and appropriate.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook
Published June 14th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press (first published June 5th 2014)
ASINB01H0HAS66
Edition LanguageEnglish

SeriesDesires Entwined #2 settingMilwaukee, Wisconsin (United States)

A BJ Audiobook Review: Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper and Narrator: Brian Schell

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

dancing-lessons audiobook Two years of living with his controlling boyfriend left Chico worn down long before that boyfriend revealed he’d been seeing someone else. With no other choice, Chico moves in above his cousin’s garage in a small town in the redwoods, where he merely goes through the motions. To get him out of the house, his cousin pushes him to volunteer at a local dance studio to help with their annual show.

He’s not expecting to end up in a dance class, or to start feeling alive again in the arms of his dance instructor. Rafael is the studio owners’ son and was once a well-known dancer in his own right, but now enjoys being a teacher. Although Chico likes him, he’s afraid of taking a chance. But Rafael is determined, and it only takes one dance for Chico to start to realize he might still have something to learn.

From the beginning, the narration on this left me cold. There was very little nuance of characters, emotions, or variations. The reading seemed flat, not like a performance to me, but like an average person reading a book out loud, which isn’t really what I hope for when buying an audio. I found it hard to get into the story and as it went on hard to keep track as the voice and inflections tended to annoy me and pulled me out of it. I found this audio very hard to listen to.

Since I also own but had not read the ebook of this, I decided to try reading a bit of it to compare the experience to listening to the audio, and can say that this is a case of the book being better than the audio delivery of it. The writing style didn’t mesh well with for me, parts read as confusing and left me trying to figure things out as they weren’t clear, just didn’t flow for me sequentially or something, especially when it came to dialogue. I had to re-read some bits a few times to figure out what was going on… it was as if there was a communication gap between the author and myself that I had a hard time breeching.

Although the story wasn’t long, it still felt really slow for me at some parts. However, there were some things I really enjoyed about the story, although at times I felt Chico was a bit over the top with things like “silly Chico,” I could relate to how someone can feel so down on themselves due to the ways others have treated them. How sometimes the relationships we live with can change us drastically, until we lose who we once were along with our confidence. And how we are surprised by the most basic decent treatment from others, by their appreciation or attraction. That part was very poignant and real to me. Except that for him to have gotten to that point, it would seem to me that it would have either taken longer or been more predominate than just how one person had treated him. I did also want to mention, that it bugged me when Chico turned around and later said “silly Raf” in a scene

Overall, this is a sweet story with lots of UST, some heat, and a few memorable moments.

I wish that I had chosen to read this entirely as an ebook rather than listen on audio. From trying it for a part that way, I am sure I would have enjoyed it more in that format. Perhaps I will indeed go back and read again once I have let some time pass. For now, I need to rate it as an audiobook though… I rate the story as a 3 star, although I might have rated it higher if it was read rather than listened to, I’m not sure. But I rate the narration as a 2, and for me that is being generous as I really did not connect at all with this narrator, and because of that, feel that I didn’t connect with the story.

I like the cover by Catt Ford and can picture a particular scene when I see it, however it doesn’t give a feel of the book as related to dancing or costume design, etc.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

5 hrs 17 mins

Published May 25^th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

An Alisa Audiobook Review: A Forced Silence (Zero Hour #1) by Cate Ashwood and Scott R. Smith (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

a-forced-silence For paramedic Adam Carson, his world is lights and sirens and saving lives. Pressures at work keep him firmly in the closet, and life is too busy to contend with the complications that come with dating and relationships. When a familiar face from his past turns up where he least expects it, Adam starts to question whether or not there is room in his life for those complications.

The last person forensic pathologist Sam McKenna expects to see at pub night is Adam, the guy who made his life hell in high school. The attraction is instant, but Adam isn’t gay and Sam has no interest in pursuing him. Still, the leftover animosity from their teenage years isn’t enough to extinguish the lust growing between them. After both are called to the scene of a horrific murder, Adam admits he’s not as straight as he led Sam to believe and they seek comfort and distraction in each other’s arms. One night becomes many as the murder investigation intensifies, but when Adam is faced with losing Sam, he is forced to make a choice: to break his silence, or to give up everything for the job he loves.

I enjoyed listening to this story. Sam has been living openly since he left home for college and doesn’t want to hide himself while Adam has been hiding himself from everyone afraid to lose his job or family. Sam and Adam used to be best friends with the same person in school, however were never friends themselves in fact Adam used to go out of his way to make his life horrible.

When this story starts Sam has grown a lot from the awkward and shy teenager he was when they were in school, but Adam has moved farther from his attitude he had in school. I could feel both of their emotions, Sam absolutely loves the Adam he knows in private, but it tears him up to not show it in public. Adam is constantly feeling down about not being there for Sam out in the open. The story was left open and I hope I can see more of these characters in the future.

Scott R. Smith did a wonderful job narrating this story. I was able to keep track of the stories and characters which is always nice. He was able to portray the characters emotions in his reading.

Cover art by Melody Pond is nice and I wouldn’t change it.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 5hrs 47min
Published June 3, 2016 (ebook first published December 11, 2015)
Edition Language: English

Design – Form, Flash or Something Altogether Different.? Both? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Design Inquiries – Form, Flash or Something Altogether Different.

When you are looking at blogs what draws your attention? And keeps it there? Is it the flash, the dash, the colors and moving parts? Is it the substance, the content or a bit of both…just like a book cover?

What’s the most important thing to you, the reader, when it comes to review blogs? I’ve created a short poll. Take a moment and help us out by filling it out. We’re looking for a fresh new face and your input is invaluable.

July is holding on, the summer heat, (or winter cold if you call the southern hemisphere home) continues to mount getting ready for August and the dog days of summer. My summer book pile doesn’t seem to have lessened a bit. How about yours? Found any favorites to date? How about audiobooks? So many great ones out there. Check out our list of books we reviewed this week…surely there’s something for everyone.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 17:

Design Inquiries – Form, Flash or Something Altogether Different.
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 18:

Cover Reveal – Flying Fish by Sedonia Guillone
Staged by Kim Fielding – Blog Tour and Giveaway
A BJ Review: Staged by Kim Fielding
An Alisa Audiobook Review: A Forced Silence by Cate Ashwood
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Endings & Beginnings by KC Wells & Parker Williams
A MelanieM Review: Beta Test by Annabeth Albert

Tuesday, July 19:

Parker Williams/KC Wells for ‘Endings and Beginnings’ Tour and Giveaway
Top to Bottom by Delphine Dryden Blog Tour and Giveaway
A BJ Audiobook Review: Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper
A Lila Review: A Dandelion for Tulip by R. Cooper
A Free Dreamer Review: Native Wind (Native Ingenuity: First Chronicle)
by A.M. Burns

Wednesday, July 20:

Evasive Maneuvers by Lynn Michaels Creative Minds Tour and Giveaway
Book Blitz and Giveaway – Love and Magic by RE Andeen
Match Point by Leigh Carmen Blog Tour/promo and giveaway
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Desire’s Guardian by Tempeste O’Reily
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: On Wings of Thunder by MD Grimm

Thursday, July 21:

Blog Tour and Giveaway – Complexity by Harper Miller
Book Blitz and Giveaway: Boston Bauble Party by Susan Laine
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review:Boston Bauble Party by Susan Laine
A BJ Audiobook Review: Sutphin Boulevard by Santino Hassell
An Alisa Review: The Gift of Gravity by Sage Holloway

Friday, July 22:

Book Blitz and Giveaway – Save Jake Venice by Asher Oswald W.
Third Mate by Rebecca James Blog Tour and Giveaway
An Alisa Review: The Gift of Gravity by Sage Holloway
A Paul B Review: Third Mate by Rebecca James
A Jeri Release Day Review: The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray
A MelanieM Review: All Note Long by Annabeth Albert

Saturday, July 23:

An Ali Review: Alex’s Law by Jayce Ellis
An Alisa Review: Falling for Santa Claus by CJ Anthony
A Lila Audiobook Review: The President’s Husband by Michael Murphy
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Second Half: A Gay American Football Story by Scott D. Pomfret

A Lila Audiobook Review: Love Hypothetically by Anne Tenino ~ Narrated by Nick J. Russo

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

LoveHypothetically_Audiobook Paul’s been called many things—graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke—but “forgiving” isn’t one of them. When the new women’s softball coach at Calapooya College specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul’s forced to put aside his strict “no athletes” policy for the sake of his paycheck.

Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul’s high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one—the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor’s come out and retired from baseball, and now he’s looking for forgiveness and a second chance.

There’s no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn’t sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on.

Love, Hypothetically is a sweet second chance novella. I read Frat Boy and Toppy about four years ago, but it was easy to remember Paul and his larger than life attitude. As a series, the two stories have a great sense of place and age group. The author did an excellent job bringing the previous characters into this installment.

I’m not a fan of YA or NA, but this book was a good example of the genre done right. The characters acted their age; first as high school students, and then, as young adults. Their story is believable and doesn’t go over the top to get the characters separated or back together. The chain of events that brought them back into each other’s life seems possible.

Both main characters have very defined personalities that stayed true through the story and varied depending on their interaction with other characters. I wanted them to get another chance to happiness from the very beginning, and the pacing of their reconciliation worked for the short format.

Perhaps I wanted a little more, but that happens with every novella. I wished we got more time for Trevor to beg for forgiveness and to see how their future turns out. But since this is only book #2 in the series, I guess we will have a chance to learn a little bit more about them in the next installments.

The hypothetical conversation Paul has is perfect for the story. I can see anyone having that type of exchange with a friend. It was well-written and quirky enough to keep the reader entertain. Plus, his friend attitude added to the color of the story. We get to see how much Trevor means to Paul and how he used this hypothetical situation to open up and think about a solution to his troubles.

Overall, a story that has found a way to stay relevant several years after publication. The plot is universal, and the ‘love conquers all’ theme closes the deal. A sweet summer read.

Nick J. Russo is one of my favorite MM narrators. His voice went accordingly with the characters ages and the rest of the characters’ voices were well-represented. It was easy to be into the story the further it got. The difference between the main characters worked nicely.

L.C. Chase did an excellent job creating a cover that felt young as the characters were when their love story started. At the same time, it includes one of their dates during their rediscovery.

Sales Links: Riptide | Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Length: 3 hours and 2 minutes

Published: June 13, 2016 (Audio Edition) by Riptide Publishing
ASIN: B01GW5WW3E
Edition Language: English

Series: Theta Alpha Gamma
Book #1: Frat Boy and Toppy
Book #2: Love, Hypothetically

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Dogwood Days & Spring Fever by Poppy Dennison ~ Audiobook narrated by Matt Armstrong

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

dogwood-days-spring-fever audio This audiobook is a compilation of the two books of the Holly Creek series in one: Dogwood Days and Spring Fever. It is not labeled as an ongoing series, but it did end with a cliffhanger—a very unsettling cliffhanger—and I can’t describe how irritated that made me. There was no indication of that in the blurb, and I really dislike that more than I can even say in print.

Dogwood Days opens with Jefferson Lee Davis on the phone with his uncle in Holly Creek when he suddenly hears a crash and then nothing further. Jefferson Lee had badly wanted to make it on his own in the world of journalism in a prestigious job in a big city, but family comes first, so he rushes home to Holly Creek after notifying the town’s sheriff to check on what happened. Once he gets there, he finds out his uncle has been hospitalized with a concussion and broken leg, and then the next morning when he calls his supervisor, he learns that he’s been laid off. The job wasn’t all that great, but it was better than nothing. Now, he has to decide where to go and what to do after he’s done taking care of his incapacitated uncle.

Holly Creek has a lot of pretty sights, including a young, sexy gardener, who Jefferson Lee finds very attractive. But it doesn’t seem to be mutual, and it comes as a surprise when he slowly starts to become more than friends with the local sheriff, another good-looking man, and this one seems to find Jefferson Lee attractive. Out and proud, Sheriff Zane wants something more with Jefferson Lee, but he’s worried that the cute young man is only in town temporarily.

Fate has plans for the duo, however, and after a series of misadventures, Jefferson Lee finds a good reason to stay in Holly Creek and pursue a relationship with Zane.

In the second story, Spring Fever, after a series of mysterious phone calls and the arrival of yet another good-looking man to their town, Jefferson Lee and his best friend Clover manage to get hauled off to jail in the back of the police cruiser with a furious Zane driving.

Are his days with Zane numbered? Can he possibly find happiness with a man who keeps secrets? And who will the mystery man turn out to be?

This was one of those sweet, simple stories that would make a good beach read. I’d normally recommend it, however, I just can’t get past that cliffhanger, and I didn’t see any further stories linked to it, making me think Spring Fever is the end of the series. And then there’s the fact that the narrator, Matt Armstrong, was quite boring and gave Zane the voice of a fifty year old. And Jefferson Lee’s voice wasn’t much better. So no points for narration at all. If you want something southern and simple, with lots of small town gossip and politics, and not much more, you may like this one. But I’d recommend the e-book over the audio version.

The attractive cover by Alexandria Corza features a very cute, blond, young man leaning against a turquoise wood fence. Very bright and colorful, it’s easy to imagine the man is Jefferson Lee.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook
Published June 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ASINB01GP2ES1S
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHolly Creek #1-2

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Designs of Desire by Tempeste O’Reily ~ Audiobook narrated by Max Lehnan

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

designs-of-desire audio Dreamspinner Press, book 1 in the Desires Entwined series

James Bryant suffers from a joint disorder and has to use crutches to get around. The crutches aren’t just because of the disorder, though—they are the result of an attack by a former lover. James is an artist, but he’s currently working for a design firm so that he’ll have a safety net income and benefits. As a junior in the firm, he’s surprised when he’s given a prestigious job to design the interior concepts for a hotel catering to LGBTQ couples. And that’s where he meets Seth Burns—the gorgeous, wealthy, CEO of Carrington Enterprises, and unfortunately, also a dominant personality. And the last thing James wants is to get involved with someone like his former lover. Too bad, too, because this one is super hot and apparently very interested in James.

Seth Burns can’t believe his luck when he’s assigned the very talented James Bryant for his project, but he’s quickly on the defensive when he learns what happened to James in the past. Willing to put his need for control on the back burner until he and James get to know one another, he finds that the sweet young man is not only more talented than he originally assumed, he’s also more emotionally fragile. And when James is confronted with his ex-Dom again and further injured, Seth helps James pursue having the man prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

After Seth and James initially become involved, Seth encourages him to pursue his career as an artist and cut back at the design firm. Not long after that Seth learns that the sister of his heart has been killed in an accident, and he’s been named guardian for her daughter, the daughter for whom Seth was the sperm donor. James immediately opens his heart and his home to both Seth and six-year-old Dani, and the journey toward the formation of their new family begins. But the journey is not without multiple bumps along the road, including yet another threat to James’s life—this time from an unexpected source. Will these men ever be able to overcome all the odds against them? It’s difficult, but with the help of the bodyguard Seth hired and James’s BFF, Chase, they manage to overcome the odds against them and find the path to their happiness.

This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed the story, even with all the twists and turns. I liked the characters, both MC and secondary, and I was pleased to see there’s more coming up in this series. My major disappointment was with the audiobook narration of Max Lehnan. The poor narration placed a burden on the story that I found difficult to overcome. His narration was so poor I can only give it one star. However, rather than average that with the four stars I’d give the story, I am going with 3.5 stars overall because I hate to penalize the author’s rating for something like this. I see that there’s a different narrator for the last two books in the series so I’ll definitely be moving to them next. And I recommend the e-book version to MM readers who enjoy stories with family drama, especially those who find happiness with family of the heart.

~~~~~

The cover by Reese Dante is done in a very soft, soothing, watercolor with a faded background headshot of two men about to kiss. In the forefront is a hand holding a paintbrush and with rings on each finger of the hand, signifying the ring splints worn by MC James—the perfect cover for this book.

Audiobook Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio, 7 pages, 6 hrs 18 mins
Published December 4th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press, LLC (first published July 28th 2013)
Original TitleDesigns of Desire
ASINB00H3945LQ
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesDesires Entwined #1 settingMilwaukee, Wisconsin (United States)

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Until September by Chris Scully ~ Audiobook narrated by Michael Pauley

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Archie Noblesse, a Cree native from a remote area in Canada, knew nothing but pain and heartache when he was a child. Emotionally and sexually abused, he found himself responsible for the care of his younger sister, Marguerite, when his drug-addicted mother abandoned them. He managed to claw out an existence by working the streets and through shoplifting and other minor crimes. Thankfully he never got caught.

Now an adult, Archer Noble is a well-known and respected author, though he’s not loved by all. He manages to offend the gay community with every word he writes, being outspoken against gay marriage and long-term commitment. He accuses gay men of trying to fit into the mold set by heterosexuals and goes out of his way to disprove the possibility of gay men having loving, committed relationships. So when his sister, Margie, dies and he’s informed that he’s been named temporary guardian of her two children, he freaks out before eventually showing up to help settle her estate.

He loved Margie more than anything else in the world and even knowing she has no other relatives to care for her children doesn’t make him want to be there for them. When he learns that her friend, her son’s teacher Ryan Eriksson, was named backup in case Archer couldn’t, or wouldn’t, assume responsibility, he breathes a sigh of relief. Now he only has to convince Ryan that he would be the best caretaker. But Ryan, knowing exactly who the despicable Archer Noble is, refuses to take responsibility for the kids. The two compromise and decide to give it until September before a final decision is made. And, of course, both men are determined to show the other just how much the children need them.

But what they don’t realize is that they are also going to learn just how much they need each other.

I loved, loved, loved this audiobook! It’s the first I’ve read from this author, and I was attracted to it by the narrator, Michael Pauley, whom I’ve heard previously and enjoyed. But what a double whammy I got! An extremely enjoyable story told by an extremely talented narrator. It’s been well over twenty-four hours, and I can’t get these characters out of my mind.

The story was an emotional, poignant family drama and dealt with the grief of losing a mother, sister, and friend. The author took the time to fully develop the characters—all of them, including the children—and to weave a very believable story. I am so invested in this family now that I am going to have to listen to this one again in the near future. Watching Archie heal and watching Ryan’s awareness of his own needs unfold was beautiful. The voices the narrator gave to the characters were varied and interesting, and the children’s voices were amazing. I especially loved eight-year-old Dillon. Oh my gosh, this story was so good, I highly recommend it to all lovers of MM romance, particularly to those who enjoy family drama or stories about men with children. And I most definitely recommend the audiobook. As I said before—Chris Scully and Michael Pauley are a winning combo and pack a lot of punch!

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Cover art by Lou Harper depicts the back view of two men, each with an arm around a child, sitting peacefully on a grassy area with autumn leaves gently falling at the top of the page. It captures the essence of the hard-won cohesiveness of this family.

Sales Links: Riptide Audiobook | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audio release: June 13, 2016
Original TitleUntil September
ISBN 1626493553 (ISBN13: 9781626493551)
Edition LanguageEnglish