A Stella Audiobook Review: Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes, Greg Tremblay (Narrator) (Audiobook)

Rating 4 stars out of 5 (3,5 story/4,5 audio)audiobook clipart bw

Heart of the RAce audio coverVarro Dacien spends his life riding toward the next adventure. Brian Christie, his best friend and touchstone, the one person who’s always truly seen him, plays sidekick on these madcap adventures and subsequent trips to the hospital until he can’t take it anymore. While Brian can see Varro, Varro has never caught on that he’s breaking his best friend’s heart. 

Without Varro, Brian builds himself a life that’s all about just getting by, doing his best to ignore the hole in his heart and his life. Without Brian to balance him, Varro pushes harder and takes more risks to reach that ultimate high. His job racing high-octane bikes on suicide-level courses makes it easy to get that rush… until it’s no longer enough and Varro realizes it’s not the race, but who’s waiting at the finish line that truly matters. Now he just has to convince Brian to be there. 

Heart Of The Race was my first official audiobook. I only listened to a couple while I run, but this one was “serious”. I chose this specific audio for different reasons: first of all it’s short, just a couple of hours, and so if you are basically a audiobook virgin like me it could be the perfect one for you, as it was to me. Then, sorry everyone, but it’s Mary Calmes we’re talking about. I’m her biggest fan. She wrote what can be consider probably my all time favorite m/m book, Frog (I read it in English and Italian too and my heart just missed a beat when it realized there’s the audio version too *sigh*). So of course I was going to pick this up. Least but not last the narrator, Greg Tremblay was recommended to me by a friend for another audio. I  read the ebook a couple of years ago so I already knew what the story was about and I was confident I could fill up my “English listening gaps” with help from my memory. I don’t want to talk a lot about the story, once you read the blurb and know that this is written in perfect Mary’s style, you’re pretty much set for the ride.

I prefer to linger a little on the narrator and his qualities, and what great ones they are! I admit I was a little scared at first, because I know I can read English pretty well but listening to it? Intimidating. In my opinion Greg made a great work in making the words understandable and to me it was really important. I liked his voice, listenable and always with the rigth tone, in every little detail, from the different voices (but believable) to the short hot moments. I felt  it was true. I’m not sure if it’s normal or it was just me and the novelty of the first real time of an audiobook, but sometimes I found myself not only picturing Varro and Brian in my head, and  whole drama they made for themselves, but the narrator too and his experience in recording. I don’t know, it was two times engaging.

Of course I want to recommend this novellas by Mary Calmes but I want to highly recommend Greg Tremblay. I’m going to check out more about his works.

Cover art by Catt Ford. No other cover could have been more fitting but the style is not my favorite.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press  |  Audible  |  Amazon  |  iTunes

Audiobook Details:

  • Audible Audio, 3 pages
  • Published July 6th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published May 31st 2013)
  • ASIN B0112WWFDE
  • Edition Language English

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review :Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan ~ Audiobook narrated by Iggy Toma

Rating: 5 stars out of 5   ★★★★★audiobook clipart bw

NowhereRanch-AudioCover smallerMonroe “Roe” Davis narrates this story of how he found his home— Nowhere Ranch in Nebraska. Representing Roe, and the balance of the cast of characters, narrator Iggy Toma did an outstanding job with this story.

Hired to tend the sheep on the farm of gentleman rancher Travis Loving, Roe works hard from sunrise to sundown. He learned sheep ranching during his childhood on his family farm in Iowa, a farm he hasn’t been back to in five years, not since his father made his opinion on Roe’s sexuality known. Wandering from place to place and never staying in any one location too long, he finds his way to Nowhere Ranch.

Roe never mixes business with pleasure though, and never cruises for men in his own back yard, so he travels several hours to hook up at a gay bar to satisfy his need to be dominated. Shocked when he runs into Travis there, he tries to wait him out so that he can find a hookup and get going. Forced into conversation, they find that their needs match. Dominant Travis would like nothing better than to hook up with a boy who will ask no questions and tell no tales. They determine that they can spend one night together, no strings attached, and Travis swears it will not affect how he treats Roe when they get back to the ranch.

The problem is, of course, that they are indeed suited to each other and neither can leave the other alone once they hook up again afterhours one night at the ranch. Slowly, Travis works his way through Roe’s defenses, using BDSM techniques to help Roe feel a measure of control over his life as he surrenders control to Travis.

One of my favorite quotes summarizes the plan they have to remain unaffected. As Travis tells Roe— “I don’t want a partner. I don’t want a husband. I want a boy. I want a little slut I can order what to do. I want you in boots and spurs and chaps and nothing else, sucking on my cock with a tail hanging out of your ass.”

And that plan suits both of them for a while, until their relationship begins to grow and both men realize they are developing feelings for each other. Eventually, Roe lets his best friend, Holly, in on his secrets, including the biggest secret of all— his family wants him back but they want him back so they can cure him of being a gay, perverted sinner. Not long after that, Roe realizes that his family of origin isn’t as important to him as the family he’s made at Nowhere Ranch with Travis and Holly.

Where the guys go, how Holly’s issues meld with theirs, how Roe’s family issues are resolved, or at least temporarily shelved, and what finally seals their relationship, all make for a highly complex, yet very enlightening, entertaining, and enriching reading experience.

I first read this story in early 2012 when I was new to M/M romance, and it may have even been one of the first BDSM stories I ever read. Though I appreciated it at the time, I have so much more respect now for the way the author introduced the men to the pleasures they would find together in BDSM, as well as for their emotional growth and the beauty of their relationship—from the stalwart, stoic Travis and the anxious, self-deprecating Roe—to the confident men who are secure in their love for each other and the family they have created together.

This story is not for those who want mild, simple romantic sex scenes. The sex is rough, with elements of BDSM including fisting, spanking, and pony play. But it’s done in a way that demonstrates the Dom’s respect for his sub, and the sub’s dependence on the solidity and safety of his Dom. I once heard this described as a classic among M/M BDSM novels, and I heartily agree.

The audio narration by Iggy Toma is outstanding and certainly added to my overall enjoyment of the story. I was able to appreciate every scene, every nuance of conversation, and stand back and enjoy the journey the men took together. Don’t hesitate to pick up the audiobook version of this one.

~~~~
The cover by Kanaxa on this 2015 version of Nowhere Ranch depicts a faded out photo of a cowboy in the foreground captured in a head-chest shot as he turns to the side, rope over his shoulder, one hand raised to the brim of his hat. This is superimposed over the silhouette of a lone cowboy standing with his back to the camera, overlooking a prairie. It’s very appealing and a nice depiction of the characters.

Audiosales Link:  Audible  |  iTunes

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition
Published March 3rd 2015 by Heidi Cullinan (first published February 15th 2011)
original titleNowhere Ranch
ISBN139780996120302
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.heidicullinan.com/books/nowhere-ranch
characters: Roe Davis, Travis Loving

Of Rescues and Throwaways of All Types and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

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This Week WRC (Local Channel NBC 4) is having a Clear The Shelters drive, working with shelters in many of the District, northern Virginia, and metropolitan Maryland shelters to move animals out of their facilities and into homes, whether it be permanent or foster.  This animal adoption event is nation wide, happening August 15 (yes, I know, that was yesterday, the starting date).  Its a tremendous idea so needed when we have an overpopulation of unwanted animals in high kill shelters nationwide or punted aside to starve on our streets.

 

I linked the Clear the Shelter drive above.  Update:  16,000 animals  reported from all participating stations adopted as of 11:30pm EDT last night! Woot!

So now a segue.  Throwaways and Rescues, Human and Animal In Books and Movies.

Books and movies have always had the power to move us into motion or emotion.  They mark our hearts, imprint themselves upon our minds and souls, so much so that images, sentences, and even names can emerge from our memories  with enough emotional impact to make us weep, laugh or just quietly smile. Paraphrasing here,  W. C. Fields said not to share the stage with animal or child because they would steal the scenes, so true.  Stage or book, I found that that when those stories center around animals and children that its effect upon us can be magnified 100 fold.  Add to that a romance between gay men who thought having families, (i.e, kids and pets) would never be in their future? And the combination becomes irresistible.

Whether it is Bambi, the Mad Hatter, Ol’ Yeller, Thomasina,  or that horse of Amy Lane’s, their power to overwhelm us with love, laughter, or anguish never diminishes.  My own hearthounds and other pets, along with those that found their homes and families yesterday through the Clear The Shelters drive, kept me thinking about  those many wonderful furred and feathered characters in the stories that have kept all of us entertained and magically connected.

So share with us all, what books, or movies for that matter, do you love to read and reread that have children or pets in them?  Rescues or adoptions?  What books do you rec?

Ones that jump right to mind are:

More recs from Stella:

Which books/movies are on your list?  Do you wait for Lassie to tell you Timmy’s in the well?  Or was that pup that was brought home a shifter?  We want to know that too? One such story is one I’m reviewing this week by John Inman, a Belladonna Arms novel,  Coming Back.  Another?  Eden Winter’s Redemption.

 

dog-reading blue book

 

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 16:

  • Of Rescues and Throwaways of All Types and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, August 17:

  • Chris McHart ‘Alex’s Surprise/Saving Alex’ Keep Me In Mind tour and giveaway
  • A BJ Review: Speechless by Kim Fielding
  • A BJ Review:  The Gig (Speechless #2) by Kim Fieldling
  • Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review – Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan ~ Audiobook
  • A Stella Review:  Vintage Pride by Elizabeth Coldwell

Tuesday, August 18:

  • Coffee Sip and Book Spotlight: Amelia Bishop ‘Uncharted Hearts’ (excerpt and giveaway)
  • Ari McKay ‘Herc’s Mercs: Once A Hero’ book blast and contest
  • NR Walker’s Vampires are Back with Cronin’s Key III (excerpt and giveaway)
  • A Mika Review: Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts by Charlie Cochet
  • A MelanieM Review: Potato Surprise by Angel Martinez
  • A Stella Review: ACE by Jack Byrne

Wednesday, August 19:

  • Charley Descoteaux: Buchanan House Release Day Book Blast (excerpt and giveaway)
  • A Paul B Review: Pint Sized Protector by Charlie Richards
  • A Stella Audiobook Review: Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes, Greg Tremblay (Narrator) (Audiobook)
  • A MelanieM Review: Coming Back by John Inman
  • A Sammy Review:  The World In His Eyes by A. J. Thomas

Thursday, August 20:

  • Cover Reveal: Blue by DP Denman (excerpt and giveaway)
  • Riptide’s When To Hold Them by G. B. Gordon Tour and Contest
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Retro Review:  When To Hold Them by G. B. Gordon
  • A MelanieM Review: You Are The Reason by Renae Kaye
  • A Paul B Review: Alpha Coder by Kathryn Sparrow

Friday, August 21:

  • A BJ Review: The Downs by Km Fielding
  • A Paul B Review: The Homecoming by J Scott Chatsworth
  • A Mika Review: Outcast Cowboys by Sarah Masters
  • A MelanieM Review: The Terms of Release by BA Tortuga

YA Saturday, August 22:

  •  An Aurora YA Surprise: “Wet Hot American Summer” Review

 

 

Happy 4th of July from Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words blog Badge

Happy 4th Of July from

all of us at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words!

happy_4th_of_july

Those of us who celebrate the US Independence Day and those of us abroad are taking the day  off to spend it with our families and vacation and such.  We hope that everyone has a happy, safe, and awesome day and weekend.    Happy Reading and wonderful stories!

Melanie, Barb the Zany Old Lady, Sammy, Stella, Paul, Mika, BJ and Aurora!

We have more than a few covers that just stunned us this month.  Look for that post later today!

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton~ audiobook narrated by Matthew Shaw

Rating: 5 stars out of 5audiobook clipart bw

How To Howl At the Moon Audio CoverAn absolutely wonderful audiobook, this one kept me riveted to my iPhone until I finished. The story, the humor, the angst, the voice of the narrator—all combined to make this one A+ in my book.

Sheriff Lance Beaufort is the principal law enforcement officer in the small town of Mad Creek, California, a sleepy little town that also happens to be predominately populated by dog shifters. These “quickened” dogs have gained the ability to become human, some in this generation, but others are born that way, the children and grandchildren of dogs who’ve been quickened. Descended from quickened Border collies on both sides of his family line, Lance is the best guardian the town could have as he takes his job very seriously and never lets personal issues interfere with his mission.

So it’s no surprise that he’s suspicious when a young man shows up who seems to be without resources and smelling of marijuana. Tim Weston is there to grow a new hybrid rose for a woman who owns a property on the edge of town. In exchange for Tim’s skills as a horticulturist, Tim can live there rent-free for six months. While he’s trying to get the hybrid roses to grow, he’s also planting a variety of vegetables that he plans to sell at farmer’s markets in the summer, an endeavor which he hopes will generate enough money to support himself and to begin to pay rent on the property when the six months is up.

But Sheriff Lance doesn’t take his word for the fact that he’s renting the property. Suspicious should be his middle name, so he shifts into his Border collie persona and goes to check out the grounds for himself. Unfortunately, as he’s leaving, Tim’s pickup truck hits him, and he’s forced to go along with the charade of being a dog under Tim’s care for a while. He then finds that Tim isn’t quite what he thought he was. He’s not a pot-smoking loser trying to get rich by planting marijuana in the fields, instead, he’s a sweet young man, who is only trying to make ends meet, and he seems to be very much in need of someone to snuggle. Lance decides he’ll be that man—um, dog—at least until he can get to the bottom of things.

Tim thought he was getting away from all his troubles when he came to Mad Creek. His former boss had taken out patents on the vegetable and flower hybrids that Tim generated, keeping everything in his own name and pocketing all the profits. And as if that’s not bad enough, his father was physically abusive when he was a child so Tim has no home at all. Of course he welcomes the dog into his life, a dog he names Chance.

Naturally, nothing goes according to plan for either man. When Tim’s greenhouse is destroyed by someone who thinks he’s in competition with their own pot-growing operation, and the true story of Lance’s deception comes out, Tim feels totally abandoned and betrayed all over again. Will Lance be able to overcome his foolish mistakes to make Tim believe that they are mates and that Lance loves him with all his heart? Or will the troublemakers lurking in Tim’s past revisit his life and cause even more havoc than before?

Ack! I loved this story! I have been a devout fan of Eli Easton ever since I first read The Lion and the Crow, a story she created for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group in 2012. There is nothing that she’s written that I don’t like, but this one really touched my heart. The canine element, with their big blue soulful eyes, and the humor throughout the story sold me on this one. There were times I laughed out loud as I was listening to the audiobook. Narrator Matthew Shaw did an outstanding job. His narration was fast-paced, and the timing of the humorous parts of the story was spot-on, yet the narrative for the sadder, lonelier times was equally compelling. When he emulated the hopeless, soulful howl which Lance let out when he thought he had lost Tim for good, it brought tears to my eyes.

I can’t recommend this story highly enough, and I’m excited beyond measure to find out that this is the beginning of a series. The next story is a must buy for me. Bring it on, Eli Easton—I want more of these quickened dogs and their human sides, as soon as possible, please. If you like shifter stories and sweet romance, this is the book for you. And don’t hesitate to pick up the audiobook version. It’s bound to add more to the story than you would get from reading it alone.

The bright and cheerful cover art depicts a beautiful black border collie, leashed, and sitting next to his master as they pause to pose. It’s exactly as I’d imagine Chance would look, and though Tim’s face isn’t shown in the picture, it’s evident by his posture that the dog is sitting next to his owner.

Sales Links:  Audible |  Amazon | Buy It Here

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio, 6 pages
Published March 19th 2015 by Pinkerton Road (first published February 28th 2015)
original titleHowl at the Moon
ASINB00UVVHOTI
edition languageEnglish
seriesHowl at the Moon #1
charactersLance Beaufort, Tim West

A STRW Exclusive: Author Eli Easton Interviews Matthew Shaw, Narrator of Easton’s How To Howl At the Moon (giveaway and interview)

How To Howl At the Moon Audio Cover

As more and more audiobooks are released, we thought it would be interesting to see how an author looks at their books when narrated and get the perspective from the narrator as well. Two sides of the same story!

Here is Eli Easton and the narrator of her novel, How To Howl At the Moon, Matthew Shaw!  And don’t forget to enter the contest for a audiobook of your own, How To Howl At the Moon by Eli Easton.

Interview with Matthew Shaw, narrator of “How To Howl At the Moon” Audiobook!
Interviewed by Eli Eastonaudiobook clipart bw

“How to Howl at the Moon” is the first audio book I’ve self-published. To narrate the book, I turned to an amazingly talented actor I’ve worked with before on other projects, Matthew Shaw.

You can listen to a sample of his narration here.

I loved hearing Matthew read my story. Such an amazing treat. I decided to interview Matthew to see what his side of the experience was like.

Eli: Is this your first time narrating and audio book?  What other types of voce-over work have you done?

Matthew: Yes!  It’s my first one.  I’ve done some commercials and intros for family projects.

Eli: Who are some of your heroes when it comes to audio book narrators?

Matthew: Jim Dale is amazing!  He narrated the entire Harry Potter series, keeping each character consistent and his performance was spot on.  He felt the characters he was reading, so it helped create the world and make it real.  Even characters that had two lines in the entire 7 book series were consistent.  He received two Grammy awards for his performance.

That’s really the challenge:  taking a book you’re just reading aloud and turning it into a performance.

Eli: Was “How to Howl at the Moon” your first time reading a m/m romance? What would you tell other newbies who asked what it’s like?

Matthew:  ​Yes, it was!  In fact, it was my first romance novel I read ever.  I didn’t know what to expect, and Eli helped talk me through what are some of the common story arcs in romance novels to help build the context.  It’s actually quite a fun genre.  I really felt for the characters, either wanting them to succeed, or the bad guys to get their comeuppance.  It’s a great book and I really would recommend it to anyone interested in the romance genre.

​​When people asked what it was like, I would tell them , that the characters were very three dimensional, and the story takes you on a journey of understanding and getting to know them better as the main characters get to know themselves, as well.  ​

The fact that this story was a dog shape-shifter tale (or tail?) Made the story super fun to read, too.

Eli: What was your favorite part of the story?

Matthew: I liked the humor so much because it was unexpected!  There was so much more fun than I anticipated.  ​Any time lance and his mom were talking together, I was grinning from ear to ear, and there is a chapter involving a shape shifting undercover sheriff getting an unwanted bath that made me chuckle a few times and had to redo the recording.

​Without giving too much of the story away, there was some real action and romance that were equally entertaining.  A shootout in particular had me on the edge of my seat.  I recorded more than was on my schedule that night, simply because I wanted to know what was going to happen next!

Eli: What was the biggest challenge in doing the narration?

Matthew: ​I think the hardest challenge was a technical one:  if I got tongue tied on a particular line, I would just keep making the same mistake!  I sometimes had to record past it and come back just to get the wrong way out of my head.

​Also, some of the characters with smaller parts were a challenge to voice.  You try to give them a unique character voice so it doesn’t just sound like you’re talking to yourself.  If they don’t have a lot of lines, it’s tough to keep it consistent.  Again… Makes you appreciate Jim Dale!

Eli: Was it difficult to read the sex scenes?

Matthew: ​Surprisingly, no!  Before reading the book, I thought that would be the hardest part.  I guess I, as a reader want these scenes to happen because it’s what the story is building toward, so maybe it was just a type of relief.  Plus, it helped me the way he story was written to get to get into the heads of the characters before these scenes.  When you know where they are coming from, it’s easier to put yourself in their shoes in the context of the story.  Eli gives you a lot to work with!

Eli: Will you be doing more m/m romance audio books?  Other types of books?

Matthew: ​I’d love to, especially books in this series and other books by Eli Easton.  I’m open to others in the m/m genre, as well.  It’s rewarding to find the voice of each character and help paint a picture with tone and performance.

Thanks to Matthew for being so gracious to interview. I hope you’ll enjoy the “How to Howl At The Moon” audio as much as I did!            –  Eli Easton

 

About How To Howl At The Moon by Eli Easton

5 hrs 52 mins – narrated by Matthew Shaw (a ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords 5 star audio book)

Sheriff Lance Beaufort is not going to let trouble into his town, no sir. Tucked away in the California mountains, Mad Creek has secrets to keep, like the fact that half the town consists of “quickened”—dogs who have gained the ability to become human. Descended on both sides from Border Collies, Lance is as alert a guardian as they come.How To Howl At the Moon Audio Cover

Tim Weston is looking for a safe haven. After learning that his boss patented all of Tim’s work on vegetable hybrids in his own name, Tim quit his old job. A client offers him use of her cabin in Mad Creek, and Tim sees a chance for a new start. But the shy gardener has a way of fumbling and sounding like a liar around strangers, particularly gorgeous alpha men like Sheriff Beaufort.

Lance’s hackles are definitely raised by the lanky young stranger. He’s concerned about marijuana growers moving into Mad Creek, and he’s not satisfied with the boy’s story. Lance decides a bit of undercover work is called for. When Tim hits a beautiful black collie with his car and adopts the dog, its love at first sight for both Tim and Lance’s inner dog. Pretending to be a pet is about to get Sheriff Beaufort in very hot water.

Giveaway

Eli Easton is giving away one audiobook of “How To Howl At The Moon”.  Must be 18 years  of age or older to enter.  Leave a comment with your email address  where you can be reached if chosen.

Eli Easton pic

About the Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

Her website in www.elieaston.com
Twitter:  EliEaston
Goodreads Author Page
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

Its Official! Marriage Equality is Here! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/timelapse-white-house-beaming-rainbow-photo-053113143.html?soc_src=copy

Whew!  What a day it was yesterday!  My Twitter and FB blew up with happiness and excitement as soon as SCOTUS came out with their historic ruling.  Even the White House got into the act with a new look!  The White House was lit rainbow colors on Friday, June 26, in celebration of the Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex marriage across the US. The 14 states in which such marriages remained illegal, in the South and Midwest, must now lift their bans. The court’s 5-4 ruling (hell yeah!) is the culmination of decades of campaigning by gay-rights activists.   Yesterday, the hopes, dreams, and wishes came true for so many across the nation and we celebrated in our hearts, if not in the streets…dancing with joy!  And the media went crazy too!

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People changed with pictures to reflect this historic ruling and  fireworks and incredible memes were everywhere.  Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi made the happiest of vids for Vine, (really don’t miss out on that one), George Takei, and it just kept coming in heartstopping wave after wave…and yes, the tears flowed copiously.

This is truly a Gay Pride Month to end all Pride Months!  2015!  A toast and a cheer for Equality for All.  Now finally is can just be Marriage-not gay marriage or straight marriage…just marriage.  Hell to the Yes!

lgbt flag

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

LessonsForIdleTongues_600x900Toy With Me coverDespite the Odds coverGremlin's Last Run cover

Sunday, June 28

  • Its Official! Marriage Equality is Here! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 29:

  • The Pinch of the Game by Charley Descoteaux tour and contest
  • Cate Ashwood & L.J. LaBarthe ‘Brick by Brick’ book blast and giveaway
  • A Paul B Review: Despite the Odds by Chris T. Kat
  • A BJ Review: Gremlin’s Last Run (Guardians of the Pattern #2) by Jaye McKenna

Tuesday, June 30:

  • Devil’s Food at Dusk by MJ O’Shea and Anna Martin‏ Release Tour and Giveaway
  • A Mika Review: Toy with Me by Annabelle Jacobs
  • A MelanieM Review: Velocity by Sara York
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Helping Hand by Jay Northcote

Wednesday, July 1:

  • Lessons for Idle Tongues by Charlie Cochrane Tour and Giveaway
  • Get Your Kink on With K.C. Wells ‘Make Me Soar’ (Collars and Cuffs #6) Tour and Contest
  • In the Book Spotlight: Annabelle Jacobs ‘A Casual Thing’ (excerpt and giveaway)
  • A MelanieM Review: Lessons for Idle Tongues by Charlie Cochrane
  • A MelanieM Review:  Bulldust by d.j. brumb

Thursday, July 2:

  •  A Closer Look at Lissa Kasey ‘Model Citizen’ (excerpt and giveaway)
  • ‘University of Southern Georgia: Davy & Tony’ by Heath Greenfield (contest)
  • Be Dazzled by E.M. Lynley’s 24-Karat Conspiracy (excerpt and contest)
  • Ashavan Donovan ‘Andrew’s Prayer’ book blast and giveaway
  • A MelanieM Review: Cherish the Land (Lang Downs #5) by Ariel Tachna
  • Best Books of June 2015

Friday, July 3:

  • Ada Maria Soto ‘Empty Nests’ Keep Me In Mind Tour and contest
  • A STRW Exclusive:  Eli Easton Interviews Her Audiobook Narrator (interview and contest)
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review; How To Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton (audio book)
  • A Mika Review:  Wild Pitch by Sloan Johnson
  • A MelanieM Review: The Pinch of the Game by Charley Descoteaux

Saturday, July 4th (Happy Independence Day to the USA):

  • Best Covers of June 2015

Bulldust coverSilverScarsCoverMedHelping Hand_FINALMakeMeSoarFS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BJ Review: In Sunshine or in Shadow (Short Stories, Volume 1) by Josh Lanyon

Rating:  4.5 stars out of 5

In Sunshine or in Shadow coverHere we have thirteen juicy short stories from Josh Lanyon written between 2007 and 2013. These may be short, but most of them pack a decent punch of sexy, sweet emotion and even scary! This is available as a paperback from Amazon or as an audiobook from Amazon/Audible.

In Plain Sight – 5 stars

Oh my, this one had the feels. Very emotional and had me on the edge of my seat. FBI agent Nash met police officer Glen during a training. They have an instant attraction and spend some times together. But Nash lives in another state and he doesn’t believe in love. Then Glen goes missing the day Nash flies home, right after he walked out of the airport from seeing him off. This is a very short little mystery that absolutely touched my heart as Nash goes back to join the hunt and refuses to give up even with Glen’s fellow officers want to. His faith in Glen, his tenacious hope and determination… oh, how I wish for more of this story.

Perfect Day – 5 stars

On a camping trip, Wyatt lets the L word slip big time during a hot and heavy session. Unfortunately, he’s well aware that his lover, Graham, is far from over his last boyfriend, Jase, and thus his declaration isn’t going to sit well. What ensues is a short, sweet and perfect little story that had me teary eyed nearly from page one. In only twenty-eight pages, this ran the gamut from breaking my heart to making it soar and came complete with all the tentative stages of hope in between! Josh Lanyon writes beautifully. Darn it all, I wish I could use words like this for just one day… now that would be my perfect day.

In a Dark Wood – 5 stars

Holy hell in a handbasket! I was not expecting this one. Do NOT read reviews and spoilers until after you’ve read this story! This starts off like a typical contemporary, good but tame and low key. I totally didn’t see what was coming until it smacked me upside the head. Because this is some scary stuff! Tim is such a messed up, broken character… I love him and totally must have more. Which is why I have already purchased book two to read on. Who knew Josh Lanyon can write horror just as good as Stephen King?

Until We Meet Once More – 5 stars

I don’t usually like war stories, but I’ve come to think that Lanyon could write just about anything and manage to pull me into it. This is a second chance love story set right in the trenches of a military conflict. Army Ranger Captain Vic Black and his team are tasked with the rescue of a Navy SEAL. The man turns out to be none other than his former, and never forgotten, lover Lt. Commander Sean Kennedy. This is an edge-of-the-seat, high tension, life or death, emotional read. I completely adored this short and really wish it had been longer.

In Sunshine or In Shadow – 5 stars

This was one of the sweetest, most romantic little shorts I’ve read in a long time! Two cops—one admittedly a bit of the asshat variety at the beginning—but he manages to pull it out in the nick of time. Rick and Kier are partners that had been lovers for a short time, but when one is nearly injured on the job, the other pulls away and refuses to face his emotions. Unable to go on like that anymore, Kier makes the decision to quit the force and take a vacation before moving on with his life. A lovely little read set in Los Angeles and then Ireland. I love Josh Lanyon. Now I’m gonna go listen to Danny Boy. Again.

Just Desserts – 4 stars

I’m a sucker for broken guys, so this one drew me in despite being quite strange at some points. Starts out with Ridge as a very bitter man bound to a wheelchair and enduring constant pain after an accident caused by his drunkenly cousin. Ridge had me fascinated while at the same time quite chilled as he plots murdering his cousin. It’s all dark and dire. Then here comes Tug, his new physical therapist, like a bright ray of sunshine into his dark world. Tug manages to help him with the pain… inside and out. Loved the ending. Part of the Petit Morts series.

Heart Trouble – 3.5 stars

A young man with a family history of heart trouble goes to the doctor sure he’s suffering a heart attack. Ford is low on funds, has few friends, suffers writer’s block and isn’t even out of the closet. He’s a naïve and struggling young man when he meets Jacob. But the emergency room doctor who helps him, is calm, assured and compassionate and maybe the perfect prescription. This one is very short and sweet.

The French Have a Word for It – 3.5 stars

Set in Paris, well-written, well-paced and sweet, but a bit predictable. It’s a second chance story in which Colin and Thomas meet again after ten years apart. Colin, now an artist in Paris, was kidnapped at 14 and Thomas was the man who saved him. Thomas was Colin’s first crush. I think what I liked most about this was how Colin as an artist was woven into it—excellent use of sensory an color sprinkled in that made me feel his descriptions ringing as uniquely him.

Other People’s Weddings – 3.5 stars

A fun story about a very out of the closet wedding planner living in a small town. I enjoyed Griffin, he was a fun character with quirky clients. Lots of potential, but the ending was really very abrupt, even for a short story. Also there isn’t too much of a romance in this story, just a hint that something might come of it. Part of the Petit Morts series.

Sort of Stranger Than Fiction – 3.5 stars

Ethan and his sister own a bookstore, a family legacy. Ethan is one of only a few gay men in his small town, and when a mysterious scarred man opens a dojo next door to his shop, Ethan quickly develops a crush. But he suffers from foot in mouth disease and gets off on a bad foot. The things he said in Michael hearing seriously made me cringe for him even knowing he didn’t mean them. Then a serial killer surfaces in their small town. Overall, felt this had a lot of potential. But then the ending was super abrupt, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what just happened. Loved Michael and would have liked more about him. Part of the Petit Morts series.

Slings and Arrows – 3 stars

Carey has a secret admirer. He receives a mysterious box of chocolates a couple days before Valentine’s Day, something which begins to seriously trouble him when friends tell him about a serial killer that uses that exact MO and has been stalking their campus. The mystery didn’t work well for me and parts read very slow, unusual for a short. But I did find the ending satisfying and enjoyable. Part of the Petit Morts series.

Critic’s Choice – 3 stars

Cris is a movie critic hired to work on a commentary on a classic horror film alongside the cheating ex that he broke up with six months prior. It’s clear pretty quickly that Cris is also not over Rey. The process of the job they were doing was quite interesting, and I enjoyed the old horror movie feel of the parts where the car breaks down on the dark road and the creepy gothic mansion. The romance was sweet, but having the sweet shop appear where it did was a bit weird. Overall an enjoyable read. Part of the Petit Morts series.

A Limited Engagement – 2.5 stars

This one was by far my least favorite in this anthology. Still excellent writing, as always from this author, but the beginning confused me—because one main character strangling the other? Excuse me! Then blackmail as a means to win love/attention? Despite all that and it did have a sweet ending. Go figure.

Amazon eBook Sales Link for A Limited Engagement.

The cover was sexy, although in general black and white covers aren’t my favorite. I like a bit of color to make it pop.

Paperback Sales Link:  Amazon     Buy It Here

Paperback, 348 pages, also available as a audiobook
Published June 6th 2013 by Just Joshin
ISBN 1937909476 (ISBN13: 9781937909475)
edition languageEnglish

Audio Book Spotlight On Lexi Alexander’s “Alpha Trine” and “Striker” (The Valespian Pact Books 1 & 2) – Giveaway

 The Valespian Pack by Lexi Alexander Audiobook Release!

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Need New Audio Books to Listen To? Check out the latest audiobooks from Lexi Alexander, Alpha Trine and Striker from The Valespian Pact series.  Don’t forget to enter the contest waiting for you at the end of the post. Happy Listening!

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Alpha Trine (The Valespian Pact #1) by Lexi Alexander
Publisher: Less Than Three Press:
Ebook Release Date: September, 2013
Audiobook Release Date: February 2015

Cover Artist: Aisha Akeju
Genre: Sci-Fi/Gay/Poly
ISBN: 9781620042434
Available in both ebook and print and audiobook

-Sales Links-

Audio Purchase Links: Available at iTunes and Audible
Book/Ebook Purchase Links:  Less Than Three Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookstrand – 

STRW Author BookSynopsis

The sole survivor on a science vessel adrift in deep space, Zeus was adopted by the Emperor and Empress of the Mar’Sani, though he is both human and blind, and seen by most as unfit to join the royal family. Though they were able to repair his vision, Zeus does not trust his eyes and the nobles of his parents’ court refuse to ever trust a frail human.

Dargon Kal-Turak, along with his symbiote and lover Alpha, command one of the most dangerous ships in the stars. Narrowly escaping a trap, they dock in a space port to make repairs, but find that the Psionics hunting them are closing in fast. In desperation they kidnap the port Master Mechanic, unaware that the man they’ve brought on board is more than he seems, and will bring far more upheaval to their ship, their lives, and the stars than any of them could have imagined.

Alpha Trine was the winner of 2014 Rainbow Awards.All - Award image

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Striker (The Valespian Pact #2)
Publisher: Less Than Three Press:
Ebook Release Date: June, 2014
Audiobook Release Date: March 2015
Cover Artist: Aisha Akeju
Genre: Sci-Fi/Gay/Poly
ISBN: 9781620043783
Available in both ebook and print and audiobook

Audio Purchase Links: Available at iTunes and Audible

Book/Ebook Purchase Links:

Less Than Three Press All Romance – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookstrand

About Striker

The peaceful respite for which Zeus and his intended, Dargon and Alpha, had been hoping is shattered when Zeus is unexpectedly drawn to the Waters of Poseidon and told that the safety they’ve been promised is a trap. But the Fal’Amoric aren’t the only important cargo on the Oethra 7, and countless others are depending on the success of their mission. If Zeus hopes to break the silent siege on Valespia and protect those most precious to him, he will need not just powerful allies but the fortitude to survive overwhelming odds.

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

All - Lexi Ander Promo PictureLexi has always been an avid reader, and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her eighty-pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.

You can find the author at the following sites:

Web site: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
E-mail: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6521302.Lexi_Ander

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The author has organized some wonderful prize packages to be won. Use the Link provided to enter. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by Lexi Alexander.

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Prize Package #1

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Prize Package #2

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Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review – The Silence of the Stars by Kate McMurray ~ Audiobook narrated by Michael Ferraioulo

Rating: 4 stars out of 5audiobook clipart bw

SilenceoftheStars[The]AUDSMEverett Blake is a successful concert violinist who holds a teaching position at Olcott School for talented young musicians in Manhattan and occasionally accepts a short stint with a local symphony since performing is a part of his life he truly loves. He’s recently been cast off by his long term partner, Pierre, a French Chef who landed his own cooking show. A perfectionist, Pierre never failed to let Everett know he wasn’t quite good enough.

Now, four months later, Everett has his own apartment in Manhattan and has hired a local contractor to remodel his kitchen. Sandy Sullivan is the principal contractor for the company in that area and when he arrives on Everett’s doorstep, the mutual attraction is immediately evident.

Sandy is sexy, fun, and an enjoyable companion as Everett discovers over drinks one night. He’s an Army vet who served multiple tours overseas but was injured in Afghanistan when a car bomb exploded and was medically discharged. Unknown to Everett, Sandy suffers from PTSD, the true reason he left the Army. His close friend was killed when that bomb exploded, and though he only suffers occasional flashbacks now, he does still suffer from vivid and frightening nightmares.

When he and Everett eventually have sex, Sandy always finds a reason to leave afterwards, making Everett think that perhaps Sandy isn’t looking for a relationship. Everett, handsome, wealthy and educated, has always chosen to be in a relationship with a man before having sex, and he thought that’s what he and Sandy had started so he’s disappointed each time Sandy goes. When Sandy finally does stay over one night, Everett learns why Sandy always leaves when Everett wakes Sandy in the middles of a nightmare and finds himself thrown to the floor.

Eventually, Sandy decides to seek the help of a psychologist who specializes in PTSD because he’s starting to care for Everett, and he realizes his PTSD and related nightmares are affecting their budding relationship. Sandy’s goal in life has always been to have a large, happy family in a nice home with a wonderful life partner, or husband now that same sex marriage is possible. However, he now believes it’s too late for him, and he faces a struggle to work through his PTSD issues and his thoughts and feelings about his life plans. In the meantime, he and Everett are growing closer and Everett surprises Sandy by standing up for him when they go to meet Everett’s snobby parents. But it’s the little things that Everett does for him, the quiet and strong support he shows in many ways, that eventually helps Sandy more than anything else.

This is a wonderful story about love and relationships, a hurt-comfort story in which both men learn and grow due to being with each other. Everett is not without his own revelations in this story as he re-examines his feelings about love and family and commitment. The narrator, Michael Ferraioulo, does an excellent job in vocalizations of the characters as well as in the overall narration. He has one of those voices that is a pleasure to listen to, and I found that I carried my iPhone around with me all day so that I could listen to this story no matter what I was doing—just like being unable to put down a good book.

Though it is second in a series, there’s no need to read the first one, but I have to admit that now that I’ve met a few characters from that story, I’ll likely go back and read (or listen to) that one too.

Cover by Aaron Anderson depicts a head shot of a man on a solid white background with the title and a music score superimposed over his face. This is a nice way to depict the importance of music in the life of MC Everett while picturing a man who I assume is MC Sandy.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press Audio Book          iTunes   Audible

Book Details:

Narrator Michael Ferraiuolo
Length 7 hours and 0 minutes
Categories:AudiobooksKate McMurrayStars that Tremble and Silence of the Stars by Kate McMurray
Book Type Audiobook
Other Formats: eBook, Paperback