Category: Contemporary fiction

A Lila Review: Enemy of My Enemy (The Executive Office #2) by Tal Bauer

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

enemy-of-my-enemy-by-tal-bauerFifteen years from now, an affair rocks the world.
Two men commit to their impossible love.
One general is determined to destroy them both.

President Jack Spiers and former Secret Service Agent Ethan Reichenbach throw caution to the wind, committing themselves publicly as the first out male lovers and partners to occupy the White House. Jack moves Ethan into the Residence, but as Ethan settles into his new role as first gentleman of the United States, not everyone is thrilled with their choices. When it seems like the world turns against them, Jack and Ethan must turn to each other, finding the strength together to press on.

In the chaos, Jack’s relationship with the Russian president, Sergey Puchkov, grows closer, and the two nations find themselves working almost as allies. But President Puchkov has secrets of his own, secrets that could rip everything apart. And Ethan steps back into the action with Lieutenant Adam Cooper, taking charge of a covert kill team tasked with hunting down General Madigan once and for all.

But Madigan is elusive, and his dangerous reach is long. He strikes at Jack and Ethan from the shadowy corners of the globe, unraveling their entire world. As the mad general draws new allies together, he is single-minded in his quest to destroy the only two men who ever beat him.

He will stop at nothing until Jack and Ethan are shattered men, worlds apart, and struggling to get back to one another.

And after that, Madigan’s true revenge begins…

Enemy of My Enemy will leave you with a book hangover and withdraws as soon as you reach the last sentence. It’s the type of book I’d have waited to read when all the installments were published. But, I’m too much of a fan to wait, and Tal’s delivery didn’t disappoint. It’s hard to review every part of this story without spoiling the book, so I’m going by segments.

Opening: Just like with Enemies of the State, it took me a minute to get used to the POV changes, but it was easier to follow in this case since we already knew most of the characters. I do appreciate the cast list at the beginning of the book. I did use it as a reference a couple of times.

Suspension of disbelief: One thing you need to be clear when reading this series is the need to put aside your presidential knowledge and the current timetable. I did read the story before Election Day, that’s not what I referring to. I’m talking about the names of current cabinet members, government officials, and foreign leaders. It’s almost like watching a contemporary political thriller.

Some of the events in the story, the main players, and the world reactions are far-fetched but relevant to the story and its alternate universe. If you want political correctness in all senses, this might not be your story. You have to read it with an open mind, submerge in it, and let the author guide you.

Characters: Jack & Ethan are once again the main couple in the story. We get to see them starting a life together in the White House, and responding to the country’s uncertainty due to their relationship. It doesn’t take long for Ethan to take a more active role than Jack’s partner, having something to do other than taking care of the First Gentleman’s office worked well for him. There are a lot of up and downs during the story, and I have to admit that some parts made me lose faith in them, but in the end, everything came back together.

Sergey & Sasha were a lovely surprise. I think I have a crush on Sergey and I wish Sasha becomes his boy. Sergey reminds me of Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister. And Sasha deserves all the happiness he can get. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book to learn more about them and any possible future they might have.

Cooper & Prince Faisal have a heartbreaking, but mostly, complicated relationship. I like how much Faisal loves Cooper and how much he’s willing to risk because of it. They worked well together, and I love the little stories about their past–of how they fall in love. There’s more about them, but I’m not going to spoil the fun.

Madigan & Cook were the ever omnipresent villains. We get to see the extent of their plans and what they are willing to do to obtain it. Again, there’s a nice background tying them, and others, together. We haven’t seen the end of them, but I’m sure they will be an even bigger part of the next book.

The rest of the supporting characters had a purpose to the story. We get to see good and bad guys. Plus, one or two surprises. Everyone has a story that has an impact on the overall story arc. The amount of names can be overwhelming at times, but the cast list helps. The more you read, the more you will remember the characters and their roles. Even what they ate became significant.

Settings: Everything, from the White House to every single country visited by one of the characters is well-researched and described. The amount of detail is perfect to give the reader and sense of place, to get them engaged in the story. It’s almost a guide to the areas that played an important part of the book.

Writing & Pacing: The story does start slow. The author brings us back into the Executive Office world and lets us get reacquired with it. The book is long, with multiple points of view, and some short passages, but overall, everything works. The writing is fantastic and as readers, we can’t ask for a more detailed tale. Another thing, don’t try to read the book before bedtime, it’s impossible to put down unless you want to wake up in the middle of the night to read some more.

Ending: The story ends with a strong HFN for two of the three couples we followed through the story. I don’t consider it a cliffhanger, but some might. My only objection comes to a small information reveal that happened near the end. I guess it was done to connect the next book, but for me, it was an unnecessary tidbit. I wish it was part of the start of the next book and not the last twist in this one.

Natasha Snow did an excellent job showing all the couples taking part of this story. Having the White House and the Capitol included was an extra bonus. The cover matches the one from the previous book, and keeps the continuity of events.

Sale Links: NineStar | Amazon | ARe

Book Details: 

ebook, 444 pages
Published: October 24, 2016, by NineStar Press
ISBN: 9781911153962
Edition Language: English

Series: The Executive Office
Book #1: Enemies of the State
Book #2: Enemy of My Enemy

 

Riptide Tour: Angel Voices by Rowan Speedwell (giveaway)

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Angel Voices by Rowan Speedwell
Riptide Publishing
Cover  art by L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

 

 

About Angel Voices

One frigid winter night a week before Christmas, college student Will stumbles into a church during choir practice, bruised by his own father’s hands. He’s out of the closet now—there’s no going back since his fundamentalist father learned the truth—but he’s also out of a home, a family, and a future. Will has nowhere to turn. No one to care.

Except . . . Will’s roommate, Quinn, cares. Maybe too much. He’s been attracted to Will since they moved in together, but never dreamed his crush was gay. With Will’s life in pieces, Quinn doesn’t want to push. He also knows he has more experience than Will, who’s never even been kissed.

Then Will’s father makes a reappearance, and Will has to learn to trust his heart more than the voices of his past. But it’s the season of miracles, faith, and hope, and Quinn is determined to teach Will how to love and be loved.

Available from Riptide Publishing. 

About Rowan Speedwell

An unrepentant biblioholic, Rowan Speedwell spends half her time pretending to be a law librarian, half her time pretending to be a database manager, half her time pretending to be a fifteenth-century Aragonese noblewoman, half her time . . . wait a minute . . .  Hmm.  Well, one thing she doesn’t pretend to be is good at math.  She is good at pretending, though.

In her copious spare time (hah) she does needlework, calligraphy and illumination, and makes jewelry.  She has a master’s degree in history from the University of Chicago, is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and lives in a Chicago suburb with the obligatory Writer’s Cat and way too many books.

Connect with Rowan:

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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Angel Voices, one lucky winner will receive $15 in Riptide Publishing credit! Leave a comment with a thoughtful question and your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 3, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Review Tour and Giveaway: Julie Bozza’s The ‘True Love’ Solution

The “True Love” Solution – Julie Bozza

Author: Julie Bozza
 
Length: 45,000 words
 
Publisher: Manifold Press
 
Blurb
 

Jules Madigan loves his family and he loves his job. The only thing he’s missing out on is a Happy Ever After, like the ones written by his favourite romance author Ewan Byge. While he’s waiting for that HEA, Jules indulges himself in buying Ewan’s old typewriter as memorabilia – before realising he’s been defrauded. Through the fraud case, he makes friends with Police Constable Leonard Edgar – and through Leonard, Jules even gets to meet and work with Ewan Byge Himself! But the course of True Love never did run smooth, and soon Jules has to face some harsh realities.


Author Bio
 

Julie Bozza is an English-Australian hybrid who is fuelled by espresso, calmed by knitting, unreasonably excited by photography, and madly in love with John Keats.

 

 Giveaway

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A VVivacious Review: Serendipity Box Set by Liam Livings-Serendipity Series by Liam Livings

Rating – 2 Stars out of 5

 

serendity-box-setThese three stories follow David and Christian’s relationship over the course of one year, from their serendipitous meeting to the challenges they face while getting to know each other.

As David and Christian grow closer, they have to work together to change Christian’s parents’ views on their relationship. As things get worse, it seems like Christian is making up his own fake version of their relationship in order to please his parents and when David breaks his ankle, things come to a head as Christian’s brand of love gets to be too oppressive. In the face of such overwhelming problems will these two make it?

 

Christmas Serendipity – 1.5 Stars

This story is haunted by the ghost of exes past. This story is divided into five chapters and in all of them our narrator “David” manages to squeeze in references of him. Now him has no name as far as this story goes, maybe he will actually be mentioned by name in the next two stories, a fact of truly questionable importance but in this story he managed quite successfully to subvert the romance. Personally I question the author’s intentions of creating this unknown big bad ex, the fact that we don’t know his name has created an unwanted mystery around this character and frankly having his pronoun dragged through every aspect of this story truly spoiled the story for me.

 

Leaving the ex aside (God knows why because the story never managed too), I didn’t quite like David’s character. He seemed very uncertain and came across as calculating, even though it felt unintentional. This may have been the result of the leftover trauma from his douche of an ex but there is only a point till you can justify a person’s behaviour as being a result of circumstances and for me David crossed that point.

 

The things I liked in this story would have to include Christian. He was such a sweetheart and I really felt bad for him being at outs with his parents regarding his coming-out and I actually sympathized with his feelings of being left out.

 

Christian & David have potential. They can be an amazing couple however this particular story just teased at that potential. The weird part is that instead of having a continuous development the author kind of first went hot and heavy and then slow and steady, something which was confusing to me because when they went from hot to slow, it felt like things became less intense and emotional.

 

Serendipity Develops – 2.5 Stars

This one is definitely more interesting than Christmas Serendipity. But I doubt anybody could have foreseen this series of events. This story has a decidedly darker tone than the previous ones because as it turns out Christian has some pretty serious psychological problems and he almost ends up smothering David with his love.

 

Serendipity Develops deals with Christian’s attempts for reconciliation with his parents and how his attempts to make David and him appear like a straight couple take a turn for the worse and Christian kind of suffers from a mental breakdown.

 

This story is very invested in its plot line because as stated above a lot is happening. Christian tries to bend over backwards trying to accommodate his parents while David’s reluctance seems to hinder his relationship with Christian’s parents. Personally I wouldn’t have minded David’s reluctance as much as I did because Christian’s parents were definitely not very welcoming themselves but David’s reluctance seemed to carry within itself a grain of indifference, like he couldn’t understand why Christian wanted his parents to be a part of his life. This would have been a perfect time to get a look at David’s own family situation to maybe make us better understand David as a character and his response to this particular situation but there was nothing of that sort done here.

 

I liked David better he seemed less unsure and more assured despite circumstances. I feel for Christian and I wish we could get his perspective especially regarding his parents and his illness. As a couple Christian and David seem to have survived the storm that I don’t think many new relationships could have survived but I can’t quite decipher what their relationship is made of.

 

Also, I loved Tony in this book. He was a much needed breath of fresh air.

 

This story is better than the first but personally I think that there were a lot of things that were started in this book that could do with more exploration and explanation and I am hoping the last one can bring that closure.

 

The Next Christmas – 3 Stars

This story tells the story of the Christmas that David and Christian spend at Christian’s parents’ house. This story is the best of the three probably because Christian and David are more settled in this story, more sure of themselves and each other.

 

I liked David’s journey throughout this story, of how he is reluctant to go to Christian’s parents’ house because he fears a hard time, how he convinces himself that not going will be better and how he eventually catapults and decides to go. Also this was kind of symbolic of how far David and Christian’s relationship had come.

 

I liked how the book dealt with the issue of Christian’s dad, Peter, not being accepting of their relationship and how he doesn’t understand it. I liked how he eventually does come around and how David, Christian and Gloria (Christian’s mother) work together to bring Peter around. On the other hand it felt too easy and it wasn’t very satisfying. I thought with the way things were progressing it would take more time.

 

Also there was no mention of Christian’s mental breakdown in the previous book and what I didn’t like was that there was no discussion about how it could possibly affect their relationship.

 

Overall these three stories make for an okay read.

 

Cover Art by Written Ink Designs. I liked the cover.

Sales Links

Serendipity Box Set: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance

Box Set Details:

Kindle Edition, 161 pages
Published May 25th 2016 by JMS Books LLC
ASINB01G7TAN54
Edition LanguageEnglish

A MelanieM Review: Arctic Fire by Keira Andrews

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

arctic-fire-by-keira-andrewsWhen two strangers are trapped in a blizzard, heat rises.

Haunted by what he lost in Afghanistan, Captain Jack Turner is at a crossroads. While the last place he wants to go is the Arctic, at least the routine mission gets him out from behind his new desk. But he starts off on the wrong foot with the Canadian Ranger guiding him across the forbidding and dangerous land, and Jack would rather be anywhere than sharing a tent with Sergeant Kin Carsen.

The Arctic is in Kin’s blood, and he can’t seem to leave the tundra behind. He wishes he could live openly as a gay man, but the North isn’t as accepting as the rest of Canada. Although he’s lonely, he loves his responsibility as a Ranger, patrolling the vast land he knows so well. But he’s on unfamiliar ground with Jack, and when they’re stranded alone by a blizzard, unexpected desire begins to burn. Soon they’re in a struggle to survive, and all these strangers have is each other.

Many of the things I loved most about Arctic Fire by Keira Andrews ending up working against it as well.  The location, the story line? Outstanding elements! Two complicated men, haunted by their tragic pasts now meeting in one of the most starkly beautiful and treacherous landscapes nature has to offer?  A total draw for me.   I couldn’t wait to dive into their story and romance only to be pulled up short, yes, short by the limited amount of pages.

One hundred pages was just not enough time to do this story and these men justice.  We get just enough about Captain Jack  (that name so conjuers up another Captain) when he is sent on his mission to check out a port for a possible new base.  He immediately collides with the Canadian Ranger Kin Carsen, who wants whats best for the community and to preserve the precious landscape and tundra.  Both men are haunted by losses which eventually pull them closer as does physcial  attraction and the lack of gay men within that same community.

Andrews does her wonderful job of fleshing out both Jack and Kin, starting with their backgrounds.  But there just isn’t enough “time” or length here to finish the job properly.    Their relationship always feels “speeded up” as does the plot trigger towards the end of the story.  That especially felt incomplete as though whole chunks were missing from that scene.

The arctic is another character here.  The author does a grand job of giving the reader a feel for the awe and hold its beauty can have on the people there as well as the frightening costs of not paying attention to its cold and hidden threats that await.

All that said, I really liked this couple and their relationship.  It has so much promise.  Its a HFN and if ever there was a story that needs enlarging or a much longer sequel, its this one.  Its got all the right elements in place.  Its just the beginning.  I’d so love to see more.

Cover art is perfect for the story.  I’d like to see Jack a little more experienced and worn but that’s just me.

Sales Links

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Book Details:

Note: This gay romance features emotional repression, hurt/comfort, adventure on the tundra, and love where you least expect it.2nd, 100 pages

Published by KA Books (first published October 2014)
ISBN139781988260099
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Not Your Average Man by Edward Kendrick

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

not-your-average-manI was an average man, not at all violent, until a bastard tricked my best friend into killing my lover, Mick. When that happened, with my best friend in prison for life, I took things into my own hands and killed the bastard.

 

Not too soon after, a man contacted me. The man Mick had worked for — as a vigilante. He convinced me to take Mick’s place, once I’d been trained to do what Mick had done.

 

I did. Now I’m a not so average man who might, just might, be falling in love with another vigilante. Coop Frost, to be exact. That is, if we can survive what comes next.

 

Edward Kendrick did a wonderful job with this story.  Zane’s life fell apart when his lover was murdered and after taking care of the problem decides to make a new in a new city.  When he meets Coop before a job they connect, but know it’s nothing more than friends, since he is still dealing with Mick’s death.

 

Zane has to go through a lot of soul searching and figure out what he wants to do with his life.  He gains a new friends with the people he works with, but after awhile realizes that when it comes to his personal life he is lonely.  Zane and Coop are put together for and extended job together and both flirt, but won’t do anything until they complete the job.  When Coop’s past catches up with them I loved how adamant Zane is that they take care of everything together.

 

The cover art is nice works well for the story.

 

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | ARe

 

Book Details:

ebook, 133 pages

Published: October 22, 2016 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781634862431

Edition Language: English

Its a Return to the Inn with Truly a Miracle by Derrick Knight (excerpt and giveaway)

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AboutTheBook

trulyamiracle_fsTITLE: Truly A Miracle

SERIES: The Innkeeper Series

AUTHOR: Derrick Knight

COVER ARTIST: Reese Dante

LENGTH: 251 Pages

RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2016

BLURB: Dustin Hurst and Nathaniel Schmitt were happy when Nathaniel’s sister Natalie agreed to be their surrogate.  Both men were elated finding out that she was pregnant with twins.  Their dreams of becoming parents finally coming true, until one day, Natalie goes into preterm labor.

Diana and Niles Hurst-Schmitt enter the world over two months premature. Immediately they’re transported to a nearby children’s hospital where doctors soon discover both twins have life threatening complications requiring surgical intervention.

During their children’s hospitalization, Dustin and Nathaniel grow fond of the many talented healthcare professionals working to heal their newborns, including the attractive dietitian Matt Bachmeier.  They think it’s only a matter of time before their babies are well enough to come home. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for the tiny infants resulting in Dustin and Nathaniel unexpectedly embarking on a terrifying journey witnessing their children fighting for their lives.

As their medical crisis continues to unfold, Dustin and Nathaniel pray for a miracle their family so desperately needs.
Excerpt

 

“I don’t have a baker for tomorrow morning.” Nathaniel reached inside his coat pocket for his cellphone.  “I’m going to ask Mama if she could help.”

Dustin glanced at Nathaniel.

“It’s 1:30 in the morning.  I’m sure Marie is asleep.”

Nathaniel shook his head, his trembling hands making it difficult for him to punch the speed dial button.

“Who else can I ask?” Nathaniel put the receiver to his ear.  “My other staff is just part-time assistants, not trained professionals.  They couldn’t decipher the recipes or handle the volume of pastries needed for the morning rush.  Mama is the only person who could step into Natalie’s shoes without any problems.” After several rings, his mother answered.  “Mama, it’s Nathaniel.” Nathaniel fidgeted. “I’m sorry for calling so late, but I have a dilemma. Natalie was admitted to the hospital earlier and gave birth to the twins.  Don’t worry, she’s fine, but they were transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Oakhill.  Dustin and I are heading there now.” Nathaniel felt a sharp pain in his stomach. His hands were shaking. “Mama, I’m sorry I woke you up, but I’m in such a predicament.  You’re the first person I—”

“Breathe, Nathaniel.  Everything is going to be fine.” Marie sounded so clear and coherent, not at all sleepy. Nathaniel wondered if his mama had been up waiting for his call. She continued.  “Ray called Papa and me after he got her to the Emergency Room.  I thought you might be calling me asking for my help.  Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the bakery. Remember, I taught Natalie Marie everything she knows. I come from a long line of accomplished bakers. When I go in tomorrow, customers and staff will think it’s just another routine morning at Aunt Millie’s Bakery, I promise.”

Nathaniel sighed, collapsing back in his seat. “Thank you, Mama. You’ve really helped me out of a horrible predicament.”

“This is what mothers do for their children.” She paused.  “I’d do anything for you.  Just like I would for any of your brothers and sisters.  You kids are my greatest contributions to this world.” Then her tone changed to one containing a hint of humor. “I’m going to let you go.  After all, I’ve got to get up in a couple hours to get to my new job.  And don’t worry, Mama Schmitt is coming out of retirement.”

Nathaniel laughed, surprising himself.

“Thank you, Mama. You’re the best!”

“No problem.  Tell Dustin to drive carefully.  I don’t want to visit your whole family in the hospital.”

Nathaniel chuckled.

“Papa and my prayers are with all of you.  I love you, son.  Take care.” Then Marie ended their call.

Nathaniel turned to Dustin.

“Please hurry.  Our babies need us.”

“I’m already driving ten miles over the speed limit.” Dustin placed one hand on Nathaniel’s thigh.  “We want to get to the hospital in one piece.

BuyLinks

Amazon US

Amazon UK

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AuthorBio

Derrick Knight was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. Growing up, he always dreamed of becoming a writer. His grandmother got him hooked on reading mystery novels. It was in December 2011 that he purchased his first M/M romance novel. Instantly, he became hooked on the genre. After reading his first gay romance novel, he knew what type of books he wanted to write.

Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from University of Wisconsin- Stout, and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. He has worked in the healthcare field as a dietitian for over twenty-three years. For the past nineteen years, he has functioned as a neonatal nutritionist for a large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Central Illinois. Currently, he lives in Peoria, Illinois.

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Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Liam Livings’ Serendipity Series (giveaway)

Serendipity Series – Liam Livings

 
 
Buy Links
Christmas Serendipity: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance
 
Serendipity Develops: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance
 
The Next Christmas: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance
 
Serendipity Box Set: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance
 
Blurb
 

Christmas Serendipity: In a snowy small town in England just before the festive season, refugees of bad luck Christian and David find themselves thrown together at a friendís non-family Christmas. Both men realize this may be just what they need, when they need it.

Serendipity Develops: David and Christian met a few weeks ago, and were thrown together last Christmas through a mixture of luck and fate. They felt an instant spark for one another, but now neither want to rush into bed until they’re ready. David thinks he is, but Christian’s emotions are all over the place. A stay in hospital makes David wonder if their relationship too much for him to cope with.

The Next Christmas: In a snowy small town in England, just before Christmas, garage mechanic David and office worker Christian are preparing to spend the festive period with Christian’s parents. The parents who told Christian last year he wasn’t welcome to their family festive celebrations since he told them he was gay. The parents welcome show the men to separate bedrooms. Will their love overcome prejudice?

 

 
Author Bio



Liam Livings lives where east London ends and becomes Essex. He shares his house with his boyfriend and cat. He enjoys baking, cooking, classic cars and socialising with friends. He escapes from real life with a guilty pleasure book, cries at a sad, funny and camp film ñ and heís been known to watch an awful lot of Gilmore Girls in the name of writing ëresearchí.

One evening, flicking through the channels, he stumbled across the film, Saving Private Ryan, and it took twenty minutes of not seeing Goldie Hawn in an army uniform, before he realised it wasnít actually the film, Private Benjamin.

He has written since he was a teenager, started writing with the hope of publication in 2011. His writing focuses on friendships, British humour, romance with plenty of sparkle.

When heís not writing fiction he runs a manuscript appraisal service, provides marketing support to authors & publishers and ghostwrites other peopleís books.

You can connect with Liam
Twitter @LiamLivings
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/liam.livings
Blog http://www.liamlivings.com/blog

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