A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Unlikely Prospect (States of Love) by Lex Chase

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In Prospect Harbor, Maine, lobsterman Harper Cook has always loved the sea. He and his two brothers work the harbor waters, in a fishing village of one thousand where everybody knows everybody else’s business and nobody wants to be different.

When it’s time for the annual Men of Maine pinup calendar, Harper’s brothers eagerly volunteer him. Harper isn’t thrilled to bare it all to raise money for an elementary school playground—until he meets out-and-proud Los Angeles out-a-statah Sean Blackburn: the highly available first-grade teacher with Hollywood heartthrob looks.

Harper has no desire to ever stand out from the crowd, but Sean persists and earns Harper’s friendship. Through Sean, Harper opens up to new possibilities. Things get steamy, but Harper still protects his heart. Though the right pressure in the right place might crack even a loner lobsterman out of his shell.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

I flat out adored this story. The Unlikely Prospect (States of Love) by Lex Chase just blew me away, from the manner in which Chase got inside the character of lobsterman Harper Cook, introverted, gay and an amazing gift of a person just waiting for the right man to understand and appreciate him. From his halting Maine speech, which could sound cliche’ but doesn’t, to his boisterous brothers who only want the best for him, Harper strides off his boat and into our hearts almost from the first introduction. And from there, Chase proceeds to peel back even more layers to reveal someone with a vivid imagination who writes stories and has a bravery to match that of the sea he loves. Harper just continues to grow throughout this story until he’s this quiet giant of a man.

While Sean Blackburn near quite rises to the level (in my mind) that Harper does as far as character build, he’s still marvelous and a terrific complement to the quiet lobsterman. He too has a backstory with enough depth to give him the layers needed to make him the right man for Harper. His strengths and needs fill the holes in Harper. Chase has made that so clear, not only to the reader but to Harper’s brothers as well. Its fun to watch the maneuverings and family dynamics here. Add in this mix an engaging teacher with a thing for a certain Mr. December and it turns into one of the most heartwarming stories I’ve enjoyed in a while.

And that calendar shoot? A sexy and fun scene all its own. It was the start of their relationship, a place where boldness and surprise are key elements. Loved that too! Harper and Sean’s developing romance contains its own beautiful twists and turns that made this story all the more enjoyable.

I fell so in love with Harper and Sean that I wouldn’t mind a sequel to see what happens next. But if that never happens, I’m thrilled with their story here. Want a story to fill your heart with romance and love? Grab up The Unlikely Prospect (States of Love) by Lex Chase. Its one I highly recommend.

Cover art by Reese Dante is as perfect as the book. From the characters to the boat, its superb.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 126 pages
Expected publication: December 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634778405 (ISBN13: 9781634778404)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesStates of Love settingMaine (United States)

A Lila Release Day Review: Cowboys Don’t Come Out by Tara Lain

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Rand McIntyre settles for good enough. He loves his small California ranch, raising horses, and teaching riding to the kids he adores—but having kids of his own and someone to love means coming out, and that would jeopardize everything he’s built. Then, despite his terror of flying, he goes on a holiday to Hana, Hawaii, with his parents and meets the dark and mysterious Kai Kealoha, a genuine Hawaiian cowboy. Rand takes to Kai’s kid brother and sister as much as he drools over Kai, but the guy sports more prickles than a horned toad and more secrets than the exotic land he comes from.

Kai’s earned his privacy and lives to protect his “kids.” He ought to stay away from the big, handsome cowboy for everyone’s sake—but since the guy’s just a haole on a short vacation, how much damage can he do? When all of Kai’s worst fears and Rand’s darkest nightmares come true at once, there’s not much chance for two cowboys who can’t—or won’t—come out.

Cowboys Don’t Come Out is a different type of cowboy story. Californian cowboys are common in romance books, but a Hawaiian cowboy, a paniolo, was an interesting addition. We don’t get to see Kai in a ranching environment, but the guiding expeditions he offered gave the reader a little inside about his riding style. Together with the background and cultural information provided through the story.

The beginning of the book is slow and it takes some time to get into it, but in the end, the wait is worth it. As always, the author did an excellent story describing the settings and giving us a tour of the area; showing us exactly what the characters saw and their reactions to their surroundings—from Kai’s modest home to the beautiful Hawaiian views.

I liked Rand’s & Kai’s dancing duels and how good they were together. I enjoyed how they interacted as a family when the kids were with them. They might be from different backgrounds, but their differences merged well. I do think Rand was too young for the way he acted. I wished he has at least in his early thirties.

The story has many supporting and secondary characters, but Mrs. O was my favorite. Her relationship with Rand worked for me. There are many events during the story in which the reader needs to suspend disbelief, but overall, they gave the book an air of separation from reality. Almost like glazed-view of contemporary events. This is a story for fans of Tara Lain’s over-the-top plot lines.

The cover by Reese Dante shows a bare-chested Rand with a faint view of Hawaii in the background. It’s nice, but a bit generic.

Sale Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | ARe

ebook, 200 pages
Published: December 7, 2016, Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 1634778375 (ISBN13: 9781634778374)
Edition Language: English

A Stella Advent Calendar Review Day 7: The Stockings Were Hung by Cassie Sweet

RATING: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Hill hates Christmas.

The shoppers. The cheer. The drama. All of it.

Each holiday season is a painful reminder that seven years before, his lover, Drew, walked out of his life and moved across the country, leaving Hill like a cup of rotten eggnog. Now Drew is back and wants Hill to put a little jingle in his bells. Well, not this Scrooge.

Drew admits he moved to get away from Hill—but not for the reasons Drew gave him all those years ago. Some of his best memories are of Christmases he celebrated with Hill, and he wants nothing more than to spend a little holly jolly with the only man he’s ever loved. However, getting Hill to agree to a reunion is going to take a Christmas miracle.

I’m a huge fan of “second chance at love” stories so I was very enthusiastic to read The Stockings Were Hung by Cassie Sweet. And I liked it, it was my first book by this author and I already have my eyes on a couple of stories by her. I found this new holiday release engaging with well defined characters, even the secondary ones, plus a too cute dog. It could have easily been the perfect story, the one with all the elements I enjoy reading about. There was just a couple of problems: first of all, I struggled to connect with Drew and understand his reasons for leaving Hill seven years before (and he took his time to come back and say he’s still in love with Hill). Then the MCs didn’t really end up together, it was clear it was going to happen but it’s not actually on page. And I wanted to see them together, I would have preferred even just a couple of scenes more, it left me a little disappointed. That said, The Stockings Were Hung is a good holiday story and I wanted to reward the writing part with my rating.

The cover art by L.C. Chase is very sweet.

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BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 44 pages

Published December 1st 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN 1635331692 (ISBN13: 9781635331691)

Edition Language English

An Alisa Release Day Review: Seven Minutes by Grace Kilian Delaney

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Can love be found in seven minutes?

Heavy metal singer Stone Manson never acknowledged his attraction to men. But when he meets sexy cross-dresser Devon at a party and spends Seven Minutes in Heaven with him, he can’t deny his reaction. His confusion leads him to mess up—big time—with Devon, but after some soul-searching, Stone decides to do whatever it takes to show Devon he’s worth the risk.

Devon’s got a thing for hot, tattooed rock stars—just not the sexually conflicted and closeted ones.

Stone’s persistence has Devon warming up to the idea of the singer in his bed, and maybe even in his life, until a threat emerges from Devon’s past. Now it’s Devon’s turn to trust Stone or both their lives could be in jeopardy.

Stone has been pretty depressed since his girlfriend left him months ago and he wants to be anywhere other than the party his best friend has dragged him to. He is attracted to Devon, but only acts on it when they are pushed together. After the party Stone hurts Devon in his own confusion of his feelings and has to work through them.

I liked both of these characters. Stone is a rock star and is conflicted about what he wants in his life and Devon knows exactly what he wants; to work on classic cars, dress in women’s clothes occasionally and someone to love him no matter what. I could feel how hurt Devon was when Stone pushed him away, but he is still willing to give Stone a chance when he proves he will be better. It’s amazing how once Stone puts his mind to something he is willing to take the plunge.

Cover art by Reese Dante is wonderful and give us a nice visual of Stone.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | ARe

Book Details:

ebook, 55 pages

Published: December 7, 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 9781634778176

Edition Language: English

A MelanieM Review: A Christmas Kiss by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Keeping secrets from your best friend isn’t right, but it’s easier than admitting you’ve fallen in love with him.

Sharing a late-night kiss with his best friend, Alex, is Riley’s dream come true. Waking up to discover Alex was too drunk to remember anything is more like a nightmare. Scared the truth could destroy their friendship, Riley keeps quiet and pretends nothing happened.

Alex can’t shake the feeling that he said or did something stupid on their group’s drunken weekend away—why else would Riley be avoiding him? Although the explanation he finally gets sounds plausible, Riley’s still acting strange, and trying to figure out why that is unearths emotions Alex has worked hard to bury.

Riley knows not telling Alex how he feels is probably selfish, but he wants one last normal Christmas before he has to come clean and face the potential fallout.

He should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.

I’m always up for a holiday story and one about friends and love? Absolutely on board twice over! Annabelle Jacobs story, A Christmas Kiss, starts with a drunken night and a shared bed. For one man its everything he ever hoped for, for the other? A blurry haze of memories he can’t quite get a hold of. And for the reader? A sometimes frustrating batch of lovely men, missed connections, and “why don’t you talk to him!”. Truly, I spent half the book wanting to wap a miserable Riley into talking into a clearly miserable friend who missed him.

Jacobs does lay the groundwork for Riley’s actions and yet, to a degree, he still ends up frustrating not only his friends but this reader with his inaction.

Alex, a little more of an unknown quantity than Riley, is still a wonderful man and I found myself warming up to him quickly. Once the talking commences, and the frustration falls away, that holiday spirit of wonder and love drifts into place and A Christmas Kiss fulfills its promise. Want another friends to lovers sweet, holiday romance? A Christmas Kiss by Annabelle Jacobs just might be the story for you.

Cover art is ok, I would have hoped for something more relevant to the story than just your male torso.

Sales Links

Amazon Universal link
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 145 pages
Published November 18th 2016 by Annabelle Jacobs
ASINB01N9259SC
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Lila Release Day Review: Hell Takes a Holiday By Kiernan Kelly

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Despite a major setback, Lucifer has no time to feel sorry for himself. Running Hell is a monumental task, even though he’s taken steps to modernize it with technology like closed-circuit cameras and security systems.

As he struggles with his infernal issues, an unannounced visitor threatens to break his black heart. Lucifer hasn’t seen Uriel since his Fall, but he remembers how much he loved Uriel and how betrayed he felt when Uriel didn’t stand with him during the War.

Uriel has been sent to inspect the changes Lucifer has made and report back to Heaven. Lucifer has no choice but to give Uriel a guided tour of the Nine Circles, and all the feelings come rushing back.

Uriel hasn’t forgotten Lucifer either, and they pick up where they left off—with enough sizzle to rival the hottest of hell’s fires. But their reunion will be short-lived, unless Uriel relinquishes his halo—which Lucifer is unwilling to let him do.

Hell Takes a Holiday has a great premise. I love the idea of Uriel visiting Hell to “spy” on his ex-lover. It starts really interesting and I like the way they get to see each other for the first time in centuries. Their chemistry is palpable, and their internal monologues and witty banter very nice.

Unfortunately, after that, the story takes a preachy tone that drowns their conversations. Uriel goes from flirt into total drama quickly, killing the mood. Yes, their smexy times are hot, but not enough to compensate the knowledge overload. Don’t get me wrong, I agree with 90% of Luce’s explanations, but it was too much for such a short story.

The only relation to a holiday the story has it’s the mention of the events taking place on Christmas Eve. I find the ending too perfect to work overall. I wanted a bit of plot mix with the explanations to get me to cheer for their HEA.

The one thing this story has is great characters. Uriel and Luce are perfect individually, but even better together. And God has a great sense of humor too. Perhaps I expected more since this is the second edition of this story.

The cover by Bree Archer is nice, but the models don’t fit Luce’s & Uriel’s descriptions.

Sale Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | ARe

ebook, 48 pages
Published: December 7, 2016 (Second Edition), Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 1634777360 (ISBN13: 9781634777360)
Edition Language: English

In the Holiday Spotlight: A Christmas Kiss by Annabelle Jacobs (giveaway)

A Christmas Kiss – Annabelle Jacobs

Author: Annabelle Jacobs

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh

Release Date: November 18

Length: 38,000 words

Buy Links:
Amazon Universal link
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Blurb

Keeping secrets from your best friend isn’t right, but it’s easier than admitting you’ve fallen in love with him.

Riley knows not telling Alex how he feels is probably selfish, but he wants one last normal Christmas before he has to come clean and face the potential fallout.

He should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.

Author Bio

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Twitter ñ https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website ñ www.annabellejacobs.com
Email ñ ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction

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An Alisa Review: The Perfect Bite by J.D. Walker

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Gabe Villagran has been an outcast since birth. The large purple birthmark on the right side of his face has ostracized him from family and community, leaving him with little self-esteem. So, imagine his delight when, at the age of eighteen, vampires come out to the world. Finally, he’s not the only freak of nature around.

Five years after leaving home, Gabe meets Pierre Sangre outside his gay vampire club quite by chance. Meaning, he rescues Gabe from becoming vampire food. A vampire himself, Pierre sees something in the young man before him, and wants to keep him close. Pierre hires Gabe as a sort of boy Friday at the club and Gabe, grateful to his savior, accepts and falls irrevocably in love.

For ten years, both men dance around their attraction to each other until a night of misunderstandings clears things up. All it takes is the perfect bite.

This was such a sweet story. Gabe has always been an outcast first in his hometown and now as the only human employee at a gay vampire club. Pierre has been watching Gabe since he saved him ten years earlier, but never had the courage to actually pursue him.

Gabe doesn’t feel he is worthy of anything, let alone the love of Pierre, he is determined to keep it to himself. Pierre has finally let go of his love that had died centuries before, but needed to figure out the best way to approach Gabe. Gabe was so innocent, even though he worked at a gay club for years he has no experience himself and quickly misinterpreted many of the signs he is given, almost causing his own heartbreak. When Pierre shows him he is worthy they connect perfectly.

The cover art is great and eye catching.

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | ARe

Book Details:

ebook, 36 pages

Published: March 31, 2016 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781634860925

Edition Language: English

An Alisa Advent Calendar Day 6 Review: Matthew’s Present (2016 Advent Calendar – Bah Humbug) by Sarah Hadley Brook

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Matthew Blick is almost thirty years old, and he hates the thought of another holiday alone. He has become a bit of a wet blanket when Christmas rolls around every year. So much so that even his five-year-old niece, Hannah, knows something needs to change. She asks the department store Santa to bring her uncle a man to love, and when Santa sees her uncle, he formulates a plan to set that possibility in motion.

Santa shows up at Matthew’s house and at first Matthew can’t place him, but then the memories of his first kiss flood his mind and he is shocked to find that Santa is the man he has carried a torch for since high school. Will this twist of fate help Matthew change his view on the holidays? Only a kiss can tell.

This was such a sweet story. Matthew was hurt badly by his college boyfriend and since he hasn’t felt the Christmas spirit since. He can’t help but keep thinking of Santa from the store and how much his eyes called to him.

These characters are so sweet, both having thought about the other for years without being able to find out who the other was. Them unexpectedly meeting like this is really one of those meant to be things and gives them both a chance for the love they have always wanted. This is one of those stories that has a nice HFN ending, but it would have been great to see a glimpse of their future.

Cover art by Paul Richmond is the collection cover, still wonderful.

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Book Details:

ebook, 23 pages
Published December 1st 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1635331684 (ISBN13: 9781635331684)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series2016 Advent Calendar – Bah Humbug

A Stella Review: Heartifact by Aisling Mancy

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Harper Kidd is a highly respected marine archeologist. Yet, with the economy in a slump, he’s trapped working in an oil company’s exploration division. Now, at the ripe age of thirty, Harp is disgusted with his employer’s damage to the undersea world he loves, tired of his ATM-card-filching ex, and tormented by beautiful dreams of an undersea lover. It’s time for a change and when his best friend, Stick, pleads with him to assist on a deep-sea dig in the Mediterranean, he jumps at the chance.

Harper’s sprits are high when they discover the ruins of an ancient civilization, and soar to the heavens when they discover a statue of an ancient pelora, a mysterious hybrid creature said to mediate between the worlds of reality and fantasy—and the very lover who holds the starring role in his dreams.

When the crew discovers the site is teeming with unexploded ordnance from the conflicts in the Middle East, and the excavation turns deadly, Harper must choose between saving his best friend and the pelora he’s fallen in love with.

The net proceeds from this book benefit The Trevor Project in the US, le Refuge in France, and Arcigay in Italy.

Once in a while, stories like this one, dreamy, mystical, unreal, are exactly what I need. The union of a really well done writing and an intriguing plot made Heartifact really interesting. Till the end I had no idea how the author could give Harper an HEA but Aisling did really great. A wonderful ending full of wonder and so cute. I liked Heartifact a lot, there wasn’t a moment of pause in the research and divings, there was some action that kept me on the edge and some too hot sex scenes which increased my delight. The details of the expedition were never boring and the pairing of the sea, which I deeply fear, and the archeology, which I adore, was a winner from the start.

I have to say I wouldn’t say no to a sequel, to see how Harper and Dion will be together on a more realistic setting

Don’t forget, the proceeds from this book will be donated to charities, one more reason to give it a chance.

The cover art by Timmy Ashton is simply not a favorite of mine, I would have preferred something more eye catching.

Sales Links

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 88 pages

Published November 24th 2016 by Men over the Rainbow (first published October 13th 2016)

ASIN B01N0BHXXV

Edition Language English

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A Christmas Kiss – Annabelle Jacobs

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