Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

A MelanieM Review: Pine Tree Mary by Ofelia Gränd

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Detective Quinn Manning wants nothing more than to see Diamond Dace, one of Fagerdal’s most notorious drug lords, behind bars. After years of the man eluding the authorities, when Manning accidentally stumbles onto an opportunity to catch the powerful dealer red-handed, he doesn’t hesitate. But what should be a simple tail instead drops Manning into a real-life world of myth and legend.

Hush is a hulder, a forest spirit also known as a pine tree Mary. Since the beginning of time, his people have lived in the forest, feeding off the energy they derive from the lust and desires of passing hunters. But Hush is an abomination, the only male of his kind.

After a lifetime of starvation, Hush has struck a deal with a human. A simple trade that will give the human what he desires and keep Hush from wasting away completely.

When Manning saves a young man from Diamond and one of his men, his view of reality is altered forever. And Hush, who has never met anyone like Manning, finds the man’s attraction to him enough to finally stave off his constant hunger.

Together they set out to rescue Manning’s partner, and their connection to one another grows. But can a human detective have a future with a creature of the forest, a creature who isn’t supposed to exist?

It’s no secret that I am a fan of stories that contain mythological references and historical elements.  If both those items happen to be a tad obscure, even better. For it sends me running to gather more information about subjects I’m less familiar with and I love it when that happens.  And so it is with the quite marvelous story of Pine Tree Mary by Ofelia Gränd.  In all of the probably thousands of stories I’ve read by now, this is only the second story (that I can remember, tbh) that has a hulder in it. Not just as a main character, but in it at all.

And just like in that story, Pine Tree Mary sent me running to the reference books,  primarily because of the name.  Turns out yes, among the many names for this ancient forest being, the warden  or protector of a certain forest, is really Pine Tree Mary.

“Names include: huldra, huldrå, hylda, skogsrå or skogsfru/skogfru (meaning ‘lady (ruler) of the forest’ or ‘forest wife/woman/spirit’) and tallemaja (‘Pine Tree Mary’). They are often referred to as Ulda by the Sámi. The males are called Huldrekall (hulder man), huldu, or huldrekarl are often said to be hideous in appearance and have grotesquely long noses.

Both the male huldrekarl and female huldra are forest and mountain dwelling creatures that take the form of tall and very beautiful humans with long flowing hair.”*

Both can be kind or evil, depending on their own action and, of course, how you treat them.

Which lead me back to Pine Tree Mary.

The author folds a police crime story into a mythical romance and does so with to a heartfelt gritty effect. Grand gives a ruthless drug crime boss, a desperate police detective, and an abused male hulder in need and takes those elements and creates a tale you can’t put down.  The innocence of Hush translates so beautifully on the page,  from scene to scene, from the dialog to the descriptions, that you care for Hush and connect to him immediately.  It’s so easy to envision the life of pain and abuse he’s lived under his sisters, and yet, he’s still so pure in spite of that.

And the character of Detective Quinn Manning, aware of police procedures, trying to bring down one of the worst criminals he will ever face, comes across a being he has no explanations for.  The growth in feelings, acceptance of Hush and the preceding investigation all works.

Of course, there is never enough of the mythology for me.  I loved the communication with the animals, the birds and the moose.  The descriptions of Hush’s physical structure is so intriguing.

Basically, I just want a sequel!  I am really invested now in these characters and I want to know what happens next.  This is a HFN and I want nest.  You will too.  This is a fascinating story with characters that make you ask more questions and reach for the next story in their relationship.  Hopefully the author is listening.

Cover Art: Written Ink Designs is haunting and quite beautiful.  Perfect for this story.

Sales Links:  JMS Books LLC | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo

Book Details:

ebook
Published October 5th 2019
ISBN139781646560967
Edition Language English

*Huldra, Folklore’s Lady in the Forest – Spangenhelm Publishing

 

 

A Lila Audio Review: Their Bounty (Four Mercenaries #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

— Taken. Prized. Possessed. Loved. —Clover is an orphan and has led a tough and chaotic life. No stability. No money. No friends. He trusts no one.

His already miserable life takes a nosedive when he ends up in the hands of a human trafficking gang. Someone has placed a request for a young albino man, and Clover is to become the property of a mysterious buyer who will stop at nothing to satisfy their depraved desire. Clover’s fate seems sealed until four bounty hunters appear to take out his captors and accidentally save him.

The four mercenaries want to move on, but when Clover pleads for protection, they offer it to him at a price. In the beginning, the arrangement is all kinds of shady, but as he gets to know the four men who’ve taken him on a wild ride, his developing feelings might become as dangerous as the elusive buyer.

But can a relationship with four such different men even work? Men who kill for a living? Men so full of contradictions?

Tank. The massive ex-soldier eager to be Clover’s Daddy.
Pyro. Wild, tattooed, with a filthy mouth and an itch for violence.
Boar. Ginger, bearded, a big teddy bear who can turn into a grizzly.
Drake. Dark and dangerous, with a tongue as sharp as his knives.

Can these men provide him with the love and security he craves? Or has Clover made the worst mistake of his life?

Their Bounty is an interesting take on reversed harem. Yes, it’s dark but you couldn’t expect anything less from these authors. Although, it’s not as uncomfortable as some of their other books.

The plot to the story is simple but allows the reader to learn more about all the characters, how they do their work, and how they react to trouble. Some things were too much of a stretch but worked as a whole.

The resolution was part of those fanciful events but I didn’t see the villain coming. I was pleasantly surprised with how the person was and how everything went down.

The main reason I didn’t rate this book higher has to do with the authors’ talent to get the reader to love or hate their characters. I could see all the layers wrapped around Clover but by the time everything was revealed I did trust him.

I know the mercenaries weren’t saints but at least they were honest. And they are the reason I’m looking forward to the next books in the series. To see where their journey brings for them as a foursome + clover.

The narration by Wyatt Baker is pretty monotone in parts but he compensates with the unique intonations for each of the protagonists.

The cover by Natasha Snow goes well with the story even when Clover seems older than in the book. I’m sure there’s not that many models fitting his description.

Sale Links: Amazon | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Wyatt Baker
Length: 9 hours and 53 minutes
Published: September 7, 2019, by Acerbi & Villani Ltd.
ASIN: B07X934VQ4
Edition Language: English

Series: Four Mercenaries
Book #1: Their Bounty

Blog Tour for Rules to Break (Davey’s Rules #2) by Susan Hawke (excerpt)

Rules to Break Tour Banner

Rules to Break

Davey’s Rules Series Book 2

Susan Hawke

M/M Romance, Daddy/boy

Release Date: 09.26.19

Rules to Break ebook

Blurb

Davey’s Rule #91: Daddy never loses faith in his boy.

Bryan Miller is satisfied with his uncomplicated life. He’s a discipline Daddy who’s not in the market for any kind of permanent relationship. And why should he be? Like the waves he surfs in the small beach town he calls home, there’s always another body available to warm his bed when he tires of the current flavor of the week.

Preston Wallace is a snotty rich brat with enough attitude to keep all the Daddies from giving him a chance. He gets it… people are jealous of him for being rich, hot, and fit. It would take a strong Daddy to take him in hand.

A casual conversation on the night of Preston’s twenty-fifth birthday ties these two stubborn men together in a bet right out of the musical My Fair Lady. Can Daddy Bryan turn the obnoxious brat into a dateable boy within a ninety-day timeframe?

Strap in for a roller-coaster of emotions as Bryan takes firm control of a brat who might just need to know someone cares enough to try

This is the second book in this series about not-so-perfect Daddies, adorable “boys,” and one sassy brat with an insane list of rules. Grab your fan and tissues because this series comes with both a high heat advisory and all the squishy feels you’d want from a Susan Hawke book. Possible trigger for the death a background character.

Universal Link: mybook.to/RulestoBreak

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Excerpt

My back was rigid and my nostrils flared, but I bit my tongue and kept any arguments to myself. If a little water splashed out of the bucket when I jerked it from his hand, that wasn’t my fault. The rinsing process went a lot faster than the washing, mostly because I had a better idea of what I was doing this time. Once again, Daddy stood there jerking himself off while I worked.

Seriously? What was his malfunction? Did he think I had a humiliation kink? I really needed to set him straight one of these days. Just… yeah. Probably not today.

As I worked my way back toward the front of the bathroom, I thought of ways to get even. When I got close enough to the sink that I spotted his toothbrush sitting in the holder, I knew what I wanted to do. Every so often, I’d noticed that he’d close his eyes for a moment or so while he was jerking himself. I timed it so the next time his eyes closed, I rose to my knees and grabbed his toothbrush in a flash.

Thanks to my seriously awesome poker face, I was able to keep from grinning when he opened his eyes to see me scrubbing the grout between the tiles with his toothbrush. He watched me for several seconds before he began chuckling under his breath. “While I like to see you thinking on your feet, perhaps my personal toothbrush wasn’t the best choice of cleaning tools? How will I ever get toothpaste into my mouth now? This is a problem, don’t you think? Hmm. Stand up, brat. Drop my toothbrush in the wastebasket and bend over the counter.”

Oooh. Bend over the counter? Yes, please. This could only mean good things, right?

I was practically vibrating with excitement when he walked over and stood behind me. I’d leaned over the end of the long marble counter and stretched forward over its length. But thanks to the mirror, I was able to see him clearly when I glanced to my left. I gulped and started to jerk up when I saw him reach for the toothpaste. Shaking my head, I started to point out his mistake when he held me in place with his other hand.


Susan Hawke Logo

As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

I’m a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown “kids of my heart.” I’m more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.

Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2Hdgwvl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanHawke/

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Release Blitz – LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2

RELEASE BLITZ

Collection Title: Legendary Loves Volume 2

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length:  71 700 words 

Release Date: October 19, 2019

Add on Goodreads

 

Blurb

JMS Books’ Trios are themed collections of three gay romance stories by a trio of authors. Each story is available separately, but readers can get all three for a discounted bundle price.

Legendary Loves Volume 2 contains three paranormal shifter M/M romances just in time for Halloween!

It contains these stories:

In My Arms Again by Nell Iris: Oxen is lonely, feeling like he’s waiting for something, and can’t focus. But when a very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes. The stranger, Vinge, is a Pegasus unable to transform. Both men feel an instant connection that swiftly grows deeper. The questions surrounding Vinge are many. Why is he so familiar? What will it take for the depth of their connection be revealed?

The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea: Tired of the daily grind of his job, Keston heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down. Will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright: There’s nothing about perky — twinky? — Oliver Hughes that would make Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think Bigfoot actually exists. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see. In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

 

Buy Links

The books will all be 20% off at the publisher’s site through October 25.

Legendary Loves, Volume 2

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z7G17JM/

 

 

BOOK 1

Book Title: In My Arms Again

Author: Nell Iris

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 21 809 words 

Release Date: October 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Historical Paranormal Fantasy Gay Romance

Trope/s: Soulmates, age difference, hurt/comfort

Themes: Finding your soulmate, reunited, family conflict, acceptance

Heat Rating: 3 flames

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Two strangers. An unexpected familiarity. Instant connection.

Blurb 

Trapped in a growing sense of restlessness, Oxen the hunter is lonely. Feeling like he’s waiting for something—or someone—he’s unable to focus on getting ready for winter. But when a handsome and very ill stranger collapses on his doorstep, everything changes.

Vinge is from a Pegasus family but has never been able to transform. As soon as he awakens in Oxen’s care, both men feel an instant connection, which grows deeper as Oxen nurses him back to health. Something profound within each man calls out to the other, but neither knows what it is.

The questions surrounding Vinge and their deepening relationship are many. Why is Vinge so familiar to Oxen when they have clearly never met? Why are they both reluctant to take the first step to a real commitment? And what will it take for the true depth of their connection be revealed?

 

Excerpt  

His eyes are still closed when I kneel next to the bed again, but I can tell he’s awake by the way his head tracks my movements. 

“I will lift your head and help you drink,” I explain before touching him again, and he tilts his chin down, giving me permission. I slide my hand around his neck, cup the back of his head, and ease it off the bed. He drinks in deep gulps until the bowl is empty, and when I lower him back down to the pillow, he sighs. 

“Thank you, Hunter.”

I stiffen at his words. “Do you know me?”

Slowly, he moves his hand from his side and lays it on his chest. “I feel you,” he says.

“How?” My head is spinning with all the questions this man’s arrival has brought. For every passing hour, they multiply, and I can no longer keep track of them all.

The stranger doesn’t answer my question—somehow I knew he wouldn’t—so I try another approach. “I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I know not who you are.”

His pries his eyelids open, long eyelashes fluttering like a hummingbird’s wing. Even in the dim light of the cabin—cast only by the flames in the hearth—I can make out the color of his eyes: so dark they’re almost completely black, generously sprinkled with flecks of gleaming gold, and despite the obvious tiredness, his gaze is bottomless and intense. It pulls me in and settles some of the restlessness in my chest at the same time. 

And when he looks at me, I understand what he’s talking about. 

I can feel him, his presence. As though his heart beats next to mine in my chest. As though his breath mingles with mine when it leaves my mouth, as though I see myself through his eyes. As though I know him.

“My name…” His voice falters.

“…is Vinge,” I finish, a gasp escaping at my own words. 

“Yes.”

 

BOOK 2

Book Title: The Murky Depths

Author: Kassandra Lea

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 20 106 words

Release Date: September 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Paranormal/Urban Fantasy 

Heat Rating: 1 flame

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Who…or what is lurking in the shadows?

Blurb 

While Keston enjoys his occasional video game tournaments with the kid across the hall, he’s grown tired of the daily grind of his job. With a bit of a push from his boss, he heads out for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Kona Woods. A little time away from the hustle and bustle sounds like just the thing he needs.

Turns out he isn’t alone, though, as there are others lurking in the shadows. When a near-death experience brings Ness waltzing into his life, everything Keston thought he knew is turned upside down, and he runs in fear.

But will facing what scares him bring to Keston’s life what it’s missing most?

 

Excerpt 

“Crap,” he growled. Keston scrambled for the paddle as the first fat raindrop landed on his cheek, coursing down like a year he didn’t remember crying. The once gentle rocking was becoming stomach upsetting and mixed with his actions threatened to capsize him. “Crap, crap, crappity.” 

Why didn’t you check the weather forecast, you fanned fool? Instead of being a sitting duck for an electric charge you could be sitting safely before a fire while letting the storm rage on. Even sticking to his original plan would have had better results, he’d simply have raced back through the woods with prayers of no branches falling on his head. Being soaked head to toe he could accept. 

Which might happen sooner than he hoped. 

The wind picked up, forcing the trees to dance and tearing the leaves from their branches. Keston pitched dangerously to one side and narrowly avoided taking an unwanted swim by shifting his weight the other way. His belongings slid back and forth along the bottom of the canoe. Lightning. Thunder. His pounding heart prodded by fear and adrenaline. And then it hit, the deluge of rain, almost like having a bucket of water dumped over his head, or perhaps this was how coaches felt after the end of a great game when thee players got all excited and doused them in Gatorade or whatever. 

He was soaked instantly. 

And it was a cold rain, one that dropped the temperature significantly in a matter of seconds. Gone was the beautiful autumn day replaced with a chill that left each breath as a puff on the wind. Keston shivered, somehow managing to wrap his fingers around the paddle. He gripped it tightly and dipped one end into the lake, which by now was tossing him about as if he was a rubber ducky in a child’s bath. 

The waves were getting worse. 

 

BOOK 3

Book Title: Weekend at Bigfoot’s

Author: Addison Albright

Publisher: JMS Books, LLC

Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Length: 29 800 words

Release Date: September 19, 2019

Genre/s: M/M Contemporary Paranormal Gay Romance (with a pinch of Mystery and Comedy)

Trope/s: Meet Cute, Forbidden Love, Fling Turns into More

Themes: Love (or at least lust) at first sight, secrets, paranormal surprise

Heat Rating: 3 flames

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

 

Buy Links

 Publisher |  B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 

It wasn’t supposed to be REAL!

Blurb 

It wasn’t supposed to be REAL! Bigfoot doesn’t actually exist. Yetis, shifters, creatures of the night … none of those exist. Right? Right?

There’s nothing about perky—some might even say twinky—Oliver Hughes that would make a skeptic like Sensational News’ (Never Fake! We Swear!) reporter Wilson Banks think otherwise. But while pursuing soundbites for a tabloid story about Bigfoot, Wilson witnesses something he wasn’t meant to see.

In Wilson’s new reality, is there room for love with someone whose dreams are as big as his … er … feet?

This fun novella has a paranormal twist, a hint of mystery, and a flavorful dollop of romantic comedy. Mix it all together for a satisfying HEA!

 

Excerpt 

Wilson’s gaze traveled lower, and if possible, widened further. Because holy mother of Sasquatch, Yeti, and the Abominable Snowman, Emma Pearson had not been exaggerating when she’d insinuated that Bigfoot was well-hung. If anything, she’d underplayed it.

Bigfoot—that’s who he had to be—squawked again with a noise that had an admonishing tone, as if calling out Wilson’s rudeness for gawking at his junk, then covered said junk with his massive hands.

“Sorry,” Wilson muttered. It was reflexive and seemed weird in the circumstances to be calmly apologizing to Bigfoot. Why the hell wasn’t he freaking the fuck out? Most normal people would be.

A vision of Mark screeching, “I don’t think I’ve ever once seen you get worked up over anything,” flashed through Wilson’s head. Apparently Mark had a point.

Wilson blinked. There would be absolutely no way to get the mouth and flaring nostrils of this…creature so perfect in such a close inspection if he wasn’t real. He was real.

And if this was the ultimate test of pragmatism, then—Wilson straightened his back—he was going to pass it with flying colors.

 

About the Authors

Nell Iris

Nell Iris is a romantic at heart who believes everyone deserves a happy ending. She’s a bona fide bookworm (learned to read long before she started school), wouldn’t dream of going anywhere without something to read (not even the ladies room), loves music (and singing along but let’s face it, she’s not Celine Dion), and is a real Star Trek nerd (Make it so). She loves words, poetry, wine, and Sudoku, and absolutely adores elephants!

Nell believes passionately in equality for all regardless of race, gender or sexuality, and wants to make the world a better, less hateful, place.

Nell is a 40-something bisexual Swedish woman, married to the love of her life, and a proud mama of a grown daughter. She left the Scandinavian cold and darkness for warmer and sunnier Malaysia a few years ago, where she spends her days writing, surfing the Internet, enjoying the heat, and eating good food. One day she decided to chase her life long dream of being a writer, sat down in front of her laptop, and wrote a story about two men falling in love.

Nell Iris writes gay romance, prefers sweet over angsty, and loves writing diverse and different characters.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Facebook Profile  

Twitter: @nellirisauthor  |  Instagram: @nell_iris  |  Goodreads

QueeRomance Ink   |  BookBub

 

 

Kassandra Lea

Born to a military family, Kassandra Lea has been reading since she could hold a book. Growing up she wanted to be Batman, then she discovered writing and realized she could be whatever she wanted if she lived vicariously through her characters. When not writing, she can be found hanging out with her dog, pursuing her love of horses, and cheering on the Packers. She lives in southern Wisconsin in an old house with her mother, a gang of furry monsters, and a ghost.

Author Links

Facebook  |  Twitter: @Cheddarsgal  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

 

Addison Albright

Addison Albright is a writer living in the middle of the USA. Her stories are gay romance in contemporary, fantasy, and paranormal genres. She generally adds a subtle touch of humor, a smidgen of drama/angst, and a healthy dose of slice-of-life to her stories. Her education includes a BS in Education with a major in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. Addison loves spending time with her family, reading, popcorn, boating, french fries, “open window weather,” cats, math, and anything chocolate. She loves to read pretty much anything and everything, anytime and anywhere.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Facebook Profile  |  Twitter

BookBub  |  QueeRomance Ink  |  Amazon

Newsletter sign-up  |  Instagram: (@addison.albright) |  Audible

 

 

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

 your choice of ebooks from each author’s backlist (3 books for each of 3 winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts and reviews here

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations

As we head toward Hallows Eve and the pumpkins and decorations are out in full display of one of my favorite holidays, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words’ stories are trending towards the paranormal, the supernatural, and yes, the downright spooky!

From vampires to werewolves to other things that go bump in the night and are still seeking their own versions of HEA or HFN, I thought I would start sorting through some of our more chilling recommendations!  More to come next week and chime in if we have missed some of the new stories!

Story Recommendations for All Hallows Eve!

  • A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelly York
  • Spirits series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Tyack & Frayne series by Harper Fox
  • P.S. I Spook You by SE Harmon
  • A Frost of Cares by Amy Rae Durreson
  • Whyborne & Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk
  • Motel Pool by Kim Fielding
  • “Winter” by Josh Lanyon
  • The Tourist by Clare London
  • Lesser-Bred series by Adrienne Wilder
  • THE GERMAN by Lee Thomas
  • COWBOYS & VAMPIRES by Hank Edwards
  • MONSTER (Vertex #1) by Soren Summers
  • MAN & MONSTER (The Savage Land #2) by Michael Jensen
  • In a Dark Wood by Josh Lanyon
  • Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon
  • All In Fear: A Collection of Six Horror Tales by Steve Berman, et al
  • Unhinged by Rick R. Reed
  • A CHARM OF MAGPIES series by K.J. Charles
  • FALLOCAUST series by Quil Carter
  • COLD FINGERS by Amy Spector
  • THE BOOKS OF BLOOD Vols. 1-6 by Clive Barker
  • INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice
  • A DENSITY OF SOULS by Christopher Rice
  • DUST OF WONDERLAND by Lee Thomas
  • THE WOLF AT THE DOOR by Jameson Currier 
  • LOST SOULS, & DRAWING BLOOD, by Poppy Z. Brite
  • Ally Blue Down
  • Sarah Waters Affinity (f/f)
  • Bump In the Night series from Riptide
  • Jacqueline Rohrbach Speak With the Dead
  • The Werewolf on Lowre Few Lane by Bryce Bentley-Tales
  • Green Death by Madeleine Ribbon!
  • Ground of Insurrection (Wizard Wars, #1) by Mell Eight

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Word

Sunday, October 20:

  • Heading Towards All Hallows Eve and Our Spooky Recommendations.
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 21:

  • Spotlight Tour and Giveaway for Dancing with the Lion: Rise by Jeanne Reames
  • Release Blitz – LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2
  • Blog Tour Minuet” by A.M. Leibowitz
  • A Stella Review All at Sea by JL Merrow
  • An Alisa Review: For a Unicorn’s Happiness (Legendary Shifters #2) by Catherine Lievens
  • A Caryn Review: Rise (Dancing with the Lion #2) by Jeanne Reames
  • A Lucy Review LEGENDARY LOVES Volume 2 (In My Arms Again by Nell Iris The Murky Depths by Kassandra Lea Weekend at Bigfoot’s by Addison Albright)

Tuesday, October 22:

  • Convicted” by Kim Fielding Cover Reveal
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Release Blitz for Anna Martin – Something Wild
  • A MelanieM Review Pine Tree Mary by Ofelia Gränd
  • A Lucy Review : Wrangling a Groom (Marital Bliss #2) by D.J. Jamison
  • A Lila Audio Review: Their Bounty (Four Mercenaries #1) by K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Wednesday, October 23:

  • Release Blitz – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Blog Tour Rules to Break by Susan Hawke
  • Book Blitz – Adira August – Psychic Men
  • First Priority by Este Holland Blog Tour
  • An Alisa Review :All or Nothing by Riina Y.T
  • A Lila Review: Bishop  by A.E. Via
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review Best Man (Close Proximity #1) by Lily Morton

Thursday, October 24:

  • Release Blitz – Their Special Agent (Thistle Hearts #1) by Mel Gough
  • POST The Captain’s Flighty Fireworks by Eleanor Harkstead and Catherine Curzon
  • Blog Tour Second Song by Edie Danford
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Shot in the Dark (New Amsterdam #3) by Kelly Wyre
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Deal Maker (Mixed Messages #2) by Lily Morton and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Friday, October 25:

  • Release Blitz – Precariously Mated (D’Vaire, Book 14) by Jessamyn
  • BLOG TOUR Wrestling With Hope by DH Starr
  • An Alisa Review Wolf, en Garde by A.F. Henley
  • A Stella Review What We May Be by Vivien Dean

Saturday, October 26:

  • A MelanieM Audio Review:  Spencer Cohen 2 by NR Walker and Narrated by Joel Leslie

 

A Stella Review: After Ben (Seattle Stories #1) by Con Riley

RATING 5 out of 5 stars

A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he’s looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans.

While Theo experiences a powerful physical attraction to fellow gym member Peter, it’s his new online friend, Morgan, who provides the intellectual challenge to make him come alive. Morgan is witty, brave, and irreverent, and Theo is ready to take the plunge… until he discovers Morgan might be half his age.

Theo’s late partner was significantly older—enough to strain Theo’s relationship with his family—and the potential of another relationship being cut short leaves him gunshy. Theo needs to lay Ben’s memory to rest, reconcile with his family, and rekindle neglected friendships if he’s to start afresh with a new lover. But Theo isn’t the only one with a past.

His biggest challenge, in living after Ben, might not be his to face.

After Ben is one of my favourite books in the mm genre and the first audiobook (in English) I listened too, even if my English isn’t good enough for it. I have no clue how many times I read this novel and each time I am overwhelmed by the emotions I get. And here lays the reason why I love the author, and all her works, so much: the feelings she puts in her stories are always so strong and real. In particular, as you can understand from the blurb, After Ben is not exactly a light story, there is a lot of grief and hurt to manage, Theo needed time to process and try to overcome the death of his beloved Ben. He’s not sure how to do it, still he’s trying, some days more than ever. Until a moment, where different events happens all together: the meeting and sudden attraction with Peter, the long chats online till late night with Morgan, the changes at his day job. And then it’s time to say goodbye to Ben while trying to reconcile the past with the present.

Although it’s not a light story, it was still a pleasure to read, cause the plot, the scenes, the characters, are all so well done the reading didn’t become heavy or too stifling. I could feel an air of positiveness and joy for the future, that ease the important themes the book tells.

I can’t recommend After Ben enough, you won’t be disappointed. And be sure to check Con Riley works, all of them are awesome.

The cover art by Natasha Snow is lovely and fitting, this artist is a guarantee.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link  Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited
 

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 2nd edition, 344 pages

Published October 5th 2019 by Amazon Digital Services (first published July 1st 2012)

ASIN B07Y6ML8CN

Edition Language English

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Lucky Break (Clean Slate Ranch #4) by A.M. Arthur

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

A lovely addition to the Clean Slate Ranch series, this story features Shawn, the assistant cook at the ghost-town saloon who helped Miles when his abusive ex showed up in Saddle Up, book three. Robin, one of the ranch hands, befriends Shawn after an initial minor hostility due to the fact Shawn looks like Robin’s former husband, Xander, who died in a rodeo accident three years before. But once Robin gets to know him, the resemblance takes a back seat because Shawn is a completely different personality: shy, sweet, virginal, and reclusive. Shawn has kept the fact he lives in his car a secret for two years, but now that it’s out in the open and he’s given the cabin next to Robin’s, the two slowly become friends, and then more.

The story is a good length and focuses on the slow buildup of a relationship with plenty of kissing and not much else through most of the book as each man slowly begins to share pieces of his past with the other. The author allows time for readers to get to know the characters as they get to know each other and that’s something I appreciate. When circumstances occur that bring Shawn back to his hometown where the public shame and humiliation that forced him out of town took place, Robin accompanies him and finally learns Shawn’s truths.

But it’s not until much later, when they are back at the Clean Slate Ranch, that Shawn learns Robin’s truths about how he lost his husband and the guilt he carries over it. Past characters round out the story and new ones are introduced as I suspect the series may continue for some time—at least, I hope so because I want Derrick and Levi and Hugo to all have their own loves.

As with other books in this series, there’s a sense of family, friendship, trust, and support by all the characters at the ranch.  Those who love a sweet cowboy romance, with a small age gap (8 years), should enjoy this one. Add slow burn, virgins, smaller tops, and widower to the tags, and you get the picture of how very nice this story is.

The bright cover features a handsome cowboy walking toward the camera with a bright blue sky background.

Sales Links:   Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Expected publication: October 21st 2019 by Carina Press
ISBN 1488056986 (ISBN13: 9781488056987)
SeriesClean Slate Ranch #4

Clean Slate Ranch Series

Wild Trail

Roped In

Saddle Up

Lucky Break

A Stella Review: Love on the Hudson by KD Fisher

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Art historian David Webster left his childhood home of Saugerties, New York ten years ago and hasn’t looked back. Intelligent, successful, and proud of his sexuality, David has built a comfortable, if lonely, life in Chicago. But when he learns his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he decides to leave his prestigious museum job and move home to care for his dad. Until now David has never questioned his devotion to academic and professional success. Suddenly he’s forced to confront and reevaluate his desires, chief among them, his former best friend Nick.

Nick Patras has spent his entire life trying to be the perfect Greek son. From devoting himself to football, to forgoing an athletic scholarship to work at his family’s diner, to denying his sexuality and getting married to his high school sweetheart, Nick got used to putting his family’s dreams ahead of his own. The facade shattered, however, when Nick divorced his wife and left the family business to follow his dream of starting an organic farm. Finally content with the life he’s built for himself, Nick is still haunted by the mistake that ended his friendship with David a decade earlier.

When David and Nick reunite their old feelings are undeniable, but can David trust Nick with his heart a second time around? As David embarks on a new career as an artist, he must decide whether or not Nick fits into this composition.

Love On the Hudson is the first book I read by KD Fisher, as soon as I read the blurb I was intrigued and I wanted to give this new to me author a chance. Since the first pages it was clear I was going to enjoy the story a lot.

Although ten years ago Nick acted as a true ass, it seems he and David are still destined to be together, the feelings are too deep to be ignored. As soon as they meet again, nothing can stop them to finally work on creating their HEA, not the hurtful past, not even Nick’s family.

The novel was easy to read, I liked how the author defined the characters, not just the main ones, but all Nick and David’s family and friends, she showed so well how beautiful these people were (not all of them) and how they cared for the two young lovers. There are some sweet scenes, some teary ones, others are hot as hell.

I’m a sucker for second chance at love stories, especially when the characters were first best friends, I love to read about a feeling so deep like the love Nick and David shared, even if during the ten years they were apart they went ahead with their lives. Last, it was lovely to see how ready David was to throw away the job he worked so hard to get and move home when his father was ill, he caught my heart.

I feel to recommend this novel, don’t miss it.

The cover art by Natasha Snow is great as everything this art is does, I like it a lot.

SALE LINKS  NineStar Press | Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 355 pages

Published September 30th 2019 by NineStar Press

ASIN B07Y8QKRF1

Edition Language English

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Rule Breaker (Mixed Messages #1) by Lily Morton and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Rating:  5 stars out of 5

What a wonderful story! And the audiobook made it even better with the fantastic performance of Joel Leslie, who brought Dylan, Gabe, and the rest of the cast of characters to life. Listening to a book narrated by Joel is like watching the story unfold on the big screen. The voices become real characters. There’s drama, humor, tears (he does crying scenes so well!) and every voice is so distinctive that there’s never a doubt of which MC is speaking.   


The story of Gabe and his personal assistant, Dylan, is filled with the angst of falling in love with an unlovable man, but it’s also laced throughout with humor, much of it dry Brit wit and snark. The author opens each chapter with a note or memo from either Dylan to Gabe or Gabe to Dylan, and many provide laugh-out-loud moments and/or embarrassing barks or snorts in public places.

Gabe is smart, sharp, gorgeous, and wants no part of relationships or feelings with anyone whatsoever, even his current boyfriend. In fact, it’s nothing for them to engage in a threesome with a stranger and afterwards both leave Gabe to his own devices. Dylan is sweet, cute, snarky, and can see through the shell Gabe keeps locked tight around his heart. Their banter is a very important part of this audiobook and keeps readers like me constantly smiling.

Throughout much of the story, although they were attracted to one another, they didn’t act on it since it would break Gabe’s no-sex-with-employees rule. And then it happened and they couldn’t get enough of each other. Some of those locations and situations were funny, but then over time, Dylan loses his heart and Gabe refuses to take it.

Be ready with tissues for this one because Dylan’s heart was literally in pieces all over the floor. And the sobbing and anguished dialogue brought to life by Joel were painful to hear. And yet, I hurt for Gabe as well. His backstory, when we learn it, is heartbreaking and it’s no wonder he refused to share his love with anyone.

Of course, our guys get together in the end, helped along by Dylan’s bestie (who gets his own book next). The epilogue was long enough to tie all the loose threads together in a way that leaves readers knowing this couple is solid and well on the way to their HEA.

I highly recommend this 9.5 hour audiobook to all my friends who enjoy Brit humor, hot sex, angst, love, and redemption, and of course, a very well-deserved HEA.

The handsome man on the colorful cover by Natasha Snow definitely attracts attention.

Sales Links:   Amazon | Audible

Audio Details:

Audible Audio
Published April 15th 2019 (first published August 17th 2017)
ASINB07QM1RCM7
Edition Language English
Series Mixed Messages #1
setting London, England

Review Tour and Giveaway for After Ben (Seattle Stories #1) by Con Riley

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link  Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited
 
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
 
Length: 95,000 words approx.
Blurb
 

Seattle Stories: Book One


No more kissing a ghost…


A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he’s looking for is a new lover, but as Theo discovers, sometimes life has its own plans.


The strength of his attraction to fellow gym member Peter is surprising. So is how compelling he finds Morgan, a new friend he makes online. Morgan is witty and fierce on the internet forum they frequent, while Peter is physically present in a way that’s hard to ignore.


Both men bring Theo closer to acceptance: he needs to lay Ben’s memory to rest if he’s to start afresh with a new lover.


Getting honest about the reasons for his yearlong isolation means confronting why he lost Ben… only just when he’s ready to commit, Theo finds he isn’t the only one haunted by the past.


Whether with Peter or with Morgan, choosing to love again—after Ben—might not be Theo’s toughest challenge.

 Check out Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 5 star review here.  We loved it!

CON RILEY lives on the wild and rugged Devonshire coast, with her head in the clouds and her feet in the Atlantic Ocean. Injury curtailed her enjoyment of outdoor pursuits, so writing fiction now fills her free time instead. Love, loss, and redemption shape her romance stories, and her characters are flawed in ways that make them live and breathe. When not people-watching or wrangling her own boy band of teen sons, she spends time staring at the sea from her kitchen window. If you see her, don’t disturb her—she’s probably thinking up new plots.

 
 

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