Category: M/M Romance

A VVivacious Review: Stuck with You (Reinvented #1) by Jenna Kendrick

Rating: 3.75 Stars out of 5

 

stuck-with-youSeth and Jamie are handcuffed together thanks to a Sociology project their eccentric professor, Dr. P thought up. But being at someone’s side 24×7 has never been easy but as the project takes Seth and Jamie through various highs and lows, it might soon become a hurdle to just get past the next minute let alone 5 days.

 

Jamie has secrets that he wants buried but when temptation in the form of Seth Lerner is just at the end of the tether, how long can Jamie keep his secrets safe… Meanwhile Seth has a list of issues a mile long and all this change in routine is throwing his tics into overdrive, he really has to evaluate if the hurt waiting for him at the end of his tether is worth it?

 

This book is nice, awesome and good depending on how far along you are into the story. I am a little miffed with the ending which is reflected in my rating. I personally didn’t think the ending did justice to the wonderful story up until that point. Up till the point the book was ending there was this richness to all the moments described in the book and because of that the ending felt particularly rushed. This appears to be the first in a series, so maybe the author plans to revisit this couple, in that case I can maybe excuse the ending.

 

This story is the kind that starts out a little awkward but then becomes better and better with every page you turn. But I loved the way this story progressed, the somewhat awkward beginning helped put the spotlight on the MCs.

 

Seth and Jamie were the best part of this story. Despite substantial side characters, it was clear that the stars of this story were Seth and Jamie and I loved their development. The fact that the author managed to give us a clear view of who, these two were as individuals despite their unique circumstances was quite commendable. I understood how painful it could get to be in Seth’s head and how much he hurt at the thought that everyone who he had ever loved him left him. Simultaneously it was easy to see how Jamie was using intimidation to keep everyone at bay but what I liked most was how every time he seemed to be falling back on his old tactics he made a conscious effort not to.

 

The premise and the plot are brilliant. The plot allowed the author to introduce many facets of the MCs’ personalities relatively quickly and the whole scenario of being stuck to another person kind of accelerates the intimacy which was just helped along by the patience with each moment is written.

 

Personally the book is amazing and has a lot of potential and if the author decides to write more about Seth and Jamie, it would be beyond awesome.

 

Cover Art by Jenna Kendrick. The cover was okay.

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Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 164 pages
Published January 8th 2016
ASINB01AD8M7SG
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesReinvented #1

An Ali Review: Sunset on Turtle Lake by Carol Lynne

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
sunset-on-turtle-lake-by-carol-lynneWinter isn’t the only chill in the air on Turtle Lake.

When Sam Burgman’s mother, Gloria, nears the end of her battle with cancer, Sam makes the hard decision to leave his job as a corporate lawyer in Miami to take his mom home to Turtle Lake, Minnesota.

Ian Mendoza takes his job as Gloria’s caregiver very seriously, but unlike the assignments he’s taken in the past, Ian fails to maintain a professional distance when it comes to Sam. Unfortunately for Ian, Sam refuses to open his heart despite their mutual attraction.

Born and raised in Miami, Ian isn’t prepared for the frozen landscape that is Minnesota in the winter, but the chill he wants to erase is the one coming from Sam.
This was a short, low angst story about two men who find love while dealing with the impending death of a woman they both care for.  The story threw me off a bit at first because when it starts the men have known each other for some time and have already fallen for each other.  I felt at first that I had been thrown in to the middle of a story (which I had been) and I was scrambling to catch up.  Once they head back to Minnesota though the store flowed better for me.  I enjoyed the interactions with Gloria and felt they were reasonably realistic.  (I work in the medical field and I am super picky about how death/dying issues are portrayed.)  I liked both Sam and Ian and I enjoyed their journey to a happily ever after.
The writing was well done and it was a unique plot with interesting characters.  My only complaint was that it was so short.  I liked what was here but I would have rather read a longer book so we could have seen the two men falling for each other.  As previously stated it was all a little abrupt and I had to take a lot of things on faith.  Overall though I enjoyed this and I would recommend it as a short story.
Cover:  I love the cover.  I think it is really lovely cover that is both nice to look at and a great representation of the story.
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Book Details:
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Published October 25th 2016 by Pride Publishing
ISBN139781786515155
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Stella Review: Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles by Eli Easton

RATING 5 out of 5 stars

merry-christmas-mr-migglesToby Kincaid loves being the junior librarian in his hometown of Sandy Lake, Ohio. He spends his days surrounded by books and chatting with the library patrons. He especially adores the head librarian, Mr. Miggles, who is kind, witty, knowlegable about everything, and hopelessly addicted to Christmas. Sean Miggles is also pretty cute—especially for an older guy who wears ties and suit pants every day.

But Sean keeps himself at a distance, and there’s a sadness about him that Toby can’t figure out. When Sean is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he gives up without a fight. Toby realizes that he alone can save the library—and their head librarian.

Toby will need to uncover the darkness in Sean’s past and prove to him that he deserves a second chance at life and at love too. And while Christmas miracles are being handed out, maybe Toby will get his own dearest wish—to love and be loved by Mr. Miggles.

I have no words to say how much I loved this new release by Eli Easton. It shouldn’t have been a surprise cause I already knew how well the author can writes and engage me with his books.

I finished Merry Christmas, Mr Miggles in one night, it caught my attention from the start and I couldn’t stop reading about Toby and Sean, who work together at the Sandy Lake Library, Toby as a junior librarian and Sean as the head librarian. Two great men with so much passion and two hearts bigger than an house.

I fell in love with both of them, Toby is young and full of enthusiasm, with his smart mouth and his  new love for Sean, the man who has no family and gifts Christmas presents to all the people who frequent the library without them knowing. There is a well done plot, a real story, things happen, need to be resolved and while Sean is almost resigned, Toby is fierce and resolute to prove Sean innocence and the necessity of a library like their own for  all the amazing people who support both of them. Truly beautiful people, Toby’s parents too.

I love the atmosphere, I felt and smelled the library, I felt the strong sense of community. I got to know not just the MCs stories, but a glimpse of what was going on in the secondary characters lives too. Plus, sex in the library!

Merry Christmas, Mr Miggles is a sweet book, it lifted my spirit and put me in a good mood. If you’re looking for a romantic reading, with some sad moment and a lot of love, this one is for you. Don’t miss it.

The cover art by Reese Dante is cute like the book.

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Book Details:

Publication Date: November 23, 2016 by Pinkerton Road LLC

ASIN B01MQIX7MD

Edition Language English

In the Spotlight: The Bucket List: Lots of Love, Low Angst M/M Romance (LoLLA Book 1) by Tricia Owens (excerpt)

the-bucket-list-by-tricia-owens

The Bucket List: Lots of Love, Low Angst M/M Romance (LoLLA Book 1)

 by Tricia Owens

Release Date: November 10, 2016
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The Bucket List Blurb:

When Quinn nearly dies in a skydiving incident, his life flashes before his eyes…and it’s pretty boring. Though he’s moved to Las Vegas to rebel against his strict Mormon upbringing, he still hasn’t done much to liven up his life. He’s far too comfortable with his boring routine. After the accident, however, he vows to change this. He draws up a bucket list with all the best intentions, yet somehow nothing changes. Quinn worries that he really is a dud, until a gorgeous man walks up to him and suggests an indecent proposal.

Gabriel has had a lot of sex. He’s fantastic at it and he’s good-looking, so he never lacks for people willing to jump into bed with him. But after a rough break-up, he’s determined to make hooking up a secondary priority. It’s too bad that when he first sees Quinn and his heart goes pitter-patter, Gabriel’s first instinct is to make a bet with Quinn involving sex.

With one spin of the roulette wheel, Gabriel and Quinn embark on a series of sexually adventurous dares, each more exciting than the last. But what happens when one of them pushes for something more? LoLLA books are standalone novellas with lots of love/sex, low angst, and a Happily Ever After ending for a quick dose of happiness.

The Bucket List excerpt

“What’s the big deal, Quinn?” Gabriel was watching him intently, in a way no one had ever watched him. Like a wolf would, maybe. “There are thirty-eight numbers. What’s the chance you’ll hit mine? Live a little.”

Quinn didn’t like that Gabriel had automatically assumed he was gay. Quinn played it pretty straight out of a lifelong habit of concealing himself. It bothered him that this stranger had read him with ease.

But that’s just smoke and mirrors. What you’re really afraid of is finally doing something to spice up your life. When did you become such a chickenshit? When did you decide that this was the best your life could be?

“It wouldn’t be so bad to lose,” Gabriel continued. The corner of his mouth curled. “You’ve been staring at me since I walked up. I know it’s not me you have a problem with.”

Quinn felt heat in his cheeks, but told himself he was flushed from anger. Gabriel might be the most attractive man that Quinn had ever seen, but that didn’t mean he would automatically fall all over the guy. Quinn had too much practice controlling and suppressing his urges.

And that’s the problem, genius.

“You’re not afraid you’ll lose, are you?” Gabriel pressed, as insistent as a terrier. Quinn recognized that under different circumstances his persistence would have been sexy, but at the moment, Quinn only found Gabriel annoying.

He thought furiously. Thirty-eight to one were bad odds, especially when Quinn had the ability to pick and choose which number he did—or didn’t—hit. He relaxed slightly as he realized he could choose how this story ended.

But isn’t this about living a little? Isn’t this about having a story to recall the next time you’re falling out of the sky?

He reached into the wheel well for the ball.

“Agree to the bet before you spin it.”

Quinn didn’t bother hiding his glare at the order. Gabriel merely continued smiling. “Be a good sport, Quinn. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Nothing to lose but the status quo which was safe. Which would have kept him away from a failing parachute.

After another glance at his supervisor, Quinn finally said, “Fine. It’s a bet.”

The Bucket Info:

M/M Contemporary Romance

Book one of LoLLA series, but each are standalones

High heat level

33k words

Tricia Owens Bio:

Tricia writes m/m romance, ménage, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. An avid traveler, she has visited over 80 countries and now makes her home in Las Vegas.

  • Twitter: @Juxtaposefantsy

Release Blitz and Giveaway for The Copper Horse: Love & The Copper Horse Box Set by KA Merikan (giveaway)

The Copper Horse: Love & The Copper Horse Box Set – KA Merikan

Author: KA Merikan
 
Cover Design: Natasha Snow 
 
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK
 

Blurb

London

1907, twenty years into the zombie plague

Just as Reuben finally settles into the role of Copper, his master’s proud stallion, his life gets turned upside down by a revolution that has been long brewing in London. But the men who come for Erik at his home bring much more than havoc. They uncover lies that Erik has fed Reuben, and the truth creates a rift between them that might be impossible to cross.

Even if Reuben still wanted to be Erik’s pony, is it possible for them to be together if his master loses all power and property? With no harness to hold him, no bit to stop him from speaking, can Reuben still be what Erik wants? Does he have anything to offer as a man?

The relationship they have established gets shaken to its core, and on the run from Erik’s enemies, they will both have to find out if the bond they share will survive, or if it will break.

thecopperhorse-boxsetThe Copper Horse Ponyplay Box Set

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Comprising of The Copper Horse: Fear, The Copper Horse: Pride, The Copper Horse: Love, Jack’s Punishment (Side Story) and The Stable Girl (an m/f story set in The Copper Horse world)

Author Bio

K. A. Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are taken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of – it will be full of surprises.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAMerikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KA_Merikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150530.K_A_Merikan
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAMerikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KA_Merikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150530.K_A_Merikan
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/

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Release Blitz and Giveaway for Sue Brown’s Alpha Barman

Alpha Barman – Sue Brown

Author: Sue Brown
 
Release Date: November 24
 
Cover Design: Garrett Leigh
 
Length: 48,000 words
 
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | AllRomance | KOBO | B&N | iTunes
 

Blurb

Jake Tyler walked out of Special Ops two years ago, a devastated, broken man after he discovered his sister brutally murdered by her husband, Riley. Since then he’s found a kind of peace running a rural bar. The last thing Jake Tyler expects is his former team to turn up with grim news. Jake’s ex-brother-in-law has escaped from prison and is heading Jake’s way. The team is here to protect Jake, whether he likes it or not – a decision reluctantly shared by their leader, Jake’s ex-lover Mitch Mitchelson.

Mitch is angry and hurting. The man he trusted – the man he adored more than anything – abandoned both his team and Mitch. Jake never gave Mitch a chance to help or come to terms with his desertion. Regardless of mission protocols, Mitch isn’t about to open his heart again to that kind of pain.

But the strong attraction between them can’t be denied. How are they ever going to work together when Mitch still resents Jake’s disappearance, and to Jake, the team represents everything that destroyed him in the first place? And meantime they wait for Riley to find them… and to settle the threat once and for all.

Author Bio

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot, and has become an expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. She had an Aha moment and put pen to paper that same day. Sue may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Come over and talk to Sue at:
sue@suebrownstories.com
Her website can be found at:
http://www.suebrownstories.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/suebrownstories
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/suebrownstories
Blog:
http://suebrownsstories.blogspot.com/

 

 

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In the Spotlight: The Bucket List: Lots of Love, Low Angst M/M Romance (LoLLA #1) by Tricia Owens (excerpt)

the-bucket-list

The Bucket List: Lots of Love, Low Angst M/M Romance (LoLLA #1)

by Tricia Owens

Pre-order available at Amazon

The Bucket List Blurb:

When Quinn nearly dies in a skydiving incident, his life flashes before his eyes…and it’s pretty boring. Though he’s moved to Las Vegas to rebel against his strict Mormon upbringing, he still hasn’t done much to liven up his life. He’s far too comfortable with his boring routine. After the accident, however, he vows to change this. He draws up a bucket list with all the best intentions, yet somehow nothing changes. Quinn worries that he really is a dud, until a gorgeous man walks up to him and suggests an indecent proposal.

Gabriel has had a lot of sex. He’s fantastic at it and he’s good-looking, so he never lacks for people willing to jump into bed with him. But after a rough break-up, he’s determined to make hooking up a secondary priority. It’s too bad that when he first sees Quinn and his heart goes pitter-patter, Gabriel’s first instinct is to make a bet with Quinn involving sex.

With one spin of the roulette wheel, Gabriel and Quinn embark on a series of sexually adventurous dares, each more exciting than the last. But what happens when one of them pushes for something more? LoLLA books are standalone novellas with lots of love/sex, low angst, and a Happily Ever After ending for a quick dose of happiness.

The Bucket List excerpt

“What’s the big deal, Quinn?” Gabriel was watching him intently, in a way no one had ever watched him. Like a wolf would, maybe. “There are thirty-eight numbers. What’s the chance you’ll hit mine? Live a little.”

Quinn didn’t like that Gabriel had automatically assumed he was gay. Quinn played it pretty straight out of a lifelong habit of concealing himself. It bothered him that this stranger had read him with ease.

But that’s just smoke and mirrors. What you’re really afraid of is finally doing something to spice up your life. When did you become such a chickenshit? When did you decide that this was the best your life could be?

“It wouldn’t be so bad to lose,” Gabriel continued. The corner of his mouth curled. “You’ve been staring at me since I walked up. I know it’s not me you have a problem with.”

Quinn felt heat in his cheeks, but told himself he was flushed from anger. Gabriel might be the most attractive man that Quinn had ever seen, but that didn’t mean he would automatically fall all over the guy. Quinn had too much practice controlling and suppressing his urges.

And that’s the problem, genius.

“You’re not afraid you’ll lose, are you?” Gabriel pressed, as insistent as a terrier. Quinn recognized that under different circumstances his persistence would have been sexy, but at the moment, Quinn only found Gabriel annoying.

He thought furiously. Thirty-eight to one were bad odds, especially when Quinn had the ability to pick and choose which number he did—or didn’t—hit. He relaxed slightly as he realized he could choose how this story ended.

But isn’t this about living a little? Isn’t this about having a story to recall the next time you’re falling out of the sky?

He reached into the wheel well for the ball.

“Agree to the bet before you spin it.”

Quinn didn’t bother hiding his glare at the order. Gabriel merely continued smiling. “Be a good sport, Quinn. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Nothing to lose but the status quo which was safe. Which would have kept him away from a failing parachute.

After another glance at his supervisor, Quinn finally said, “Fine. It’s a bet.”

The Bucket Info:

M/M Contemporary Romance

Book one of LoLLA series, but each are standalones

High heat level

33k words

Release date November 10th, currently available for pre-order: http://amzn.to/2erxGSc Will be available on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, and Are.

Tricia Owens Bio:

Tricia writes m/m romance, ménage, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. An avid traveler, she has visited over 80 countries and now makes her home in Las Vegas.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tricia-Owens/348774068467200

Website:

http://www.triciaowensbooks.com

Twitter:

@Juxtaposefantsy

A MelanieM Review: Ghost Ship (Mahu #10) by Neil S. Plakcy

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

ghost-shipNew fathers investigate the death of a young family.

When a sailboat carrying four bodies washes up on the Leeward Coast of O’ahu, openly gay Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa’aka, on loan to the FBI, must discover what sent this young family and their deadly cargo on a dangerous trans-Pacific voyage. Leaving behind his partner and their infant twins, Kimo must work with his police cohort Ray Donne to unravel the forces that led this family to their deaths.

From Hawaii’s sunny beaches to a chilly island in Japan to the Pacific Northwest, Kimo and Ray step far out of their comfort zones to confront an evil much greater than any they’ve investigated before.

I have been such a fan of this series and author and that continues with Ghost Ship.  Over the series of nine novels, readers have watched Honolulu homicide detective Kimo Kanapa’aka be outed to his family and the HPD, come to terms with that,  meet and date, lose and reunite with Mike, his now life partner.  They’ve fathered twins with their friends a lesbian couple they’re co parenting with, and have a foster son now attending college.  Its been a long and tumultuous ride that eventually saw Kimo and Ray leaving the Honolulu PD for temporary assignment with the FBI.  That’s where we find them now on a  life changing case for both Kimo, his family and Ray, his work partner and friend.

This is one of the worst cases in all the series, a sailboat washes ashore with a dead family on board, father, mother and twin babies.  It immediately hits home for Kimo and Mike with their twins but the emotional impact carries over to the reader through the descriptions and later in the captains diary the father kept.  Its heartbreaking and you quickly understand the drive to solve this case and the web of intrigue behind the cargo and deaths.

Plakcy has woven one of the most involved and layered cases of the series here.  Its threads go from Hawaii to Japan to mainland US and back again and those travels will stretch thin the ties that bind  Kimo to Mike and his family just when they need him the most and  Kimo is aware of it.  The same will go for Ray.  Its the job versus family again and never has it been made more painful or obvious that a choice will have to be made, then here in this story.  Parts of Kimo’s carefully crafted life are falling to pieces and yet he still must pursue this case with Ray because of the deadly consequences if he doesn’t.   Ray also is having similar issues within his own family.  Two men torn by job obligations and family love and loyalty on the most important case of their lives.

This is a thrilling read, and a heartbreaking one.   Plakcy doesn’t deliver all the answers to all the issues and problems he raised here.  And I think that’s about right.  For somethings there aren’t any.  For some personal ones, there are only more questions and things to work out.  That’s what book 11 is for.  Kimo and Mike and family are still on a journey.  I hope Kimo does decide to return to the Honolulu PD, even with all the problems that entails. Its where the series and Kimo started.  And if its winding down, that where he should end up.

If you haven’t found this series yet,  please don’t start here.  You’ve such a treat in store for you.  Run, don’t walk to the beginning Mahu (Mahu #1) and meet Kimo and see how it all starts.  Plakcy is a master of the vernacular, you’ll get a feel for the island culture and people.  Trust me you’ll be addicted in no time.  Then you’ll have so many wonderful books ahead of you.

If you are already a fan like me, then settle in for a wonderful read.  I highly recommend it.

 

Cover art is amazing and works perfectly for the novel and series.

Sales Links

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Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 205 pages
Published September 30th 2016 by MLR Press
ASINB01LYP0GC2
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesMahu #10