A Stella Review: The Storm Before The Calm by Cate Ashwood

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Charlie has one passion in life: dancing. It’s his salvation when it feels like the world is swallowing him whole. When his mom secretly secures him a spot in the summer intensive at the Free Rein Dance Company in New York, he is thrilled. He knows that once the summer ends, he’ll have to return to Beacon to get a job and help support his family, but for those two months, he can spread his wings.

In New York he meets Max, a junior instructor who is everything Charlie wishes he could be. Bold and self-assured, Max radiates pride in who he is. As they spend time together, Max shows Charlie what life can be like past the walls of his closed-minded home town. But Charlie doesn’t know if he’s ready to show the world who he truly is when standing in the spotlight is the last thing he wants.

I think I became a Cate Ashwood fan since the first time I read one of her books called Keeping Sweet and I can say that she hasn’t once disappointed me. The Storm Before The Calm was another winner. Simply beautiful and perfect. I highly recommend it! It’s a positive book, light, sweet, full of emotions. Exactly what I love to read!

The story between Charlie, just graduated from high school and Max, a twenty-one years old dance instructor, was a joy to read. The chemistry between them was explosive. They were good for each other. In a safe place and with a safe and right person, Charlie was finally able to be himself, he simply flourished. I usually tend to prefer stories with older MCs, but Max and Charlie were mature in their youth, solid in their feelings and career.

I was in love with Charlie’s mom. She was so sweet. I loved their relationship. It’s how I imagine a family should be. She raised him alone, she’s the greatest supporter of Charlie’s passion, dancing. She paid for his lessons even when they didn’t have much money. She’s the one to book him a summer internship in a dance company in New York.

Dancing is not just a passion to Charlie, it’s his lifeline, the only thing that saved his life in his worse days at high school. Days spent to be bullied and with no one to step by his side. Days spent feeling dirty. The same days spent in the beautiful world the dance is.

“When I reached my bathroom, I closed the door, locking it behind me. My mom wasn’t home, but shutting out the world made me feel better somehow. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, turned on the water and stood under the spray. It was so hot I almost couldn’t stand it, but I needed as much heat as possible to melt away the muck that clung to me. I scrubbed at my skin until it was red and raw, then stepped forward, bracing my hand against the wall as I let my head fall under the water. My tears mixed with the spray from the shower, and I could almost pretend they weren’t there at all. I let them fall freely, sobs shaking my body. All the frustration and anger and hurt I’d bottled up during the day spilled out of me. Dylan would never see me cry. Never. In this place, locked away, it was safe to let go.”

The first couple of chapters were a little hard to read to me. Charlie broke my heart in more than one scene. I was afraid to have stepped in an heavy story, full of angst, something good but at the same time depressing, you know what I mean?

Fortunately, apart for a dozen of tears I shed at the start, this book was light and sweet. The story was good, the writing perfect and the characters amazing. I couldn’t have asked for more! And the title is right, exactly what the book is about.
5 full stars!

Cover art by Anna Sikorska. Beautiful cover! The icing on the cake.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published June 5th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ebook, 200 pages
ISBN13 9781634760867
Edition language English

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AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Before-Calm-Cate-Ashwood-ebook/dp/B00YHHHJZ6

DSP

Its Time to Reveal the Deliciously Dark Cover for Rick R. Reed’s “A Demon Inside” (excerpt and giveaway)

A DEMON INSIDE by Rick R. Reed
Release Date: August 25, 2015

Publisher: DSP Publications
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Sales Links: DSP Publications eBook | DSP Publications Paperback**

**DSPP is running a promo where if you pre-order the paperback, you get the ebook in all formats FREE.

Hunter Beaumont doesn’t understand his grandmother’s deathbed wish: “Destroy Beaumont House.” He’s never even heard of the place. But after his grandmother passes and his first love betrays him, the family house in the Wisconsin woods looks like a tempting refuge. Going against his grandmother’s wishes, Hunter flees to Beaumont House.

But will the house be the sanctuary he had hoped for? Soon after moving in, Hunter realizes he may not be alone. And with whom—or what—he shares the house may plunge him into a nightmare from which he may never escape. Sparks fly when he meets his handsome neighbor, Michael Burt, a caretaker for the estate next door. The man might be his salvation… or he could be the source of Hunter’s terror.

Hunter wasn’t sure how much time had passed as he wandered the rooms, thinking, but he knew he should be getting back to Ian. He remembered there was a back staircase, not nearly as grand as the large curving one at the front, but closer. It led down to the kitchen and was narrow, for utilitarian purposes only.
The stairway was close… and dark. Hunter needed to grip the walls as he made his way down the raw wooden stairs. Before he even saw it, he felt it, the web of a spider, sticky yet almost ephemeral, clinging to his face. And in dim periphery, he saw a fat, hairy brown spider, alerted to a catch, begin to make its way toward his face. Hunter struggled to get out of the web, trying to tear the gluey strands away from him. He gasped as some of the web got into his mouth and was horrified at the thought that the spider might follow suit.
He pushed onward down the stairs, stumbling, the web clinging to him, accompanied by the crawly sensation of the spider now making its way through his hair. From below he heard laughter. He realized Ian must have returned to the house and glimpsed his predicament. The laughter grew along with Hunter’s horror at the web. He batted at it, struggling to get down the stairs and away from the spider.
After jumping down the last few stairs, Hunter managed to get most of the spider’s web off himself and at last to fling the advancing beast to the floor. He looked back to see it scurry away.
He had a few choice words for Ian, which he started right in on before even seeing the man. “What’s wrong with you? Couldn’t you have helped me? Who knows if that damn spider wasn’t poisonous? And to laugh at me! I just don’t get—” Hunter stopped talking all at once in the middle of the bright, sun-drenched kitchen.
He was alone.
“Ian?” Hunter moved through the other rooms. Ian was nowhere to be found.
“Ian? This isn’t funny. Come out now.” Behind him he heard giggling. Hunter whirled around and was confronted with only empty space. This was not like Ian at all, not at all like the kind but rather staid and humorless friend of the family Hunter had always known. He did one more search of the first floor rooms, assuring himself that all were empty.
Hunter hurried from Beaumont House and stood for a moment after closing and locking the doors behind him, composing himself. The sensation of being watched returned once more, and this time Hunter could pinpoint where it came from. He turned quickly, surveying the upstairs windows, but all of them were dark, reflecting only the sun.
Hunter knew the car was just a few yards away, but as he rushed to it, his foot caught on a bramble, which brought him to his knees. He skinned his hands as he went down. “Jesus,” he whispered… and then tensed. He could feel someone behind him, drawing closer. He was sure it wasn’t Ian. Hunter squeezed his eyes shut, muscles tensing, as he felt hot breath on his neck. He wanted to scream but had no voice.
He turned quickly.
And there was no one there.

Rick R. Reed Biography:  Rick R. Reed is all about exploring the romantic entanglements of gay men in contemporary, realistic settings. While his stories often contain elements of suspense, mystery and the paranormal, his focus ultimately returns to the power of love. He is the author of dozens of published novels, novellas, and short stories. He is a three-time EPIC eBook Award winner (for Caregiver, Orientation and The Blue Moon Cafe). Raining Men and Caregiver have both won the Rainbow Award for gay fiction. Lambda Literary Review has called him, “a writer that doesn’t disappoint.” Rick lives in Seattle with his husband and a very spoiled Boston terrier. He is forever “at work on another novel.”

You can find Rick R. Reed via the following:

Web: http://www.rickrreed.com
Blog: http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickrreedbooks
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rickrreed.
E-mail: jimmyfels@gmail.com

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A signed paperback copy of A DEMON INSIDE upon its release. Note, the offer is available only to those residing in the US. Foreign winners will get an ebook copy in the format of their choice. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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Tour Dates & Stops: July 8, 2015
Parker Williams, Mikky’s World of Books, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, TTC Books and More, My Fiction Nook, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, Jessie G. Books, Andrew Q. Gordon, Multitasking Mommas, Wake Up Your Wild Side, BFD Book Blog, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Hearts on Fire, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Tara Lain, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Happily Ever Chapter, Molly Lolly, The Hat Party, Amanda C. Stone, Love Bytes, 3 Chicks After Dark, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Velvet Panic, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Elin Gregory, Up All Night, Read All Day

Totally Bound Becomes Totally Entwined Group -Launches Pride Publishing-A LGBTQIA Imprint!

PRIDE PUBLISHING – THE NEW HOME FOR THE FINEST GLBTQI FICTION LAUNCHES TODAY

Pride Publishing, a new house from the Totally Entwined Group, best known for its flagship erotic romance publishing house, Totally Bound Publishing has launched today – 7th July 2015.
This expansion and launch of Pride Publishing has been designed and implemented to give our GLBTQI authors and readers the platform and community they deserve to express themselves.
Pride Publishing will deliver publishing excellence with a passionate and personal approach, offering the best stimulation for the imagination.

The launch of Pride marks the division of all GLBTQI titles from Totally Bound’s backlist, allowing Totally Bound Publishing to focus more on and develop MF and MFM stories. Pride Publishing will kick off with a considerable backlist from authors you know and love including, Amber Kell, Carol Lynne, Bailey Bradford and NR Walker.

Celebrate with Pride!

To celebrate the launch of Pride there is 25% off a selection of eBooks for this week only and lots of other promotions over at the website. Visit the website here http://www.pride-publishing.com
Moving forward Pride Publishing will also accept submissions that are not only romance focused. We are actively seeking submissions, so as long as your stories involve characters who identify as GLBTQI, we’d like to see them.

Please send your submissions to submissions@totallyentwined.com
http://www.pride-publishing.com

For more information please contact Holly Gunner or Heidi Blakey at Totally Entwined holly.gunner@totallyentwinedgroup.com / heidi.blakey@totallyentwinedgroup.com

About Totally Entwined Group
The Totally Entwined Group is a leading eBook publisher in the UK and US and was founded in 2007 by Claire and Marek Siemaszkiewicz. It comprises of four publishing houses – Totally Bound Publishing (Erotic Romance), Finch Books (Young Adult), Pride Publishing (GLBTQI Fiction) and Evidence Press (Crime / Thriller). It employs 12 members of staff and publishes over 350 authors across UK and Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Its flagship erotic romance publishing house Totally Bound Publishing, was winner of the “Best New Publisher Award” at the All Romance eBooks’ Best of 2007 Awards and was shortlisted for online retailer of the year at The Bookseller Industry Awards 2014. The Totally Entwined Group was recently acquired by Bonnier Publishing.
http://www.totallyentwinedgroup.com

About Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Bonnier Publishing Fiction is a division of Bonnier Publishing which encompasses the children’s imprints Hot Key Books and Piccadilly Press and adult fiction imprints Zaffre and Twenty7. Bonnier Publishing Fiction combines brand new voices with established storytellers to bring a broad spectrum of high quality and innovative fiction to all ages.
http://www.bonnierpublishing.co.uk

A Sammy Review: The Right Time (Right and Wrong #3) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

“Nate, you’re a control freak with illusions of grandeur. Bad things happen sometimes. Thank you for sharing your confession. I absolve you. You can go on with your life now, and let go of your guilt.”

I chuckled humorlessly. “That easy, eh? Where have you been all these years?”

“Right here waiting to be your hero and set you free. It all comes down to being in the right place at the right time.”

Nate’s always been the one to run from things. He buries himself in work and deals and things that are easy to separate from emotion. This time he runs to Santa Monica, where with the help of his friends, he rents a beautiful apartment. What he doesn’t expect is for a loud neighbor slash landlord to be anything but annoying. Sweet, funny, endearing, so full of life. Everything about Alex pulls Nate in, and like a spark it lights and sets flames.

But if it were all about the fire and passion, life would be easy. That’s not the case. Nate has his own demons to deal with and Alex has to work his way around a religious father and navigating coming out. But there’s something to be said for finding each other at the right time, and their time is now.

“I want to give you something. A song. A piece of music. Something for you to remember me. I don’t want you to hear Beethoven and feel sad about things that never could be. I want to give you… hope.”

OH GOD. First off, let me just put it out there that this book was like a slow serenade for me. It took me a bit, but I began to slowly fall in love with it and then all at once I crashed and was completely and totally infatuated. Kind of like Alex and Nate’s journey. Slow and tentative at first and then BAM.

Where do I even start? Well, I guess the beginning is as good a place as any. This took me a bit longer to get into, but I think that may have had to do with some life stresses more than the story itself. I found Alex completely charming and authentic and though Nate was completely different from him, I was equally enamored with him and the rawness to his character. It may be cheesy, but they just fit together so well. Nate – who is serious and needs help to let loose, Alex – who is so free but needs someone to ground him, to be there and live in the moments with him. They were each others people. Simple as that.

We had gotten glimpses of them in the past, and it all led very nicely into this one. For those who are wondering, we do get some lovely guest appearances from the other boys (including Mack!) It was really a perfect balance of giving the readers some older favorites but building these great new favorites too (but who am I kidding, they’re all favorites).

I also have to say that I think Lane took the thermometer and cranked that puppy up. This was sizzling. I literally heard it crackling as I was reading! From sex in the dark hallway of a club to a jealous encounter in the gym leading to a sexy laundry room encounter and the truly passionate exchanges in between. There were some simple details that really pulled me in, like when one character would frame the others face with his arms and lean forward. It was just so smooth and wonderful.

And then there was the humor, which wasn’t as rampant as one may be used to with Lane’s books, but was still there and had me smiling (like how there’s no real loser in a bet where a blowjob is being exchanged.)

It was like getting a glimpse through thick fog of something profound, something just out of reach. I was so close. And this time, I wasn’t alone.

When it comes to the conflicts that they were dealing with, while the issue between Nate and Julie isn’t revealed until close to the end, I had a good idea of what it was. As a social worker, I see a lot of things, and how they were feeling was so palpable to me, even without the words behind it. I want to make a note that this does not necessarily mean that things were dealt with in the healthiest of ways, but that’s just so human and so real that it touched me. And really, who prescribes how you deal with that situation? I cannot imagine the heavy burden that comes with it. It, like the rest of the story, felt authentic.

My heart felt this story in the last fifty percent like a consistent beat weighing heavily on it. I felt for the characters in my gut and even teared up when that feeling became so incredibly intense (paired with classical music). In a word, this book left me utterly charmed.

I certainly hope it’s not the last we see of these characters. There’s still more to know and learn. But still, thank you Lane for another great story.

The cover by Aaron Anderson is nice and simple. It easily flows with the other covers in the series. I do have a bit of an issue with the placement of the white and how it makes it look like he has a vanishing arm, but it’s still a nice cover.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages, also in paperback
Expected publication: June 26th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781634762175
edition languageEnglish
url https://lanehayes.wordpress.com/coming-soon/
seriesRight and Wrong #3

Series: Right and Wrong

What If You Get Your Wish?: The Answer Lies in Betwixt and Between (Edge of Night #1) by Alexis Duran

Betwixt and Between (Edge of Night #1) by Alexis Duran
Release Date: June 30, 2015

Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: April Martinez

Sales Links: Loose Id

Obsessed with magical creatures since childhood, tabloid reporter Ian Evers never experiences satisfying proof that the magical realm actually exists until he falls into an entrapment spell set by a handsome but dangerous elf. Barely escaping with his soul intact, Ian is able to undo the hex, but he can’t escape the very real infatuation he’s developed for the fierce elf.

Ezekiel Stormshadow is a svarta, a dark elf who serves the queen of the dark realm. The realm of darkness needs the power of light to survive, and while hunting the last few magical beings on earth, Ezekiel discovers Ian, a light elf who’s unaware of his true nature and ripe for the plucking. Their brief encounter awakens a great hunger in Ezekiel, and he’s determined to feast on the light elf’s power and body before the queen intervenes and claims Ian for herself.

Driven apart by the ancient imbalance between the dark and light realms, an evil queen starved for power, and their fear of each other, Ian and Ezekiel are relentlessly drawn together even though their union might destroy them both.

Pages or Words: 38,600 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Urban Fantasy

“This is a dream,” Ian said and tried to sit up. The svarta moved forward, placed his hand on Ian’s chest, and pushed him down. His palm nearly burned an imprint into Ian’s skin.

“Go away,” Ian said as firmly as he could.

“Why? I feel a strong connection between us. Don’t you feel it?”

“Only because you hexed me.”

“I did no such thing. You sought me out. You drew me here.” The svarta slid his hot hand up to Ian’s neck and traced a finger along his jawline. “Invite me in and know ecstasy.”

Ian shuddered and tried to sit up again. The svarta leaned over him, two hands pressing now against Ian’s shoulders. He ran his hand up and down the arm cuffed to the bed. His incredible eyes held Ian’s like a snake mesmerizing a mouse. He kissed Ian on the lips, gently at first, tongue exploring, probing, before forcing Ian’s lips apart and plunging his tongue deep into Ian’s mouth. Not only did Ian not fight it, but he kissed back, sucking amazing dark energy from the svarta’s rough, wide lips.
It was, after all, only a dream.

Alexis Duran was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. At the University of Oregon, her fascination with people and relationships led her to major in Sociology, but her main love has always been creative writing. She’s worked in museums, fashion, finance and film production. Her favorite job so far was inventorying the collection in a haunted Victorian Mansion. She’s had several short stories published in the mystery, horror and literary genres and is the author of the Masters and Mages erotic fantasy series. Her fiction has won several awards including the Rupert Hughes Award from the Maui Writers Conference. She lives with one dog and four and half cats. She is currently working on the next Masters and Mages novel and several other erotic novellas.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alexis.duran.18294

 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AlexisSDuran
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alexisduran1177/
Other: http://www.alexisduranblog.com
Loose ID: http://www.loose-id.com/authors/a-f/alexis-duran.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8332457.Alexis_Duran

 Tour Dates & Stops:
Parker Williams, Rainbow Gold Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, MM Good Book Reviews, Jessie G. Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Amanda C. Stone, Carly’s Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Andrew Q. Gordon, Kimi-Chan, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $10 Loose ID gift card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray (excerpt )

Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray

buy Links: Amazon | Evernight Publishing |

Their world is crumbling on the King’s shoulders.
Elliot is missing.
George has failed and his demons are threatening to swallow him whole.
Jesse’s life is slipping through his fingers.
Zac is doing everything he can, but he’s plagued with flash backs of a life he can’t remember.
Can they get it together to save themselves or Elliot?

It was dark when he stepped out into the back entrance of the penthouse. His footsteps echoed through the halls as he walked. George should be in bed as he was generally an early riser, but Jesse half expected him to be consoling his pain with a slave.
He paused in front of the play room, swallowing hard. What if his actions had been the final straw in George moving on? What if…
It was too painful to finish the thought. He set his hand on the handle, telling himself he could face what he found inside. He turned it silently and pushed the heavy door forward. It was dark inside, only the lights of the city illuminating the toys spread over the massive wall. The door was soundproof, but now that it was open, all he heard was the light snore of a slave. He closed the door quickly and then pressed a hand into his aching chest. He stalked forward, seeing the flicker of a fire on the wall as he approached the living room.
He stepped around the corner to find George looking pensive staring into the fire, drink in hand. He paused, waiting for an invitation. One never came. George acted as though he didn’t see him. Jesse opened his mouth, but he didn’t know what to say. There wasn’t an apology that could even cover the pain he’d put George through.
He fell to his knees. “Forgive me,” he whispered.
George didn’t respond. Jesse fell forward pressing his forehead into the cool hardwood floor. Warm hands closed around his arms, dragging him to his feet, and he was enveloped in George’s arms. His eyes started to mist, and he couldn’t catch a full breath. It was all too much to bear. He’d left his heart when he left George, and there were no words for what it felt like to be back here. He buried his face in George’s neck and wrapped his arms around him. George kissed every spot he could reach on Jesse in their position.
It was so much more than dominant and submissive like this. Jesse’s heart ached. The pain radiated through his bones. He’d been holding off losing it for so long he hadn’t even realize how bad the pain had gotten, how numb he’d been.
Buy links

Other books in the bestselling Bound Series by J.R. Gray

Legally Bound – UK – All Romance eBooks
Breach of Contract – UK – All Romance eBooks
Illicit Activity – Evernight

About J. R. Gray:
When not staying up all night writing, J.R Gray can be found basking in the warm glow of the Miami sun, or at the gym where it’s half assumed Gray is a permanent resident. A dominant, pilot, and sword fighting enthusiast, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. Gray frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns, to jot down nonsense. The bane of Gray’s existence are commas, and even though it’s been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder.

If Gray wasn’t writing…well, that’s not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave or possibly a mental institution where the tales would end up on the walls in crayon and finger paint.
JRGrayBooks.com
twitter.com/theoriginalgray
twitter.com/booksbygray
facebook.com/GrayBooks
booksbygray.tumblr.com
theoriginalgray.tumblr.com (NSFW)
https://www.pinterest.com/JRGrayBooks/

Buy links: Illicit Activity

Evernight Publishing | All Romance

A Paul B Review: Fae For All (Cloverleah Pack #6) by Lisa Oliver

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jax, Fafnir, and Aelfric are destined to form a triad. Two of the three try to deny their bond. But this is not the only problem. They must deal with outside forces who are trying to destroy not only their mating but also the entire Cloverleah pack.

Jax is a half fae, half wolf shifter. Shortly after his first shift almost 300 years ago, he was banished by his grandfather. Only one member of his Cloverleah pack knows of the entirety of his heritage. He has not heard news of his family for almost a century.

Aelfric and Fafnir are fae princes. They met while roaming the European countryside over 300 years ago. Because of their identical birthmarks, they know that the third person in their triad is a wolf shifter. They have been searching since they met for their missing mate. They have asked for the help of the omega of the Cloverleah pack to aid them in their search.

After members of another pack claim that they are the third for the fae, Jax insists that they are all fakes. Jax reveals that his is the true mate for Aelfric and Fafnir. The fae pair are upset that Jax has known for weeks that they are his mates. When challenged by the other pack for the right to the fae since the bond has not been completed, Jax defeats the other wolves. However, the fae pair becomes frightened when they see Jax’s true wolf form, a dire wolf. Jax is heartbroken as his mates seem to be just like his family and most other fae who look down on shifters.

As the three try to repair the damage done during their initial meeting, they must also fend off not only some leaders of the wolf council but also must deal with the elders of the fae world. After Aelfric registers their mating, the elders plan a huge celebration in finding the last surviving member of the leaders of the western regions of the fae world. Jax returns to his family estate where he receives a warning from his late grandfather. Will this new triad survive the upcoming celebration?

This is the sixth installment of Ms. Oliver’s Cloverleah Pack series. Reading the previous books will help understand some of the underlying plot lines and motivations of the characters.

It is rare that I give sequels a five star rating but feel that this book deserves one. I really loved the interactions between our three protagonists. Having been hurt by his fae family, you can understand Jax’s feelings when his mates are initially frightened of his wolf. I felt the enduring love that Fafnir and Aelfric have had after 300 years of being together, yet missing their third. The Cloverleah pack and the triad in particular must endure challenges not only from the wolf shifters but also from the fae rulers. Having to deal with the elders and the other rulers, Jax’s distaste for his fae connections is highly understandable.

I eagerly wait on the next in this entertaining series and highly recommend this book and series.

The cover art was designed by the author using Shutterstock and Dreamstime photos. It shows Jax and his wolf in front of what appears to be blue landscape.

Sales Links: All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details
Ebook,
Published: May 2015 by Lisa Oliver
ISBN:
Edition: English
Series: Cloverleah Pack
The Reluctant Wolf (Cloverleah Pack #1)
The Runaway Cat (Cloverleah Pack #2)
(Cloverleah Pack #3)
(Cloverleah Pack #4)
(Cloverleah Pack #5)
Fae for All (Cloverleah Pack #6)

Discovering New Authors: Mika on Posey Roberts!

Reviewer Mika On Author Posy Roberts!

Posy Roberts is one of the most under rated authors to me. I remember scrolling through Goodreads recommendations list based on what I read and saw her cover for Spark. I thought to myself it was a different cover, looked like snail in the sand. I decided to give it a chance, and have not looked back. To me Posy is the type of author who writes real life situations.

Her Fusion series? I cried through most of it. It’s so realistic. Her characters could be your next door neighbors, your co-workers, or even your family. She pulls the emotions out of her fans. I guarantee you reading that second book in her series, you’d have to add her to auto-buy. That did it for me. Whenever someone wants to read about real life, drama, children, acceptance, and love, Posy Roberts is one of my top contenders.

With her latest book Cheeky Hipsters and Jocks, I saw an entire different Posy Roberts, it’s not much steam to her books, but this one was steamy. I loved it. I feel like as a reader, I’m seeing her grow and evolve as an author. Sure, it’s not all about the sex, but just to have the smiles without the tears is fun to me.

I’d definitely recommend Posy Roberts to any reader really. I don’t think she’s the type of writer that should be stuck in one box. She’s extremely versatile when it comes to writing characters. I like tear-jerkers, and hurt comfort books, and she definitely brings it out. The writing is always good.

About Author Posy Roberts!

Posy Roberts writes about romantic male love. Whether her characters are family men, drag queens, or lonely men searching for connections, they all find a home in her stories.

Posy is married to a man who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep; her daughter, a budding author and dedicated Whovian, helps her come up with character names. When Posy’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make normal seem more interesting.

Contact the author via

Goodreads ♦ Twitter ♦ Website

Some of Posy Roberts Stories:

Spark (North Star, #1)
Fusion (North Star, #2)
Flare (North Star #3)
Cheeky Hipsters & Jocks (BFP:The Secrets Collection)

Love Vampires & M/M Romance? Check Out Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex (Unexpected Series #1 & #2) by Chris McHart (excerpt & Giveaway)

Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex (Unexpected Series #1 & #2) by Chris McHart
Series should be read in order
Release Date: Alex’s Surprise – June 26

Publisher: Alex’s Surprise – M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. Saving Alex – Chris McHart
Cover Artist: Meg Bawden of Bawd Designs

Sales Links: Amazon DE | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon US

Saving Alex Sales Link: Barnes and Noble |Alex’s Surprise Sales: Barnes and Noble | Amazon Print (both)

Alex’s Surprise is a free story! You can download it on Goodreads, Amazon and ARe

Alex’s Surprise: Alex wanted a night of hot passion with Gerome, but he gets more than he ever bargained for. His life will be changed forever in a world where he’ll be thrown in jail— or worse— for being pregnant.

Alex’s best friend, Sam, has been acting strange ever since he met Alex’s one-night stand, but now Alex needs help in order to hide, and Sam is his only hope.

Goodreads Link

Saving Alex: Not only is Alex pregnant, something punishable by jail time, but Gerome, the father of the baby, is a vampire prince. When strangers invade Alex’s home and kidnap him, he doesn’t know who is responsible, if he’ll ever see the man he loves again, or even get to see the child growing inside him.

Considering himself the father of his lover’s child, Sam has a hard time standing around and letting others plan Alex’s rescue. But when the Prince and his trackers find an important clue, the race to save his beloved is on. Now all he can do is cross his fingers that the scheme they’ve devised will work.

When Prince Gerome receives ransom demands, the instructions are clear: mate a complete stranger or he’ll never see Alex or the child he carries again. Will he be able to convince his newly intended to help, or will those seeking to dethrone his family win this evil game of blackmail?

Caution: Contains a kidnapping, unwanted matings, a scheming king, way too many people that follow their own plans and a highly pregnant Alex (mpreg)

Goodreads Link
Pages or Words: Alex’s Surprise – 27,000 words, Saving Alex – 33,000 words
Categories: Alternate universe, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, MPREG

Alex zapped, annoyed, through the channels. He lounged on the couch, bored out of his mind. Sam, his best friend and roommate, had taken up the recliner, reading something. Maybe Alex should do that as well? Watching TV wasn’t going to keep him entertained, since nothing caught his interest, no movie, no documentary, nothing. He zapped on, but stopped at a news report showing a pregnant man. He sat up a bit straighter. What was up with that?

The man’s stomach was swollen, showing he was at least five or six months along. His hands were cuffed in front of his baby bump and tears were streaming down his face. The camera showed a courtroom full of people, slowly sweeping over the interested men and women watching the process.

Alex turned up the volume. What had the man done? And why was he pregnant? He’d heard it was possible, but he’d never encountered someone who’d actually experienced that.

The reporter’s voice came up. “Robert B. was tried for violation of the racial laws. Today’s sentencing was long awaited. No one had heard of pregnant men for years, and there had been uncertainty about the actual jurisdiction in such cases. B., who is, according to doctors, six months along, was sentenced to five years in jail. His child will be put in an orphanage until he is released. The fathering sire has no legal claim over the child. He will be able to visit his child, but he can’t get guardianship over him or her. The child and the carrier will be outcasts of society after that.

“B. broke down after hearing the judge’s decision. Even though it’s forbidden, he clearly hoped the old laws would be overturned. Instead, the judge confirmed that male breeding between the races is still forbidden and punishable. With that, back to the studio.”

The picture changed, now showing a woman in a suit, smiling at the camera. “Thanks to our reporter in Berlin for a summary of today’s events in court. Now to the weather…”

Alex turned down the volume, muting the forecast. He turned to Sam, who had apparently put down his book to watch the news as well. “Did you hear that? How can they judge someone because he got pregnant?”

“I have no idea? Maybe because it’s wrong? Are these children dangerous? I’ve never met one, or heard of one, for that matter, but I guess there’s a reason it’s forbidden. The whole pregnant man thing is so strange, no wonder it’s against the laws. Who knows what’ll come out of such breedings.”

Alex frowned. A new life was precious, not wrong. He couldn’t imagine a child being dangerous, even if it was mixed. Children born from interracial relationships were allowed, as long as one of the parents was female and the other male. Why this didn’t apply to children born from a same-sex relationship was beyond Alex. Even if it was unusual for a man to be pregnant, he shouldn’t be put in jail for something like that.

This was the first case in a long time, according to the reporter, but he’d not given a reason why the laws were upheld. “It’s still wrong to judge someone for getting pregnant.”

“I don’t know. Like I said, there must be a reason why it’s forbidden.” Sam picked up his book again, ending the conversation.

Alex took a moment to study his friend’s features as he buried himself in yet another sci-fi book. He was quite handsome with his blond, unruly hair and his strong jaw. The gaze of the piercing blue eyes that never seemed to miss anything flew over the page, pulling Sam into yet another outlandish adventure.

Maybe Sam was right. There had to be a reason it was against the law. Alex was kind of sorry for the man who now faced five years in prison, but then, the man knew what he risked with getting pregnant in the first place.

Alex settled back and focused on the TV again. Sam was not in the mood to discuss the matter anymore, his mind clearly on the story he was reading. As if they’d need sci-fi to experience something unusual. Ever since paranormals had come out of hiding back in the 1980s, going to certain clubs could be more adventurous than anything an author could come up with.

Maybe he should go out today? Blowing off some steam wouldn’t hurt. He’d not gotten laid in quite a while, and a night in one of the mixed clubs sounded too good to resist. It was better than staring at a rerun of a movie.

Alex switched off the TV and stood. “I’m going out, do you want to come with me?”

“What do you have in mind?” Sam looked up from his book. “Dancing? I thought of going to the Downtown.”

“Na, go without me. I’m not in the mood for that crowd.”

“You sure? It’s been months since you’ve been out.” Alex wasn’t surprised, Sam wasn’t one to go out much, and he despised big crowds. The Downtown is a huge mixed club, catering to all kinds of paranormals and humans. Not that paranormals were forbidden anywhere, but they, as well as humans, preferred to stick with their own kind. One of the exceptions was a club like the one Alex was going to visit. A night of dancing, and maybe getting laid, sounded better with every second.

Chris McHart is from Germany and, while an accountant, writing is Chris’s real passion.
Chris likes to spend time with family and has way too many animals that demand constant attention. Chris also enjoys landscaping and cooking.
Whenever Chris has a free minute, it’s spent writing on a laptop, a cup of coffee in hand, deeply lost in the worlds Chris’s muses have created.
When coming up for some air, you’ll find Chris on a lot of social networks. Check out Chris’s website to see where you can find out more. Chris looks forward to hearing from you!

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008256641886
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-McHart/326380184192029?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chris_mchart
Blog: https://www.chrismchart.com

 Tour Dates & Stops: July 6, 2015
Parker Williams, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Bike Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, MM Good Book Reviews, Jessie G. Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Rainbow Gold Reviews

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 3 print copies of Alex’s Surprise/Saving Alex. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

It’s the 4th of July Weekend here in the US (as well as wherever US citizens happen to be overseas) and that usually means fireworks, food, friends and families combining in celebration of our Independence Day! Its been a soggy one, a humid one but the fireworks were still so glorious and loud and my dogs hated every second of it, even from under the bed covers at home.

I expect to hear the fireworks and local “booms” going off tonight as well. It’s going to be a long night for us all. Any one got doggy ear plugs we can borrow?

I hope you are all having a good time this Sunday. This week our reviewer Paul B is launching his monthly column here, Paul’s Paranormal Portfolio where he’s going to blog about all things supernatural and paranormal in LGBTQIA fiction. This week? It’s all about the mpreg, a highly contested element in some supernatural/high fantasy/scify stories. How does Paul feel about it? Check it out on Wednesday, July 8th to find out and let us know what you think about mpreg as well!

Also this week, we continue our Author Discovery Blog. Here one of our reviewer’s talks about an author they have recently discovered and why their stories resonate with them so. I love finding new authors and stories, hope you will as well.

And now for this week’s schedule.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 5, 2015:

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 6, 2015:

Megan Mulry’s “Bound for Passion” Author Interview and Tour
Chris McHart – Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex book blast and giveaway
Reviewer Author Discovery: Posy Roberts
A Paul B Review: Fae For All (Cloverleah Pack #6) by Lisa Oliver
A MelanieM Review: The Pinch of the Game by Charlie Descoteaux

Tuesday, July 7, 2015:

Launch Announcement of Totally Pride from Totally Entwined Books
Lane Hayes ‘The Right Time‘ Keep Me In Mind tour and giveaway
A Sammy Review: The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Alexis Duran ‘Betwixt and Between‘ book blast and contest
Guest Blog: Isabelle Rowan “Snowman” Tour
A MelanieM Review Repeat: Snowman by Isabelle Rowan

Wednesday, July 8, 2015:

Cover Reveal for A Demon Inside by Rick R Reed (giveaway)
A Stella Review: The Storm Before The Calm by Cate Ashwood
A BJ Review: Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon
Paul’s Paranormal Portfolio-Mpreg in Stories

Thursday, July 9, 2015:

Release Day for Beneath the Scales by Aurora Peppermint
Book Spotlight: The Luckiest by Mila McWarren and giveaway
MA Church ‘Bad Boys Club’ Book Blast and Contest
A Stella Review: For Real by Alexis Hall
A MelanieM Review: Acting On Love by SJ Frost

Friday, July 10, 2015:

Jon Key’s Obsidian Sun Book Blast and Giveaway
CC Dado ‘Imposter in Zebra-striped Briefs’ virtual tour
A MelanieM Review: Imposter In Zebra-striped Briefs by CC Dado
In the Book Spotlight: Ari by Cheryl Headford – contest
A Mika Review: Death’s Ink Black Shadow by John Wiltshire

YA Saturday, June 10, 2015:

Aurora Peppermint’s Beneath the Scales Spotlight!

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A DEMON INSIDE by Rick R. Reed Release Date: August 25, 2015

Publisher: DSP Publications Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Sales Links: DSP Publications eBook | DSP Publications Paperback**

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PRIDE PUBLISHING – THE NEW HOME FOR THE FINEST GLBTQI FICTION LAUNCHES TODAY

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Betwixt and Between (Edge of Night #1) by Alexis Duran Release Date: June 30, 2015

Publisher: Loose ID Cover Artist: April Martinez

Sales Links: Loose Id

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Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray

buy Links: Amazon | Evernight Publishing |

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Reviewer Mika On Author Posy Roberts!

About Author Posy Roberts!

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Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex (Unexpected Series #1 & #2) by Chris McHart Series should be read in order Release Date: Alex’s Surprise – June 26

Publisher: Alex’s Surprise – M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. Saving Alex – Chris McHart Cover Artist: Meg Bawden of Bawd Designs

Sales Links: Amazon DE | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon US

Saving Alex Sales Link: Barnes and Noble |Alex’s Surprise Sales: Barnes and Noble | Amazon Print (both)

Alex’s Surprise is a free story! You can download it on Goodreads, Amazon and ARe

Share this:

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 5, 2015:

Monday, July 6, 2015:

Tuesday, July 7, 2015:

Wednesday, July 8, 2015:

Thursday, July 9, 2015:

Friday, July 10, 2015:

YA Saturday, June 10, 2015:

Share this:

A DEMON INSIDE by Rick R. Reed
Release Date: August 25, 2015

Publisher: DSP Publications
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Betwixt and Between (Edge of Night #1) by Alexis Duran
Release Date: June 30, 2015

Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: April Martinez

Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex (Unexpected Series #1 & #2) by Chris McHart
Series should be read in order
Release Date: Alex’s Surprise – June 26

Publisher: Alex’s Surprise – M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. Saving Alex – Chris McHart
Cover Artist: Meg Bawden of Bawd Designs