An Alisa Audio Review: Model Investigator (Haven Investigations #3) by Lissa Kasey and Brian Hutchison (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

With his lover, Kade, missing, androgynous former model turned private investigator Ollie Petroskovic is ready to kick some ass to bring him home.

Ollie and his ex, rock star Jacob Elias, need to find Kade and free him from the clutches of his manipulative family. But with Ollie suffering from chronic migraines and Jacob unable to bear loud noises, they are hardly the dynamic duo. It takes a lot of sweet talking on the part of Jacob—and patience Ollie doesn’t have—to find Kade. Only Kade’s not whole anymore. The fight for Kade’s heart and mind is far from over.

It’s Ollie’s turn to guide Kade through nightmares, self-doubt, and PTSD. Kade’s memories are scattered, fragmented with possible horrors, and he’s not quite sure what is real. Ollie will have to draw on his investigative skills to clear Kade of the terrible accusations his family has made and help Kade unlock the truth. But in doing so, he ignores his own health, which could have catastrophic consequences for everyone, especially when digging up the past could be lethal for them all.

Oh man, I thought the last book had a bad cliffhanger ending, this one was just as bad which frustrates me even more when I really liked the story. Needless to say I will be waiting for the next book to come out on audio.

I loved that this started right after the last book and that helped quickly jog my memory from the last book. For the most part they seemed solid in their connection and even when doubts seemed to surface it wasn’t serious more of the once I figure this out everything will be fine kind of mindset.

This story was told from Ollie’s point of view and man is he a worrier, always having a bad version of thing popping into his head. I loved how their friends and then Kade knew how to help him to get out of that haze. Kade was harder to read but it came down to him not wanting to be too emotional in front of Ollie but I think they are able to figure out where they were both coming from. I was however frustrated that Nathan’s death was once again put on the back burner though it looks like the next book is the last in the series so it should be tied up by the end of that one.

Brian Hutchison did a great job narrating this story. I was easily able to keep track of the characters and actions in the book through his use of different voices and emotions.

Cover art by Garrett Leigh is great and I love the visual of Kade, though I always pictured someone bigger in my head.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 9hrs 12min
Published February 14, 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Haven Investigations #3

Sean Michael on Creating the Right Space, Dream Homes, and his new release ‘Inked Music’

Inked Music by Sean Michael

Dreamspinner Press

Publication: April 9th 2019

Cover Art: L.C. Chase

Buy links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Sean Michael back again talking about his latest release Inked Music and creating the perfect space. Welcome, Sean.

✒︎

Thank you to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today.

One of the things I really enjoy when writing is being able to create dream homes for my characters. These are places that if I were to design a home for myself, I’d like these things. I don’t always get to do this – in Educating the Professor, for example, the characters were both on a budget and had a tiny studio apartment and a room in a house with a bunch of roommates. However, in Inked Music, both characters had money, so I was able to play.

For Rene, the suave businessman, I gave him the top three floors of a high rise downtown. I don’t even know if such a thing exists, but in my imagination it sure does. Floor to ceiling windows to let in the light – and the view of the city lit up at night, and the “main floor” where the front door opens into is an open concept with large, airy rooms and a fireplace. The floor downstairs is set up like a basement – no windows in this one, and there’s a home theatre, a weight room and a games room. Upstairs, the top of the three floors and the true penthouse of the building, is bedrooms and the playroom. More floor to ceiling windows and the playroom has every amenity and toy you could imagine.

For Gavin, I imagined he lived on the canal, in one of the great big houses that sit there. It’s been renovated inside, with a huge kitchen. My favorite part of Gavin’s house is the sunroom out the back that opens onto a big, lush and green (in the summer anyway) backyard. Tall tress and hedges offer privacy.

The fun thing is being able to make as many dream homes as I have men who can afford them.

What’s your dream home look like?

Sean Michael

smut fixes everything

Blurb:

Can a wealthy but bored businessman rescue a tortured musician from his self-imposed purgatory with a scorching kinky romance?

When Rene Conette attends an intimate performance at a local bar, the guitarist moves him enough that he attempts to go backstage but is stymied by the man’s bodyguard. Putting it down as not meant to be, he goes on with his life only to run into the man again, late at night at a bookstore.

Gavin Turner used to be a famous musician until an obsessed fan kidnapped and tortured him. Then it came out that he was into the BDSM lifestyle, and the court of public opinion ravaged him. He lost his Master and his self-confidence. Now he hides behind his ink and his bodyguards, who make sure he doesn’t come into contact with anyone or anything he doesn’t want to. Though it’s been years since he satisfied his needs, he doesn’t think he can trust again.

If Rene can work his way past Gavin’s defenses, they might find they complement each other perfectly.

About the Author

Best-selling author Sean Michael is a maple leaf–loving Canadian who spends hours hiding out in used book stores. With far more ideas than time, Sean keeps several documents open at all times. From romance to fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi, Sean is limited only by the need for sleep—and the periodic Beaver Tail.

Sean fantasizes about one day retiring on a secluded island populated entirely by horseshoe crabs after inventing a brain-to-computer dictation system. Until then, Sean will continue to write the old-fashioned way.

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/

TWITTER: seanmichael09

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/seanmichaelpics/

Location as a Main Character. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Location as a Main Character

I may have talked on this topic before but once again it struck me as I read several stories this past couple of weeks how impactful a location can be in a novel. When done in a certain manner, well researched and folded into the story in a way that feels natural and powerful, the setting of a novel can become almost another main character. It asserts a strong personality over the characters, their burgeoning relationship, and sometimes even their ending.

The setting can contain not only geographical limitations or expanse, barriers or doors to freedom for the couple. In some locations is can be full of cultural or religious overlays along with family implications that will play out throughout the storyline. All that can come from setting your novel at a certain destination. Like say South Korea, or Japan, or any place in the Middle East Or how about Alaska or parts of the outback in Australia? Or planting trees in parts of the wilderness in Canada? Or maybe a vineyard in Brazil? All those All of those are settings in novels that I have read.

In a recent case, the location and use of culture in the storyline saved the novel for me as I was less invested in the main couple and more committed to the secondary characters and the people around them. Creating a setting that feels real, authentic is key to pulling in your readers and giving your characters a firm foundation for their lives and new romance.

Off the top of my head I can think of authors who gift of the vernacular and ties to certain locations have made an indelible impression on me with their characters, and stories, in some cases series. There’s Neil S. Plakcy with his incredible Mahu series (Hawaii), BA Tortuga (any of her Texas series), NR Walker’s Red Dirt Heart series (Australia), Amy Tasukada’s brilliant The Yakusa’s Path (Japan), Marshall Thornton’s Boystown (Chicago), and that’s just for starters. As soon as I hit post, I’m sure my brain will be flooded with a ton more along with a bunch of personal smh’s.

That’s not including the amazing historical novels of Elin Gregory or Charlie Cochrane, among others who bring eras along with towns vibrantly alive.

Through these stories I have walked through places and towns in Iceland I can’t pronounce and always hoped to see. The authors have made me see them. I’ve visited temples of the Sun in Mexico and walked in the burning heat to amazing places in the outback in Australia. I’ve witnessed the Southern Star and the Aurora Borealis up in the Arctic Circle. All thanks to authors who made me feel as though I’ve been there, through great details, gorgeous descriptions, and fantastic writing.

What stories or authors have done that for you? Taken you places, made you see them, feel them, along with the characters and their relationship?

Tell us, and let us go along for the journey as well.

The most recent books were:

The Yuchae Blossom (World of Love) by Asher Quinn – South Korea

Arctic Sun (Frozen Hearts #1) by Annabeth Albert – Alaska

So, again what are yours? I can’t wait to find out…..

Now for this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words….it’s Cherry Blossom Festival time here so that’s what I’m leaving you all with…

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, April 7:

Location as a Main Character.
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, April 8:

PROMO Hunter by Dez Schwartz
PROMO Sean Michael
An Alisa Audio Review Model Investigator (Haven Investigations #3) by Lissa Kasey and Brian Hutchison (Narrator)
A MelanieM Review: Royal Rescue by A. Alex Logan
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Wicked Games (Queen City Rogues #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker
A Lila Audio Review: Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Tuesday, April 9:

PROMO BA Tortuga
BLOG TOUR Laws of Attraction by JP Sayle
PROMO Royal Rescue by A. Alex
A Stella Review : Cowboy Seeks Husband by Leta Blake & Indra Vaughn
An Alisa Review: Perilous Hearts (Deviant Hearts #3) by A.E. Ryecart
A Chaos Moondrawn Release Day Review: Inked Music by Sean Michael

Wednesday, April 10:

Review Tour – Marina Vivancos – Honeythorn
PROMO Andrew Grey
Book Blast Chasing Chance (Gilcrest University Guys #1) by M.E. Parker
An Ashlez Review: Chasing Chance (Gilcrest University Guys #1) y M.E. Parker
A Stella Review : Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos
A Stella Release Day Review: Soft Place to Fall by BA Tortuga
A Free Dreamer Review: Soulstealers by Jacqueline Rohrbach

Thursday, April 11:

TOUR THE DOCTOR TAKES A DETOUR by Bren Christopher
PROMO Mickie B. Ashling
Release Blitz – Trusting Him by L M Somerton
An Ali Review: Trusting Him by L M Somerton
A MelanieM Review: The Doctor Takes a Detour by Bren Christopher
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Fracture (Unbreakable Bonds #6) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
A Lila Audio Review:Trick Roller (Seven of Spades #2) by Cordelia Kingsbridge, Wyatt Baker (narrator)

Friday, April 12:

Review Tour – Garrett Leigh – Jude
Book Blast – Always Ours: An MMM Menage Romance by J.P. James
BLITZ Moonstruck by Aleksandr Voinov
An Ali Review : Jude by Garrett Leigh
A MelanieM Review: Moonstruck by Aleksandr Voinov
A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Impacted! (Bay Area Professionals) by Mickie B. Ashling

Saturday, April 13:

PROMO Starting From Zero by Lane Hayes
A MelanieM Review:For The Win (#lovehim #2.5) by S.M. James

A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Yuchae Blossom (World of Love) by Asher Quinn

Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5

Can two men find happiness in a country that doesn’t accept their love?

When Jack Calloway is transferred to his firm’s South Korean branch on Jeju Island, he’s assigned a valet, the beautiful but shy Song Woo-bin. He stirs feelings Jack has rarely experienced for another man, but everything seems to be against them—Jack is older and Song Woo-bin’s supervisor. He is just beginning to understand the new culture surrounding him even as he accepts his own desires for the first time, and Song Woo-bin is closeted, inexperienced, and estranged from his family. Their path to each other is full of obstacles and societal disapproval. Will the two men eventually come together amid the clash and complement of Eastern and Western culture… and find a home among the yuchae blossoms?

I have to say I was very conflicted when it came to writing my review for The Yuchae Blossom (World of Love) by Asher Quinn. One, this is the author’s debut novel and I thought Quinn did a wonderful job with several elements here. It’s those sections that really raised this story up for me. Primarily, the Korean setting, the author’s knowledge of the south Korean culture, use of language and settings which added not only considerable depth but obvious affection to the story and characters.

It made me want to visit several places Quinn mentioned, and I spend time searching out pictures of places and dishes to better familiarize myself with a place that already felt like a destination I needed to fly to.

On top of that? Amazing secondary Korean and American characters that I seriously treasured, from one grandmother housekeeper to an Assistant who needed to be wearing a cape. They came off real, personable, and compelling in their own right.

No, unfortunately my struggle here was with the main character of Jack Calloway, who, although supposedly familiar with the region, acted with all the finesse of a bull in a china chop. Angry, borish, rude, with little regard to the Korean customs and people working for him. Yes that changed ….mostly. But here is a man who had a sister in a committed lesbian relationship but left his son to live with his bigoted parents (they wouldn’t let her partner come for the holidays) for three years while he was going to be living in South Korea getting his “project” underway. Really? With all those assistants, and you are leaving your son with them? It was one thing after another that just kept me from connecting with this man. Even to the end, it was other people keeping him out of jail and suggesting ways to thwart the “evildoers”. Smh!

Song Woo-bin on the other hand is a wonderful character, easy to relate to and someone who will grab onto your heart. I wanted more of him, his backhistory, just more him, less Jack. The author never made a case for what Song saw in Jack. Because all Jack did was yell, bluster, crash over the niceties of their culture. To mix national monsters…Jack came across as a bit of a American Godzilla. See? Mixed bag. Way too good for Jack. Had the author been able to make the readers see exactly what made Jack so attractive to Soon Woo-bin I might have bought into the relationship and the “deep love” they said they had for each other. But I never got it.

The intolerant attitude towards homosexuality in South Korea is only lightly addressed and considering the role it played here, more information should have been relayed about the current laws and cultural family framework that holds this society so tightly in reign. Of course, maybe that’s asking too much of 162 pages and a light contemporary romance.

This is a coming out, sexual discovery story too for two men of two different cultures and that sort of got glossed over in favor of a “love almost at first sight” story. As I said there is a lot going on here.

So while I may not have fallen in love with Jack, I did with his household and its surroundings. Asher Quinn did a lovely job of bringing small parts of Southern Koren alive for me, along with several great characters. I can’t wait to see what this author does next!

Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht Lovely cover with the character of Song Woo-bin and of course, the Yuchae Blossom of the title.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 162 pages
Expected publication: April 5th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781644051924
Edition Language English

An Alisa Audio Review: Romancing the Undercover Millionaire (Romancing the… #3) by Clare London and Seb Yarick (narrator)

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Can poverty and privilege find a loving compromise?

Alexandre Bonfils, a rich and spoiled second son, is tired of being ignored and decides to help when the family’s exclusive wine business is in trouble. Going undercover in the warehouse, he loves the adventure—and the chance to be close to the sassy and sexy manager, Tate Somerton.

Tate is hardworking and financially struggling, bringing up his siblings on his own. A suspected saboteur at work is his latest challenge, but now he also has a clueless, though very attractive, new intern. There’s an immediate spark between the ill-matched couple, until a shocking accident cuts short Alex’s amateur sleuthing.

While recovering in the generous care of Tate and his family, will Alex realize what belonging really means? Passion and pride come together to fight for the company they’re both committed to preserving, but can a personal bond remain when the dust settles?

I continue to get these stories hoping that I will enjoy them more but continue to feel like they aren’t living up to my hopes, they aren’t bad but I’m not sure they are for me. Alex is basically a spoiled playboy, with depths that no one knows, but is suddenly foisted from his lavish position with the company. Tate works hard to keep control of his life and make sure that his employees are taken care of even if it works him to the bone.

I had trouble with how quickly Alex changes his tune when he goes undercover, he finds what he’s been missing down deep but it just seems uncharacteristic. Tate was leery about the new intern but very quickly seems to get over his hesitation of dating an employee. I thought Tate’s family was adorable and a bit over the top but they all loved each other. I didn’t really connect with the two men all that well, I understood Tate’s life much more than Alex’s but all the interactions didn’t add up to me.

Seb Yarrick did a nice job narrating this story. For the most part I was able to keep up with the story because of the different voices he used but they constantly seemed to get quieter as the story went on that I would have to focus more.

Cover art by Alexandria Corza is nice though the picture doesn’t connect with either character.

Sales Links: Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 7hrs 15min
Published: February 14, 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
Edition Language: English

Series: Romancing The …

Sean MIchael on Food, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and his release ‘Personal Best 3’

Personal Best 3 by Sean Michael

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Published March 22nd 2019

Buy links:

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Kobo | Barnes and Noble

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Sean Michael here again on tour for his novel Personal Best 3. Welcome, Sean.

Thank you to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today!

So most of my other posts for Personal Best 3 have somehow revolved around food and why buck a good trend?

As I write this, I’m not feeling great. Just a cold, but those kind of zap your energy and leave you feeling low. I’ve often said that one of my favorite comfort foods is grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, but the grilled cheese has to be made with plain loaf toast and Kraft slices.

However, if I’m not sick, there are some amazing varieties of ‘grilled cheese sandwich.’

Here are five different ways to make grilled cheese anything but that classic comfort food, but nonetheless delicious.

5. Pretzel bun, a sharp cheddar and a bit of whole seed Dijon mustard – the advantage to whole seed mustard is that you get these little pops of mustard flavor.

4. Sliced steak sprinkled with blue cheese on a light rye bread. As with all grilled cheese, even when the cheese isn’t quite the star, the trick is to get the bread really crispy.

3. Pumpernickel bread with lots soft ripened mozzarella, a slice of tomato and a few leaves of fresh basil. Like the classic caprese salad in a sandwich.

2. Grilled cheese sandwich made with raisin bread, cheddar cheese and apple slices is delicious and a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.

1. My absolute favorite that I’ve eaten is pear slices and brie cheese on sourdough bread. The bread gets a lovely crunch and nothing melts as ooey gooey as a brie cheese.

What’s your favorite unconventional grilled cheese sandwich?

Sean Michael

smut fixes everything

Blurb:

Swimmer Mike Gauliet is on his way to an Olympic berth, sitting on the edge of fulfilling his potential and achieving the dreams his coach and lover, Jessy Turner, has for both of them.

All Mike wants to think about is swimming his laps faster than anyone else. Too bad things aren’t going exactly according to plan. Mike’s getting threats, and he’s afraid to tell Jessy and determined to handle things alone.

When the threats escalate to the point where Mike can’t hide them, though, Jessy takes over, moving Mike to a new training location, promising to keep him safe. Mike and Jessy try to go on with business as usual, but someone has such hatred for Mike that it seeps into their everyday life, straining their relationship, making Mike wonder if he even wants to swim anymore. Danger lurks around every corner, in and out of the pool, and while Mike and Jessy work with the police to discover the culprit, one attack leaves their life in shambles. Can Mike and Jessy find their attacker and get Mike back on track to a championship?

Bio:

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/

TWITTER: seanmichael09

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/seanmichaelpics/

An Ali Audio Review: Handle with Care by Cari Z and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A fragile heart needs extra care.

Burned-out social worker Aaron McCoy is on vacation for the first time in years–boss’s orders. Road-tripping to his brother’s wedding with his best friend, Tyler, seems a fun way to spend the mandatory two-week leave, and they set out for Kansas–and a difficult homecoming.

Aaron’s mother was a drug addict, and his adorable younger brother was quickly adopted, while Aaron spent his childhood in foster care. As Aaron mends fences, Tyler hopes to show him that this time, he won’t be left behind to face his problems alone.

Aaron’s opening up to how right it feels to be with Tyler and to the possibility of taking the leap from friends to lovers. But along with the wedding celebration comes a painful reminder of the past. Aaron’s heart is still breakable. Can he put it in Tyler’s hands?

I am always leery about reading books where a MC is a social worker. That’s the field I work in and I drive myself crazy when authors don’t get stuff right. I decided to give it a try anyways because I’m a fan of this author’s and it includes two of my favorite tropes: friends to lovers and road trips.

This was well done and I enjoyed it. Aaron and his best friend take off for Kansas to go to a wedding. Along the way Aaron has to deal with a variety of insecurities and unresolved issues from his childhood. Tyler is there to be a support and as they go along they realize that they’re falling in love.

The book is fairly short so a lot of the issues were dealt with a bit more superficially than I would have preferred (I want ALL the angst) but it was still entertaining. Their romance was lovely and sweet and I really liked them together. It was one of those book couples you are rooting for.

The audiobook is narrated by John Solo and I thought he did a very good job. I have liked all of his narrations that I have listened to. I think a good narrator can really add depth and emotion to a story which I feel was the case here.

Cover Art: This cover was done by Alexandria Corza. I don’t really care for it. The Dreamspun series has had various formats for the books in it and this format was one of my least favorites.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible |

Audio Details:

Audible Audio, 6 pages
Published February 21st 2019 by Dreamspinner Press (first published October 16th 2018)
ASIN1644054906
Edition LanguageEnglish

A MelanieM Audio Review: The Spy’s Love Song (Stars from Peril #1) by Kim Fielding and Drew Bacca (Narrator)

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

For a singer and a spy, love might be mission impossible.

Jaxon Powers has what most only dream of. Fame. Fortune. Gold records and Grammy awards. Lavish hotel suites and an endless parade of eager bedmates. He’s adored all over the world—even in the remote, repressive country of Vasnytsia, where the tyrannical dictator is a big fan. The State Department hopes a performance might improve US relations with a dangerous enemy. But it means Jaxon’s going in alone… with one exception.

Secret agent Reid Stanfill has a covert agenda with global ramifications. Duty means everything to him, even when it involves protecting a jaded rock star. Jaxon and Reid’s mutual attraction is dangerous under Vasnytsia’s harsh laws—and matters get even worse when they’re trapped inside the borders. Romance will have to wait… assuming they make it out alive.

Once I got past of certain stage this story, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook of The Spy’s Love Song (Stars from Peril #1) by Kim Fielding as narrated by Drew Bacca. But it did take a bit of time and an admission that yes, this is a work of contemporary fiction, and no drop a certain expectation of reality here.

That started with someone of “rockstar/country star status” heading off to an unstable communist dictator block associated country like Vasnytsia for a concert and he’s going by himself. No members of his band, no handlers, no setup crew, no security, especially not his own security in this day and age, and only one person? Uh no. Eye roll.

That alone would raise suspicions as to the mission they were on. Can’t do spy missions with an entourage. So dump any idea of a certain authenticity here and just go with the flow. It made it more enjoyable, at least for me.

Once past that notion, and a certain stumbling steps with the narration, the story took off once we landed in the country of Vasnytsia, the combination of the peeling back of the layers of true situation there politically and the slow build of the relationship between Reid and Jaxon was terrific. I loved the contrast between worlds and the tension sexually and outwardly with the mission.

Then as everything goes haywire the suspense it out of this world and the novel becomes absolutely gripping. I was totally invested in the characters, the wild ride of emotions and scary undercover mission they were on, and that ultimate moment was out of this world. It more than made up for the shaky start in my opinion. I was there with them all the way.

As for the HFN ending? Sort of perfect because that was the only way I could see it for them. Now I’m looking forward to more in this series.

As I said the narrator grew on me as did the story. This is the first audio from Drew Bacca and I will look forward to more from him as well. I thought he did a good him distinguishing different voices and getting into the story.

I definitely recommend it.

Cover Artist: Bree Archer. The cover really doesn’t do it for me, it’s in the brand style but otherwise eh.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audio Details:

Audiobook, 6 pages
Published February 28th 2019 by Dreamspinner Press (first published October 2nd 2018)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesStars from Peril #1
settingEurope

A Stella Release Day Review: Yes, Chef (Amuse Bouche #2) by T. Neilson

RATING 3,75 out of 5 stars

A savory slice of first love.

Simon’s dad died when he was young, leaving Simon to take the reins of the family restaurant business—and the responsibility for his mother and brothers. His commitment to his duty left Simon time for little else, least of all romance.

Argentinian celebrity chef Luke Ferreya has wanted Simon since their culinary-school days, but for Simon, family always came first. Now Luke’s back in Simon’s life—briefly before he returns to South America—and he’s determined to give Simon a sample of everything he’s missed out on.

Simon’s brothers are grown, and his mother is doing fine on her own, and Luke is offering a second chance for a future full of the pleasures of fine food, wine, and especially love. Without his obligations to hide behind, can Simon finally allow himself to say “Yes, Chef”?

Yes Chef was a lovely surprise by a new to me author, a sweet story that ends with the promise of love and a future together between two men who finally decided to give their lives a second chance, this time as a couple. Luke already knew he was in love with Simon, after ten years apart, he came to his friend’s restaurant to say goodbye and go back to his Argentina for good. But then Simon started to understand that he might be interested in men, or just in Luke. Their meeting were sweet and simple, although nothing happened till the very ending, it was clear how much they were connected and attracted to each other even after all the years they spent apart.

I think the story was well done, interesting, quick to read and well written. The main characters well done, plus there were some second characters I would love to know more about. Maybe I will get more of them when I will read the first book in the series. In fact, although Yes, Chef is part of the Amuse Bouche series, I haven’t read the first title and this new one still worked well as a standalone. Now that it’s clear I liked Yes, Chef, I will surely pick Sweet Nothings too. I’m a huge fan of stories about chef/food, I can’t miss it.

The cover art by Bree Archer is simple but I like it, especially the colors.

Buy Links:

Dreamspinner

Amazon

Kobo

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 193 pages

Published April 2nd 2019 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781640805217

Edition Language English

Series Amuse Bouche #2

A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: Lust and Other Drugs (Mytho #1) by TJ Nichols

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Police officer Jordan and dragon shifter Edra might have to work together, but they don’t trust each other—even if sparks do fly between them.

If anyone finds out Jordan’s a mytho sympathizer, it could kill his career. No one can know that he frequents the satyr dens and uses the drug Bliss. A dead satyr might not get much attention, but two dead humans who appeared to overdose on Bliss? That shouldn’t even be possible.

And it might not be an accident.

Edra, Mythological Services Liaison, has been covering up mytho crimes to protect the community’s reputation. With a mayoral election looming, the last thing his people need is a scandal like this one.

To get a murderer off the streets, Jordan and Edra will be spending a lot of time together, and it won’t be easy to keep up with their deceptions. Or keep resisting each other.

While I love Fantasy, I’m usually not big on crime/mystery novels, so I was a bit unsure whether I wanted to read “Lust And Other Drugs” or not. In the end, it was the cover that convinced me to give this a try. And I’m so glad it did, because this book was absolutely brilliant!

As I said above, I’m not a big Mystery reader, so I can’t really judge the quality of the crime solving part of the novel. I can only say that I enjoyed it and was glad it didn’t take up a huge part of the book. It’s essential to the plot, but it’s just one essential part among others.

The romance is a very slow burn. There’s an instant spark between our MCs, but they don’t tumble into bed or into a relationship right away. It takes time and it’s not easy. While relationships between a mytho and a human might not be forbidden, it is most definitely taboo. And very bad for Jordan’s career in an anti-mytho police force. And Edra has good reasons to be wary of humans in general, especially the human police. I really enjoyed the slow dance of attraction and the UST was so scorching hot.

The Fantasy part was actually really interesting. While a lot of the elements aren’t exactly new (dragons, collapsing worlds, magic,…), the author managed to give it a very unique twist. For once, the end of the world isn’t caused by evil magic, but by a mundane human experiment gone wrong. And it’s not the end of the human world, but the end of another realm. All our fairy tales and myths are based on the mythos, that used to visit our human world. The world building was very well done and made perfect sense to me.

I loved the politics, the way the world reacted to the sudden appearance of mythological creatures and how the daily life works now, 10 years later. Again, it all made sense. Humans are always wary of anything that’s “different” and after such a huge upheaval, it only follows that humans want to go back to what’s “normal”. They become more intolerant and humans that don’t fit in are also viewed with hostility.

Jordan was rather surprising. He loves wearing lingerie and likes to put on eyeliner and lipstick every now and then. I’m usually not really into femme MCs, but the way the author described the feeling of the silk against skin was incredibly sensual. And the way Edra reacted was just hot as hell.

Overall, I really, really loved “Lust And Other Drugs”. The ending is a very open HFN and it’s obvious there’s more to come. The love story doesn’t really have a satisfying result and the crime isn’t fully solved either. But it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series. I want to know what happens next!

The cover by Tiferet Design most definitely did it’s job. It’s what caught my attention in the first place and what ultimately made me decide to read the book. I think it looks really great and totally fits the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book details:

ebook, 1st edition, 203 pages
Expected publication: April 2nd 2019 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN1 39781644051887
Edition Language English

Series Mytho #1

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Inked Music by Sean Michael

Dreamspinner Press

Publication: April 9th 2019

Cover Art: L.C. Chase

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