A Jeri Review: Off the Ice (Hat Trick #1) by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I really love books with one of the main characters playing a professional sport. But what I really liked about this one is the way Tristan, a professional hockey player, was preparing for life after hockey. Taking his down time to take college courses to ready himself for a second career. Enter hot sociology professor who has no clue who Tristan is.

Another thing I really enjoyed was that instead of sneaking around, they became friends first. Because they knew they couldn’t be together if they were teacher and student. Imagine that! WAITING! Every other book I read has the main characters sneaking around to avoid being caught together. By not sneaking around, not giving in, the sexual tension was through the roof. But that slow burn was really hot.

The conflict came instead from Sebastian being out and proud and Tristan being in the closet. The whole macho sports thing. Sigh. Makes me sad that it isn’t just in a book but also in real life. No one should have to hide.

As a sociology professor, Sebastian really likes to teach about perception of people. How they are perceived just by looking at them without knowing them. It was really cool how that was turned right around on him when he assumed that Tristan was a frat boy who cheated his way through. Never in a million years did he think that the baseball hat and sweatpants wearing guy was a pro hockey player, smart, articulate and focused. Shows that no matter how enlightened we are, we all have bias.

Even though this is a co-authored book, it was seamless. I never felt the shift from one author to the author. I’ve read other collaborations of theirs and enjoyed them for some of the same reasons. It was well written, well thought out and didn’t use sex as a page filling crutch.

This is a definite read.

Cover art by Natasha Snow is perfect for the story.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 283 pages
Published October 30th 2017 by Riptide Publishing
ISBN139781626496613
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHat Trick #1
CharactersTristan Holt, Sebastian Cruz, Ryu Mori, Trevor Morley, Daniel Bellamy

Felicitas Ivey On Plotting Novels and her latest release The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed (author guest post)

The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey
Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Bree Archer

Available for Purchase at Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Felicitas Ivey on tour for her novel The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed. Welcome, Felicitas.

🐫

On Plotting Versus Pantzing by Felicitas Ivey

A lot of people, mostly my family and co-workers, ask me how I get my ideas for my novels and short stories. I do refrain from telling them I get a once a month delivery of ideas from super secret source, and just tell them ideas come from everywhere around you. I’ve written a couple of novels just to have my characters run around odd sections of Boston. Most of time I write a novel or a story, it’s because I have one idea I was able to get a short story or a novel from that idea.

I have a novel I’m working on, one plotted and I start working on the next one when an idea strikes me. The novel I’m working on is a gothic romance. The novel I’m plotting out right now is a romantic horror/suspense one. I don’t know if it’s going to go anywhere, but plotting is half the fun of writing. I have a friend and we bounce ideas off of each other all the time, in person or over a chat program if we’re at work. Sometimes I get shower or driving ideas and I try to write them down before I forget them.

I used to be a pantser, and now I’m slowly trying to plot out things, so if I get ‘stuck’ I can go on to something else in the novel. Aside from plotting, I try to work on only one novel at a time. The best advice I ever heard was to ‘Not cheat on your novel with another one’. Or only concentrate on one thing at a time and don’t multitask several stories at once, writing-wise. I have edited novels while writing other things, and it was a little disorienting.

With plotting a novel or a short story, I use two methods so not be a pantser. The Marshall Plan by Evan Marshall has a system of X number of sheets per book, depending on the length of the book, is it a romance, how many viewpoint characters and things like that. I’ve figured out one sheet is about 12-1500 words, depending on what’s happening in the novel or short story then. And the sheets have helpful labels about whose the viewpoint character at the time and how many sheets they get. It’s fairly easy if you follow the plot you’ve laid out. I still wander take a left turn at Albuquerque sometimes and wander away from the plot.

What I don’t like is his character sheets. They’re interesting, but not my cuppa. What I use is Karen Wiesner’s ‘First Draft in 30 Days’ character sheets. They’re in a format I’m more comfortable with, more like writing a draft then filling out the small boxes the Marshall Plan uses. You can write out several paragraphs of back history, likes and dislikes very easily.

My next novel, I’m treating it like a roleplaying game, filling out character sheets for the main characters. It should be an interesting experiment. It’s a romantic horror novel, set in rural New England. New England is a great place to set horror.

I set most of my work in New England, since that’s where I grew up and lived all my life. And you can tell I’m a Boston girl as soon as I open my mouth, since I have the accent wicked bad. I’ve spent a lot of vacations in Northern Vermont also, so I’m familiar with the area and like to set some of my work there.

I’m trying to be more productive writer, but there is only so many hours in the day. Plotting and prep work do make the process faster, so I’m trying to lose my pantsers ways.

Blurb

Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is a workaholic businessman, too busy running the family’s companies to even think about marriage. Too bad he never told his grandfather he’s gay, because Grandfather just announced a childhood betrothal—to a Bedouin girl Fathi never heard about before…

Ikraam din Abdel was raised as a woman by his avaricious and abusive older sister, who didn’t want him to be their father’s heir. He’d never thought to be married either, and is surprised when his sister informs him of his betrothal.

When Fathi and Ikraam meet, they are drawn to each other in a manner neither of them expected. As the plans for their wedding progress, they both realize they need to tell the other the truth. But can they, with both cultural taboos and family pressures to deal with.

About the Author

Felicitas is a frazzled help-desk tech at a university in Boston who wishes people wouldn’t argue with her when she’s troubleshooting what’s wrong with their computer. She lives with three cats who wish she would pay more attention to them, and not sit at a computer pounding on the keyboard. They get back at her by hogging most of the bed at night and demanding her attention during the rare times she watches TV or movies. She’s protected by her guardian stuffed Minotaur, Angenor, who was given to her by her husband, Mark. Angenor travels everywhere with her, because Felicitas’s family doesn’t think she should travel by her lonesome. They worry she gets distracted and lost too easily. Felicitas doesn’t think of it a getting lost, more like having an adventure with a frustrated GPS.

Felicitas knits and hoards yarn, firmly believing the one with the most yarn wins. She also is sitting on hordes of books, which still threaten to take over her house, even with e-books. Between writing and knitting, she brews beer, wine, mead, and flavored liqueurs. Felicitas also bakes, making cakes whenever she needs to work out an issue in her novels. Sometimes this leads to a lot of cakes. Her coworkers appreciate them though, with the student workers buzzing about on a sugar high most of the time.

Felicitas writes urban fantasy, steampunk, and horror of a Lovecraftian nature, with monsters beyond space and time that think that humans are the tastiest things in the multiverse. Occasionally there’s a romance or two involved in her writing, with a happily-ever-after.

Website: www.Felicitasivey.com

Facebook: felicitasivey

Twitter: @felicitasivey

Email: felicitas.ivey@gmail.com

Cover Reveal Short Order (Foothills Pride #8) by Pat Henshaw (excerpt and giveaway)

COVER REVEAL

Title: Short Order

Series: Foothills Pride #8

Author: Pat Henshaw

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publication date: December 13, 2017

Price: $3.99

Format: eBook

Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance

Cover Design: AngstyG

Pages: 89

Words: 28,400

Goodreads: to come

Buy links

Dreamspinner Press

Blurb

When recent horticulture graduate Dr. Fenton Miller arrives in Stone Acres, California, he thinks his only concern is which job offer to accept after spending the holidays working at his cousin’s plant nursery. But after he rents a room from another shorter-than-average man, sous-chef John Barton, Fen falls in lust.

While he’s attracted to Fen, John’s got bigger concerns when two men from his past arrive in town and pressure him to return to San Francisco. Although John tries to stop Fen from getting involved, Fen realizes his lover is in trouble and is determined to protect him.

As the holidays get closer and Fen makes his own enemy, the joy of the season gets lost in the ill will around them. To ensure love triumphs, Fen and John must stand tall to show that short, dark, and handsome is a recipe for love.

Excerpt

That night I stood freezing at Barton’s door, admiring Blue Cottage. The snow drifts piled on the lawn made the house look greeting-card perfect. I searched for a doorbell. Instead, a lion-headed knocker snarled at me. I grinned. Every house needed an intimidating guardian, right?

A man who looked about my age and height opened the door and slipped out, shutting it behind him. I was curious to see inside, but I got that the guy wanted his privacy. No problem.

“Hi. I’m Fen.”

He looked me over, then turned to the left along the shoveled porch. As he walked, he played with the keyring, bouncing a key in his hand. Did I make him nervous? If so, was that a good thing?

“This way.”

Okay. I took a breath and followed his pert ass and brisk steps as we rounded the porch to a steep staircase. From my brief glance at his face, he seemed okay. I was still slightly put off by his brusque manner. But hey, I reminded myself, I was renting from him, not fucking him.

In silence I followed him up to a small porch and a solid-looking back door, which he opened after only a little fumbling.

I was greeted by the stuffy, closed-up odor of a place long left undisturbed.

“You’d be my first renter. It’s furnished, but I can store anything you don’t want.” He made quick eye contact with me. The words erupted from him like I made him uncomfortable or something. Maybe it was my piercing and the tattoo, or maybe the hair color. I tried a smile, but he blushed and turned away, gesturing to the rooms.

Even though the air inside was chilly, I looked around and fell even more in love than I had when I’d first seen the house. The 1940s era furniture and knickknacks turned what could have been sterile rooms into my kind of home. I exhaled, letting the ambience settle in my soul as I wandered through a country kitchen, tiny dining room, sitting room, two bedrooms, and a classic bathroom, ending eventually at a circular tower room. I fell even deeper in love along the way as I touched the scratched kitchen table, a velveteen-covered parlor settee, a solid-looking four-poster bed, and the needlepoint-cushioned window seat in the tower.

If I were Barton, I’d charge thousands a month for this place. I prayed he wasn’t me and was relieved when my prayers were answered.

“You want to keep the furniture?” He still didn’t look at me as he bent over the kitchen table to fill out the rental agreement. Who needed him staring? I could live with letting his voice pour over me and seeing his kissable lips.

“I can’t imagine living here without all of it.” Or maybe even you, I thought, eyeing his pert butt wiggling at me as he wrote.

He stopped, stood, and eyed me for a few seconds before bending and going back to writing. I hadn’t said that about his butt out loud, had I?

As I was daydreaming about his ass and the scarred table, he stopped writing, looked over the form, and finally twisted it toward me. “Sign here, initial here, and date it. Then I need your rent for the month.”

I was signing before he changed his mind. The rent was ridiculously cheap. “No deposit?” There had to be a catch, right?

“No.”

I glanced up. He was gazing down at the table, or maybe at my hands. Or my groin? I signed as fast as I could and wrote a check to John Barton, the name on the rental agreement. So he had a first name, and we had a deal.

I drove back to my cousin’s house whistling. Within an hour, and with Beth and Kate’s help, I was moved in. Having only clothes and electronics made the move a one-trip job. Then I went food shopping for breakfast stuff and frozen dinners. We all celebrated by eating a late dinner outside town at a diner called the Rock Bottom Cafe. Renting a place with a wonderful kitchen hadn’t automatically taught me to cook.

Even with an enigma for a landlord, my life was perfect.

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About the Author

Pat Henshaw, author of the Foothills Pride Stories, has spent her life surrounded by words: Teaching English composition at the junior college level; writing book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites; helping students find information as a librarian; and promoting PBS television programs.

Pat was born and raised in Nebraska where she promptly left the cold and snow after college, living at various times in Texas, Colorado, Northern Virginia, and Northern California. Pat enjoys travel, having visited Mexico, Canada, Europe, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Egypt, and Europe, including a cruise down the Danube.

Her triumphs are raising two incredible daughters who daily amaze her with their power and compassion. Fortunately, her incredibly supportive husband keeps her grounded in reality when she threatens to drift away while writing fiction.

Author media links:

Amazon

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month – Part 3. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month – Part 3

Here we are closing in on Thanksgiving (for those of us who live in the U.S. or for U.S. expats everywhere). As we rush to gather up our makings for our Thanksgiving dinners, head out to join our loved ones, or however you intend to enjoy the holiday, our month long look at things we are thankful for, things we love in books may it be authors, narrators, books, or series is coming to a close as well.

I have several more thoughts from two of our readers as well as some from myself. In April of this year, Dreamspinner Press published a debut novel from author Lindsey Black titled Fishy Riot, the first in her Saturday Barbies series. I found it funny, suspenseful, and downright amazing. I love it when that happens with a new author. Then just last week, the author released the second story in the series herself Rhino Ash. And you always wonder if the sequel will live up to the first…and it did. So I contacted the author, needing to know more about her (Australian), the series, and what makes her write (something I’m very grateful for). Look for that author discovery coming soon. Here’s a taste of her bio because I’m grateful for new authors like Lindsey Black:

LINDSEY BLACK lives in Darwin, Australia, where the weather report permanently reads ‘humidity at 100%, only going to get worse’ for ten months of the year and ‘monsoon at 4:00 p.m. for exactly fifteen minutes’ for the remaining two. Between teaching and studying full-time, she escapes this oppressive environment to bushwalk for weeks on end wherever the mobile phone reception has zero bars for as long as possible and the weather report reads something along the lines of ‘blizzard likely.’ …

Free Dreamer also reviewed a new book last week, again another debut novel from Gaia Sol. Echoes of the Gods by Gaia Sol. She gave it 5 stars. Did you read that one? If you love fantasy and mythology as much as F.D. does, there another novel to put on your TBR list. Ah, how our lists and recommendations lengthen at this time of the year….

So much to be grateful for including our wonderful readers….and we even have another month to go before the year is over. Here are some of the thoughts of our readers….

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

From

Melanie, Stella, and all the reviewers at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Thanks for the post and honored you posted my recs. I tend to be lengthy, but there were just so many I was thankful for. As for new authors, I’ll keep this to one:
– Days Without End by Sebastian Barry. About a gay couple\family in mid-1800s in midst of Civil & Indian Wars. It’s more historical western than m/m romance, and has gotten major literary recognition – Man Booker Prize nom, and won its sister award, Costa Book of the Yr.

What have you discovered or have found this year in books that you are

Thankful for Giveaway

What have you discovered or have found this year in books that you are grateful for? Write in and let us know. Short, long, recommendations, however, you would like to tell us. Let’s hear from all of you. Leave us your comment of what you are grateful for in books (author, series, books, narrator, cover artist, whatever it may be, along with your email address where you can be reached if chosen. Multiple gift certificates will be handed out the last week of November! Must be 18 year of age or older to enter.

Apparently I’m thrilled about Australian writers period because N.R. Walker sent me her latest and I’m reviewing it this week

We still have plenty of time left in this month. So keep those wonderful comments and lists coming. Now onto this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 19:

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month – Part 3.
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Blog Tour – Vampire Clause by Robert Winter

Monday, November 20:

Cover Reveal Short Order by Pat Henshaw
Dreamspinner Dreamspun Desires Promo Felicitas Ivey
BLITZ For The Love of Samuel by RP Andrews
Review Tour – Chris Ethan’s Jingle Spell
A Jeri Review: Off the Ice by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn
An Ali Review: Psycho Romeo (Ward Security #1) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Tuesday, November 21:

A Rumored Affair Tour RABT Book Tours
Dreamspinner Dreamspun Desires Promo Kim Fielding
Release Blitz Tour for DJ Jamison’s Yours For The Holiday
A MelanieM Review:The Wanderer (The Sin Bin #1) by Dahlia Donovan
A VVivacious Review: A Sniper’s Devotion (Cuffs, Collars and Love #5) by Christa Tomlinson
An Ali Audiobook Review: ’Tis the Season by Alex Jane and Michael Fell (Narrator)

Wednesday, November 22:

Audio Review Tour: Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake
Dreamspinner Press Promo for BA Tortuga’s Hurricane
Release Blitz for Eli Easton’s Desperately Seeking Santa
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake and John Solo (Narrator)
A Julia Review: Ardulum: Second Don by J.S. Fields
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Hurricane by BA Tortuga

Thursday, November 23 – Happy Thanksgiving

Dreamspinner Press Promo: Heart Unheard (Hearts Entwined #2) by Andrew Grey
Release Blitz – Joanna Chambers – Merry & Bright
RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: All of the Above by Quinn Anderson
A Caryn Review: Safety Protocols for Human Holidays by Angel Martinez
A Free Dreamer Review: Olympia Knife by Alysia Constantine
A MelanieM Audiobook Review: Out! (The Shamwell Tales #3) by J.L. Merrow and Mark Steadman (Narrator)

Friday, November 24:

Dreamspinner Promo Sean Michael
Release Blitz Tour – Jackie Keswick’s Undercover Star
RIPTIDE TOUR & Giveaway: Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter
A Jeri Release Day Review: Tried & True (THIRDS #10) by Charlie Cochet
An ALi Review: Watch Point by Cecilia Tan
A MelanieM Pre Release Review: On Davis Row by N.R. Walker
An Alisa Review: My Forever, My Always (Men of Crooked Bend #1) by Taylor Rylan

Saturday, November 25:

Release Blitz – Make The Yuletide Gay – Various Authors

Love Contemporary Romance? Check Out Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey (Guest Post & Exclusive Excerpt)

Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Nov 17 2017
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Book Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Andrew Grey today on his Heart Unheard tour. Welcome, Andrew.

Blurb/Synopsis:

The attraction between Brent Berkheimer and Scott Spearman peels the wallpaper, but Brent is Scott’s boss, and they’re both too professional to go beyond flirting. Their priorities realign after Scott is badly injured in an accident that costs him his hearing, and Brent realizes what is truly important… he wants Scott.

Scott first pushes Brent away, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.

Just as they decide the chance of a happy future together is worth the risk, Scott and Brent discover darker challenges in their way—including evidence that the “accident” Scott suffered may not have been so accidental.

Excerpt

“Is that what you did?” Dean ruffled his hair like Brent was a kid. “Come on. He worked for you, so you wanted to keep things professional.”

“Fuck that. I thought… think about him all the damn time. I was too afraid to say something in case he turned me down. I’m ten years older than him, and I figured, what the hell would he want me for anyway?” Brent set his glass aside. Suddenly getting drunk and trying to forget everything didn’t hold any appeal. “I’m mooning over a guy who was out of my league. We flirted and had fun with each other, but that was all it was. I was… am Scott’s boss, and that’s the end of it.” He huffed. “The rest is me being an idiot.”

Dean downed his whiskey and poured some more. “If you’re so sure about that, you wouldn’t be acting this way.” He could be so observant every now and then. “You like him, and somehow you developed feelings for him.”

Brent jumped to his feet, waving a hand. “Okay, I did. But none of that matters, and I need to get over this… infatuation. He’s in surgery right now, and he isn’t going to want me when… if he gets better.” He began pacing the room. “I’m acting like a teenager. I need to stop.” His head was going in a million directions, and he desperately needed it to settle on something, anything.

Dean set his glass on the coffee table. “Fuck it all. You know I was pissed and a bit depressed because Dumbfuck was getting married and the asshole is happy. But dammit, I’m more depressed now than I was when I walked through your door.” He snatched his glass and drained it. “I hate shit like that.” Dean leaned back on the sofa, cradling his glass.

“Let’s eat until we puke.” Brent opened the bag of Cheetos and passed them to Dean because he knew they were his favorite. Then he opened the chips and went to the refrigerator to grab a couple of beers before flopping on the sofa. He’d had enough whiskey, so he popped a beer open and drank. Brent sighed. “Sometimes I think I’m the stupidest man on earth.”

“Why?” Dean’s speech was a little slurred, or maybe it was the mouth full of Cheetos. It was hard to tell.

“Because I wasn’t gutsy enough just to tell him what I wanted. I know it won’t make a difference, not now.” Brent drank another sip of beer and then picked up the bag of chips. “I suppose we always regret the things we don’t do.”

Dean shook his head. “Yeah, I know that. I should have left Chuck long before I did.”

“You know, maybe it’s time you stop trying to screw every guy in town and find someone special.” Brent set his beer on the coffee table, turning toward Dean. “Every time I go to Trevor’s and see him and James together, I get so fucking jealous that I want to scream. They have what I want, and I can’t ever seem to find it for myself.” He crunched another chip. God, now he was sharing his feelings and shit. It must be the whiskey. “Forget I said anything. Okay? It’s not that important. Let it go.” He turned on the television and found a RuPaul marathon. It gave them something to talk about other than his feelings.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

The Titles Below Are for the Heart Unseen Novels Only

Links go to Amazon

Heart Unseen Book 1

Heart Unheard Book 2

****Please add to Post if Reviewing****
**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from RBTL Book Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. *****

An Alisa Release Day Review: Heart Unheard (Hearts Entwined #2) by Andrew Grey

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Scott pushes Brent away at first, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.

This was another great story and it takes place about two years after Heart Unseen. Brent has tried to keep his distance from Scott to avoid any problems at work or to weigh him down with an older man. Scott has flirted with Brent but since nothing has ever gone further feels that Brent isn’t interested.

Brent has been trying to figure out what to do about his attraction to Scott and the accident quickly puts things in perspective. Scott is overwhelmed with healing from the accident and being treated as breakable that he isn’t sure he has that strength to try a relationship.

This story is told from both characters’ point of view so we are able to see their thoughts and feelings. Brent has kept his personal doubts from everyone, even his best friends and mother, for so long he doesn’t even know how to vocalize them. I loved Brent’s conviction to stand by and support Scott even if Scott doesn’t want more; I think his support was what helped Scott become stronger and more confident. Scott’s strength to help Brent get over his doubts was wonderful. I loved seeing Trevor and James again and hope the next book helps Dean find someone.

Cover art by LC Chase is absolutely wonderful and I love how understated it is.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages

Published: November 17, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-152-3

Edition Language: English

Series: Hearts Entwined #2

An Ali Audiobook Review: Buried Bones (Bones #2) by Kim Fielding and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Werewolves don’t have a how-to manual—nor do men embarking on a new life together.

It’s been a few weeks since Dylan Warner wolfed out and killed Andy, the crazed werewolf who originally turned him and later tried to murder Chris Nock. Architect Dylan and handyman Chris are still refurbishing Dylan’s old house as they work out the structure of their relationship. They come from very different backgrounds, and neither has had a long-term lover before, so negotiating their connections would be challenge enough even if Dylan didn’t turn into a beast once a month.

To make matters worse, Dylan’s house is haunted, and events from both men’s pasts are catching up with them. Dylan has to cope with the aftermath of killing Andy, and Chris continues to suffer the effects of a difficult childhood.

In his quest to get rid of the ghost, Dylan rekindles old friendships and faces new dangers. At the same time, Chris’s father makes a sudden reappearance, stirring up old emotions. If Dylan and Chris want to build a lasting relationship, they’ll have to meet these challenges head-on.

This is the second book in the Bones series and it catches us up with the MC’s from book one. Dylan and Chris are a couple now and they are working on both developing their relationship and fixing up the old house. While overall things are going better there is still a problem. A ghostly one this time. And, in their search to figure out the haunting, they accidentally get themselves involved with a werewolf pack.

Who’s haunting it and why is something they slowly figure out with the help of a psychic grandma who’s not scared of much of anything. We meet her grandson Ery who is Dylan’s friend and who will be the MC of the next book in the series.

Overall I found this to be a sweet and enjoyable story. I don’t quite feel the connection between these two main characters that would take this from a series I liked to a series I love. It’s not a favorite of mine from this author but I still find it enjoyable. I like the low angst level also.

This audiobook was narrated John Solo and I think he did a good job. His voices for both of the MC’s were distinct and I also enjoyed the way he did the side characters. I felt the performance added to the story.

If you enjoyed the first book in this series I think you will enjoy this also. If you have not read book one you should do that first. This book does not work as a standalone.

This cover is done by Christine Griffin. I’m not a big fan of the animated style of covers so this is not a favorite of mine. I do think the artist is talented and it is a great representation of the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Release Date Sep 25, 2017
Type Novels
Length 8:00

A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed By Felicitas Ivey

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

A billionaire and a Bedouin girl—each with a shocking secret.

Well. Normally the Dreamspun Desires line just does it for me. I love their twists on those old familiar storylines we read in our romances or saw in our movies. But The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed By Felicitas Ivey either came out at the wrong time or the author was not truly cognizant of the messages she seems to be sending here with her storyline and threads. I found myself reading, then going back to double check to see if certain passages really portrayed women so badly (yes in my opinion), then braced myself to continue reading all the way to the end where the author finished her story with a lasting moment that left me wishing I had never picked this story up. Honestly, I think I’m kind with a 2 rating.

But onto the particulars.

Why does this story upset me so?

Well barebones, it’s about a traditional bedouin man whose birth upset his sister’s control of the tribe. She forced his mother (a secondary or minor wife) to raise his as a girl in the large harem where his identity as a male remained unknown even to him under his mother’s care. Basically a servant, an agreement will see him married off to a Sheikh’s son, an arrangement the sister will hope to get him killed while getting her money. If that’s not awful enough, there’s an ugly side story about his niece who the sister intends to marry off to a rapist/thug.

Yes, it has a happy ending, the niece gets saved. The tribe goes back to the desert and Fathi and Ikraam are happy. So why am I sort of nauseated?

Neither niece or Ikraam, the man who has been raised as a woman can read or seen any sort of modern existence. He has no idea what it means to be a man actually other than how his tribe defines it. Yet, the author seems to raise them both higher in esteem than any modern Arabian woman mentioned. There are several scenes here with Fathi’s secretary. She is modern, dresses so while keeping to societal standards for the office. She is striving for a career while having a major crush on her boss, who doesn’t set her straight mind you, letting her continue to assume about his feelings.

Much is made of her makeup, hair and clothing as though it’s a bad thing. Really, this poor character exists for only one purpose. She’s that compare and contrast vehicle! And that’s so that at the end when Ikraam, dressed in all his new traditional Bedouin and extremely female marriage finery (each clothing is listed, coins glittering) corrects the poor girl about how to address her/his husband. All the family gather around this wonderful Bedouin married ‘woman’ and help her humiliate the secretary completely in letting her know yes, her boss is now married to a traditional woman, so “quit, your job, honey.” And they all have a good laugh as the girl basically runs out of the office, shamed in front of all her co workers. Never mind that she was a hard worker, did a great job and was well educated. Nope, clearly a makeup wearing, high heeled tramp! Grandfather was quite clear on his feelings about that. What a nasty little scene that was. Ikraam happily continues his existence appearing to be a woman in the traditional Arabian cultural role.

Yes women are the evil ones here. From the sister who beat Ikraam to that poor secretary, all the responsibility falls on the woman’s shoulders. Men? Pretty passive. That thug/rapist? Given a donkey or something and sent off back to the tribe to marry again. The sister? She remains in control because she purposely married a weak man. The totally ‘by the books, loves his old ways’ grandfather does something totally out of character (had to for the novel) and accepts Fathi and Ikraam’s sexuality. Uh no. But in face of everything else, that’s minor.

No, it’s still the treatment of women here. Was it really necessary to bring this element into the story? Ikraam and niece still can’t read. How’s he going to fit into his husband’s new world? Explore that! You didn’t need that secretary at all. Yes, Ikraam is basically a “woman” in a man’s body because that’s how he was raised. That’s a far more interesting idea to investigate that then the paths the author went down. Ikraam even mentions he had no idea he was a boy until he was much older. That must have blown his psyche. But no….let’s go the “new is evil and old/traditional is everything” and do it while throwing women under the bus.

Maybe I shouldn’t take a lighthearted romance this seriously. But in light of the #MeToo campaigns, of women fighting for the right just to drive cars in Saudi Arabia, of all the fights for rights that seem to be heading backwards these days, surely we don’t need to do it in our fiction as well. This is one story that just struck me all wrong. Shrugs.

And now you know why.

Cover art by Bree Archer is nice and has the right backdrop.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 212 pages
Expected publication: November 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339628
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding

Rating 3.5 stars out of 5

In the mid eighteen forties, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. His maker was good to him but tended to let him run wild, so he killed humans as he drank their blood and one time, as he looked into the eyes of a young man dying from TB, he decided to turn him and create his own vampire. But his vampire, Lee, didn’t turn out to be quite what Ante hoped for, and Ante himself finally realized the error of his destructive ways so he fled to the United States. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing a little blood here and there from humans who don’t even realize he’s had them. It helps him live in the Las Vegas area when he also helps himself to some of their money and it helps him stay away from working for the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows, which now happens to be run by Lee. They don’t have the “ethics” Ante has developed and kill indiscriminately when they take blood. Ante prefers his way and his luck is high when he meets beautiful and charming Peter Gehrardi, who seems to be able to influence others with his thoughts.

Intrigued, Ante eventually finds out that Peter is half-elf—no wonder his blood is so sweet and sparkly! But the Shadows want Peter captured so they can use his mind-influencing powers to their own gain and they try to enlist Ante to help them. Mistake! That’s the signal for Ante and Peter to run and they lead the Shadows on a merry adventure across the dessert and into a non-human sanctuary community in Northern California. Along the way there’s further (mis)adventures and lots of lovin’ as Peter and Ante come to mean much more to each other than a zero-hearted vampire could ever expect. There is, of course, a fight to the finish when Lee and the vampires from the Shadows track them to the sanctuary. Who will come out of the battle intact? And will Ante be able to find a happy ever after with someone who does not have the lifespan of a vampire?

This is an enjoyable story, but though I usually absolutely love Kim Fielding’s stories, this one fell just a little short for me. I couldn’t quite appreciate the characters—neither Peter with his love of sweets and charming personality, nor Ante with his “vampireness” and “cold” personality. I know this is a pun, but he was just too cold for me to warm up to. And Peter was just too over the top in cuteness. I must admit, however, there were a few times when I laughed out loud and there were a few times when teardrops rolled down my cheeks, but overall, I simply enjoyed this tale without finding it outstanding.

Would I recommend it? By all means, especially to those who enjoy these Dreamspun tales and to those who enjoy vampires with a soft side and all manner of other supernatural creatures.

~~~

The cover by Aaron Anderson features a cute guy with the expected vampire fangs—looking quite attractive—against a casino background and done in the purple tones of the branding of other Dreamspun Beyond stories.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages
Expected publication: November 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339482
Edition LanguageEnglish
Las Vegas, Nevada (United States)
Nevada (United States)

A Stella Release Day Review: Braving the Rapids (Rocky Mountain Boys #2 ) by Brandon Witt

RATING 4,5 out of 5 stars

Estes Park native Todd Fleece works hard to honor his obligations to family and the businesses he inherited, but only his friends and the horses at his ranch brighten Todd’s life. In fighting his attraction to his best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Todd has focused solely on his work, leaving little room in his life for finding love.

Matt Abel’s reckless youth put him on a path to a self-destructive life—his most painful failure was being a horrible father. He excels at extreme sports and living on the edge. Now back in Estes Park and teaching white-water rafting, Matt tries to reconnect with his mother and his grown daughter. When he runs into his ex’s friend Todd, Matt longs for more than a fling.

But achieving happiness isn’t simple, not with Todd’s family conflicts and Matt struggling not to slide back into alcoholism. With hurdles threatening to drive them apart, Todd and Matt try to find the courage to brave the rapids and face a future together….

Well, I really have no clue of how many ways I can use to say Brandon Witt is an amazing writer. I’m in love with his style and each new release is one more proof of his talent. Although some books are more emotional than others, all of them are treasures in how well everything has been depicted and the reader can’t not help but fall in love with them.

In my opinion Braving the Rapids can be considered one of his lighter stories, even if I found myself deeply connected with Todd and Matt lives, especially because I could compare to some of their struggles. And that’s was a bonus. Moreover I am a fan of adult characters and seeing those two men, full of life, full into their lives, full of issues to still solve, but at the same time full of hopes and want for a future together, warmed my heart. The novel is focused on their love story sure but it’s open versus each character single life too, how Todd needs to be strong with his mother’s disease and how Matt is willing to build a relationship with his daughter even if he needs to work on himself first of all.

And then in this second installment in the Rocky Mountain Boys series I found all the people I learned to love in Mapping the Forest, Luis and Gabe and Rob and Paxton. It was great to meet them again and I so hope to have more about all of them.

The cover art by Anne Cain follows the theme of the covers’ series and it’s different from the usual covers I see around and that’s the reason why it’s a winner to me

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 256 pages

Publication Date: November 13th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781635339987

Edition Language English

Rocky Mountain Boys #2

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The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey Dreamspinner Press

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On Plotting Versus Pantzing by Felicitas Ivey

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Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month – Part 3

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This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

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Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Release Date: Nov 17 2017 Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

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The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed by Felicitas Ivey
Dreamspinner Press

Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Nov 17 2017
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase