Category: Riptide Publishing

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Soul to Keep (Rented Heart universe) by Garrett Leigh

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

When I first picked this book, I didn’t realize this Jamie was Zac’s addict friend in Rented Heart, a story that I enjoyed immensely last year.  Jamie was painted as a pretty hopeless and destitute addict in that one and for good reason.  However, a year after agreeing to get clean and come to California with Liam and Zac, Jamie is in a different head space.  Still an addict, but in recovery and working on fighting his demons.

He knows he can’t stay in the US, and he can’t return to the London area, so he randomly picks a spot on the map in England and lands in Matlock Bath.  Is it a coincidence that the good-looking older guy who helps him through the shakes brought on by turbulence high over the Atlantic happens to be from the same small town?  Not really.  This is fiction, after all. 

The two coincidentally run into one another a few weeks later and begin a friendly relationship that ultimately leads to romance, despite the personal challenges and hurdles thrown in their way.  Among these are Mark’s inability to place his trust in others where his own welfare is concerned and his inability to give up control. The thirty-nine-year-old man has lived as a soldier and a doctor for most of his adult life—both situations that demanded a certain type of behavior.  To trust in twenty-five-year-old Jamie—a recovering addict with PTSD and OCD issues is very difficult for him. 

Happily, they manage to navigate through the twists and turns that life throws their way.  The heart of this story is not only in the relationship-building between the two, it’s in the characters themselves as they face life and it’s challenges and grow both individually and as a couple. The author is wonderfully creative with her ability to craft three-dimensional, reality-based, very human characters, and that comes through completely in this emotional drama. 

If I had to pick one thing that I would have changed, it would be that I’d like to have been present for whatever took place in the year that Jamie stayed in California. What was his relationship with Liam and Zac like?  How did Marvin fit into his life?  Why is Marvin so reluctant to let Jamie leave?  There was a gap there that was never back-filled, so more information about that would have been appreciated. 

But there is a very satisfying and believable ending to this story that happens to include a vignette with Liam and Zac, and perhaps a setup for a future story. I would love to see a story featuring Marc’s friend Wedge, who was injured in the line of duty in the latter part of this story.  Or possibly a future story about Marvin? Maybe both?  It’s hard to say, but whatever may happen in future, those who enjoy a character-driven MM romance should consider this one.  Highly recommended. 

Cover by Garrett Leigh is dark and works for the character and series.

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 239 pages
Published April 2nd 2018 by Riptide Publishing
Original Title Soul to Keep (A Rented Heart Novel)
ISBN 1626496889 (ISBN13: 9781626496880)
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series Rented Heart #2

Spotlight Tour and Giveaway for Once Burned (Anchor Point #6) by L.A. Witt

Once Burned (Anchor Point #6) by L.A. Witt
Riptide Publishing
Cover art: L.C. Chase

About Once Burned

 

Captain Mark Thomas’s world has been tossed on its head: A long overdue but still unexpected divorce. A promotion out of left field. Last-second orders to a ship where careers go to die. As the dust settles in his new home, he barely recognizes his life, but he sure recognizes the loneliness creeping in.

 

Diego Ramírez wants nothing to do with the military or its men. Not after the Navy burned him both literally and figuratively, costing him his career, his health, and ultimately his green card. Now working illegally in an Anchor Point bar, he keeps the military and its personnel at arm’s length.

 

But after a single moment of eye contact across the bar, Mark and Diego can’t resist each other. As a one-night stand quickly turns into more, Diego knows he’s playing with fire. Now he can stick around and let things with Mark inevitably fall apart, or he can run like hell and wonder what might have been. One way or another, Diego knows he’s about to get burned. Again.

 

50% of the author’s royalties from this book will be donated to charities supporting US military veterans who have been deported or are at risk of deportation.

About Anchor Point

 

Welcome to Anchor Point!

 

Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, this small town is home to Naval Air Station Adams. On base, you’ll find freshly minted Sailors who’ve just graduated boot camp, salty officers counting down till retirement, grounded pilots who’ve landed behind desks, and everyone in between—and they’re all looking for love. Well, not all of them, but that won’t stop love from finding them.

 

So pull up a barstool, grab a beer, and get ready for some sea stories as these men in uniform—or not—navigate the waters of love and life in the military.

 

Anchor Point stories can be enjoyed in any order. Hop in wherever you’d like!

 

About LA Witt

 

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

 

  1. A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).

Giveaway

 

To celebrate the release of Once Burned, L.A. is giving away reader’s choice of two eBooks off of her backlist! (Excludes Once Burned.) Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 14, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

 

Read Jeri of Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Word’s Review Here.

Alex Whitehall on Family, and the new fantasy release Magic Runs Deep (author guest blog and giveaway)

Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall

Riptide Publishing

Cover Art:
Sales Links:

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Alex Whitehall today on tour for Magic Runs Deep, one of our happily recommended stories. Welcome, Alex.

✒︎

 

Hello, everybody! I’m Alex Whitehall, and I’m here today touring for my fantasy novel Magic Runs Deep, which is about one man’s search to find himself—and true freedom—after a long imprisonment, and the path to trust that he follows along the way.

Family is an important part of every life—no matter what form it takes—and a lot can be gleaned from looking at family structure. In Magic Runs Deep, we see the family interactions of two very different characters, from the brother to the king to a man who comes from a large family that is strongly tied together. The Elrid, king’s brother, only has one immediately family member left, and the bond between the brothers is strong, but it also has molded Elrid into a man who is self-reliant, and who, although he loves his brother, struggles to truly understand the extent that Veier, who comes from a close-knit community with an extended family, relies on and misses his family over the course of the book.

Over the course of the book, we see Elrid and his brother interact, and the playful banter makes it obvious they care for each other—even if they get frustrated with each other as all siblings do—but both men seem to stand alone, isolated from one another. Some of this is, of course, due to the role they play on the page and what Veier can see happening, but most of it is the culture and world they were raised in.

Meanwhile, Veier comes from a large family, who he thinks of often. He mentions being raised by his uncles and mother, recalls his siblings fondly, and while his father was often absent because of duty, there was always plenty of love to go around, leaving Veier fulfilled. Elrid speaks rarely of his family, since it’s not central to his life, while Veier thinks about his family constantly, and not just because it reminds him of home.

To learn more about Veier’s family and to see if he gets to return home, you’ll have to check out Magic Runs Deep. Meanwhile, what does family mean to you?

 

About Magic Runs Deep

 

For the last five years, Veier has been chained to a king’s throne in his bear form. When a neighboring kingdom overthrows the crown, Veier’s imprisonment ends, but true freedom is not so easily earned. With blood on his hands, he needs someone with patience, strength, and trust to help him become the person he was before and prove to the invaders that he isn’t the monstrous king’s loyal pet.

 

Elrid, the invading king’s brother and a powerful mage, is everything Veier despises. He’s also the only thing between Veier and execution, because he thinks he can help Veier change from an aggressive bear shifter into a reasonable man. While the pair have a rough start, with long talks and mutual leaps of faith, they begin to care for each other.

 

However, the closer Veier gets to his freedom, the closer he is to losing Elrid. He must find balance in his heart and his life if he wishes to truly claim the freedom he’s been given—and the man he loves.

 

About Alex Whitehall

 

If there are two types of people in the world, Alex Whitehall probably isn’t one of them, despite being a person. Their favorite pastimes include reading, horseback riding, sleeping, watching geek-tastic television, knitting, eating, and running. And wasting time on the internet. And spending glorious evenings laughing with friends.

 

While Alex prefers sleeping over doing anything else (except maybe eating), sometimes they emerge from the cave to be social and to hunt for food at the local market. They can be found blogging, reading, and tending after their aloe plants.

 

Connect with Alex:

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Magic Runs Deep, Alex is giving away an ecopy of Second Skin! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 14, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A Jeri Review Retro Review Tour : Out Of Focus by L .A. Witt

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

I enjoy a good menage/throuple/MMM story. And while this one was good, it wasn’t great.

Two Doms in a long term relationship bring in a third on occasion to satisfy their various needs. And when Ryan and Dante are both immediately drawn to Jordan, they decide to feel him out for a reaction. And they get the reaction that they want.
It feels like this could have been book 2 in a series. I wanted to see more of Ryan and Dante navigating their way through a complicated relationship while also bringing in a third when they needed and wanted. Doing that in this book would have made it ridiculously long. But I want their story- the one before Jordan came into the picture.
And I just didn’t feel the emotion from these guys. I always felt like one of them was on the outside looking in. Both in the sex scenes and the romance. There were a few scenes with either just Jordan and Dante or just Jordan and Ryan. And while that wasn’t against their rules they set up, it didn’t seem genuine. I wanted all three guys together all of them time.
The BDSM element was just ok for me. It really seemed to mostly be orgasm denial/ edging. The two Doms both had different needs and wants. That is a lot for one sub to take.
So…it was good. Definitely not great. The lack of emotion being the biggest issue for me.
Sales Link: Universal Buy Link
Book Details:
Kindle Edition, 2nd edition, 366 pages
Published March 14th 2017 (first published August 2nd 2011)
ASINB06XKXYVJR
Edition LanguageEnglish
CharactersRyan “Angel” Morgan, Dante James, Jordan Steele

A Jeri Release Day Review: Once Burned (Anchor Point #6) by LA Witt

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was, by far, my favorite of the series so far. I’ve liked and wanted Diego’s story since we met him in Dalton’s book. Finally, we got it.
By design or not, the Anchor Point books rely heavily on Naval policies and politics. While interesting, sometimes I felt that all of it bogged the story down some. I mean, I still read and enjoyed them, but it got to be a bit much.
In this story, though, it wasn’t so much the politics of the Navy, but how easily the Navy can screw someone who served. And it brought to light a HUGE issue in the military. Green card holders who serve but then can easily lose their jobs AND their status- becoming another undocumented immigrant in a country that they once fought for.
Ok, moving on……
Mark is nearly divorced after a pretty disastrous marriage. He got slam orders to move to Anchor Point, after he was surprisingly made Captain. His first night out he meets Diego. The bartender who hates the Navy and won’t date military. But he ends up bending his rules for Mark.
One night becomes many. A casual hook up becomes an undefined relationship. And we finally get Diego’s story about why he hates the Navy. And it breaks my heart. Because it happens. We just don’t hear about it.
I really enjoyed reading about an “older” couple. Older meaning pushing 40 instead of the romance norm of mid 20’s. Older guys need love too! And Diego and Mark were awesome together. I loved that Diego was still friends with Dalton and that Mark became friends with his ex wife. There weren’t a ton of side characters- but they played an important role.
The ending (the epilogue really) was a bit neat and tidy for me, but overall a really good book.
Cover art by LC Chase was perfect and in keeping with the series.
Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 289 pages
Expected publication: April 9th 2018 by Riptide Publishing
ISBN 1626497486 (ISBN13: 9781626497481)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesAnchor Point #6

A Caryn Review: Tested in Fire (Art Medium #2) by EJ Russell

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is book two in the Art Medium series.  In book one, The Artist’s Touch, Stefan Cobbe was possessed by the ghost Giacomo “Jeremiah” Arcoletti, but Luke Morganstern was able to rescue him, though Luke was seriously injured in the process.  In this installment, they’ve moved to Sarasota, Florida, where Luke’s art investigation company is based, and Stefan found a studio and is back to painting.  Life seems good.

Although the two men are committed to each other, Stefan is still struggling with the debt he incurred years ago by allowing himself to be completely dependent upon a boyfriend, and this time around, he wants to be able to stand on his own.  Luke just wants Stefan to be by his side, and doesn’t understand why Stefan won’t move in with him.  They can’t seem to get past this impasse, and and things only get worse when Luke is unexpectedly detained in Italy following up on a commission.  When he comes home, they have a fight, and then…

At first I wondered how these two men could be so unlucky as to run across the supernatural – and the evil side of it at that – twice in such quick succession, especially when they are now on the opposite side of the country.  Well, turns out it is more than just bad luck, and I will leave that comment as a teaser for you to learn about when you read the book!  Once again, spirits from the past are interfering in Stefan’s and Luke’s lives, and once again they have to rely on their connection with each other, and their love, in order to make it through alive.

I thought this was a wonderful continuation of the series, because the depth of Luke and Stefan’s love for each other was seriously challenged, and they truly rose to face it.  There was no hesitation in their defense of each other, and this time Stefan was the one to come to the rescue.  A good thing for both of them to realize how strong Stefan truly is, and how able to stand on his own, but unfortunately quite a blow to Luke who is left confused and ashamed by what has happened to him.

I am assuming that there will be at least a third book in the series at some point in the future (and hopefully more, I really love this couple!), but I think there will be a bit of a hiatus while things in the publishing world shake out.  However it happens, I will be eagerly looking forward to it!

Cover art by L.C. Chase is even better than the first book.  I like Luke’s (Giacomo’s?) expression as he holds the mask…

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing

Book Details:

ebook, 192 pages
Published April 2nd 2018 by Riptide Publishing (first published March 31st 2018)
Original TitleTested in Fire
ISBN 1626497575 (ISBN13: 9781626497573)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesArt Medium #2

New Release Tour and Giveaway: Tested in Fire (Art Medium #2) by EJ Russell

Tested in Fire (Art Medium #2) by E.J. Russell

Riptide Publishing
Cover Art: L.C. Chase

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

 

About Tested in Fire

 

Six months ago, Stefan Cobbe was at rock bottom: grief-stricken, guilt ridden, debt laden, artistically blocked, and living on charity in an isolated mountain cabin. But after reconciling with his first love, Luke, and moving to Sarasota with him, Stefan is preparing for his first major show. Yes, he still has debts, and no, Luke doesn’t understand Stefan’s desire for independence. But compared to last year? No contest.

 

Luke Morganstern ought to be happy. After all, his art-investigation business has recovered and he’s got his boyfriend back. But Stefan stubbornly refuses to move in with him or accept Luke’s financial help, and it’s really starting to bug him. Who knew that the biggest test of their relationship wouldn’t be time or distance, but his own insecurities? After Luke’s next job—a trip to Italy to retrieve a mysterious artifact—he plans to convince Stefan that it’s time to totally commit.

 

But when Luke returns, he changes, and Stefan begins to suspect that the person in Luke’s skin isn’t Luke at all. He can hardly go to the police and claim his lover is the victim of a supernatural hijacking though. He needs alternative help to find Luke and get him back, because he refuses to let anyone—or anything—come between them again.

About the Art Medium Series

 

Artists use all manner of materials to express their vision, to interpret the world around them, to affect the hearts and minds of their audience.

 

But what if the artist himself were the medium? And what if artistic inspiration weren’t the only force at work?

 

If painter Stefan Cobbe and art investigator Luke Morganstern don’t answer those questions fast, they stand to lose their reputations, their relationship—and their lives.

About E.J. Russell

 

E.J. Russell holds a BA and an MFA in theater, so naturally she’s spent the last three decades as a financial manager, database designer, and business-intelligence consultant. After her twin sons left for college and she no longer spent half her waking hours ferrying them to dance class, she returned to her childhood love of writing fiction. Now she wonders why she ever thought an empty nest meant leisure.

 

E.J. lives in rural Oregon with her curmudgeonly husband, the only man on the planet who cares less about sports than she does. She enjoys visits from her wonderful adult children, and indulges in good books, red wine, and the occasional hyperbole.

 

Connect with E.J.:

 

Website: ejrussell.com

Blog: ejrussell.com/bloggery/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/E.J.Russell.author

Twitter: twitter.com/ej_russell

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ejrussell/

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of both books in the Art Medium series, E.J. is giving away a $25 Amazon credit and an ebook copy of both titles in the Legend Tripping series! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Contest closes at midnight, Eastern time, on April 7, 2017 and is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A MelanieM PreRelease Review: Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

 

For the last five years, Veier has been chained to a king’s throne in his bear form. When a neighboring kingdom overthrows the crown, Veier’s imprisonment ends, but true freedom is not so easily earned. With blood on his hands, he needs someone with patience, strength, and trust to help him become the person he was before and prove to the invaders that he isn’t the monstrous king’s loyal pet.

Elrid, the invading king’s brother and a powerful mage, is everything Veier despises. He’s also the only thing between Veier and execution, because he thinks he can help Veier change from an aggressive bear shifter into a reasonable man. While the pair have a rough start, with long talks and mutual leaps of faith, they begin to care for each other.

However, the closer Veier gets to his freedom, the closer he is to losing Elrid. He must find balance in his heart and his life if he wishes to truly claim the freedom he’s been given—and the man he loves.

I just loved everything about Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall.  Here is a fantasy novel where the author managed to combine  some very dark and realistic elements like PTSD, the horror of torture , the  effects of long term prisoner captivity under the worse conditions, with that prisoner’s recovery and love.    That the prisoner is an Ursinae or bear shifter, the one to save and help him recover a mage and brother to a king, and that some of the methods used include magic?  In the hands of author Alex Whitehall, that seems normal.  Whitehall seamlessly blends modern methods for dealing with PTSD and the magical to come up with a unique combination of spells and universe for this story that entranced me.

The Ursinae had their own magic as do the Kingdoms themselves.  I could cheerfully dwell in this land for many books, hoping to learn more not just about Veier’s shifter history but all the neighboring Kingdoms across the lands.  If they are half as fascinating as the ones that Whitehall created for the ones we got to know here, I’m all in for as many stories as the author wants to tell.

These characters were amazing!  They were so well rounded and pulled so many emotions from me in their journey to  helping Veier recover from his heinous imprisonment and the scars he now carries inside and out.  As it should be, his recovery is painful, slow, full of anger and fear.  And the reader is on this agonizing path with Veier every step of the way. So is Elrid, the mage who sees the tragedy in Veier’s fate if he can’t be helped and the man fighting to regain who he was.  I was so absorbed in Veier’s tale I totally forgot what time it was and read into the early hours.

There are other equally important storylines flowing here.  Unrest in a kingdom slow to accept new rulers, people hesitant or afraid of the shifter among them, a man eager to go home again and afraid of what he would find…all these narrative threads are carried through, their importance to the overall plot arc handled beautifully, never impeding or overtaking the main plotlines but adding interest to them,  like spice does to a great meal.

But the heart and center here is Veier and Elrid and what a story that is.  It’s heartwarming, sometimes heartstopping, and always rewarding.   This is one for my “happy shelf”, when I need a book to pull out to put a smile on my face and a lightness in my heart.    How I loved this couple.  I think you will too.  I highly recommend Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall.

Cover art:  Shayne Leighton.  I like the cover, has some very nice elements on it, including the character of Veier.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

book, 183 pages
Expected publication: April 9th 2018 by Riptide Publishing
Original TitleMagic Runs Deep
ISBN 1626497478 (ISBN13: 9781626497474)
Edition LanguageEnglish