Tag: A Mika Recommended Read

A Mika Review: Keep Me Wanting by Avril Ashton

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Keep Me Wanting coverThe last thing on Damian Archer’s mind is a relationship. He’s focused on running the family business and keeping up appearances. He’s fine with the way things are, until the tattooed help at a friend’s party takes one look at him and calls him on his bull.

Fired from a brand new job, Fin Thornton is homeless and penniless. He knows men like Damian. He abhors men like Damian. Despite the wealthy man coming to his aid when he desperately needs it, Fin is hesitant to lower his guard. Yet Damian insists on being in Fin’s face, demanding things and offering help.

In spite of their differences, something keeps them wanting each other. The same connection that has Damian desperate to stake a claim on the skittish Fin. But it will take a ghost from Fin’s tragic past to show both men that what they have is worth more than money.

Okay we all know how I love Avril Ashton. Good Lord that woman can write a sex scene. Oh my goodness. I would have rather this been straight smut then the contemporary story. Damian and Fin are extremely hot together. I think I need to reiterate that. I’m never bored with that aspect of her stories. For this one though, I kind of felt like we walked into the middle of this potential couple history. From the first it was rudeness between the two and I just felt like we were missing the introduction between the two.  But it moved fast from that initial meeting.

I do like the chemistry between the two a lot. It was some sparks, then they were on fire. I mean Fin was a little spit fire from beginning to end. I like Damian, I kind of wanted to see more of him. We saw his family side, business side but nothing of just Damian. I don’t have to worry that the sexual side of the relationship is boring or dull. Goodness, I re-read a few pages this morning for scientific research purposes only. She writes those scenes extremely well. I needed to reiterate that. LOL. All in all I thought this was a cute contemporary novella. Mrs. A is never going to not have a little drama, or funk in her stories so we did get this. I can’t wait for that little prequel whenever that’s out. I see you Sullivan & Carter.

Cover Art by: Emmy Ellis, did a wonderful job. I loved the cover model and the background a lot. The model and his piercing were spot on.

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

Book Details:

eBook,  pages, October 21, 2015, 2015 by Sinner’s Haven Publishing.

A Mika Review: Unbreak Broken (Coming About #3) by J.K. Hogan

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Unbreak Broken coverRory Donovan’s life is a hot mess. His marriage is failing and he’s in intensive psychotherapy, working through the unfortunate side effects of memories from a childhood trauma. The only thing good in his life right now is his job—teaching photography to gifted high school students.

Harbor Patrol officer Bennett Foster is co-parenting his teenage daughter with his high school best friend Jessie. When he meets Addison’s teacher and realizes they’ve met before, he can’t get the sexy stranger out of his head.

Striking up a sexual-tension-filled friendship, together they must help an angsty teenager deal with a dying friend. Bennett must keep his little family from falling apart while Rory struggles to come to terms with his new reality. Somewhere along the way, most unexpectedly…love happens.

 

I really like  J.K. Hogan’s writing. I like the realness to it, I like the difficulties she brings, I like the tragedy surrounding her characters, and I like that someone out there in the world is going through this or went through it. I knew she was working on a book three for the series, but there was next to nothing clue wise on whose book it will me.

Goodness she gave us sweet Rory from book one. You know Rory, the one whose wedding to Maia brought the entire crew together. Yeah him, who introduced Justice & Nic and Rich & Paddy. Straight Rory, well folks he isn’t so straight. He’s definitely on his No labels kick this book. This book was way heavier then the other two. It dealt with some soul-wrenching discussions about some of the characters past. I think Rory’s situation is the first I read about in m/m books, and I loved the way the author went about it. 

I felt like her information on his past was spot on. It was nicely done, as well as the clinical aspect was done well. I loved Rory’s relationship with his therapist. I know each person is different, but I think he was finally able to be himself with the understanding and help from his doctor.

We saw some familiar faces, and I’m really happy Rory was able to have that support he needed. Bennett was great; I liked him as a character. I wish we would have gotten some of his back-story. While his issues weren’t heavily dictated, I felt like he was closed off majority of the story. I don’t know if he wasn’t opening up because of a past relationship or because that’s who he was.



Why not 5 star rating then? Well certain story lines I did not particularly care far. The whole triangle with Rory, Maia and her crazy brother. I did not really find that believable. I mean it could happen, and here is where I’m at. It was a point made in the story about Rory and perceptions. He’s written as this solid big guy 6’3 or 6’4, and he allows someone to get the jump on him. I’m having a hard time believing that he couldn’t take action or stand up for himself. I guess because book 1 Rory was totally different. While he wasn’t a main character his presence was very big. So I’m having a hard time as seeing him as a victim. That’s not the author’s fault, and that’s totally my own issue. 

I can’t wait to see if we get some continuation on the series. So many people have been introduced, and I’d like to see John Michael get his story. Can’t wait for more from this author.

Cover Art by J.K.Hogan, did a great job with the cover. Like the cameras as an added bonus, its something that Rory is very passionate about.

Sales Links:  Wilde City Press |  Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 357 pages
Published September 16th 2015 by Wilde City Press
ISBN139781925313505
edition language English
series Coming About #3
Series with Goodreads links:
I Survived Seattle (Coming About, #1)
Love and the Real Boy (Coming About #2)
Unbreak Broken (Coming About, #3)

 

A Mika Review: One Snowy Night by Louise Lyons

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

onesnowynight-savoyfontMain character, Keith Brambles, is an up and coming British singer. He has had one disastrous first date after another, finding most men are only interested because of who he is. After yet another failed meeting, he sets off for home, driving too fast for the conditions. He loses control of his car in the snow and finds himself stranded – with no mobile phone signal and an outfit completely unsuitable for braving the freezing conditions.

Just as Keith has begun to think he’s destined to spend a night in his car, possibly suffering from hypothermia, a potential rescuer arrives, but Keith wonders whether he might have more to fear from the man, than the weather.

I enjoyed this sexy short novel.  One Snowy Night by Louise Lyons is my first read by this author, and it makes me want to venture into more of her writing. I liked the characters. However, I wanted more of the story, and wish it was a full length novel. I was glad to see the author was different in her representation of Keith’s love interest. I think Keith expected Mike to be some bigoted biker guy, and was gladly shown otherwise. I liked the contrast between both guys, not just in looks but personality either. Mike was sweet, and very protective during the time that Keith was there. I liked Keith as well. I’d love to see these guys in a full length novel some times, or maybe another short.

Cover Art by ?: I did not understand the link between the story or cover. It did not match up to anything in the story at all. I think it’s nice, but very misleading.

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

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 26 pages
Published March 15th 2015 by Wayward Ink Publishing
ASINB00TXHK0PG
edition languageEnglish

A Mika Review: Toy with Me (BFP: The Secrets Collection) by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Toy With Me coverAaron is hiding something in his drawers—but that’s not his only secret.

When he moves in with his new housemates, Aaron intends to tell them about his sexuality from the outset. But a large pink item of a personal nature, given as a joke, scuppers his plans and he misses his chance.

Fellow housemate Rob is out and proud. He guesses Aaron is gay, and when he finds Aaron’s other secret concealed in his sock drawer, he takes it upon himself to help Aaron out with a little sexual experimentation.

I really enjoyed this novella. This was the perfect combination of roommates coming together. The writing was great, and the cast of characters were enjoyable as well. It was funny, charming, and a very sweet read. I really enjoyed Rob & Aaron. I would love for a continuation of their story. 

I liked Aaron’s vulnerability, and Rob had this protective streak a mile when it came to Aaron. The TENSION between the two was palpable. You can feel the angst on the page. It was so worth it. When they finally got together it was so HOT. I really liked this. It was a good introduction for me to this author’s style. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

Cover Art by ? I rather liked the cover. I thought it was very much Rob with his good looks, and kind heart. It was cute, and I thought it kept up with the series as the other covers.

Sales Links:  |  Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details: 

Published June 19th 2015 by Blanket Fort Press (first published June 17th 2015)
original titleToy With Me
edition languageEnglish
seriesBFP: The Secrets Collection

The Secrets Collection:

 

 

A Mika Review: Northland (The North Novels #2) by Cara Dee

Rating: 3.75 star out of 5 stars

A handsome young man in a knitted sweater in dramatic lighting.

Two years ago, Logan Ward got the surprise of his life when he discovered he was the father of a two-year-old boy. Professionally and romantically adrift, he devoted all his time and energy to caring for his son. But now he’s searching for something more, and he and Justin head north to Alaska to try out the life his best friend Quinn has been raving about.

Kyle Shaw has been living off the land his whole life, comfortable with nature and the challenges of surviving in the Alaskan wilderness. He enjoys his seasonal work at the O’Connor Adventure Retreat and is looking forward to this year’s stint. He’s not in the market for anything more than hard work, good friends, and reasonably priced milk.

The work brought Logan to Alaska. But a late-night encounter with Kyle opens his mind to the possibilities of a future richer than any paycheck.

I think that Northland by Cara Dee might be more of an instant love romance then the first story in the series. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. Kyle was like a flirty fiend in book one, and I wanted to know more about him and that happened here.

I liked Kyle a lot in this book. He was totally different this time. This story showed that he had all of these responsibilities that he wasn’t slacking on. Mmmm, I’m still thinking on Logan from the first half. I thought his treatment of Kyle in the beginning was really bad. To put someone in that position was so utterly selfish. What really sold me was the children. I love kids in my books. It brings this realistic tone into the story, add in the location for me and I found it enjoyable. 

I felt Kyle was true to himself in alot of ways. He was serious about his job, his family, and his friends. I liked that he was always on the move, and always willing to help someone first. Logan redeemed himself big time. He turned out to have the most patience with Lani.

Of course we got a glimpse of Quinn & Declan. As for Kyle & Logan together,  I think they mesh well together. They’re opposites with children, but were both looking for a family together. Let’s not forgot about the steamy scene which was bonuses in itself. I enjoyed them. This read like the ending of the series, with only two so far. Wonderful epilogue at the end.

Cover Art by ?: As simple as the cover art is and I do like it. I thought since the theme was children as well, that it would have been nicer with a little girl.

Sales Link:   Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published May 26th 2015
edition languageEnglish
seriesThe North Novels #2

A Mika Review: Northbound (The North Novels #1) by Cara Dee

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

 

A handsome young man in a knitted sweater in dramatic lighting.

Quinn Sawyer didn’t apply for a temporary job at the remote O’Connor Adventure Retreat all the way in Alaska because he wants a change of scenery. He loves his sunny Florida, and he’s only heading north because he needs answers from Declan O’Connor, the man who dated Quinn’s aunt six years ago.

One day, Declan was just gone, and it had been the beginning of hell for Quinn. Most of his family suddenly hated him and still blames him for Declan ending the relationship with Quinn’s aunt, though nobody will tell Quinn why.

He deserves to know how it could’ve possibly been his fault, and he’s not going to let the crush he harbored for Declan stand in the way.

After finally tracking down Declan, Quinn gets on a plane. Or death machine, as he prefers to call it. But in his quest to find out the truth, he discovers there’s a lot more to the Land of the Midnight Sun than seeking answers.

I really liked Northbound (The North Novels #1) by Cara Dee. At first I didn’t know I felt  about seeing the potential for Quinn & Declan because they had a sort of past in each other’s life. They did beat around it in the story, and I don’t know how to feel about it, especially that Quinn would come searching for someone he had not see in a long time. I’m glad he did, because he was so much happier seeing Declan.

I also really enjoyed the setting of Alaska. It was a nice change of place and plans for a story. I now look at Alaska in a different way than I had before. It was so different than the way I live, considering I am apart of the lower 48. Haha. It was my trigger with the age-gap trope. I did enjoy seeing Declan & Quinn together. I thought they meshed together quite well. I would had love to see more of them and less of everything else, but I’m quite happy with the finished product.

Cover Art by Cara Dee: As simple as the cover art is and I do like it. I thought since the theme was children as well, that it would have been nicer with a little girl.

Sales Links:    Amazon    Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published April 28th 2015
edition languageEnglish
seriesThe North Novels #1