In the Spotlight: Bonnie Dee on The Mighty Have Fallen (guest blog, exclusive excerpt)

The Mighty Have Fallen by Bonnie Dee
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer

Here are the links for The Mighty Have Fallen. Bonnie Dee doesn’t have one for Itunes yet.

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Bonnie Dee here today as she shares a little about herself and her upcoming release, The Mighty Have Fallen. Welcome, Bonnie.

I’m glad to be here at Scattered Thoughts blog to share a little about myself and my upcoming release. I’m Bonnie Dee. Some readers of this blog might know me as half of the writing team of Devon and Dee. Alone and with my co-author, I’ve written a number of gay historical romance novels. The pattern of those stories, although set in different locations and time periods, were becoming too familiar so I decided to take a break and write a contemporary. The mode of speech is quite different. I had to correct myself when I’d slip into the cadence and formality of an earlier time. Writing in modern parlance was a really nice change of pace.

Although I have written a couple of contemporaries in the past, The Mighty Have Fallen is my first one in quite a while. It was particularly rewarding because Dreamspinner Press included my story in the launch of their new Perchance to Dream line, which is written from a UK perspective. My UK editor helped me with expressions, customs and general Britifying of the manuscript, particularly Jack’s heavy East End accent.

Of course the sorts of difficulties historically faced by gay men were much more immediate and dire than the problems posed in modern romances. The possibility of jail time and social disgrace add a heightened element of danger to historicals. Still, I gave my protagonist Trevor plenty to overcome as he loses his sight, fame, money and lover all at once and has to discover his will to go on.

The perfect counterpart to this devastated and justifiably moody man is Jack Burrows, a hard-working East Ender with an easy-going temperament. When the two men become flat mates, Jack prods Trevor out of his gloom and back into life by suggesting his days on the stage don’t have to be over. As Trevor prepares to perform a one-night-only act at a local drag club, the men grow closer, moving from lust to love.

More about The Mighty Have Fallen

Theatre headliner Trevor Rowland is at the peak of his career when disaster strikes. In one fell swoop, he loses his eyesight, his fame, and his boyfriend, who absconds with most of his money. Trevor must take on a flatmate, hardworking East Ender Jack Burrows, to afford the rent. Anger and bitterness have taken up residence in his heart—but Jack shines light into the shadowy corners with his relentlessly sunny disposition.

Jack introduces Trevor to a local drag club and convinces him he can enjoy the stage again. Trevor’s defences slowly come down as Jack becomes much more than a barely tolerated roommate.

But will Trevor’s fragile trust be destroyed when it appears he’s been manipulated yet again by a man he’s come to care for? Will he reclaim his life or crawl back into a shell of defeat? Trevor must learn to trust not only a man, but himself, once more.

Here’s an exclusive excerpt from The Mighty Have Fallen.

While his body responded to Jack’s masterful kisses and touches, part of Trevor’s brain kept replaying his words: I’ve wanted to do this for a while now. That meant during the little over a month they’d roomed together, Jack had watched Trevor. He’d thought about him, maybe fantasized touching or kissing him, without ever letting on.

Imagining Jack silently watching and desiring him felt good, but it was also rather disconcerting. He could no longer read the visual cues that would have told him of Jack’s attraction. Heated looks and body language weren’t signalled through a voice.

The taxi ride ended and Jack pulled away, leaving Trevor’s lips bruised and his brain whirling. Jack paid and tipped the driver, who thanked him in a foreign accent Trevor couldn’t identify, and they got out of the car. He wondered if the driver had been disgusted by their canoodling, but he supposed the man had witnessed lovers who’d gone much further.

Slammin’ in the back seat. A phrase from some song he couldn’t recall played in Trevor’s head.

Jack grabbed his hand, dragged him into the flat, and shut the door behind them. What had started on the pavement and carried on feverishly in the back of the taxi came to a frantic, fumbling head there.

“Should we—?”

Jack cut off his words with a kiss and clasped the back of Trevor’s neck, holding him steady while he devoured his mouth. Trevor dropped his cane with a clatter on the hall floor. After backing him against the door, Jack pinned him there, chest to chest, groin to groin, erection rubbing against erection, only a little denim and cotton between them. When their clothes came off, there would be warm, satin flesh to stroke and slide against. No use pretending they’d stop at a little kissing and then go to their separate rooms.

About the Author

You can learn more about me, Bonnie Dee, and my back list of many romance books at http://bonniedee.com. Find me on FB at Bonnie Dee Author or Bonnie Dee. My Twitter handle is @Bonnie_Dee. I’m not the most active social media person but I turn up occasionally. Most importantly, please take a moment to sign up for my newsletter to learn of upcoming releases. Newsletter signup form

A.E. VIA on Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via (excerpt)

Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via

M/M GAY CONTEMPORARY
Edited by: Tina Adamski
Cover Artist – Jay Aheer

Release Date: December 12, 2016
PAGE COUNT – 365

Buy Links

Amazon Buy Link: https://goo.gl/LXaMrW

Barnes & Noble: https://goo.gl/DVKJ5O

Smashwords: https://goo.gl/psjFiu

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/e0aytf

Synopsis

The boys are back and fiercer than ever!

“We were a unit tonight, moving as one. Even apart, we are deadly, but when combined – we are f**kin’ unstoppable.” ~~ God ~~

Atlanta’s notorious narcotics task force is at it again. They are stronger, bigger, and better than ever. Especially when a city councilman sends RECON Marine, Edwin Steele – who’s been blacklisted from his Oakland department – to join the team. God and Day weren’t recruiting. They have a lot on their plates, like the fact they’re supposed to be getting married soon. They don’t have the time or the patience to integrate a decorated war hero with a slight chip on his shoulder into their well-oiled machine.

A hothead that’s uncontrollable and terrible with authority… but wasn’t that their team motto?

Steele was ready to hang up his shield. He was done fighting with bigoted bastards that couldn’t respect the job. He was good at fighting; he just needed the right team to fight with. When his uncle – City Councilman, Rasmus Steele – shows him a video of God’s team in action, he knows right away, it’s where his nephew belongs in order to restore his faith.

Steele pointed to the driver, a behemoth of a man wielding those massive firearms like a true beast… like a soldier. “And him. Who the hell is he?”

“That’s your new boss. Lieutenant Cashel Godfrey… they call him… God.”

Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology specialist/computer genius, “Tech,” he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.

Tech is stunning. His sweater vest and khakis, a stark contrast to the blue-jeaned roughnecks he works with. A beautiful sheep amongst the wolves. Steel thinks there’s no way the brilliant man would be interested in a hardhead like him, but Tech has a few badass hidden talents of his own and manages to surprise him… surprise all of them.

This story is a part of a series but can stand alone. It does not end on a cliffhanger and has a HEA. There are no multiple pairings in this novel.

About the Author

A.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children. Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors.

Visit my site to learn more! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next

Author Official Website: http://authoraevia.com

A.E. Blog: http://authoraevia.com/blogfann.html

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/aeviaauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAEVia

EXCERPT

The shower area was dark, except for the lights filtering in from the locker area, but God could see steam rising from the last stall. His boots were loud on the hard floor and he didn’t hesitate for a second to yank the thin plastic back and step inside the hot stall. Day’s back was to him, his hands braced on the tiles in front of him, his head hanging low while the hot water pelted his tense neck and shoulders. He never flinched at the intrusion, as if he’d been expecting God any second.

“I’m okay, Cashel. I’m not hurt,” Day just barely whispered over the sound of the water before he turned the nozzles to off.

“Face me,” God said roughly, his throat thick with emotion.

Day turned around, pushing his hair back off his face. There wasn’t a cut anywhere on his body, only a slight bruise on his right shoulder and a little discoloration on his temple. Day leaned against the stall like he was exhausted and God had to touch him. His touch was firm, but his lover was used to that. He pressed in close, breathing in the smell of Day’s favorite shampoo and his body wash. God ran his nose down Day’s temple, gripping him around his waist and running his calloused palms up his sides, listening for any grunts of discomfort. Day didn’t make a sound. No bruised ribs. God used every one of his senses, including taste, to check Day over. When God got to Day’s shoulders, he squeezed them and heard the hiss Day tried but failed to hold back.

God growled and slammed both his hands against the stall on either side of Day’s head. “I was late. I was fuckin’ late.”

“I knew you’d do this. I knew you’d blame yourself. You did your job, Cash. You kept the Enforcers close. They got there in time.” Day reached up and gripped God’s massive biceps, easing his hands over his shoulders and up to his neck. When he leaned in, God let Day clamp down on the back of his neck – relishing the strength of his partner – and bring their mouths together in a fierce kiss. A kiss that made a hundred apologies and answered with even more forgiveness. When they finally broke apart, both of them were panting heavily, and God wrapped Day tight in his arms, letting the contact bring him back from the edge.

“Goddamnit. I was so scared, Leo,” God admitted, no longer afraid to be vulnerable in front of this one man.

“Me too,” Day whispered.

Day let God hold him as long as he needed to. As long as it took for him to know that he was safe.

Taylor V. Donovan on Writing, Style and her release “Six Degrees of Lust“ (author guest post and giveaway)

Six Degrees of Lust (By Degrees #1) by Taylor V. Donovan

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Taylor V. Donovan here today to talk about writing and her release Six Degrees of Lust. Welcome, Taylor!

Hello, everyone!

My name is Taylor V. Donovan and I’m an author of gay romance and suspense. Today I’m here to talk about writing…about my voice and my style. Thank you so much to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me!

Those of you who have read my work already know my stories are mostly inspired by everyday situations. For those of you who have yet to read my work and have absolutely no clue what to expect, I’ll tell you that realism is my “thing.” There’s no magic penis that’ll cure anything and everything, but my characters are full of love, commitment, hope, and determination to be happy. Also, making my readers part of my characters’ journey is my main goal. The ride is never a quick or easy, but hopefully you’ll feel emotionally invested. ☺

My first title was contracted in May 2011. My first story, a freebie called Heatstroke, was published in July of 2011. Since then I’ve become very familiar with reviews and readers’ reactions to my work. I’ve met other readers clamoring for “different” stuff. I’ve learned there are professional reviewers, neutral reviewers that focus on craft, mean reviewers that make authors reconsider whether they’re cut out for writing or not, passionate readers that offer their opinions in the form of a review, reviewers that have such firm ideas of how a story should go that they pretty much tell us how we should’ve written the book, reviewers that—

I’ll shut up now. I’m pretty sure you all get my drift, and this post is not about reviews. It’s about my personal journey and individual style as an author, but before we reach that point, I need to get back to basics.

I’ve been reading fiction forever. I adore doing so. It’s been my favorite hobby my entire life. If I remember correctly, I discovered the romance genre when I was only eleven. A battered Harlequin copy was mixed in with a bunch of magazines my aunt gave me. I read it and I was hooked. Not to Harlequin, but to reading romance.

As a reader, I don’t like gratuitous anything. Books with misunderstandings that go on for at least four chapters, silly bickering written in an attempt to replace real conflict, and too stupid to live characters that should not be allowed out of their houses are, in my opinion, a waste of precious reading time and an insult to my intelligence. And boy, don’t get me started on the sex. I mean, I most definitely enjoy a hot sex scene, but it’d better not be the only thing happening in the book, and it better mean something. Porn without plot and stroke stories are not for me. When the only thing growing between the main characters is their erections I cannot help but to feel turned off and frustrated.

I want a solid plot. I want realistic characters and situations. I don’t want to escape the world. I want to see how these guys who become real to me the moment I start reading deal with every day issues. I want to get emotionally invested and cheer on the guys until they find their way to happiness. And you know what? That doesn’t always happen within 50,000 words and fifteen chapters.

If you’ve been following my writing career you know I’m not a rookie author anymore, even though I only have a few titles to my name. Life happened to me, so yeah… To date I have three published stories: Heatstroke, Six Degrees of Lust, Six Degrees of Separation, Hearsay, and Disasterology 101, which is currently being formatted for re-release. But if you’ve read my work then you also know I don’t stick to any specific formulas. There are two reasons for this:

1. I write what I like to read, and

2. early on I decided to let the characters do the talking.

Every one of my stories, both published and works in progress, began with just one character. Sometimes he turns out to be the MC, but not always. He’d much rather be in the background and wait until the time is right for him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have lots to say and things he needs to bring to the table.

That was the case with Logan, one of the characters in my By Degrees series, a romantic suspense featuring a serial killer of gay men and the FBI team leader trying to catch him. Logan demanded his POV was included in Six Degrees of Lust, the first installment in the series. Then another character appeared with the same behavior. And another. And another. And what they had to say needed to be said on their time and on their own terms. I had to listen to them because if I didn’t, their story wouldn’t have been the same. And that, my friends, is how I ended up writing an ensemble serial with unresolved situations.

Several unresolved situations.

This, of course, will change as the series advances. Sadly, it just could not happen in one book. Not unless I wrote a 2,000-page saga.

Six Degrees of Lust, Second Edition was just released on January 2, and it has received wonderful reviews. Some readers love the format and the build-up. They appreciate the fact that every character has a distinctive voice. Other readers hate the cliffhangers and would’ve preferred the book didn’t have as big a cast, and focused on Sam and Mac’s POVs, the main romantic couple in this installment. All opinions are valid and appreciated. It is a matter of personal taste and to each their own, yes?

But when the first edition of the book released back in 2011, those opinions got me thinking hard and carefully. Should I not write ensemble novels? Should I find a way to silence all those voices even though I know why their story needs to be told a certain way? Should I stick to conventional formulas so that I don’t upset the readers that know what they want (only the MCs) and how it should be (no cliffhangers or open storylines, please)?

Someone told me I need to write more sex. I’ve been advised to stick to a proven, successful formula. I’ve been told I’m better off not including kids in my books. I’ve tried to decide the kind of readers I want to reach: the escapists or the hard-core realists… and I’ve decided that the best thing I can do is to remain loyal to my characters and their journey, however long and bumpy it might be.

All my other stories, and this includes Heavy Hitters, my next title to be released, focus on the main couple. But when/if the time comes for another big cast, I will welcome it with open arms, because they have a right to be heard even if they aren’t the norm.

Just like I’m not.

But enough about me. I want to hear what you guys have to say about this. Are you willing to read out of your comfort zone, or do you prefer to stick to stories similar to the ones you’ve liked the best so far? Why do you feel that way? Could I change your mind? Just kidding on that one. 😉

Come on, guys. Discussion time. Inquiring minds would like to know. 🙂

Xoxo

Taylor

P.S. I’ve brought some copies to give away. Leave a comment and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a set of electronic copies Six Degrees of Lust and Six Degrees of Separation, Second Edition.

P.S. 2 Six Degrees of Lust, Second Edition, releases today. If you read the first version, I’d still recommend you get this one as well, as some characters were fleshed out and, even though the story arc remains basically the same, there are tweaks foreshadowing events in Six Degrees of Separation, which in turn leads to events in Six Degrees of Agony, finally coming to you late 2017.

Good luck!

Six Degrees of Lust, Second Edition

Release date: January 2, 2017

Blurb

By Degrees; Book One

New York City FBI team leader Samuel Shaughnessy lives for his immediate family and his job. After a marriage gone wrong he has stuck to a firm rule when it comes to relationships: he doesn’t have them. Sexually active and emotionally unavailable keeps him satisfied, especially now that he is in hot pursuit of a serial killer targeting gay men.

Former firefighter Machlan O’Bannon now manages a successful sports bar in Houston and after years of waiting he’s ready to stand up and be the man he always wanted to be: out, proud and drama-free. His politically-aligned family wants to keep him locked in the closet, but Mac just wants to meet the man of his dreams.

One man is as high strung as the other is laid back. A chance meeting brings the two men together, and one night of passion ignites a fire neither can fight. Their lives are not only miles apart, but as different as day and night. They don’t want to get involved, but they might not be able to keep apart.

First Edition published by MLR Press, December 2011.

Taylor V. Donovan is a compulsive reader and author of gay romance and suspense. She is optimistically cynical about humanity and a lover of history, museums, and all things 80s. She shamelessly indulges in mind-numbing reality television, is crazy about fashion, and passionate about civil rights and equality for all.

When she’s not writing or making a living in the busiest city in the world, Taylor can be found raising her two daughters and their terribly misbehaved furry baby in their home.

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Giveaway

Taylor Donovan has brought some copies to give away. Leave a comment along with your email address where you can be reached if chosen and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a set of electronic copies Six Degrees of Lust and Six Degrees of Separation, Second Edition. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

An Alisa Review: Defrosting Jack by Susan Laine

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Jack Frost has a problem. He’s the mythical power behind the elements of ice, snow, and frost, but his fame is being usurped by a fictional Frozen queen. So Jack’s the grumpiest man in Yuleland and is in need of a naughty distraction.

Rudolph Hreinn has a problem, as well. Rudy’s in high demand on Christmas, but the rest of the year he’s scorned by everyone for being different. So Rudy’s the saddest man in Yuleland and desperate for a nice diversion.

When the winter sprite and the reindeer shifter meet, after a rocky start, a friendship of like minds is born. Attraction soon follows. But then strange things start to happen. Odd omens warn them of dire consequences for Yuleland and for the winter holidays should they fall for each other.

Can love unite two lonely men and save Christmas? It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for some frosty reindeer games.

Jack gives off the impression he prefers to be solitary in defense to being continually pushed away. Rudy has been ridiculed for his heredity and prefers to spend most of his time alone. They both are tired of denying their attraction for the other and quickly realize they are the perfect counterpart to each other (hot to cold).

Jack and Rudy stand by each other through the whole situation, fighting for their love in spite of the consequences that have been foretold. We see both of their emotions and feelings pretty plainly even though Jack holds his tight to his chest when with others. I was rooting for these two to get everything worked out and continue building their connection to each other.

The cover art is very nice and gives a good visual for the characters.

Sales Links: Siren Publishing

Book Details:

ebook, 126 pages

Published: December 7, 2016 by Siren Publishing

Edition Language: English

A Lila Review: Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

A hothead that’s uncontrollable and terrible with authority… but wasn’t that their team motto?

Steele pointed to the driver, a behemoth of a man wielding those massive firearms like a true beast… like a soldier. “And him. Who the hell is he?”

“That’s your new boss. Lieutenant Cashel Godfrey… they call him… God.”

Steele was skeptical about his new placement, but when he meets God’s technology specialist/computer genius, “Tech,” he’s willing to give it his all, and he definitely shows and proves.

Nothing Special V is two books in one. We get Steele’s and Tech’s story. Plus, side stories from all the previous couples. It takes a moment to get used to all the POV changes, but the author did an excellent job keeping them organized and relevant. All the voices combined gives us the best look into the futures of God’s and Day’s men.

The first meeting between Tech and Steele set the pace for the story. It shows the reader how well-equipped they are to deal with each other and how good they fit in the team. Reading both of their thoughts and feelings also clue us into the path they need to follow to be together. They needed to grow stronger individually to be a couple.

The combination between meaningful smexy scenes and the action-packed plot lines create the perfect balance of enjoyment. These men are more than their batches, they’re a family that works like a well-oiled machine. But under everything else, they are strong because of the men at their side. Each couple and their love make them more than lethal.

If you are a fan of these men, you’re going to love the extra scenes with them as a group and the individual couples. The whole thing works together and sets the stage for even more couples to come.

And the bonus story at the end of the book is a perfect five. I love the little short story about the youngest couple in their bunch.

The cover by Jay Aheer is a compilation of the covers from the other books in the series, together with the new additions—Steele & Tech.

Sale Links: Amazon | Smashwords | Nook

Book Details:

ebook, 360 pages
Published: December 19, 2016, by Via Star Wings Publishing
ASIN: B01N0G9507
Edition Language: English

Series: Nothing Special
Book #1: Nothing Special
Book #2: Embracing His Syn
Book #3: Here Comes Trouble
Book#4: Don’t Judge
Book#5: Nothing Special V

A Stella Review: Falling Down by Eli Easton

RATING 5 out of 5 stars

Josh finds himself homeless at eighteen, but he has a plan. He’ll head north on the bus to New England and spend October there for his mother’s sake. She always talked about going to see the fall leaves someday. And when the leaves are done and the harsh winter comes, Josh plans to find a place to curl up and let go. It will be a relief to finally stop fighting.

Mark spent his life trying to live up to the tough swagger of his older brothers until he pushed himself so far against his nature that he cracked. Now a former Marine, he rents a little cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he can lick his wounds and figure out what to do with the rest of his life. One thing was clear: Mark was nobody’s hero.

Fate intervenes when Josh sets up camp under a covered bridge near Mark’s cabin. Mark recognizes the dead look in the young stranger’s eyes, and he feels compelled to do something about it. When Mark offers Josh a job, he never expects that he’ll be the one to fall.

The snow is coming soon. Can Mark convince Josh that the two of them can build a life together before the flurries begin?

Trigger Warning: Suicidal thoughts

I probably already said this a thousand times, but I have to repeat myself: Eli Easton is a guarantee in the mm community. She is an amazing writer and each new story is a powerful gem. Like Falling Down.

I knew since I read the blurb, this new book was going to leave me as an emotional wreck for a long time, and it actually did, but with a gentleness and a lightness I wasn’t expecting. I’m pretty sure I will remember those characters forever. I have to say I fell in love with them from the start.

Josh took my heart and gave it back to me just at the end when I realized things were really going to work out well for him and his Mark. He is so young and depressed and it went through so much in his life. I could relate to him because I went through the same grief when I had his age and so he touched my heart deeply. And then there was Mark, who is everything a person should be, good, caring, strong willed , trusting, imperfect. Two lonely souls who fate put on each others path and although hard lives, painful pasts and dark thoughts, an HEA is coming their way.

Eli wrote a beautiful slow burn story, Mark and Josh became first friends, while working together on Mrs. Fisher house and let the old woman take care of them just how much they start caring for her and for each other. A slow burn story but full of chemistry, the attraction between them is clear and strong.

Yes the book is full of angst (read the warning!) but in my opinion the author was great at dosing it in the right way. Although the angst and more than one intense scene where I cried all the tears I had in my eyes, Falling Down isn’t heavy or oppressing at all. It’s full of emotions and it filled my heart so much, I just surrender and loved it. It deserves more than five stars. Highly recommended.

I like the cover art by Eli Easton very much in general but I can’t actually see Josh in the model, he simply is not like I had pictured him in my mind. That said the cover is very well done.

SALE LINKS

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 252 pages

Published November 7th 2016 by Pinkerton Road LLC

ASIN B01MSIYOHB

Edition Language English

A MelanieM Review: The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

If he risks his heart, can he keep his head in the game?

To win gold, figure skater Alex Grady must train harder than the competition morning, noon, and night. He’s obsessed with mastering another quadruple jump, and due to the lack of filter between his mouth and brain, doesn’t have a lot of friends. As for a boyfriend, forget it. So what if he’s still a virgin at twenty? The Olympics are only every four years—everything else can wait. Relationships are messy and complicated anyway, and he has zero room in his life for romance.

So it’s ridiculous when Alex finds himself checking out his boring new training mate Matt Savelli. Calm, collected “Captain Cardboard” is a nice guy, but even if Alex had time to date, Matt’s so not his type. Yet beneath Matt’s wholesome surface, there’s a dirty, sexy man who awakens a desire Alex has never experienced and can’t deny…

The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews was a delightful romance, especially so if you love the world of competitive ice skating. If you are one of those who stay hooked to the screen during the Olympics or the many World Championships watching the amazing athletes skate on the ice for medals and points, then Andrews manages to bring that world and back stage competition to life here in this story along with the romance. I have to admit there were times I wondered which I enjoyed more.

Alex Grady who’s desire to win makes him a less than sterling person to begin with. He evolves, thankfully, as a person as the story moves forward. But I admit to having trouble liking him at first. All his other competitors and fellow skaters, no matter what division they are competing in, came off far better. I liked them all, even Mrs C, Alex’s Russian coach. Every character here felt true, as a believable athlete and person. I enjoyed all the supporting cast, some almost as much as the main couple and wished to have seen more of them, like Kenny, the Japanese skater with so much riding on his shoulders.

The pain and emotional roller coaster that is professional/yes amateur skating world is well done here. One slip on the ice and its over for the year, everything a pair/skater/coach has worked for. How does one handle that? Andrews puts it all down into her story, and lets us feel these skaters pain and loss. As well as the fact that they’re so young too.

Matt and Alex together are adorable. I do hear that there’s lots of “hooking up” during competitions. All those gorgeous bodies and hormones flying. That feels so plausible as part of the story. By the end, they are well on their way to HEA and its wonderful.

Cover art works beautifully for the story and characters.

Sales Link

Book Details:

This new version has been extensively rewritten, updated, and expanded into a new adult romance with explicit on-page sex.

ebook, 2nd Edition: First published in 2010. , 246 pages

Published December 6th 2016 by KA Books
ISBN139781988260136
Edition LanguageEnglish

A MelanieM Release Day Review: In Enemy Hands by MA Church

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Two very different civilizations—one bathed in bright sunlight, and the other veiled in shadow.

Bad decisions, declining resources, and a king on the brink of madness force Prince Varo Kutchif, third son of the royal family and a starship captain, to attempt the impossible: barter for Black Phospolrock, an energy source the mysterious Helkan kingdom has in abundance. Varo opens a line of communication with Adlar, an intriguing Helkan who seems to reciprocate Varo’s interest. He hopes so, because if negotiations collapse, Varo has orders to attack.

The Helkans preside over a planet shrouded in perpetual darkness. Several species have tried to exploit its natural resources through trade with them, but all have failed. Adlar Mondur is the older brother to the Helkan ruler. An assassin of the highest order, he’ll do anything to protect his king and his people—including tracking down the Yesri prince who crash-lands on their planet, leaving an ugly scar across its untouched beauty.

Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.

In Enemy Hands by MA Church was a story I never wanted to end. Great world building to the extent that you felt you were walking along side Varo, seeing the planet’s marvels and dangers through his eyes, the flora and fauna each and every one detailed and enticing. And the Helkans are every bit as intriguing and captivating as their planet. Church has naturally carried through to from a planet wreathed in darkness to its peoples. They are pale, dark haired, yellow eyes, strong and, just as beautiful and lethal as their home. The Helkans view their resources, including the precious Black Phospolrock, in a manner the rest of the galaxy does not. Church lays out their society and culture clearly.

What little we learn of the Yesri, they are the opposite in every way. Industrialized to the point that they have destroyed their planet’s habitats and resources, their planet is covered in sun as is their high born people who are tanned, white haired with brown eyes. Heavily divided into class systems, the disparity between them is getting greater, and desperation is driving the commands behind Varo’s mission into space.

Was I hooked? Oh you bet!

And once the two met? Even better. Because every time I came up with an issue with the way I thought Varo should be acting (perhaps more assured, whatever), Church was there ahead of me, anticipating my questions about his behavior, putting forth answers through Adlar…well, it was amazing. I’m not one of those readers who enjoy a captive situation but this made great reading. It was a slow learning process for both men, no hurt/comfort, just discovering who each one was under a stressful situation. Adler giving Varo space to grow and Varo being able to see past his prejudices. Plus the two of them together? Sexy as hell.

There’s intrigue of course, and danger. Enough here for two books. I believe the author has left open enough possibilities that should Church wish too she could revisit this planet and couple easily. Or we could see how Wrief, Varo’s brother got on. After this, I’m up for anything to do with the Halkans and its ruling family.

As I said this was an amazing story. I loved it. If you are a lover of science fiction, romance, M.A. Church, or all of the above, pick it up and start reading. I highly recommend it.

Cover art by Anne Cain is perfect for Adler.

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Book Details:

ebook, 214 pages
Expected publication: December 30th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634776089 (ISBN13: 9781634776080)
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Lila Release Day Review: More Things in Heaven and Earth By Paul Comeau

Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5

When young Danny Crawford’s father and a priest conspire to subject him to conversion therapy, Danny only sees one way out. But little does Danny know he’ll soon have a sentinel watching from the darkness, a guardian angel in the most unlikely form imaginable.

Damien, a vampire, is inexplicably moved by Danny’s plight. He takes it upon himself to make sure Danny’s father and the priest can never hurt him again, giving Danny a chance at a normal life. As Danny grows up, Damien struggles to keep the boy—and later the young man—from harm. He does not dare go any further, no matter how much he wants to. To do so would ruin everything he’s tried to do for Danny. He doesn’t realize that as Danny embarks on a successful modeling career and begins dating, Danny feels empty, longing for something—or someone—just beyond his reach: a shadow, a presence he despairingly believes forever lost to him.

When brutality and violence threaten Danny again, Damien must make a decision—risk revealing himself to Danny, or leave Danny to his fate.

More Things in Heaven and Earth is not what I expected after reading the blurb. At the same time, it’s more, and less. To better explain, I think these are two books trying to become one—a literary fiction story that collided with a romance novel. I would have preferred to get a HFN or a tutor & apprentice kind of ending in this story. And then, round up the romance and the rest of their future on a separate book.

Some of the scenes were too descriptive and the things Danny and Damien endured too brutal to be compensated by their flourishing relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I know life’s not easy, and many men & women had these same experiences, but it’s hard to balance them in order to enjoy the author’s main purpose.

Damien was lovely. The way his feelings for Danny developed and how he lived his life were interesting. I like that he was not a conventional vampire, and even made fun of Hollywood’s stereotypes. His protective instinct and his friendship with Danny saved the story for me. They were great together.

Danny is an interesting character; perhaps a little naïve. The story arc with his family works as part of his book, but was a bit over-the-top. I did enjoy how his relationship with his mother and sister ended.

The story is well written and I do like the author’s style. I simply had some trouble getting over some facts that seemed unnecessary at times. The ten POV changes were unnecessary as well. Some of those paragraph could have been re-written from one of the MCs’ POV. The background chapters for Danny’s parents were too much. We could had inferred the information from their actions instead of reading their narrations.

I had some questions by the end of the story, and skimmed over certain areas, but overall I like it. It took me some time to decide on a rate for it, but in the end, the parts that deserved one-star benefited from the story as a whole.

The cover by Catt Ford goes very well with the book; showing the main characters and their home.

Sale Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon |

Book Details:

ebook, 284 pages
Published: December 30, 2016, Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781635331363
Edition Language: English

A VVivacious Review: Connections Matter (Loving the Rainbow #3) by Nicole Dennis

Rating : 3.75 Stars out of 5

Julian is fed up with his job, especially his supervisor who seems to save up all his nasty especially for Julian. When things get to be too much to bear he quits. But quitting his job opens a whole new can of uncertainty as he finds himself at a loss for future prospects.

Meanwhile Julian’s boyfriend Emmett proposes a road trip to meet Riley and Conor, a couple in Virginia who Emmett wants to interview for his online zine. But as it happens meeting Riley and Conor is just the thing to set Emmett and Julian on the right track, and give Julian an idea of what he wants to do with his future.

I liked this story. Prior to starting this story I was unaware that this story was a follow up story to the previously published stories “Stranded” and “Whatever It Takes” by the author featuring “Julian & Emmett” and “Riley & Conor” respectively. I haven’t read these stories but I can assure you that that did not lessen my enjoyment of this story. In fact having read this story makes me even more enthusiastic about reading these ‘prequels’ so as to get to spend more time with these characters.

My only problem with this story were the awkward phrases and typos that turn up at pivotal points, not that there were many of these but they seemed to appear at engrossing moments in the story and disturbed the flow of the story for me. But thankfully these typos disappeared towards the ending.

I loved the characters in this story. Julian is the quiet, introspective guy who carries the weight of the world and finds himself at a loss after having quit his job while Emmett is full of energy, the kind of guy who is super fun to be around and who is always on the go. I loved these two together because they seemed to balance out each other perfectly and also because we got to see them grow as a couple. I loved how both of them were so supportive of the other, especially after Julian quits his job, I loved how Emmett was non-judgemental and completely supportive of Julian despite not having to be in that position often with Julian.

If I had to choose I would say this story is essentially Emmett and Julian’s but that in no way diminishes the role that Riley and Conor play in this story. In a way Riley & Conor represented the balance Emmett & Julian hoped to achieve. I loved Riley & Conor, they were an amazing couple.

This was a feel good slice of life fiction about a couple trying to navigate their life. I loved the story and I loved the contrasts drawn between the two couples and I loved the love these two amazing couples shared.

Cover Art by Scarlet Tie Designs. I didn’t quite like the choice of red on blue but otherwise the cover is okay.

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MLR Press

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 112 pages
Published October 2016 by MLR Press
ASINB01MDNBS1D
Edition LanguageEnglish

The Mighty Have Fallen by Bonnie Dee Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Bree Archer

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Nothing Special V (Nothing Special #5) by A.E. Via

Release Date: December 12, 2016 PAGE COUNT – 365

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Six Degrees of Lust (By Degrees #1) by Taylor V. Donovan

Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

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The Mighty Have Fallen by Bonnie Dee
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer

Release Date: December 12, 2016
PAGE COUNT – 365

Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase