Tag: LGBTQIA Science Fiction

Check out the latest tour and giveaway for The Hencha Queen by J. Scott Coatsworth

The Hencha Queen - J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer sci-fantasy book out, Tales from Tharassas book 3: The Hencha Queen.

“A richly painted world that is both beautiful and sinister, evoking landscapes that are as much science fiction as Tolkiensian fantasy. 5 stars.” –Ulysses, Paranormal Romance Guild

SILYA COMES INTO HER OWN, BUT WILL SHE BE ENOUGH?

Silya finally has everything she always wanted. She’s the Hencha Queen, head of the Temple, and is working to master her newfound talents. So why does the world pick now to fall apart?

Her once-nemesis Raven is off riding dragons, and their mutual friend (and her ex) Aik is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, a new threat menaces the Heartland from the East, and if she can’t convince a reluctant Gullton city council to prepare for the worst, she may lose everyone and everything she’s ever cared about.

As she uses her magic-like abilities, wit and sheer determination to try to save the city, she’s joined by Raven and his new friends. Will their help tip the scales? And will they finally find out what happened to Aik as a dark storm threatens to sweep them all away?

Forget messy. Things just got apocalyptic.

Universal Buy Link

About the Series

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

Tharassas Cycle Sales

Books 1 & 2 are on sale through March 31st for just 99¢ each (eBooks, all vendors). And if you buy one (or all three) of the main series books, email scott@jscottcoatsworth.com and let him know and he’ll send you a free copy of Tales From Tharassas, the prequel.

See All the Pre-Release Deals

Giveaway

Scott is giving away an eBook copy of Tales from Tharassas, the prequel, to everyone who enters the sweepstakes:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47308/?

Excerpt

The Hencha Queen meme

A sharp crack filled the wine cellar. Kerrick swung the heavy mallet back and then assailed the flopwood boards that blocked the tunnel entrance again. The ancient wood splintered under the blow, sending shards clattering across the stone-paved floor.

It felt good to work out his frustrations. Still, the stubborn wood held out against his assault.

He rested the mallet on the black-tiled stone floor, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. Even after a hundred years, the barrier was strong. He’d tried to pry the boards out of the solid stone, but they’d been fastened in too tightly. Brute force it is.

“You’re doing great!” Cor’Lea’s voice was artificially bright, and she was as tall as he was, maybe a little taller, peering over his shoulder at the sealed tunnel entrance.

Silya had tasked her with bringing him down here to check out these hidden caverns under the Temple, in preparation for the coming war. Important, sure, but also clearly an excuse to get him out from underfoot while she prepared for her official Raising.

He grunted. “Thanks. These boards are hard as iron.” And hard as Silya’s will.

One day things would be different between them, once this crisis was over. I just have to be patient.

Coral laughed. “I’m sure a big, strong man like you can break through them easily.” She squeezed his bicep appreciatively.

He shrugged her off. He wasn’t sure if the gawky initiate was flirting with him or just trying to encourage him to get on with it, but either way, he wasn’t interested. “Stand back.” He hefted the hammer again, and she scurried out of his way.

He suppressed a smile, swinging the mallet around for another heavy blow.

Craack.

This time the board buckled inward visibly. Another few hits should do it.

He pulled back the heavy iron hammer again and hit the same spot with blow after blow. Craack. Craack. Craack.

The mallet broke through and a board fell away into splinters, clattering across the stone floor. One down, three more to go. “Why did they seal this cavern up?”

Cor’Lea gestured at the natural chamber. “There was a winery here before the Temple. Sister Dor said they used to use it for extra wine storage.” She looked around the natural chamber, which was now filled with wooden shelving holding a variety of bottled food stores. “When Jas ordered the Temple to be constructed, they kept this wide cavern and blocked off the rest of the tunnels.”

“Just in case the gully rats got in?” That thief Raven had apparently made his home in one of the underground tunnels. Who knew who else—or what else—lived down there?

Cor’Lea snorted. “Maybe.”

Are tunnels all connected, somehow? That was one of Silya’s most urgent projects, to map out the network of caverns beneath the city. Another reason she sent me down here—to get me out from under her robes.

A few more whacks at the next board served to both break it and let out his frustrations at the situation preventing him from doing his sworn job and keeping them apart. And at what she said was coming.

Craack. Craack. Craack.

The board snapped in half, and he judged that he’d cleared enough space to step through into the blocked-off tunnel. “Hand me that lantern?

Cor’Lea complied, taking the opportunity to brush his hand.

He rolled his eyes. I should be flattered. But his heart was already taken.

It was times like these he wished his brother Enrick were still alive. He’d know what to do. He’d been absurdly confident about everything, even though he’d been younger than Kerrick.

Kerrick wasn’t great with women.

He took the lantern and stepped over the bottom board, holding it in front of him. The bright light temporarily blinded him as he sought to get his bearings.

“What do you see?” Cor’Lea peered through the hole behind him.

His sight adjusted, and the tunnel’s walls came into focus.

He whistled. Stacked along the side of the tunnel were hundreds of crates, all strapped together in groups and sealed. “It’s… I don’t know what it is. But I’ll bet Silya will be surprised.” They’d have to find a place to put all this stuff—whatever it was, it was likely rotten after all this time. Silya needed somewhere to store people, not ancient goods.

Cor’Lea stepped carefully over the splintered boards to join him. “What do you think’s inside them?”

The long row of crates disappeared into the darkness. Who knew what the ancients had considered valuable enough to stash down here. Coin? Lost treasure? “One way to find out. Does the Temple have a crowbar?”

Author Bio

J. Scott Coatsworth

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, Liminal Fiction, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com

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Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ

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Review: A World Away (Learning to Breathe #1) by Carole Cummings and Andy Gallo

Rating: 4.5🌈

I was immediately intrigued to hear about a new series being launched by two authors I respected. That’s the marvelous Carole Cummings and Andy Gallo and their Learning to Breathe series.

The series revolves around two young men, who’ve grown up together, in a world at war. I wish the authors would establish more of the current universe structure the characters inhabit but a huge part of the story and future books is parallel worlds, so I’m imagine comparisons will be added continuously, filling in more of this world’s foundational knowledge.

What we do know it’s a total East/West global war and it’s got the potential to annihilate everyone. The West is searching for a new way to get the upper hand in the fight, magical users are the key to the success and there’s a national conscript that tests all the children for their magical potential, read war usage.

Into all this , Cummings and Gallo have created two families and two sons who share several shattering events and one horrific experience.

Nathan Duffy and Cam Almenara have been together since the arcane magic camp Nathan attended , run by Cam’s father, a military man teaching and testing children for their arcane skills. It was a drunk driving accident that cemented their relationship and lives in a certain dynamic until another momentous magical event shatters status quo to change their lives and those around them.

It’s hard to discuss all the details and complex story threads here that Cummings and Gallo weave into their book and relationship. Military secrets, war machine intelligence, science fiction elements, parallel worlds, personal choices, guilt and love. It’s looked at on multiple levels, through varying perspectives. That of father to son, friends to friends, potential lovers to those that are already loved.

It’s done through some great writing, suspense filled scenes, scary scenarios, and some heart wrenching moments. Both Cam and Nathan are especially well defined, and show depth and emotional growth as the story develops. There’s so much past emotion and heartache, along with guilt and unacknowledged love between the two of them that they need to deal with.

While I felt the story had a slow start, it steadily gets stronger, more intense and action oriented as the narrative evolves. By the time we reach the climactic stage point, it’s full blown chaos, and craziness!

I love it.

Now that one element is settled, the authors set the couple and stage for the next adventure in the book to be released. I’m eager to read it.

I’m highly recommending this story. It’s beautifully written, great characters, and a complicated plot will keep you invested from start to finish.

Learning to Breathe:

✓ A World Away #1

◦ A World Apart #2 – Oct 10,2023

Buy Link:

A World Away: An MM Urban Fantasy Romance (Learning to Breathe Book 1)

Description:

Nathan Duffy knows how to keep things locked down so tight even he doesn’t know they’re there. Like his childhood trauma over the near-catastrophe he almost caused when his power manifested. His adolescent resentment over the near fatal injury he still hasn’t really accepted. His futile not-so-platonic love for his best friend Cam. And that one pivotal moment when the love and the power had merged to save Cam from the accident that left Nathan unable to walk. Nathan figures losing the use of his legs was a fair exchange for Cam’s life. He just can’t ever let Cam know why.

For Cam Almenara, life has been an ongoing cycle of questioning reality. What if his mother hadn’t died when he was ten? What if that drunk driver hadn’t almost killed him and Nathan? What if Nathan’s powers hadn’t protected Cam at the cost of Nathan’s ability to walk? What if Nathan had never convinced himself that Cam’s feelings for him are nothing more than attachment and survivor’s guilt? And what if Cam can never convince Nathan otherwise?

When Nathan is suddenly stricken by seizure like nightmares, his power slips its leash—again. Fearful his rogue abilities will hurt—or worse, kill—Cam, Nathan comes to the conclusion that it’s him or Cam. Nathan knows who he’ll choose.

Trouble is, so does Cam. And he’s just as willing as Nathan is to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the best friend he loves… and prove they belong together.

Review: Declared (Star Marked Warriors Book 2) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

Rating: 3.25🌈

Declared, second in the Star Marked Warriors series, is better then the first book. While that one had to establish the universe the authors needed for their series, it also included a couple and romance that I found hard to connect with. Plus just some issues with the plot overall.

What I liked here was the gamer/geek in finding himself in Space aspect. Wesley was a gamer/IT geek working on farming games while hoping one day to be able to produce his own. He finds, through his own wishes to be somewhere else, as one of the kidnapees aboard a blue alien ship headed out to the stars!

Does Wes have “Mad electronic skills”? Yes! Do we get to hear Wes say things like “Make it so” on a alien bridge in alien captain chair? Why yes.

Already this book is much more fun. Not believable but a ton more fun.

He also connects with the one blue alien/human hybrid who smiles a lot and well likes his personality too.

Wes and Jax make a great couple. Not sure about the author’s choice of Jax having to proclaim himself the offspring of Zul the Proeliator over and over. Surely a nerd like Wes would have blurted out something like where’s the Temple of Gozer or does that make you the Gatekeeper?

Cause honestly, don’t these authors know about Ghostbusters? SMH

But anyway, there’s a exciting adventure ahead for both. A mission they become embroiled in , as anyone familiar with sci-fi (as Wes himself takes notice) . It’s entertaining and they make a terrific couple.

It ends on a happy note and , while again, still not a believable story, more a comic relief romance in space.

Enjoyable if you take it at that and leave your expectations for anything fresh and exciting at the first page.

Star Marked Warriors:

✓ Captured #1

✓ Declared #2

◦ Submitted #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showDeclared (Star Marked Warriors, #2) by Sam Burns – Goodreads

Synopsis:

An alien warrior, a kidnapped mate, and a traitor waiting to take everything from them both…

Wesley: I’ve always loved space. Give me Star Trek over Lord of the Rings any day. Since I was a kid, all I’ve wanted is to explore the great beyond, to boldly go and all that jazz. And with my feet firmly stuck on Earth, the way I reach for the stars is through developing video games. The biggest issue there? Well, I can’t keep a job beyond one project.

But all that staring at the night sky finally gets me somewhere when a tractor beam drops down from the sky in the Appalachian mountains and drags me up into an incredible spaceship full of big, scary, delicious-looking alien warriors. I’ve always fantasized about seeing the universe, but the reality—a handsy, grinning warrior—is so much more than I bargained for.

Jax: I have a problem—I am the son of Zul the Proeliator, greatest Thorzi warrior, and I have had no chance to honor my legacy on the battlefield. When our people were dying out, they took human mates and produced a generation of hybrid children. But the hybrid sons of the planet Thorzan are protected, privileged, and wasted. All my life, I have been companion and protector to Prince Kaelum instead of a proper warrior.

And now my enemies have come to believe that a younger generation of spoiled hybrids makes Thorzan ripe for invasion. When attack comes, it’s closer to home than expected, and I may be forced to choose between duty and protecting the beautiful man whose bright mind has caught my heart.

By popular cowriting duo Sam Burns & W.M. Fawkes, Declared is an M/M SciFi alien romance with a hybrid warrior trying to prove his worth, a lost human looking for stable ground, and battles that will prove sometimes, the only thing a warrior can do when tested is survive.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Gravemound by Kim Fielding

Rating: 5🌈

The blurb doesn’t begin to tell a reader exactly how unusual and amazing a story Gravemound is.

Much like Grimm’s tales but containing far more hope and light at the end then Grimm ever included, this novella takes on such large themes as grief, abandonment, deep loss, alienation, and fear.

And through a gentle, broken man in recovery, we watch as ,one by one , step by hesitant step, Phineas moves through the stages of bereavement and grief, accepting the loss of his beloved husband, and the home world they left behind but meant to return to.

Fielding creates an alien village and culture that slowly welcomes the unassuming Star Demon, we watch as bonds form between villagers and Phineas. And our hearts ache and rejoice as Phineas recovers and finds peace and something more.

Yes, there’s a soul reaper element here , just as unusual and extremely well written as the rest of this incredible tale. The twist when it arises is both unexpected and perfect.

So is the epilogue.

Gravemound is a great example why Kim Fielding is a must read author. Her characters are unusual, feel real, have enormous depth of personality, and frankly always intrigue me.

And her tales? Such plots! I grab them up as soon as she finishes them.

Gravemound ticks all the boxes. I highly recommend it and Fielding.

Grab it up immediately.

An d what a gorgeous cover. Love it.

Synopsis:

Grimm in spaaaaace!

In this retelling of a classic fairy tale, Phineas Coleman is stranded on a planet far from home and must find a way to support himself in this new land. A selfish local man offers to help him with a livelihood if Phin will promise to protect him from a soul-reaper. Three nights alone while watching over a gravemound sounds like a terrifying chore—until Phin receives some unexpected assistance

https://www.goodreads.com › showWeb resultsGravemound by Kim Fielding – Goodreads

Review: Dragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons #1) by Louisa Masters

Dragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons #1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.25 🌈.

First thing this book taught me? Don’t judge a story by it’s “CRASH !!!”.

Outside of comic books (awesome) and the Adam West Batman tv series ( equally awesome), a word like that is most likely to be followed by a KERPOW! or a BAM!

None of which I really want in my romances at the moment. Go figure.

But that initial (and only) Adam West worthy action capped exclamation aside, this story is a wonderful romantic read.

Second thing this book taught me? I really need to go find and dive into the entire Hidden Species series for which this story and new series is not only linked but has as its foundation. Huh. Didn’t know that. Missed a good series as well as a bunch of back history and world building apparently.

Both the main leads here played huge, I’m talking honking big , hero roles in that series. So yeah, need to do that asap. It’s where they first meet after all and, if one (meaning me or any reader new to these characters and universe) ,needs to know exactly what a lucifer is or the CSG, well, it’s to those books we go.

However, even with missing past histories and universe building, the author does attempt to fill in some of the Hidden Species highlights so we don’t feel completely in the dark.

That plus the marvelous and utterly charming characters we meet here make this a story you will want to read and a series to add to your watch list.

There’s a whole host of splendid beings, a bunch a fascinating dragons adjusting to a new world to adore, Brandt and Percy’s relationship which was quick, often sexy and very funny, and an entire family of friends to get to know. I quickly found them all to be a very engaging, warm-hearted bunch!

It all starts with that crash in the backyard of Percy Caraway, Felid shifter, former Lucifer at CSG. The crashee? A very young dragonet out for a night spin without his parents knowledge. To the rescue?

Wing Leader Brandt. Be still Percy’s heart and ours.

The author has a wonderful way with a humorous phrase and situation. Whether it’s tweens on the loose or adults looking for privacy, everyone here can relate and laugh. And love these beings in lust and love.

The story isn’t a long one and will leave you wanting more of both this new universe and characters.

I look forward to the next installment.

Meanwhile it’s off to track down the Hidden Species series.

Read this. I know you’re going to enjoy it as much as I did.

Synopsis:Note to self: You can’t teach an old dragon new tricks … he likes to invent his own.

After half a century of chaos, my retirement from leading the Community of Species Government has been bliss. No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.

Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and … slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?

But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with r Note to self: You can’t teach an old dragon new tricks … he likes to invent his own.

After half a century of chaos, my retirement from leading the Community of Species Government has been bliss. No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.

Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.

Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and … slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?

But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with rules.

It all comes down to how much I want my very own dragon ever after.

This exciting spin-off from the Hidden Species series kicks off with Percy’s romance.

https://www.goodreads.com › showWeb resultsDragon Ever After (Here Be Dragons, #1) by Louisa Masters – Goodreads

Review: Honey from the Lion(Love Across Time #2) by Jackie North

Honey from the Lion(Love Across Time #2) by Jackie North

Rating: 4.5 🌈

One of the series threads of the Farthingdale Ranch series is that of the mysterious disappearance of one of Farthingdale ranch’s first guest or dudes when it opened up for business. A young man called Laurie Quinn vanished without a trace and sends business at the ranch into a downward spiral from which it’s still trying to recover.

At the ranch, people aren’t supposed to talk about it, even mention the ghost story Bill told that night that launched the events, one he’s never told since.

But it does get mentioned, book after book. And I wondered if we were ever going to know what happened.

I was reading through the author’s backlist when this book and synopsis popped up. Huh. My very answer in front of me.

Honestly, there needs to be a link.

Anyway. If you’d asked me what had happened to that young man, bears, wolves , mountain lions, ok, but not time travel would have been my answer.

However, Jackie North has written a very moving , poignant tale of a clash of men, the realistic shock of finding yourself back in 1891 where it’s not as nostalgic or prairie romantic as tv series or books picture it. Nope, the reality is raw, harsh, bone chilling cold, and almost traumatizing. Especially when you’re not sure you’ll get home to your time.

What’s soon apparent is how Laurie’s nighttime wish plays into this all.

One heartbreaking campfire ghost story that Bill swears is true, one Meteor shower, Iron Mountain, and one man’s wish.

The author ensures the reader’s awareness of the truth breaks wide open as the story unfolds, we start to gather together all the right elements. Anticipation, fear for our couple, awareness of time and history playing out, hope that somehow a new path can be charted, and a total connectivity to everything happening before us.

It’s thrilling, heartbreaking, romantic, and chilling. In a word, wonderful.

Each character here is so faithful to his era that is makes the story feel that more grounded in its universe, no matter which one it is.

My only quibble and I’m not sure it would even work here with the 2 person POV is I desperately wanted Laurie to let the Ranch know. Somehow . Then I thought some things had to have changed like the belt. Hmmmm. A true time travel conundrum.

Just not sure if the author is going to take that into account going forward with the next 3 stories in the Farthingdale Ranch series.

Anyhow that bothered me a bit as you can see. Loose ends….

Outside of that, this is a truly moving story and romance. It gets the era, the rough living and raw feel of the times just right while leaving in the potential for love and tenderness, no matter what time you came from.

A great delight.

And don’t forget to grab up and read all the Farthingdale Ranch series, a must read each and every one. Three to date, more to come.

Soulmates across time. A love that was meant to be.

In present day, Laurie, tired of corporate life, takes a much-needed vacation at Farthingdale Dude Ranch.

The very first night a freak blizzard combined with a powerful meteor shower takes Laurie back to the year 1891. When he wakes up in a snowbank, his only refuge is an isolated cabin inhabited by the gruff, grouchy John Henton, who only wants to be left alone. His sense of duty prevails, however, and he takes Laurie under his care, teaching him how to survive on the wild frontier.

As winter approaches, Laurie’s normal fun-loving manner make it difficult for him to connect with John, but in spite of John’s old-fashioned ways, the chemistry between them grows.

Sparks fly as the blizzard rages outside the cabin. Can two men from different worlds and different times find happiness together?

A male/male time travel romance, complete with hurt/comfort, true confessions, a shared bed, fireplace kisses, the angst of separation, and true love across time

https://www.goodreads.com › showWeb resultsHoney from the Lion (Love Across Time, #2) by

A Free Dreamer Review: Out of Time (Out of Time #5) by C.B. Lewis

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

For Ben Sanders—traitor, thief, and temporal orphan—time is running out.

After three years as a fugitive, with the police task force led by Lysander O’Donohue and Jacob Ofori hot on his heels, Ben has to resort to desperate measures to evade capture and find the key to locating his missing father, lost in time for over two decades. With secrets and conspiracies at every turn, the net grows ever tighter around him.

Haunted by the people he betrayed, the loved ones he left behind, and the lives he ruined, it’s too late to stop now. But no matter what Ben does, there’s no escaping his past.

With this exciting conclusion to the Out of Time series, it is recommended to read the first four books for full enjoyment.

After reading parts three and four, I was really excited about Out of Time. It wasn’t quite as awesome as the other two books, but still pretty good.

Like I said above, I didn’t read part one and two and I think you’re fine without them. But I really think you should at least read part four before you read this final installment, because a lot of what happened in the previous book is important for what’s going on now.

First of all, I want to say that I love how diverse Lewis’ cast of characters is. I mean, where do you find a Muslim woman wearing a hijab in a position of power? I’ve certainly never read about one ever. And it’s all so effortless. Some books have a lot of different sexual orientations in them and they make it obvious that the author tried really hard to make their cast diverse and it just doesn’t feel natural at all. But Lewis is the complete opposite. Of course you need a whole bunch of different people if you’re gonna do time travel, there’s a ton of interesting places to visit, all over the world.

There’s definitely more drama, angst and action than in book four, but somehow it still wasn’t quite as suspenseful. That doesn’t mean it was boring in any way, it was just a tiny bit easier to put the book down when I had to.

After the end of book four, I most definitely didn’t see this relationship coming. I totally bought into the act Ben and Enoch came up with. But it all makes sense now and they worked really well together. Their sex was really hot.

Enoch is so hilarious and such an awesome guy. And he has a great way of handling Ben when Ben needs him. I immediately took a liking to him.

Ben is very different. He’s not in a good place and my heart really went out to him. His life hasn’t been easy and being on the run constantly is certainly taking its toll on him.

There was some time travel, with a few unexpected results, but nothing lengthy. I almost missed it a little bit.

The ending was a bit too much for me. There was this extremely perfect HEA for everybody involved and after everything that happened, it just didn’t seem all that realistic. Well, as realistic as a story about time travel can ever be…

Overall, I’m sad this series is over and I’m glad I still have the first two books that I will need to read eventually. I think Lewis had a really unique approach to time travel and I really enjoyed what I’ve read so far.

The cover by Natasha Snow is essentially the same as the others in the series. The protagonists in front of a modern city background. Still not a huge fan of the concept, but not horrible either.

Sales Links:

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Book details:

ebook, 350 pages

Published January 20th 2020 by NineStar Press

A MelanieM Review: Earnest Ink by Alex Hall

Rating:: 4.5 stars out of 5

While twenty-year-old FTM Hemingway is making an excellent living as a tattoo artist in a near-future version of Hell’s Kitchen, the rest of the country is splintered and struggling in the wake of a war gone on for too long. Technology has collapsed, borders rise and fall overnight, and magic has awakened without rhyme, reason, or rule, turning average unwitting citizens into wielders of strange and specific strands of magic.

Hemingway’s particular brand of magic has made him a household name. Not only is he a talented artist, but his work comes to life. Literally.

When NYC’s most infamous serial killer—the East River Ripper—abducts Hemingway’s best friend, Grace, he has only days to save her. Hemingway teams up with his stoic cop roommate to hunt for the killer and rescue Grace before she becomes the Ripper’s latest victim. But as the duo chase clues to the serial killer’s identity, Hemingway begins to fear the magic he and the Ripper share might eventually corrupt him too.

I am always enthusiastic about the stories that flow out of the mind of author Alex Hall because I know the tales will be imaginative, with twists and turns, marvelous characters with attention to details in personality and background, and as it demonstrated here, a fabulous ability to deliver a world of magic realism so very believable that i fell into it from the first page.

Earnest Ink by Alex Hall is a story that builds slowly as we get to know the characters and the world they now inhabit, one that changed drastically within their own lifetimes.  Changing their worlds and in some cases themselves fundamentally.  It’s a story revealed in pieces, pulled back in layers, as the current days events take place and our characters rush forward towards mysteries and crises that will have permanent impact on everyone.

The people encountered from the focal person of famous tattoo artist Hemingway are as incredibly complex as Hemingway is.. That extends to the roles they may play in Hemingway’s life, which may change direction or impact in a blink.  Who is trustworthy and who is not is always up for discussion.  Throw in the hunt for a gruesome killer, Jack the  Ripper, along with other mysteries, and you have a gripping thriller with tiny hints of a possible future  romance and an open ended future for all.

And that is the only thing that keeps this book from five stars.  The air of expectation for something more at the end.  A need for continuing on, that so much remains to be done or is left to be finished for everyone here.  I almost felt as though we were at 3/4 th of the story or perhaps that I should be able to sail quickly onto another book.  I was most not ready to leave this world and characters behind.

Love magic realism?  In need of a great new story to read?  I highly recommend Earnest Ink by Alex Hall.  I’m still thinking about the characters and their lives, and hoping that Hall will return to them once more for an update.

Cover art:  Natasha Snow.  A beautiful cover with a major element towards the ending.

Sales Links:    NineStar Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published October 14th 2019 by NineStar Press
ISBN139781951057121
Edition Language English

A MelanieM Review: The Hunt for Red Fluffy (Brimstone #6) by Angel Martinez

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Someone abandons a pedigree hellcat right where Shax can conveniently claim her and sets off a cataclysmic domino line of events. It’s time for the other shoe to drop since the Brimstone has a shadow cabal after them—partly due to Shax’s own, er, interesting decisions and partly due to the presence of Agent Julian Parallax onboard.

As ship security officer, Ness has a lot on his mind—a dangerous new pet, even more dangerous criminals tracking the Brimstone, and yet another unexpected rescued guest. The last thing he needs is a distraction and Julian, who confuses and confounds him more every moment, is exactly the distraction he doesn’t need. Between Shax’s reckless gambits and Julian’s disregard for his own safety, how is Ness supposed to keep anyone safe?

The Brimstone and her intrepid crew do all they can to stay one step ahead, but this time the hunters are closing in

Let’s see.  You have giant demon cats, singing millipedes, lost octopi space beings, a drag queen IA, and a freaking spaceship being pursued through the galaxy while a devil prince, a fallen angel, and a intergalactic operative try to figure out their love life?  Yep Angel Martinez and her insanely wonderful Brimstone gang are at it again in The Hunt for Red Fluffy (Brimstone #6) by Angel Martinez .

Am I thrilled?  Why hell yes!

I can not get enough of this series and just plain out there group of characters.  From pink hedgehogs with their futuristic iPads, cowboys and their horses, imps, the aforementioned millipedes, Nephilims, and more demons, cargos of floating cows, squishy frogs, and so much more, each story more indescribably imaginative and mind bogglingly delightful.  Now its demon courser cats.  Of course it is.

Cuz we haven’t had those yet.

And junior lost octopi in space.  I mean.  0.0  Jaw droppingly wonderful how drawn into it/them I was and its plight. And wavy arms.

Plus as all the fast action pursuit is going on, there is hot sex, and relationship dynamics to figure out between Shax, Julian, and Ness.  This is something that has been brewing over the course of the series and the author brings it nicely to fruition here.  Although there is so much more to go with this triad and Julian.  Especially with Julian’s career.  For the heart of these stories remains the characters, their relationships with each other, and the found family aboard  the Brimstone.  That’s the true heart here.  The one that pulls at me time and again.

I adore this author and this is one series I never hope to see of finale for.  May the Brimstone sail on and on and on.

One of my most highly recommended series and definitely this story!

Cover art is perfection!

Sales Links:  Mischief Corner Books | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition
Published September 12th 2019 by Mischief Corner Books, LLC
ASIN B07XJL5DSH
Series Brimstone #6
Brimstone Series
The Brimstone Journals: Collection One

A MelanieM Review: Consorts of the Red King by Eden Winters

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

In deepest space the ruthless Federation lays waste to one rebel colony after another, leaving comrades-in-arms Van Orskey and Tayn Kassik without family, without a home, and without hope.

With nothing left but each other, they run contraband and smuggle fugitives from the safety of their ship, the Cormorant—with the occasional clandestine mission for the rival Coalition thrown in. Their heists have not gone unnoticed, though even the bounty on their heads doesn’t prevent them from being a thorn in the enemy’s side at every opportunity.

Pissing them off? Big mistake.

From the day of his birth Prince Jorvik of Akiak learned duty, wisdom, and honor from his father, leaving him ill-equipped to withstand betrayal by his Federation-puppet uncle. He has no love for the greedy off-worlders who plunder his world’s natural resources and enslave his people. To defeat his foe, he needs the cunning, fearlessness, and touch of treachery only outlaws can offer.

Two off-world mercenaries make unlikely partners in Jorvik’s quest for vengeance, but the more he learns of them, the more common ground he discovers. In each other’s arms they find passion, heat, and maybe, a reason for living—until their common enemy threatens to tear them apart.

To survive, they must take on the corrupt Federation.

And win.

I am such a fan of both science fiction and this author so I really enjoyed the  Consorts of the Red King by Eden Winters.  A fast paced novel of political intrigue, intergalactic piracy and interplanetary takeovers, this novel also comes complete with hot sex, even hotter men, aliens, and an intriguing concept of a triad.  All in one story.

The beginning is startling, with an event the reader is not exactly prepared for (and not one I am willing to give away).   But it sets off the series of emotional maneuverings and dynamics to follow between long time partners Van Orskey and Tayn Kassik.  As with all of Winters books, her universe building and back histories are complex and often are revealed in stages.  Here we gradually learn about Van and Tayn, their past, about the ship they inhabit, and the organization they now work for.

It’s a convoluted structure that all starts to unravel for the pair from the first desperate job they take.  Consorts of the Red King is one of those stories that any details mentioned end up being spoilery so none given here.  In fact, the opposite, I wished for more.  Although I could clearly see the world of the Red King, I wanted more of it because from the elements revealed, they enticed mental pictures that craved more definition.

There is a roaring climax here to satisfy anyone.  Powerful, emotional, and yes, so worthwhile.  Loved it.  The perspective of the story is told through the eyes of the three men/beings you see pictured on the cover.  Yes, it works.  It’s needed to pull them together emotionally as a triad, and for you as a reader to accept them as such.

The author states that it took her four years to write this story and it shows it in  the details.  It’s a wonderful, well written, rousing tale.

My only quibble is that ending.  It feels as though you aren’t exactly done.  That you read that last sentence, and expect to turn the page and continue on.   It even sort of states that their journey isn’t complete (I can’t tell you why).  But at the end, the story feels that way too.

According to the author, it might be some time before we see any sequel, so we, and these characters will be waiting on the ending  they deserve.  Until then its a HFN.

If you love Eden Winter and scify, don’t hesitate to pick up Consorts of the Red King! Hot men, fast paced action and love among the stars! Oh my!

Cover art works perfectly for the story.

Sales Links:  Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 364 pages
Published October 26th 2019 by Rocky Ridge Books
ASINB07Y7NKFB3