How do you tell people about a book that you’re so in love with that, even though you’ve read it over and over…and over, it becom~~~
**5 Stars**
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How do you tell people about a book that you’re so in love with that, even though you’ve read it over and over…and over, it becomes more cherished with each reading? How do you explain that each scene is better than the last and it would be impossible to choose a favorite part? How do you describe that the author’s words in this romantic and thrilling love story pierced your heart and lifted you away? I guess by asking them to trust you enough to read it.
Surrender the Dark is a book I have had the most wonderful pleasure of being involved with from early on. I was able to see this story develop through many revisions. And boy, did it evolve. With each rendition it grew wonderfully more complex, compelling and beautiful. I have a rather biased review for you, as you can tell, but please know that this book is special regardless of my rapport with the extraordinary and lovely, Tibby Armstrong.
CHARACTERS
Benjamin Fuller � Impertinent, cocky, insolent and cantankerous. And also none of those things. Benjamin is driven, skilled, and deeply, deeply troubled. Quite a package. And all those eccentricities come in the fair-haired lithe and agile form of a blind hunter dressed in leather and weapons.
Tzadkiel Dragoumanos � Battle-hardened, sophisticated, lethal, and virtuous. As War King, Tzadkiel exudes power and confidence. His unquestionable honor drives his sense of duty, no matter his conflicted heart.
Nyx � I believe you are going to completely dig Nyx! One of Benjamin’s two best friends from his youth, and a full-fledged badass all on her own. Nyx has the wisdom of a sage, the patience of a saint, and the swift acumen to keep a tetchy Benjamin in line.
Akito � He breaks my heart in this book. I think you might find a little of yourself in Akito. I did. It’s not easy being the ‘regular� guy.
STORY
I won’t say too much here (I want you to discover this all on your own), but this story spans some 20 plus years with exciting and engrossing circumstances that capture you from the very first pages.
Benjamin’s family has been hunting monstrous vampires for eternity, it is their sworn duty. Benjamin, a hunter born, a hunter bred, is raised to continue his family’s legacy. He and his friends take the responsibility seriously, and they’re good at it, working as a team to protect Boston from these heinous creatures.
Tzadkiel’s family has been torn apart and now their home, Boston, is at risk of ruin because of an imbalance between warring factions. It is up to Tzadkiel to protect his mora at any cost. And to do this he will need a sacrifice.
WRITING
Writing like this proves romance can be so much more than just a scintillating read. This beautiful composition weaves rhythm with harmony, witty repartee with fiery passion, reasoning with turmoil. Tibby Armstrong has amplified her writing prowess exponentially with this book. She skillfully crafts a paranormal romance book that is convincing, sumptuous, and most of all splendidly entertaining.
[image] A quote I cut, with the author's permission, from a FB post.
A Saturday snippet for all you m/m vampire lovers:
Tzadkiel yanked the hunter’s head back to expose his neck. Benjamin gasped, his pulse leaping under the goose bumps dotting his skin. The scent of terror, sharp and bright, called to Tzadkiel, whetting his predator-drive. Hunger and arousal licked at his control, peeling back the layers of his humanity to expose the vampire beneath. “That’s right, hunter,� Tzadkiel bit out, saliva pooling. “Fear me.� Benjamin, panting, remained stock still, fear pulsing off him in fragrant waves. “Go ahead. Bite me. It’ll be the last fucking thing you do.�
Surrender the Dark Random House / Loveswept December 2016
I would like to thank Tibby Armstrong and Random House-Loveswept for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
So yeah, I admit, while reading this I was thinking what would make a guy want this, but what is so fan~ ~ ~
3.5 Stars for a Spanking Education!
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So yeah, I admit, while reading this I was thinking what would make a guy want this, but what is so fan-fucking-tastic about Ms. Belleau and Ms. Gormley’s writing is that they let us in on the psychology of what drives their characters. Or, at the very least, give reason for the behavior.
I mean, I’m not reading academic journals for crying out loud, but it’s just so much better when the story has something I can sink my teeth into. When it has a solid reason for what is happening. Then I don’t have to question everything. It means a lot to me and lets me get into the story.
Don’t get me wrong, this is pure sex and purely impure. The only thing you have to worry about here is whether or not this is your kink…well, at least to read about. And then there's the whole: Two consenting adults, albeit professor and student, but well, that just adds some edge, doesn't it?
THE CHARACTERS
James Sheridan - I thought James was innocent. Juvenile. What was I thinking? Former adrenaline junkie. He’s going to be fun to learn all about. In "Giving an Inch" Giving an InchI would have laid money that he was timid, introverted, but here we learn he has a past and it tells much about what makes him tick.
Professor Evander Carson - Intellectual, silver fox and bent! We get a few little glimpses behind Carson’s façade. The slick mother-fucker’s mask slips an inch or two.
The chemistry between James and Carson is just igniting and I think we’re in for a wild ride with these two. I can’t wait to uh, study book 3.
THE STORY
In the previous book, "Giving an Inch" Giving an Inch, James has…experienced Professor Carson. Although he seems to enjoy himself we can’t help but wonder what his relationship with Carson is all about. Well, well, well, grab this book to find out.
James is struggling in his lessons, but luckily for him Professor Carson has a remedy. His methods may be unconventional, but they do get James� attention.
THE WRITING
While this is most definitely a “whew, this is hot� spanking story it doesn’t dwell on each swack, or overly describe. Somehow this is relieving. I think some authors would have put too much into the details and bogged the story down. Erotica, yes. Porn, no.
This is a quick, hot romp that I read again immediately. Purely for the educational value, of course. In the end, I am completely intrigued to see where this will go.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for supplying me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Whew! This turned out to be quite a bit more erotic than I was expecting. Where did I get it into my head that this was go~~~ Read Sept 28, 2013
4 Stars
Whew! This turned out to be quite a bit more erotic than I was expecting. Where did I get it into my head that this was going to be some sweet, innocent thing? Did I even check who the authors were? *smacks head Luckily for me, I liked the surprise, a lot, and man Heidi and Amelia make a seamless writing team. Btw, there is sweet and even tender here too, it's just wrapped up in a smoking hot scene.
THE CHARACTERS
James Sheridan - Grad student, sub, and he needs a suit. It seems he's in the right department.
Professor Carson - Dom by text? Well, why not? We haven't really even met him yet and I already want more.
Satish - Personal shopper extraordinaire!!!
So beautiful, my sweet. I know how hard it was for you to do that. Thank you.
And with those words, the shame was almost gone, washed away with pride and delight. He'd pleased the Professor. It never got old. It never faded. Not even when he wished and prayed it would.
THE STORY
A little shopping, a little alteration (or is that flirtation), an errant text and a private dressing room lead to a new chapter in James Sheridan's life. In the past his ex-Dom had all the control, but James has learned a few things about himself since leaving his Professor. Even if the Professor still has things James wants, James is determined to get what he needs.
THE WRITING
Really quick, snappy writing. These authors are on a roll.
I was surprised to see the level of attention given to explaining James' internal thought process. He has a lot to work through here. As the story begins we see James as a rather insecure, reserved college student. There is more depth to him than that however and I think it'll be interesting to see where his character goes.
As someone who's had a few thoughts on public exhibition (even dressing room fantasies) I did find parts of this scene to be just a tad over the edge of unbelievability. Still, it was hot and fun to read, so I'm not going to let that hold me back a bit. With the lingering potential of a threesome or something, I for one can't wait to read on.
~~~
I sincerely thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When I picked this book up I really had no idea what it was all about. Turns out this is like sexy G.I. Joe play, espionage and he-man hero stuff all rolled in to one very, very sexy package. At first I felt like I came into this from the side. It was clear there was history (see Bound By Honor) with one of the main characters, but I kept on and it all laid out clearly.
What you need to know:
EE � Extreme Escapes, LTD is a merc for hire firm. They help people. Tom and Prophet are mercs. They help people. Prophet shows up in some of the Men of Honor series books. Book 5, I believe.
THE CHARACTERS
Prophet was impulsive. Reckless. Lethal.
Prophet - Deadly. Hyper. Honest. Fucks like a bunny. He will do whatever (and whoever) it takes to get the job done. Partners are for pussies. Besides he’s already got a former partner haunting him.
Prophet wanted to throw a chair at him, mainly because it had always been an accent he’d found irresistible. On anyone else but this guy. Okay, a little on this guy. Fucking bayou asshole.
Tom Boudreaux - Temper, temper Tommy. Given what may be his last chance by his boss Phil, Tommy has to keep it together even when his past is chasing him.
THE STORY
This whole thing was messy and complicated and fraught with a myriad of issues, apart from the fact that Prophet didn’t know if he actually liked Tommy, and he was sure Tommy didn’t really like him either.
Apparently getting a new partner in the realm of law enforcement is always a bad thing. Particularly in M/M romance. Prophet and Tom are thrust together by their boss Phil (who must be building a Merc agency of gay studs � I’m okay with that). Their planned training mission is changed when a close friend from Prophet’s past is killed. Prophet and Tommy are off to investigate this potential murder and end up investigating each other� mentally and physically.
The sex is freaking hot! It could carry the book all on its own, but luckily it doesn’t have to. What seems to be a pretty straightforward crime syndicate penetration and investigation turns out to be something entirely different. It is much more involved and it’s going to take several books to get this all resolved. I’m completely invested at this point and I’m not going anywhere, I’m happy to be along for the ride. Which is good, ‘cus I’d like to spend a lot more time with Prophet and Tommy. Book one will leave you hanging on, clawing for more, but it’s done the right way. Not in that frustrating way that makes you wish it was already all wrapped up. Oh no, I want more, lots more.
THE WRITING
It was like trying to balance in quicksand � in the end, it was easier to give up and let yourself get pulled under.
For a good bit of the story I felt off balance and not terribly grounded, but I think it was intentional. Without having read this author before I don’t know if it is her style or just the feel she wanted for this book. The lack of solid ground served the story and these two characters well. At this point of their relationship there is no stability. Through multiple flashbacks a nice depth to the characters is revealed and they are truly messed up boys. This falls under the category of; Can’t put it down.
A caveat, sort of: The beginning of the book had me really scratching my head. I started out thinking I’ve read this all before, in a very, very popular M/M series (also at Riptide). Nearly too many similarities had me almost set the book aside, BUT hold on, wait it out. It’s worth it. This truly does become its own world and these two guys have me all wrapped up to the point that I’m trying to figure out a way to bribe the author for the next book� NOW! Until then though, I think I’ll be reading the Men of Honor series.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"Strong is having the faith to run after a guy you’ve fallen for and taking the risk of looking like an idiot�"
There’s a lo~ ~ ~
4 Enjoyable Stars
"Strong is having the faith to run after a guy you’ve fallen for and taking the risk of looking like an idiot�"
There’s a lot to be found in this story; humor, sarcasm, frustration, romance, tenderness, erotica�.It hit all my buttons. Malcolm’s snarky humor completely captured me in the beginning and Owen’s tender loving calm balanced the relationship. Oh yeah, and the icy-hot sex scene is NOT TO BE MISSED.
"I don’t have any kinks," Owen lied. And squirmed, too.
"Well-dressed Brits is technically a kink," Malcolm asserted with roughly two-tons of smugness in his compact frame.
THE CHARACTERS
Malcolm Kavanagh - His cynical humor and delightful emotional immaturity had me wrapped around his little finger…just like Owen. It’s hard to deny a guy who needs you SO much, even if he’s an "overbearing wanker."
Malcolm didn’t like to admit he needed, but he did, and when he gave in and needed Owen, Owen was all about giving this man what he could.
Owen Watson - Good-natured, easygoing and mature beyond his years Owen has a rather magnanimous patience for Mal’s moody tantrums. He’s an anchor in this story and heck, he makes an American girl proud.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of both the moms in the story. Level headed, wise and loving. Nice.
"When you get to that point where you notice a person’s faults, you’ve got to decide if you can live with them or can’t live without them."
There’s also a cross-over appearance by Percy who is also found in the Market Garden serial. Plus a peek inside the Market Garden itself.
THE STORY
I really enjoyed Country Mouse, book #1 in this series, and totally enjoyed the continuing development of the whirlwind romance in book #2. Mal and Owen know they have a lot to learn about each other, but they also know they have something worthy of the effort. It might be too fast and easy for some, but I was just so caught up in the passionate romance to really notice.
Malcolm is really lucky to have found Owen; possibly the only one who would put up with his domineering personality. Luckily, Owen has some pretty powerful traits of his own. Owen’s gentle nature and calm patience bowl Malcolm over…he really never sees his own control being gently coaxed to surrender.
The relationship elements are as good as the sexy bits, and the sexy bits are good, really, really good.
THE WRITING
Witty humor and quick paced, Lane and Voinov work extraordinarily well together. The grouchy plays so well off the sweet that you can imagine they had a great time co-writing with each other. There was a moment at 84% where I actually shouted out a "hurray!" A decidedly great choice by the authors, and much appreciated.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Every bit as hot as the first book, but with an agitated, sweet, romantic jealousy that’s just endearing.
Mar~ ~ ~
Yes. Yes, let’s do this.
Every bit as hot as the first book, but with an agitated, sweet, romantic jealousy that’s just endearing.
Market Garden is quickly becoming my number one recommendation for re-readability!
THE CHARACTERS
Tristan - It’s all about watching the smooth, charming, in control Tristan, come completely undone. The poor guy just cracks.
And, of course, his hips moved. God, they moved. Tristan didn’t even know if they were in synch with the music anymore. He couldn’t even hear the music anymore.
Jared - Heh, and Tristan thought he was the tease. Jared shows us what striptease really means. Afterall, turnabout is foreplay. Just imagine the talent it takes to dance while removing tight leather pants. NNnggghhh!
”Can’t say I’ve ever danced for him.� His gaze slid towards Tristan. “We’ve never done that, have we?�
Rolex - The john. The narrator. The audience. It’s like we’re sitting in his shoes. Or maybe I should say squirming in his trousers.
”Nothing weird. You guys know I like to watch.� He leaned closer, flattening his palms on the table. “And give some orders along the way.�
THE STORY
Tristan and Jared enjoy a second hookup with a john who just wants to watch. Rolex decides that Jared should dance for Tristan. You know the rules of a lap dance don’t you? No touching!
THE WRITING
Witt and Voinov know precisely how to build the heat and anticipation and then cap it off with a steamy burst of ahhh, satisfaction. Just mark me down as a regular in The Garden Market.
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Netgalley.com, Riptide Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full of surprises, mysteries, history and colloquialisms.
[image] Hosted at ~~~
4.5 Surprising Stars
Historical MM romance set during World War I.
Full of surprises, mysteries, history and colloquialisms.
[image] Hosted at
I'd been smitten, knocked off my feet as surely as if I'd got a Blighty one and, this time, there was a chance he'd reciprocate.
THE CHARACTERS
Captain Tom Donald - Brave on the battlefied, but not as sure in his personal life. Tom Donald realizes time is fleeting.
Frank Foden - Honest, steadfast. He and Tom are perfectly paired to fight battles and more.
Veronica - Frank's wife, a doctor, is extraordinary.
THE STORY
Strong bonds are formed between comrades. Living vicariously through happiness of others is one way to lift the oppression of war.
Despite the bleak nature of trench warfare during The Great War, 1914-1918, I found this to be a true love story. The atrocious conditions that surrounding this story do not smother it. Instead, it's the constant knowledge that life is precious and moments are fleeting that drives this story forward.
Letters from home hold whispers of truth. I kept going back to the letters even before I finished my first read. Then after my second read, the letters brought new light to the story.
"I've enjoyed your letters so much,"...
"You've stolen my very words,"...
[image] It's easy to imagine the impact letters from the homeland would carry.
THE WRITING
Fifteen pages in and I had tears in my eyes. It surprised me to find that I could connect to these characters so quickly in this novelette.
Some could argue that the romance develops too quickly, but I don't see it that way at all. You have to consider the passage of time during warfare.
Early colloquialisms may put some off, but just read through; it really sets the time frame perfectly.
I find myself simultaneously wanting to analyze bits and pieces, but also, to let it stand. I think this would be a great little discussion generator.
MM sex is only alluded to (off screen), but in a lovely way this carries the tone and dignity of the story toward a sexual relationship.
[I just finished it, again, and I can recommend it whole-heartedly. Emotional, but no real angst, still moving and lovely. This would be an excellent entry point into MM romance.]
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~~~
On Sale Date: Feb 25, 2013
My thanks to netgalley.com and Carina Press for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
~~~ Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
Aww, poor Jared, he's about to forget all of his money woes while being slowl~~~
A Titillating Treat of Teasing Tension!!!!
Aww, poor Jared, he's about to forget all of his money woes while being slowly...driven...out...of...his...mind. Luckily, he's being tantalized by the very tasty Tristan. Torquing the entire tale is the john, or "Rolex" as we come to know him.
God, but he was turned on, and he didn't know who was controlling this little game: Tristan, who withheld action for money, or the john, who could turn up the heat any time he wanted to he if would just stop fucking around and put some bloody money on the table.
Trousers, treasure trails, throats, touches and telltale smacks. Yeah...and I've only pulled out some of the 'T' words. Oh, and let's not forget about Tristan. Tantalizing, twisted Tristan. Did I already mention him?
Tristan's boneless figure solidified one liquid joint at a time, and he sat up, rolling his shoulders under his slick, black shirt.
Give yourself a treat and enjoy this tale. The incredibly well paced tease is very worth your time.
Btw, you might want to read this quickie in a quiet, comfy place. Alone. Or then again, maybe not entirely alone.
Enthusiastically Recommended
~~~
I wholeheartedly thank Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:
explicit violence non-consent
Fair warning, this is NOT MM Romance. This is a psycho-sexual thriller which includes rape and torture. Please proceed with that knowledge.
One of my updates described this as a "speeding bullet" and holy hell it is. Each episode has just, flat out, been one hell of a ride. This speeding bullet will hit you hard with pain, torture, mind fucks and god, this underlying gut-twisting need for these guys to hang on. It's like you know you you'd already be totally gone, but Dougie and Mat just can't lose it...not yet. Then, at the same time, losing it would be the best kindness they could get.
You WILL feel these books, these characters, this crazy intensity that doesn't slow down for one minute.
THE CHARACTERS ___
They killed me and I'm a ghost and this is limbo, and they sent me here for hurting my own brother.
Dougie - A PhD grad student isolated with only his devastating guilt for company, he is being prepared to meet a psychological master. ___
...and it didn't escape him how fucked-up his worldview had become when the thought of being claimed by his new owner was something to look the fuck forward to.
Mat - The Fighter. His endurance is his worst enemy; then he meets Nickolai, who plans to teach Mat to endure...everything. ___
Nikolai preferred transformation and ascension to brute terms like "breaking,"
Nickolai A fucking, twisted fuck. Who's character is this? Rachel, Heidi? Damn, I know I hate this guy, without question...but.... ___
THE STORY
Out of the fire, into the frying pan. Yeah, that about sums this one up.
THE WRITING
Again, if a story with this level of intensity wasn't written perfectly, it would be a glaring problem. In my opinion, this is written perfectly. In fact, beyond perfect. The hidden, twisted mental turns just kept screwing me to my chair. I want/need to look away but I can't begin to put this series down. Bring me more.
The title, Choices, seemed innocent enough, heh. The next is Consequences Holy hell!
A very sincere thank you to Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with a early release version of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Funny and fresh. Warm and fulfilling. Surprisingly sexy.
Dual POV
THE STORY:
A baby changes everything. In this initially light-he~~~
**Mild Spoilers
Funny and fresh. Warm and fulfilling. Surprisingly sexy.
Dual POV
THE STORY:
A baby changes everything. In this initially light-hearted and humorously written story, a young gay man has to figure out how to bartend, go to beauty school and make sure his daughter has the best possible care.
THE CHARACTERS:
Rue, is a young "club boy" who decides to keep his baby. His decision creates havoc in his already hectic life, but caused me to instantly like him. His humor and outlook made it easy to want more Rue. Just ask Erik. You gotta love a man who thinks:
"Might as well make like Lee and press on."
Erik, oh Erik. Loveable geek, compassionate neighbor and sexually unaware introvert. He drinks Gatorade by the gallon, watches Star Wars to calm himself and needs a hair cut. Oh yeah, that haircut, tummy flips galore.
"Do or do not. There is no try." Only Erik would quote Yoda in bed.
Dusty is Rue's best friend and they are enrolled in cosmetology school together. He's sweet, kind and vulnerable. I'm really hoping for his HEA in the next book. There will be a next one, right?
THE WRITING:
This is a quick witted, solid read with a few minor bumps along the way. I didn't feel that there were any slow parts but some awkward sentences did seem to halt the story a time or two. The author's did an especially noteworthy job at portraying descriptive sex scenes that weren't just about the actions but actually about the sensations involved. If you're one of those girls who want to know what it "feels like" for guys, pick this one up right away.
The author's also wrote terrific, easy to visualize characters that you would want to know in your life. They became endearing and it was a pleasure to watch them figure it all out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You might find a bit of a love triangle, some building angst and what I hope is a possible cliff-hanger in this book.
Read this book up for descriptive sex, tummy flips and characters that will work their way into your heart.
My sincere thanks to Netgalley.com and Dreamspinner Press for providing an eARC or this delightful story.
Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog
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