**My half of my co-review with OJ. You can find the whole thing on our
Fun, fun, fun PNR read! - 3.5 Enthusiastic Stars
**My half of my co-review with OJ. You can find the whole thing on our
Fun, fun, fun PNR read! I am a complete sucker for a terse, repressed curmudgeon. So ramp that up by a factor of � Thaddeus � and I’m in…heaven. Then for the authors to contrast him with a fresh, cocky, fun-loving hottie and this becomes a series I can sink my teeth into.
THE CHARACTERS
Thaddeus “Thad� DuPont - Repressed, depressed, cryptic and oh so needy. His inner conflict and outer strength make him very intriguing.
Sarasija “Sara� Mishra - Good-natured Sara just need this job. Why does everything and everyone have to be so weird?
THE STORY
The long drive from Seattle to a Louisiana bayou would unsettle anyone, but arriving to find everyone surprised to see you is definitely off-putting. This book starts out just like a good Bela Lugosi movie –normal guy enters a strange new world. If only he can keep it together he can get in, get out, and back to reality� But what Sara is about to discover is never going to let him go.
Sara and Dupont become the focus of a terrifying entity that can reanimate the dead. Between dodging these adept yet inept beings Dupont has to also fight his pull towards Sara. If only his powers of persuasion worked on him like they should.
THE WRITING
I absolutely love the quick, enjoyable pace and humorous, light quality that kept me engaged. But just about mid-way through I found the same arguments reiterated over and over, and the pacing slowed way down. Eventually the story picked up again and even though some of the plotting toward the end was a bit predictable it became quite enjoyable again. I’m hooked on the characters and definitely want to see where the series goes. These two are not resolved by a long shot.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
*This is my portion of a GGST (GayGuyStraightGirl) c0-review written with GR member, OJCast*
INTITIAL THOUGHTS
I think I've found a new series to fol~~~
*This is my portion of a GGST (GayGuyStraightGirl) c0-review written with GR member, OJCast*
INTITIAL THOUGHTS
I think I've found a new series to follow. A character driven murder mystery that captivated me more with relationship development than plot, but it all fit well together.
THE CHARACTERS
Both of these guys are surprisingly fresh. They are believable, unique and flawed. The romantic relationship surprised me over and over. It isn't perfect and that made it special.
"We keep finding the most inappropriate places to make out, you know."
Dr. Ilmarinen Gale (Mari) - What a name, right? And right from the start I liked him. He's flamboyant, flirtatious, continental, mouthy, brilliant and secretly reserved. Fabulous contrasts in his character. His gift: Human-cyber Interface
Sometimes it was a pain in the ass to be both a psychic and a skeptic.
Jake Chivas - Sturdy, solid, steady, stable, SEXY and quite un-confident. American. Not Mari's typical pick. His gift: Psychometry, clairvoyance.
And I just love Mari's mom!
THE STORY
Dr. Ilmarinen Gale and former detective, Jake Chivas are pressured to collaborate on a work related mystery. The two men have previously "noticed" each other running in the park and after a brief but flirty encounter they are both uncomfortable being put on such a task. But when the big boss makes the request it's hard to say no. They're just going to be professional, do the minimum, and get back to their normal routines. Yeah. Right.
As they delve deeper into a mysterious disappearance, they also delve deeper into each other's pants. The mystery pales in the background for a good portion of the book while we get to explore these men and they explore each other. But it picks up eventually and it winds along with a couple of twists and turns. I can't say it was this aspect of the book that riveted me, but that's okay, because the relationship development held my interest. To be clear, the mystery was fine, fully fleshed,just not earth-shattering. The characters though, they rocked my world.
THE WRITING
A straightforward and uncomplicated writing style made this a readable read. It wasn't heady by any stretch. I particularly like the believable complexity the authors added to the sex scenes. I wasn't expecting to find something surprising there. Well done.
No doubt about it, I'll be looking for the next book in the series.
I would like to thank Pride Publishing for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
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**
[image]
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
This is a co-review by myself and OJ Lisa - 2.5 Stars OJ - 2.75 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ
About Our Gay Guy/Straight Girl (GGSG) Reviews
´Ê±õ’l This is a co-review by myself and OJ Lisa - 2.5 Stars OJ - 2.75 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ
About Our Gay Guy/Straight Girl (GGSG) Reviews
´Ê±õ’ll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Yours~ This isn’t a buddy read. Our co-reviews are done on a blind basis. We both choose the book we want to read, but from there on out we don’t discuss any of our thoughts before the review is live. We think it’s more fun this way and we won’t influence each other.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Lisa Arbitrary
I’m stretching this to 2.5 stars because I was enamored, even enchanted by the beginning. It soared on wings and painted images that made me think I had really found something special. Unfortunately this book turned lazy, rushed and very disappointing.
OJ
I must admit that vampires aren’t my first grab when I think of an M/M book, however the Australian Outback certainly is and I have enjoyed a good M/M vampire book, so when I saw the description for this one it called out to me. A definitely different take on the whole vampire thing by putting it into the Australian Outback I just had to see what it was about and Lisa and I decided this would be our first Gay Guy/Straight Girl review.
Read the full review at Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
~ ~ ~
We would like to thank Pride-Publishing for providing us with a review copy in exchange for our honest review.
Raze - A compassionate healer who can never have the relationship he craves.
Unfortunatel
~ ~ ~
3.5 Stars bumped for world building.
THE CHARACTERS
Raze - A compassionate healer who can never have the relationship he craves.
Unfortunately, what he wanted was something he couldn’t have. And for some reason, Slake’s face popped into his head, the poster boy for Can’t Have. His cock throbbed again. The fucker.
Slake - An assassin about to lose his soul is a pretty tricky guy.
In Slake’s world, there was no room for kindness. He showed none and received none. Sometimes, he didn’t believe it existed.
THE STORY
We meet Raze and Slake in a demon nightclub called Thirst and instantly enter the world crafted by Larissa Ione which is a fusion of everything we love in paranormal romance. Bad, good, hot and homey. Evil, kind, dark and exciting. Sexy, romantic, loving and deadly. In other words - this place has it all. And that is what draws you in, deep in, to the world of Demonica.
Raze is a medic at both Underworld General and during stints at Thirst. Raised by humans he has compassion and a wider world view. But he lives a lonely life knowing he can never have what he wants, he only gets what he needs. And what he needs is sex every 12 hours or so.
Slake has stupidly sold his soul and is running out of time to ever get it back. When he meets, and drools over Raze, he thinks he might just have the chance he needs to keep himself out of Sheoul.
One corner of Raze’s mouth tipped up in a half smile.“I’m only dangerous if you piss me off.� “What if I get you off ?�
There's a neat solution to the conflict and it has a real world message. Sometimes this sort of thing would bother me, but not here. I flowed well with the story and didn't feel preachy.
"No one should be judged solely by their species,"...
THE WRITING
It's been four years since I read a Demonica book, but I never forgot the world. Ione's unique creation left an indelible impression.Which is why I begged to get this book as soon as possible. I'm happy to say that it was very easy to get right back into the place. Even though things have certainly progressed I felt like I grasped everything clearly. And it didn't feel like a rehash. Well done. There's also a handy glossary to either refresh or educate the reader.
The beginning of the book felt like something of a checklist of everything that romance readers require; tats, muscles, leather pants, adjust said pants, check, check, check. But then we got into the story and the seminus needs of Raze gave a solid basis for the book giving it a unique tension and story line.
But it took me a good while to really feel like these guys had more than sexual attraction. There were some pretty big jumps to emotion which felt choppy at times and seemed to rob a bit of my connection to the romance, but I enjoyed the overall story enough that I just went with it. At the same time there isn't a lot of pretense between Slake and Raze. They're hot for each other and they don't spend too much time fighting it.
Bottom line I know that I've read more emotional, more complex books from Ione so I know what she's capable of. I can't help but hold it to those standards. That being said I really enjoyed the book and recommend it. The Demonica world is completely engrossing.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Riptide Publishing for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~ Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
My tip for surviving the apocalypse? Choose Javi as your frenemy and you'll be golden, or at least pleasantly purple.
Conrad snorted. “Don't conf
~~~
My tip for surviving the apocalypse? Choose Javi as your frenemy and you'll be golden, or at least pleasantly purple.
Conrad snorted. “Don't confuse the two of us. You're the fanciful idiot, and I'm the bad ass operator keeping you alive�
Cari Z. just has a way of making me forget everything while getting lost in her stories. This was no exception. A really nice, enjoyable break from the norm. If a happy-go-lucky, post-apocalyptic, budding romance sounds good give this a go. I think you'll enjoy the adventure.
Wait! Wait! I would have bypassed this too if I thought it was about football. I don't really us~ ~ ~ Free to read . [image]
Football and Magic?
Wait! Wait! I would have bypassed this too if I thought it was about football. I don't really usually like to read sports related stories. But magic? Yeah, I do magic.
Turns out the magic and the magical writing supersede football.
I really may be full of crap here, maybe the writing is annoying and the story is just a rehash of the same old internal struggle that we always read. But I don't think so. This felt really special to me. There's a certain heaviness, a weight that didn't feel draggy, but felt solid, like a palpable pull.
It's just good.
At just under 7k words I'm not going to tell you what this is about, just grab it (IT'S FREE), read it on your lunch break and then come find me and let me know if I've lost my way. Or if, once again, I've discovered a little SSBB bonbon; a sweet gem of goodness.
*ya'll know I'm a sucker for the noisy ones, right???
Dex is more Dex. Ash is more Ash. Sloane is just fucked up. Oh, and Cash!
Charlie Cochet is a trickster! She's lured me into this world with gift~ ~ ~
Dex is more Dex. Ash is more Ash. Sloane is just fucked up. Oh, and Cash!
Charlie Cochet is a trickster! She's lured me into this world with gifts of humor and charming characters, and then she's waylaid me with unexpected anguish. In other words, I love it!
THE CHARACTERS
Sloane could see Dex going into "detective mode" every time he opened a file. It made him once again question whether Dex would be happier in Recon.
Sloane Brodie - As Team Leader, Sloane has to keep everyone safe, but ghosts from his past test his strength and resolve. Sloane broken is crushing.
Wherever his team went, Dex seemed to pick up a fan following. Something about the guy fascinated Humans and Therians alike. Sloane was still trying to work out what it was. Especially since the guy was...well, kinda weird. Then again, crazy had a way of attracting crazy.
Dexter J. Daley (Dex) - No one can push Sloane's buttons like Dex. Even when he's done something right, he's causing friction. Dex in action is thrilling though.
For all the THIRDS' rules on fraternizing, the place was incestuous.
Special Mention - Cael & Ash, Calvin & Hobbs. Or - Cash and Cobbs - respectively.
THE STORY
As the chase for bad-guy Issac continues, Dex makes a hero maneuver against orders that really pisses Sloane off. But why? It was the right thing to do. Sloane decides to be hard headed, Dex decides to keep his head down, and the rest of the world explodes around them.
"Karaoke night!"
The bro-hijinks in this story help to level out the heavier, harder hitting dark parts. I don't think Charlie Cochet can really ever write the "dark" stuff (she's just too kind), but she definitely paints an edgy, seedy picture showing how bad the ugly parts of society can be.
I'm impressed with the balance and contrast achieved here. If you look you'll see that Cochet has created a world parallel to ours in which bigots are Therian (shifter) haters and it brings into high-def just how ugly that sort of hatred really is.
THE WRITING
I knew going into this series that it was supposed to have humor, but I wasn't really sure that Charlie Cochet could pull it off to the level that was hyped. My apologies to Charlie; she has certainly surprised me. Why did I have any doubts? I've always found a certain delight in reading her works. She always brings wonder, excitement and brightness. But this time, she has slammed me with her humorous wit.
In my (rushed) review of book 1, here, I mentioned the monumental world building that was done to give this series a huge presence. In book 2 I think that detail was given over to the development of the characters, Sloane in particular. Yippee for me, 'cus I'm a Sloane girl. The focus has not really been on the shifting, but rather on personalities and struggles and intriguing characteristics.
I think you'll find you'll be hooked by the humor, but will want to stay for the characters' charms. I know I will.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Charlie Cochet and Dreamspinner Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
I hope the beautiful and lovely Charlie Cochet will forgive me for skimping on my review of Hell & Highwater, because it absolutely deserves a fu~ ~ ~
I hope the beautiful and lovely Charlie Cochet will forgive me for skimping on my review of Hell & Highwater, because it absolutely deserves a full review. But life, you know?
So, for Charlie:
[image] You did GOOD!
For everyone else:
[image] I LIKE it a lot!
Hurrrrry quick, run right off and get your hands on this new series. The guys are delicious, the action is intense, and the humor is a great addition to a shifter story. I predict Dex will be an instant classic!
Best of all is the world that Charlie has created for you. You will become completely engrossed in it. Check out the dedicated website, with amazing bonus content, here:
And, Charlie? Don't blame me if you get a lot of this from here on out...
This delightful read deserves a wonderful full review, but life, you know? Things kept interrupting my read, but each time I couldn't wait to get~ ~ ~
This delightful read deserves a wonderful full review, but life, you know? Things kept interrupting my read, but each time I couldn't wait to get right back to it. To the point of utter frustration.
If you're inclined to read a captivating, delightful and satisfying historical-paranormal romance look no further. I would even dare to say that if you are in one of those moods where you don't know what you want to read, pick this up!
Between Whyborne and Griffin's charming romance, the heart-wrenching past recounts and the deep paranormal plot there is something here for everyone. I just enjoyed this immensely.
Thank you to my lovely deirdre for gifting this to me. She's started me on a series that I'll definitely be continuing.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~ ~ ~ Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
There are books that have backstory and things you need to know about the character’s past, but this brought it all forward and aligned th~ ~ ~
4 Stars
There are books that have backstory and things you need to know about the character’s past, but this brought it all forward and aligned the main character’s history with his present day in a way that was engrossing and unsettling, as it’s meant to be.
THE CHARACTERS
Jonathan David - Complex.
Eddie Dorman - Wonderful.
Alan Pemberly -Tragic.
THE STORY
You can’t run away forever, the annoying voice chided him. Jonathan wrapped a mental hand around its throat and warned it that if it spoke again, he would choke the life out of it. In fear, the voice quieted.
This is a unique mix of romance and suspense with a strong PNR element. The modern day struggles of a couple just getting their lives in sync, tempered by a darker past, has a balance that is at once honest and frustrating. Jonathan and Eddie just want to plant roots and settle down, but even though they try to deny the past and move forward, that past is coming for them.
The romance isn’t perfect and, in fact, is downright rocky, but I had no doubt that this was a relationship worth fighting for.
The way the author showed today’s contemporary life of a committed gay couple and mirrored it against the, not nearly distant enough, past is particularly well done. Done so well, in fact, that you may not even notice it happening. We may think we’ve come a long way, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still fighting things we thought we’ve overcome.
THE WRITING
It also occurred to him that, in the process of making the yard produce what they wanted it to, the earth had to be scarred and beaten up.
I found some of the time shifts and flashbacks confusing. Possibly much of this was intentional, but instead of being mystifying it was often unclear. There was also, in my opinion, an entirely unnecessary bigot inserted into the storyline.
However, I also found the writing to be, mellow. Not in a dull or slow way, but in a way that helped me keep my calm through a story that may have been overwritten otherwise. This isn’t intended to be a thriller or an edge-of-your-seat read � although it does have its moments � it’s intended to feel introspective while fully gripping you with the story. Achieved.
This is my first read by Mr. Feeley, but it won’t be my last.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Also, a big thanks to Grammy at for another, great recommendation.
Once again I have to ask, WHY AREN’T YOU READING THIS SERIES???? It's fun, sexy, humorous, action filled and just a great, ~ ~ ~
SEASON 1 FINALE -
Once again I have to ask, WHY AREN’T YOU READING THIS SERIES???? It's fun, sexy, humorous, action filled and just a great, enjoyable diversion!
NOW is when you want to pick these up. You can get the whole season which includes bonus goodies. Including background on Dev’s dad’s!
Originally I thought this series was just about a tough guy and a sweet, sexy babe, but there’s SO much more to these books than I ever expected.
This episode begins with glimpses of Rio’s past (way past) which intermingle with the present. It all builds toward a battle scene full of tense action. Eventually the story smoothes out to a tender, sweet, and humorous interlude that left me smiling.
I absolutely cannot wait to see where Cari Z takes me next. I’d follow Rio and Dev to heaven OR hell.
It filled him with peace even as he realized, almost too late, that peace was death.
THE CHARACTERS
Rio - We learn what a rare and unique being Rio is. Even before we knew he was angelic, he was divine! Warm, strong, handsome, and indecently sexy.
Rio was the island of sanity in a world of confusion and fear, and Devon wanted him desperately.
Dev - A man possessed, but he can overcome anything to be with Rio.
Cressidus Eww. Just ewwwww! Cringe-worthy demon that needs to go back to hell. Go Rio on his ass!!!
THE STORY
Rio’s anguish drives him like a force of nature in this episode. God, to be the object of his affection, whew! Like a precision weapon he is determined to get to Dev, at any cost.
Devon is not really himself right now, but he still holds on for his man. And boy, is it worth it.
“Here we go,� Rio muttered. “Let’s do it right this time, no more slipping away, Devon. Open your eyes.� […] “Open up, honey, open your eyes.�
Devon tried, but his eyelids felt so heavy. He was able to curl his lips up into a little smile, though. “C’lled me h’ney,� he husked,…� […]
“I’ll call you anything you want if you look at me snickerdoodle.�
THE WRITING
The way Rio’s undoing is portrayed here is brilliant. He is a man at his wits� end and you feel it. His ultimate relief is also palpable and so rewarding it’s worthy of reading over and over. (Yeah, I did!)
Nicole did a great job of combining a dash of PNR with a sexy firefighter element. While this is a qu~~~
FUN - SWEET - SEXY - FEEL GOOD - DIFFERENT
Nicole did a great job of combining a dash of PNR with a sexy firefighter element. While this is a quick, short read all the blanks are filled in to make this a delight. I want more, but it's complete as is.
You can probably read this on your lunch hour, so give yourself a treat and enjoy this first release by Nicole Forcine. I can't wait to read more from her. Especially if it's Max's sexy-shifter story :)
Thanks M/M Romance Group and LHNB for bringing us this treat!
Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog
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