Tag Archives: John Wiltshire

Book Review: The Buckland in the Vale and Sandstone Tor Gay Book Club (Inaugural Meeting) – John Wiltshire

The Buckland-in-the-Vale and Sandstone Tor Gay Book Club (Inaugural Meeting)Date of Publication: August 12, 2016
Genre & Theme: LGBTQ, Romance, Contemporary, Comedy
Format: 253 pages, ebook
Publisher: MLR Press
Cover Artist: Molly Wright
ASIN: B01KESPKZC
Characters: Rory McGrath, Adam Sandstone

Blurb: Rory McGrath suffers from a debilitating condition—he caught it from reading too many books. Rory believes in true love. He’s saving himself until he finds it, preferably with Mr Darcy, but definitely not with the arrogant, unpleasant ape Adam Sandstone. Adam isn’t impressed with Rory either. Both Rory and Adam have yet to learn, however, that you cannot always judge a book by its cover. The nine other members of the new club could have told them this, had they been consulted. The founders of the Buckland-in-the-Vale and Sandstone Tor Gay Book Club know only too well that not all truths are written in books. Truth, like life, is what you make of it.

***

I’m not entirely sure yet on how to permanently place this book on my like-o-meter because there are parts of it that I really, really love whilst some scenes (mostly from the insufferable Adam Sandstone) makes me want to hurl my e-reader into someone or something. Preferably against my nosy neighbour’s flower garden. Or my neighbour himself. Truth.

 I loved Rory because I can totally relate to him and geez, he’s basically me (minus the model-pretty look, lol!) He’s funny, incredibly charming and just about the most adorable ever! His perchant for apologizing is just too endearing…made me winced a couple of times but mostly, made me root for him and his quest for his one true love. A total darling indeed!

Adam on the other hand is the total opposite of Rory. He’s abrasive, insolent, self-absorbed and just about the biggest prick in their little home town. And he’s drop-dead gorg. Served the military. And again, a prick. I didn’t like him one bit if I’m being honest. And his douche move during the party made me a bit restless that I need to pause on my reading. It’s really minor so it’s a “me” issue. Ugh.

The old dears of course are just about the best book club members ever! They’re like the Desperate Housewives, only 20 years older, funnier and actually knows how to read. Hah! They’re just so cute!

John Wiltshire’s humor is always spot on. His writing style kind of reminds me of Josh Lanyon. The latter isn’t known for her humor but their style got the same intensity regardless of the genre and theme of the story.

Here, we’ve got a full-on John Wiltshire humor mixed with some of his characters’ usual angst (from Adam, ahem!). A tiny bit of angst, that is. It’s a HFN ending which I thought was kind of cruel because I just want lovely Rory to get his happy-ever-after-book-ending. I reckon that there would be a second book in store for us? I do hope that it’s for another couple altogether – say the vicar himself? Yay! Is that even possible? Not entirely sure about the mechanics but yeah…   I’m going to finish this asking you guys to pick this up because it’s an absolutely delightful read. For now, I think I’d categorize this one as “I kinda liked it.”

 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
John spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer
when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New
Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he
has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught
polishing his medals.

My Top Picks For January 2016 MM Releases (Ebook Category)

Cold FusionCold Fusion
by Harper Fox
Release Date:  January 5th 2016
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
PRE-ORDER LINK

Their love is the catalyst that could save the planet…or cost their lives.

As an environmental activist for Peace Warrior, Kier Mallory never hesitated to throw himself into dangerous situations. Until his hotheadedness costs the lives of two fellow crewmembers on an anti-whaling mission.

He finds no refuge in his hometown on Scotland’s north coast, where everyone knows what this son of a broken fisherman has done. Effectively homeless, Mal returns to one of his favorite places—Spindrift, a rustic colony of artist and crafter huts.

Spindrift is dilapidated and empty, save for a lone resident. Vivian Calder, a brilliant but emotionally detached scientist who appears to have done the impossible—mastered cold fusion. A clean, free, limitless source of power.

Despite Viv’s aversion to contact, a fragile bond forms between them, seemingly one atom at a time. Until Mal, determined to redeem himself by revealing Viv’s accomplishment to the world, brings down the wrath of an oil-dependent establishment, risking not only their love, but Viv’s life.

Warning: Contains a disgraced environmentalist and an autistic genius who go from strangers to lovers-for-life in thirteen days. Don’t believe in miracles? We’ll make you.

Dangerous TerritoryDangerous Territory
by Cari Z.
Release Date: January 13, 2016
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
PRE-ORDER LINK

With his father barely in the ground and his sister married to a scheming bastard, Carter is on the verge of losing the family ranch. His only chance at holding onto his inheritance is to get his cattle to market before his brother-in-law. That means braving Mason Canyon, which on top of being snake-infested and easily flooded, is also shifter territory. Most clans would just as soon shoot humans as look at them.

His only hope of making it is to trust the shifter who’s agreed to help him, and pray that Rani won’t double-cross him. If Carter doesn’t go he loses everything, and if he doesn’t make it there his family is as good as dead.

My Review HERE.

Ollie AlwaysOllie Always
by John Wiltshire
Expected Release Date: January 15, 2016
PRE-ORDER LINK (will update once available)

Named after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers. When he volunteers to help with the Oliver situation, Ollie hears more in the offer than Tom apparently intends, for Tom quickly informs Ollie that he’s married. Which is absolutely fine, because Ollie isn’t gay—that’s Oliver. Tom and Ollie discover fairly swiftly that there is often a very fine dividing line between fact and fiction.

Rock N SoulRock N Soul
by Lauren Sattersby
Release Date: January 16th 2016
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
PRE-ORDER LINK

I’m Tyler Lindsey, and until recently, I had an okay apartment, an okay girlfriend, and an okay job as a bellboy at a respectable Boston hotel. Then rock star Chris Raiden died right before I brought his room service—stiffing me on the tip, by the way—and my life went to hell. My fifteen minutes of fame was more like five seconds, and my girlfriend left me in disgust.

But even worse—Chris is haunting me. Not the room where he died, like a normal ghost. No, somehow he’s stuck to me and is insisting on taking care of a bunch of unfinished business in California. So now I have to traipse across the country with the world’s most narcissistic ghost.

But . . . I keep having these weird thoughts. Thoughts about how much I like the way he makes me laugh. Thoughts where I kind of want to kiss the emo-narcissist, even though he’s a ghost and an asshole and I can’t touch him anyway. And even if I could, what will happen when he finishes his business and nothing’s keeping him here anymore?

My Review HERE.

LollipopLollipop (Candy Man #3)
by Amy Lane
Release Date: January 25th 2016
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
PRE-ORDER LINK

Ezra Kellerman flew across country to see if he had another chance with the man he let slip through his fingers. He didn’t. Rico has moved on, but he doesn’t just leave his ex high and dry. Instead, Rico entrusts his family and friends with Ezra’s care. Ezra, confused, hurt, and lost, clings to Rico’s cousin and his boyfriend as the lifelines they are—but their friend Miguel is another story.

Miguel Rodriguez had great plans and ambition—but a hearty dose of real life crushed those flat. When Miguel finds himself partially in charge of the befuddled, dreamy, healing Ezra, he’s pretty resentful at first. But Ezra’s placid nature and sincere wonder at the simple life Miguel has taken for granted begin to soften Miguel’s hardened shell. Miguel starts to notice that Ezra isn’t just amazingly sweet—he’s achingly beautiful as well. Suddenly Miguel is fending off every single man on the planet to give Ezra room to get over Rico—while fighting a burning suspicion that the best thing to help Ezra get over his broken heart is Miguel.

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Enjoy you guys and please buy copies from legitimate sites! Do not support piracy!

Book Review: Death’s Ink-Black Shadow – John Wiltshire

DeathI loved the first five books of this series and will continue to regard it as one of the best-written series I’ve read from the first to its fifth book. It took me a couple of months before finally getting a go at this one and I’ve to say that unlike the prior installments, it hasn’t been a pleasant experience reading this. I’m just not into it as much as the earlier books and I was just saddened that my love affair with this series screeched into a halt and ended just like that. And what a coincidence with its title and all. Patay tayo diyan.

I’ve a lot of issues about this installment but I will just try to enumerate the ones that totally turned me off.

  1. The revenge fuck. Ack. Seriously Ben? Remember when “you broke Nik’s spirit?” I was like, this guy’s fucking unbelievable! Even if the fucking didn’t actually happen, the intent was there and it just lessen my appreciation for Ben’s character more and more. Uhm, yeah – it’s like, been there done that and Ben still think that Nik is capable of “really” cheating  on him – Uhm. No Ben. Not cool at all.
  2. The predictable arrival of Nik’s son. ‘Have seen it from a far.
  3. Tim and “the Moron” should be on the kill list next. Their characters are charming earlier in the series but they’ve just become a couple of nuisances.
  4. Ben trying to give more credit to Kate for Molly Rose’s sake. Ugh. I’ve enough of Kate! She’s a scheming bitch and she’s dead but she’s still lurking around causing discomfort. *shuddered*
  5. Speaking of Molly Rose. I can’t get past her character TBH. She’s like one of the main reasons I have to stop reading this series. *sigh*

I know that I will still be waiting for John Wiltshire’s stand-alone books / new series to come but I think I’m done with Nik and Ben at this point. I hate that I got so invested with these two only to leave them hanging midway through the series. I’m sad that it had to end this way but I know that I will still be supporting John Wiltshire’s other titles because the man ‘s got style. This may not work for me but I’m pretty sure a lot of people will still appreciate it.  So there. Ranting / review finished.

Paalam Ben and Nik. It was a pleasure getting to know you…

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
John spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer
when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New
Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he
has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught
polishing his medals.

Book Review: Catch Me When I Fall – John Wiltshire

Catch Me When I FallWhen an angel named Gabriel fell into Jake’s backyard, he didn’t have any choice but to take him in. Unknowingly, the angel’s presence stirs up something he has been trying to stay buried in the deep end of the mountains of Afghanistan. However, there must be a reason why Gabriel falls from heaven right? With revelations confronting him, Jake would have to make the ultimate decision of his life.

Catch Me When I Fall is one funny book and one that is equally poignant. Just how do we deal with choices in our lives? How do we know which things to sacrifice? Is love truly worth sacrificing? How do we deal with something that isn’t there physically but knew about its existence? There are a lot of things one could ask regarding this book if you’re the philosophical type. I am not or not really, but I’d like to think that there really are angels in our lives. Either on a romantic or religious point of view, it’s up to you which one to believe but I fervently believe their existence.

The story here flows easily from the beginning until the appearance of Jono (Jake’s bestfriend from the military). I would’ve given this an easy five star rating if not for that near-end conflict that didn’t sit well with me involving Jono and the supposed plan of Gabriel to have him as a fallback for Jake. I honestly didn’t get that and refused to accept the logic behind it.

John Wiltshire without question is one of the most artistic writers of this genre. He has a unique writing style and knows how to put soul into his characters. If you’ve read any of his novels prior to this title, you can easily see how he creates each character with unique individuality but if this is your first book from Mr. Wiltshire, you won’t be disappointed one bit.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Published October 2014 by MLR Press

Buy now:
Amazon | MLR Press

About The Author
John is an ex-army officer who currently lives in South Island New Zealand. He’s been writing for many years and has a number of novels published.

Much of his fiction is based in England, particularly Devon, where he grew up.

When John isn’t writing, he can usually be found at the beach, surfing.

Book Review: The Bruise-Black Sky (More Heat Than the Sun, #5) – John Wiltshire

The Bruise-Black SkyNote: This review may contain spoiler/s

I was actually very excited when I started reading this fifth installment of the series More Heat Than The Sun because the last book made me pretty upset so I was thinking that something needs to happen here or something will happen here.

I’ve envisioned Kate getting preggo with Ben’s baby after the incident in the fourth book, This Other Country and with this actually happening, I find myself utterly disappointed because that baby trope just doesn’t work for me. I feel that it was there just to fuck with the readers. And I didn’t like it one bit. Like if I were Nik, everytime I’d look at that baby – who’s got Molly Rose for a name – I’d just see that dark moments of Ben regardless of his condition back then. I loved babies in real life but in books – I’d be okay to have Ben’s baby out of the picture. I thought the inclusion of the baby isn’t a good call for the development of the series.

On a more positive note, I loved the introduction of new characters. Miles Toogood is just too good a character not to revisit further in the upcoming books!

This installment clearly separate Ben and Nik’s power over each other. With this though, Ben ends up getting the upper hand in terms of douche-ness level leaving Nik to be the poor underdog.

I somehow find the storyline here a bit weaker than the rest of the series so far, though the loopholes here will definitely bring about good plot points for the next installments. I for one is very curious about Nik’s son (Mr. Wiltshire – bring it on! And could you please let Ben grovel more?) The “rape” non-rape scene at the end was a very pivotal scene in the development of their relationship and the story I reckon. I feel like Nik being Nik – should’ve exploited that more out of Ben.

I didn’t like this installment very much but overall, I’m still enamored to continue with Nik and Ben’s story and still think that this is one of the best series’ I’ve ever read from any genre.

Additional Notes: I honestly do not expect this series to last until Nik turned 50. Gosh, the timeline was so fast I’m having a hard time grasping it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published March 20th 2015 by MLR Press (first published March 19th 2015)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Books

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

Book Review: This Other Country (More Heat Than the Sun, #4) – John Wiltshire

This Other CountryThis is the fourth book of the amazing series More Heat Than The Sun and I am still enthralled by the author’s writing and depiction of his main characters Nik and Ben from the first three books that this actually came a bit of a surprise for me – it’s a rather brow-raising surprise because I’ve this pet peeve about my characters which I’ll try to discuss in a bit.

Anyways, This Other Country saw the very dignified Nikolas Mikkelsen admitting himself into a gay therapy course for Ben’s sake (he’s with Ben here). And for Ben’s stupid friend Squeezy.

I actually find the whole thing quite amusing at the beginning – Nik being Nik – you just gotta love the guy’s snark! Despite his entire strong exterior, he’s really got a soft spot most especially for Ben.

This time, the story’s not divided into two arcs – it’s a continuous one with the initial premise being the gay therapy session. It’s clearly over the top but again, in a good way.

What happened after the therapy was something I wasn’t expected to come out of this book. Something that will tick-off some readers off of some characters most especially Kate. After reading that “scene” – I went ahead and plan for her demise right away. It was gulag style I reckon. I hate that part. I don’t like it at all and it makes my heart palpitate. I was so mad that Nik was so lenient and understanding towards Ben. I cried for Nik because it was so unfair for him. The author needs to make Ben grovel better come next time because it’s always Nik who’s left crying in the corner – with his gun and stuff for killing. I’m totally disappointed with Ben and I could already see where this will be heading – ugh. I’m calling this installment “Kate Must Die” –Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When are the gulag prisoners when you need them?

This book is still great like the rest of the series – with some disappointments that is, but seriously, the writing was so good that it’s unfair to say that I hate it just because what I want to happen with the characters were unrealized.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published November 21st 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 Kobo | MRL Books  | iTunes

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

Book Review: The Bridge of Silver Wings (More Heat Than the Sun, #3) – John Wiltshire

The Bridge of Silver WingsThis is one of those series that keeps getting better and as my new favorite couple’s (Nikolas Mikkelsen & Benjamin Rider)  relationship reached a new high – a lot of things were also revealed about their past that could have great impact in their relationship but we all know it by now right? – Love conquers all. Period. Stop. Ssshhh.

The Bridge of Silver Wings is part disturbing and part mysterious. When Nik and Ben found themselves in the midst of Gulag prisoner’s territory – they almost lost hope of surviving the brutality of their situation. And there is one thing certain for Nik – he would keep Ben alive at all cost. The whole thing about the first part of this novel is nothing short of shuddering. It was like a nightmare that won’t end for all the characters involved and for its readers. It was like watching Hannibal where you are always at the edge of your seat. At some point, I was almost afraid to turn the next page I’m almost shaking. Here, we see the intensity of Nik’s love for Ben. We see Nik here as someone almost inhuman. He’s been through this place and he survived it then and he’s gonna die trying to get Ben see himself out of this. That part about Ben getting “assaulted” was the most disturbing part for me. The trauma it caused Ben, the denial and just the way John Wiltshire spin that conversation between Nik and Ben just gave me goose bumps all throughout – it’s almost too reverent if you think about it. Not even the gory killings horrify me as much.

The second part of the book detailed Ben’s discovery of his father’s side. I didn’t exactly like this part of the book because Ben started second-guessing things about himself and Nik. I thought what happened with them previously is proof enough that it’s 100% solid with them. Here, Ben was acting like he’s twenty-two. Seriously, I was so annoyed when he got away with it so easily and he doesn’t even have to grovel that much. The whole thing about his “cousin’s death” was a tad predictable but it’s a good predictable. And fuck, I think I started hating Kate here. Is this when she started having her POV? I’m like – bitch please, I know you’re up to something in the next book/s – ugh. Little did I know this would hold true.

I’m weeping with Nik over here. I can totally feel his pain here. I really do love them as a couple but I’m team Nik come hell or high water. He’s like my little baby Nik and I hated the fact that Ben just doesn’t seem appreciate him that much here. He’s very lucky that Nik loves him very much. The ending was beautiful as usual but it just gives me the creep that something wicked is about to happen next.

Man’ what can I say? I’m just totally in love with this series. Get your copy now or you’ll miss out big time!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published August 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published August 21st 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Press

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

Book Review: Conscious Decisions of the Heart (More Heat Than The Sun, #2) – John Wiltshire

Conscious Decisions of the HeartNow this one easily includes some of the most intense scenes I’ve ever read from this genre. I’ve read a lot of blood, gore and horrific stuff but those are nothing compared to the intensity and the impact of the scenes here. It’s not even about the blood and all but you see, it’s not just about what the characters see right? It’s mostly what they / we feel along with the characters. Ben and Nik’s relationship is totally official in a way that it’s still not entirely open (with Nik being royalty and all) but they really don’t give a fuck about who knows about it – after all, they do their business privately and they have a very clear understanding about their relationship.

In this book, Nik’s dark past calls to him and went to Russia to do something for an old “friend.” Whilst Nik’s in Russia, Ben decided to travel to Denmark and learn Nik’s language. A slew of events led to Ben succumbing to darkness and a threat gearing up to change everything about them.

I’ve read this book about three months ago and up to now, I’m still in awe and very much affected by it. Rarely a book does it for me like this one. The whole scene with Ben almost doing that “deed” made my heart burn and the agony that follow was more than enough for me to actually pause for a bit before continuing. It’s that good but really, it got my blood pressure really high, I think. The intensity of their relationship was getting stronger and I think right from the very beginning, we all know how intense Nik’s character was. He’s one character that I’d definitely remember if I were given a choice to pick my top 10 from this genre. The secondary characters are very good addition to the cast as we see more from them.

Of course, there’s the event that led them to a relief effort in the Philippines – that was rather special which also proved to be a focal point of what they did next in the series.

John Wiltshire’s writing is nothing but spectacularly affecting. His style is strong, over the top and just too graphic. I would really like to discuss more about the scenes in this book but I’d rather have you guys read it for your enjoyment. Really, if you are a fan of this genre – or even non-reader of MM books – you should definitely give this book a try at least. I’m telling you, it’s so worth it and I encourage everyone to really, really spread the name of this author. I mean, people, he’s so fucking good!!!!

Note: I wrote this review after reading the whole five books (so far) in the series.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published July 3rd 2014 by MLR Press

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Books

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

Book Review: Love is a Stranger (More Heat Than the Sun #1) – John Wiltshire

love Is a strangerWhen I was reading the first few pages of this story, I was almost sure that it’s not going to work for me. I could just feel it and the blurb doesn’t even offer that much other due to its vagueness. Little did I know that I’ll be drawn to the world of Nikolas Mikkelsen and Benjamin Ryder so deep that I’d end up buying the whole bulk available from the series.

Just one bit of warning about the story and the main couple, one should be ready for a roller coaster of secrets after secrets especially about Nikolas. There’s a lot of powerplay involved in their relationship due to the boss-employee nature of it and eventually as a couple.

Benjamin was portrayed here as a vampire from Twilight *wink* kidding* – he’s physically perfect like Henry Cavill perfect and it’s as if he’s the most beautiful person in the planet. That’s not to say that Ben’s just a narcissistic bastard. Nope. He’s actually quite sensitive who happens to fall in love with the most impossible guy in the planet. Match made in heaven yeah?

The storytelling of John Wiltshire was almost hypnotic that at one point in the book, I got so enthralled by it that the pages keeps on turning non-stop. The moment I finished, I immediately craved for the second book.

So there’s just so many things that happened in this story that it’s impossible to choose its main highlight. This introduction of Nik and Ben was nothing short of perfect, in my honest opinion. Their back story and their chemistry was a reminiscent of Ty and Zane from the Cut and Run series by Abigail Roux (perhaps the most iconic couple in the MM genre) and by the looks of it – I could easily see them getting there… let’s hope that the author will be consistent until the end of this series.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published May 16th 2014 by MLR Press (first published January 1st 2014)