Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Imagines (Imago, #2) – N.R. Walker

Date of Publication: April 8, 2017
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Genre: LGBT, MM Romance
ASIN: B06Y599DJK
Characters: Jack Brighton, Lawson Gale

The second book of Imago is the continuation of Lawson Gale and Jack Brighton’s blossoming love affair. It’s been a blissful six months for the two and they are very much in love.

Here, Lawson was offered a two-week research position in Queensland to determined why a species of butterfly is diminishing. Since they’ve initially planned to take a trip together, he and Jack decided to combine work and pleasure altogether.

Now, if the first book was “conflict-less,” this one has a whole lot of it since the whole researching job involves a certain professor that apparently has a thing for Lawson. Not only that, it also involves a career-changing decision that may affect their budding relationship.

I really enjoyed reading this one. I loved the development of their characters and their story. I loved that the characterization of each of our main character is consistent. Lawson being an accident magnet is as funny and adorable as ever whilst Jack’s superhero complex is super swoon worthy!

The whole thing is still as sweet as the first book! This is another easy read from N.R. Walker and a book that I’d totally recommend.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Book Review: Imago (Imago, #1) – N.R. Walker

Date of Publication: February 8, 2017
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Genre: LGBT, MM Romance
ASIN: B06VXS641F
Characters: Jack Brighton, Lawson Gale

I’ve read this the first week of its release and was able to finish it in one seating. N.R. Walker is one of my favorite authors from the LGBTQ+ genre and she never fails to deliver.

Lawson is the adorkable lepidopteist who came across Local Parks and Wildlife officer, Jack Brighton in a small town in Tasmania while searching for a species of butterfly that may or may not even exist.

Jack Brighton with his lovely dog Rosemary is pure love. He is just too dreamy for words. I loved his personality and his reactions towards Lawson’s quirks.

Lawson and Jack are easily the most likable couple ever and you’d definitely root for them onset of the story. Theirs is the typical boy meets boy story that will melt your heart and will make you go aww… from start to finish.

The chemistry between them is right there from the very beginning and how they fell in love is just all sweet and buttery. Peeps who are looking for conflict will not find it here. This book is an easy read when you just want to feel something good. It is a feel good story with not much drama but overflowing in the romance department. ‘Will highly recommend this one!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Book Review: Micah Johnson Goes West (Get Out, #2) – Sean Kennedy

Date of Publication: April 4, 2017
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Young Adult, Homophobia, Sports, HIV
Format: 186 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 1635333644 (ISBN13: 9781635333640)
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Micah Johnson

I was not the biggest fan of Micah Johnson. I didn’t like him when he first appeared in the third book off the Tigers and Devils series but after reading The On-going Reformation of Micah Johnson, I realized that he wasn’t that bad. I was actually excited to read this one but I got hesitant when I’ve read its blurb.

BLURB: On the outside, Micah Johnson seems to have everything. He is proving his worth on the field during his rookie year with his new professional football team, the Fremantle Dockers, but his personal life is a mess. Homesick, three thousand kilometres away from his family and friends on the other side of Australia, Micah isn’t coping. He’s using casual sex, alcohol, and drugs as crutches since he doesn’t feel comfortable approaching his foster family with his problems, and he’s left with nowhere to turn. It isn’t until he experiences a health scare and a friend is rocked by a personal tragedy that Micah realises he does have the strength to succeed at a new life in the West—but he has to learn to ask for help

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed it. I loved that Micah is maturing overtime. He still got a lot to work on especially when dealing with his emotions but I ought to give him a break I guess because he’ still very young after all. I loved that the story arc is very relevant what with different athletes coming out of the closet and bravely enduring the taunts of closed-minded people who still thinks that no gay men could ever play sports. I also adore his friends and family and how supportive they are with his budding career. It was a really good read and another top notch sequel from the author. Fans of the first book won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Sean Kennedy was born in Melbourne, Australia, but currently lives in the second most isolated city in the world (although there still seems to be conjecture over whether it is actually number one). Living in such deprived circumstances can only affect his writing, which is published by Dreamspinner Press.

You can find him at http://www.seankennedybooks.com

Book Review: Goodnight My Angel (Angel Enterprises, #2) – Sue Brown

Kindle Edition, 249 pages
Published March 30th 2017 by Sue Brown’s Stories
ASINB06XY7X2G2
Language: English
Series: Angel Enterprises #2

Blurb: Callum Ross has a tough decision to make. After years of working for the covert ops agency in the UK and owning his own security firm in the US, he’s forced to choose between the business he loves, and the new relationship with his partner, Josh Cooper.

A bottle of whiskey and Josh almost being killed helps Cal make the decision, and he moves to the UK with plans to set up his own security consultancy. Then the head of the covert ops agency where Josh now works asks Cal for help. Agency operatives and their families are being injured or killed, including Cal’s friends.
Cal is asked to investigate with Josh’s assistance.

As the number of victims increase, they’re aware either of them could be the next target for the killer.

Warning: This is not a stand=alone book and this review may contain some spoilers.

In the second installment of Angel Enterprises, there’s someone who infiltrated the agency and started killing those related to it. Cal, Josh and the gang would have to move smart and fast in order to capture the culprit . We also see Josh and Cal work around their relationship interweaving with their respective careers.

Cal is very much present in this story which i’m very happy about because it was mostly Josh that we’ve got to know in the first book. The downside is, I kind of missed the Josh I fell in love with in Morning My Angel. Don’t get me wrong tho, it’s still a wonderful read but somehow, It felt like it focuses more on the mystery and the romance aspect became a side story.

I thought the mystery of the killer and the “mole” within the agency was cleverly narrated (hidden) until the last chapter but I wished there was less casualty because there were some very interesting characters right there.

At some point, I didn’t know whose POV it was that I was reading but it didn’t matter much because it simply revolves around the main focus of the story which is the murder of those related within the agency.

This is still a pretty solid follow up to Sue Brown’s Morning My Angel. The cliffie at the end was real good. I’m really excited to read more from this series! I just hope that the next installment would include more of Josh and Cal’s interaction than their interaction with the side characters.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Sue Brown is owned by her dogs and two teenagers. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop.

Sue discovered M/M romance at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favourite television series. The series is long gone but the kissing was tender and Sue had a lightbulb moment.

Since then she has written many stories hoping to recreate that tender moment she saw on screen. Sue has high hopes that one day she will provide a lightbulb moment for someone else.

Book Review: Morning My Angel (Angel Enterprises #1) – Sue Brown

morning-my-angelDate of Publication: September 29th 2016 by Sue Brown’s Stories
Theme & Genre: LGBTQ, Romance, Mystery
ISBN 9781370601196
Format: Ebook
Characters: Callum David Ross, Josh Cooper


Blurb: 
Josh Cooper, top US security field agent, is sent on an inter-agency assignment to London, when a partner in his firm goes missing in suspicious circumstances. Used to working in sole charge of his well-honed team, he clashes heads with the handsome, but pompous Cal, his UK co-operator and superior. Josh’s gut tells him something is wrong. He’s being kept out of the loop and Cal’s agenda is running on a different path.

 He also has a personal issue to deal with. He’s involved in a cyber-relationship with “Charlie”, an unknown man who connected with Josh by accident. Their banter has led to deeper respect and a sexual interest, but now Josh is faced with a growing attraction to Cal. Between this conflict and the tension of the mission, Josh’s heart and head are overworked and confused. Things can’t get much worse.

Then Josh discovers the enemies he’s seeking have a new target: him.

Review: Let me start by saying this is by far my most favorite read from Sue Brown! It’s got romance, mystery, suspense and the writing is just simply sublime!

The characters in this story are dynamic, vibrant and very easy to picture in your head.

I super loved Josh’s character! He’s smart, witty, cocky and just all-around adorable! I loved his voice and the way the author showed different facet of his character. He’s definitely one of my favorite characters this year!

Then there’s the big, alpha, swoon-worthy Cal. His character simply complemented Josh’s in every way. I loved that we get to see his vulnerable side, which is very much adorable, if I may just say since it usually involves Josh’s welfare.

As for the secondary characters – it’s interesting to note that we get to read more of Jesse and Dan here from the Lyon Roads Vets series. I wasn’t a big fan of Jesse from that series but I kind of enjoyed him here. The rest are very well written that you’d have to read until the last chapter to really get to know them.

The mystery part of the story was fabulously sketched here. It’s well-paced and  I loved that it keeps me guessing until the very end.

And the romance – ohmygod! Absolutely delicious! I adore Josh and Cal individually and together – they’re just explosive! Their chemistry is just absolutely beyond!

I cannot recommend this enough for fans of the author and mm romance/suspense readers! Seriously, you have got to get hold of this one! ‘Cannot wait to read more from this series!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Sue Brown is owned by her dogs and two teenagers. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop.

Sue discovered M/M romance at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favourite television series. The series is long gone but the kissing was tender and Sue had a lightbulb moment.

Since then she has written many stories hoping to recreate that tender moment she saw on screen. Sue has high hopes that one day she will provide a lightbulb moment for someone else.

Book Review: An Honorable Man (Men of Manhattan, #7) – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

an-honorable-manBlurb:
Officer Danny Finnegan loves his job. As one of the youngest faces on the police force, he has taken on the challenge of going undercover to catch a serial killer in Manhattan. Ten rent boys have been murdered, and Danny knows it won’t be long before another one turns up dead in an alley. He and his partner, Tiernan Callahan, gear up to hit the seedy side of the city that never sleeps. There’s only one problem. They need help to make Danny’s cover convincing.

Bobby Laughlin left the back streets of Manhattan behind when he came way too close to becoming another number in the rent boy killings. He spends most of his time on Fire Island working at a bar. He is trying to get his life back on track when officer Danny Finnegan walks back into his life. Bobby was attracted to Danny the first time he saw him — when the boyish-looking cop took Bobby’s statement after a client beat him brutally. Working with the the sexy cop could be dangerous. It would put him right back on the streets he’s been trying so hard to avoid.

Bobby reluctantly takes on the task of teaching Danny how to work the streets. As things heat up on the case and in their hearts, Bobby finds himself falling for Danny, and Danny has eyes only for Bobby.

But can they catch a killer before one of them ends up as the next headline?

Review:
I’ve really enjoyed reading this one right after finishing the sixth book. I loved Bobby – love his character that is so similar to Ryan in most aspect but way more explored. I also adore Danny! The guy is perfection!

I was able to guess who the serial killer is midway through the story and it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book. The story revolves more about the development of the relationship of the main couple here. I loved the vibrant character of Danny. He’s just so adorable! Bobby, as I’ve said is an absolute replica of Ryan from the last book but he still complemented Danny in every way.

The sixth book is enjoyable but this one is far more meaty in terms of plot lines. It’s very easy and very fun to read! I just loved everything about it!

Now, I am very excited to read the next book which I’m hoping will be involving a drag queen and a playboy cop!!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
I have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but “Old School” French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in Arizona. I’ve been connected to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn’t change a thing about it. Writing has become my full time job and I’ve never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won’t happen soon!

Book Review: A Selfless Man (Men of Manhattan, #6) – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

a-selfless-manBlurb:
Ryan Carter always hoped his life would turn around for the better. He has a job that he loves, and another one that he hates. Becoming a rent boy was never his life plan, but circumstances forced his hand. When his life falls apart, hunky firefighter Michael Callahan comes to his rescue. Ryan knows better than to believe someone as wonderful as Michael would ever want to be with someone who sells his body. But spending time with Michael gives Ryan something he’s never had before.

Hope.

For months, New York firefighter Michael Callahan has been thinking about the hot guy he rescued while working crowd control during a robbery standoff. His brother is very happy dating a man, and Michael wonders if he’s finally ready for a relationship of his own. An apartment fire brings him face to face with the young man who’s been haunting him for months. Their friendship starts strong, but will Ryan’s alternate life put out the flicker before it has a chance to flame?
Can Michael convince Ryan that he wants him no matter who he is? Or will the relationship turn to ash before it even begins?

Review:
I’ve never been a fan of the two Callahan brothers – Michael and Tiernan got me reeling mad while reading Casper and Spencer’s story but they were able to redeem themselves from the last book in the series.

This story is pretty straight forward just like the rest of the series’ installments. Both Michael and Ryan are likable. Unlike the rest of the series tho, it does not have a major conflict. I liked that in some stories and I liked that in here. I feel like Ryan have had enough so I was sure glad tha he got his happy ever after without much fuzz.

This is where we see Casper and Spencer getting married so that’s a bonus for us fans of the series! They are my favorite so that should make the book more enticing if you’re a fan of the couple like moi!

I’m writing this review after reading it’s seventh book so just a bit of a spoiler (well, not really) rather a reminder, you should pay attentio to the side characters in this book because they will play a role in Bobby and Danny’s story (Book 7)

Overall, it’s a quick read. It was nice seeing some familiar characters and I loved that the author is continuing this series because I just effing loved it!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About the Author
I have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but “Old School” French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in Arizona. I’ve been connected to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn’t change a thing about it. Writing has become my full time job and I’ve never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won’t happen soon!

Book Review: The Weight Of It All – N.R. Walker

the-weight-of-it-allDate of Publication: September 12, 2016
Genres and Themes: LGBTQI, Romance, Comedy, Body Image
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Format: 244 pages, ebook
ISBN13: 978-1-5375-6116-5
Cover Artist: Sara York
Characters: Henry Beckett, Reed Henske

I find this book a bit different from the author’s previous works. I knew that N.R. Walker is witty, funny and all but, I did not know that she could be THIS funny. Here, she gave us funny scenes where you will totally laugh out loud. She’s funny in a way that is beyond moving. I mean, a few writers can do that – being tragically funny or funny and tragic at the same time. In a good way that is. You’re probably confused now and I am too, but I will get to the point by the end of this review  (or not).

Henry’s character is one adorable character that we rarely see in books – in gay romance in particular and as its main character no less. So it’s refreshing to have an overweight, middle-aged corporate gay guy to be the center of the story. He’s not a demi-god with that vampiric-good looks and a body of an Olympian swimmer. In short, he’s an everyday guy! I can totally relate to him.

He covers his insecurities with self-deprecating humor. His douche of a boyfriend for eight years left him because he’s apparently “overweight and fat.” That was the douche’s exact words and I wanted to punch the guy with a Manny Pacquiao left hook. Only, there was no (warning: spoiler ahead) V for Vendetta in store for us. Henry has got class obviously.

With Reed’s help, his mofo personal trainer, Henry was able to truly see the real him. He was able to transform himself not only physically but also mentally. He learned to love himself. And he fell in love in the process.

The romance between him and Reed is just about the sweetest ever. I appreciate the slow-burn, that creeping feeling of fondness and eventually the love between them. It’s totally awe-inspiring.

The book also includes a goofy bunch of secondary characters. I loved Anika and Sean! They’re fantastic bffs! Melinda and Emily are amazing! And how can we not thank the douche ex???! He totally started this story! Haha!

In my opinion, this is N.R. Walker’s best book to date after the epic Red Dirt Heart series. It’s about self-image, self-love, and the valuable lesson that even if the mind is blind in seeing the real you, the heart will always feel the truth in you. I don’t know if that make sense to you but it does to me. Read this now people, like right NOW!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

About the Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way. She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words. She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal. She’s been writing ever since…

Book Review: Boy Erased: A Memoir – Garrard Conley

Boy Erased” by Garrard Conley is a poignant and challenging read that left a profound impact on me. Conley’s narrative is starkly honest, delving deep into the complexities of his upbringing in an ultra-religious family while grappling with his own identity and enduring the horrors of gay conversion therapy.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the palpable homophobia depicted in the book resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the painful struggles many of us face in finding acceptance and understanding. Conley’s raw portrayal of his emotional and psychological turmoil evoked a sense of shared experience, making his journey feel all too familiar. The depiction of conversion therapy was particularly gut-wrenching, with Conley eloquently conveying the disturbing realities he endured. While reading, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger, yearning for him to reclaim his sense of self amidst the oppression he faced.

In today’s world, where LGBTQ+ rights are still fiercely contested, “Boy Erased” serves as a powerful reminder of the detrimental effects of homophobia and the urgent need for awareness and empathy. It should be required reading for all, especially young adults, to shed light on the lasting scars inflicted by such harmful practices.

Although memoirs aren’t typically my go-to genre, Conley’s story captivated me, illuminating the ongoing struggles and triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community. I wholeheartedly recommend “Boy Erased” to anyone seeking a profound exploration of the human spirit, but be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published on May 10, 2016 by Riverhead Books

About the Author
Garrard Conley is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Boy Erased, as well as the creator and co-producer of the podcast UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America. His work has been published by The New York Times, Oxford American, Time, and Virginia Quarterly Review, among others. Conley is a graduate of Brooklyn College’s MFA program, where he was a Truman Capote Fellow specializing in fiction. He is an assistant professor of creative writing at Kennesaw State University.

Book Review: Ethan, Who Loved Carter – Ryan Loveless

ethan-who-loved-carterDate of Publication: September 17, 2012
Genres and Themes: LGBTQI, Romance, Family, Disability
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Format: 210 pages, ebook
ISBN13: 9781613727355
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Characters: Ethan Hart, Carter Stevenson

Blurb: By twenty-four, Carter Stevenson has stuttered and ticced his way to debilitating shyness. Although his friends accuse him of letting his Tourette’s dictate his life, Carter moves from Los Angeles to a quiet California town. He’ll keep his head down and avoid people. He doesn’t anticipate his new neighbor, Ethan Hart, crashing into his solitude and forcing him to get out and live.

From the beginning, Ethan makes his love for Carter clear. But he fears Carter won’t see past Ethan’s damaged brain, even though it makes Ethan more attuned to his emotions than most people. For Carter, there’s a bigger issue: he’s been burned by so-called “perfect” matches, and he won’t risk his heart again.

One way or another, Ethan’s determined to show Carter they belong together. Then Ethan receives tragic news. Suddenly he must turn to Carter for strength and support. Will Carter come through when Ethan needs him most?

*****

I’ve had this on my reader for as long as I can remember and only thought of it when I’d read a friend’s stellar review of it. By god, I cannot believe it took me forever to give this one a go because it’s beyond everything I was expecting from it. I just loved everything about it. I do. I truly do.

Ethan and Carter. Two souls whose fate will cross, not knowing at first that they are made for each other. It was quick tho. True love works fast at times.

Ethan. Brain-damaged. He sees everything in black and white. Right or wrong. But love is what led him to Carter. Ethan – beautiful, kind-hearted Ethan. I just loved him. He reminds me of Shane’s character in Kim Fielding’s Rattlesnake (one of my all-time favorite books) because they suffered the same trauma. What happened to him was heartbreaking, but the way the author highlighted Ethan’s character post-trauma is too beautiful not to appreciate. I even feel like crying right now. Ethan is someone you’d wish to have all the love in the world. Beautiful Ethan Hart is one unforgettable character.

Carter, with his debilitating shyness due to Tourette syndrome, finally accepting he deserves someone like Ethan. Some who can give him true love. He’s been burned in the past by the so-called “perfect matches,” but with Ethan, it looks like he found his forever. Carter with his wonderful loving heart. Someone who will protect Ethan and someone who also needs protection. Carter Stevenson is one incredible character.

And we have the minor characters who made such a strong impact in the story. Ethan’s parents, Liz and Nolan, are fantastic pairs of parents. Their unconditional love for Ethan is just too beautiful. Ethan’s younger brother Elliot and his teenage angst. My heart melts for him. His love for Ethan may not be that transparent, but it’s there, and it’s terrific. Then there’s Vera, Andy, Alice, Horatio, and the gang…everyone’s wonderfully supportive that you’d wish a lot of these people exists in the real world.

For my friends who haven’t read a single LGBTQI book, I would encourage you to start with this beautiful book by Ryan Loveless. If you simply are looking for something that will touch your heart, something that will make you smile and something that will remind you of the power of true love (mushy I know) regardless of theme and genre – then this book’s the one you’ve been looking for.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

AMAZON BUY LINK

About The Author
Ryan Loveless is a farmer’s daughter. She has a BA in English from a private college in Illinois and a master’s degree in library and information science with an archival certificate from a university in New York. Raised in a conservative family, she was shocked and relieved when her coming out was largely uneventful. She has been writing since she could read and has always drifted toward M/M because she enjoys the relationship dynamics. It’s possible that her first story was about GI Joe. She wishes she still had that story.