Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Spencer Cohen Book Three (Spencer Cohen, #3) – N.R. Walker

Spencer Cohen 3Date of Publication: April 21, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Romance
Length: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Blue Heart Press
ASIN: B01EDDUAMM
Covert Artist: Sara York
Characters: Spencer Cohen, Andrew Landon

Warning: This review contain some spoilers.

I absolutely adore this series! There’s just something so special about this couple – Spencer and Andrew – that makes you want to give them all the love in the world.

Spencer is just freaking unbelievable! For someone who’s been bruised by his past, his countenance and outlook in life is just beyond amazing and he’s not even aware how good he is with people, how is kindness touched the people around him! What a really special guy!

Andrew on the other hand is just adorkable in so many ways! Who wouldn’t love this guy? Seriously? He’s shy, smart, sexy, sophisticated and …I’m running out of S adjectives but what I’m trying to say is that he’s all kinds of perfect! He’s Spencer’s perfect guy!

When I was reading the second book, I knew that something from Spencer’s past will finally be able to burst his happy bubble in L.A. A sad call from Sydney was all it took for him to confront some remnants of his past. It was a rather  bittersweet reunion between Spencer and a member of his family and more heartbreaking that suicide has to pave a way for them to reconnect. Ideally, I would’ve like the father to just go and offed himself but the villains in the story doesn’t always die, the same way in real life. I cried for Spencer, Archer and Lewis and the times they’ve all lost together because of his parents’ bigotry and conditional love. What a waste, really. If only Spencer could turn back time.

The story may have a bit of a sad tone but overall, there’s overflowing love in it! Their friends, family members and the guys themselves are just spreading love all throughout the story. I love stories like this because it makes me feel good and makes me believe that love will always prevail in everything. I am totally channeling Dumbledore.

And really, that epilogue just about killed me! I loved it! Such a perfect ending to a beautiful series! Thank you N.R. Walker!

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: The Distance (Firsts and Forever Series, #11) – Alexa Land

 Date of Publication: April 8, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ New Adult, Family, Comedy
Format: 250 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published.
ISBN: 9781311268150
Characters: Jessie James, Malakai “Kai” Kahale

I’ve been waiting for Jessie’s story for a while now and all I can say after reading “The Distance” is that it was so worth the wait! I absolutely loved this story and I absolutely adore Jessie and Kai! I didn’t exactly pictured Jessie as a twink and one who’s into drag racing for that matter but I liked how the author incorporated this aspect into his character. Although, I’ve to say that I’m still a bit clueless how he found himself so into racing and cars in general. He just mentioned that he started with go-cart and it was a bit vague from there and we were told he came out of the closet at 17 with his family disowning and kicking him out. It’s not a very important detail but it’s just so unlikely with his upbringing I think but at the end of the day, I’m still okay with that vagueness. Sort of.

Malakai “Kai” Kahale aka Trigger is a reminiscent of Dare’s character from “Sky Blue.” This is the 12th couple in total so there are 22 guys in the series but for some reason, Kai’s personality reminded me so much of Dare – laidback, silent and determined. He’s got an amazing chemistry with Jessie and although I’m not a big fan of kids in my MM books, I’d say that I am loving how Alexa Land characterized Joshie and Izzy. ( Joshie’s the adopted son of Trevor and Vincent.)

This series is one of those series you’d just have to enjoy and not over-analyzed (hahaha! I know, I just overanalyzed that detail about racing but yeah – you get the drift). The story doesn’t have much of a conflict and is still over the top like the rest of the series but again, it’s very much enjoyable! It’s pretty long for such a plot but of course, we need to get updates every now and then with the other / previous ‘gay homosexuals’ in the series and you simply have to watch out for Nana’s wedding!!!

If you have not read anything from the series, this one is pretty much a  stand-alone read and let me tell you that Alexa Land’s writing is the kind of writing I go to whenever I feel shitty or on the verge of experiencing a book slump. And this book is an example of that kind of writing.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
I write and independently publish M/M love stories. My best-selling Firsts and Forever series includes: Way Off Plan, All In, In Pieces, Gathering Storm, Salvation, Skye Blue, Against the Wall and Belonging. Coming Home will be released in later summer, 2015.

I’ve also published Feral, a paranormal M/M romance, and The Tinder Chronicles, a paranormal trilogy.

For more information, please visit my blog at:http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/ Follow me on Twitter @AlexaLandWrites or find me on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…

Book Review: The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson (Get Out, #1) – Sean Kennedy

Micah JohnsonDate of Publication: April 7, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Young Adult, Comedy, Sports, Bullying, Homophobia
Format: 190 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 9781634765473
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Micah Johnson, Kyle Marks, Declan Tyler

I prayed for this to be as awesome as the Tigers and Devils series and the gods heard my chanting because this one is just fucking marvelous!

First, this one is separate from the Tigers and Devils series but I’d say that it’s in the same universe.

Is it stand-alone? In some way it is, but I think some readers would probably be a bit clueless about who Dec was and the story behind his character (obviously) if they have not read the Tigers and Devils series.

Micah Johnson is the runaway kid / football protégé of Declan Tyler from the last book (Tigers on the Run) of the Tigers and Devils series. Here, Micah is trying his best to ‘reform’ his attitude which dramatically changes after his spectacular ‘coming-out.’ It’s Micah Johnson against the world in his self-pitying opinion but he’s got to keep his opinion to himself if he wanted to get to his goal of getting drafted into the Australian Football League (AFL).

Second, fans of Dec and Simon (especially Dec) would love this one because he’s in here half the time.

Yay! I totally missed these guys! I loved seeing Dec working post-career as an AFL player! I loved what he’s doing for the future ‘gay’ players and especially loved how he’s very supportive with Micah! He’s going to be a great dad and I’d expect a baby in the (hopefully) next Tigers and Devils book!

Third, the genre is young adult so no-excessive ‘sex-ing’ here.

But hello!? We’re talking about Micah Johnson here so expect naughty stuff to come out of his potty mouth! Haha!

Fourth, you wanna see baby Simon? Well, Micah’s basically Simon who plays footy! Hah! You’d definitely loved Micah’s voice. You can feel the angst, his dry humor and his overall Simon-ism.

And the secondary characters aside from Dec: Micah’s parents, Emma, Alex, Jack, Will and even Boyd! Gawd! Perfection! There’s a unique voice in every character and I just totally adore Alex and Jack! Please, tell me Mister Kennedy that we’ll see more of them in the future! Please, please!

What an amazing, amazing story! I cannot wait for the follow-up! Hurry-up pleasssseee!!!!

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: Stones in the Road (Sugar Tree, #2) – Nick Wilgus

Stones In The RoadPublished January 30, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT  Romance, Family Drama, Homophobia, Death, Drug Addiction
Length: 300 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781632167293
Characters: Wiley Cantrell, Jackson Ledbetter, Noah Cantrell

I’ve finally decided to give this a go after finishing its sequel Got Tell it on the Mountains. I find this too heartbreaking because once again, I am reminded of how lovely Noah was, mostly his relationship with his dad yet when I started reading it, I just can’t seem to stop until I turned its last page. I’ve also read this backward just like its third book ( I know, it’s weird – will come up on a different post soon). I don’t know why I didn’t feel comfortable reading it from the start – I guess I just want to know first that everything was okay. Upon finishing it though, I figured that it won’t make that much of a difference because this book is just freaking good. The first book, Shaking the Sugar Tree was too heavy for me but I still liked it. In Go Tell It on the Mountains, I was able to really appreciate Nick Wilgus’s writing style. This one just reinforced my admiration towards the author and the series. It’s just overall lovely and it’s crazy to think that it’s just now that I was able to read it. Well, mostly because I thought it’s too heavy a book for me but truth be told, it is not. It is more enlightening in such a way where you will yet again witness how Wiley’s love for Noah is so great that it’s almost unreal. You’d want to lit some characters on fire and you’d want to just keep Noah in your pocket and make everything safe and happy for him.

I didn’t really think that Nick Wilgus will be able to come up with a wonderful sequel because at times, the premise of the first book although full of humor seems a bit harrowing but this follow-up showcased how the author has masterfully crafted the wonders of storytelling particularly when fleshing out the ways of the great South. I cannot recommend this enough, though, it is a must for you to read the first book before heading into this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Nick Wilgus is the author of the best-selling romantic comedy SHAKING THE SUGAR TREE about a gay single father raising a deaf child in the South. His other novels include STONES IN THE ROAD, GET YOUR SHINE ON and BILAL’S BREAD.

He is also the author of the Father Ananda murder-mystery series: Mindfulness and Murder, Sister, Suicide, Killer Karma, and The Curious Corpse. His works have been translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish.

He also wrote the script for the award-winning film Sop mai Ngeap, based on Mindfulness and Murder, produced by DeWarrenne Films in Bangkok, nominated for Best Screenplay by the Thai Film Association.

Under the pen name Sulayman X, he is the author of several novels, including TEARS OF A DRAGON and KING OF STORMS. Under the pen name Jerome Wilde, he is the author of BOY CRUCIFIED: A THOMAS NOEL MYSTERY.

Wilgus sold his first short story, The Boogeyman in the Closet, to The Horror Show when he was 17.

He lives in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Book Review: Candy Man (Candy Man, #1) – Amy Lane

Candy ManPublished December 03, 2014
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, New Adult, Rom-Com
Length: 136 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781632166791
Characters: Adam Macias, Finn Stewart

Adam Macias is a military vet hurt by circumstances and is losing hope when he showed up in Candy Heaven. There he meets Finn Stewart – the ever so radiant “kid” who seemed to carry all the love in the world. As Adam played the cat and mouse game with Finn, he learned that some wounds can simply be cured by love – something that Finn is so willing to give and share with him.

So, I’ve finally decided to write a review for this book after several rereads since my first one earlier in 2015. I honestly don’t know why I was initially having a hard time coming up with words to describe how I feel when it’s actually one of my favourite books from Amy Lane and also one of my favourites from the LGBT genre.

In Candy Man, each personality is colourful and vibrant that you’d end up rooting for them and want them to just be happy forever and not have any evil villains hurt them in any way!

You know that feeling when you get so invested with your characters? I was that invested with Adam and Finn.

It’s just so damn easy to fall for Adam and Finn separately, and together, they’re just a totally great and an absolutely swoon-worthy couple. And I’m not even talking about their looks, mind you. Adam and Finn is a couple that has a very symbiotic relationship with an awe-inspiring-almost-magical love story. Perhaps, it’s the story in general or the concept of Candy Heaven with the owner Darrin in it being able to glimpse into the future but beyond this premise, I feel like there’s a Finn and and Adam in every one of us that readers alike could easily relate to. I know I did because this is numero uno on my top reread list and whenever I feel like heading on a book slump, I simply pick this one out on my reader and the good vibes will keep pouring in and my energy to pick out something new is renewed. Haha! I know, it’s weird but great books does that to me.

Interestingly, this was my first full-on novel from Amy Lane and I’ve been a fan ever since. I just cannot recommend Candy Man highly enough! Trust me on this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Amy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at http://www.greenshill.com or http://www.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.

Book Review: Out Of Frame (In Focus, #3) – Megan Erickson

Out Of FramePublished March 15, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, New Adult
Length: 202 pages, ebook
Publisher: InterMix
Ebook ASIN: B016JPTQ8G
Characters: Quinn Mathers, J.R. Butler

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this story since I haven’t read a solo book from Megan Erickson. I’ve read Strong Signal which I absolutely loved but Ms. Erickson wrote it along with Santino Hassell (that was my first book from both of them) so I’m going with this one solely through friends’ recommendations and I absolutely enjoyed it!

The story isn’t extraordinarily new – just a cruise ship adventure on a spring break or maybe not so much. It was the first time for the awkward ginger, Quinn Mathers to do something unexpected and he’s doing it with his best friend Jess on a cruise ship. It’s not just any cruise though, since on board are the members of a reality show, Trip League. Enter J.R. Butler, the resident bad boy of the show whom Quinn has been lusting for like forever unbeknownst to his best friend.

J.R. felt instant attraction from the very first time he saw Quinn but due to his contract requiring him to play it straight, there’s no way for him to do something about said attraction. With his career on the line, is he willing to risk everything for the redhead who made him feel that life could still go on even after he comes out?

I absolutely adore Quinn and his geeky side! Actually, he’s not much of a geek looking back. He’s just too sheltered being an only child with uber-protective parents. He’s just so freaking endearing especially with his sea bands! I loved that his character got some fire despite appearing uptight at first.

J.R. is someone whom I’d give my best power-hug ever! Although he reminds me a bit of those crazy punks from Jersey Shore, I find his character mesmerizing. And when he mentioned Idris Elba. Yes. OMFG. I mean, you’ve seen Idris Elba shirtless right? LOL. Imagine 20 years younger Idris with his hotness level until now and you’ve got Jay! I know! Swoonfest!!!

I also want to say how much I appreciate that Jay’s character is black. I don’t often see black MCs’ in this genre. There’s just so few of them that I could easily count the ones that I’ve read over the years. I feel like they are under-represented.

I initially thought that there will be too much drama in it given the reality TV show premise so I’m glad that the whole thing was very much subdued. I loved that the author didn’t see it fit to make the whole thing excessively complicated for the main characters. It went far too easy at the end but I thought it’s a more than deserved ending for both guys.

I think I missed to mention from the start that this was the first book I’ve read out of the series and I’d say that I didn’t miss much since it’s very much a stand-alone story. Now, I know that I need to pick up the first and second book pronto!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she’s probably listening to the characters in her head who won’t stop talking.

For more, visit meganerickson.org

Book Review: Between Ghosts – Garrett Leigh

Between GhostsPublished March 14, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, War
Length: 226 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781626493513
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Characters: Connor Regan, Nat Thompson

Connor Regan is a journalist who found himself embedded in the war-torn Iraq trying to find closure after his brother’s death three years before. There he meets, Nat Thompson, a veteran SAS soldier who claims to not feel anything anymore until he and Connor started falling for each other.

I thought the whole premise of the story was interesting. At first glance, it was already predictable and when it really did go with the route that I was expecting it to go, I found myself yearning for more. I mean, I love a “good” predictable story and this is one of them, but I also want something that will, perhaps shock me or wow me – just one thing that will make it different from any other stories.

Also, there’s not much to go on with Nat’s character. We only know about how he loves his bestfriend ‘Pogo’ and how he’s been in the military for more than a decade but aside from these information, there’s not much of a backstory. There’s that little tidbits about his childhood but we didn’t really get a feel of the more “civilian” side of him. Although if you look at it in some way, it may not really be that relevant but I figured that since we know so much about Connor throughout the course of the story, why not explore Nat in the process right?

More than the romance, we see here a stark portrayal of the effects of war from both sides of the spectrum. Regardless of which side, war is never good but that’s reality for you.

Garrett Leigh’s Between Ghosts is a very much enjoyable read in a sense that it does not require too much thinking. The whole plot is just there, it was very structure, very predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Garrett Leigh is a British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press. Her protagonists will always always be tortured, crippled, broken, and deeply flawed. Throw in a tale of enduring true love, some stubbly facial hair, and a bunch of tattoos, and you’ve got yourself a Garrett special.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible. That, and dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. Garrett believes in happy endings; she just likes to make her boys work for it.

Garrett also works as a freelance cover artist for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com

Book Review: Simple Things – Kade Boehme

Simple ThingsDate of Publication: March 14, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: New Adult LGBT Romance
Length: 108 pages, ebook
Publisher: Kade Boehme
Ebook ISBN: 9781530393770
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan
Characters: Jeremy Burke, Carter Darling

It’s been forever since I’ve read anything from Kade Boehme and Simple Things just reminded me how much I enjoyed his books in the past. So many books and too little time to read but I’m sure glad that I found Kade’s new book!

Simple Things is about two people who used to be friends, had some falling out, reunited some years later, and finally realized that they were actually meant for each other. How can you go wrong with a storyline like this? The great thing though is how Kade so beautifully rendered the story in such a way that it’ll just tickle you to the bones and make you feel all sappy inside.

The depiction of the main characters Carter Darling, a politician son and Jeremy Burke – a musician with a bit of a baggage is quite refreshing in a way that the story didn’t focus much with their profession. It is more attuned to their feelings – that blossoming romance was so palpable that it’s hard not to root for the success of it.

This one’s another hit for Kade. A low-angst, feel-good read that everybody should be able to enjoy.

I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something light to read especially when you’re relaxing at the beach and enjoying the summer sun!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Kade Boehme is a southern boy without the charm, but all the sass. Currently residing in New York City, he lives off of ramen noodles and too much booze. He is the epitomy of dorkdom, only watching TV when Rachel Maddow or one of his sports teams is on. Most of his free time is spent dancing, arguing politics or with his nose in a book. He is also a hardcore Britney Spears fangirl and has an addiction to glitter.

It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.

Book Review: Beta Test (#Gaymers, #2) – Annabeth Albert [ARC]

Beta TestDate of Publication: May 30, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 65000 words, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B014PG5A0Y
Characters: Ravi Tandel, Tristan Jones

This is very exciting for me because I’ve read the first (and just found out about it) book last month and really enjoyed it so I am really looking forward to this installment. So, I was really stoked to get an ARC of the book and dived right into it!

The story centers on Ravi Tandel and Tristan Jones – both are new employees of Space Villager. Ravi is the life of the party. He can charm just about anyone whilst Tristan is his exact opposite – reserved, organized, and uptight. But they’ve got something in common aside from being gay. They’ve been burned before by their exe’s so whatever fire of attraction they mutually feel was easily extinguished.

When they were sent on a road trip to a gaming conference to unveil a top-secret game, they were able to actually work cordially and get to know each other really well leading to some explosive sexy times between them. The question is, after this road trip will they be able to keep up with being just friends/colleagues?

I really loved the slow buildup of their romance. I loved that we get their personality first through alternating point of views and there’s just something nice on how they connected through sex at first but on an emotional level as well. I loved how Ravi brought Tristan’s confidence back and how he didn’t push him too far. I loved that Ravi’s Hindu background was brought up. It was a breath of fresh air when there is diversity with the main characters in books. I loved that he’s not spineless but still very respectful regarding his family situation.  It was a really good touch into the book which added much charm into Ravi’s character.

Whilst Tristan could get annoying at some point, it was still nice that he finally stood up at the end. It’s nice to have that feeling of vindication when a character finally found his voice to be himself.

This was a low-angst read that a lot of readers and fans of the first book will thoroughly enjoy.  Now, I am looking forward to read the next installment.

I highly recommend this one!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

ARC was provided by Carina Press for an honest and impartial review.

Book Review: Status Update (#Gaymers, #1) – Annabeth Albert

26162169Published December 7, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre and Themes: Contemporary Romance LGBT
Length: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B011IAE2LS
Characters: Adrian Gottlieb, Noah Walters

Blurb: Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?

Review:

I thought it’s really cute – I really loved Adrian’s character tho I don’t get the deal with his ex Deron marrying his sister Emily. I supposed Deron’s bisexual? It’s a minute detail but it bothers me a bit.

I loved the underlying sexual tension between them that it’s almost palpable. The friendship that blossomed between Adrian and Noah was wonderful to read. Although they are both feeling the sexual tension in the air, I loved that they let it simmer first.

The story’s really smooth – not too wordy, not ott dramatic. Noah’s situation was quite realistic so plus point for that. I’m sure glad that Noah situation was not drag into hell and back because tho, realistic it was still an overused trope.

And pets! Who doesn’t love pets in a book! And in a romance book!!!

It was a feel-good, cute story – ‘would definitely be reading more from this series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.