Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Rock N Soul – Lauren Sattersby [ARC]

rock-n-soulRELEASE DATE: January 16, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Paranormal / Romance / Contemporary
Length: 434 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Ebook ISBN: 9781626493117
Characters: Chris Raiden, Tyler Lindsey

The first five reviews I’ve read of this book heaping praises for the author and the story is not just some sort of ploy to ask the audience to buy the book. I mean, yes it would definitely encourage them good ol’ folks to check out the book but let me give it to you straight – THIS BOOK IS JUST ALL KINDS OF AWESOME!!!! I can’t even…

The story starts with Tyler Lindsey, a regular guy who works as a bellboy and has a wicked-awful girlfriend. His life took a turn when he discovered famous rock star Chris Raiden dead after he od’d on heroin. After a couple of months, Chris’s ghost materialized that seems to be stuck with Tyler.

Rock N Soul is a wonderfully easy read. Everything about Tyler and Chris – their situation, their banter and the uber-awesome chemistry between them just totally struck a chord with me. They are so likable from the get-go so it’s easy to just eat up their story. Tyler is so freaking regular that you’d relate to him right away regardless of the ghost haunting. And that’s what I loved so much about him. He’s an easy character – practical, blunt and just an all-around guy.

Chris on the other hand is charming to the bones! There’s something childlike about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he’s a spoiled superstar but beyond all the glamour, glitter, the drugs and all – he’s just someone who needs someone to love him. And with those characteristics, you can’t help but root him!

As for the story, it’s actually pretty simple but the dialogues made it so fascinating it’s like re-watching your favorite film where you know everything about it, scenes that were about to unfold but at the end of it, you are still very much satisfied. Rock N Soul is that kind of film…err book.

The conclusion I won’t tell of course but right after the last page, I’m all ready for a sequel. It’s that kind of awesome!

‘Tis a 5-star rocking book to start your year!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Lauren Sattersby works as a budget manager by day, but while she’s at her desk mindlessly crunching numbers, it’s a good bet that she’s also writing M/M romance in her head and counting the minutes until she can get home and write it all down. She is a grammar enthusiast, which is why she has a Master’s degree in technical writing, but that tends to scare friends away so she keeps that to herself.

Lauren lives in Wisconsin with her partner and their three terrible cats. She’s a recent transplant from a thousand miles further south, so she still gets crazy excited about snow. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found playing video games or scouring the countryside looking for interesting birds.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: laurensattersby.com
Facebook: facebook.com/laurensattersby
Twitter: @LaurenSattersby
Tumblr: laurensattersby.tumblr.com
Email: laurensattersby@gmail.com

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

Book Review: Match Maker – Alan Chin

match-makerPublished September 6th 2010
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Sports / Contemporary
Length: 337 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Ebook ISBN: 9781615815883
Characters: Daniel Bottega, Connor Lin, Jared Stoderling
Summary: In the four years since being forced off the professional tour for being gay, Daniel Bottega has taught tennis at a second-rate country club. He found a sanctuary to hide from an unkind world, while his lover, Jared Stoderling, fought a losing battle with alcohol addiction to cope with his disappointment of not playing on the pro circuit.

Now Daniel has another chance at the tour by coaching tennis prodigy Connor Lin to a Grand Slam championship win. He shares his chance with Jared by convincing him to return to the pro circuit as Connor’s doubles partner.

Competing on the world tour is challenging enough, but Daniel and Jared also face major media attention, political fallout from the pro association, and a shocking amount of hate that threatens Connor’s career in tennis, Jared’s love for Daniel, and Daniel’s very life.

I got Alan Chin’s Match Maker after reading a couple of sports-themed stories and I think I got more than what I’ve paid for it. Upon reading it June of this year, I immediately exclaimed over Goodreads that

Alan Chin’s Match Maker just became one of my favorite books ever! And I don’t even understand Tennis! What a profound, special, highly technical and just all kinds of brilliant!!!”

My exact words and they’re still true until now! Everything about it just clicked on my five-stars-o-meter.

This being under the mm / gay romance category, I’ve already made some preconceived ideas about it and really thought that Daniel and Connor would end up together so I was pleasantly surprised to discover from the first few chapters that Connor is actually straight with a guy best friend who’s actually in love with him.

Now, Daniel’s relationship with his best friend turned lover Jared was just the sweetest I’ve ever read. Even after everything they’ve been through, the hardship from the sports where they opted to come out as a couple and vying for acceptance from people around them – they remained together and I think that’s what I absolutely adore in this story regardless of the heavier issues discussed in it.

The side characters are just as vibrant as Daniel’s plight. The story of Connor’s grandpa and his resilience was very admirable and of course, the barrage of story arcs circling in and out of Tennis. (Shar, Spencer, Connor’s family…etc)

The story in general was heartfelt with genius dialogues, realistic scenarios and very human characters. What a well-rounded book this one is and I couldn’t ask for a better book to read as my first from Alan Chin.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published September 6th 2010 by Dreamspinner Press (first published September 5th 2010

About The Author
Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications – Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at: http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog: http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com
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Book Review: The Dead (Thaumaturge #1) – Cal Matthews

The DeadMy good friend Riina recommended this one and I’ve to say that for the most part I truly did enjoy it! Actually, there is only one thing that totally ticked me off about this book that I will discuss through this review.

First you have to meet the main character/s – Ebron, the one who raises the dead and Leo – his vampire-friend-sometimes-lover. They are the main couple here but all the things that transpired in this story centers on Ebron. The main premise involving witches visiting his town brought about some odd and mysterious happenings.

I loved Ebron’s characterization. He’s just a super-chill guy despite his odd occupation as an herbalist and an occasional necromancer. There’s this vibe about him that is absolutely adorable and likable and you’d just feel bad about him at times. Then there’s Leo – I don’t know what his deal with but I love him just the same. They’re great with each other and they are fun together. I just wished that Leo could be more open with Ebron.

Now that thing that’s been bothering me whenever I think about this story – I guess, it’s just a problem for me or depending how you accept things with your books / characters but see,  I highly despise cheating. Seriously, there was no cheating here if you want to be technical about it because according to Leo, Ebron could sleep with anyone. What happened with Ebron and Marcus just totally upsetting for me. I don’t know, I thought that even if Leo keep on saying that Ebron could sleep around, it was in the way Leo acted around Ebron that they’re actually a couple (an exclusive whenever Leo’s in town) without them both realizing it. I feel that, that moment tainted my impression on the story. Again, that’s just me. Technically, there was no cheating/ infidelity – since they have some sort of an “open relationship” but it’s still irksome if I’m being honest. I’m seriously hoping that I won’t be seeing Marcus in the next book. Please, Cal – do not torture me…^_^

Going back with the main antagonists – the witches. It was a tad bit predictable at the end of that fiasco but it was still enjoyable.  This is Cal Matthew’s first novel and I’m duly impressed by his writing style. The transition with each chapter was great, the characters well-captured and the story as a whole was very consistent from start to finish. Minus the Marcus incident, I’d definitely give this two thumbs up! I’m very much eager for the second book now. Congratulations Cal!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published August 5th 2015

 

About The Author
Cal Matthews is a writer of paranormal fiction. A Montana native, all of Cal’s stories are set in the Big Sky State and are often inspired by the kooky residents in her small mountain town. Ask her about the time she went on a memorial camping trip–with the recently deceased in attendance. Aside from writing, Cal enjoys long trail rides on horseback, hiking with friends and family, and lifting weights. A collector of college degrees, Cal does one day plan on having a successful career, but in the meantime she continues to add to her student loans and writes books between odd jobs. Cal is the author of the ongoing Thaumaturge Series and the recently released “Lupine Road”.

Book Review: Chariots On The Highway – Limor Moyal

Chariots On The Highway

Chariots on the Highway: A story about Israel, about the military lone soldiers, about Love and war, and about the journey called life (Gay for you Romance)
Kindle Edition, 315 pages
Published April 13th 2015 by Amazon Digital Services (first published April 11th 2015)

Every year, young men come from all over the world to join the IDF and fight for Israel. They leave everything behind and becoming what known as lone soldiers.

If I were to award my best debut book this year, Chariots on the Highway is definitely part of my top three on my list of nominees. Initially, I dismissed this as a gay-for-you romance upon reading its blurb but lo and behold, I was totally blown away by its sheer genius – realistic lines, vibrant and relatable characters and the whole setting was utter perfection! I could not believe at first that I did not pick this up because of my preconceived ideas about it. Boy was I wrong!

From the very first time, Dan Green was introduced while settling his divorce and eventually “adopting” a lone soldier by the name of Tom Freeman, I was already hooked. There was instant chemistry between them and it went stronger as their relationship went deeper. At least until Dan recognized what he’s been missing and trying to find that thing.  Of course, this “soul-searching” thing will not be possible without the help of other side characters on Dan’s side most especially Mike (his shrink) and Flora (his stepmom).

I loved that there was Kfir’s character (whom Tom dated) that made it easier for Dan to realize that he’s actually falling in love with Tom. It wasn’t an easy change for Dan but he accepted it. I’m not sure how open the Israeli society with the subject of homosexuality but from what I reckon reading this book, they are pretty liberal about it.

I loved that the sex scenes were written very much tenderly and how Tom guided Dan through their blossoming relationship.  I loved the delicacy of their love-making. It was worth the wait once they realized that they would be good for each other.

There was parallelism between the title and Dan’s regular travels along the Ayalon highway and how in life, he needs someone like a passenger to be there with him. I thought that was a nice analogy and how it clearly reflected Dan’s journey to finding his purpose – and finding his true love.

Also, it is very important to note that the author did not focus solely on the romance aspect between Dan and Tom. It was very educational as well for those who are not familiar with a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces like myself. The sacrifice, the courage and their love for their country is simply astounding!

There was also religion as an issue involving Tom’s family. I just hate fanaticism. It’s unhealthy and sure as hell ugly.

Overall, the story’s as magical as the setting. I don’t know why the setting just gave a vibe of tranquility and chaos – mixed together. It was just so beautiful! Thank you Limor Moyal for this eye-opening and beautifully rendered story! Keep writing! Bravo!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 13th 2015 by Amazon Digital Services (first published April 11th 2015)

About The Author

My name is Limor Moyal, I was born in Israel on the night of October 4th 1973, straight into the battle clouds of the Yom Kippur War. I was born curious, alert and passionate about everything that the world around me has to offer. Curiosity and desire, these two traits lead me to any choice and decision I made in life. I explore anything that catches my interest and attention, I’m a true believer in ‘CARPE DIEM’, and act on my dreams, never postponing them. As I see it, life is short and sweet and I you should never do things tomorrow if they can be done today. I consider myself an artist. I love art and I love words, combining the two together is my way to express myself, which reflects my artistic personality as well as my romantic yet realistic soul. When I’m writing it feels like sculpting with words, just like real art, only the materials I’m using are adjectives, metaphors, and descriptive images. Even before I started writing I was, and still am, a devout reader. I read a lot, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that I read three books a week. I read mostly English, since I’m a big believer in reading the original language, (even though my native tounge is Hebrew). I read novels of all genres, mostly contemporary but I do read historic novels from time to time (Mystery, Paranormal, Military, MM) and of course I also read classics (Bronte, Austen, Fitzgerald, Virginia Woolf) as well as known contemporary writers like Haruki Murikmi and Paul Oster. The classics were those who shaped me as a person and a reader. When I begin a relationship with a book, the connection starts without any preconditions from me, except for the basic requirement that the book would not insult my intelligence, but I can easily manage with everything else (dirty talk, taboo content, out of comfort zone content, or dark materials are welcomed). Between me and a book there is a very symbiotic connection, I give him my time, my heart and the utmost respect and openness, and in exchange I expect the book to teach me, excite me, maybe even change me, shake me and leave me with something that was not there before. A book that manages to do so will receive a special spot in my heart and perhaps a review here on the site or on Goodreads, in order to share the experience with you. Then one day I felt ready, that I’m all grown up (I always said I wanted to be a writer when I grew up) and when the time came, I wrote my first book “Chariots on the Highway” (The original name in Hebrew is “Chariots on the Ayalon”)

Book Review: Dangerous Territory – Cari Z.

Dangerous Territoryebook, 56 pages
Published January 13th 2016 by Less Than Three Press

I just loved Cari Z’s writing style. Her characters are fresh, quirky, and just oh-so-goddamn-adorable! This novella just hit the mark for me when it comes to originality and impact because after the last page, I’m still yearning for more! Surely, it’s not going to stop here yeah?

The story started when Carter’s evil brother-in-law was trying to take over their family ranch immediately after his father’s death. To get hold of his inheritance and start on his own, he needs to get to the cattle market before his brother-in-law and the only way to make that happen is to pass through Mason Canyon – a snake-infested terrain and a shifter territory as well. Rani, his shifter guide who agreed to help him out turned out to be not what he expected which rekindled is hope that things may not be that bleak for him and his family.

I totally enjoyed reading this even if it’s way too short for my liking (Cmon’ I need more). I loved that it’s written in the ‘western’ genre with a twist. And no. The “being gay” of the character is not the twist obviously. It’s the shifting thingy that made it more interesting and I loved that Rani’s animal form is surprisingly different from what I expected. I won’t spoil it for you guys, but it’s really so cute if you’d ask me. At least they’re cute in pictures. Hah!

According to the book’s publisher (Less Than Three Press), this book is part of The Devil’s Land collection, a set of unrelated books written in the western genre. THIS CAN’T BE if I have a choice because there’s so much to explore in this story. There’s the question about his family (his sister Millie, Keena, Getrude and even the evil Percy) and there’s more about the shifters. Okay, perhaps I’m getting way ahead of myself but seriously – this one’s a wonderful read and I kid you not about the talent of this author.

If you want to check her out before this hit online – do try her Panopolis series – gawd, that one is just beyond!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 Expected publication: January 13th 2016 by Less Than Three Press

About The Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

ARC courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley – Shaun David Hutchinson

Andrew BrawleyAfter surviving a car crash that killed his entire family, Andrew didn’t see the need to ever leave the hospital. Instead, he camped out at an abandoned part of the hospital. And it was just fucking sad. It just about broke my heart that he’s been on the loose like that trying to avoid “Death” as much as possible and being stricken with guilt and grief, he was forced to make up stuff to survive (which will make him guilty again) I thought it was clever and sad – more on the depressing side actually.

Then came Rusty – the boy he “fell in love with.” The whole thing about their relationship isn’t that convincing. I think both just needed someone to hold on to and they are in the right time and obviously at the right place. I think they automatically veered toward each other because they’re both gay.

Speaking of being gay, the most refreshing part about it is how it was not a big thing for Andrew’s character. Like, onset it was already determined that he was gay and I loved that about the story. No big coming outs, no hassle and all.

There are also great secondary characters aside from Rusty. The nurses were awesome but Trevor and Emma are freaking amazing! (Gus and Hazel Grace? – lol.) Did I liked how it went with one of them? Nah. Sad but just like the message of the book, some things are inevitable.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this book are the comic strips of Patient F. It’s fantastic and I loved how it played the part at the end. Who needs an epilogue with something like that? I mean, that is the freaking epilogue itself.

This one is a total beauty. Not an easy read – nope, not at all but a well-written story with characters well thought of.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published January 20th 2015 by Simon Pulse

About The Author
Shaun is a major geek and all about nerdy shenanigans. He is the author of The Deathday Letter, fml, and the forthcoming The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley. He can be reached at shaun@shaundavidhutchinson.com. He currently lives in South Florida with his partner and dog and watches way too much Doctor Who.

Book Review: Wish Come True (A Very English Christmas) – Keira Andrews

Wish Come True

ebook, 2nd , 55 pages
Published November 16th 2016 by KA Books (first published November 29th 2015)

Wish Come True is a collection of contemporary, new adult, holiday short stories by some of our favorite authors!

Isaac and David have created a new life together outside the Amish world. Living “English,” they’ve left behind the rigid, isolated community where they discovered their forbidden love. Staying with Isaac’s older brother in San Francisco, they yearn for a home—and bed—of their very own. As they experience the bright lights and merry carols of modern Christmas for the first time, can they make their holiday wishes come true?

Okay, so there are six other authors in this collection but I bought this specifically because of Keira’s A Very English Christmas because – David and Isaac. I missed my boys and this short but sweet holiday offering from Keira gave us a glimpse of what we could expect for the fourth book! It’s just so good but too short and I’m yearning for more I’m going feral! LOL

Seriously, this is a fun fun read for those who love Isaac and David like moi.

‘will try to read the other shorts but this one alone is super worth it guys! Happy Holidays!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

Book Review: If Only In My Dreams – Keira Andrews

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00058]If Only In My Dreams is a Christmassy story about forgiveness, acceptance, missed opportunities and young love. It started when Charlie Yates’ flight home for Christmas was delayed due to terrible weather condition. In his haste to get to the other side of the country to fulfill his Christmas promise to his sister who’s on remission from leukemia, he agreed to share the last rental car available with his childhood frenemy Gavin Bloomberg.

Stuck in the car together for a drive across the country, will Charlie and Gavin be able to reconcile their differences and find a way to change their future together?

The story is a quick read. There is well-written backstories for both guys but somehow there’s still something that feels like lacking about it. I was maybe looking for the angst factor. I could understand Gavin’s withdrawal from his friendship with Charlie (even though it was a dick move) but I was really ticked off by his involvement with Candace and their continued closeness. Charlie on the other hand was a bit intense for me sexually. I thought the sex scenes between the boys were just too much that totally negates the supposed charm of the story.

As I’ve said, it’s a well-written story but it didn’t push enough to produce that chemistry between the characters thus lacking steam to power up that holiday charm.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published November 19th 2015 by KA Books

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

Book Review: Valor on the Move – Keira Andrews

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00073]I’m sad to say that this isn’t what I’m used to reading from Keira. I guess my baby Amish boys have spoiled me. Let me set you straight though, it isn’t a bad book. It was actually a well-written story  that ended on a solid note. My main issue about it is that, I do not believe the chemistry between Rafa and Shane – didn’t see it and didn’t feel it at all.

Rafael Castillo aka “Valor” is the 21-year-old son of the US president who has lived a sheltered life from time immemorial (his dad’s a politico through and through) and decided to come out of the closet once his dad is out of the White House. Despite his family’s ambition for him to enter politics, Rafa is determined to do what he wants once his dad is out of the office – and that is cooking.

Then there’s the newest secret service assigned to guard Rafa. Shane find it easy to look after Rafa whom he built a friendship in a short period. He could see beyond the prim, shy Rafa and the sexual tension and intense attraction between them is what made his job harder to maintain professionally.

Another thing that concerns me here is their age-gap in terms of emotional maturity. I am very much for May-December affair but Rafa’s character just doesn’t sound like a mature guy to be entering a relationship with an experienced, out and proud gay man. I don’t know. I just find it all too improbable for their relationship to last until the end. For now it’s 60/40 for me so I guess, that’s still a win.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published September 9th 2015 by KA Books (first published September 7th 2015)

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and—although she loves delicious angst along the way—Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”

Book Review: A Drop of Night – Stefan Bachmann

A Drop of NightReading this book is like entering the Twilight Zone while sleepwalking. Uhm, I know. Weird right? Like wtf because that doesn’t even make sense. Which I think is my first reaction after finishing the 400+-page book. I was like, what just happened with the story and more importantly – what have I just read?

I thought the blurb was promising enough and it’s gonna be a YA-thriller more inclined with The Maze Runner route but the whole thing was just mysterious. Mysteriously odd that is.

Seventeen-year-old Anouk was invited to France along with other kids to help excavate a vast, underground palace buried a hundred feet below the suburbs of Paris. Only, the people behind the project are keeping secrets from them and the things that unravel may just change the things Anouk thought she knew about herself.

The beginning was actually quite promising because of its fast-paced narrative via Anouk but the moment they went underground, everything just went berserk. I mean that literally regarding the story and its characters. It’s like, what’s the point of all these running around the underground palace? I mean, I understand what the brothers are trying to do but say, the whole thing went through – then what?

I just didn’t enjoy it because I don’t see the point of the bad guys if ever they succeeded. Not for me. Not this one. Sorry.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Expected publication: March 15th 2016 by Greenwillow Books

About The Author
Stefan Bachmann was born in Colorado but spent of most of his youth abroad and now lives in Switzerland, where he’s a student of music at the Zürich University of Arts.

His debut, gothic-steampunk-faery-fantasy THE PECULIAR was published in 2012 by Greenwillow/HarperCollins. It was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012, and was translated into eight languages. Its companion THE WHATNOT was released September 24th, 2013.

THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: 36 TALES BRIEF AND SINISTER, a collection of scary stories he wrote together with authors Emma Trevayne, Claire Legrand and Katherine Catmull, was released May 27th, 2014, from Greenwillow/HarperCollins.

His next book, YA thriller A DROP OF NIGHT, about a group of American teens fighting to survive after they become trapped in an underground Versailles, will be out March 15th, 2016, also from Greenwillow/HarperCollins.

ARC courtsey of the publisher in exchange for an honest review