Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Brothers in Arms (The Broken Road Cafe #2) – T.A. Webb

Posted on March 11, 2015 | Leave a comment

Brothers In ArmsBLURB: Betrayed on every front, Dan O’Leary cashed in all his chips and moved from the big city life of Atlanta to small town Blue Ridge, Georgia. While licking his wounds, he never meant to start a new relationship, especially with closeted Chief of Police Nick Oliver.

But now all Dan’s hot buttons are being pushed. One of his employees is being terrorized by seemingly upstanding townspeople. Then worst of all, he’d promised himself he’d never be anyone’s dirty little secret, and when Nick’s fear of being outed causes him to hurt Dan, Dan knows there’re problems in paradise.

With trouble on all sides—a homophobic football coach, an ex lover, and his former best friend—it takes a shot in the dark before he realizes the real danger. It’s time for Dan to figure out who he can trust and close ranks with his brothers in arms.

***

This second book of The Broken Road Café series is nothing short of genius! I super loved everything about it. Like seriously, every single detail!

I loved how Dan easily assimilated himself into the “hick county” (not really though ^_^ – just wanted to call it like that). The twist here was pretty awesome but I’m also upset like Dan when I find out all about it. He honestly had all the right to get upset and the way his best friend was used to execute that whole BS charade was just downright evil – although I still don’t excuse what he (the bff) did to Dan. I am sad however with what happened to “him”.

I also loved how Dan assert his authority over Nick because admittedly Nick was being a dick – although he’s just clearly scared of what people will think about him but that still does not excuse him for all his dick moves.

I enjoyed the many plot points of this second book and I’m glad that one of my favorite authors wrote this one because I’d definitely enjoy it and would love three more books out of the series! Pretty please Tom! It’s simply amazing!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published July 24th 2014 by A Bear on Books

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Book Review: The Broken Road Cafe – T.A. Webb

Posted on March 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Broken Road CafeBLURB: What happens when you get everything you’ve worked for, only to discover it’s not what you really want?

Dan O’Leary worked night and day to finish law school, join a top firm and make partner, all before the age of 35. He’s found a man who swept him off his feet. And his best friend of twenty years has his back.

Then, one awful day it all comes crashing down around his ears.

Making a fresh start, Dan meets the people of Blue Ridge, Georgia, including Chief of Police Nick Oliver, and, perhaps, finds a new home. But danger from his old life follows him and puts not only his life, but that of his new friends, at risk.

***

Now, this one I enjoyed immensely. I easily got into the character of Dan Leary and pretty much rooted for him until the end of the story. I was maybe a bit disappointed when he didn’t go ballistic with his best friend/s because if I were him, I’d definitely go crazy and scratch their eyes out while they doing that three-way dance. LOL

I seriously loved how author T.A. Webb weave his stories – it was like, fast and the furious / ninja style. It’s so fast-paced but no questions were left unanswered. I loved all the secondary characters and thought that the chemistry between Dan and Nick was just so unbelievably overwhelming; though I’d love to slap Nick, Dan’s best friend and the mayor at one point just because.  I’d definitely follow this series because it’s just overflowing with goodness. The plot points were really good and I can’t wait to cut Dan’s ex-bf balls!!!!!! ^_^

Seriously though, you people have got to buy a copy of this wonderful story!!! It’s seriously THAT good!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published November 3rd 2013 by A Bear on Books (first published November 2nd 2013)

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Book Review: Against the Wall (Firsts and Forever #7) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 9, 2015 | Leave a comment

A homosexual couple, closeup of a bodyBLURB: Don’t start something you can’t finish.

It’s a cliché, but 22-year-old graffiti artist Christian lives by those words. He’s going away when he graduates from art school in just six short months. With so little time left, getting involved with gorgeous Shea Nolan has to be a mistake. If only he could make himself stay away from the sweet, sexy police officer.

Christian has a decision to make. Are a few months of happiness worth the inevitable heartbreak when it’s time to walk away?

***

This was a bit heartbreaking and probably the most dramatic out of the series. We’ve met Christian in the previous book as Skye’s best friend and have always wondered about his personal life. Where’s he’s getting the money and why he’s so mysterious. It turns out that he’s carrying a lot of baggage in his shoulder. He’s got to be somewhere after graduation in just six short months so he doesn’t want to get involved – especially not with the sexy and shy police officer Shea Nolan. He just couldn’t afford to get invested into a relationship and hurt them in the process.

But will it be more painful to give love a chance then walk away or not love at all?

This was the most subdued story in the series and I loved every bit of it. I was getting all sort of idea midway of the book thinking why Christian has to leave after graduation and when I finally found out about it – I was rather awestruck! I really didn’t expect that one. Somehow, I know that things will turn out fine despite the improbability of the premise but hey’ that’s why it’s called fiction yeah? Suspend-belief and all. I really do love the chemistry between Shea and Christian and the way the story developed until the end was nothing short of awesome!

Now, I really wonder if it’s possible for Gianni and Christian’s dad to be together or was that too yucky an idea?? LOL I seriously cannot wait for the next book!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published January 12th 2015 (first published January 11th 2015)

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Book Review: Skye Blue (Firsts and Forever #6) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

Skye BlueBLURB: Sometimes, the road to happily ever after takes you where you least expect it.

Skye was only interested in finally losing his virginity, but he might have found much more than that. Two guys both feel so right to the twenty-one-year old art student, but maybe that means they cancel each other out. After all, if either was the one, Skye wouldn’t have feelings for both of them. Would he?

But what if he really did just meet the love of his life?

***

I super loved Skye’s story! This is the first story off the series that the MC isn’t anywhere involved with a police or in the mafia or something in between – it was very subdued and the humor was spot on! I loved Skye and Dare although I think they’re a bit too young. If you think about it, most of the characters [the twink ones if I may say] are all under 25! And they’re all like getting married or getting engaged!!?! But yeah, gotta loved this series – I loved that everyone’s gay and happy and getting all their HEA. Yay! and gotta loved Nana!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published August 1st 2014

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Book Review: Salvation (Firsts and Forever #5) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

SalvationBLURB: Can two men from wildly different worlds prove to be each other’s salvation?

Trevor isn’t surprised that he’s a twenty-year-old virgin. He sees himself as skinny, clumsy, and shy, and is sure no one could possibly want him. Vincent Dombruso is about to prove him wrong.

 Mysterious and troubled, Vincent masks a lot of secrets behind his handsome exterior. As the spark between them ignites, both men are surprised to find a kindred spirit in such an unexpected place. But Vincent’s Mafia ties and whatever he’s not telling Trevor could destroy their chances of a happily ever after.

 ***

This has got to be my favorite book in the series next to Way Off Plan. I loved both Trevor and Vincent. This time, Trevor isn’t selling any of his body parts *wink* *wink* – he’s just a shy, skinny and clumsy kid from nowhere who arrived in San Francisco with his cousin looking for his long lost father.

Then there’s the ever stoic Vincent Dombruso, who apparently is still doing something within the mafia. Troubled by his pasts and secrets, he needs to keep everything by himself in order to protect his family and the man he loves.

 I loved Trevor’s character. He’s very likable and who didn’t feel bad for him when he was first introduced in Gathering Storm? Tell me who?!!! The boy was just all kinds of adorable. What he has with Vincent was nothing short of magic because he’s really got the key to Vincent’s heart. I actually feel so bad about Vincen’t past and just wanna give him a big hug!!! I’m also heartbroken when his ungrateful cousin didn’t fulfilled her promise to Trevor. That bitch! Anyhoo, I’m over it since they’ve got the smartass Joshie now. Oops!

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 20th 2014

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Book Review: Gathering Storm (Firsts and Forever #4) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

Gathering StormBLURB: Working as a gay porn star has brought twenty-two-year-old Hunter Storm fame and fortune, but it’s cost him a lot, too. He’s learned to think of his body as little more than a commodity, and he copes with his loneliness by giving himself to whoever will have him. The job has also put him in the crosshairs of a stalker, a man so deeply disturbed that Hunter and everyone around him is in danger.

Fortunately, Hunter has allies, including his best friend Christopher and Nana, a feisty senior who’s decided he’s family. And then there’s Brian Nolan.

When Hunter first meets the angry, wheelchair-bound former Marine, it’s hate at first sight. But despite his shattered body and tattered psyche, Brian might turn out to be the best ally of all.

***

This is one of my favorites amongst the seven stories in the series so far. I love Hunter and Brian together and thought that their past balanced each other out.

Here, we see Hunter’s search for love and yearning for someone to feel the gap in his life. His job in porn has made a stalker out of someone and now everyone around him seems to be in danger. When he meets double amputee marine Brian Nolan, it was hate at first sight. Despite their constant warring, they found something together that may just be what they needed the most.

I thought it’s an incredible story of redemption. The tenderness and protection they offered each other was so beautiful to read. I loved that Hunter does not treat Brian differently because of the latter’s disability. It was nice how they were like cats and dogs at first and finally fell for each other with a wee bit distraction of that crazy stalker. It’s a beautiful story that also introduces us to new characters which I’m already excited to read about!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published January 6th 2014

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Book Review: In Pieces (Firsts and Forever #3) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

In PiecesBLURB: Twenty-year-old Christopher Robin Andrews lives his life in pieces. He’s a student. An artist. A loyal friend. And he’s had to make a living as a prostitute. He’s barely holding it all together, surviving day by day.

But then an unexpected encounter with a gorgeous man at a Christmas party shakes up his world. The last thing Christopher’s looking for is love. But sometimes, even if you’re not looking for it, love finds you anyway. Ready or not.

***

More than Austin / Christopher Robin himself – I am happier to read about his involvement with Kieran Nolan than this struggles as an escort. I’m honestly puzzled by his choices and find it a bit weird that he did the nasty with his best friend’s now fiancé. It was a bit unnerving.

I loved that he’s finally find something to boost his confidence and I loved how Kieran makes him feel special all the time. It’s a shame that a lot of horrible things happened to him in the past and I’m so glad that he’s getting it all together and start a new life with Kieran. It’s a great story and meeting Hunter Storm was also a good teaser for the next book. This series is becoming a favorite!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published July 2nd 2013

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Book Review: All In (Firsts and Forever #2) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

All InBLURB: Even though he’s not really over his ex-boyfriend Jamie, twenty-three-year-old former football player Charlie finds himself drawn to Dante Dombruso, the gorgeous, highly dangerous leader of a mafia crime family. Dante is the perfect rebound fling, six feet, four inches of raw sex and hard Italian muscle, wrapped in an expensive suit.

The confident, sexy crime boss is way out of Charlie’s comfort zone. But Charlie already lost everything once by giving in to his fear, and he’s not willing to make the same mistake again. If he’s going to do this, Charlie knows he can’t hold back. He can’t date this man a little, he can’t trust him a little, he can’t go to bed with him a little. If he’s going to get involved with Dante Dombruso, Charlie has to be All In.

 ***

We met Charlie and Dante in the first book. Charlie was closeted, cocky and yeah – a wee bit pathetic. Dante’s openly gay alright, a Mafia leader and loves BDSM. I’ve read the rest of the series from the first book up to the latest this year and this one remains to be my least favorite.

First, I didn’t get the BDSM side of Dante. I honestly cannot fathom any reasoning. I mean, If that’s what float his boat I guess it’s fine but I just cannot make sense of it. He loves it hard, like sadist kind of BDSM (although the book was not full on detailed about it). I guess it’s the fact that he loves control or something? He was even saying that he couldn’t get off without hurting his partner through sex. That was like – Ooookay….

Overall, this was still an okay read especially since we get to meet the rambunctious Nana and the prostitute Christopher Robin going into the next book!

 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published February 14th 2013

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Book Review: Way Off Plan (Firsts and Forever #1) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

Way Off PlanBLURB: Jamie Nolan is a young cop on his first undercover assignment, sent to investigate Dmitri Teplov, a suspected major player in the Russian mafia. Jamie knows better than to get involved with the gorgeous nightclub owner. But right from the start, the spark of attraction between the two of them is undeniable.

Everything about Dmitri is just so unexpected. He’s sweet and shy, and has a nerdy side that Jamie finds irresistible. Can this man really be a criminal?

No matter if Dmitri is guilty or innocent, Jamie’s big Irish Catholic family of cops and his police captain are never going to accept this relationship. Dmitri’s dangerous and manipulative gangster uncle is also none too thrilled that these two are together, and wants Jamie out of the picture. On top of that, Jamie’s still reeling from a recent breakup, and Dmitri is unavailable anyway. Isn’t he?

No way should this thing between them be happening. Getting involved with Dmitri Teplov was never part of the plan. But sometimes, the best plan is the one you make up as you go along.

***

Despite of its silly characterization and story development, I’m still charmed by both characters here to no end. Both Jamie and Dmitri are just uber-adorable in their own ways. I loved the fact that the main premise of the story was too heavy though anti-climactic in the end, it still manage to win me over with their incredible chemistry and sappy romance. Really, this book is an easy book to read and if you’re too serious about life – then this is not for you. You’d end up getting annoyed. If you just want to smile and feel silly/giddy like the book – then this one’s totally for you!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published December 19th 2012

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Book Review: Feeling the Rhythm (Conquest #7) – S.J. Frost

Posted on March 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

Feeling The Rythym[Book 7 of Conquest Series]

Finally, the lone single guy from Conquest is revealing his own story and his journey to love isn’t easier than the rest of his band mates. Conquest laidback drummer Brad Delfini has had bad decisions in the past that he’d rather forget and keep buried. He was struggling and a call from Evan Arden brought him back to the spotlight with the famed rock band, Conquest. Since then, he’s got everything he’s ever wanted but he’s still yearning for that one thing.

Remmy Laurent has been on the road with different bands for years since he graduated high school. Now at the end of Conquest’s world tour, he finally decided to call it quits and bring some normalcy back into his life. Working with Conquest hasn’t been that easy especially working close by Brad Delfini – no matter how much he’s in love with the guy, he knows that it’s futile because Brad doesn’t even know his existence.

When Jesse – surprised! – did a friendly intervention to get them together, both finally gave in to what they’ve been feeling but Brad still need to make peace with his past before building a clean slate future with Remmy.

My heart just totally bled for Brad when he was telling Remmy about his past. That was just heartbreaking for the young Brad and totally devastating. I’m so glad that he was able to bounce back from his first love and first heartache.

Brad has always been an interesting character since his arrival in the second book. He was slick and very chill. I was almost sure that he’s straight and was glad to find out that there’s something more about him than meets the eye.

Remmy on the other was pretty much likable in every sense of the word. I mean this guy is ridiculously nice and pretty much a saint through and through. I’m glad that after the fiasco back in the third book, he finally got his own love story and had Brad as his man. It was so ridiculously sweet to finally see him getting what he’s been wishing for (remember his conversation with Robbie?).

Now ending this book, I really have to say that this has been a solid journey for the author. I was tickled to the bones when I found out that we will have Shunichi and Brandon’s story next in line and I’m hoping that we’d get one for Tanner too!!! ^_^

Brad and Remmy’s story like the rest of the series has so far exceeded my expectation. These guys are all wonderful and I’m glad that their story keeps on evolving. Any fans of the series would definitely get a kick enjoying this installment immensely.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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