Category Archives: Books

Book Review: The Island – Lisa Henry

Posted on November 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

This was an all-too depressing book which I find pretty conflicting and complicated. It’s too dark and disturbing for my taste and I somehow find it a bit repetitive. The first half of the book was astonishing to read because of its subtle description that will let the reader imagine the horrific [graphics] stuff that happened with one of the MCs.

When I read “The Darker Side Of Trey Grey by Tara Spears,” I thought it’s way too morbid but it was somehow inspiring at the least. This book though, represents a different kind of sadness, absurdity, and hopelessness that I felt for Lee. It was upsetting and I didn’t like that in this book even if things turned out well in the end.

Shaw is in Fiji to sell a stolen painting to the crime boss, Vornis. It will be the deal of a lifetime, if Shaw can pull it off. But then Vornis has to parade his latest toy around in front of him–a captured DEA agent whose time is running out. It’s none of Shaw’s business, and it doesn’t matter that under any other circumstances Lee would be exactly Shaw’s type: he’s young, he’s hot, and he might even have a personality if they hadn’t beaten it out of him. Too bad there’s no way Lee is getting off the island. Too bad there’s nothing Shaw can do for him. And too bad there are some lines that even Shaw won’t cross.

Keeping his hands off Lee proves harder than he thinks, but Shaw’s not stupid enough to fall for the tortured captive of a dangerous crime boss, is he? If he did, it wouldn’t be just his job he would be risking–it would be his life. via Goodreads

Rating: 2 our of 5 stars

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Book Review: Rack & Ruin [THIRDS Book 3] – Charlie Cochet

Posted on November 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

22714908[Book 3 of the THIRDS series]

Ya’ll know how I loved the first and second book of this series and Rack & Ruin is no exception! In this installment, the gang is trying to draw out the mole inside the THIRDS who has been feeding information to the Ikelos Coalition who took upon themselves to annihilate the members of the Order of Adrasteia with no regards to civilian casualties.

We also see here the development of Sloane Brodie [team leader of Destructive Delta] and Dexter J. Daley’s relationship. Dex is still his doofus-self and still very much adorable whilst Sloane’s – well, surprise! – (I very much liked him in this book) making some effort to deserve Dex’s love. He’s still got some hang-ups though but knowing Dex’s way of getting through this broody Jaguar Therian – he’ll surely relent one way or another.

There’s also a surprising turn of events here regarding two of the couples of DD – the slow buildup of their upcoming stories is very palpable here. I’m not sure which couple I loved more aside from Sloane and Dex. I think I’d go for Hobbs & Calvin. Cale is stubborn like Dex but not as adorable – but still, I’m very much looking forward to reading his and Ash’s story. This is just the gayest series ever yeah? LOL And I just loved it!

Going back to the book, it’s simply the perfect follow up to the first two books. I love the story’s consistency and the secondary characters are just so vibrant. I know that the fourth book in the series is slated for February 2015 release and that is like forever if you ask me but I think those who have not read the series would thoroughly enjoy reading – the first, second and then this third book  – until the next book comes out! Gosh, this wait will be too much for me to be honest. LOL. Go! Start reading the series now!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
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Book Review: Love & Loyalty – Tere Michaels

Posted on November 14, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654[Book 2 of Faith, Love, & Devotion Series]

Much in the same fashion the first book was written, Love & Loyalty tells the story of Detective James “Jim” Shea with his seemingly mundane existence as a forty-plus year old police detective who stumbled upon the young and sexy Hollywood screenwriter Griffin Drake who is after the story of his latest case. This book basically narrates the lives of these men as they navigate their way through love – something that neither has had much success in the past. I don’t want to compare this with the first and the third series detailing the much complicated love and family life of Matt and Evan but I’m looking for that extra spice in the story. To begin with, I didn’t get so much feel on both Jim and Griffin. I didn’t feel any attachment at all. I was actually more connected with them when they both appeared in the third book. Secondly, the conflict was a bit weak rendering the story anticlimactic. I was thinking that perhaps Jim’s predicament is way simpler (less complicated, that is) since he’s basically a proud gay man, rich and was just waiting for the right guy – the other couple didn’t get it that easy I guess. Despite all of these criticism, I still enjoyed reading it, though, not as much as the other books from the series.

 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Brokedown Hearts – Cameron Dane

Posted on November 14, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

There was promise in this book when I started reading it. I loved that the “antagonist” from the first book of this series got his well-deserved redemption. David is a beautiful and complex character and it’s so easy to love him despite his past mistakes – mistakes as a result of his upbringing. Ben however was a totally different case. He is too controlling, too abrasive and none too gentle. I didn’t really root for him throughout this story. It was presented as if they actually have a symbiotic relationship but I rather find it too unhealthy- at least for both of them. The story was nice and dandy at the beginning but it dwindle midway with excessive and prolonged sexual chapters (like they’re having sex 50% of the book) and I found myself drifting from the story. It’s also strange how this story totally deviate from its first three books’ style. Perhaps Miss Dane got bored with the series? I surely hope not. It was great with the first three books and I think I’d love to read more from it – maybe Sam and Mikael story for the next book? I wished I could have given this a higher rating but it just didn’t work for me this time.

 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Take – Ella Frank

Posted on November 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

[Book 2 of the Temptation Series]

17798654I’ve already expected this to be a good follow up for “Try,” what will all the raves amongst the genre’s fans. Man’ I’m totally joining the bandwagon and was chanting Logan and Tate’s name at the top of my lungs after reading this. LOL. I love that we get to see more of Logan’s sensitive side here and who would have thought that our hotshot attorney used to be a geeky lovesick puppy? Poor Logan.

And poor, poor Tate – I feel so bad for him. It actually surprised me that despite the length of this book, the story never falters anywhere. It shows both MCs inner struggles with themselves and how they could work their relationship out against all odds. Oh yeah, the sex scenes? They’re okay. Like mind-gasmic okay!!! Drool worthy? Yeah – tell me about it.

 I cannot wait for 2015!!! Ella Frank, you’re so killing us!

 Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Snowfall – Cameron Dane

Posted on November 13, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I enjoyed this novella immensely! It was nice getting a glimpse of how Christian & Jonah’s [Fostered Love] relationship progressed into something almost fairy tale-like and yeah, it was indeed a happily ever after ending for this couple. The intensity of their love for each other is just freaking adorable!!! It’s amazing how they balanced out each other’s personality. It was really sweet. The sex here was loaded (maybe a bit too much but no complaints here) and the whole Valentine’s Day theme was perfect. What a beautiful ending to their story.

 Together for four years now, Christian and Jonah from A Fostered Love are still wildly in love and passionately attracted to each other. Jonah has never seen snow, and Christian thinks he’s set in place the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend away to show his man something new.

Sometimes, though, Mother Nature can be a real bitch, and this year she brings Christian’s and Jonah’s plans to a screeching halt before they can even begin.

If there’s one thing that messes with Jonah’s head and heart, it’s seeing Christian upset. Can Jonah come up with a miracle and show Christian that sometimes the best holidays are the ones spent at home in your own backyard? via Goodreads

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: You Get Full Credit For Being Alive – Cari Z

Posted on November 12, 2014 | Leave a comment
'had fun doing this. image from the net.

‘had fun doing this. image from the net.

Justin is a retired “professional killer” who stumbled upon a wildly beaten man along his property and decided to get some help for the young man who happened to be a cop and was believed to be a victim of hate crime having the word “fag” sprayed over the uniform of the victim. While recovering from the incident and trying to stay alive,  the young cop named Shawn seemed to touched something from Justin deep within. This leads to Justin making sure that Shawn gets the best care until he’s well and then plot revenge towards his perpetrators. Only this would make Justin come back from his retirement. Is he willing to do this for the man he barely knew but was extremely drawn to?

I really did enjoy reading this one and I love Justin’s character! The no-holds bar killing is just the way to go with this kind of story. I loved that he’s not a heartless killer but is equally brutal when it counts. It’s also nice how both MCs pasts were established well within the development of the story. There was a great connection between them that made them perfect for each other. I would’ve given this a perfect five stars rating if not for the too James Bond-ish characterization of Justin. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful story of love, redemption and second chances.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love Has No Boundaries” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Download the story HERE.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Frankie & Al – Sue Brown

Posted on November 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

8782738Blurb: Dumped by his boyfriend, Frankie Mason goes out with the girls, gets totally trashed, and ends his night by falling in front of a taxi. He’s rescued by a man with beautiful green eyes who takes care of him until he’s put into an ambulance. Frankie curses himself as he realizes he doesn’t have the man’s phone number. Still in pain a few days later, he is dragged out to a club only to be saved by Green Eyes once more. This time, he isn’t letting the man go.

Unfortunately Frankie has to attend a team-building exercise, nicknamed Womb Weekend, organized by his company. Al is working so he doesn’t mind, until he discovers who the team leader is. Al has a lot of explaining to do! 

§§§

Man, this was like the sweetest thing ever! A quick read with two super adorbs MCs oozing with undeniable charm. I really liked the fact that Frankie and Al are just regular guys who happened to find each other at the right time. I could easily relate to them especially with Frankie. So much for sheer beauty and wealth, these guys are so realistic; it was so easy to imagine them. The easy chemistry between them was there, the romantic connection was ample and the setting of their meetings – I’m totally giggling like a schoolgirl. Another great read from Sue Brown. 😉

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 21st 2014 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 20th 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Dreamspinner Press

About The Author
Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot and has got expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

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Book Review: Lord Of The White Hell Book #2 – Ginn Hale

Posted on November 11, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

Picking up after the tournament that was the culmination of the first book in the series and Kiram was allowed to stay in Sagrada Academy given that Javier will look after his welfare. There are so many things that happened in this book but the main highlight for me was Kiram’s homecoming in Anacleto where we get to see more of his family and the ways of where Kiram grew up. Here, Javier also has to make a very difficult decision that could change everything in his life.

Oh, and I so loved that angle about Eleazar. That was hard for the guy I’m sure [no spoiler though 😉 ] I thought the middle and the most latter parts were a bit fast-paced but hey, I’m not really complaining. It’s still pure awesomeness [like seriously, I cannot wait to read the next book in the series]

Kiram fought his family and Cadeleonian bigots to remain in the Sagrada Academy to prove himself as a mechanist and to dispel the deadly shadow curse that threatens to destroy his upperclassman, Javier Tornesal.

 But when his efforts provoke retaliation, Kiram’s family and home are endangered. Both Kiram and Javier risk everything in a desperate gambit to combat the curse.

 But they never imagined their battle would come so soon, or that it would be led by the one person they trust most of all. via Goodreads

The bit about the man behind the shadow curse was kinda predictable but it’s all good since I’ve already expected it even from the first book. Oh and how I loved the people of Haldiim! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place like that for real???!!

The conclusion here was rather abrupt but I think it ended that way to create more clamour for the series and it very much succeeded in a way. It is once again, just beyond!!!

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Lord Of The White Hell Book #1 – Ginn Hale

Posted on November 10, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

Wow! Just wow! And I thought after reading the “Wicked Gentleman,” Ginn Hale will have a hard time surpassing the greatness within the confines of Hells Below and beyond. Boy. Was. I. Wrong.

Kiram Kir-Zaki may be considered a mechanist prodigy among his own people, but when he becomes the first Haldiim ever admitted to the prestigious Sagrada Academy, he is thrown into a world where power, superstition and swordplay outweigh even the most scholarly of achievements.

 But when the intimidation from his Cadeleonian classmates turns bloody, Kiram unexpectedly finds via Goodreads

Lord Of The White Hell is a totally different universe of its own. It has magic, royalties, witchcraft, tribes, gods and so on and so on. Just imagine the vibe of Captive Prince [S U Pacat], the magical appeal of Hogwarts, put a pinch of Hugo and mix it with a tiny bit of the Hunger Games and you’d get the story of Kiram’s adventure here with his charming duke Javier – the lord of the white hell.

I haven’t read a book this detailed in a while and I’m totally awestruck by the world created by Miss Ginn Hale in this series. The book has everything you are looking for a romantic-fantasy series that you’ll find yourself wanting for more – more from this fascinating realm. Truly, the book is perfection. A total MUST-READ.

Hail Ginn Hale!!!

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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