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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Book Review: A Fostered Love – Cameron Dane

Posted on November 9, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

[Book 1 of Foster Siblings series]

This is another beautiful story from Cameron Dane. I always appreciate the way the author so seamlessly writes her stories. Here, there’s fluidity in the way the romance blossomed between Christian and Jonah. As teens, they were put under foster care and they immediately bonded together. They got separated when Jonah was sent to JD leaving Christian behind. Years passed by and they were reunited when their foster mom died summoning them to take care of some business. What they used to have re-ignited and old and new feelings resurfaced.

 I just totally adored how the romance between the two came about. The sweet innocence of Christian, the endearing vulnerability of Jonah and their need for comfort was just heavy sigh-inducing in a good way. There was great chemistry between them and the sex was just an additional bonus. Scorching bonus for that matter.

 I honestly didn’t expect this to be this good and I’m very happy that I listened to my gut on getting this. It’s truly worth it and I couldn’t wait to read more of this [apparent] series!

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Amazing Amazon Sale – Always by Kindle Alexander!!!

Posted on November 8, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

$1.99!!! Yes folks! You can now get this amazing read on sale at Amazon! I didn’t get this rate when I purchased it months ago but it was worth it. This story is just beyond beautiful and I feel that everyone should get the opportunity to read this amazing book!

LINK: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IX21D4E/

Born to a prestigious political family, Avery Adams plays as hard as he works. The gorgeous, charismatic attorney is used to getting what he wants, even the frequent one-night stands that earn him his well-deserved playboy reputation. When some of the most prominent men in politics suggest he run for senate, Avery decides the time has come to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. With a strategy in place and the campaign wheels rolling, Avery is ready to jump on the legislative fast track, full steam ahead. But no amount of planning prepares him for the handsome, uptight restaurateur who might derail his political future.

Easy isn’t even in the top thousand words to describe Kane Dalton’s life after his father, a devout Southern Baptist minister, kicks him out of the family home for questioning his sexual orientation. Despite all the rotten tomatoes life throws his way, Kane makes something of himself. Between owning a thriving upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and managing his long-term boyfriend, his plate is full. He struggles to get past the teachings of his childhood to fully accept his sexuality and rid himself of the doubts brought on by his religious upbringing. The last thing he needs is the yummy, sophisticated, blond-haired distraction sitting at table thirty-four.

Always

You can also read my gushing towards this amazing piece of  literature here!!! Gosh! People, what are you waiting for go grab it nowwwww!!!!!!!!!!

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Book Review: Inescapable (The Premonition #1) – Amy A. Bartol

Posted on November 8, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

Yay! I totally loved this one and I’m pretty excited to read the second book! I was a bit skeptical to read this when I first got it because I just got burned by Hush, Hush and with suspiciously similar theme, I already formed a preconceived idea about it and boy was I glad to finish this one in less than a day! It’s exciting with no annoying characters at all, lovely and detailed characterizations and a pretty convincing plot.

So this is another YA supernatural romance series in the tradition of Twilight’s love triangle ala Edward – Bella – Jacob. This time, it’s in the name of Reed, Evie and Russell. And for the record, let me just say that I’m totally under Team Reed. LOL

I didn’t like the soul mate thingy at all if I’m being honest. I hope the author did something about it for the next book. I wish I could easily mention what the supernatural characters are in this novel but I’d rather have you guys read it because it’s actually pretty good – Yup, git the guessing game rolling. There are so many ideas from this book to explore and having copies of the next three books in the series, I’m guessing I’ll be having a “Premonition” weekend. Wicked huh?

Date Finished reading: September 2014

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Bridges – M.J. O’Shea

Posted on November 7, 2014 | Leave a comment

[Free novelette written for the M/M Romance group’s “Hot Summer Days” event. ]

20338332Brooklyn and Dallas. How can you go wrong with these names? Mortal enemies since third grade, these two finally came around after graduating from high school and discovered that aside from all the fighting and bickering they’ve been doing all their lives, there’s actually something beautiful that they could share with each other.
This was just toothy – sweety all throughout and I totally loved it. I loved both characters and thought that their antics are just oh-so-cute. I wouldn’t mind a longer story and a bit of a conflict but hey, life’s short and sweet right?

Rating: 3.5/5

Download a copy HERE

P.S.

apparently, this novelette had a sequel released in 2012 called The Key. ‘Will surely check it out one of these days 🙂

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Book Review: Better Than Chance – Lane Hayes

Posted on November 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

[Book #2 of Better Than Series by Lane Hayes]

via goodreads

via goodreads

Jay Reynolds has a crush on his project leader at work, but an office romance with Peter Morgan isn’t likely to happen since Peter is straight. Worse, Jay soon fears Peter is homophobic, and his initial infatuation turns to loathing. But one fateful night, Jay is forced to acknowledge things aren’t quite as they seem with Peter. Suddenly, his crush is back and unbelievably, Peter is interested too.

They begin as friends with benefits arrangement, which becomes difficult for Jay when he starts falling for his sexy boss. Peter’s past issues keep him from committing, and Jay has to decide if he can be satisfied with friendship if Peter isn’t ready to take a chance on anything more. via Goodreads

There’s something about the characters in this book that makes you like them instantly. Jay and Peter are both beautiful, successful and they have great chemistry. This story is basically a beautiful ‘friends with benefits’ story and its premise was, IMO properly milked by the author. It could’ve been shorter since the story didn’t deviate much from its main plot but yeah’ I loved the way it was written. It’s just a bit weird reading this since their story transpired prior to the couple (Aaron and Matt – Better Than Good) from the book one of the series getting together. But hey, it was really nice reading their love story though I still liked the first book better. This is definitely a MUST-READ though.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Sky Is Dead – Sue Brown

Posted on November 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

indexBefore reading this book, I had to prepare myself emotionally. The premise was just a bit heavy for me like “Silent by Sara Alva-heavy” and “The Darker Side Of Trey Grey-heavy.” I guess some of you who are familiar with these books could easily relate with my use of the word heavy.

This was the story of Danny Gibson whom at sixteen was thrown out by his Dad when he was caught kissing another boy during one New Year’s Eve [seriously, I never get how parents could do something like that to their own flesh and blood]. He spent three years of his life as a homeless person. Along the way, he meets Harry Cooper whom he saved from some bullies. With Harry, Danny felt the comfort of acceptance once again as well as the growth of their feelings with each other. When tragedy struck, Danny suddenly finds himself alone yet again. About a year since, he was born again as David Miles and his new persona meets Jack – someone he could see starting life over again. The question is will his secrets comes back to haunt him?

 I honestly enjoyed reading this book. I wasn’t so happy reading about Danny’s situation of course but I was glad that he fought for his life. He was brave and older beyond his years. Danny’s the character any reader would root for. Whenever his situation got a bit too much for me, I paused. Some books could do that to you right? This one is one of those books – poignant, affecting and incredibly sad. Somehow by its conclusion, I was waiting for something to happen but I tried blinking and saw that it was the last page I was reading. I was a bit puzzled by its rather abrupt ending. Nevertheless, I think I was able to figure out what the author was trying to do here. Danny didn’t get a happily ever after ending (not just yet). He and Jack still had a lot to go through; He’s still trying to heal. The more important thing was that he came out victorious in his earlier battles and is now ready to face a better future. Now that is something to feel hopeful about the book. Yes, the sky isn’t dead for Danny/David – not anymore.

 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published April 17th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press (first published April 16th 2013)

Buy now:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | 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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