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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Book Review: Heartstrings (Conquest #6) – S.J. Frost

Posted on March 4, 2015 | Leave a comment

Heartstrings[Book 6 of Conquest Series]

This book has new characters in store for fans of the Conquest series. Nicholas “Las” Lamont was a renowned violinist whose passion for music started to fade a long time ago. He’s looking for something new that will re-awaken said passion.

Quinn Patrick and his Scottish rock band, Lions Rampant lives for music. Upon meeting Las, mutual attraction ensues and Quinn sees something in Las that he yearns to find out.

With their growing affection for each other, will Las be able to open his heart not only to music but to love as well?

This was a very well written book and I loved these new characters especially the childish and naughty Tanner. Oh gawd, please give that kid his own story!!!! ASAP!!!!

The story was very well developed with Las finding his way again into recapturing his passion for playing and finding love at the same time. I also adore Quinn’s nurturing nature towards Tanner and his passion for what he’s doing. It was a solid story yet again from S.J. Frost and fans of the series will totally go gaga for this.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

P.S.

Ms.Frost – gimme Tanner’s story please…. ^_^

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Book Review: Black Heart Down (Conquest #5) – S.J. Frost

Posted on March 4, 2015 | Leave a comment

Black Heart DownI will always have a soft spot for this series and the boys of Conquest. This time though, it’s the story of bff’s from rival group Black Heart Down we’re getting. We met Robbie Russo and Kyler Christenson over the first two books and have continuously follow them on the sideline and finally, we get to read their own love story!

So these two guys have been bff’s since high school and formed their band together. They’ve always been in love and have always been for each other when they were still struggling musicians. When they hit it big, things got a little out of control. Robbie started to ask questions and went on to hook up with other people prompting Kyler to do the same. This cycle keeps on repeating itself but at the end of the day, they always comeback in each other’s arms.

This time though, Robbie wanted permanence into their relationship. He’s tired of playing games and wanted to settle down with Kyler. Things doesn’t happen quickly though and mistakes were made and this may not work the way Robbie wanted it to. Now Kyler’s going to do everything to get Robbie’s back and this time – it’s now or never.

I’d honestly wanted to bitchslap Robbie and Kyler every single chapter in between here. Both men are super stubborn and impatient. I thought Robbie’s a bit whiny though and being a little unfair with Kyler. In this book, we see the softer and sensitive side of the cocky Kyler we met in the first book. What a revelation! I loved that their love has a very strong foundation and have been together from the very beginning as they’re struggling to make it much as what Jesse and Kenny experienced.

I find it surprising though that Robbie was the first one to go wayward in their relationship which made me more Team Kyler all throughout the story. He became a bit immature towards the end with Kyler finally getting his acts together.

The intro to their band mates was great and I’d love to read more of them in the future books. We still get to see the whole gang of Conquest and the words of wisdom from Jesse Alexander himself. It’s still funny how Jesse suddenly became the Gandhi of this series! LOL

I enjoyed reading Kyler and Robbie’s story immensely and was glad that they finally decided to be “really” together for keeps! Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Hunted (The Tinder Chronicles #2) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 3, 2015 | Leave a comment

When the vampires began to band together to eliminate the hunters and hunt in packs, Tinder found himself at a significant disadvantage, with his chances of survival appearing grim.

As one of the most revered and notorious hunters, he became a primary target for these vampires and found an unexpected ally in the form of the sexy and mysterious vampire, Bane. Things became complicated between them when they both succumbed to their overwhelming attraction. It was revealed that they shared a complicated history, and things could potentially become seriously complicated for Tinder.

Wow. I absolutely adored this series! The familiar snarky banter between Tinder and Bane, combined with their undeniable chemistry, was simply irresistible! Despite Tinder’s continued recklessness, it was evident that things were getting serious between him and Bane. I also enjoyed the unofficial love triangle involving Lee. It was like choosing between Team Lee or Team Bane, and I’m definitely rooting for the non-human! This is not your typical “gay” Twilight; it’s wickedly funny without being ridiculous. The whole vampire fiasco, leading to Bane’s confession when he kidnapped Tinder, was a standout moment in the series so far.

This is undoubtedly one of the best vampire stories I’ve encountered in this genre. It’s worth every penny and every moment of my time! I absolutely loved it, and I’m sure many others will too!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Alexa Land has been writing gay romance since 2012 and is a true believer in happily ever after. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and keeps vampire hours, preferring to write when everyone else is asleep.

Alexa’s books are about friends, found family, and falling in love. She’s best known for the Firsts and Forever series and its spin-offs, including her new Firsts and Forever Stories. Alexa is also the author of the paranormal California Obscura series.

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