Book Review: The Devil Will Do – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on March 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Devil Will DoBLURB: In a land unforgiving of indulgent, dangerous sex, merchantman Eryn does his best to keep his desires in the dark…until the plight of a beautiful prince leads him out of the shadows and into adventures both sensual and terrible.

Capture, curse, and torture litter Eryn’s road to true love, along with carnal delights beyond his most wicked imaginings. His strengths and limitations are exposed—and the hard truth, that nothing holds him back more than the monster of self-loathing in his heart. Prince Wyn might be everything he’s dreamed of in a man—and master—but before Eryn can accept the exquisitely wicked affections of his one true love, he must first save himself…from himself.

This novella was originally published under the title Sweet Son and has been significantly revised. [s]

I loved Heidi Cullinan’s books! Ever since I’ve read Nowhere Ranch, I was hooked by her stories – her writing style was just absolutely superb! I haven’t read the novella Sweet Son so I’ve nothing to compare this with so I’m looking at this book as a fresh story which I believe is the main idea why it was revised ^_^

This was a fairly quick read. There’s not much of a dialogue in it – probably 60 percent of it was narration. I’ve this title in my head after reading this story = The Do’s And Don’ts of BDSM – Mastering the Submissive You. LOL. Seriously though, it’s exactly what the story is about in a fairy tale form. I didn’t get attach with a single character, didn’t think the story was that original but like every fairy tale, I went along with it and was glad that it had at least a happy ever after. Is it a story about acceptance? Self-love?  Freedom? I honestly can’t give a hundred percent yes but it would really depend how you would look at it and if you’re into this stuff at all. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so it didn’t really work for me at all.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published February 4th 2015 by Wilde City (first published July 2010)

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Book Review: Sleigh Ride (Minnesota Christmas #2) – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on March 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

Sleigh RideBLURB:The way to a man’s heart is on a sleigh.

Arthur Anderson doesn’t want anything to do with love and romance, and he certainly doesn’t want to play Santa in his mother’s library fundraising scheme. He knows full well what she really wants is to hook him up with the town’s lanky, prissy librarian.

It’s clear Gabriel Higgins doesn’t want him, either—as a Santa, as a boyfriend, as anyone at all. But when Arthur’s efforts to wiggle out of the fundraiser lead to getting to know the man behind the storytime idol, he can’t help but be charmed. The least he can do is be neighborly and help Gabriel find a few local friends.

As their fiery arguments strike hotter sparks, two men who insist they don’t date wind up doing an awful lot of dating. And it looks like the sleigh they both tried not to board could send them jingling all the way to happily ever after.

***

Although I liked the first book better, I find this installment of Minnesota Christmas more solid. I was maybe hoping from the first book that Arthur will end up with his best friend Paul but I guess, we’ll have to wait for Paul’s story next.

Gabriel Higgins here was all kinds of adorable especially when he’s doing the storytelling with the kids and that scene with the Doll? Damn’ I think I was about to tear-up reading that.

There’s just a tinge of BDSM here and I’m glad that nothing more extreme add up into that knowing that Arthur’s a big BDSM aficionado (sorry for the term).

As a whole, there’s the usual flare of sexy scenes and D/s characters usual from Heidi Cullinan and I loved that there was no major conflict to worry about between our main couple. It’s a great follow up and I’d definitely get hold of the next one in the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 11th 2014 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

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Book Review: Hook, Line, & Sinker (Hard Hats #2) – Piper Vaughn

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Hard Hats 2BLURB: When they were teens, Castor McCormick was the bane of Blake Kowalski’s existence. Their mutual animosity led to summers filled with rivalry. Now, nearly two decades later, Cas is moving back into the neighborhood to live in his grandmother’s old house. Blake tells himself he isn’t interested in seeing how snarky little Cas grew up, but when his mother dupes him into visiting his former nemesis, he finds out “pretty” can evolve into “sexy as hell” on the right man.

 Cas didn’t think he wanted to see Blake again. No one has ever pushed his buttons like the arrogant boy he remembers from their youth. Turns out, the adult version of Blake still gets him hot under the collar—and everywhere else. With Blake on leave from work to nurse an injured leg and Cas taking time to move and unpack, they form a tentative friendship that turns into a sexual affair neither man can deny. But when Cas’s job sends him out of state to deal with a difficult client, their new relationship will be tested, and if they fail, Blake’s broken leg might not be the only thing to end up scarred.

***

I loved this better than the first book mainly because Blake’s character’s so compatible with Cas. I loved that they have a share history together and have been pining secretly from each other! Hah!

The series isn’t particularly that memorable but it has its moments. I loved the fact that there’s not much sex in it and somehow, the author deemed it necessary to put more conflict about trust and all. That’s okay I guess, it was an okay read and a better follow up to the series. Will I buy the next one? Yes.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 19th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

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Book Review: Wood, Screws, & Nails (Hard Hats #1) – Piper Vaughn, Kade Boehme

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Hard Hats 1BLURB: Aaron Costa’s summer was all planned. Despite having to remodel the family lake house, it would be a vacation of sorts, and he had every intention of enjoying it—until the friend who was supposed to help him got injured and left him in a lurch. He decides to take the opportunity to bond with his son and hires Julian and his roommate, Malachi, to assist.

As a broke college student, Malachi could use the money, and spending the summer with Aaron for eye candy sounds like a dream. “Look but don’t touch” becomes his motto. But when Julian starts flaking on his responsibilities and Malachi and Aaron are forced to spend long hours alone together, their mutual attraction is impossible to resist.

Aaron can’t fight the temptation sexy Malachi presents. But more than their age difference stands in their way, not the least of which is Aaron’s semi-closeted status and the fact that he’s never openly discussed his sexuality with his son. He has no idea how Julian will react when he learns his father is not only gay, he’s also dating his best friend.

***

I’m a fan of Piper and Kade and I loved it when my favorite authors collaborate to produce a good story. Although this book I find leaning more towards Piper’s writing style. There’s the usual flare for light conflict and the too detailed sex scenes. There was an age gap which by the way reminds me of Thomas Elkin series – remember Tom who’s dating his son’s bff? Anyways, the story was fine but I didn’t feel that much chemistry between Malachi and Aaron. There’s just something off about their relationship and financially, obviously they’re not equal but disregarding that – their connection isn’t that transparent without the words being said. Overall, this was a good start for the series and I’m pretty sure that the next one will be way better than this.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published April 23rd 2014 by Dreamspinner Press (first published April 22nd 2014)

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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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