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

Buy now:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,

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

Buy now:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,

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

Buy now:
 Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,

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

 Buy now:
MRL Books | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo 

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , , ,

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…. ^_^

Buy now:
MRL Books | Amazon | Barnes and Noble| Kobo 

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , , , ,

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

 Buy now:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo 

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,

Book Review: Tinder (Tinder Chronicles #1) – Alexa Land

Posted on March 3, 2015 | Leave a comment

Tyler, also known as Tinder, was raised to hunt and exterminate vampires, making him one of the most skilled hunters in the field. Typically partnered with the equally skilled Texan hunter Lee Halstrom, Tinder’s life takes an unexpected turn when vampires begin to hunt in packs and daywalking vampires unsettle him. Amidst the chaos, Tinder finds himself rescued by Bane, a mysterious vampire who always seems to cross his path but never with the intention of killing him. Sensing something amiss, Tinder is determined to uncover the truth.

I found Tinder’s character to be immensely captivating! The story unfolds entirely from his perspective, and I found his personality incredibly refreshing. His dry humor, witty banter with Bane, and relaxed demeanor made for an engaging read. This is something many authors overlook when crafting their protagonists – Tinder isn’t your typical vampire slayer. He’s rough around the edges with hints of OCD, intensely focused, yet harboring hidden depths.

Initially, I was put off by Tinder’s promiscuity, but it quickly became apparent why he behaves that way. While Lee is a solid character, his lack of charm seems intentional, as Bane is clearly the perfect match for Tinder. Their love-hate dynamic, especially from Bane’s perspective, added an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Even the vampire-human couple, Nate and Nikolai, introduced in the preceding story, added depth to the narrative.

This first installment is a short yet satisfying read, setting the stage for Tinder to question the unusual occurrences involving his mortal enemies, the vampires. It also sets up numerous plot points for future installments, promising an exciting continuation of the story. I highly recommend this book if you’re seeking something refreshing, fast-paced, and delightfully witty.

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , ,

Book Review: Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell

Posted on March 2, 2015 | Leave a comment

eleanor and parkIt’s not very difficult to like the characters of Eleanor and Park. They’re both 16, in high school and they both fell in love. Only high school can be so unforgiving coupled with a slew of family dramas, this young lovers’ hearts are bound to be tested by events and time.

I gave this a low rating because I didn’t connect well with the story. I loved Park and Eleanor but the circumstances surrounding them didn’t really resonate with me. Somehow, the bleakness of Eleanor’s drama overpowered the book’s dry humor that it became charmless. Park is all kinds of adorable but it stopped there. I keep on waiting for something more climactic to happen but midway up to its conclusion, that major thing I was hoping for didn’t make an appearance. It was just bland for me. The poignancy of the story was a reminiscent of “Looking for Alaska” by John Green. It feels like there’s more to the story but for some reason, the author didn’t find the need to fill that gap.

But obviously, I’m in the minority here since most people seemed to love it. I guess it’s a matter of taste and having a proper state of mind one should employ before reading this book.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published February 26th 2013 by St. Martin’s Griffin (first published 2012)

Buy now:
All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes and Noble| Kobo 

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , ,

Book Review: Something Different – S.A. Reid, T. Baggins

Posted on March 2, 2015 | Leave a comment

Something DifferentYa’ll know what I so loved about this? It’s just so refreshingly honest. I loved the way that it revolves around less than ten characters with different persona and the whole story as it develop becomes better and better until the end. This reminds me how good Fifty Shades Of Gay For Pay was which makes this one for a beautiful read.

Michael Maguire knows that there’s something missing in his life. His wife is cold, his children are distant and he just wanted to break free and do something different without even realizing what that is. When he head to Brixton Park seeking a prostitute, he meets rent boy James Campbell.

Upon meeting Michael, James knows that he’s just a piece of meat for the unhappy man. Their first night though leads to an affair that neither of them expected to end. Each time, they’re affection and needs grows stronger and it’s only a matter of time when everything is laid into the table.

I loved that there’s something between Michael and James that seemed to connect them – though not a pleasant experience, together it still made them stronger. I love how caring Michael was with James and his way of boosting James’s morale was totally endearing.

When Michael finally did something about his step-mother, I was doing the victory fist pumping in my head! Yes! Revenge is served sweet with blood! *kidding* LOL but yeah, I totally enjoyed that scene. That old had totally deserved it!

I loved that the author didn’t find the need to fix everyone’s issue (i.e.,  Michael’s daughter) and everything felt to normal at the end. It’s so nice and cute when James was trying to write. It’s just so beautiful. I loved that Michael was always with him through and through.

Not many books are like this one – books that are good, books are exquisitely written and books that offer something different.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Buy now:
All Romance eBooks |  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,