Tag Archives: ARC

Book Review: High Contrast (Evolution Ink, #1) – Tess Bowery [ARC]

Posted on March 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

High ContrastDate Of Publication: May 3, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance, New Adult
Length: 226 pages, ebook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781619234574
Cover Artist: Kelly Martin
Characters: Jacob Shain, Cody Turner

I had a total blast reading this one. I didn’t expect much from it but I totally got more in return!  I’ve never read anything from the author before this and now, I’m thinking of getting her two other books released in 2015!

High Contrast is highly relatable, at least on my end. Jacob Shain is a lowly unpaid intern who shares an apartment with his twin brother Ethan and is the geeky-comic-book-video-games-loving brother in contrast with his much-cooler-tattoo-artist twin. I mean, I’m basically living the life of Jacob! So with that I can totally see eye to eye with his character although I’ve to say that Jacob’s way fun and funnier! He’s so adorkable! His inner monologues are my life-force in this book!

Enter uber-gorgeous-tattooed-piercer Cody Turner, the new employee of Evolution Ink where Ethan was a co-owner and where Jacob usually hangs out. Cody is quiet, smart, kind and doesn’t give too many personal information but it was lust at first sight for Jacob baby so he’s so ready to take on the challenge of getting Cody to open up.

Only it wasn’t that easy and simple especially after a number of hooligans suddenly showed up that threatens Cody, their friends and their budding relationship!

Truly, this is one book I will recommend for anyone looking for something that is angst-free and just feel-good all over. There was humor in it, the romance was very palpable with unbelievably hot steamy scenes and the writing was truly entertaining and engaging overall.

I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Tess Bowery
Tess has been a fan of historical fiction since learning the Greek and Roman myths at her mother’s knee. Now let loose on a computer, she’s spinning her own tales of romance and passion in a slightly more modern setting. Tess lives on the east coast, with her partner of fifteen years and two cats who should have been named ‘Writer’s Block’ and ‘Get Off the Keyboard, Dammit.’

Connect to her on Twitter: @TessBowery and visit her website: www.tessbowery.com

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[ARC] Book Review: Where There’s A Will (Panopolis, #3) – Cari Z.

Posted on March 6, 2016 | Leave a comment

Where There's WillDate Of Publication: May 2, 2016 by Riptide Publishing
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Sci-Fi, Romance, Contemporary
Length: 290 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781626494053
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Characters: Freight Train, Craig Haney, Ari Mansourian

In this third installment of the series, the grit is way more intense that not even ‘Maggot’ from the last book could compete. Freight Train who is the center of the story showed us the human side of the so-called “Supers” of Panopolis, the good and the ‘awful lot’ bad side of them and how ugly the people are behind all of these.

Enter Dr. Ari Mansourian who may have the all answers to all of Freight Train’s questions that he wasn’t supposed to ask. And he wasn’t supposed to feel.

What does it really take to be a hero?

I think Cari Z. just made this whole Panopolis series ‘a way legit must-read’ when she decided to go dark with its third installment. I don’t mean to say that the first two books, Where There’s Smoke and Where There’s Fire aren’t worth the read – uh, no – definitely not. I loved those two books and are two of my favorites from last year but this one just up the ante when it comes to fleshing out its characters and I totally loved what the author did here exploring deeper into the Panopolis and its Supers.

Fan of the series will feel for Craig Haney aka Freight Train and what he has been through that you’d just want to give him the biggest hug ever regardless of his force field. There was this vulnerability about him that I think people could easily relate to. His sacrifices and what he’s willing to give to save others, least prioritizing himself – being selfless that is makes up the core of Freight Train and I think readers will totally root for him. I know I did. It’s also fun to see the Mastermind (Edward Dinges) and the Mad Bombardier (Raul) again! So there’s that. I’m a happy kid!!!

While reading this, it also reminded me of Five For Fighting’s “Superman” – a very apt song for this book!

Again, what a truly delightful addition to the series that I can’t recommend this series highly enough! Do pick this one up and I swear, you won’t regret it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

ARC was provided by the publisher for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Finding the Sky – A.M. Burns [ARC]

Posted on January 25, 2016 | Leave a comment

Finding The SkyRELEASE DATE: Feb 10, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 180 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63476-338-7
Characters: Dillon Smith

I thought the book has a pretty diverse plot points that were scattered throughout the story. There’s gangs, interracial relationship, homosexuality, terrorism and wildlife. It centers, though, on sixteen-year-old Dillon Smith who has been getting harassed by a gang trying to recruit him. An implication in the gang robbing a convenient store made his mom decide to send him away to his Uncle Bryan for the summer. On their way to the country, Dillon and Bryan rescued a hawk and took it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. There, Dillon meets Scott, the son of the  two gay rehabbers and from then on – Dillon eyes were open to a lot of possibilities which includes falling in love. Little did he know that the gang is not planning to let him go that easy.

In general, I liked this book. It’s very neat and very quick-paced. I liked Dillon’s character. He’s only sixteen so I appreciate that his mindset and his attitude is very apt to his age. I wished that he wasn’t that prim and proper though. Actually, thinking back – I thought the dialogues were a bit too polished – almost unrealistic at times. It didn’t bother me at all. I mean, it worked in the story so that’s a win for the author.

I also loved the romance between the two teenagers. Scott is an equally great character. Perhaps a bit too perfect? Not that I’m complaining tho. Can I also say (I dunno, maybe it’s just me) that there’s this rippling sexual tension between Dillon’s uncle and Scott’s Dads? I mean, if the author wanted to explore that idea – I thought it’d be wonderful or maybe a book for Bryan as well with a different guy?

That solution to Dillon’s predicament was almost too convenient but I’m totally buying it. I loved how everything turned out, although, not as realistic as some people would see it but at the end of the day, it made me feel really good. This is a really good young adult read – not too angsty and not too light – just the right amount of zing.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
A.M. Burns lives in the Colorado Rockies with his partner, several dogs, cats, horses, and birds. When he’s not writing, he’s often fixing fences, splitting wood, hiking in the mountains, or flying his hawks. He’s enjoyed writing since he was in high school, but it wasn’t until the past few years that he’s begun truly honing his craft. He is the president of the Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group: http://www.csfwg.org. Having lived both in Colorado and Texas, rugged frontier types and independent attitudes often show up in his work.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Until September – Chris Scully [ARC]

Posted on January 15, 2016 | 2 comments

Until SeptemberRELEASE DATE: Feb 8, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance/Family/Contemporary
Length: 298 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: Lou Harper
Ebook ISBN: 1626493553
Print ISBN: 9781626493568
Characters: Archer Noble, Ryan Eriksson

Archie Noblesse did everything to escape his brutal past and leave his family and his Cree heritage behind enabling him to reinvent himself as Archer Noble, a successful blogger and author who lives only for himself.

His world went upside down when he gets a phone call that brings all his plans for his future crashing down. A car accident takes his only sister leaving behind two children who are parentless after they lost their father a few years prior.

Enter Ryan Eriksson, the teacher whose love for his sister and the kids is undeniable and someone who disagree in everything Archer stands for. Despite this, Archer easily agreed on having Ryan help him with the kids, even offering him the custody eventually.

Ryan on the other hand is adamant for Archer to give parenting a chance despite his chance of having a family of his own, something that he’d always dreamed of. He convinced Archer to try being with them for the summer and stay until September, only things turned out unexpectedly for both of them.

This is the first book I have read by Chris Scully. I was interested in the first few chapters but it actually started picking up for me at the latter part of the story. I find it a bit slow in pacing but the writing was very lovely.

I loved the easy chemistry between Archer and Ryan here; they are so opposite (physically and personality-wise) so they really tend to butt head but there’s something very likable about them. Perhaps, it’s how they both have deep longing for something permanent? In Ryan’s case, it is of course a common knowledge but with Archer, he’s unconsciously yearning for it that it’s almost heartbreaking.

Readers, please employ your patience towards Archer in the first few pages at least. The guy is trying and don’t look out for a lot of steamy scenes between Ryan and Archer. There’s just a couple of it which I figured isn’t really necessary in the story but yeah – beware – Archer is described here as a “manwhore” and ya’know what, it’s very easy to judge him at first (I did) and I admit I was wrong to do so.

Ryan is well, he’s almost perfect, and I loved his easy countenance with every situation and just life in general. He’s not boring but he’s what Archer exactly needed.

This family of four and their story is such a joy to read. I’m sure glad that my first book from this author was this wonderful story! I would definitely look out for more of her books within the year!

Highly recommended, this one is.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Chris Scully is a die-hard romantic, a lover of good books, hot men and eighties music. She discovered M/M romance far too many years ago and immediately became an avid reader. Now, trapped in a minuscule cubicle for eight hours a day, this IT professional loves to indulge in the [not so] occasional daydream—and finally gets the chance to commit some of them to paper.

Chris would love to hear from readers at: cscully@bell.net.

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.scully.author

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Clockwork Heart (Clockwork Love, #1) – Heidi Cullinan [ARC]

Posted on January 13, 2016 | Leave a comment

Clockwork HeartRELEASE DATE: Feb 2, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Historical/Alternate History/Steampunk
Length: 240 pages, ebook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Ebook ISBN: 9781619227231
Print ISBN: 9781619233959
Characters: Johann Berger, Cornelius Stevens

First, let me tell you what I told myself immediately after finishing this book – “I need to reread the whole thing right away and enjoy it all over again!”lol. I just loved it! I feel that no matter how good the previous books of the author are (e.g., Nowhere Ranch, Dance With Me, Love Lessons etc…), this book just totally surpassed them all or maybe I’m still on that after-reading-an-awesome-book glow but seriously man, this is now my favorite book from Heidi Cullinan.

The book is a steampunk novel set in an alternate historical universe involving a beautiful, kinky tinker named Cornelius Stevens who saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts. The soldier is Johann Berger, who woke up half-human half clockwork and who eventually learned that he’s got the clockwork heart as well – a weapon that their warring countries would kill to get their hands into. Chaos ensues as the enemy hunt Conny, Johann and their pirate crew to obtain the clockwork heart. With their hearts and lives on the line – they both knew that it’s going to be all or nothing for them.

Je te veux dans la bouche. Prends-moi par derrierre, la sur la table, et fais-moi hurler de plaisir. Tu veux bien faire cela pour moi, mon doux Johann?

Sex and (almost) magic. Truth. It’s deliciously magical with the steamy sex between Cornelius and Johann and some random… … … … yep, you get the point. The setting was truly fascinating to read I feel like being transported along with the characters. Yes! The old Europe! I can smell the air of Calais, I could see the Austrian Mountains, the Alps etc… The side characters are awesome! At first, I didn’t like Valentin (Conny’s BFF) but he eventually mellowed and I feel like his story needs to be told asap as well. I think I would be seeing his book in the future (with Captain Crawley, hopefully). Oh, and the pirates! Whoop! What a kick-ass crew! They should put a “Love Wins” tagline in their airship to be honest because they’re just so freaking awesome!

I couldn’t stress enough the super-awesomeness of this book! It’s just too lovely! I simply cannot wait what’s next for the series! What an epic start of a series! Heidi, you missy are way too fab! Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Heidi Cullinan has always loved a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. She enjoys writing across many genres but loves above all to write happy, romantic endings for LGBT characters because there just aren’t enough of those stories out there. When Heidi isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, listening to music, and watching television with her family. Heidi also volunteers frequently for her state’s LGBT rights group, One Iowa, and is proud to be from the first midwestern state to legalize same-sex marriage.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Getting Him Back – K.A. Mitchell [ARC]

Posted on January 8, 2016 | Leave a comment

GEtting HIm BackRELEASE DATE: Feb 15, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: New Adult / Romance / Contermporary
Length: 133 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina  Press
Ebook ASIN: B018QI6TPM
Characters: Ethan Monro, Wyatt Reese

Charming, quirky, and unpretentious – I didn’t think that I would be describing this book as such when I first read its blurb. I feel like I’ve already read a thousand books like it but you know what – once I started reading it, I just couldn’t seem to stop because it was that good.

The book begins with tall and gangly Ethan Monroe following his high school sweetheart Blake to college only to get dumped on his first day there.

Enter the mysterious Wyatt Reese. Blake’s roommate and possibly his straight roommate. Ethan’s intention upon approaching Wyatt was to get information on how to win Blake back.  As he got to know the guy and their friendship deepens, Ethan thought it’s time to move forward from his ex and ventured into a new goal of making Wyatt believe that what they have is worth taking a chance.

I loved that even if the book is told entirely from Ethan’s POV, the author was still able to explore each (other) character and their personalities. I loved the attention the author gave to Waardenburg syndrome. I find it refreshing when the main character/s isn’t all supermodel in appearance where it almost always seemed like the prevailing pattern into describing physical perfection for book characters. Ethan here is not physically godlike here. Wyatt isn’t Christian Grey material either but both guys are realistically regular guys you can easily relate to. So that’s me basically saying that I both loved Ethan and Wyatt and thought they’re perfectly matched because of their opposite personality. Opposites attract yeah?

I also liked Ethan’s friends. Connor and Makayla are fabulous secondary characters! Both should be back for more because what is college life without your regular booze-buddy and your humans vs zombies playmates?

Overall, it was a perfect read for me. I won’t change anything in it because I’m perfectly content with the characters, their personality and the storyline and to where it is going in the future. This one I highly recommend.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Expected publication: February 15th 2016 by Carina Press

About The Author
At a very early age, K.A. Mitchell decided that Ken and G.I. Joe made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie fell off sharply. Today she still loves hanging out with imaginary friends and making up stories. Even better, people pay her to read about them. Now the author of over twenty gay romances, she guarantees happy endings for even the surliest of heroes, despite all their baggage.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: A Royal Craving – Elaine White [ARC]

Posted on January 7, 2016 | Leave a comment

a-royal-cravingRELEASE DATE: Feb 08, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Historical / Dystopian
Length: 323 pages, ebook
Publisher: Encompass Ink
Cover Artist:Rue Volley
Characters: Spencer, Prosper, Perry, Davian

I’ve been reading a lot of MPREG* books these past few months and I’ve to say this has one of the most unique premises so far and I just loved it! The story was told from multiple POVs where each character has unique voices throughout the book (so it doesn’t get confusing.) There are two main sub-plot involving royal twin vamps and two “human” companions but the story of Prosper (vampire king) and his human companion, Spencer is the focus of the story.

Spencer is deaf and has adoptive parents. When he was fourteen, he went to the prophetess to have his fate read. He was given two choices – a path to death and that of love.  His dark and bleak world turned for the better when the vampire king Prosper took him as its companion. Prosper became horribly disfigured after his father’s failed experiments and lives in the shadow until he stumbled upon Spencer who became a beacon for change not only about himself but everything around them.

This one isn’t exactly a short novel – it is rather long but it reads fairly quick because everything in it happens so fast. It may sound a bit odd to say that it’s not historical but it does sound like one based on their speech but there’s a reason behind it and I think it’s a promising plot to explore if ever the author ventured more into this world. It was a bit dystopian-ish but not quite.

I loved all of the characters in it even the evil sister of the vampire twins. Sienna’s a great character but well underdeveloped if I may say. The only reason I’m docking a star off this book is because I was waiting for the big reveal, a twist or some major conflict that will stir shit up which I thought will be caused by Sienna. Alas, it didn’t happen. I mean, I liked that Elaine didn’t see the need to venture into that but I wished it wasn’t just all smooth flowing for our characters.

To finish this off, I’d just like to say (again) that the setting of this story is truly wonderful and I’d love to see more of these characters in the future. Again, wonderful writing from Elaine who gave us The Cellist (one of my favorite reads from last year) and this one will surely tickle the readers who loved their sexy-broody-bloodsuckers! Recommended!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Mpreg is the term for a genre of art and literature where a man is pregnant

About The Author
Elaine White was born and raised in the small town of Haddington, Scotland. She began writing from an early age when she thought that she would have written passages from the books she was reading differently.

At the age of 14, she tweaked existing stories to experiment with various writing styles. Eventually, this led to her taking a Creative Writing course and writing her own stories from scratch. Now, she finds inspiration everywhere, which has lead to numerous novels and series ranging from college romance and crime to the supernatural world of witches and vampires.

Elaine currently lives at home in Scotland with her parents and boisterous poodle. She is a full time student and full time writer.

You can find Elaine on the following sites:
Wattpad – http://smarturl.it/ElleLainey
Pinterest –http://smarturl.it/ElainesPinterest
YouTube –http://smarturl.it/ElainesYouTube
Tumblr – http://smarturl.it/ElainesTumblr
Linkedin –http://smarturl.it/ElainesLinkedIn
Google – http://smarturl.it/ElainesGoogle

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Rock N Soul – Lauren Sattersby [ARC]

Posted on January 1, 2016 | 1 comment

rock-n-soulRELEASE DATE: January 16, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Paranormal / Romance / Contemporary
Length: 434 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Ebook ISBN: 9781626493117
Characters: Chris Raiden, Tyler Lindsey

The first five reviews I’ve read of this book heaping praises for the author and the story is not just some sort of ploy to ask the audience to buy the book. I mean, yes it would definitely encourage them good ol’ folks to check out the book but let me give it to you straight – THIS BOOK IS JUST ALL KINDS OF AWESOME!!!! I can’t even…

The story starts with Tyler Lindsey, a regular guy who works as a bellboy and has a wicked-awful girlfriend. His life took a turn when he discovered famous rock star Chris Raiden dead after he od’d on heroin. After a couple of months, Chris’s ghost materialized that seems to be stuck with Tyler.

Rock N Soul is a wonderfully easy read. Everything about Tyler and Chris – their situation, their banter and the uber-awesome chemistry between them just totally struck a chord with me. They are so likable from the get-go so it’s easy to just eat up their story. Tyler is so freaking regular that you’d relate to him right away regardless of the ghost haunting. And that’s what I loved so much about him. He’s an easy character – practical, blunt and just an all-around guy.

Chris on the other hand is charming to the bones! There’s something childlike about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he’s a spoiled superstar but beyond all the glamour, glitter, the drugs and all – he’s just someone who needs someone to love him. And with those characteristics, you can’t help but root him!

As for the story, it’s actually pretty simple but the dialogues made it so fascinating it’s like re-watching your favorite film where you know everything about it, scenes that were about to unfold but at the end of it, you are still very much satisfied. Rock N Soul is that kind of film…err book.

The conclusion I won’t tell of course but right after the last page, I’m all ready for a sequel. It’s that kind of awesome!

‘Tis a 5-star rocking book to start your year!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Lauren Sattersby works as a budget manager by day, but while she’s at her desk mindlessly crunching numbers, it’s a good bet that she’s also writing M/M romance in her head and counting the minutes until she can get home and write it all down. She is a grammar enthusiast, which is why she has a Master’s degree in technical writing, but that tends to scare friends away so she keeps that to herself.

Lauren lives in Wisconsin with her partner and their three terrible cats. She’s a recent transplant from a thousand miles further south, so she still gets crazy excited about snow. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found playing video games or scouring the countryside looking for interesting birds.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: laurensattersby.com
Facebook: facebook.com/laurensattersby
Twitter: @LaurenSattersby
Tumblr: laurensattersby.tumblr.com
Email: laurensattersby@gmail.com

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Dangerous Territory – Cari Z.

Posted on December 29, 2015 | 1 comment

Dangerous Territoryebook, 56 pages
Published January 13th 2016 by Less Than Three Press

I just loved Cari Z’s writing style. Her characters are fresh, quirky, and just oh-so-goddamn-adorable! This novella just hit the mark for me when it comes to originality and impact because after the last page, I’m still yearning for more! Surely, it’s not going to stop here yeah?

The story started when Carter’s evil brother-in-law was trying to take over their family ranch immediately after his father’s death. To get hold of his inheritance and start on his own, he needs to get to the cattle market before his brother-in-law and the only way to make that happen is to pass through Mason Canyon – a snake-infested terrain and a shifter territory as well. Rani, his shifter guide who agreed to help him out turned out to be not what he expected which rekindled is hope that things may not be that bleak for him and his family.

I totally enjoyed reading this even if it’s way too short for my liking (Cmon’ I need more). I loved that it’s written in the ‘western’ genre with a twist. And no. The “being gay” of the character is not the twist obviously. It’s the shifting thingy that made it more interesting and I loved that Rani’s animal form is surprisingly different from what I expected. I won’t spoil it for you guys, but it’s really so cute if you’d ask me. At least they’re cute in pictures. Hah!

According to the book’s publisher (Less Than Three Press), this book is part of The Devil’s Land collection, a set of unrelated books written in the western genre. THIS CAN’T BE if I have a choice because there’s so much to explore in this story. There’s the question about his family (his sister Millie, Keena, Getrude and even the evil Percy) and there’s more about the shifters. Okay, perhaps I’m getting way ahead of myself but seriously – this one’s a wonderful read and I kid you not about the talent of this author.

If you want to check her out before this hit online – do try her Panopolis series – gawd, that one is just beyond!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 Expected publication: January 13th 2016 by Less Than Three Press

About The Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

ARC courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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