Tag Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Last First Kiss – Diane Adams

Posted on February 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 1 of Southern Comfort Series]

“I became a father at fourteen, a husband at sixteen, a divorced single parent at eighteen, but Trent terrifies me more than anything ever has.”

Last First KissLet me just proclaim that this is by far one of my favorite reads this year! This is just my second book by Diane Adams and I’m just so totally in love with it!

Eighteen-year-old Gage Harris is not part of twenty-five year old Trent Foster’s plans. Despite their mutual attraction, Trent doesn’t need to complicate his life by having the young farmer with his two small children in it. His plans however turned upside down when he finds himself pulled into the small family – a family that is impossible to resist.

As their friendship develops, things started to get more complicated. What begins as a random offer for a ride in the rain may very well lead into his last first kiss.

You got to admit; the premise itself will get your attention and you’d probably wonder why at 18, Gage already is a father of two children. Yup! I myself thought that some MILF seduced the young guy, did the nasty and boink – you’ve got a twin! But no! That is so not the case! His kids are actually four and two so they happen at two different times but there were secrets that you gotta find out as you go further with the story.

And gawd! How adorable is Nash?? I’m like – can I just have that baby!?! Now, if you’re worried about Gage’s wifey – don’t fret because she’s a total no-show in the book which was kind of puzzling but yeah – I don’t give a shit about her If I’m being honest. At least she’s got a good back story.

I also loved how easily Trent bonded with Gage and his kids. Although that moment when Gage cried himself to sleep with Kody on top of him was totally heartbreaking – I mean, I seriously have to stop reading and swallow hard to keep myself from tearing up.

“Dreams change. Girls get pregnant. High school isn’t finished. College is too expensive. Babies are born. A guy gives you a ride in the rain. It’s life, Trent. It happens.”

I really do admire how Gage became a responsible young adult through his irresponsible actions. I loved how he’s blogging (yay!) and how he tries to improve himself! The whole thing was just very refreshing and I’m glad that this is just the first book in the series and would see a glimpse of this couple or the family in the upcoming installments.

Overall, this was a heart-achingly beautiful book that needs to be read by many people! I swear this book is like a wonderful balm to the soul whenever you feel down or weary – it’s just so beautiful! Just beautiful!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Buy now:
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iTunes | Kobo | Smashwords

 

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Book Review: A Clean Break (Gay Amish Romance #2) – Keira Andrews

Posted on February 25, 2015 | Leave a comment

A Clean BreakSo if you haven’t read the first book (A Forbidden Rumspringa), I suggest you get a hold of it first before reading this one.

 Okay, first reaction after reading it – I was seething! I was mad, and wanted to bitchslap everyone within five feet. After a couple of days, I got it together and thought about David and Isaac’s first foray into the “outside” world.

 It’s been difficult for Isaac and David to leave their Amish settlement in Zebulon much more for David because he knows that he’s abandoning his mother and two sisters to fend for themselves. He was ridden with guilt and with Isaac’s love; he’s trying to make it day by day.

The boys made their way to San Francisco and settled into Isaac’s big bro Aaron and his wife’s place. Things seemed to go easy for Isaac as he decided to continue his schooling and makes new friends. David on the other hand, still struggles to reconcile with his guilt and his new environment. With guilt, insecurity and fear marring their new life, Isaac and David needs to remember why they’ve escaped from their former world in the first place.

The whole story was told from David’s POV this time. His voice was very different from Isaac’s. With a stark realization of their new life finally dawning on him, David finds himself struggling to come to terms with it. I loved that the author made it a point to tackle every issue warring inside David’s mind. We’re flooded with his insecurities, with his fears and his hesitation to move forward with this new life. We also see how he truly loves his Isaac and how much he’s willing to sacrifice for his happiness. I was honestly hurting for him all throughout his lamentation. It was heartbreaking whenever he feels so alone with his internal battles. He doesn’t want to show Isaac his weakness and it’s painful to see how he’s not coping well with his new environment.

Can I just mention how I loved the part when Jen’s family visited their place? That was awesome and just 100% pinoy. It was very authentic and I was touched that Keira Andrews made it a point to really reflect the usual Filipino flare for siestas and family togetherness. I wonder who the inspiration was for Jen’s character.

Oh, no. Don’t even get me started with Clark. Okay, I won’t say anything more about this a-hole but something needs to happen to him in the final book. Like really, something bad.

I’ve been reading tons of comments about this installment not having some kind of a “peaceful agreement” between our main couple regardless of the intended cliffhanger. I was pretty satisfied with it though. I see the direction the author was going and I totally understand why some people feel that there should’ve been more to it at the end before the cliffie. I don’t know but the whole vibe of this second book was apt to David’s character and that ending gives so much reflection to his character. How he’s got so much to overcome especially with all his internal battles and his needs to overcome his anxiety. When his resolve to go back to Zebulon to follow Isaac and not leave without him – it was then I realized how really strong his character was despite everything that happened. A Clean Break was David’s story of trying to acknowledge his flaws, trying to ask for help and trying to come to terms with all his decisions.

This for me was a perfect sequel to their story and I’m so looking forward to the final book of this series! Thank you Keira Andrews for another stunning story!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and–although she loves delicious angst along the way–Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” Find out more about Keira and her books at http://www.keiraandrews.com

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Book Review: A Forbidden Rumspringa (Gay Amish Romance #1) – Keira Andrews

Posted on February 25, 2015 | Leave a comment

A Forbidden Rumspringa (Gay Amish Romance #1)I’m first to admit that I was rather hesitant to read this book because of the whole religious undertone from its blurb but upon reading the first two chapters, I just started tapping my reader until I finished it. Needless to say, I was more than satisfied with the story.

At 18, Isaac Byler knows little outside their very close-knitted and strict Amish settlement of Zebulon, Minnesota. Things here were controlled by rules of the church and there is no rumspringa to explore anything beyond the confines of their community. Isaac also knows that he needs to join the church soon and find himself a wife but beyond these expectations, there’s a gnawing yearning within him.

David Lantz was left alone to support his mother and sisters and was pressured to finally join the church. When he takes on Isaac as his apprentice, their mutual attraction turns into something they struggled to reconcile with their faith and their community.

When two young Amish men find love, will they risk losing everything?

I’m just totally floored with this story. As I mentioned, my hesitation upon reading this book dissolved merely a couple of chapters into the story. Isaac and David easily captivated my attention and I just fell for them right away. I feel like a stage mom watching a performance of my children and wildly rooting for them. It’s like when they’re struggling to define their relationship, I just want it to be easy for them and felt the need to give them both some really big bear hugs. I loved when characters are able to reduce readers into a big pile of mess. That’s what happened to me midway through the story. I’m like, cmon’ now – please just let them be happy and get together already!

Of course things doesn’t always go their way and something or someone will always get in their happy-ever after. These men were raised to believe that what they have is a sin, an abomination and just downright dirty and the realization of their newfound love was just too bittersweet.

I’m not totally disparaging their faith but time’s evolving and things are changing. I loved that both Isaac and David are asking questions – things they don’t have answers to or mostly stuff that they do not understand.

This story was told through Isaac’s perspective and I loved how solid the whole narration from start to finish. The author didn’t falter with the continuity of his voice and the whole development of the story up to the very climactic end was a good way to tease the reader into reading the next series.

It’s another sublime writing from Keira Andrews – if you enjoyed Sempre Fi, you’d definitely loved this as well!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and–although she loves delicious angst along the way–Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” Find out more about Keira and her books at http://www.keiraandrews.com

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Book Review: The Hooker and the Hermit – L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid

Posted on February 24, 2015 | 1 comment

The Hooker and the HermitThe Hooker and the Hermit is one intriguing title with a superb story to boot! Annie Catrel’s job is to clean the public image of celebrities and she’s the best in the business. She’s also the face behind “Socialmedialite” – one of the most famous blogger in the net which allows her to be herself and not be the timid, recluse girl in real life. Ronan Fitzpatrick is an Irish rugby star dubbed as the bad boy of said sport is very much in need of a public image cleanup which led him to hire Annie Catrel to do the job while taking a break in New York. One thing led to another where Annie and Ronan find themselves in a “fake” relationship. But how can someone fake something so real? And when secrets gets in the way, how will one of them handle the truth?

This first reason I got this book was because of its title and secondly, the very good rating. I didn’t read a single review prior because somewhere in there – a spoiler is bound to appear. And what do you know? It was actually a pretty sweet surprise! This was my first book from both authors and I really am impressed. The story’s cute and very endearing. I loved both characters. With Annie, there’s just that authentic vulnerability in her character. Being a blogger myself – though not anonymously and obviously not famous at all, I could somehow relate with the confidence that it gives you when you’re writing stuff down and not having to say it face to face. Somehow it’s easier to say what you want to say when you feel protected in your own nook (behind your computer ^_^) and you get to say more when you’re writing it down. Ronan on the other hand is just charming to the bones. I loved his grumpy side, his bravado and his playfulness. I also loved that he’s crazy about his family. And I loved how he truly just wants to play his sport more than anything else.

There’s something very Gossip Girl about the concept of Socialmedialite but it’s only because of the blogger’s anonymity and that ends there. It’s mainly Annie’s issue that was dealt in the story more than Ronan’s. There is abandonment issue in here that is plaguing dear Annie which became the reason why she’s so alone and does not want anybody’s help at all. Ronan’s life’s an open book but there are also some things which are only known within his circle. I loved how from the very start everyone was just open about everything saved for Annie hiding her alter-ego from Ronan and Ronan’s sexual fetish. The tinge of BDSM is the main reason why I’m giving it a rating one star less. I can’t really reconcile it with Ronan’s characterization. It was all so weird and just out of character in my opinion. Other than that, I thought the story flows smoothly all throughout.

I highly recommend this book for those who are into boys in sports and their lovey-dovey being all so meek but witty! It’s a fun read and definitely worth every penny!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published February 2nd 2015 by Smashwords

Buy now:
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Book Review: Here Comes Trouble [Nothing Special #3] – A.E. Via

Posted on February 24, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 3 of Nothing Special Series]

Here Comes TroubleThis is the third book from the Nothing Special series and I’m just floored with how good the kind of storytelling the author was giving us here. She’s a genius and this series is definitely one of my favorites now!

Here, we get the story of Detectives Mark Ruxs and Chris Green. Both are the brawn of God and Day’s narcotic task force and have also been work partners for the longest time they practically memorized each other’s likes and dislikes.

When things started to get weird between them – they both know that it’s only a matter of time before one of them explodes and admit their true feelings.

Dealing with issues on the side and their work, will they be able to find the courage to admit that they truly loved each other?

I was grinning eighty percent while reading this installment. These two brawny men are just all kinds of adorable. I loved their partnership and how easy their relationship was. It wasn’t heavy and a little talk is all it takes for them to finally realize that they belong with each other. I also loved how Curtis’s character [the boy who was robbing the mom and pop store in the first book] figured prominently here – their little family and how the gang was so protective of him was just awe-worthy. I almost want to adopt the sweet kid!

It’s also nice to note that we get a glimpse of future main characters in this story. I’d say the author should go with Michaels’ story first before heading to Curtis and Gen’s story. And where’s Ro and Johnson’s story? I really want to read their love story too!

Back to Ruxs and Green, I’d say that this was the most emotional out of the three books in the series so far but for the life of me, I couldn’t really decide which one is the best because they’re all so good! This one’s definitely earning another five stars from me!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINK: Amazon

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Book Review: Good Enough – Kade Boehme

Posted on February 23, 2015 | Leave a comment

Good EnoughBLURB: After three years in Chicago, Payton Grady returns home to Seattle to take a job as a paralegal in his friend’s law firm. After arriving, he sees a gorgeous club kid who accidentally leaves an interesting scarf behind at the bus stop. In a silly attempt to locate the owner, Payton’s best friend places an ad on Craigslist. Two years later, Payton and his friend are shocked to receive a response from the erstwhile club kid—his ex-boyfriend from college.

Noah Di Cicco has been wracked with guilt since college when he crushed Payton. His insecurities destroyed their relationship. Six years and the experience of a rock bottom have changed Noah.

Payton is drawn to Noah and how much he’s grown. Now that Noah knows he’s good enough for love, both men remember what they had, while moving past the hurt they caused each other so long ago. Maybe they can be good enough together.

***

I really find this novella too angsty for my taste. I never like any form of cheating and couldn’t get past the rebuilding the trust brouhaha. Not that I’m living under the creed once a cheater, always a cheater but I guess I just didn’t want to blame the other MC’s maturity towards his infidelity. He’s a college guy after all. The whole thing about his insecurities isn’t enough for me to pity him or to melt my “frozen heart” lols. But seriously, I still enjoyed this one and loved that they had atleast some sort of HEA but I’m one of those touchy readers of romantic story who gives tons of shit about infidelity. So there…

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Published June 27th 2014

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Book Review: Embracing His Syn [Nothing Special #2] – A.E. Via

Posted on February 23, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 2 of Nothing Special Series]

Embracing His SynThis is the second book from the Nothing Special series and again, the author delivered a magnificent story to clench the thirst of those who loved the first book in the series! Day and God are still here and they’re welcoming their new third in command Detective Corbin “Syn” Sydney. Of course we all know that God and Day were promoted from the first book as Lieutenants and are now leading their department’s narcotic task force.

Syn transplanted in Atlanta to prove to his family that he could be great too like his father. Things at work seemed to be going well for him when he’s promoted as Sergeant and is now third in command under God and Day.

Furi only wanted to get through college and start his own garage shop with his friend Doug. Escaping from his abusive husband and working part time as a porn star, the young guy didn’t intend to date again for fear of experiencing the same thing from his ex – especially not with a seemingly closeted cop.

No matter how much they deny each other, Syn and Furi knows that there’s something between them that is waiting to ignite. When a lieu of murder and threats threatened Furi; Syn now knows what he really needs to prove s– not to his family; not to his work mates but to the man he loves.

I loved this author! I can’t believe I didn’t hear about this series from last year! I mean, the first book and this one are nothing short of amazing! The plot, the events leading to its conclusion and the characters are just explosive! I loved the consistency of the story and the introduction of new characters was great. You can easily picture them in your head. I loved how cohesive the story was and it didn’t feel contrived at all since there was a lot of issues going on with Furi – that with the husband and the porn thing and even the murders. The author easily put everything together not leaving any gap for further scrutiny! I’m really glad that I discovered this series! It’s so worth it and I’m pretty sure the next book in line will be worth every penny as well!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS: Amazon

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Book Review: Going Under – Kade Boehme

Posted on February 22, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 2 of Keep Swimming Series]

Going UnderBLURB: Ex Coast Guardian Kyle Bevins is a joker, a friend, and unlucky in love. His friends know he’s a good guy to turn to if for nothing other than a much needed laugh, but he rarely heeds his own advice. He’s content as the new co-owner of his friend’s charter fishing company in Pensacola Beach, Florida, but he’s missing the companionship of having a significant other and tired of the old hookups.

Eddy Jiminez is unlucky, period. He’s been dealt most every negative consequence of being gay. He’s also an ex-con, so he figured he’d play it safe, keep working hard and trying to forget that it was men he craved. But when he meets Kyle, he can’t stop going back for more, but tired of the lies and hurting, he doesn’t want to give Kyle up.

Kyle would do anything to keep Eddy from drowning again, so he decides to see him safely into the big world of being Out but a past connection may ruin everything. Will there be a second chance for both of them, or will their relationship go under?

***

“I know it’s a lot to ask. I’m an ex-con who lives in a shit apartment and has no money. Ever. But… could you not give up on me?”

Kilig

This is my most favorite Kade Boehme’s book that I’ve read so far. The first book in the series was beautiful and I loved the trio of Cary, Heath and their baby Gus but Kyle and Eddy just totally had my runaway heart from the moment they met at that sport-gay bar and boom – it was all rainbows and butterflies for me – I couldn’t even stop smiling – saved for the tiniest twist at the latter part cleverly woven into the story and everything’s great!

I loved that Kade was able to retain Kyle’s characterization from the first book – he’s still super adorable and someone you’d still want to take care of. He’s really such a baby. I just loved it when characters makes you feel maternal towards them (you get what I mean right? LOLS)

Kiss by the Sunset

I just loved the oozing chemistry between the Eddy and Kyle and thought that the twist at the end was superbly inserted without causing too much drama. Good job Kade for writing that smoothly. I now have a feel for the author’s style. He’s really good with delivering punch in the mushy part of the heart. His characters are all adorable and just plain swoon-worthy. I’m so glad I decided to buy this series because I enjoyed it immensely. Now I can’t wait to read the third book – I want Kent and Phil story now!!!

Congratulations again Kade!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published (first published August 28th 2014)

BUY LINKS
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Book Review: Nothing Special [Nothing Special #1] – A.E. Via

Posted on February 22, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 1 of Nothing Special Series]

Nothing SpecialI just have to say this first – I freaking loved this book! I seriously adore God and Day and I think they’re two of the best characters I’ve read in a while! I downloaded this ebook for free and I would’ve paid for it willingly because it’s just so freaking good! It would’ve been worth the price!

Cashel Godfrey and Leonidis Day are without question the best detectives under the Atlanta Police Department. They’ve been partner from the start and they always have each other’s back come hell or high water. Day is openly gay and respected all throughout their department. God on the other hand intimidates the hell out of his colleagues for his brawn and innate authority. And he doesn’t like labels. They are the perfect partner at work in every sense. Until Day finally realized that he’s in love with God.

God has a very dark past that he’d rather keep to himself. When Day tried to uncover this and help him, things started to go to shit and it’s only a matter of time before God decides if revealing his secrets would drive his partner away or it’d make their relationship closer and take it to the next level.

I totally enjoyed their banter with their colleagues and loved the idea that they’re so close they didn’t even realize that they’re practically boyfriends! I loved the grumpy side of God and the chill attitude of Day. They kind of remind me of Dex and Sloane from the THIRDS series and it’s like reading their more subdued version here. I got to say though that God and Day are way hotter! [I still love you baby Dex!!!!]

There was also a brief mention of the famous chef Prescott Vaughan from the author’s You Can See Me where we met Day first as his college roomies. There’s just a bit inconsistency about it because in here, God mentioned that Day used to date the chef when in fact they actually just experimented back in college. And Day also mentioned about joining the chef and his two boyfriends in bed at one point before his relationship with God. Thinking back, I thought Day declined Prescott advances because he was in a relationship back then going on 6 months… so that must be with another guy then yeah? Oh, well – these are just minute detail I’m obsessing about I guess.

Speaking of minute details – did anyone expect that friends with benefits arrangement with Ro and Johnson? I didn’t see that coming at all! Needless to say it was freaking hot as hell and I would’ve welcome more scenes with them boys! LOL

I read that some people were a bit ticked-off about that but I think it’s okay because they’re committed and they’re only playing with one couple (I know, I know – go sue me). Although I did wish that Day wasn’t such a slut and he should’ve let God do the nasty with Ro as well. I mean, Day took it all like a champ! LOL. Okay, of course it was understood that thing would happen but enough of the pervy talk!

I really did enjoy this book and I’m so excited for the rest of the series! That declaration of God at the warehouse was like the “Oscar” moments from the book and I wouldn’t change anything from this book! Fans of Heidi Cullinan, Charlie Cochet and Abigail Roux would definitely get a kick out of this one! Download your free copy now people!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Download you free copy HERE

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Book Review: Keep Swimming – Kade Boehme

Posted on February 21, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 1 of Keep Swimming Series]

Keep SwimmingBLURB: After his partner dumped him with a pregnant surrogate four years ago, Cary Whitmore was forced to play single parent while starting up a new business. With the dog bakery now semi-successful and his son healthy, Cary thinks he may be ready to date again.

Heath Cummings is trying his damnedest to get his charter boat service off the ground and dreams of one day soon being able to quit his job as an offshore driller. Paying off his dream requires making it through a couple more years, which means being open about his sexuality isn’t in the cards just yet.

When the two take their flirting to the next level, Cary wonders if he can handle another guy who might take off, while Heath has to decide if he can risk his dream of a laid back life—and giving up his long-held and much enjoyed bachelor status while taking on a child when being a father was never on his to-do list. Will they sink, or will they keep swimming?

***

I just can’t stop smiling after reading this beautiful story from Kade Boehme. It’s just perfection for me and this would be the first five stars I’m awarding the author. I just loved Cary, his son Gus and Heath! I mean, this was like the most adorable reads I’ve had in years! Kade just totally hit every spot here. There’s romance, the feels and just enough loving that would melt you like Hershey’s.

Cary, Gus and Heath

I loved the fact that the author didn’t feel the need to put too much drama in it because the situation of Cary (with his son) was heavy enough that they don’t need another complication to add in the bunch. I also adore Gus at no end – such a cutie and I loved how he cannot pronounce TH. It was just so cute!

I usually don’t like “bisexual” characters because I just can’t see them settling down even in a story but this one’s nicely done and there’s really that strong connection between Cary and Heath.

It's So Beautiful

I also loved Heath’s bestfriend Kyle – like he’s just so adorable and I just want to read his love story already (wink! – I actually did – review to follow).

This is another beautiful story from Kade Boehme and I’ll definitely buy more from his future works! Great job!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published June 26th 2014

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