Tag Archives: Book Review

Book Review: You Can See Me – A.E. Via

You Can See MeI’ve mentioned it before that I’m not a big fan ménage stories  but I indulge every now and then because there are some good ones out there that are definitely worth reading. This one is one of them. A.E. Via’s a new author for me so I wasn’t really expecting much from this book. Little did I know though that this would leave me combusting midway to finish! It’s so hawt I’m afraid to tap my reader after finishing it! *wink* *wink*

Prescott Vaughan has everything mapped out in his world. He’s about to go to Paris to work with his idol, he’s got a loving fiancé and he’s a multi-awarded chef at only 27. Everything ended one night in an accident that left him alone the dark…

I loved Prescott’s character here – I’ve met blind people and they always tell me that they hate it when people treat them differently because of their disability. I guess that’s natural instinct for people though. They want to be treated like any normal people – because they are and they simply lost their sight. This is what Prescott simply wanted for people to do around him. He’s still very capable though, I hate that he was so needy for physical contact because he feels so alone. I so feel for him during those times when he was almost begging his girlfriend for sex! Yes, he’s still not sure about his sexuality folks! Closet case? Nope. Just mainly confused if I may say.

When he meets Dr. Rickson Edwards, it was like a ray of sunshine for Prescott. Ric made Prescott feel loved and the latter reciprocated the feelings. But because of a prank, Ric doesn’t think that he could handle Prescott’s carelessness so he kept himself away from the blind guy. WTF?! Yes, a traumatic prank for Ric. He should’ve let Prescott explain first!

Alone and still reeling from their break-up, Prescott finds himself hiring an escort and didn’t expect to hit it off with Blair McKenzie – a sexy Texan culinary student who works part-time as an escort to help pay the bills.

When Ric finally decided to get back with Prescott, things got a little sticky when he realized that Prescott won’t let go of Blair even though they still love each other.

So yes – it’s a bit complicated indeed but I feel like the story is more focused on Prescott and Ric. Blair simply became the third wheel in the relationship. I guess, there weren’t enough scenes for Blair to figure much into the relationship so their whole declaration at the end counted a lot, I guess.

In a ménage story, it’s always the sex that really has to count half the time. This one has it in spades. Oh man, it was hotness overload! The story was well written and I loved all three characters especially the big, bad Ric and if it was just a normal couple story – I guess it would’ve worked as well. I’ve got to say though, this is a really good read for anyone looking for a ménage in a book.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Download you free copy HERE

Book Review: A Prairie Dog’s Love Song – Eli Easton

A Prairie Dogs Love SongBLURB: Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and rodeo competitions from the time he could walk, and he’s happiest in the spotlight. So when he got the chance to be a star—in porn—he took it. He still loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy, but when news of his alternate identity leaks out, he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, even a hometown boy born and bred.

Joshua Braintree always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s always been a diehard cowboy, just like him: they need the land and its freedom as much as they need air. So when Joshua learns Ben moved away from their small Montana town to be a porn star in Vegas, he can hardly believe it. He’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home.

Despite his longtime crush on Joshua, Ben won’t be as easy to tame as Joshua’s “lost cause” horses. It will take a lot of heart and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even old prairie dogs can learn new tricks in the name of love.

***

I didn’t like this as much as I loved the previous books I’ve read from Eli Easton but it still has that signature light feels style from the author. I loved the fact that it was not overly angsty or dramatic. It was just right. The whole premise about becoming a porn star was still a bit puzzling for me – I still don’t get whatever happens to Ben? I mean, why, how and why?! It feels like he’s got so many choices but didn’t utilize them although I’m not saying that what he did was an awful thing but I think his choices weren’t exactly the best for him. It also pains me that it took forever for Joshua to finally do something about Ben. There was the little age gap yes and there was the friendship with Ben’s brother and the town’s scrutiny but cmon’ man – really?

I really liked what Joshua did for Ben at the end though. Although they’re becoming pretty annoying midway, I was glad that it picked up a little bit through the end. It was just a happy ever after for both although I would’ve like it for more drama to ensue but this was a Christmas story after all – no need for heavy drama and everything’s all good. In the end, I’d say that this was still a pretty solid holiday story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published December 1st 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon

Book Review: My Summer Of Wes – Missy Welsh

My Summer Of WesBLURB: I didn’t know. How could I? All through high school, I was beaten up and teased for being gay. But I wasn’t gay. Or didn’t think I was. Now Wes, the guy across the street who’s taken me under his wing and been the best friend I’ve ever had, won’t stop invading my dreams, hell, my every waking thought. Am I gay? Because I’m thinking I’d like to kiss him. Actually, I’m thinking there’s a lot more I’d like to do with his mouth and the rest of that tall, confident, muscular body. Ah, man… I’m so gay!

But what if he doesn’t feel the same way about me? And, Jesus, what about my parents? And those bastards from school are still around. And I’m supposed to go to college this fall… Shit, I need to sit down. I can’t breathe and I’m about to shake apart. Then Wes puts his hand on the back of my neck, gives me one of those encouraging squeezes and his bright smile, and everything’s okay again. Yeah, I’m hooked. Oh, boy.

***

This was just cuteness overload. It’s the kind of story that makes you smile all throughout the day remembering it. Mal and Wes are total babes and you just got to love getting to experience your first time with someone who adores you at no end. Mal was someone who at his age was still very confuse about his sexuality and does see things around him in black and white – his parent are not any help at all and his bullies at school made it even worse. It’s a good thing that he’s finally off to college. Meeting Wes as their next door neighbor was the best thing to happen to Mal – with Wes, Mal was able to truly be comfortable in his own skin.

I loved that they have a little age gap which made Wes the protector of Mal and I loved the fact that there was not much drama involving Mal’s parents. There’s something so beautiful about their chemistry and the fact that they found something within them that connects them so well.  This is another beautiful story from Missy Welsh that you’d always want to reread whenever you feel down because it’ll just make you feel so good deep inside. A total must read!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published August 10th 2010 by Loose Id LLC

Book Review: Double Up – Vanessa North

Double Up“ Fifteen years ago, Ben Warren was a wakeboarding champion: king of big air, ballsy tricks, and boned grabs. Until a career-ending injury left him broken in ways he still has no hope of fixing. Now he takes his thrills where he can get them, and tries not to let life hurt too much.

Then Davis Fox arrives in Ben’s sporting goods store with a plan to get in touch with his estranged brother by competing in the annual wakeboarding double-up contest. The catch? He’s never ridden before. It’s crazy, but Ben’s a sucker for the guy’s sob story—and for his dimples, too—so he agrees to coach Davis.

Davis is everything Ben isn’t: successful, confident, and in love with life. And he wants Ben to love life—and him—too. But before Ben can embrace a future with Davis, he needs to remember how to hope.”

***

What I really loved about this book is how realistic Ben Warren’s character was portrayed. There was no inhibition into his character and it was an honest to goodness look to someone who’s in his situation. How would you feel if a freak accident took that one thing that makes you really happy? I mean, it may not be “that” extreme happiness but you can’t help but think of all the what if’s. In this story, there are those realistic “what ifs” and Ben was a prime example of someone who’s just going through life – though obviously, he’s still holding on a little part of his old self.

I do loved Davis here because he’s what Ben needed – someone who’s confident and does not easily takes shit from others. I also loved that his character is a sensitive one. He’s someone who views having a partner as a sacred thing. Although it feels like the reason he’s enrolling for the tournament was a bit forced – I thought the story smoothly transitioned into their romance and its development towards the end was truly heartwarming. This was a beautiful summer story that I’d always place on my reread list.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Riptide Publishing
Amazon

Book Review: Rise & Fall (THIRDS, #4) – Charlie Cochet

[Book 4 of the THIRDS Series]

Rise And FallI was meaning to write my review here since I’ve read this super-awesome fourth installment of the THIRDS series but I just can’t find the right words to describe it’s supah-dupah greatness (okay – I was just really busy – eeekk!) but still, I stand firm that this series has become one of my favorites and this new book from author Charlie Cochet cemented her status as one of the best storyteller in the MM genre.

On with the book, Dexter J. Daley takes center stage this time after the events from the third book (Rack & Ruin) left his work partner and “secret” boyfriend Sloane Brodie critically injured from a bombing attack by the evil Coalition led by Beck Hogan. This incident led Lieutenant Sparks to pull Dex’s Destructive Delta team out from the case and hand it over to Sebastian Hobbs’team. Dex was not happy about this and swears to make Hogan pay for what he did at whatever cost. As Dex plans for his revenge, he also began to spiral out of control missing the real reason of what he’s doing altogether. This made Sloane take some action to intervene and finally comes clean with what Dex really meant to him which could save the latter from danger.

Really, I’ve tried dragging reading this book when I bought my ebook copy. I didn’t want it to finish right away but since it’s a short read – I’m like, shoot – now I’ve to wait for the next book. I mean, the series was so good and I just want to continue reading stories about the characters. Of course I understand that it’ not easy to come out with fantabulous stories like this but Charlie just totally hit every single mark in this story. I’m so greedy and I want more! More! More! There are the usual laughs, the sexy times, the romance and the oh-so good story development from every angle. I seriously cannot fault this book – and this series as a whole. Dare I say that this could even rival the Cut & Run series (although I loved Ty and Zane to death) but of course we’ll have to see the consistency of the series and based on the first four books – this series was simply sublime and just one of the best in the genre.

This book is a total must-read and highly recommended one for the lovely readers of the genre. Again, thank you Charlie for this wonderful installment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner
Amazon

Book Review: Love You Senseless – Susan Mac Nicol

[Book 1 of Men In London Series]

Love You SenselessBlurb: An award-winning chef with his own restaurant and an inexhaustible passion, Gideon Kent once had everything. Then came tragedy. It stole more than Gideon’s home. He hasn’t cooked since.

Until Eddie Tripp. Fun-loving and vivacious, the Norfolk redhead’s a real up-and-comer in Gideon’s kitchen—and other places. Slim where Gideon’s broad, easy-going where Gideon is growly, he and Gideon seem polar opposites, and yet Eddie conjures flavors that would tempt anyone with a taste for perfection. The sauce of love is already simmering, and this pair is about to dine on the most delicious dish they’ve ever prepared. Because Eddie’s been Gideon’s missing ingredient all along.

***

This was my second book by Susan Mac Nicol (the first one being Stripped Bare) and I actually loved its original premise but didn’t really find myself drawn to the main characters. It’s a quick read and I find myself wanting more of Gideon and Eddie. I didn’t feel much connection from both of them and I thought Eddie’s roomates Leslie and Taylor were much more interesting than the main couple. I figured that they’re up next in the series either as a couple or with different partners. I wished that this went well as I’d expected. There wasn’t enough romance for me here and I feel like the focus went to Eddie’s roomies more. I also find Carmen and Sarah pretty annoying. Their characters are one and the same so I rather find their characters unnecessary – or redundant to say the least. The head chef Jerome was already there and I thought he would’ve sufficed for their roles.

Overall, it was a decent start for said series. The MCs are forgettable but I loved the characterization of Taylor and Leslie. Really, they’re the best thing to happen here which made me interested to read their own book in the future.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published October 9th 2014 by Boroughs Publishing Group

Book Review: Dumped In Oz – Andrew Grey

[Book 1 of Tales From Kansas Series]

Dumped In OzBlurb: Because of an opportunity he’d be a fool to turn down, Lyle Powers transfers to his company’s warehouse in central Kansas. The last thing he expects is to meet another gay man in the small town, let alone one who captures his interest.

Roger Kypers is a recovering alcoholic with a twelve-year-old daughter he only gets to see for part of the summer. Neither Lyle nor Roger is looking for a relationship, and they fumble at the start, yet emotions build as Roger shows Lyle the landmarks of Oz.

But when Roger’s wicked witch of an ex-wife threatens to take his daughter away for good if he doesn’t act “normally,” he’s faced with the challenge of letting her get away with it, or fighting to accept himself and standing up for what he knows is right.

***

I’m not exactly sure how to go with this review – This was my first book by Andrew Grey and I was maybe expecting a bit too much from this that’s why I end up disappointing myself. The book wasn’t so bad – I thought the MCs – Roger and Lyle had great chemistry but the story as a whole didn’t do anything for me. It lacks development and each character is rather forgettable. Halfway through it, I was hoping that there’ll be some sort of drama aside from Roger’s ex-wife but it seems like all the characters went to boringtown until the end of the book. It’s a good thing that it’s not that long because for its thinly veiled plot, it’s a wonder that it went over a hundred pages. ‘Not very sure about this series but I’d probably read more Andrew Grey stories in the future because I’ve read so many positive reviews from his other books.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published January 15th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

Book Review: Champion of the Scarlet Wolf Book Two – Ginn Hale

And so the story continues…

Champion Of The Scarlet Wolf Book TwoSkellan saved Milmuraille from the demon Lord and Oesir is now dead. He also found out that he’s actually the stolen son of count Radulf and one of the grimmas. Now, it’s time for him to step up as their leader and with Elezar Grunito in his side along with his “powerful” friends – are they equipped enough to beat the Old gods?

Now, this I enjoyed immensely because it’s so full of action I can’t even turn a page without any sort of chaos ensuing around Skellan and Elezar. It’s also fun to see Elezar finally loosening up and his acceptance towards his true nature. He’s obviously over with Javier but he’s still got a lot to learn about being comfortable with a man. I loved that he and Skellan are so in-synch and it may be because of Skellan’s spells but cmon’ it’s got to be true love right? After all, Elezar is Skellan’s man.

I also loved that in this second book of the Scarlet Wolf – we get to see more of Javier and Kiram affectations towards each other. It was so beautiful to read how they are so comfortable with each other and how through the years, they’ve grown not only as a couple but as individuals. It makes me feel a bit nostalgic thinking back when they were still students of the Sagrada Academy.

At the end of this story, I feel like there’s more to these characters. I may want to have Morisio and Altreau’s story although I’m not that certain about Altreau’s  true orientation – I may have to cross my fingers that this playboy nobleman will give Morision a chance after all. Oh and wouldn’t it be fun to have Kiram’s brother and Altreau fighting for Morisio’s affection? I don’t think it will happen but I want some resolution in this series – I mean, I want Cadeleon to change its law and I want Prince Sevanyo to have his own story. I feel like there’s more that Ginn Hale could explore in this story. In the meantime, go to Amazon and buy this epic series. It’s just so worth it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published October 7th 2014 by Blind Eye Books

BUY LINKS
Amazon
Blind Eye Books

Book Review: Champion of the Scarlet Wolf Book One – Ginn Hale

Champion Of The Scarlet Wolf Book OneI’m a happy kid yet again after saying temporary farewell to Kiram Kir-Zaki and Javier Tornesal in the Lord of the White Hell book 1 and 2 – Ginn Hale yet again brings us to this world but this time the focus is on Elezar (remember Javier’s bestfriend who’s got this unrequited love for him for years?) Oh yes, good times!

I was not the biggest fan of Elezar since I found out that he’s been pining for Javier (I think we got that memo in the second book of Lord of the White Hell during the  winter’s solstice when Kiram sneaked up to the Hellions’ rooms bearing gifts while the rest are attending some sort of solstice ceremony and he saw a picture of Javier in Elezar’s drawer – that was the time I realized it of course – that was it right?) Anyways, of course he almost killed Javier and was sending dagger looks towards Kiram eversince but since they all went together in the Old Road until the end – I guess, it went okay by then. But of course, Javier and Kiram had to leave which left Elezar in Cadeleon and so the book started five years after the couple flee for their lives.

Things didn’t go easy for Elezar and he always finds himself in trouble – mainly becoming this big, kickass nobleman whose life suddenly spiraled down to a purposeless existence. When he acted to save his dear friend and fellow Hellion Altreau from getting killed – he’s got no choice but to flee Cadeleon with Altreau and was sent on a mission by Fadeles (yup, remember Javier’s possessed cousin?) in the heart of Milmuraille. There he meets Skellan, a street witch whom he initially met and saved as a street hound. There’s more to Skellan than meets the eye and this red head witch awakens something from Elezar that he thought he’d long buried five years ago.

So I won’t into too many details because really, there’s so much in this book that I’d really like to discuss. Case in point, the long babbling I just did. Anyhoo, this story was a signature Ginn Hale book – detailed, deep UST and a lot of feels which I can’t even!

This book will very much remind you of Narnia because of the witch’s familiar and well – the witches. There’s so much magic going on that sometimes it was a bit difficult to catch up. I myself gets confused and had to go back to a certain page.

The good thing about this book though was how detailed it was with each character, each event and each minute references. I’ve no problem with the length of the story and I enjoyed reading it that I even find myself skipping a meal to actually get to the main action. O_O

This was Elezar’s story more than Skellan obviously but at some point in the book, I can’t help but feel for Skellan’s character and what he’s endured before he met Elezar. There were some characters whom I’d rather see die in the first book but unfortunately didn’t (yes – I’m bad that way) but overall, it made the story even more exciting.

Milmuraille achieved relative peace at the end – atleast for our characters but it also opened a lot of questions and revelations for the second book to dissect. Now this is what’s so good about the story, it makes you wanna read the next book right away because it makes you anxious to know what will happen with these characters. After this first book, I was so attached with Skellan ( I loved him) and Elezar that I just really want them to be together already without Elezar’s worrying to much about the law and religion (ugh. Like’s he’s a very religious guy to begin with) and yes – this book made me even giddy to read more about Javier and Kiram!

This book is another masterpiece from Ginn Hale. Ugh. Seriously, she doesn’t know how not to deliver!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published October 7th 2014 by Blind Eye Books

BUY LINKS Amazon Blind Eye Books

Book Review: Chance Of The Heart – Kade Boehme

Chance Of The HeartBLURB: Chance Becket’s life was mapped out. He’d one day own the ranch he grew up on, have a family, and be the son he was raised to be, like all good boys in Small Town, U.S.A.

When his high school sweetheart calls for a break during her last semester of college, the last place Chance thought he’d end up was in his old friend Bradley’s bed.

Bradley Heart blasted out of the closet before his family could name him heir apparent to his father’s church. After six years away, a job layoff has him coming home to work behind the scenes. He and his father have little interaction and he’s fine with it staying that way when he returns home. Going back into the closet, for any reason, is not on his list of things to do. But Chance may prove too much a temptation, especially with the simmering feelings they’ve had for one another since they were teens.

Confused over his sexuality, Chance has to decide what’s more important — loyalty to his family and the path set forth, or the promise of happiness with not just the only man, but the only person, he’s ever really wanted.

***

I’m definitely enjoying reading Kade Boehme’s books. His style reminds me a bit of M.J. O’Shea and Piper Vaughn – mostly low-angst but there’s something very Kade about his books. This was his first “cowboy-themed” book – not like hardcore cowboy – I guess, more on country boys suppressing themselves – oh poor boys. Don’t worry though; it’s not that intense when it comes to keeping it inside the closet. Chance Becket is in the closet but upon reuniting with childhood “crush” Bradley Heart, he’s actually getting there and all he’s asking of Brad is time and patience. I thought the whole story was smooth and may have lacked of a stronger conflict. I ain’t complaining though, sometimes I loved such stories to go smoothly and never be bothered about things that would make these lovely characters suffer much. Kade is fast becoming one of my favorite MM authors. He knows how to tickle his readers and this book is another must-read for those who are in need of low-angst, light feels fix – cmon’ ya’ll – check it while it’s hawt [I didn’t just say that?!] ^_^

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Amazon