Tag Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Kitto (Tyack & Frayne #4) – Harper Fox

Kitto[Book 4 of Tyack & Frayne Series]

Kitto is an interesting twist to Gideon and Lee’s story. This feels like the last installment of the series as the couple decided to get married but not without a fuss. Lee can somehow predict the future and it’s making him crazy adding it to the stress of planning a wedding which he couldn’t see using his “new power”.  This made Gideon decide to whisk Lee away for a little vacay in a creek-side cabin in the mysterious Cornish country. Here, a young handsome man named Kitto appeared that ends up disrupting their retreat. Gideon doesn’t think of the kid much but a nuisance. Lee however was horrified that Gideon could actually see and talk to a ghost!

As the village gears up for their midsummer Golowan festival, Lee and Gideon must also reconcile the difference between the real and spirits world in order to come out of this together.

It makes me sad that this one seemed to be the last installment of the series because I really do love this couple. I loved the whole feel of the series and I feel like I was part of the Dark Village and this Cornish country. The whole fiasco about Lee getting some vision about the future was a great twist into his clairvoyance. Here, their love for each other was somehow challenged and I’m happy that they remained strong for each other despite their little issues on the side.

The writing as usual was superb and I’d definitely miss this duo and I’m still hoping that this won’t be the last one in the series. Nevertheless, thank you Harper Fox for this wonderful series!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published June 20th 2014 by Smashwords Edition

BUY LINKS
Amazon HERE
Smashwords HERE

Book Review: Red Dirt Heart 4 – N.R. Walker

Red Dirt Heart 4[Book 4 of the Red Dirt Heart Series]

I can’t even begin to describe the happiness I’ve felt after reading this final installment of the Red Dirt Heart series – happy and sad at the same time. This wonderful couple has really grown on me and the series is definitely one of my favorites ever!

Told from Travis Craig’s point of view this time, it feels like we see more of the hard-headed but with a softie-wombat heart Charlie Sutton and how their relationship developed over the years. It was beautiful how Travis’s world has changed since he arrived at the Sutton Station. They are still and will forever be in love and are thinking of marriage and setting up a family of their own.

“Mr Craig, Mrs Craig, I know we’ve never met, and I promise we will so I can ask this in person but if it’s okay with you, I’d really like to spend the rest of my life with your son”

Charlie’s oh-so-adorable-shy demeanor always gets me. Like Travis, I keep on falling more and more in love with him. Without question, Charlie Sutton is the heart of the series and Travis is the blood supplying its life support.

“I want this place to keep going, Trav. I don’t want it to get sold out to some huge corporation. I want the person who owns it to love it. They need to love it like we do, Trav.”

Having a family of their own was always a touchy subject for Charlie because he’s terrified that he may not be a good Dad at all. Naturally, Travis has shown him the light! LOL. Really, Charlie’s the champion in the Olympics of stubbornness but Travis was his coach – always so patient and so understanding.

“I got a uncle who’s in love with his cat. There was rumours that he…well, you know, did the nasty with it.”

Charlie bristled. “Being gay is not the same as having sex with a cat!”

“Well,” Amos deadpanned. “It was a male cat.”

It’s also nice to see how the Sutton Station keeps on growing. There was a heartbreaking moment when “someone” has to leave but with Travis in there and everyone’s support, Charlie made it. It’s nice that Charlie’s surrounded by people who loved him. The guy who thought he doesn’t deserve such is surrounded by heaps of loved ones who will always be there for him and vice versa.

“You’re gonna be the foreigner this time, Charlie. Not me. We play the right kind of football, we have baseball bats, not those stupid flat-edged cricket bats, and we drive on the right side of the street.”

Charlie in Texas was a sight to see! Travis made it a point that no matter what the reaction of his family towards him (really, Charlie doesn’t need to fret one bit) – there’s no doubt that he will be where Charlie is. Of course, Charlie being Charlie made himself sick worried about finally meeting the “in-laws.”

“That any kid of ours gets to have you as a dad too,” he said with a smile. “And that’s gonna be pretty damn awesome to see.”

After so much thought and procrastination, Charlie finally relented. Travis wanted it and so does Charlie (deep inside). It’s just about the sweetest thing ever when they finally decided to DO it. I swear, this couple makes me cry bucket of happiness.

“I’m not just marrying you, Charlie,” I said quietly. “I’m marrying this land as well, because you are as much a part of this place as it is of you. You have a love as infinite as the horizon, and a heart of red dirt. And I would be honoured”- I put my hand to my heart – “truly honoured, to marry you.”

N.R. Walker has obviously perfected writing these awfully-romantic scenes. I’m like soaked in a goo-fest and I loved it!

When I was just nine pages away from the end, I’m almost choking up. I feel like saying goodbye to two of my favorite friends and a whole lot of family members I came to love. Charlie Sutton and Travis Craig will always be one of my favorite couples and this book easily cemented itself as one of the best series out there in any genre and probably N.R. Walker’s best work to date.

Rating: 5 Red Dirt Hearts out of 5 Red Dirt Hearts

Published January 9th 2015 by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Buy Links:
Amazon HERE
All Romance eBooks HERE

Book Review: The Right Words – Lane Hayes

The Right Words[Book 1 of the Right And Wrong Series]

I’m not sure if I have the right words to describe how I felt after reading this book. First, I’d like to say how I enjoyed Lane Hayes’s work on her Better than Series. That was an outstanding series over-all. Now this one being the first in the Right and Wrong Series features Luke Preston, an interior designer who recently had a nosedive at his personal and professional life when he stumbled upon the closeted soccer player Michael Martinez getting in the midst of a bad break-up and fixing the latter’s beach house.

The character of Luke and his best friend Brandon reminds me of Aaron Mendez and Jay Reynolds from the Better Than Series. It’s like they just had their names changed and you’ve got Luke and Brandon with different day jobs. Michael on the other hand was like Peter Morgan and his bff Alex was Peter’s ex Jack Farinelli. So you see, there’s a ton of similarities between the author’s two series. Or maybe I’m reading too much into the characters.

Anyways, I enjoyed the first half of this story – at least most of the first half. Sometimes I find myself skipping most of the sex scenes because they drag the whole chapter. I get it that they’re having amazing sex but having to read a whole long chapter of it is way too much for me. The second half of the story was a total drag. The two MCs have too much baggage with them I don’t even know how they’re able to build a healthy relationship. I think I’m more interested with Alex’s character than the MCs and the rest. I’m almost sorry that it didn’t meet my expectation but I still have high hopes for the next book in the series since I know that the author could still deliver an amazing story like her book Better Than Good (which is my favorite from the Better Than Series).

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Tinsel Fish (Tyack & Frayne #2) – Harper Fox

Tinsel Fish[Book 2 of Tyack & Frayne Series]

It’s going to be Police Constable Gideon Fraynes’s first Christmas celebrating it with a new lover. As he accompanied Lee Tyack during one of his shows in Falmouth, they find themselves in one of Lee’s client houses vanquishing some unwelcome presence. When all goes wrong, strange things started happening with Lee making Gideon confused but still finds himself helping Lee in uncovering what transpired during the ritual.

This series is getting better and better. I loved that in a short period of time, Gideon and Lee’s relationship have developed faster than expected. They surely made a great connection back in the Moor helping find the missing girl. It’s also nice to see how slowly Gideon is coming out of his shell. I loved his easy countenance towards Lee and towards their budding romance.

In the first book, I mentioned that I didn’t get much from Lee because it’s mostly Gideon-centric. Now though, we get tons of Lee moments. We see how he really works and his beliefs at what he does. There’s also vulnerability with both characters that made them more endearing to me.

In the story, Lee was somehow possessed or something like being bullied by a wayward presence. It’s amazing how Harper Fox spin the wheel in this sequel. The mystery in the story was thick, the draw of both Lee and Gideon is still strong and the setting vivid as ever. The conclusion also made me want to know more about Lee and how Gideon will adapt to his lover’s relationship with the unknown.

It’s another great story from Fox who not only delivered a great story but also created a couple you’d root for in a long while!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 18th 2014 by Smashwords Edition

Book Review: Once Upon A Haunted Moor (Tyack & Frayne #1) – Harper Fox

Once Upon A Haunted Moor[Book 1 of Tyack & Frayne Series]

A young girl has gone missing in a small village called Dark on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall where folklore is part of its people’s daily lives. Gideon Frayne is their village policeman who easily blames himself for this disappearance under his watch. Then came the clairvoyant Lee Tyack contacted by Truro HQ to help the search which doesn’t sit well with Gideon.

Although doubtful at first, Gideon finds himself working together with Lee who happened to awaken some feelings he’s been trying to hide for years. As they work against time to find the girl, Gideon discovered more about the terrifying legend of their village and the terrifying thought of losing the man who’s found its way into his heart.

I became a fan of Harper Fox after reading Brothers of the Wild North Sea and two of her short stories entitled Life After Joe and Nine Lights Over Edinburgh. I loved her writing style – lyrical, commanding and very relatable. I loved the vividness of her characters. In Once Upon A Haunted Moor, Harper Fox gave us Gideon and Lee – two undeniably likable characters bearing something unique in them. Gideon is pragmatic, stoic at times and being a closeted law enforcer gives him an extra edge. His character is never unlikable anywhere in the book. Here’s a strong man who will do everything as long as he thinks it’s the right thing to do. Lee on the other hand was still a mystery in this book. He’s great but I didn’t get much from him – which I think suited the narrative well. Gideon was the one telling the story and his inner monologues at times makes you smile, frown and sometimes you just want to give him a big bear hug.

The story itself has this spooky feel about it with the folklore about the Bodmin Beast and the Halloween season as part of the story – it’s just perfectly balanced. I loved that it’s somehow predictable but you kind of expected that already making it okay instead of having a totally twisted conclusion that doesn’t make sense at all.

The partnership of Gid and Lee is an easy read and I’d definitely read more from there. As usual, another great book – and a series starter from Harper Fox! Congratulations!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: The Enlightenment of Daniel – Eli Easton

The Enlightenment Of Daniel[Book 2 of Sex in Seattle Series]

There’s something really beautiful about a book that makes you root for its main characters with intensity. The Enlightenment of Daniel is about family, unrequited love, finding the real you and finding real happiness.

When Daniel Derenzo’s dying father reminded him how short life is, he found himself reevaluating his life that led to a startling revelation that he is actually attracted to his business partner and best friend Nick Ross.  Daniel does not leave anything to chances. He’s shrewd and meticulous planning everything up to the smallest details leading him to consult the experts at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic.

Nick Ross on the other hand has been pining for Daniel since their college days but since Daniel was straight, he’s got no choice but to move on and marry Marcia instead. Now with two kids and a troubled marriage, Nick find himself on the verge of filing a divorce but for fear that by doing so – he’ll never get joint custody.

Then something happened with Daniel that made Nick hope that there must be something in there that may just be what his kids and his heart needed.

I’m really not into characters with kids but sometimes, their characterization in the story makes it all okay to be in the mix between the MCs. Of course it would have to depend on how the author writes it. Nick’s kids are just realistic, fun and are kids of a couple with rocky relationship. I loved the sweet innocence of eight year old Sylvan and the angst and insecurity of Jenny. Even Nick’s wife Marcia’s character was portrayed in a way that you’d feel for her but of course, you’d also want to stab her eyes with a pitchfork.

And we’ve got Daniel. He’s definitely got fierce control of most situations but he doesn’t come off as controlling. I loved that his inner monologue was quite funny. If you’d look beyond, he’s actually a funny guy. I loved how he’s so determine to take Marcia down. He’s one sweet endearing character! Nick character meanwhile was so mellow and a wee-bit weak in my opinion but I respect his decision at the end of not hurting his wife in the process. I didn’t like that Marcia got out so easily but well, what can I do? It’s all about their kids after all.

The ending was just a dream. It’s a sweet dream that left me smiling from ear to ear. I’m glad that Daniel finally found his true self and his happiness with Nick. This is another great story from Eli Easton and I’m just floored – she’s really, really good.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: The Trouble With Tony – Eli Easton

The Trouble With Tony[Book 1 of Sex in Seattle Series]

I totally enjoyed reading this book. After reading two good books by Eli Easton over the holidays, this didn’t come as a surprise.

Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco is out to solve a murder case of a young woman when he poses as a patient in a Seattle sex clinic where the victim was getting therapy from hot ex-army doctor Dr. Jack Halloran. Upon their first meeting, Tony couldn’t help his attraction and easily figured that the doctor was innocent. But first, he’s got to prove Jack’s innocence before pursuing their seemingly mutual attraction.

I loved how fast paced the story was and how utterly adorable Tony is. I loved when an author does not find the need to resort to a lot of drama to conclude a seemingly complicated plot. It’s always nice when they know how to weave the story well into the development of each character. Here, Eli Easton has proven once again her ability to create loveable characters with a story that easily captivates its readers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Gabriel’s Fall – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Gabriel's FallGabriel’s Fall is a short story preceded by Second Time Around but can be read as a standalone. This story is about the ultimate sacrifice for love. I read this after reading Second Time Around featuring the character of Maverick and Ronin – try reading their story first before this one to easily recognize the secondary characters and the whole feel of the accompanying story.

 This time though, angel Gabriel [not THAT Gabriel ^_^] found himself falling for his charge Luke. [Gabriel was the twink angel] in Second Time Around. It was a beautiful story that speaks volume about true love.

I dunno why I’m so into “angels” story now but I just loved me some HEA with these heavenly creatures. It’s  sure gonna be a happy ending after all right? Once again, Sandrine-Gasq-Dion weaved a beautiful novella that perfectly resonates with the whole feel of the, shall I say series or accompanying books? Either way, this one totally made me smile all throughout.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Second Time Around – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Second Time AroundIt’s always nice reading a feel good story that leaves you smiling from ear to ear long after turning its last page. Second Time Around is a short story that tells the story of love lost and love found.

Ronin Eastland lost his partner of 12 years in a drunken driving accident. Truly heartbroken and devastated, he found himself slowly deteriorating determined to follow the love of his life.

Marverick Holliday wasn’t supposed to die just yet – he still got a whole life to spend with Ronin. The twink looking angel told him that he could go back to Ronin but he won’t remember who he was in previous life.

And there’s Maverick Cruise, an ER doctor who winds up treating Ronin Eastand. For some reason, Maverick instantly felt drawn to the handsome widower.

Will they ever reunite again? Is their love strong enough to recognize each other?

Interesting plot yeah? I mean, yes it’s totally cliché and so chick-litish but c’mon – you gotta love a well-written romantic fantasy every now and then. I know I do. It’s a short read but is very satisfying. I loved the whole soulmate thingy and the heaven / angel’s angle was pretty nice. The twink angel was pretty funny though. Sandrine Gasq-Dion is one fine story-teller and if you’re in the mood for some good reading – this one’s definitely for you.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Available in Amazon, Kobo

Book Review: Tattoos & Teacups – Anna Martin

Tattoos & TeacupsI loved the simplicity of this story. Both MC’s characterizations are utterly realistic and the story from the get-go just flowed easily with an endearing conclusion.

Robert McKinnon left his native Scotland to move to America when he was a teenager. Sixteen years later, Robert who is now a college professor still hasn’t settled physically and emotionally. His routine went berserk when Chris Ford came into his life. Covered with tattoos and full of exuberance, the young musician put some colors into Robert’s rather bleak existence. Even though he’s not expecting to find an emotional connection with someone a decade younger than him, Robert find himself easily drawn to Chris. This connection may very well be what he’s been looking for so long – a burst of life and love.

When I read this the first time, I didn’t really get Robert’s drift. I thought his narration was rather painfully dragging the story down. But then I read the second half of it and fell in love with both characters. It was an easy relationship for them and both are truly charming. I decided to reread it from the start and I decided that the tone of the book was intentionally slow. It gave the book a stronger emotional impact and I really do appreciate how each character [the couple along with the secondary characters] took a spotlight of their own in the process. I don’t what’s with this book that made me reread it right away and fell for Robert and Chris. They have this magnetic chemistry in them and they’re just so easy to like! I think that’s what’s so good about a romance book – you get to appreciate both couple even through their imperfections. There’s an emotional connection between them and the readers and I liked that in my books. It made me feel that somewhere, somehow – someone like them actually exists. Tattoos & Teacups is one book I’d always keep rereading to feel good about myself whenever I feel melancholic about life.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Buy now:
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.