Tag Archives: Eli Easton

Book Review: How to Walk like a Man (Howl at the Moon #2) by Eli Easton

Date of Publication: Novemner 13, 2015
Publisher: Pinkerton Road,
Characters: Roman Charsguard, Matt Barclay

Deputy Roman Charsguard survived Afghanistan where he lost his best friend—his K-9 handler James. Roman was a military dog until two years ago when he developed the ability to shift into a human. It’s not easy to learn how to be a man. He found a place to live in Mad Creek, a haven for the secret world of dog shifters. Finding a reason to live has been harder. That is, until a certain human walks into the Mad Creek Sheriff’s office and starts making trouble.

Matt Barclay has the worst luck. First he was shot in a SWAT drug raid, then he was sent as DEA investigator to Mad Creek, a little town in the California mountains. Matt’s job is to keep a lookout for illegal drug farms, but nobody in the town wants him there. And then there’s Roman, Matt’s erstwhile baby-sitter. He’s the hottest guy Matt’s ever seen, even if he is a bit peculiar. If the town doesn’t kill him, sexual frustration just might.

The town is counting on Roman to prevent Matt from learning about dog shifters, Matt’s counting on Roman to be his work partner and tell him the truth, and Roman’s trying to navigate love, sex, and a whole lot of messy human emotions. Who knew it was so complicated to walk like a man? 

This story is a follow-up to the author’s highly unique and entertaining book, How To Howl At The Moon. Just to give you a quick background, the story is set in Mad Creek – a little town where the population mostly consists of ‘quickened’— they are dogs who have gained the ability to become human. I mean, dogs! Do I need to explain more?! Hah!

If you’ve read and loved the first book like I did, you’d absolutely enjoy Roman and Matt’s story! I mean, this is the second book in the series, though it can be read as a standalone.

Roman is just all kinds of adorable! He’s just so precious and I loved that we see his vulnerable side from the get go especially when he’s talking about his human companion, with him being a K9 dog. It’s just so beautiful and sad at the same time. I loved his interaction with Matt, and I loved how Matt, a former marine who’s trying to live up to his father’s expectations adopt to his eccentricities before even finding out about the quickened.

We also get to see old and new characters here which is a delight because we get to explore more of this cute little town of dog shifters! I mean, tell me who doesn’t like dogs, right? lol . This book ais an absolute must-read for its feel-good characters with wonderfully written plot! I can’t recommend this series highly enough

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, an organic farmer and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an avid reader of such, she is tickled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

Her website is http://www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

Book Review: How To Howl At The Moon – Eli Easton

How to Howl at the MoonHave you ever felt so much giddiness after reading a book? I know I did and that is because of this “bursting-with-cuteness” book! I simply adore Eli Easton and have not read a book from her which I did not like. How to Howl at the Moon just totally got it from the get go.

Mad Creek is a little town where the population mostly consists of ‘quickened’— they are dogs who have gained the ability to become human. (I know right? Totally odd but totally fresh – ooh and totally wicked as well!). Lance Beaufort is the town sheriff and also a quickened descended from Border Collies. So when he came across the lanky and fumbling newcomer Tim Weston, he started to doubt him since he’s concern about marijuana growers infiltrating their own little world.  To satisfy his curiosity, he pretended to get hit by Tim’s car and was adopted in the process. Only things didn’t go well as he’d planned when he finds himself getting attached and falling for Tim. But how can he explain the deception to Tim?

How to Howl at the Moon takes on this new twist about “shifters” which I find odd at first but once the story started rolling – everything went perfectly! I just totally loved – as in LOVED it. I loved that the series actually started with the person / quickened whose main job is to protect the town! I love Lance! He’s such a goofball for even plotting that plan to check out on Tim! I also love Chance! I don’t know which I loved more – the human or the quickened Lance! Okay, so I’d go with both of them then.

Tim was just a sweet little thing. I loved his sensitivity and I just adore his awkwardness towards people. He’s such a darling!

The story development was fast-paced which I loved and the whole quickened thing was explain reasonably by Lance but I want more explanation in the second book. I want to know if there’re more places where quickened actually resides. My only tiny-itty-bitty concern about the story was the hybrid roses Tim was supposed to grow for the lady who let him rent her place in Mad Creek. It’s not a very big deal really but I was just a bit curious.

Anyhow, this was definitely a very good start of the series and I’m certain that the next one would be even better but right at this moment – Lance and Tim just totally stole my heart!

Again, what mad writing skills you have Miss Easton. Bravo!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published February 28th 2015 by Pinkerton Road

About The Author
Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, an organic farmer and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an avid reader of such, she is tickled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

Her website is http://www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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
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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: Blame It on the Mistletoe & Unwrapping Hank by Eli Easton

Blame It On the MistletoeBlame It On The Mistletoe is the first book I’ve read from the author. Tis’ got me feeling all tingly over the Holidays. Mick and Fielding are just so cute together  I thought Fielding’s character was a bit exaggerated but I still find him overly charming! Pacing was great, story was adorbs to the highest level – the ending I didn’t quite like (view spoiler) but overall, it’s a great novella 🙂

Unwrapping HankPerfect! Just perfect! Unwrapping Hank is just perfection. I’ve read this after reading Blame It On The Mistletoe and this totally put a smile on my face this season. Sloane grew up as the son of two psychiatrists. Pledging for a fraternity in his freshman year at the Penn State Uni, he meets the big, muscled mysterious Hank Springfield who acts dumb but is majoring in Philosophy. There’s more to Hank than meets the eyes so Sloane made it his mission to uncover everything about said mystery. When he got invited to Hank’s family farm in Amish Country over the Christmas break, things became clear to Sloane which also paved the way for Hank to lower his defenses.

 ‘gotta admit that I loved this more than Fielding and Mick’s story. Both Sloane and Hank and even Hank’s big bro Micah are just too much for one book! It’s a very special story and the reason why Hank’s all that was such a tearjerker. I wanna give him the biggest bear hug ever! So, so worth it and will totally have this on my reread list!

 Ratings for both books: 5 out of 5 stars