Review: Buried Bones

Reviewed by Jen
 

I really enjoyed Good Bones and had no idea a sequel was in the works... so I was pleasantly surprised when I found out about this book.  It picks up where the last story left off, following the relationship between neighbors Chris and Dylan.  The feel stays very true to the first book, though the men have new challenges to face.

Chris has come to terms very well with finding out Dylan is a werewolf and accepts his lover as he is.  Dylan has concerns about Chris' safety around him in his other form, but we learn quickly that is really not what they have to be worried about.  It seems there is a ghost haunting Dylan's house.   The guys have to figure out who the specter is and what he wants while they try to put their relationship on more permanent ground.

In the meantime, both guys have some issues they have to work on within themselves.  Chris has to come to terms with his difficult childhood and the father who abandoned him. Dylan has to figure out how being a werewolf fits in his life --and whether he can share his secret with others.  This, as he struggles with a big new project at his architectural firm.

I wasn't sure how I felt about a ghost coming in to the story. Yes, these books are supernatural in nature. But Good Bones was much, much less a werewolf story than a love story.  The wolf thing played a part, but it was secondary to what was happening between Dylan and Chris emotionally.  The supernatural does have a bigger role here, but I am happy to say that at the heart, Buried Bones is a relationship story too.

Things between Dylan and Chris are still pretty new.  Both guys have some insecurities about their future and how to ensure they stay together.  Chris is still the more vulnerable of the two, but I found that it presented itself a little differently in this installment. He was so sure he wasn't good enough before; that he was unworthy of Dylan.  Now, I think he is more emotionally invested. He has opened his heart and allowed himself to believe that Dylan loves him.  But instead of the heartbreaking statements he made in the past, now he makes a jab or a dig about it; his words are less desolate and more barbed.  I feel like he still doesn't see the worth in himself that Dylan sees, but he is moving away from being the wounded bird we first met.  He is trying to stand up for himself, instead of offering to take anything Dylan will give him.

I enjoyed watching these two move their relationship to a deeper level.  And Lord knows, the sex is hot. But with Chris' growth in the relationship, I didn't have the same gut-punched feeling that made me want to jump in the last book and give him a hug. It is a good journey, though.  I'm glad I got a chance to revisit these characters and see them take things to the next level.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Dreamspinner Press

Click to purchase: Amazon

Buried Bones

by Kim Fielding

Release Date: May 21, 2013

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Review: Never a Hero

Reviewed by Jen
 

What a great read this was! It had such heart, along with characters I really felt invested in, and a romance I could root for. Not to mention some solid sexual tension and a good love scene or two!

Owen is a 28 year-old virgin, but that is the least of his problems.  He has a congenitally amputated arm, put together with a horrific mother who turned his disabilities against him.  He is terribly self conscious; he is socially inept; and he stutters.  Oh yeah, and he's gay.  He feels like a complete failure at normalcy and has no real belief that his life will ever get better.  Until Nick moved in downstairs.

Nick is a good looking, friendly veterinarian who strikes up a friendship with Owen right away. He has a sister with the same birth defect and treats Owen like no one ever has... like a regular person.  And before too long, it's obvious he sees him as something more.  For some reason, though, Nick won't let things progress between them.  He's got a secret that could destroy a relationship between them before it ever gets started.  But can Owen look past Nick's problems the same way Nick does for him?

I don't want to spoil any of the details here, but both heroes are so sympathetic.  Learning about the ways Owen's mother tore him down throughout his life made me want to jump in the book and punch her in the mouth. It made me feel like he may have never recovered if Nick and his sister had not entered his life.  June is such a great character! She does so much help Owen move past his self-doubt.  She is fun and full of life... and so unwilling to let her arm hold her back! But I think it was Nick who really held my heart in the story.  While it's easy to see Owen as the man who needs saving, Nick needs him every bit as much.  He such a good friend to Owen --such a good man-- and he has so much fear and hurt inside him.  Such delicious angst!

The writing is great, as you can pretty much count on with Marie Sexton.  I fell in love right along with Owen and Nick.  And while this is book 5 in the Tucker Springs series, it works 100% as a standalone. I would definitely recommend this one to m/m romance readers!

Rating: A-

*ARC Provided by Riptide via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Never a Hero

by Marie Sexton

Release Date: May 13, 2013

Publisher: Riptide

Review: Tempest

Reviewed by Jen
 

I must say, I am impressed.  Kelly Meding has written a book about a gay male superhero, that manages to treat the lead character like any other hero in any other book.  It's not about the fact that he is gay, yet she doesn't shy away from it. He has a love interest and a romance that receives no more and no less attention than main characters have in previous books.  It's not a m/m romance.  It's just an urban fantasy with a romantic subplot.  It shouldn't be a big deal, but as I read it, I realized just what a rare find it is.

This is book three in the Meta-Wars series and it picks up a few months after Changeling.  These books are complicated and nowhere is that more obvious than when Meding attempts to bring everyone up to speed in the early chapters.  I did read the first two books and even I had to sit and think about it for a minute.  I shudder to think about how confusing it would be for a new reader.  With that in mind, I say, start with Trance if you haven't read these books already.

Anyway, as public opinion continues to sour on the Metas, Ethan (Tempest) volunteers to take a trip to Manhattan to track down a band of rogue Banes.  If there is any hope for some of the Metas living on the prison island to be freed, everyone needs to be accounted for.  Among the group of rogues is his father, who killed his mother years ago. He can't pass up the chance to see the man face-to-face for the first time.  Joining him on the trip is Aaron, one of the Changelings we met in the last book.

A ton of stuff is going on here. From Ethan's search for his dad, to getting to know the Metas on the island... from a brand-new threat to our superheroes to a romance for Ethan.  It's action-packed and hard to put down.  Meding does a great job of getting us inside Ethan's head... showing us so much of what he has been through. But she also made me feel like I knew Aaron for the first time.  I never thought I would be able see him beyond his previous actions, yet as Ethan fell for him, I found myself seeing the Changeling in a new light.

If you're wondering about the sex... it is off-page. But this has never been a series about sex.  There is, however, a few kissing and build up scenes that were just enough to satisfy me.

The new villains give the storyline an interesting twist and I am interested to see how it all plays out in future books.  I will definitely keep reading --and holding out hope that Meding finally "fixes" poor Noah and Dahlia.  That whole thing still really bothers me.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Pocket Books

Click to purchase: Amazon

Tempest

by Kelly Meding

Release Date: April 22, 2013

Publisher: Pocket Books

 

Review: Cowboys & Vampires

Reviewed by Jen
 

This first installment in the Venom Valley world is a genre bending, entertaining ride.   It's male/ male romance against the backdrop of old west meets vampire with a bit of necromancy thrown in. How could I NOT give it a try?

With the death of his adopted mother, Josh learns the hard way that he can raise the dead.  And once they're reanimated, only a shot to the head can put them back down. Unfortunately, a witness caught him putting a bullet in one of the zombies, turning him into a wanted man.  Knowing no one will believe his story about a walking corpse, he goes on the run.

Dex is Josh's best friend and the object of his fantasies. He's also a lawman, and once that witness I told you about comes forward, he must scramble to find Josh to get answers.  Dex adores his friend and has no idea that he shares the attraction.  (Once they meet back up, however, nothing is left to the imagination.)

In the meantime, there's a vampire plaguing the town of Belkin's Pass and targeting the local brothel.  He is intrigued by Josh and ends up pursuing him as well.  (That leads us to a fabulous face off of vampires vs zombies... but I digress.)   There's a lot going on in a novella sized story, with at least three POVs, plenty of action, and sexual situations, both real and imagined.

I enjoyed the book overall. It was different. I liked the mishmash of genres that usually steer clear of each other. But I'll admit that some of my enjoyment was in the slight campiness of it all.  I liked the main characters, though I never felt like we got to know them deeply.  I felt like Dex and Josh jumped in the sack really fast after years of never revealing their feelings to one another.  And there is still a lot we don't know... specifically about Josh's past and side character Glory's spirit lover.

There are multiple sort-of hypothetical sex scenes... kind of imagined sex scenarios in the characters' heads.  They would think about the dirty things they would do to each other --or wanted to do.  One such scene would have been more than enough, IMO.  The actual sex scenes were good and satisfying, though I was amused at how many different euphemisms I read for a... er, back channel.

Be warned: this story is not self-contained.  There is a gnarly cliffhanger at the end.  But the good news for folks who want to keep reading: this is a re-release of book one in the series... and book two has already been written. Bait will also be re-released under a new title, Stakes & Spurs, though I'm not sure on the date.

Rating: B

*Book provided by publisher for review

Cowboys & Vampires

by Hank Edwards

Release Date: April 17, 2013

Publisher: Wilde City

 

Review: Touch & Geaux

Reviewed by Jen
 

If you have ever taken my advice about anything, trust me when I tell you this is one of the very best romance series out there.  Not just the best m/m.  The best. Period.  If you are not reading this series, you are missing out on what romance is all about.  Two people who are taking a journey together; people who you have invested in.  They change; they grow; they screw up; they regress; they love each other in epic fashion. And as a reader, you leave the books with a piece of them still in your heart.  Or in the case of this installment... with a piece of your heart missing.

If Stars & Stripes was the book that made you see how far Ty and Zane have come, Touch & Geaux is the one that shows you have far they still have to go.  As the story begins, the guys are so happy --things are so good-- there's only one way they can possibly go: down.  The fuse is lit when Ty's Marine buddies trick our heroes into a trip to New Orleans.

New Orleans holds memories for both men: Zane for his anniversary trip there with his wife; Ty, for his time there undercover.  It takes only hours for their past to jump up and bite them and it come from all sides: Ty's former almost-father-in-law, dirty New Orleans cops, an ex-boyfriend with a questionable agenda; and even killers from the drug cartel where Zane was once undercover.  We're talking Danger (with a capital D.)

Yet as powerful as the external conflict is, the real draw here is the internal one. The events of the book prompt the revelation of some very serious secrets.  The kind that destroy a relationship. The kind that eradicate months and years of growth.

I remember reading the original Cut & Run and being struck by how damaged the Ty and Zane of that book were.   Touch & Geaux shows us that those men we first met are still within our heroes.   Take away the foundation of their evolution and you're back to a big fat mess.  Only now, it breaks your heart.  Now you know Ty and Zane (or at least you think you do.)  You love them.  So their self-destruction isn't only devastating to them, it's devastating to... me.  The lies --the betrayal-- feels so personal. Yet all this love is still there, so then what?

I'll tell you.  Then, after all emotional upheaval and story development, Abigail Roux leaves you with one last parting shot, a kick to the gut that left me with tears in my eyes and pain in my chest.

Maybe all this downer talk makes you question whether you want to read the book.  But that would be the wrong question. What you need to ask yourself is, why I haven't I read this already?  

Abigail Roux should be the benchmark by which all books are measured.

Rating: A

P.S. All that and I didn't even talk about the sex! (*fans self*) It really says something that as hot as the sex was, it was almost an afterthought.

*ARC Provided by Riptide

Click to purchase: Amazon or Enter to Win

Touch & Geaux

by Abigail Roux

Release Date: April 1, 2013

Publisher: Riptide

What's the Deal with M/M?

You may have noticed that the m/m romance genre really seems to be picking up steam these days.  Lover at Last was one of the most highly anticipated PNRs of the year.... and over at DABWAHA, Stars & Stripes is kicking ass and taking names, beating out Nalini Singh's Archangel's Storm for a spot in the final four.

I am thrilled by this development.  Especially the popularity of Stars & Stripes.  Abigail Roux is the gold standard for m/m romance, IMO.  I love the Cut & Run books; it's one of my favorite romance series of any subgenres... and I want to share the love with you!

For no other reason than the fact that I love these books and I want you to try them, I am giving away winner's choice of any ebook in the series.  The giveaway is international, anywhere I can gift a Kindle, Nook, or Kobo book.

If you're new to the series, check out my review of Cut & Run for more deets.  The best part about this series: each book gets progressively better.

Convinced yet? There is no reason not to give them a try now.  Or if you're already a fan, remember Touch & Geaux (aka The Soul Crusher) is out this week!

Just enter the Rafflecopter form below!

You can select any book from this list as your prize.


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Review: Lover at Last

Reviewed by Jen
 

I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever, and I have to wonder how much my hopes and expectations played a part in how I felt reading it.  There were parts of it I really enjoyed; other parts left me frustrated; still others, left me scratching my head.

Anyone who has kept up with the series knows that Blay and Qhuinn are both completely in love with each other; and both feel like a relationship is completely impossible.  After all, as the book begins, Blay is in a long-term relationship with Qhuinn's cousin Saxton. And Qhuinn has just gotten Layla pregnant.  Not exactly a clear path to happiness.  But Layla's pregnancy is a rocky one, and surprisingly, this is what begins to clear the path to a Qhuay pairing.

I don't want to spoil too much about the book, but I'll give you some broad strokes.  I'll start with what didn't work for me.  The biggest problem was the nature of the conflict between our heroes.  Yes, there actually were some obstacles there at the beginning. But as the book progressed, I felt like the biggest thing standing between Qhuinn and Blay were... Qhuinn and Blay.  If the two of them had been honest with each other in, say, Chapter 5 or so, there would have been little need for all of the angst that followed.  Blay could have --and should have-- come clean about what was happening with Sax.  Just as Qhuinn should have stopped playing the martyr and copped to his real feelings. (Just so you know, I blame Blay more than Qhuinn here.)  It was overly prolonged and at times, even felt contrived.

Big issue number two: all the cut-scenes.  I forgot how much these drove me crazy in the earlier books.  Back then, it was all Lesser POV.  Now, the scenes are divvied up between Assail, Trez, and --to a lesser extent-- the Band of Bastards.  Just when we would get some movement on Qhuay, Ward would yank us into something else.  And it took everything in me to actually read the pages instead of skipping back to the Qhuay action.  Assail's sidestory took up the bulk of the cutaways and it didn't get interesting until the very, very end.

Final issue: the sex.  Don't get me wrong, it's hot sex. Ward doesn't pull any punches. Unfortunately, she doesn't use any lube either. The sex is often angry and raw, and I kept getting pulled from the moment, when all I could think about was... "ouch."

Now, for what did work.  Of course, seeing Qhuinn and Blay finally together, in the moments they let themselves revel in each other. These times were great.  I also loved delving more into their backstory and what they have meant to each other over the years; seeing their families and learning what has shaped them into the males they are.  Really good stuff.

I was also, surprisingly, a big fan of Layla.  I have actively hated her for... well, forever.  But I couldn't believe how much I grew to like her in this book.  She has grown so much.  And I'll be honest with you, there is a scene with her and Xcor which was probably my favorite scene in the entire book.  I re-read it three times.  --Now THAT is a real relationship with obstacles.  Such a great star-crossed lover story --and I cannot wait to read that one.

And finally, I have to say I loved the way Qhuinn's life finally comes together. With Blay, of course, but in so many other ways as well.  He is such a damaged person, but with a good heart and an honor of his own.  It made me really happy to see him get everything he deserves.

All in all, the book was a little bit of a mixed bag.  I think that if the story had focused more on our heroes and had their obstacles felt less of their own making, I would have crossed over from liking it --to loving it.  

Rating: B

Click to purchase: Amazon

Lover at Last

by JR Ward

Release Date: March 26, 2013

Publisher: NAL

Review: Wicked Lies

Reviewed by Jen
 

I have been reading the Dark Mission books since the very beginning, and I was so surprised and excited when I found out A) this book is about Jonas; and B) it is a m/m novella.  I have been intrigued by Jonas for, well, forever and I love that his character is gay and gets a romance of his own.

If you need a quick refresher, Jonas is the techie who worked for the Mission up until the end of the last book. His legs are messed up from an old injury.  And he's always there to help out the heroes when they need support.  Now, he is on a mission to save the grandson of the rebel leader.

Jonas is drawn to Danny from the moment he sees him on surveillance cameras, being tortured by Mission operatives.  He organizes a rescue and the two make a quick connection over the coms.  But it's not until they are alone in the safehouse that things really heat up.  From there, Jonas has to decide whether to let Danny in, or shut him out, like all of the casual lovers who came before him.

So let me tell you what I liked.  Both heroes are very compelling. I already sort-of loved Jonas from previous books, but we learn so much about him here.  It's really interesting how much of him has been hidden from the other characters and the readers --and I'm not just talking about his sexual orientation.  He hides himself!  Here we really see him, maybe for the first time.  (He's pretty screwed up, BTW.)  --And Danny... I loved that he knew what he wanted and he didn't give up. I loved that he saw the beauty in Jonas and held on with both hands.

I also really enjoyed the sexual tension and the love scenes.  Hot. And with attention both realism and detail. --In addition, I give bonus points for Karina Cooper giving just enough backstory to remind me what was going on, without any major info dump... plus cameos from familiar faces from previous books.

I only have two complaints.  One, it was love too fast.  It's my biggest peeve in romance of any subgenre.  And I wished the story would have been longer.   There was a lot of promo stuff behind the novella in my ebook and I felt the ending sneaked up and bit me.  I would have enjoyed a whole 200+ pages devoted to watching these two make a go of it.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Avon

Click to purchase: Amazon

Wicked Lies

by Karina Cooper

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Publisher: Avon

Review: Velocity

Reviewed by Jen
 

I haven't always been comfortable with everywhere Amelia Gormley has taken Derrick and Gavin.  When I started the series, there was barely a whiff of where these two would end up sexually, and suffice it to say, they ended up outside of my comfort zone.  I read book two, Acceleration, and realized they were entering the BDSM zone and then had a decision to make. Keep reading the series or write it off?  The thing is, Gormley did such a good job making me invest in the characters, I had to keep going. I had to see how their story would end.  And while their brand of kink still doesn't do it for me, I am glad I chose to see it through.

The past two books followed these two men as they began their journey into relationship and ramped things up to a fever pitch. We've seen their failings and weaknesses, hunger and joys.  And this final installment is all about whether they'll have their happily ever after, and what it might look like.  Among other things, that includes finding out Gavin's HIV status and dealing with his horrible ex.

The story moved pretty fast. I read it all in one sitting.  What I liked about it is that the relationship is really evening out.  The last book had these guys consumed with sexual fire. And while the sex is a vital part of their dynamic here, the focus is really more on trust and commitment.  Derrick is a lot less emo.  Gavin is (somewhat) less neurotic.  And the power between the two of them felt a lot more balanced. One of the things that really bothered me about Acceleration was that I felt Gavin held all the cards.  Maybe it was in part because he dominated Derrick in the bedroom, but in other ways too.  Here, Derrick got to take the reins some, both sexually and with emotional empowerment.  I needed to see this balance to feel better about their future.

The sexual element focused less on the humiliation factor and more on the pain than the last one.  Take that as you will. Neither appeals to me.  But I do acknowledge that the author uses the dominance and submission as a tool for these two to work out their emotional issues.

When all was said and done, though, I was satisfied with the conclusion. I think I'd recommend the trilogy to contemporary m/m romance fans, especially if you think BDSM is hot.

Rating: B

*ARC provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

Velocity

by Amelia C Gormley

Release Date: March 2, 2013

Review: Ascending Hearts

Reviewed by Shelly
 

I enjoy fairy tales as much as a fat kid loves cake. I can't get enough of them because they inevitably make you use your imagination and the lessons they teach aren't a bad perk either. This story tackles 'Jack and the Beanstalk' where Jack is still a young lad, Jack's mom loves him and the Giant is super mean - ah, the good ole days.

'Fee-fi-fo-fum, 
I smell the blood of an Englishman, 
Be he live, or be he dead 
I'll grind his bones to make my bread'.

The differences (outside of the m/m content) in these stories are vast, so be prepared. Jack lives in a town that thinks he's the devil incarnate because of his red hair. It's so bad that his father left his mother because of it - or so his mother would have Jack believe. I think it was because of her 'sparkling' personality but hey, who really knows? One day, Jack comes home to find that his precocious cow and only friend had been sold by his mother to the local butcher. So Jack makes a deal with the butcher for his cow but to repay this debt, Jack will need money and he doesn't have any. The only thing left to do is climb the beanstalk because that's where the treasure is - at the castle high above.

At the top of the beanstalk lives Rion, who isn't a giant by any stretch of the imagination. Instead he's just a guy who's the guardian of his family's treasure. It's a lonely existence for him but as he's chosen this as his duty. What can he do but to stay the course and protect what his siblings have chosen not to?

All of this sounds like an interesting story, and I'm not sure why all the pieces didn't connect for me. I liked Jack just fine, but I just couldn't get into his plight. I also had a problem with his past sexual relationship with his sister's husband. After having grown up so close to his sister, what made that relationship go so south? There's always a reason for someone's actions and I didn't know a lot of Jack's whys. Lots of questions.

Rion was a likable kinda a guy. Just trying to keep his word to his father and do what he believes is the right thing. I didn't understand Jack's insistence to not listen to that, and actually I started to resent Jack for being so uncompromising in his desire to 'get away'.

I didn't feel the chemistry between Jack and Rion. I know that they liked each other.  I could tell they did by the amount of sex they had, but I just couldn't feel it.

In the end, it was an okay story for me, but it certainly didn't make me want to read further in the series.

Happy Reading Folks!

Rating: C

*Book provided by author for review 

Click to purchase: Amazon

Ascending Hearts

by Keira Andrews & Leta Blake

Release Date: January 2, 2013

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Review: Dirty Laundry

Reviewed by Jen
 

Adam is a young man dealing with serious problems. He has crippling OCD and he has just gotten out of an emotionally destructive relationship.  He's trying to navigate living on his own while trying to remain functional with his illness. It's a real struggle.

As the story begins, he is accosted by some homophobic bullies at the laundromat, when a muscle-bound cowboy swoops in to save the day.  Denver saw what was happening and put the hurt on the frat boys.  And somehow, though neither would have ever expected it, he and Adam end up getting busy inside the laundromat once everyone else was gone.

With his strength and dominant nature, Denver makes Adam feel safe like no one ever has.  And Adam's naturally submissive nature turns Denver on to the nth degree.  Though Denver never thought he would want a relationship, the more time he spends with Adam, the more that changes.

Adam is sure once Denver sees the depth of his neurosis, that would be the end of things. He wants desperately to hold on to the man who makes him feel so protected, one who allows him to let go and just feel.  But the truth must come out, and it turns out Denver has issues of his own.

I'm not a fan of BDSM, primarily because it usually makes me feel like the submissive partner is degraded.  And while it's still not my brand of kink, I can say this book never made me feel that way.  The D/s relationship was a central theme of the book (and there was some pain and bondage) but the author really did a good job of showing what Adam gained out of the relationship.  Denver never humiliated him, never treated him as less.  He was never, ever an asshole.  He treated Adam with love and respect at every turn.  And for that, I honestly could put away my dislike for the genre. It's still not my cuppa, but here, for these two particular men, done in this particular way, it didn't push my buttons.

Was it realistic?  I have no idea.  Could domination and punishment really help a man with mental illness get over his tics?  I want to say probably not.  And the sex in public didn't feel real for someone with Adam's issues.  In addition, I felt like the connection between these guys was really intense, really fast.  But overall, I did enjoy it.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Riptide via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Dirty Laundry

by Heidi Cullinan

Release Date: January 28, 2013

Publisher: Riptide

Review: Gravedigger's Brawl

Reviewed by Jen
 

Well, this book was... different than I expected.  I am a huge, huge Abigail Roux fan. Her Cut & Run series is one of my favorites in any genre. I guess that my expectations were for something like that, and this most definitely is not like Cut & Run.

The story centers on an unlikely couple.  Wyatt is a museum curator whose job is in jeopardy. Ash is a fringe gaslight bartender, with a pierced tongue and a penchant for bottle tossing floor shows a la Tom Cruise in Cocktail.  The two meet when Wyatt's friend sets them up and they end up in bed the same night. Wyatt kind of freaks, though, and sneaks out before Ash wakes up.  The connection between them remains, despite his boneheaded move, and the two strike up a tentative relationship.

Strange things have been happening in the bar where Ash works. Could it be haunted, or is it a string of coincidences and hallucinations?  That's the big question in the book. And I'll be honest with you, despite the frequency in which I read paranormal romance and urban fantasy, I had a very hard time accepting that real ghosts were a possible culprit.  Maybe that goes back to my expectations.

Anyway, I was more interested in the budding romance between Wyatt and Ash than the haunting storyline.  It was a little up and down for me.  I found they complimented each other at times: Ash with his quirky tongue rings and Wyatt with his stuffy historical facts.  They were also hot in the bedroom (though not as hot as in some of Abi's other work... she sets her own bar pretty high.)  But the relationship was uneven in some points... and way too fast in others.  I believed in the sexual attraction, but the deeper feelings didn't entirely resonate.

It was definitely creepy.  If you like your paranormal with a disturbing vibe, this delivers that in spades.  It's full of ghastly, violent history and shudder inducing imagery.  It was cool, but not my favorite from this author.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Riptide via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Gravedigger's Brawl

by Abigail Roux

Release Date: October 15, 2012

Publisher: Riptide

Review: Blessed Isle

Reviewed by Jen
 

I had high hopes for this novella. It's the story of sea captain who has to fight his growing feelings for his lieutenant, in a time where a relationship between them could end in hanging.   But it didn't work for me, largely because of the way the story is told. It's set up as a journal, recounting the history between the men.  As a result, it's all telling, with no showing.  The narrative never allowed me to feel invested in the story. It was more of a detached recounting of events.  And I never felt like I had more than a cursory idea of who these men were as people.

Basically, it plays out like this.  Harry is named captain of the ship where Garnet serves. They are instantly attracted to one another, but Harry rejects the feelings... determined to hold onto his honor. He wants to be the best captain he can be, but during a transport of convicts, the crew contracts typhus.  Add to that, killer storms and a prisoner revolt, and Harry & Garnet barely escape with their lives. They make it to a deserted island --and live Survivor-style, until they are rescued.

Most of the story, they are miserable. Most of the story, they aren't even together. And when they get to the island --and finally have a chance to be with one another-- I didn't even feel like I got to enjoy it.  It was all glossed over.  For instance, their first time together:

When we woke that first morning, we made love. Nothing needed to be said; we both understood it would happen as soon as we had the physical resources to allow it.  It was sweet and weary and gentle, just kisses and the stroke of callused palms.

Um... I wanted to actually bear witness to the scene.  Not just be told that they did it. And essentially, this was how the entire story was told.  There was virtually no romance. It was just... not good for me.

Rating: C-

*ARC Provided by Riptide via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Blessed Isle

by Alex Beecroft

Release Date: December 31, 2012

Publisher: Riptide

Review: Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden

Reviewed by Jen
 

I wouldn't call my love affair with the Men of Smithfield "over," but I think maybe this installment took a little blush off the rose.  I didn't really dislike it, but I don't have the urge to gush over it the same way that I did with the first two books.  I didn't laugh nearly as much and the romance was a little less my cuppa tea.

The story centers on Holdon, a rich 40 year-old agoraphobic living in Smithfield.  He's a popular writer with a successful tv show under his belt, but his life fell apart a few years back when his lover outed him on national television.  Now, he sits at home with only his brother and housekeeper for company. Well, that is true until he hires Adam, a sexy new gardener.

Adam is beautiful --and 24.  Holden thinks himself a dirty old man for wanting him, but he can't help it.  Adam has a troubled family history and trouble making connections with people, yet it doesn't take very long for something to spark between him and his boss.

As this new attraction plays out, a body turns up buried in Holden's backyard --and his dubious reputation makes him the town's prime suspect.  Especially when the rumor starts flying that the corpse is Holden's ex.  The story follows the romance between Holden and Adam, the murder-mystery, and Holden's struggle to overcome his fears and deal with his past.

I didn't love Holden. I can't really wrap my brain around his agoraphobia, but even worse, I just didn't like his voice.  The fact that he kept belaboring the fact that Adam was an innocent kid --that he was hired help-- just kind of squicked me out a little.  The fact that Adam looked young enough to be in high school while Holden was 40 bothered me, even though he was legal. And though I know he had an illness, Holden just felt like a skeevy wuss to me. --As for Adam, I never really felt like I knew him, or what it was about Holden that attracted him.  The love declarations came way too early.  And the murder caper was a bit over the top.

I'm not giving up hope on the series, though. I thought the first two were fabulous.  Maybe the next one will ring my bell.

Rating: C

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden

by LB Gregg

Release Date: November 26, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press

Review: Acceleration

Reviewed by Jen
 

I've been really looking forward to this novella. I really enjoyed Inertia and these installments feel less stand alone and more like segments of one big story.  While Inertia mapped out how Gavin and Derrick first met and started dating, Acceleration shows how they are growing together and falling in love.

I liked it. I'm really a fan of the author's voice. But there were parts of it that didn't entirely work for me, making it a little less of a hit than book one.

So a little backstory: Derrick is a handyman/ small contractor who has been without love in his life for the past 10 years.  As a young man, he had to watch everyone he loved die (or leave him) and served many years as a caretaker to family members who were ill.  It was easier not to put his heart out there after that. Add to that, the fact that he had never acted on his attraction to men --and what he has with Gavin now is something he never could have imagined.

But Gavin has baggage too. He just got out of an emotionally abusive relationship with a guy who exposed him to HIV. He doesn't know if he's been infected and he is hyper-vigilant that a man will never control him again.  Not a good mix when Derrick feels like he must take care of everything, especially when he loves someone.  This is the major conflict that drives the story.  Derrick trying to internalize everything bad in his life to protect Gavin; then Gavin viewing it as destructive and controlling and shredding him for it.

There were times I felt like Gavin was unfair. Yes, Derrick needs to open up, but Gavin's constant comparisons of him to his ex were totally over the top.  I wanted to jump in the book at times and just give Derrick a hug, the poor guy has been through so much.  I feel protective toward him and Gavin bothered me when I felt like he threatened to pull the plug on things if Derrick didn't change. Give the guy a chance! It's only been a few months.

My other issue is the introduction of a little D/s and pain play in the bedroom.  I guess I understand it in the context of the story. Gavin has always had dominant tendencies that his ex shamed him over --and Derrick can let go of his need to take care of everything by taking a submissive role.  However, I don't enjoy the BDSM subgenre or elements of it in my romance. It's merely a personal preference and I was disappointed when it popped up here.  It doesn't take over the entire sexual relationship, though.

What did I like?  The writing. It's very good. I feel completely swept up in these characters and their lives.  I feel connected to them and their love story.  There's a lot of sex here, and it's a big part of the focus. I'm thinking that is just a tool to show where these two are in their relationship and --other than the kink that's not my cuppa-- I think it's pretty hot, with attention to detail.  The author is great at bringing me into the moment, both in the bedroom and in the emotional angst of the story.

I will definitely be back for Impulse.  I really want these two to find a way to make it work.

Rating: I'm struggling between a B and B-. But I am going with the B, knowing many people aren't turned off by BDSM the way I am.

Click to purchase: Amazon

Acceleration

by Amelia C. Gormley

Release Date: November 30, 2012

Publisher: Smashwords

Review: Second Chances

Reviewed by Jen
 

I found myself enjoying almost all of the five short stories in this m/m anthology.  Each had a slightly different take on the theme of second chances. I think the fourth story, Dirty Martini, was my favorite.

Non-Negotiable (T. D. Green) - It's been six years since Alex broke Jacob's heart and time has not healed the wound.  After three years together, Alex bailed on their relationship, just as Jacob's sister was dying. Now, Alex has found his way back into Jacob's life through work.  And it takes everything in Jacob to say no.  But how long can he truly keep up his walls when he never really stopped loving his college sweetheart?

I liked this author's voice and I felt like I had a good idea of who Jacob was, even with the short story length.  But I thought he forgave Alex much too easily. I didn't feel like Alex actually redeemed himself... just that circumstances and Jacob's tender heart worked in his favor.  This bothered me.

Heart of Glass (L. J. Harris) - I enjoyed this one. It's basically a story of an instant connection between two men who find exactly what they need in one another. Zack is an American who has moved to Australia to get a fresh start after a bad break-up. Heath is a man who left his wife and old life behind in order to figure out who he really is.  It takes hitting rock bottom to rebuild himself, but that's what he does.  His transformation doesn't become complete, however, until he crosses paths with Zack. Attraction gives way to passion, and ultimately love.  I would have been ok without the flash forward at the end, but overall, I thought this was sexy and sweet --and I was surprised by how much I felt like I knew these guys in a very short time.

Better Together (DaNay Smith) - Sometimes love just isn't enough. Grayson gave up his career as an artist to follow Dom for his residency in Baltimore. But after years of putting his own needs aside, he up and leaves to go back to New York.  He rekindles his career. He's a smashing success. It's not enough, though.   His heart is empty without Dom. But can they get back what they once had?

I liked this second chance romance.  Both men are flawed, but there is no doubt about how much they love each other. It was easy to root for them to work it out.

Dirty Martini (Bette Browne) - Daniel was only looking to drown himself in an alcohol induced oblivion when he dropped into Nate's bar.  He had just seen his ex out with another guy.  But even through his drunken haze, he made a connection with his sexy bartender.  The next night, he went back to the bar, hoping to make a better impression on Nate... and from there a romance was born.

This one is a little sexier than the other stories and I thought the bedroom action was well-done.  The attraction between Dan & Nate was hard and fast, but thankfully the author gave them a little time to let the emotions grow.  I liked it.

Notice to Appear (C. C. Lorenz) -  Things seemed like they couldn't get any worse for Josh when a lame date turned into a trip to court for driving with an expired license.  But after the huge fines and massive inconvenience, the universe added insult to injury when his old high school crush turned up just in time to witness his humiliation.  Fortunately, the story only gets better from there. Carter not only remembers Josh, but he asks him out on a date --and turns out to be everything Josh ever dreamed of and more.

This was a sweet first love story, though I probably would have enjoyed it even more if it were a little more fleshed out.

Overall Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Bottom Drawer Publications

Click to purchase: Amazon

Second Chances

by T. D. Green, L. J. Harris, DaNay Smith,

Bette Browne and C. C. Lorenz

Release Date: August 31, 2012

Publisher: Bottom Drawer Publications

Review: Galway Bound

Reviewed by Shelly
 

Couple of disclaimers - I didn't read the first book in the series prior to doing this review, but Jen did a review of the first story in the series (so check that out). Now that being said, I was warned that this short story contained - D/s, impact play, edging/orgasm denial, bondage, toys, and light voyeurism. Heed those warnings, folks: they're serious, because I dare say that some of it made me a little uncomfortable.

Cormac Kelly and Sean Ohara have been together for a year and during that time, their busy schedules have kept them from enjoying some quality time. Cormac, feeling the need for some kink, decides to book them into a hotel where they can both get away and enjoy themselves.

Now I can't say too much or I'm gonna give the whole thing away. Once the guys get to the hotel, the action starts quickly so there's not a big build up here.  It's down and dirty, but in a good way (if ya like that sort of thing - *wink*.)  I was a bit skeptical at first for a couple of reasons. I don't like that whole gagging thing, especially when the gaggee's hands are bound, and I absolutely do NOT agree with ever leaving someone tied up by themselves for any period of time. Other than those issues, I thought this short did a good job of showing the love and more importantly, the trust that Sean and Cormac have for each other.

Just in case I wasn't clear - the sex betwixt these two is smokin' HOT! And if you're a fan of the first story, be sure to read this one because it's a nice interlude. If you're not a fan or haven't read the first story, it's a good short standalone and is a nice window into Sean and Cormac's life together.

Happy reading folks!

Rating: B

*Book provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

Galway Bound

by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Release Date: October 8, 2012

Review: My Fair Dork

Reviewed by Jen

Size really does matter. But bigger isn't always better. No one understands that more than Harold.  There's really no gentle way to say it.  His dick is really, really big.  So big, in fact, that it has been a constant source of embarrassment. It's also, however, what drew Owen's attention in the dorm shower room.

Owen has always known he was bisexual. But it has always been easier to just act on his attraction to girls.  After his eyeful of Harold's goods in the shower, though, he can't stop thinking about the awkward and somewhat dorky kid from England.  He decides to focus his energies on helping Harold find a bit of a cool-factor.

It doesn't take long for Owen's well-meaning experiment to cross the line of friendship.  And once they begin to get physical, Owen must decide whether Harold is worth outing himself on campus.

I can't say this was my favorite among the Holsum College books, but it's pretty in keeping with the rest of the series. It has the same strengths: a sweet coming of age gay love story and smoking hot sex.  It also has the same weaknesses: a relationship that develops at lightening speed with conflict resolution that is just as fast --plus the L-word way, way too soon.  Sadly, that's my biggest romance peeve, so it drives me nuts over and over again.

I keep reading, though. Because the characters are sympathetic and the love stories are easy to root for.  Oh yeah, and the sex is super-good.  (*sigh*) If only these guys could wait more than two weeks to pick out matching china patterns...

Rating: B-

*ARC provided by author for review

My Fair Dork

by Daisy Harris

Release Date: October 13, 2012

Publisher: Siren

Review: A Reason to Believe

Reviewed by Jen

It's been more than a year since Matt lost his partner and lover, Brad, in a senseless shooting. Since then, he's been going through the motions of life.  He was outed to his boss in the aftermath of the tragedy and ever since, has been relegated to a desk job instead of working the streets as a police detective --that is, until now.  His first real case centers on the disappearance of a little girl... one who decides to appear to him as a ghost at her murder scene.

The thing is, Matt doesn't believe in ghosts, but he can't deny that little Abby's spirit is what lead him to her body.  It only makes matters worse when he admits the truth to his boss --and he is forced to take time off and see a shrink.

After he confides the truth to his sister in law, Sheila, she drags him to see a touring psychic.  Matt is skeptical, but Kiernan zeros in on him right away.  The handsome tv star offers his services to help Matt solve the case, and as they work together, a romance is born.

I liked this book.  I thought both Matt and Kiernan were extremely likeable. Matt, especially, is very sympathetic as he tries to deal with Brad's death.  The sexual tension between the two men is strong, and the love scenes were just right: sexy, detailed, and believable.

As for the mystery end of the story, I thought that was well done too. I had a sneaking suspicion on the identity of the killer, but the why of it was a good surprise. The ghost part was cool and vital to the story, but I don't think the paranormal element overshadowed the story.  There is real danger to Matt and Kiernan as the murderer tries to stop their investigation... as well as great us-against-the-world vibe, which helps draw these two closer and closer together. 

The characters were fleshed out and supported well by a few secondary players, like Sheila and  Kiernan's sister. My only small beef: the L-word in four days.  I Would have still believed in their future without it, and I could have skipped an eye-roll. But otherwise, I liked the book a lot. Worth checking out.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

A Reason to Believe

by Diana Copland

Release Date: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press

Review: Men of Smithfield: Seth and David

Reviewed by Jen
 

Another great installment in LB Gregg's Men of Smithfield series.  This one features a new couple, but has the same wonderful humor and super-hot sex as the first installment.

The story is told from the perspective of Seth, a 36 year-old gay man who has recently ended a long-term relationship and is raising his late sister's six year-old daughter, Molly.  It's during his weekly massage that he meets David for the first time. The young, free-spirited man is filling in for his regular massage therapist and his fingers are like magic... so much so that Seth finds himself enjoying it a little too much.

Before he knows it, Seth seems to be stumbling across David everywhere.  And when he finally stops fighting the attraction, he discovers David is every bit as interested as he is.  A quick tryst in an alleyway sets a relationship in motion, but it's not an easy path... especially when Molly's dad shows up, Seth's ex reappears, and a blackmailer reveals that dalliance in the alley should have probably happened somewhere a little less public. Can Seth and David's new relationship handle so many obstacles at once?

I have to tell you, I laughed out loud more than once while I was reading.  LB Gregg's voice is just so amazing.  And the sex --(*fans self*)-- is really, really hot.  I enjoyed the story very much.  Though I have to say, Seth is a bit of a dick, and once or twice I found myself wondering what David saw in him.  Fortunately, since we are reading from his first person narrative, we do get to see what's going on in his head enough to know he's got a good heart. He's just... not great at dealing with people. I also wish we could have enjoyed a little more of their HEA, though I guess that's just part of the deal when you're reading a novella.

Though this is part of a series, it is written as a complete stand-alone.  I would definitely recommend these books to m/m fans.  Well done.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Men of Smithfield: Seth and David

by LB Gregg
Original Release Date: May 2, 2009
Re-Release Date: October 15, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press