Cupcake's Year in Review

Hi all! Happy New Year to you and yours. Being the end of the year I thought it would be a perfect time to be completely unoriginal and talk about my favorite reads of 2014. 

2014 a.k.a. the year I became a unicorn!

A seminal moment in my life. *snortles* I said seminal… 

I haven't been a unicorn all year BUT I 2014 was also my first full year of reading predominantly M/M.  Still a neophyte in the genre, but we all gotta start somewhere, right?

Without further ado, let's get this party started! 

Lists are in no particular order.

Let's start with one of my favorites. 

*growls*

Slow Bloom by Anah Crow & Dianne Fox

Fantastic MANTIES. Great story with an age gap, a little bit of kink and so much romance.

Blind Space by Marie Sexton

Amazeballs MANTIES!!! Good Lawd, I'm still fanning myself.

Life Drawing by Jane Davitt

Cute story with a big guy bottom. Yum. Who likes MANTIES. Yummerer.

Mark Cooper vs. America by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock
MANTIES + Henry/Rock = Full of Win

Wallflower by Heidi Belleau

More cross dressing than MANTIES. The story has meat on its bones. Plus, Bobby.

Dark Space by Lisa Henry

I really have nothing profound to say. Read it. It's fantabulous.

Sarge by Bey Deckard

Superb D/s in spaaaaccccceeee with a big guy bottom. 

El Presidio Rides North by Domashita Romero

I don't even like zombies and I chortled through this thing. Plus, IT'S FREE!!!

Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala

My eyes *may* have become juicy whilst reading this. I rarity indeed.

Assimilation, Love, and Other Human Oddities by Lyn Gala

Phenomenal world building. Fantastic writing. Ondry & Liam… *sigh*

The Laird's Forbidden Lover by Amelia C. Gormley

Uh, kilts. Lots of them. And buttsex in barns. 

All in with the Duke by Ava March

Regency kink with angst. Who can resist that?

Benjamin Pepperwhistle and the Fantabulous Circus of Wonders by Cornelia Grey

Super hot, not your run of the mill kink with two of the best character names, like, ever.

You can't get much more contemporary than The Colbs. Ammah right?

Fight by Kelly Wyre

Loved this story. Loved the relationship. Loved the fuckhot sex. Loved it.

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan

C'mon! Nowhere Ranch, man! She's Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain. Got to read.

Motel. Pool. by Kim Fielding

Great love story. Fielding can rip your heart out with the best of them & make you run back for more.

It's Like This by Anne O'Gleadra

I just loved these kinky kids. Loved Niles' angst and being inside his hot mess of a head.

The King by Tiffany Reisz

King wears a corset. OMFG KING WORE A CORSET!!!!!!!! 3 words: Sex. On. Legs. (in heels)

Animal Instincts by Kim Alan

Adorbz story with a cute dog, a vet and a damaged new guy to the neighborhood with a pinch of kink.

Bloodraven by P.L. Nunn

I still think of this as my accomplishment read of 2014. It's like 4 books! Long books. Great books, but lllllooooooooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggg. Pack a sack lunch.

Caged:  Love and Treachery on the High Seas by Bey Deckard

Pirates. Kinky pirates who are treacherous. Amazing writing. Blown away by the level of skill in this debut novel.

Sacrificed:  Heart Beyond the Spires by Bey Deckard

Three kinky pirates who get into one heck of a pickle. Did I mention they were kinky?

Master of the Game by Jane Kindred

Angels & demons with a Russian twist and exceptional writing.

Thick as Thieves by Tali Spencer

VORGELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND PETAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! So stoked for the sequel.

Hidden Gem by Lissa Kasey

This book held me hostage and I think melted my brain a little bit, but it was worth it.

Tribute by Lisa Henry

Awesome. Unbelievably awesome. Still can't believe this was Henry's first novel.

Armed & Dangerous by Abigail Roux

Ty & Zane. That is all. I really need to get back to this series.

Hostile Ground by Aleksandr Voinov & L.A. Witt

The thriller part sort of petered out but the relationship between Ridley & Mahir was quite nice.

In The Red by Kari Gregg

More like boiling or ON FIYAH!!!! The Gregg brought'd it. Pay no attention to that cliffy ending.

City Knight by T.A. Webb

Growly bear & a rent boy twink. That's all I got. What else do you need? I mean, really?

Love in a landscape. Good, right? 

I don't know about you guys but I thought the quality of the stories that we got FOR FREE this year was impressive. And so many of them!

The Arroyo by M. Caspian

You'd be hard pressed to find another author that writes the most fucked up things so eloquently.

Bird Meets Cage by Anyta Sunday

There was a clown and I still loved it! Nothing scarier than a clown.

Cruel to be Kind by Kim Dare

MY PROMPT!!!! BY MY GIRL!!!!!! STILL SQUEALING!!!

The Case of the Insufferable Slave by Gillian St. Kevern

Inspired noir writing that harkened back to Bogey & Bacall.

Where Willows Won't Grow by Lia Black

Fantastic world building & dub con with kinky wrestling. You heard me.

Geeking Out on 11C by L.L. Bucknor

I giggled & snortled & felt uncomfortable & giggled again & I loved every bit of it.

Stranded By Lies by Finn Marlowe

This just made me happy. It reminded me of some great times in my life & Finn's so talented.

Consorting with Dragons by Sera Trevor

Dragons. Regency dragons in an AU. It's like a soup of all my favorite things. A yummy soup.

Blood in the Water by Tami Veldura

Swashbuckling paranormal pirates who battle & have angry sex.

My SMUTASTIC category. Plot schmot is what I say! Have your lube handy.

Concubine by Jill Knowles

Sparkly butt plugs & bedazzled sex toys & oodles of orgasmic sex.

Dirty Fighters by Kyle Adams

They fight & fuck in a basement. One handed read. 

Please Come at Home for Christmas by Misha Horne

Garland & tree skirts will never look the same to me again. Ever.

Bound to be a Groom by Megan Mulry

So hot & kinky & hot. Did I mention it was hot? Because it was.

These three are in a class by themselves. 

YES by Lord Original Buttersworth

Profound & so wordy. It's almost purple.

Clipped by Devon McCormack

I know there were monster cocks & #teampain & there will be a sequel & I will be there for it.

Kraken by M. Caspian

I don't even know. I know it creeped me the fuck out. I'd read it again though.

And last but certainly not least… 

Cupcake loves her some kink, so here goes.

The Dark Collector by Vanessa North

Fantastic story with cathartic kink.

Fettered by Lyn Gala

Great leather society kink & Dilly is adorbz.

Uneven by Anah Crow

I haven't words adequate enough to describe how good this was.

Her Grace's Stable by Joely Sue Burkhart

The most exquisite pony play.

Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan

Sam. Sam. Sam. The writing was stupendous because… Queen Shit of Fuck Mountain, but Sam… 

Mr. Benson by John Preston

If you like gay kink. You read John Preston. The Godfather of gay kink.

Bad Things by Varian Krylov

A. Xavi

B. I like Krylov's writing style even though it's wordy or maybe because of. I'm not sure.

The first two of the Ganymede Quartet (A Most Personal Property & A Proper Lover) by Darrah Glass

Slavefic from the Gilded Age with glorious writing. Glorious.

To all of you… 

Have the happiest of new year. May 2015 be your brightest yet.

To the Unicorn Mafia, I love you all.

Thank you so much for inviting me to join BMBR. It's made 2014 a memorable year indeed.

Be well.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Down and Dirty by Rhys Ford

WOOOOOOOOT!  Rhys Ford is in the house!!!  She's here to talk about... about... oh my gawd I'm so excited... 

BOBBY'S BOOK!

SQUEEEEEEEEEE!

To celebrate the release of my new book, Down and Dirty, I’m inviting you to follow along with blog tour serial of a Cole McGinnis case, Dirty Minds! Enter to win a giveaway at every site!

From the moment former LAPD detective Bobby Dawson spots Ichiro Tokugawa, he knows the man is trouble. And not just because the much younger Japanese inker is hot, complicated, and pushes every one of Bobby’s buttons. No, Ichi is trouble because he’s Cole McGinnis’s younger brother and off-limits in every possible way. And Bobby knows that even before Cole threatens to kill him for looking Ichi’s way. But despite his gut telling him Ichi is bad news, Bobby can’t stop looking… or wanting.

Ichi was never one to play by the rules. Growing up in Japan as his father’s heir, he’d been bound by every rule imaginable until he had enough and walked away from everything to become his own man. Los Angeles was supposed to be a brief pitstop before he moved on, but after connecting with his American half-brothers, it looks like a good city to call home for a while—if it weren’t for Bobby Dawson.

Bobby is definitely a love-them-and-leave-them type, a philosophy Ichi whole-heartedly agrees with. Family was as much of a relationship as Ichi was looking for, but something about the gruff and handsome Bobby Dawson that makes Ichi want more.

Much, much more.

Rhys Ford’s Down and Dirty Giveaway
$20 Gift Certificate to the e-tailer of your choice If the blog uses a widget, enter there. If not, comment below. Winner to be chosen randomly. 

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for...
 
Dirty Minds Part Two

I do not recommend landing in the middle of a busy Los Angeles street. If I’d had my preferences, I’d have wished the assholes in the minivan drove just one more fucking block and turned up Park View instead of Alvarado. At least that way, I would have had a fighting chance of skidding across fewer lanes or maybe even a wild right-hand bounce off of the asphalt and into a greensward.

Instead, I got a quick glimpse of Dr. Pacheco’s faded billboard plastered on the Wilshire-Alvarado Swap Meet building then all I saw was gritty, brown-cloud Los Angeles sky.

I also got a very hard, fast introduction to the excellent roadwork laid down by LA’s street crews.

Through a sheer miracle of luck, stupidity or a chance red light, the street was empty of vehicles. Unfortunately, that also meant there was nothing like a parked or idling car to stop me .

Despite the road crew’s best efforts to provide a smooth driving experience, there were definitely bumps in the road. I skidded and rolled over three-ish lanes of black top.My shoulder struck one and I tucked in to protect my face and hands. The black tuxedo jacket I’d just picked up from the cleaners took the brunt of the street’s rough surface. Anything left intact was then abraded and ripped apart as I rolled up the sloping curb. A tall palm growing on the edge of the park’s walk caught me before I could tumble into the obviously dangerous soft lawn and I came to a full stop, partially wrapped around the palm’s wide trunk.

I lay there gasping, turtled in a clump of long grasses someone’d thought to put around the palm’s base. I’d probably have to send that person a thank you card because the grasses were soft and cradled me while I did a quick limb check. A chatter of alarmed Spanish broke through my inventory of aches and pains then a very worried looking blond woman in an EMT uniform slid into my view of fronds and sky, her eyes a nearly impossible green I’d come to associate with wasabi peas.

“Sir, can you feel your legs?” She crouched next to me, running her hands over my legs. Attractive in that suntanned, healthy So-Cal kind of way, her golden ponytail bounced up and down through the hole in her ball cap but unsurprisingly, she did nothing for me.

Except find the scraped up spot on my knee.

“Okay, that’s missing skin,” I hissed. I tried sitting up. She protested but I insisted, moving her hand away as she tried to push me back down.

“No use. Unless his head’s cracked open and his brains are spilling out, he’s going to try to stand up. Might as well let him.” Bobby came into view, peering down at me with a judgmental scowl. “What the fucking hell were you thinking? Who the fuck in their right mind jumps on top of a moving van? Who cares if they’re stealing the damned wedding gifts? Just let the shit go.”

“Can’t… couldn’t,” I grumbled, taking his hand so I could get up out of the bushes. “Because those assholes didn’t just steal a fucking toaster. They took the grooms’ cat.”

Want to read more?  Check out these other awesome blog stops:

Down and Dirty Blog Tour
Dec 30 Part One — 3Chicks after dark
Dec 31 Part Two — Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Jan 1 Part Three — Joyfully Jay
Jan 2 Part Four — LoveBytes
Part Five — On Top Down Under
Jan 3 Part Six — Prism Alliance
Jan 4 Part Seven — It’s About The Book
Part Eight — The Blogger Girls
Jan 5 Part Nine — Sinfully Sexy
Jan 6 Part Ten — NDulgent Bloggers
Jan 7 Part Eleven — The Novel Approach
Jan 8 Part Twelve — Under the Covers Blog

Purchase Down and Dirty at Dreamspinner Press
Or Amazon

About Rhys Ford

Rhys Ford was born and raised in Hawai’i then wandered off to see the world. After chewing through a pile of books, a lot of odd food, and a stray boyfriend or two, Rhys eventually landed in San Diego, which is a very nice place but seriously needs more rain.

Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats of varying degrees of black fur and a ginger cairn terrorist. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and an overworked red coffee maker.


My Blog: www.rhysford.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhys.ford.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rhys_Ford

And at the Starbucks down the street. No really, they’re 24/7. And a drive-thru. It’s like heaven. My books can be purchased, folded and first chapters read at Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Angel in a Bookshop by RJ Scott

What happens when a broken man has to trust in the impossible?

Chapter One is an antique book shop and is the last tangible thing Joshua Blakeman and his mum have left of his father. Nestled in a quiet square a few steps from London's St Paul’s Cathedral, it is boarded up with whitewashed windows and no new stock. The place is a sad reminder of loss and it has to go, but destroying a business that has been in his family for generations is not a role Josh is looking forward to.

Michael is the owner of Arts Desire, the shop next door. With his rainbow pride mugs and his sunny outlook, he is the complete opposite of what Josh thinks he needs in his life.

But, when Josh and Michael become friends, Josh learns that finding true love starts with making big decisions—and that everyone deserves their own Christmas miracle sometimes.

Christmas reads - oh my heart, Christmas reads. As much part of my essential seasonal package as chocolate, family, hallmark films and Christmas jumpers. There is nothing like a dash of romance and sprinkling of snow in a story to give me the warm and fuzzies - and in a little magic and the fuzzies just get fuzzier.

Angel in a Book Shop is a beautiful winter story. It is the kind of book that gives me a mellow after glow of happiness once I've read it. Joshua is at the lowest possible ebb in his life. The death of his father, betrayal of his boyfriend resulting in the loss of his job and the manipulation of his uncle have left him in a place where he is barely coping with life. The last thing he needs really is to enter the shut up bookshop that had been his dad's life. The desire to stay well away warred with the need to not let it go to rack and ruin and the latter won. Just.

Michael has lived many, many lifetimes. He has met with many, many souls and changed the life direction of those lucky enough to interact with him. He moves on and those he has met before become a blur, another part of one whole that makes up his life.   Then he meets Josh - and from the start he knows that this 'job' is different. As well as helping Josh he finds he has his own, life-altering, choices to make.

In RJ Scott's enjoyable style this story unfolds. Choices and actions, decisions and doubts. It's not handed to us readers on a platter, but the silver lining definitely shines in this cloud. I really enjoyed this read, and I think anyone who has a love of Christmas stories will. It's well worth a read.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more information on Goodreads!

Review: When Love Flue In by Lillian Francis

A soot-haired chimney sweep, an exploding flue and an uncooked turkey. It’s an unholy trinity that may make all of Dominic’s Christmas wishes come true.

Dominic is celebrating his first Christmas since his divorce, and although he’s spending it on his own, he’s determined to have a traditional Christmas morning, including a roaring fire. Unfortunately, Dominic’s chimney is blocked, which is why Reagan, a soot-haired chimney sweep, is head and shoulders up Dominic’s flue. Dominic is just lucky the man had a cancellation on Christmas Eve.

Unable to take his eyes off Reagan’s low-slung jeans and enticing ass while he sets about the hearth with rods and brushes, Dominic knows five years is a long time to be obsessed with the man who sweeps his chimney every Christmas. This year there’s nothing to stop Dominic from acting on his desires—except his own insecurities.

An exploding flue provides the opportunity for more than just polite conversation and could be the catalyst for a perfect Christmas. But Dominic will need to stop hiding who he really is before a special sweep can light a fire in his heart.

Publisher's Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.

When a cutie patootie Christmas story came in with a request to be reviewed, in the spirit of Christmas harmony, Ann and I decided to review it together. We're both Christmas sluts, loving the ever living joy outta all Christmas jizz stories and so we shared the love for this one. Here's what we thought:

Peachy, Present Maker and Gift Giver Extraordinaire

Lori is so rights. Unapologetic Christmas sluts? Yep, that's us. I don't have the jumper collection she does, I couldn't rock them like my Lorikins, but you wave some Jingle Jizzmas in our general directions and we are on it like glitter on a unicorn.

This story was basically written for us. It's set in England, at Christmastime. There's a chimney sweep and an adorably punny title. I loved it. The beginning is bittersweet. These two don't know one another, they just have assumptions and a heavy dose of mutual attraction. Dominic broke my heart, I was just so sad for the guy. Kudos to him for acting on his attraction and taking charge of what his heart wanted. I loved that Reagan was wary but willing, it made their time read like more than just a potential one off.

The story really ramped up for me (and for Dominic and Reagan) when it came to "the moment". Holy jingle balls, talk about some well written sexual tension. That's is one of the sweetest/hottest first time scenes that I've read and it was perfect for these two.

The sweetness continues and I loved how when these two opened up, they did it unapologetically and without reservation. It made my heart grow three sizes.

Lorix Christmas Jumper Lover:

One sexy chimney sweep - tick,

One newly divorced, freshly out of the closet home owner - tick,

One cold and snowy winter - tick,

One 'meddling' mum - tick.....

Pretty much everything you need for a wonderful Christmas story. I have a weakness for Christmas stories set in England (mainly because they feel so reminiscent for me) and this was exactly the kind of story I stuff down quicker than chocolates Christmas morning. It made me gooey inside and left me sighing happily at the end. A really lovely little read. Oh, yeah - and I too have a very sexy chimney sweep, and his brother, my coal-man is also rather yummy. Nothing like a bit of eye candy when the cold season sets in.... But shhh...don't tell my husband I said that.....

Merry Christmas everyone!

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review (or two)**

For more information on Goodreads!

Fan Girl Review: The Red King by Rosemary O'Malley

A man abused and discarded is left to rebuild himself with naught but vengeance in his heart. A youth cruelly torn from all he knew and loved is cast adrift with no hope for the future. What will happen when Fate thrusts them together?

He is known as Ruaidhri and his extraordinary strengths and stamina are said to be born of the Devil. His ferocity is matched solely by his ruthlessness. For seven years, he has sailed his ship the Taibhse with one goal in mind: to avenge the years of torment he suffered at the hands of a depraved Danish lord. He has one final plan to succeed, but he searches yet for the implement.

His family destroyed by violence and his body enslaved to a brutal master, Andrew’s future promises only misery. He is saved from this desolate fate by a pirate captain with fiery hair and an ultimatum; help him achieve his revenge and go free, or be sent to a horrific, painful death. As Andrew struggles with the choice of slave or assassin, he finds that all is not as it seems aboard the corsair’s ship.

Pain is tempered by pleasure and loss consumed by love in the flames stoked by

…The Red King.

Warning: this is an erotic m/m romance intended for mature audiences. It contains explicit sexual situations, frank language, torture, and non-graphic descriptions of abuse of a minor. 

 Arg!! *waves sword and tweaks fake beard*

Before I begin, let me warn ye...there's both sweetness and darkness in this epic treat by Rosemary O'Malley. Declarations of love are made and licentious acts are made (even of the minor M/F variety - tis brief). There be mentions of child abuse and scenes of rape/torture/abuse, so if ye be soft of stomach, please exit via the plank! Tis not the story for ye!



Yawr har har!!!!

Rosemary O'Malley's debut novel tis an epic historical pirate tale that travels through and land on a quest for revenge. The sweet sea of love, the crashing tide of learning the depth's of oneself and murky waters of angst are all traveled with a fine tuned hand in this humble temporary pirate's opinion.

A fine tale with blood, guts, piss, vinegar, seduction, hurt, comfort, woe, damage, shit, lion sex (yes there be actual mating in the wild), battle, pillaging, true love and even a eunuch! Tis a pirate's tale split into two POV, young Scotsman Andrew, the young orphan raised by priests who's been captured and Rorik aka Rory aka Ruaidhri (pronounced Rou-ar-ree) aka the Red King!

Aye, the Irish, ginger haired young captain of the ship Taibhse is hell bent on thwarting the evil bastard Dane, Maarten, Rory's ex-master. Rory's childhood was a painful one, aye, one full or sorrow and pain. His crew helps rescues the seemingly timid, virgin Andrew who is not wordly but has a calming quality that calms people, pulls people to him. Could be a religious or a philosophical undertone, depends on who is reading this, ya savvy? I enjoy Andrew and his nuances/intricacies. A bashful, fainting flower, he is not. And he proves himself wondrously. More on him soon, aye?

I shall break down the things I enjoyed:



The story-A swashbuckler's delight

- Tis a long, well crafted one spanning sea and land, settings of Africa and Europe. I give it 4 stars some parts may seem drawn out but tis necessary for the entire portrait the author paints, ya ken?

The Red King-This ginger lover's wet dream found in a pirate



- The slave who turns into a master of his own rights, he is, he is! He's second to my #1 love of Captain Jack Sparrow. He's a mix of dark and light though his light was never recognized until he learned to see himself and his self worth through Andrew's eyes. Oh please, Ruaidhri is naughty and has tales to tell but when he falls...he falls hard and loves even harder. He defies so many things to hold onto that bit of happiness.

Even a little bit of:

I rooted for him to persevere and crush any insubordination. I was not disappointed in the Red King. He deserves the title. He has my 5 Stars.

Andrew-The little engine that could!
- Have I mentioned that though my little wolf, Andrew did not enter the story as a warrior he leaves as the bravest of the brave? I'm sure if Davy Jones himself came upon, little Andrew, he would smite with a few words and nary a weapon. He's martyr-ish but for this story it works. He gets 10 out of 5 stars!

The sacrifices made and angsty road traveled by Andrew...I love him even the more. The little non priest has teeth, he does. Grrr!!

“I am not your dove," he ground out, barely loud enough to hear. "I am a wolf.”

Do not underestimate him, arg!

The Secondary Characters J'adore a French pimp named Etienne and many more

- Etienne, the brawny, sweet giant of Malik and wordsmith that be Fleming any many others more (Privateer Ortega, brave Laurent...crewman Yousef) There was an ease with each character, I wanted to know their back story, I wanted to fight and laugh with them, live in their world.

Especially brothel owner and masterful pimp Etienne...



Aye, the mayhem he would cause would be divine and I ken he's deviousness. All secondary characters get 5 stars but Etienne, he shall get 6 or it'd be a sword to the gullet of naysayers! Argh!

Maarten -He's the villainous hostess with the mostest

- 5 stars- vile, repulsive, murdering, disgusting, evil, mad, fucking bonkers pedophile rapist and somehow I kept picturing Maarten like this, just a younger version:



(Yes, Vigo from Ghostbusters 2 as the blonde Dane villain) Do not think I don't ken the dark, mateys...I do. Maarten goes balls to the wall in the darkest of evils, tis makes him a better villain, it does.

Alas he was with us for a small time, though his grey shroud choked the first half before his appearance around 65%. He gets 5 Stars! I hate him and curse him down to Davy Jones' locker but I appreciate his evil for the purpose of the story.

Surprisingly, the story navigates itself towards the sweet promise of happieth of ever after...but there are some pain filled bumps along the way but worth it.

So how many stars to give thee, "The Red King"? Let me average out me stars...



More than 5, arg! For the purpose of this wizardry known as goodreads the highest I can gives is FIVE Stars!

So, I loved this book. Definitely in me top favorites for the year. So much so if everyone else dogs it:



All the way to me pirate lovin' soul, ya savvy?

For more information on Goodreads!

Review: Base Over Apex by Kim Dare

Please note: This story was previously published under the title Call Me, Sir, Boy! This version has been tweaked and re-edited to become part of the Kinky Cupid series.

It’s Valentine’s at the Spread Eagle leather club, but the only sub Jack’s even spoken to belongs to his best friend, Marcus—and all Bret did was con him into taking a stupid bet. It is not going to be a good Valentine’s night…

The moment Jack sees Ricky walking naked through the bar, he wants him. When Ricky kneels at his feet and offers him the keys to his restraints, it’s obvious that his interest is returned. It might just be the best Valentine’s Jack’s ever had…

Ricky is sweet, and eager to please, and obviously new to leather. He’s the kind of guy who actually makes Jack wonder if “something at first-sight” might really be possible. But, when it suddenly becomes apparent that everything is not what it seems, the only thing Jack knows for sure is that this Valentine’s night is going to get very, very complicated. 

Kim Dare strikes again with an incomparable case of mistaken identity only a brat like Bret  (from Once a Brat) could've pulled off. Bret's heart was in the right place for his friend Ricky whose gotten himself into a bad situation. Ricky's found an online "dom" that wants to meet for the first time at The Spread Eagle. Jack's surprised to find the irresistible and naked sub but for his cuffs heading towards him, though not enough to turn him away. Naturally, Bret was right and they connect. Is there anything worse than a bratty sub being right?

Once online dom a.k.a. Mr. Carter shows up Ricky has a choice to make. God, online dom is a douche and a half. So, really, it's no contest between him and Jack Bowen. Like taking candy from a baby. Not… that I would do that. Who does that anyway? That's just mean. 

Base Over Apex was extremely satisfying for just three short chapters. I even got a little chastity kink dangled in front of me. You know how I feel about that. *growls* I like this series. I'm stoked to read about McCormack. His beefy, growliness combined with being pierced and tattooed could send me into convulsions. I can't wait!

p.s. That cover is perfect. Purrr-fect.

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: A Master's Fidelity by Darrah Glass

Can a master belong to a slave?

It’s a season for celebration, and Martin is falling in love. Henry has always been adamant he won’t share Martin with any other master, but when Henry accepts an invitation to a friend’s New Year’s Eve party, Martin wonders if Henry has changed his mind. Certain that this will turn out to be one of the masters’ notorious swapping parties, Martin resolves to do whatever Henry asks of him, with whoever Henry chooses, without question. But faced with the idea of Henry being intimate with any other slave, Martin despairs, wanting Henry all to himself. A good slave would never ask for a master’s fidelity, but that’s just what Martin wants to do.

This story is told from Martin’s point of view and runs parallel to events that take place in the final scenes of A Proper Lover (Ganymede Quartet Book 2). 

These companion stories from Martin's POV are the perfect companion to the novels. I mostly like them to get sneak peeks into what the slaves are saying about their masters and to each other. It seems Tom is a smitten kitten where Martin is concerned. *growls* This could be HOOOOOTTTT!!! If Henry can just devise a plan that excludes Freddie… 

I like Martin and think he's the one for Henry, but I don't find him as compelling of a character as Henry. Ironically enough, it seems Martin's upbringing was more nurturing and loving than Henry's which makes him pragmatic and prudent and… not Henry. I miss Henry's struggles, but I do like seeing Henry through Martin's eyes and knowing that Martin's actions match his feelings. I did have the impression that Martin was interested in being swapped in A Proper Lover, but not at the cost of anyone else touching Henry. Happy to know he's as possessive of Henry as Henry is of him. Very happy.

If you're going to or have started the series, these shorts are must reads. Love this series and I never thought I'd say that about YA. Well, YA that wasn't Harry Potter.

An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Holding the Edge by Keira Andrews

Gay figure skaters keep their relationship secret—and end up on thin ice

Misha Reznikov has an Olympic gold—and a secret lover who just happens to be the silver medalist. Now that their competitive days are over, Misha and former rival Dev Avira are setting up house in LA and giving their relationship a shot in the real world. They agree that keeping their romance strictly under wraps is best for their pro careers and Misha's family back in Russia. So what if Dev hasn't told his parents, and they never eat out for fear of being spotted? It's not perfect, but they're together.

But as they prepare for a special holiday skating show on Christmas Eve in Dev's hometown, tension builds. How long can Misha and Dev keep their love secret—and what happens if one of them wants to stop hiding?

Aw! I loved getting more of Dev and Misha. And this one is told from Misha's POV, which was perfect!

Misha has won the gold and has decided to live in America where he can be free from the pressures he felt in Russia. He and Dev have been together since the Olympics, but are still keeping it all under wraps.

Misha and Dev really are great together. After the crazy tension in the first book, Cold War, I was really able to feel the chemistry in this one and how well they fit together. They have obvious love and affection for each other.

They had a pretty huge issue to overcome. One wanted to be out, while the other didn't, but it didn't become a reason for a ton of unnecessary angst, the story was still pretty light. I think that was due to the fact that they talked with each other and were supportive of the other's needs. They had a couple minor falling outs, but they handled it as two adults should. With communication and sex.

The first book definitely needs to be read first in order to really enjoy Holding the Edge, but both are definitely recommended for quick, lighthearted, sexy reading.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: A Proper Lover (Ganymede Quartet #2) by Darrah Glass

What does it mean to belong to someone? 

Henry Blackwell is the happiest he’s ever been, and it’s all because of his companion slave Martin. Every experience, whether it be mundane or spectacular, is improved by having Martin at his side. The better Henry gets to know his slave, the deeper his feelings grow. Though the physical attraction between them is undeniable, Henry’s sure there’s more to their relationship than just sex. He can’t be certain, as it’s never happened before, but he believes he might be falling in love. 

Henry’s friends are ready and willing to put their own slaves aside in favor of female companionship, and they’re beginning to wonder why Henry isn’t interested in girls. Henry only wants to be with Martin and doesn’t know how much longer he can use “late bloomer” as an excuse. The holiday season approaches, along with the promise of parties with friends and family. Henry doesn’t want to share Martin with his friends, but he doesn’t like being left out. Will he stand up for himself—and Martin—when it counts?

This is the second of four installments in the Ganymede Quartet, continuing Henry & Martin’s story from A Most Personal Property (Ganymede Quartet Book 1).

Gah! How am I gonna make it til March?

I'll tell you I thought I really liked the first one. Well, like turned to love in this one. I confess I was a tad disappointed when I started this one to find that it picked up right where A Most Personal Property left off, but then I made a decision. Ms. Glass and I need to come to an understanding. A quartet is no longer sufficient. I'd like something in the twenty book range so I can see these two as adults because Henry is going to be an outstanding adult. Outstanding, I say! So, name your price Glass. Let's get this thing done. 

Henry and Martin are falling in A Proper Lover. This is a first for Henry and he's not quite sure what he's feeling. He knows he wants to shower Martin with affection, wants to be with him all the time, desperately wants to spend time together as a couple complete with PDAs. Henry's one of my favorite characters. He doesn't have a high opinion of himself and I like him for all his foibles and shortcomings. He's possessive, fussy, jealous, is a bit of a snob yet has simple tastes and is what my grandmother calls tenderhearted. He also loves food especially cake. I laughed so hard when he growled over the macaroni and cheese! Who can blame him? Good mac and cheese when the cheese is maybe a little burnt around the edges… mmmmmmhhhhhmmmmmm. I feel ya, Henry. He thinks himself a dullard and boorish whereas I see him as sheltered and largely shunned by his parents. He's had no real guidance but picks things up quickly. He's deliberate and thoughtful, and does have a certain childlike naiveté that endears him to me all the more which I hope he retains. He's mainly only felt loved by the slaves in his house so it's really no surprise that he should fall in love with his own.

Martin fell asleep first, his breath soft and regular against Henry's throat. Henry stroked Martin's hair back from his forehead, ran his thumb over Martin's eyebrow, kissed the places he'd touched. Martin made a kittenish sound in his sleep and nestled closer. Henry resisted the urge to crush him to his chest, he didn't want to wake him, only claim and keep him.

If being queer during the Gilded Age is abhorrent, you can imagine being in love with one's own slave compounds the problem tenfold. The overwhelming amount of oppression in this society is both daunting and romantic-all that sneaking around and secret looks. Meow. Then again, it strikes me as appallingly hypocritical for a society to sanction boys using their slaves for "release" and "their health", yet condemn homosexuality. If Henry and Martin could just find other boys like them, somewhere they can be accepted. I'm hopeful Uncle Reggie and maybe the bohemian cousin can help so they're not so cloistered all the time. I actually think some of Henry's friends are gay or at least bi, but the only way for Henry to find out is through one of their swap parties/orgies and Henry ain't swapping Martin. Also, Henry's not comfortable speaking up for himself or being the center of attention. He wants to fit in and not be outcast; but the trouble is for Henry to truly fit in he'll have to swap Martin. Definitely a pickle. A sour pickle.

I'm going to go out on the limb here and say I think Henry would be willing to see Martin with another slave, but not his friends, and I think he'd require a certain amount of control over the scene. Henry's a voyeur and he has some other kinks which I'm hoping get explored more in the next books along with Henry's butt. Henry's butt needs exploring and Martin is DYING to plant the flag. However, first and foremost, he's possessive, protective and in love with Martin. I can't see him ever being intimate with someone else. He's far too loyal for that, but I suppose time will tell. At any rate, in A Proper Slave these two are just as randy as… well, a couple a teenage boys. They even have a contest to see if they can set a record. Martin's doing. He's the competitive one. Henry just likes being with Martin and making him happy.

A Proper Lover is told entirely through Henry, but I believe Martin feels the same or is at least in the same neighborhood as Henry, but his status precludes him verbalizing it. Martin's a good influence on Henry, encouraging him to open up to others especially Cora. Cora who is a delight! She's a 7 yr old little tyrant princess. And boy, does she ever have a crush on Martin! She makes no secret of wanting to have a boy slave or a cache of them when she comes of age. She's a girl after my own heart. Yet another reason I'd like twentyish books rather than four so I can see this! She's going to be a force. She's outgoing, imperious and effervescent, quite the opposite of Henry.

"I can't have a boy slave," Cora complained, "and I can't marry Martin, I can't have anything I want!"

Cora and Louis fulfilled the comic relief quotients in spades, though I'm still a little pissed at Louis right now. He needs to get his head out of his ass. The secondary characters pushed the story forward and are fleshing out Henry and this world little by little. It seems clear Nurse understands Henry's preferences; they have some poignant moments that made my heart happy to know someone in his life loves him unconditionally. His father possibly has an inkling which may have precipitated the Uncle Reggie thing. I'm anxious to find out more about Reggie. I'm hoping he'll help Henry be less self-conscious. Even James, Louis' older brother, who's seemingly out of control is intriguing. What's happening there? Something ain't right with that kid. There's so much I still want to know! No way two more books is going to be sufficient. C'mon Glass! Throw a girl a bone or twenty.

The writing is as superb, evocative and delectable as A Most Personal Property. I found this one to be less wordy than the first, and despite it's page count I found it to be a quick read though I might be a teensy bit biased. 

One final note:  Someone needs to do something about that Adam Pettibone otherwise I'll have no choice but to jump in to this story and have words with him. Pettibone, I can promise you you won't like my words. No one little bit. *glares*

An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.

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