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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Review: Well Traveled by Margaret Mills and Tedy Ward

Gideon Makepeace, a young man of twenty, knows who he is and what he likes: decency, men and women too, horse training, and fun... and in Livingston, Montana, in the lush autumn of 1895, he finds he likes a Lakota Sioux Indian better than he might ought to.

Jedediah Buffalo Bird is seriously wounded and seeking medical care, and Gideon helps Jed when some bigoted townsfolk might have done otherwise. Jed, who knows the wild far better than Gideon and feels indebted to him, agrees to repay him by being his guide to San Francisco.

Their trip takes them across thousands of wild miles, through the mountains men mine and the Indian reservations dotting the plains. Facing a majestic West, they learn from each other about white folks and Indians alike. Gideon’s interest in Jed is clear from the start, but will Jed give up the life he knows for a young, brash white man he has perhaps come to love? Or will he push Gideon away in favor of the peace of nature and the personal freedom of having nothing to lose?

 This was simply wonderful. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t love about it.

The relationships were real.
This issues were real.
The men were good men.
The banter was fun.
The setting played like a movie. I could see and feel everything.
The sex was hot.
The writing was superb.

What more could I want? Nothing. Really.

Set in the late 1800’s, Gideon Makepeace is about to head back to San Francisco to where his family is playing in a wild west show. On his way through town he finds Jedediah Buffalo Bird badly injured and in desperate need of medical care. Unfortunately, there aren’t many doctors willing to help an Indian. Gideon stops his travels to be a Good Samaritan to Jed and help him through his injury. I seriously adored Gideon and his charming ways. Really, Jed didn’t stand a chance against this man. I don’t think anyone would. He was just a genuinely kind person, willing to help out anyone who might be in need. So when he saw Jed needed help, he automatically offered. In return, Jed agrees to accompany Gideon in his journey west. Jed has some real prejudices against white men and has a hard time accepting that Gideon would just do something like this just because. But, of course, Gideon was able to charm him into seeing things his way and once Jed was better they were off to San Fran. 

 "Gideon...why did you come here?"
"'Cause this is where you are, Jed. And I’ve decided that that’s where I want to be - wherever you are."

Oh, their journey was wonderful to witness. There was nothing face paced or action packed about this novel. But there didn’t need to be. There were some interesting characters they met along the way and some important friendships were made. But, the focus was really on these two men and their unlikely, opposites attract type relationship. Gideon is a care-free white man who can charm the pants off anyone. Then Jed, an Indian who is a very quiet-natured, protective and cautious of everyone he meets. And yet they fit together so well and complimented each other perfectly.

I heart them. Completely.

 

Find out more info on Goodreads!

 

Review: O Come All Ye Kinky edited by Sarah Frantz

Christmas is a time of love and joy, and the New Year is a time of renewal. But they are also times of stress and strife, family drama, pressure and heartache—a potent mix of high expectations and conflicted emotions. Add in power exchange relationships, kinky gift swaps, and unconventional love in a sometimes unforgiving world, and you have a formula for a sizzling anthology of stories that tug at your heart.

From Ava March’s forbidden Regency love among men, to Katie Porter’s scorching hot contemporary tale of two women discovering holiday happiness, everyone will find a favorite here. Pervertible toys abound: Lambda Literary Award finalist L.A. Witt’s candy cane, Jane Davitt’s wrapping paper and tape, and Alexa Snow’s Christmas candles all please and delight. Newcomer Elyan Smith and fan favorite Kim Dare both celebrate New Year’s Eve with romantic flair and kinky fireworks, while bestselling author Joey W. Hill’s poignant story of love lost and regained will lead you home.

Whatever your desires, we invite you to explore new fantasies and old with these eight kinky tales of holiday happy endings.

This anthology offers lots o' kinky, holiday jizz!

Tree Topper by Jane Devitt  ♥♥♥½

Stan and Martin have been in a D/s relationship for some time now, but it's kind of falling apart. Stan is acting up and Martin isn't giving him the discipline that he needs. Basically, these two need to have a chit-chat about who's who in the relationship. I liked the switcharoo from the norm and the Dom was the less confident one, second guessing himself.

Oh, Martin definitely came up with some creative ways to spice things up and to show who's the Dom! It was some kinky holiday fun.

Twas the Night by Ava March ♥♥♥♥

I'm a huge fan of Ava March. Her historicals never fail me and Percy and Michael were no different. Percy has been seeing Michael for some time. And by seeing, I mean visiting him, being a very good boy and then being on his way. He feels like he doesn't have the right to ask for more from Michael since he thinks his wants are unnatural. 

Throughout the kinky scene I was witness to, they start to reveal their feelings towards each other. Michael gave Percy the confidence to ask for what he wants. Literally. It was delicious. 

Fire Works by Katie Porter ♥♥♥½

Rachel and Emma are having one last session together before Rachel moves away for her job. Emma would willingly follow Rachel anywhere, but Rachel refuses to make that kind of commitment.

Holy shiz these girls were hard core. Emma can take a beating! There were all sorts of toys and Rachel loved to use them on her girl. Really hot F/F story.

Candy Caning by L.A. Witt ♥♥♥♥

Stephen and Nate are out Christmas shopping when they spot a huge candy cane. As soon as he sees Stephen pick it up, Nate instantly knows what Stephen intends to do with it. Heh.

Hot and sexy with some sweetness thrown in, exactly what you'd expect from L.A. Witt. Even though the story was mostly sex, it was easy to tell that they had a solid relationship. They had a great dynamic with obvious love for each other. 

Submissive Angel by Joey W. Hill ♥♥♥

After Robert found Ange beaten in an ally he gave Ange a job at his vintage toy shop. They'd been attracted to each other and Ange finally was able to seduce his Master.

This seems to be a common favorite in this anthology, but I couldn't get into it. I think it may be because it was more serious than the previous stories and I just wasn't in the mood for that. 

Open Return by Elyan Smith ♥♥♥

Zach (who used to be Hannah) has returned to his former lovers Scott and Laura after he up and left fifteen years ago.

I really liked the idea of this story. There was a lot of emotion and themes (reunited lovers, menage, trans) crammed into this novella. Also, there was only one very short sex scene when this is an erotic anthology. I was gypped in the sex department! I think this needed to be longer to really delve into the themes and flesh out the characters. 

Ring out the Old and in the New by Alexa Snow ♥♥♥♥

Ever since Evan was attacked he hasn't been the same. He's ashamed of the scar it's left on his face and has been distant with his Dom, Russell. 

Russell was the perfect Dom. He was so kind and understanding towards Evan. He slowly brought him back to himself and showed him there was nothing to be embarrassed about. This one was lighter on the kink, but made up for it with the sweetness.

His Very Last Chance by Kim Dare ♥♥♥♥½

When Kingsley overhears his sub, Drew, saying that his Dom doesn't do love and romance, he sets out to prove his sub wrong.

Kingsley was very creative in his ways of proving Drew wrong. He used all sort of romantic items to prove just how kinkily (<- is that a word? *shrugs*) romantic he is. They were already in a relationship, but they were in that 'do I love him? does he love me?' point, so this scene solidified what they were to each other. They were able to start out the new year with a clean slate, knowing where they stood together. This was my favorite of the anthology.

Well, there you have it. Nothing says Christmas like collars, floggers and butt plugs!

MERRY JIZZMAS EVERYONE!

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, seasons greetings.

Whatever you are doing over the coming days - be it celebration or the norm, at work or at home, we hope they are wonderful for you. May everyone, near or far, find peace and love.

Spread the love. Share the love. And read something good.

Happy Holidays.

The Unicorn Mafia.

Review: Black Dog Blues (Kai Gracen #1) by Rhys Ford

Ever since he’d been part of the pot in a high-stakes poker game, elfin outcast Kai Gracen figured he’d used up any good karma he had when Dempsey, a human Stalker, won the hand and took him in. Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races were left with a messy, monster-ridden world and Stalkers were often the only cavalry willing to ride to someone’s rescue when something shadowy and dark moved into the neighbourhood.

There certainly were no shortage of monsters or people stupidly willing to become lunch for one.

It was a hard life but one Kai liked. And he was good at it. Killing monsters was easy. Especially since he was one himself.

After an accident retired Dempsey out, Kai set up permanent shop in San Diego, contracting out to the local SoCalGov depot. It was a decent life, filled with bounty, a few friends and most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him he wasn’t really human. 

That was until a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego and Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder’s fledgling Dawn Court. It was supposed to a simple run; head up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary with the new Court then back to San Diego. Easy, quick and best of all, profitable. But Ryder’s “simple” run leads to massive trouble and Kai ends up being caught in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping. 

No one ever got rich by being a Stalker. But then hardly any of them got old either. The way things were looking, it didn’t look like Kai was going to be the exception.

"Singlish is a  really ugly language. It has it's toes in many lingual puddles, from old Britain to Cantonese with hot dashes of wasabi Japanese, but there were times when only the ugly gutter back street Nippon would do.

This was definitely one of those times." 

This offering, from author of the month Rhys Ford, was amazing - I devoured all 246 pages of it as quickly as I possibly could. Set in the San Diego of an alternate universe, this story has elfin and humans living side by side. A great war had taken place between the two races many years before and a very uneasy peace reigned. 

Kai (oh how I love Kai) is an elfin, won as spoils of a card game and raised by Stalker Dempsey. Compassion was a word that was not in Dempsey's vocabulary, he did what he had to to survive and Kai was dragged up by this man...yet it was still better than the life he had before. (And I, as Kai does, believe there is more to Dempsey than meets the eye. I'm not entirely convinced that he's as mean as he is portrayed). 

Kai has to deal with prejudice every day. He is an elfin who identifies as human - and most humans hate the elfin race. A Stalker, like the man who raised him, Kai kills the beasts that roam the country, and delivers their hides as proof to get a wage from the government. Life is tough. It gets even tougher when Ryder enters the scene. An elfin Lord with ideals that most don't agree with. He sees a future that of peace between the elfin races and the humans. To him it is the only way the elfin races will survive, and he needs Kai to help him with this. Basically he's a huge pain in Kai's arse. 

I have a confession to make - my first Rhys Ford book didn't really work for me. And it was a me thing, even though I wasn't keen, I could still see the quality of the writing - I did however let this sway me into choosing other authors first. So, whilst I always intended to get to another Rhys Ford book (and we have some huge fangirls in the stable) I hadn't quite got round to it...until she became AOTM and I read Clockwork Tangerine as our group read. I loved it. Then a request for Black Dog Blues came in, and instead of shying away and leaving it to one of the established fans, I thought I'd give it a go. Best. Decision. Ever.

The story was interesting - I loved the AU, and the world building was brilliantly executed. No long descriptions of the differences between races but information dripped into the text that gave me a  full understanding of how the world worked. As well as a wonderful way of world building, Rhys strings descriptive prose together in a way that I loved.

"Nothing looked out of place to me. It was the kind of place someone would expect to find a gingerbread house nibbled on by two little children or a lost girl in a  red hooded cape. All perfectly safe and pretty, except for the witch and wolf lurking just off the page."

 It was enticing, describing images I could imagine perfectly in just a few short lines. I knew these woods - my childhood and intervening years knew these woods. Instant picture and on with the story. The story of highs and lows...and lows...and damn if that bloody elfin can't keep out of the crap. I will not stop reading til I've read this chapter..and this one...and - we'll we've all been there, right?

Of course, no story can survive without the best of characters to tell it. And Rhys does characters so well. Kai, Ryder, Dempsey...all the characters were brilliant. Good or bad, they had their place. I want to read more about all of them. About Kai's evil brother, the father and life he would rather die than go back to. I want to know more about Ryder's plans, about how he is going to make them work when the few voices that want them too are more than outweighed by the many voices that don't. 

Of course, most of all I want to see how the relationship between Kai and Ryder develops. Kai is almost refusing to let it be more than a working relationship. To disillusioned for love - will Ryder convince him otherwise? I bloody hope so.

There is so much I could say about this story, but I want you to experience it for yourselves. I love fantasy books, and when I come across a well written one...well, it just about made my Christmas. Move over Jenni Lea and Ann, there's a new Rhys Ford fangirl in the house.

Oh, one last thing though...this book is re-released by DSP on Feb 3rd 2015. I'd advise you to put that date on your calendar or pre-order it if possible!

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

Review: And Then That Happened by Liam Livings

Should you settle for a nearly perfect happiness or put your heart on the line for more?

It’s 1999 and 28-year-old Dominic’s carefully planned suburban life with his boyfriend Luke is perfect. His job as a nurse, his best friend Matt, his relationship with his parents, everything is just right. He and Luke have been together ten years, seen each other through friends’ deaths and their parents’ ups and downs, and even had a commitment ceremony. 

Fate throws Gabe into Dominic’s life. Gabe isn’t happy with his boyfriend, but he stays with him, because, well it’s complicated. And then that happened. Gabe’s open relationship, impulsive nature, enthusiasm for life and straight talking advice are fascinating to Dominic. They’re friends, they click over a shared love of Goldie Hawn and Gabe shows Dominic there can be more to life than planned and safe. So why can't he take his own advice?

And Then That Happened is about finding a new kind of happiness, even when what you have is already perfect. And how sometimes perfect isn’t quite what it seems.

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

This book...wow, this book. Firstly I need to say, I don't think it is going to be a  book for everyone, there are elements to it I know some people don't like..emotional cheating for one. HOWEVER...despite it not being a moonlight and roses book, it had a truth to it that I really appreciated.

I believe this may be Liam Living's debut novel (but I couldn't swear to it) and it is written with an honesty, an edge, that I loved. Some sentimentality took place for me - being as I was in the first years of my, now, husband in the late '90's and like reading a book set in a place you know this adds a more personal touch to the reading experience.

Liam took a delicate subject, attraction to someone who is not the person you had thought you were going to be with. That balance of trying to contain or deny those feelings, trying not to let them affect the relationship you have. It highlights the thin line so many people end up stepping over. Usually cheating - physical, emotional, is not a storyline I enjoy at all, yet it works here. 

Dominic is a character that I think is one of the most realistic I've read. He is far from perfect. His choices even less so. Gabe blows into his orderly life, and turns it upside down, they both questions choices they have made. Try to convince themselves all they have is friendship....and then that happened...the unplanned. The choices and decisions and regrets and fears and....

It is not all about being split between two people, in many ways this is a very small part of the story. The catalyst for more choices, decisions, regrets, fears...and the chance to be in love.

I really don't want to spoil the storyline but I think this book really should be considered by everyone, don't dismiss it out of hand. It is going on my favourites shelf, and I hope it makes it on to yours.

A copy of this book was given to us by Love Lane Book. An honest review has been given in exchange.

Cover Reveal: Neon White Episode 3 by Wulf Francu Godgluck

Exclusive Cover Reveal for Neon White Episode 3 by Wulf Francu Godgluck!

We at BMBR are very happy to announce, and show you, the awesome new cover for Neon White Episode 3! Also, we'd like to thank Wulf for coming back to BMBR for his third cover reveal of the series!

* * * *

The phoenix stood over the Raven, scorched sand as far as the eye could see, the heavens burning with a dark flame.



The phoenix glared. "What has been, will become present. What shall be, will become memory."



The little Raven threw back a taunt. "Life and death are locked together in an infinite circle, spinning and chasing one another, forever trying to catch up."



"Uroboros." The phoenix laughed. "Your curse is your salvation."



Before its final moment the Raven pushed out a whisper. "Death was not mine, it was never for me, only the beginning of my tale."



With a scream and flick of the phoenix's wings, the world blinked out of existence, white neon consuming all that could see.



All that remained was a faint childlike chant, wandering on the hellfire breeze.


"Taste life, little Raven...drink from its tit...so beautiful, so sweet, and ever so dark."

* * * *

Audiobook Review: McFarland's Farm (Hope #1) by Cardeno C.

Wealthy, attractive Lucas Reika treats life like a party, moving from bar to bar and man to man. Thumbing his nose at his restaurateur father's demand that he earn his keep, Lucas instead seduces a valued employee in the kitchen of their flagship restaurant, earning himself an ultimatum: lose access to his father's money or stay in the middle of nowhere with a man he has secretly lusted over from afar.

Quiet, hard-working Jared McFarland loves his farm on the outskirts of Hope, Arizona, but he aches to have someone to come home to at the end of the day. Jared agrees to take in his longtime crush as a favor. But when Lucas invades his heart in addition to his space, Jared has to decide how much of himself he's willing to risk and figure out if he can offer Lucas enough to keep him after his father's punishment is over.

There's just something about Cardeno C. that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. And then paired with Paul Morey narrating? Perfection. 

Lucas, Jared's longtime crush, is heading to Arizona to stay with Jared. Not by choice, of course. His father sends him there to learn some discipline and responsibility. As he has none, instead he's a total brat. 

They start out as kind-of enemies. I say kind-of because I don't think it's anything personal. Lucas is enemies with anyone who doesn't give him his way. Like I said, he's a brat. 

Jared is so sweet and shy. I just LUV him. He didn't let Lucas get away with too much, but he still managed to be his sweet self and woo Lucas, unintentionally.

Their relationship was natural and organic. It just flowed. Even in it's short amount of pages, it didn't feel rushed at all. 

And damn, they were sexy. This is where I would have loved more. I think shy Jared's got a dirty mouth on him just waiting to shout delicious words to Lucas. We caught a glimpse, just a glimpse, and it wasn't nearly enough.

McFarland's Farm is a delicious, feel good, low angst, little treat. 

 

Find out more info on Goodreads!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Author Visit: Trevor Project Book Sale - 'tis the season to help donate to a worthy cause

Christmas is right around the corner...wouldn't you like to donate to a good cause by reading?

Piqued your interest?

PACKAGE NAME:  Hot Reads For The Trevor Project

Get ready to lower your thermostat because your winter is about to get hot! For a limited time only, get SIX great reads by some of the hottest authors in M/M! A guilt-free guilty pleasure at an incredibly low price with all proceeds going to The Trevor Project!

ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT:

Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.

THE BOOKS:

- ROAD RUNNER (ENCHANTMENT #1)

By Rain Carrington

In the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico, lives a man who has secrets. Levi Kape watches people at a bar nightly, writing things in his notebook and trying to blend in with the locals. His secrets keep him from getting close to anyone until Bobby Dawes comes off the road after a long haul in his 18-wheeler. After getting to know Bobby, he realizes he’d never been close to anyone. That was about to change.

Levi can’t settle down and not because he doesn’t want to, but because it could endanger his life. Bobby is a gentle, loving and strong man who doesn’t do commitment. He’s also a man that Levi wants more than anything, including his own safety.

Danger causes Levi to leave but he can’t forget the truck driver that drove into his life, changing everything. When Levi leaves, Bobby goes back onto the road, trying to forget the “Golden God” he’d fallen for, but with some help from friends with connections to dark people and places, Bobby finds his man and swears never to let him go again.

Can they save each other not only from the men who want Levi dead but from years of never seeking or finding the love they found in one another? Will the ultimate betrayal cost them the trust they need to make it work between them? Can Bobby save him, or be lost in a dark world alone…

- CAGED: LOVE AND TREACHERY ON THE HIGH SEAS (BAAL'S HEART #1)

By Bey Deckard

Sheltered and lonely, Jon's life changes drastically when a strange ship sails into the harbour of his small port town one day. Trapped between the possessive pirate captain and his murderous first mate, he must learn to adapt or he will lose himself completely. An epic tale of love, treachery and revelation, this first installment of the Baal's Heart trilogy brings you into the lives of three men so bound together by jealousy and lies that they must sail to the very ends of the earth to find forgiveness.

Deckard's first novel is a masterful portrayal of sorrow, hope, and passion, with a narrative that twists the reader through a world set in the Golden Age of Piracy. A thrilling look into the darker side of human nature, Caged effortlessly melds serious historical fantasy with five star erotica.

- DANGEROUSLY HAPPY

By Varian Krylov

Aidan has always played it safe. Instead of pursuing his dream of creating innovative music that makes his soul sing, he settled for a degree in software, a job in a cubicle, and a spot in a generic band with his buddies.

And he's always been straight. But when he's seduced by magnetic local literary luminary Dario, Aidan must decide whether to keep playing it safe, or succumb to a ravenous passion and a nourishing love unlike anything he's experienced before. Will he find the courage to go after real happiness if it means admitting he's in love with a man?

Their journey together isn't easy. Sometimes it isn't safe. Even if Aidan has the courage to admit he's in love with Dario, can he endure the repercussions of the traumatic event in Dario's past?

- LUXURIA: THE OSWALD WITCHES

By Mathew Ortiz

Duncan Blackthorne carried a heavy burden for one so young. One of the most powerful witches of the Earth Clans, his singular ability to control fire was both blessing and curse. The wallflower of his family, they had no idea of what turbulent waters churned under his calm surface. Never expecting to find love, he trudged through life, expecting nothing. Until the man in his dreams became more real and insistent, Duncan realized his dream lover was so much more than expected. Suddenly he had a real world dominant that rocked his body and a dreaming ghost lover who captured his heart. Now what the hell was witch to do?

- GRIF'S TOY (TEASE AND DENIAL #1)

By Joseph Lance Tonlet

Grif believes he’ll live his life as a virgin. After all, who would want him? How could anyone find him, a guy who came with less than man-sized equipment, worthy of their love?

What he hadn’t counted on were the two amazing men who would change his life. After entering college, he meets Tate, his fun-loving roommate. While years later, with Tate now just a memory, Wes, a handsome, rugged ex-marine who runs his own security firm enters his life.

Both men lead Grif through a twisted mesh of pleasure, pain, and denial, as they force him to see his value, despite his size and insecurities.

- SAM AND DEREK: THE WHOLE STORY

By Brad Vance

Sam Bradford is a down-on-his-luck former Special Forces soldier when he meets Derek Constantine, sexually confused billionaire. Together the two men will play a series of games that bring them ever closer together…and which in the end may be the death of them…

Sam’s Reluctant Submission

Sam's down to his last five dollars when he meets Derek, who makes him an offer - come to my estate for a manhunt, evade me for two days, and you'll make ten grand...but if I catch you, you surrender your ass to me! Sam's got SERE training and he's pretty sure his straight ass is safe, but anything can happen when the hunt is on...

Sam’s Reluctant Submission II: Urban Manhunt

In Part I, Sam lost his ass to Derek, but kept something more important – Derek submitted him, but didn’t break him, and that’s what Derek really wanted. Now Derek wants a rematch – fifty grand for an urban manhunt, if Sam evades Derek’s crew…if he doesn’t, it’s four on one and Sam’s ass is toast!

Sam’s Reluctant Submission III: Search and Rescue

In Part 2, Sam lost his ass to Derek again – and loved it! Which left him wondering if he was gay after all. Maybe a three way with Jake and Eddie will help him figure that out… And when Derek calls Sam to get his help with a search and rescue effort, what sexual sparks might be generated if they clash again in a “threematch”?

Sam’s Reluctant Submission IV: Avenging Devils

The epic conclusion to the saga of Sam and Derek! When Derek’s dark past rears its head to jeopardize the couple and their friends Jake and Eddie, Sam will have to call on his old Special Forces buddies to do battle with The Factory, a malevolent cartel bent on revenge. Will Sam and Derek rescue Eddie from his kidnappers? Will seeing Sam explore his top side with Eddie make Derek jealous…or make him want Sam to do that to him? Most frightening and dangerous of all, will Derek finally say the L word!

BONUS STORY - Eddie’s MMA Submission – the story of Sam’s friends Eddie and Jake

Eddie works across the street from Downtown Fight Academy. And he can't stop thinking about Jake, the hot MMA fighter he ran into at the store. When Jake offers to train him, Eddie's ready to throw down in the Octagon. But when Jake has him submitted, and pulls out a weapon you won't see on TV, will Eddie tap out...or take the punishment?

Here's the purchase link!

More information about these awesome authors giving back:

- Rain Carrington

When she isn't taking out gay bashers with her mean right hook she is at her desk writing steamy stories of man on man love. Rain also spends time with her beloved family and friends and in her spare time maybe sleeps for a few hours.

Rain is an ally in the gay rights crusade, she also loves animals and tries her best to stop animal abuse.

She is at her desk now getting some of her other stories ready for publication and will let them out as she they are ready so keep an eye out for Cabin Fever next!

- Bey Deckard

Born and raised in a small coastal town in northern Québec, Bey spent his early summers on his uncle’s boat and running wild on the beaches of the surrounding islands, lighting fires and building huts out of driftwood and fishermen’s nets. As an adult, he eventually made his way to university and earned a degree in Art History with a strong focus on Anthropology. Primarily a portrait painter and graphic artist, Bey sat down one day and decided to write about the two things that he felt most passionate about: sex and the sea.

Bey currently lives in the wilds of Montréal with his best buddy, a spotty pit bull named Murphy. Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas is his first novel.

- Varian Krylov

Since her girlhood in a sunny coastal town in California, Varian Krylov has nurtured a love of words and a curiosity about the deep, dark forces at work in human nature, especially sexuality, and how they often paradoxically twine with our tenderest impulses. Her stories tend to explore the sometimes fine line between what arouses, and what frightens, what we’re driven to, and what we’re ashamed of.

As witty and seductive as I am sarcastic and self-deprecating, I spend as much time as possible thinking and writing about sex. No, not dense, inscrutable post-feminist texts on media representations of gender and the body--that was grad school. I write stories--short stories, novels, and starting a few weeks ago, screenplays--most of which poke and prod and the dark little corners of human sexuality. In a sense, nothing's taboo, anymore. There's no act, no fetish that hasn't been made utterly banal in the proliferation of porn. What intrigues and excites me is the exploration of the conflicting impulses, the twisted psychology and turbulent emotions of people who find themselves unable to resist desires that lie beyond their own moral boundaries.

- Mathew Ortiz

Mathew Ortiz was born in Nuremburg Germany in 197O, the son of a quiet Army man and his loud Hungarian wife. Spending only two years in Germany, his family relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas where he spent his youth in exile. Here is where he attended primary school and college, obtaining a degree in Nursing. He moved to Phoenix and met the bane and love of his life, Tim. When not on his laptop watching Are You Being Served or Keeping Up Appearances, Matt can be found either napping or reading with gusto.

- Joseph Lance Tonlet

Joseph is a born and raised Southern Californian--with a twenty-year stint of living in the Midwest. He loves the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego and considers himself lucky to live where people dream of vacationing.

A lifelong reader of m/m fiction, he began his writing career one night sitting at his MacBook and has never looked back. He writes to bring the characters he dreams about to life.

- Brad Vance

Brad Vance writes gay romance, erotica and paranormal stories and novels, including the breakout hits "A Little Too Broken" and "Given the Circumstances." Keep up with Brad at BradVanceErotica.wordpress.com, email him at BradVanceErotica@gmail.com, and friend him on Facebook at facebook.com/brad.vance.10

If you're interested about this awesome package - 6 titles for an unbelievable price of $10, check out the buy links on this page. The sale ends January 1st, 2015!!!

Review: Brooklyn Bound by Jenna Byrnes

Tucker and Gabe discover they’re soulmates. If only they can get Gabe’s wife Brooklyn to admit her own true desires.

Tucker Gleason is a junior partner in the prestigious law firm of Dryer, Stokes and Associates. His career is going well—he’s on track to make full partner, having won more cases than any other lawyer in the firm. His love life is another matter. On his own for too long, he gets a much needed jolt when he meets one of the owners of the construction company hired to build the new law firm offices.

Gabe Conner is a happily married man, until he meets Tucker and is reminded of the hot gay relationship he experienced in college. Thinking it was just youthful experimentation, he never mentioned it to his wife. But now that he’s met Tucker and the two men are so drawn to each other, he has no choice but to bring it up.

Brooklyn Conner isn’t as shocked to learn her husband has gay tendencies as she is to find out he’s interested in one of her bosses. She’s a paralegal at Dryer and Stokes, and worries about losing not only her husband but also her job if things fall through with the sexy junior partner. She can’t resist their advances when they both join forces to seduce her, and quickly decides she doesn’t need to. Sex with two men is hot. Until Tucker’s true appetite is revealed, and Brook’s vanilla world is turned upside down.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of M/M intimacy and ménage in a polyamorous relationship between two men and a woman.

Publisher's Note: The stories in this series are linked solely by theme and can be read in any order. This book can be read as a standalone title.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Brooklyn Bound is a card carrying member of Pornlandia. Pornlandia has a different rating system because, let’s face it, we've left romancelandia. I don’t know about you but I like my porn without a lot of dialogue. More grunting, moaning, affirming things, a well placed declarative sentence is welcome and perhaps a little secular deity calling. I could do with less bothersome, awkward conversations and pathetic attempts at a plot, but that’s just me.

Brooklyn Bound begins in a most promising fashion with Tucker at a gay BDSM club. At 2% a hot thing gigantor (in all ways *wink*) Master with long flowing black hair directing his two slave boys on how to properly suck his cock definitely piqued my interest. Tucker turns around and sees a three-way daisy chain/dude sandwich then a four way Cirque du Soleil thing happening. I’m thinking just jump in there, buddy! Let’s get this party started! Dark Fabio even propositioned him! Next thing you know Tucker’s all tuckered out in his jim jams at home missing his ex? How you gonna turn down dark Fabio, bro? Not even a shower jerk off once he gets home because he can’t get it up for anyone since losing his beloved 2 yrs ago.

*narrows eyes*

This does not sound promising. Absolutely NO soft peen in my porn. Soft peen is for the birds.

*proceeds with caution*

Tucker heads to the office the next day for a meeting with the contractors who are building new office space for his law firm.

Now, we're getting somewhere!

Construction workers are always randy! Here we go. Tucker sees Gabe and his heart skips a beat followed shortly thereafter by his declaration of sexual preference presumably in an effort to entice Gabe into a boy sandwich because why else would you discuss your sexual preferences in a business meeting? Alas, Gabe’s all shy boy with his Fabio hair and *sputters* goes back to work?!?! Curious. Ole Tuck shook off his “I can never love again” blues with a quickness, didn't he? And then Superman turned into that guy. You know that guy. That guy that starts stalking you after meeting you for 5 mins. That guy that when he asks for your number you give him 867-5309 and when he says, “we don’t use that prefix” you say, “the phone company made an exception just for me. Trust me.”

Turns out Gabe’s stalking uncovered a major roadblock. Gabe’s hitched to Brooklyn who, wouldn’t you know it, is not only a girl but also works for his firm. WHAT are the chances? That makes checking out the competition easier, doesn't it? This goes about as well as that Lone Ranger movie did for Johnny Depp. You know why? Because Tuck has no experience with the ladies and he’s all awkward and shit. Damn the luck! He’s just always struggled with foot-in-mouth-syndrome when it comes to chatting up the ladies.

Have you noticed the marked lack of sex? I sure did.

Tuck decides he’s not the guy to interfere with another’s relationship right up until he sees Gabe and his Fabio locks the next day and can’t resist a kiss and a cock squeeze because Gabe should know what he’s missing. Oddly enough, this works mostly because Gabe’s got a secret and Pornlandia. Gabe likes to be pounded but hasn’t been since before he hitched his wagon to Brook, so you can imagine how needy he is. Everything’s a go except… the pesky wife who doesn’t know about Gabe’s pounding history. Not to worry! A steak dinner and a quick powwow is gonna fix this deal and then they are all gonna get their freak on. Together. Even though Tucker’s gay and bad with the ladies. Whatever. It’s gonna happen!

Except… 

Buzzkill Brook isn’t all that keen but she ain’t gonna lose her man! They have some odd and somewhat confusing sex after which she slaps him in her drunken stupor and stumbles off to pass out. Why I then have to read about her alarm being reset by Gabe continues to stump me and in my opinion alarms have no business in Pornlandia. We’ve strayed way off the reservation here. Clearly everyone needs a reminder-Pornlandia. Pornlandia with a marked lack of actual porn thus far. I need you people to focus. 

“I’ll make it worth her while, believe me. What woman could resist two men taking care of her every desire?”

*scurries off to put on porn goggles*

I can’t believe I forgot those! Oh wait, the lack of sex thus far. Nevermind. Perhaps the porn goggles will explain how gay Tuck is going to rock Brook’s world with his non-existent history of rockin’ the ladies’ worlds. Fingers crossed he's got his hands on some Viagra or something because… soft peen. Soft peen is not gonna be popular with needy Gabe nor his ball and chain.

Well, newly and inexplicably comfy with the ladies Tuck comes over to talk and… *cue Sean Paul*

“Brook, baby. I’m getting ready to fuck his wanton ass. Would you like to watch my cock go in?” She patted Tucker’s cheek so he’d release her, and scooted down for a better view.

“Wow. Look how his hole flutters.”

“I had three fingers in there. I think that’s enough. When he goes to fuck me, I’ll need at least four to prep my ass. Maybe five. He’s huge.”

Yo! Less chattering. Please refer back to paragraph one. PORN FOUL!

So enthusiastic, short lived couch sex happens, which is but phase one of Tucker's plan because smart lawyer is a bait and switch kind of guy.

The next part of his plan would require a bit more finesse. He couldn’t come right out and tell Gabe that he was a closet submissive who craved a Master’s touch. He’d have to bring him around slowly. The traditional method of introducing D/s was to slip commands into sexual acts, and turn them into a role-playing game. It was a proven effective technique, best used on someone when he was emotionally open and vulnerable. Once he’d gotten his new lover used to the idea of a Dominant leading their play, he could turn the tables and let Gabe dominate.

Fascinating. 

I’m getting my learn on now.

I don’t know about you guys but I’m starting to get the feeling Brooklyn’s the third wheel in this bizarre love triangle. Tuck’s got another thing coming if he thinks Brook’s going curbside without a fight, though.

Brook searched her dresser drawers for the sexiest lingerie she owned. A lacy, strapless black teddy cut high on the thighs would fit the bill perfectly. Slipping into the bathroom, she stripped and donned the outfit. In the back of her closet she found the tall ‘fuck me’ heels she’d purchased one day on a whim, but hardly ever wore for fear of snapping an ankle. She’d simply have to be careful, because she was dressing to impress tonight. If Gabe and Tucker wanted to be alone together she’d give them cause for second thoughts, making herself too irresistible to ignore.

BECAUSE THEY'RE GAY! G.A.Y.
They like boys.

They dig the buttsex.

They like peen.

Do I need to draw you a picture?

Well, technically I didn't draw that or take it for that but… details. The message is clear:

No ladies needed.

The wife’s always the last to know, isn't she? Wait, what the hell am I talking about? It’s Pornlandia! Sheesh, with the dearth of sex happening in this porn I almost forgot. Again.

*adjusts porn goggles* Could they be defective? *shakes them*

Anyhoo, the sexy lingerie gauntlet gets thrown down among other things promptly followed by her hightailing it to her parent’s house the next morning to give Gabe and Tucker time to bond? You cannot simply pick up the gauntlet once you’ve thrown it down. There are gauntlet throwing down rules of engagement and running off to visit the folks is a violation. You do not leave said possibly (read: probably) gay husband alone with his newly acquired gay lover FOR THE WEEKEND, but what’s done is done. Let the cockanigans begin a.k.a. phase 2 of Tuck’s “master” plan.

Confessions about submission are uttered; clothes and M&M’s are bought. Don’t ask. A new truck is perused which makes it pretty clear Gabe ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but boy does he take to dominating his boy like a duck to water.

His puckering hole fluttered open, and he sat firmly on Tucker’s lap. “Aw, God.” 

“Yes, oh yes.” Tucker tried to buck his hips, an impossible chore with Gabe’s full weight on him. 

“Slow down, you ass slut,” Gabe chastised. “I’m calling the shots here, and don’t you forget it.”

Ok, so maybe a duck to water is overstating things a bit. Whatever. Pornlandia, people. Pornlandia minus a condom because who needs those? Everybody’s clean, right? You can just tell these things. AND the condom automatically becomes a non-issue once declarations of love occur, right? In the front seat of an SUV. After mutual BJs. And M&Ms with peanuts cause that makes it more… seriouser.

Brooklyn returns rom her folks and she’s having none of this Tucker bribing with her man with M&Ms and clothes and whatnot. They are going to turn back the clock and go back to being *cough* “vanilla” and possibly find another boy toy. Sure. Why not? It’s still Pornlandia. I still got my goggles on. It can happen, right? You can’t buy love!

Unless…

You throw in paying for the rest of her law school and offering her a job after she graduates then all bets are off.

*cue REO Speedwagon*

Brook and Tuck decide they’re going to surprise their master by binding their arms behind their backs and blindfolding each other. How’d they accomplish that? Beats the hell out of me. I’m going with dick wizardry because it explains all things.

3 Hearts for entertaining me with their enthusiasm for their lackluster sex, peanut M&Ms and the dark Fabio sighting a 2%. Hindsight being 20/20, I should’ve stopped there, then again had I not persevered I would’ve missed out on all this pseudoporn with far too much talking, boring sex, a transparent plot, dick wizardry and an overabundance of fluttering holes which reminds me, minus 1 heart for that. Holes fluttering are a porn foul, so 2 hearts it is.

Recommend to… you know who you are.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.