Review: Celebrate by Kim Dare

It’s not easy learning how to be a swan, but Ori Jones has worked hard to embrace a role that still doesn’t come entirely naturally to him. Now, almost a year after his first full shift, he finally feels as if he is making a difference at the Anderson nest. 

Ori’s happier than he’d ever been, until a few words from his master, Raynard, suddenly bring all of Ori’s old fears rushing back to the surface. 

The nest’s elders want to have a party for Ori’s birthday, but Ori can’t see any reason to celebrate in it being a year since he reached his avian maturity. After all, what’s the use in learning to be a good swan when Raynard never wanted a swan in the first place? 

Please Note: This story is best read in order as part of the Avian Shifters series. The previous book is Duck! and the next book is Magpie. 

ORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to be too y'know direct but I've been biding my time just waiting for Raynard to screw the pooch, so to speak, so I could swoop in to save the... ORIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!! 

Raynard, however, is just not cooperating. I thought for a minute there he was going to play into my greedy little hands. I had my consoling bag of tricks at the ready and then... *sigh* he went and executed the perfect move. Again.

Why does he have to be so perfect? 

Bah! Anyhoo...

Celebrate takes place one year after Ori's first shift/his birthday and the nest wants to celebrate his becoming a swan, however that illustrious shift changed Ori's life and came with its fair share of pain. Even though he's less than enthusiastic about being in the spotlight he's loathe to mention it for fear of seeming ungrateful. Sweet lil duck. I mean, swan.

"...When I want you all to myself-that's what I'll have. Master's prerogative."

Every day with his master is a day for celebration as far as Ori's concerned and Raynard just keeps proving how worthy a master he truly is. 

*kicks rocks*

It's cool. I'll wait. Raynard better keep being good to our his boy otherwise Cupcake'll swoop right in there.

If you love this series, Ori and/or Kim Dare's writes this is worth the read.

Raynard-4,953
Cupcake-NO ORI!

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

Find out more on Goodreads.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Kim Dare

The Queen of Kink with a Heart a.k.a. Daisy Bonny Hooves

Joins us today to celebrate the re-release of Magpie! 

She's also given us a clever flash fic like only Kim Dare can to celebrate our anniversary. 

Mr. Bevan

by

Kim Dare

“You’re really going through with this?”

Gethin sighed. Ignoring his friend, Jack, he concentrated on fastening the leather cuff Mr. Bevan had sent him around his wrist.

“He could be a serial killer,” Jack added.

Gethin turned to face the sinks in the staff bathroom at the back of the pub, and picked up the blindfold Mr. Bevan had ordered him to wear. “Just because he’s not a teddy bear dom, that doesn’t mean he’s a psychopath.”

He met Jack’s eyes in the mirror over one of the sinks. Jack smiled.

Mr. Bevan wouldn’t have smiled. If a sub spoke to him like that, Mr. Bevan would have the boy over his knee in an instant. Gethin’s cock stiffened inside his tight leather trousers, but a shiver also ran down his spine.

Gethin may have only communicated with Mr. Bevan by e-mail, but he knew what kind of a man Mr. Bevan was. Strict, harsh and demanding. Mr. Bevan was nothing like Jack, and everything Gethin wanted in a dom.

*****

Jack watched his young friend enter a cubicle and close the toilet lid. Gethin hurriedly fastened the blindfold in place, leaned against the wall and tried to look relaxed—with limited success.

“You should go, Jack. Mr. Bevan will be pissed if you’re here when he arrives.”

Jack bit back his laughter. “Fair enough, it’s your life.” He closed the bathroom door behind him, but stayed in the staff changing room adjoining it.

Opening a locker, he swapped his well-worn leather boots for a far shinier pair that laced up to his knees. He exchanged his T-shirt for a leather waistcoat and attached a few toys to his belt. A few sprays of a cologne that he’d never normally wear, a pair of leather gloves, and he was ready.

It was time for Gethin to meet his Mr. Bevan in person for the first time.

Talented author is talented! Many thanks to Kim for helping us celebrate our second anniversary. Let her know what you thought of her story in the comments.


Author Bio: 

Kim is a thirty-one year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.

While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim’s first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things – Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.

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AND

She's even willing to throw in Duck! if you've not read it already!

To be entered please leave a comment with your email address or some means of contacting you (e.g. email, Twitter handle, link to Goodreads account, etc.)  

The giveaway is open until 10 p.m. PST November 21st.  Shortly thereafter, we will choose a winner whom we will select using a highly scientific "names in a hat" method (or, you know, an internet randomizer). Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner.

Review: A Few Bad Men (Outlaw MC #7) by James Cox

What if bad guys ruled the world and the good guys were the outlaws?

The war on mars is almost over. A small band of peacekeepers are hiding from the Outlaw MC. Grim has held his past from the club since he joined. He punishes himself for his sins years ago, no relationships, no friends, nothing but taking the government down. Then he meets a member’s brother.

Valentine just escaped from the prison on earth. He’s too young for Grim but that doesn’t stop the pull between them. As the club hunts down the last of the peacekeepers, Grim and Valentine have sex. It isn’t until afterward that the truth of his past comes out.

Grim was a guard at the very prison Valentine was in. Can lies be forgiven as the peace of mars is shattered?

I’m really not the forgiving sort when it comes to the big bad things. Once I’ve done been wronged the ‘wrong-er’ is dead to me, the ‘wrong-ee’ because, fuck you, that’s why. That goes double for doing my loved ones wrong and I consider my book characters to be loved ones. But, and this is a big old but, dammit if James Cox make me forgive a bad guy. I mean, FFS, Grim was a guard on earth! Yet, I couldn’t help but fall for the guy and it doesn’t hurt that I have a gaping hole in my heart that can only be filled by the damaged strong silent type and Grim is that guy in spades. I’ve been intrigued by his character from the beginning. I knew he had to have some deep dark secret he’s been punishing himself for, but I didn’t expect this! Although, James made me forgive a Peacekeeper, I really shouldn’t be that surprised.

Valentine was a completely charming character. He’s young but he’s seen A LOT. He’s survived his time on Earth and managed to get himself back to Mars, the man knows how to use resources to survive. He’s Romeo’s little brother and I liked reading about the two of them finding family again. He’s a badass in his own right, I mean, all these guys are, but each is his own unique flavor of badass and I liked Valentine a lot. Mars is finally becoming the land the Outlaws dreamed it would be but the fight is far from over. Earth is still colonized by prisoners, our poor Liam being one of them! And Da-Si is still out there. That guy cannot be underestimated.

Grim and Valentine are paired up (honestly, I love the sound of their names together) and I loved reading the push and pull between them. Grim ended up breaking my heart with how he punished himself and James handled the resolution perfectly. It wasn’t too pretty, making it too convenient and cheapening the storyline, but it wasn’t a dragged out angst fest either. I think these guys have been through enough that they intellectually know they have to grab on to happiness when they can and they’re not too stupid or stubborn to let it get away. What I’m really trying to say is, James writes strong male characters that break the alpha stereotype and yet still hang on to the wonderful traits that make them the men we love.

So, a few words about the ending. Holy fucking hell. That is all.

*wipes brow after reading the steaminess*

Check out more about A Few Bad Men and the rest of the Outlaws over on Goodreads.

** a copy of this story was provided for an honest review **

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Tom Webb

The Godfather is in the stable! We repeat, our Godfather is in the stable! All hooves gather round! He's here bearing goodies for all! Flash fiction and a giveaway! Squee together with us!!!

Shadows and Silk

by Tom Webb

The setting sun seemed to cast shadows in every corner of the room, and I didn’t immediately see Miguel standing near the windows. His olive skin seemed to blend in with the fading light, but when I caught sight of him wearing the Cartagena engagement necklace, my breath caught in my lungs.

“Aren’t you going to finish unlacing me?” His voice was as soft as I imagined his skin to be.

Stepping forward, I reached out to him, then hesitated. “Does this mean you accept my suit?”

Warm laughter softened something clenched in my chest. “Silly man, I’ve been yours since you kicked Ramon Navarre in the knee in second grade for pushing me down and getting mud on my shirt.”

“I love you, Miguel.”

He turned, his garment falling to the floor. “Shut up and kiss me, mi amor.”

We unicorns thank our Godfather, Tom Webb, heartily! Let him know in the comments what you thought!

Author Bio:

T.A. Webb is the writing name for the Mean Old Bear That Could. He's worked with people living with HIV/AIDS and with children in the foster care system for over twenty years, and takes the smaller pay for the chance to make a difference for those who can't help themselves. After hours, he's the proud single papa of two rescuer dogs, was born and raised in Atlanta, where he still lives, and is a pretty darned good country cook.

His sister taught him to read when he was four, and he tore his way through the local library over the next few years. Always wanting more, he snuck a copy of The Exorcist under his parents' house to read when he was eleven and scared the bejesus out of himself. Thus began a love affair with books that skirt the edge, and when he discovered gay literature, he was hooked for life.

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To enter to win one ebook of the winner's choice from Tom Webb's backlist, please leave a comment on this blog post and let us know your name and a means of contacting you (e.g., email, Twitter handle, link to Goodreads account, etc.)

The giveaway is open until 10:00PM (Pacific time) on 11/20/15. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner whom we will select using a highly scientific "names in a hat" method (or, you know, an internet randomizer). Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner.

Group Review: Heartsville Series by Piper Vaughn, Nico Jaye, J.H. Knight, Jayden Brooks and Cate Ashwood

Welcome to the gayborhood! In the cozy town of Heartsville, the streets are lined with trees, the shops are full of friendly faces, and happily ever after is just around the corner. Come get to know the boys next door—naughty, nice, and everything in between. 

After a blurb like that who wouldn't want to be welcomed to the gayborhood!? Needless to say, a few of us wanted in on some Heartsville action, so we group reviewed this little gem of a series.

Ann

Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn ~ 5 hearts
I had a soft spot for this story before I even started. What one of us can’t relate to the absolute and complete immersion into being a fangirl/guy for our favorite authors? Mark’s bookstore is struggling and he’s starting to feel a little bit of desperation. Problem is the author that he wants to come in for a signing is incredibly reclusive and Mark feels he’s made an ass of himself in front of them man before so it may be hopeless. But, again, desperate, so he gives it a shot. While Shepherd comes across as an arrogant bastard at first, the two work through the awkward and it turns out Shepherd isn’t what he seems at first and I ended up loving his character. Mark was a perfect balance for Shepherd and I loved reading how he boosted Shepherd, giving him the confidence to come out of his shell and embrace life with Mark. Pay special attention to the scene in Mark’s office before a book signing. Damn, I do love a scene that can be both filthy and romantic at the same time. And I can’t forget, kudos to Mark’s dad, he was an amazing character.
Unscripted by Nico Jaye ~ 4.5 hearts 
My only problem with this story was that I wanted more. I also wanted a visual for Rocky Horror Nite at the Oasis. While at first I thought this was an enemies to lovers, or at least an opposites attract story, I don’t really think it was either and that’s good. The length of the story was conducive to what it was, a love story about two guys who were much more alike than appearances would seem, Carter just needed to be reminded about what was important. It made the story very sweet, perfectly dirty in all the right places and hopeful for the future between Teddy and Carter.
Another Shot by JH Knight ~ 4 hearts
This started out as a blind date gone right. Aaron and Brad clicked from the beginning and from the blurb that shit would end up getting too real. Annnnd it did. BUT, JH Knight made it work. Aaron’s feelings about the past were never discounted and Brad didn’t continue carrying guilt that wasn’t his burden. The potential for angst and stubborn miscommunication was high, but JH Knight handled it perfectly. It was really no easy feat for a novella, the balance has to be just right to buy the past and the forgiveness and I totally did. 
Clique by Jayden Brooks ~ 4.5 hearts
Ok, this was adorable and damn funny. It made me go check out everything else by Jayden Brooks because I just plain had a great time reading this from the first sentence. It’s told from inside Adam’s head and it was a manic whirlwind of hilarious inner monologuing. Brandon is Adam’s match and complete opposite and they just worked. After their meet/cute they had their push and pull as Brandon dismissed Adam but then couldn’t resist the attraction he had for the adorable man. If you love the opposites attract trope than this is the story for you. 
Bloom Box by Cate Ashwood ~ 4 hearts
Oh Milo, I love you. These two were just so damn good together. Will was no way near ready for a relationship after the shitshow he went through with his cheating bastard of an ex, but I dare you to find someone who wouldn’t fall in love with Milo’s open heart and complete charm. Cate Ashwood balanced the story really well and kept the storyline of the ex just present enough to show us why Will is in the mindset he’s in. It makes sense and the evolution of his feelings made sense because of the pace of the story. That made me believe Will’s feelings for Milo were real and HEA bound.

Breann
Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn ~ 4.5 hearts
Mark was the owner of a bookstore. His store is in desperate need of some business if he wants to stay open. He asks one of his favorite authors, Shepard, to come do a signing at his store. But... that didn't go so well. Shep did see the error of his ways and the two got a second chance together and it was adorable. Mark is impossible not to like with his open and sweet personality. And Shep was just a little misunderstood, but still just as loveable. A great start to this ridiculously cute series.
Unscripted by Nico Jaye ~ 4 hearts
Whew. Teddy and Carter were hot together. And sweet. And hot. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Carter, since he was a great big jerk in the beginning. But I was happy to see that he was very open with Teddy and put people before his business. Teddy... what's not to love. I just want to squish him and keep him in my pocket. Hot and smuffy story, with the most perfect ending.
Another Shot by JH Knight ~ 4 hearts
Aaron and Brad are set up on a blind date and totally hit it off. They were really sweet and just... great guys. I liked the whole blind date thing. I don't know that I've read a romance where the blind date actually works out. It's usually a disaster or something, so it was nice to read something different (for me, at least). Things were going wonderfully for them but their past snuck up on them in the end. They didn't turn into a huge angst-fest and I loved that. This was a really enjoyable, light read. It put a huge grin on my face.
Clique by Jayden Brooks ~ 4.5 hearts
Oh, this one was so great. It had a different feel than the others. I think it was the first person POV that made the difference for me and there was a bit more humor. Adam's head was a great place to be and he made the story very enjoyable. Well, that and Brandon with his sexy beard. He's a bit gruffy and the opposite of Adam, but they fit well together. Super cute opposites attract romance.

Bloom Box by Cate Ashwood ~ 4.5 hearts
Eeee! My favorite of the bunch. Milo is just so adorable and delightful. I loved him and Will together. The way Milo jumped right into help Will, made me fall for him right there. Yeah, he was an employee, but he went beyond the call of the job and was so sweet. They had great chemistry and the tension was there. Just thinking about these two gets me all giddy. I was completely charmed by their story.

Jenni Lea
Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn ~ 4 hearts
This was the first book in the series that I read and I loved it! A nerdy bookstore owner in glasses? Yes please! I loved that Mark fanboy'd all over Shepherd. Who here hasn't done that once or twice (or a million times)? Sexy, funny and heartfelt, this was a winner all around. Though I do have to say, poor Stephen King. I'll never look at one of his books the same way again. Heh, all I kept thinking with that scene was, 'don't break the spine or crease the pages!'
Clique by Jayden Brooks ~ 4 hearts
Next on my list was a tale told by an author I hadn't read yet and boy am I sorry I haven't! Jayden Brooks is funny! I loved the banter between Adam and Brandon but I have to say I think Brandon's parents stole the show. I'm definitely checking out more from this author. Jayden Brooks, you're on my radar now!
Bloom Box by Cate Ashwood ~ 4 hearts
Aww, this one was so sweet! I was afraid at first that Milo would end up being a caricature of a twink but thankfully that didn't happen. Milo was a surprisingly strong character; it was Will who was a bit timid at first. It was nice to see an older main character. As I age (gracefully, mind you) I find I seek out books that have mature main characters in them as I feel I connect with them more. This story didn't disappoint. I'll be reading more from Cate Ashwood too.
Another Shot by JH Knight ~ 4.5 hearts
This one was my favorite of the series. It had it all, humor, sweetness, angst and best of all, fabulous secondary characters. But that's what I've come to expect from JH Knight's stories so this one fit right in with all the other ones I've read and loved by her. So, JH, can we have Simon's story now? PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE??????
Unscripted by Nico Jaye ~ 4 hearts
And last but by no means least, we get Teddy's story. My smuff addiction has been satisfied. I now have a few new phrases added to my vocabulary (hate boners, anyone?). I did notice though, that of all five stories in this series, Teddy is the only one that didn't have a speaking role in someone else's book. I would have liked to have seen him intermingle with the characters from the other stories a bit. Well, there's always round two!

Lori
This series of five books was a pure delight to read. I've read (and loved) work by Nico Jaye, Piper Vaughn and JH Knight before, but Jayden Brookes and Cate Ashwood were new to me. I'm going to review the series as a whole, although each book is standalone and could be read that way.

What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!

Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.

I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.

What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!

Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...

And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.

Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.

A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.  


Heartsville has been officially uni-banged and we loved the smuffy cuteness of it all. I think the consensus is... MORE PLEASE!


 

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Tali Spencer

All unicorns gather around! Daisy Rainbow Mane is here! The one who truly knocked uniporn out of the park! (Chuck Tingle notwithstanding - he's a different class) If you've never heard of Thick as Thieves, get thee to bookseller ASAP! This is BMBR approved (as is Tali)! 

Daisy Rainbow Mane aka Tali Spencer has come bearing so many gifts, we're really considering hiding our horns incognito-like but they don't make shades big enough. Maybe you can try out? 

Take a gander at her sci-fi flash fic, Hue, and stick around from her awesome visit and giveaway for one lucky winner!

Hue

by

Tali Spencer

I saw him standing at the bar, stripped to the waist and ripped like a prize fighter. Brilliant hues of blue, red, and green splotched the skin on his broad heavily-muscled back. Yellow and deep purple peeked out from his waistband and hints of other colors lay on his arms. His trousers undoubtedly hid more.

I ordered a swallow of Zing and looked around for any fully-clothed men I could stand near for a chance to blend in. No shot. Most of the crowd was showing lots of skin.

Tall, broad, and manly walked over. “Drinking alone? I’m Ran.”

“Les. And I’m having just one drink before bed.”

A smile lifted Ran’s lips to show white, even teeth. “Bedding alone?”

I could tell he was interested in changing that situation. I eyed his chest and blushed at all the different colors. “I’m new on this station.”

“You’re new…in lots of ways.” His blue eyes raked me. “Do you have any hues at all?”

Rather than answer, I asked, “What’s with you? You have more hues than anyone here.”

“Long story involving an orgiastic youth.”

“Oh.” I hadn’t asked his age. The bartender handed me the glass with its gobbet of Zing jiggling at the bottom and I downed the tiny mass in one gulp. 

The arrival of aliens on Earth had been mostly a good thing. Cure for cancer? Good. Zing? Definitely. Exponentially extended youth? Humans can be real assholes and now we get to be assholes for a really long time. Only time would tell if making humanity a space-faring race was such a great idea.

Nanoskin, though…that stuff branded a person for life. Humans got sprayed at birth. Now our skins gained a new hue with every sexual partner.  

I didn’t have any hues because my alien keepers had just released me into the wild. My pure state needed correcting and Ran looked like the man for the job.

“Let’s go,” I said. Ran gave me a big grin as I nodded to the door. “Bedtime.”

*****

This needs to be a novel yes? Let Tali know your thoughts on Hue and join our plea campaign!

About the author:

I am fascinated by swords, mythology, and everything ancient and magical. Sword and sandals? I'm in! But I also love bodice-rippers, Regency romances, magical realism, pulpy detective stories, cozy mysteries, and South American literature.

Though I grew up as a bit of a nomad, I currently live in Pennsylvania with my husband and travel whenever I can. Every destination yields a story or three.

When not writing, I read everything (really, everything), experiment with food, and take long walks with my loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.

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Fun and Games—and a Giveaway!

When the Unicorns sent me a photo prompt of a man splotched with paint, I immediately grinned and pounced on it. My current WIP (Victory Portrait) features a young male slave who “helps” an artist in perverse ways. Also my husband and I are painting a series of miniatures for a board game called Defenders of the Realm. Let’s just say paints and brushes are on my mind.

I never played a lot of board games when young because my family wasn’t really into them. As a young adult, though, I got into Dungeons and Dragons. The game was brand spanking new then. The epicenter of D&D gaming was near where I lived in Wisconsin at the time, in the town of Lake Geneva. In my gaming group I was a barbarian. I’d play wearing my costume of leather, chain mail, and fur—some reclaimed from an old Dr. Zhivago-inspired coat. My outfit was epic and also good for attracting the attention of young males. Going to GenCon when it was in Milwaukee was fun.

I’d wear my gear and carry a dragon on my shoulder. Yeah, Vorgell from Thick as Thieves and I have LOTS in common (including a tendency to be dense at times, even though we’re actually not dumb at all).

I stopped D&D gaming when I married and had kids. For the record, nothing sucks time, energy, or life from a woman like having one or more toddlers hanging on her legs. While waiting for the kids to grow up I started writing science fiction and fantasy—it’s amazing what a gal can accomplish during naptimes—and having a great time with that. I could invent new worlds, campaigns, and characters and do whatever I wanted with them. Anyone who’s been trapped with children understands the attraction.

Characters can be even more fun than real people, which brings me to board games…

Anyone who’s gotten to know me also knows I disappear on weekends. Why? Well, chances are I’m visiting with the Big Italian-American Family—and some of that time is spent playing board games like Defenders of the Realm (I’m a wizard), Tiny Epic Defenders (dwarf), A Touch of Evil (drifter), Dark Gothic (monster hunter), Samurai Spirit (monkey shifter), and Pandemic (researcher). My favorite games involve me taking on a character and acting with a team of family members (also in character) to save the world. We’re getting better, so pretty soon the world will be in good hands.

So if readers ask whether I “get into” the skins of my characters when I write…yes. Yes, I do. Sometimes even literally. I have a closet just for costumes.

Want to check out my books? Here’s a list with buy links.

How about the giveaway? In honor of the Unicorns, I am giving away this pretty Unicorn Horn tee-shirt! The shirt is purple (eggplant, for the fashion-conscious) and I have women’s sizes M, L, or XL. In addition to the shirt, the winner can also choose one of my ebooks. I write both M/M and M/F, so keep that in mind when looking at the list. Also, I will ship the tee shirt anywhere in the world. If a delivery service can find you, I can send it.

To be entered to win a unicorn tee AND one ebook of the winner's choice from Tali Spencer's backlist, please leave a comment with a means of contacting you (e.g. email, Twitter handle, link to Goodreads account, etc.).

The giveaway is open until 10 p.m. PST November 19th, 2015. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner whom we will select using a highly scientific "names in a hat" method (or, you know, an internet randomizer). Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner.

Review: Balancing Act by Angie Barry

In a world where even the Greek gods have to earn a paycheck, former lovers Adonis and Narcissus make a bet on who will be the first to successfully seduce the newest intern at Olympus Air: Ganymede. But seduction isn't so simple when old feelings are far from faded and new realizations come to light, leaving the two men confused as to who and what they really want.

Have I mentioned I'm a mythology geek? Greek mythology to be exact.

The moment I saw this cover and the tags...I jumped at the chance to read.  I'll admit, I barely read the blurb. Modern Greek mythology MM doesn't grow on trees. And bonus...it's menage!

New-to-me and new author Angie Barry took classic mythology characters, Adonis, Narcissus and Ganymede and put them in today's world. Adonis is an up-and-coming fashion model who is in love with his currently off again lover Narcissus, the world renowned artist. Narcissus is happy playing the field. He doesn't understand why Adonis can't get with the program...though out of all the lovers he's had, he can't get Adonis off his mind. At a party they see Ganymede and make a bet, who could get with Ganymede first. So they both make a play for the younger man. Ah but who gets played in the end?

Adonis' angst was my favorite part. Because it's relatable and being inside his head was I think the author's best moments of this story. The words and quotes, not something that's going to blow you across the world, but quietly powerful in a way.

"I know who I am because I know who he is because I know what we are when we're together."

And get this? The author made the characters multicultural. And it wasn't a big deal. And it was so cool how they slipped in. Scored major points for me.

While I really enjoyed the tale, it's short. And reads rushed at parts especially toward the end. Ganymede is supposed to the glue to bring the former lovers together. And he does an okay job. He seems to have a handle of both men pretty well. But the off scene parts where he got to understand each man so quickly, reads too quickly.

Granted, the story ends more with a hopeful, HFN end. For the length, it is very fitting. But I wish that either this trio would be explored more or this story maybe could be expanded on, more with Ganymede's thoughts. (I get there is a twist - I saw it a mile away) It was a cute one.

Readable? Definitely.

I enjoyed all the characters even the vain Narcissus (what else would he have been) LOL

I'll keep an eye out for more from this author in the future. I liked the tone.

For more on Goodreads or Booklikes! 

A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit & Giveaway - Bey Deckard

Bey Deckard has returned to the stable! The whinnies and preening can be heard all around! And such a gracious guest, he brought goodies for all the bad boys and girls. Alright, alright...the good ones can get in on the gifties too!

The Watcher

by 

Bey Deckard

Warning: Non-con elements

I woke up with a start, and it took me a few confused seconds to remember why I couldn’t see or move. Naked except for my socks and jock, I was blindfolded and tied to a chair in my living room.

I licked my lips and swallowed a few times trying to wet my throat. My mind felt sluggish, and the acrid, medicinal taste in my mouth gave me a good idea why that was.

I turned my head, casting about blindly, trying to pick up sound or scent—anything that would tell me whether I was alone in the room… but I knew I wasn’t.

It was that prickling feeling, a throwback to when man wasn’t an apex predator, the one that makes you turn your head in a crowd or pulls you from a deep sleep. I was being watched.

My heartbeat was so loud in my ears that I nearly missed the light footfall to my right.

“I know you’re there.”

The laugh was deeper than I’d imagined it would be, and when he spoke, his voice more cultured.

“And how does that make you feel?” He was standing directly in front of me. “Are you afraid of me?”

I shook my head once.

“You’re not afraid of what I’m here to do to you?” He sounded amused. He knew I was lying.

I shifted, testing the ropes. I could barely move. He was thorough.

When he spoke next, he sounded much closer, as if he had taken a seat or crouched down in front of me. I thought I could feel the heat of his body on my inner thighs, his breath brushing my skin.

“We’ve been chatting online for months, Eric. You’ve told me so much about you… Did you think I wouldn’t be able to track you down?”

When I’d first stumbled upon SociopathWorld.com, I’d only intended to do a little research for an article I was writing, but a series of comments led to further discussions over instant messenger with a man who called himself simply “The Watcher”. He was a self-avowed psychopath and sadist and I quickly became fascinated by our lengthy conversations.

Until he said he wanted to rape me.

His hand touched my knee and I flinched, but I couldn’t move away. He chuckled.

“You’re as handsome as your pictures.” He stroked my thigh. I heard the sound of a zipper. “Ah and you smell so good. Like fear. Did I tell you I could smell fear? It makes my cock stiff.” He let out a long sigh. “I’m touching myself right now. I’m stroking my cock, thinking about how hard I’m going to fuck you with it. How much I’m going to enjoy hurting you.”

I let out a small, frustrated growl and shook my head. His hand inched further up my thigh and he ran his fingers along my covered cock. I clenched my teeth, disgusted and terrified.

“Get the fuck off me you fucking pervert.”

His hand retreated and he laughed, obviously enjoying himself. I thought I could hear him jacking off.

Struggling against the ropes again, I was startled when the futon shifted beneath me. Then I realized what was happening—he was dragging it away from the wall to recline it… to get me into a better position.

“You’re probably good and tight, a nice straight boy like you.”

Panic was starting to steal my breath; I was almost gasping.

“I’ll give you money… anything. Just don’t…”

He just laughed. Then I felt something metal touch my inner thigh and I let out a whimper. The loud schlick and sudden cold air on my balls told me that he’d just cut through my jock. Probably with the kitchen shears. I tried to squirm away from his touch as he pushed the material out of the way, choking when his hand circled my cock.

I turned my head to the side as he began to fondle me. Stroking my cock. Tugging on my balls. Soon he worked a finger inside me and my asshole clenched hard around his knuckle. I was making this horrible moaning noise but I couldn’t stop.

“Oh yes. I’m going to make this hole mine.” It was nearly a purr. The finger pulled out and I heard his footsteps retreat. For a moment I was alone in the room. I lifted my head, wondering what he was doing, but the sound of a plastic lid being flicked open made my pulse race even faster. In seconds he was on top of me, his fingers snarled in my hair and his lubed up cock battering at me, forcing itself into my guts with one brutal push. I let out a yell, my whole body going stiff with pain and horror as he began to fuck me with hard thrusts.

“No no no no…” Tears filled my eyes, spilled down my cheeks. I couldn’t even shake my head. He had me pinned down. His sweat dripped on my face. The stink of him all over me.

All the while he spoke while he slammed his cock into me.

“Such a nice tight hole. I can feel you trying to fight me, Eric. Trying to push me out, but it’s not going to work. You’re just making it more pleasant for me. Oh so fucking tight.” He groaned and then laughed. “Problem is, I’m going to wear your hole out, aren’t I? Perfect little bound straight boy with your ass all blown out from taking my fat cock. But that’s ok, right? When you’re too loose to take my cock, I’m going to see how you like taking a fist.”

“Fuuuck…” I couldn’t hold back. My cock jerked and spat between us and I grunted with the force of my climax—with a gasp he fucked me hard for a few quick thrusts before straining against me, balls deep, a low moan in his throat.

He landed on top of me and we both lay there panting for a moment, but when I groaned in pain, Patrick lifted himself up on his elbows.

“Did I really hurt you?” he asked, tugging down my blindfold. His eyes were wide with worry.

I shook my head and winced. “Not really… but fuck you’re hurting me now. My arms.”

“Oh shit. Sorry!” Patrick rolled off of me and set to work untying the knots. It took a few minutes before I was free, and when the last rope came away, he began to massage my wrists. I could feel the tears drying on my face and the cum cooling on my chest.

I was completely blissed out.

“That was great,” I murmured and Patrick grinned at me, a flush in his cheeks from the praise. “Seriously great.” I squeezed his hand and closed my eyes, drifting on my buzz.

“I thought of something,” he said after a few minutes. “Next time I’m going to tape your mouth shut. I think it’s more realistic… Otherwise why wouldn’t you just yell out?”

Nodding sleepily I smiled. “Sure. I think that’s fine. I’ll just make sure to shave that day. Or we could just pretend like we do with the knockout drug… I’m up for either.”

Patrick settled next to me and I pulled his head onto my shoulder, holding him close. He played with the mess in my chest hair.

“Did you like the bit about the fist?” he asked, sounding almost shy.

“Did I? Shit, what do you think sent me over?” I kissed the top of his head. “I love your dirty mouth.”

I loved more than his mouth, of course. We were a one in a million fit, the pairing of a lifetime, soul mates, and every time we indulged in our particular twisted kink, I think I fell in love with him all over again. I grinned wide, stroking his hair.

“Ok… if I had one complaint—and it’s a tiny, insignificant complaint—but do you really think that ‘The Watcher’ would say fat cock? Sounds too low brow to me. What about just saying big cock?”

Patrick laughed.

“Whatever makes you happy, Eric. You know I'll do it for you.”

+++

Don't forget to let Bey know what you thought of The Watcher in the comments. BMB Reviews would like to thank him for celebrating with us!!

Author Bio:

Artist, Writer, Dog Lover.

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. 

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Review: Unconventional in San Diego Anthology

I saw unicorns and San Diego so I jumped at this one when it was offered up in the clubhouse.

I'm not gonna lie, I was disappointed at the lack of San Diego-ness overall, but I wasn't disappointed in the anthology. There were some real gems here and I think you'll be pretty happy to visit Unconventional in San Diego too.

‘Fate’s Bridge’ by Carol Lynne - 2.5 Hearts

Is it possible for a soul to be reborn inside another? What would you do if you discovered someone harboring a soul you recognized as one from a deceased loved one? For vampire Roman Gschwind, the scenario becomes a reality when he meets Bodi Rain. Unfortunately, it soon becomes clear that Roman must share Bodi with another vampire if he has any chance of rekindling the love that he’d lost so long ago.

My overall feeling on this one was a resounding “meh”. There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. Roman is in love with his soulmate Julian who passed away many moons ago and his bro-vamp Alexi tells him that Julian has been reborn in the bod of Bodi who has come into Unconventional where Alexi tends bar. Roman loiters in the hopes of seeing him but Bodi doesn’t return. Shenanigans go down and Alexia and Roman have to come together to save Bodi from a random, rogue vamp attack. Bodi gets turned into a vampire in the process and his reaction is, “S’cool bro”. Apparently being turned makes the turners and the turnee bone like their dicks are going to be confiscated tomorrow so they gotta make the most of tonight. Rather than fill the story with actual story the conflict was glossed over with the “meh” and the “S’cool bro” so that the uncontrollable boning could continue. Along the way they fell in love, not sure where it happened, but I knew it because the book told me, but I couldn’t tell you how or why so I wasn’t feeling it.


‘Coming in Third’ by Amber Kell - 4 Hearts

Love sometimes comes in threes. With his mother plotting to have him wed, Niall decides to sneak out of the fae palace and fulfill one of his greatest fantasies. At the Unconventional bar, he finds a pair of lion shifters looking to spice up their love life. Unable to resist the strong attraction between them, Niall lets the persuasive pair take him home. Jovan and Luka have been searching for their third for years.
When Niall stumbles into the bar, their shifter instincts tell them the innocent fae could be their long sought mate. After a sensual night together, they’re certain the beautiful man was fated to be theirs. His guards fetch him from the shifters’ bed and Niall is taken away from the pair. Upset about Niall’s return to the palace and a possible arranged marriage, the lion shifters battle to decide their future—should they go and fetch their mate or let it only be the one-night stand Niall promised them? Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of M/M/M ménage.

This was a fun fairytale flavored menage/shifter story. The author is kind enough to give us two alpha-type lion shifters (Jovan and Luka) and a fae third (Niall) who is looking to fulfill a fantasy of a menage before he has to fulfill his duty with an arranged marriage. The characters were charming and I liked that Niall was no pushover. He may not have been a big bad ass physically, but he was tough, loyal and knew how to get what he wanted. Jovan and Luka had very different personalities and reading about how they fared after Niall left was really quite sweet. Niall was their third and the whole “mate” and “mine” thing worked because they acknowledged the physical but didn’t throw down the eternal love card like a lot of shifter stories do. That’s where stories lose me, I buy the lust, not the love, but am very open to the characters heading that direction. I want the journey and when I don’t get it I feel cheated. For a short story this was paced really well. I didn’t have to read declarations of undying love to know that it would come eventually.

‘The Unicorn Said Yes’ by T.A. Chase - 3 Hearts

When an innocent human virgin meets the king of the unicorn herd, it’s not just legends that come true. Ivan Brusilov goes to Unconventional to get a drink and let off some steam. Little does he realize he’ll be meeting his destiny when he walks in.
Carney Ferguson goes to the paranormal bar to celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday. Maybe he’s looking for some fun as well, considering he’s still a virgin. He doesn’t like admitting it, but when he meets Ivan, he discovers that being a virgin can bring opportunities that being experienced might not. As the unicorn king and the virgin begin to fall in love, there are darker forces working behind the scenes to take advantage of the unicorn legends for their own evil purpose. Neither Ivan nor Carney are safe alone, but together, they just might be strong enough to keep Ivan alive.

I was super excited to read this one for obvious reasons. I mean the dude is a unicorn shifter FFS. It was a sweet story too and I liked how the author used the unicorn/virgin legend to get these guys their story. It gave the whole shifter thing a unique, yet classic, spin that totally worked. I liked both Ivan and Carney even though Carney felt a little off to me at times and I had trouble getting a grip on his character. He read as cliché sometimes but there were glimpses of depth at others and I think the length of the story may have been a little short for me to fully connect with him. The ending wrapped up too quickly and again I think it was just a lot of story and back story for the overall length. I wouldn’t want anything taken out though so maybe just more in general? I see that as a win.


‘Blood on the Moon’ by Jambrea Jo Jones - 4 Hearts

Be careful what you wish for, especially when you’re a witch. Montague Ramey wanted something to happen in his life. He thought when he found out he was a witch that his life would become more exciting, but it was the same thing every day. His coven was nice and boring, as was his job with the television station anchoring the news. The only excitement he got was going to the local bar, but there weren’t very many men who wanted to play. That was, until the moon turned red and his life changed.
After Kishar Nichelson’s motorcycle stalled on the highway with no traffic in sight, he stumbled into a small town around midnight, the red moon guiding his way. On the run and weak, Kishar needed to figure out where he was and who was after him before lack of sex killed him. Can a witch and an incubus solve the mystery before one of them dies? The blood on the moon wasn’t the only thing they had to worry about. Meddling family, close calls with death and a missing witch are enough to keep anyone busy, but can Kishar and Montague still find time for love?


I liked this one a lot. We meet Montague Ramey briefly in The Unicorn Said Yes and in Blood on the Moon we get his story. Montague, do NOT call him Monty, is a somewhat unconventional witch. His coven isn’t what you would expect. Montague was adopted and didn’t even know he was a witch until he hit puberty. His parents were awesome and moved the family to an area with a coven that could help teach Montague the ways of the witch-folk. He meets/rescues Kishar on the night of a blood moon which are typically harbingers of all manner of bad things to Montague. Kishar is a good-guy incubus who refuses to hurt the people he needs to feed from but comes from a family of bad-guy incubuseseses, incubi, whatever. They are assholes and that’s what we need to focus on. Kishar and Montague are great together and the mission they embark on to save the coven is paced and balanced well. It’s an insta love/lust/meant to be story but the author pulled it all together well because the characters were likable and I wanted them to get their HEA.


‘A Sliver of Sunset’ by Devon Rhodes - 4 Hearts

From one-night stand to nurse and patient—is it crazy to expect more? Angelo has somehow developed leukemia—the only paranormal ever known to do so—and the doctors are mystified as to the cause. The cure requires him to repress his shifter side with a chemical inhibitor and be entirely human while he goes through chemotherapy, which contributes to some interesting situations he never would have foreseen—things like ‘misplacing’ his favorite bar, Unconventional, and getting picked up by a human without realizing it’s his mate.
Dominic can’t believe his luck when bravely striking up a conversation with the hottest guy he’s ever seen leads to the best sex he’s ever had. When he wakes up—no surprise—Angelo is gone. A week later, he’s shocked when he walks in to meet a new oncology patient to find Angelo fighting for his life and dependent upon his care. Will their timing ever improve, or will Angelo’s time run out before they get a chance?

This was a completely different take on the shifter story and I really, really liked it. Angelo and Dominic have a HAWT (HAWT is much hotter than your regular run-of-the-mill hot) one night stand. They really shouldn’t have even met, but Angelo is taking inhibitors to suppress his shifter side and can’t ‘see’ Unconventional, the paranormal bar where he was originally headed. And of course, what should have been kinda sad ended up being the best thing ever. We don’t know that yet, we have to read the story of Angelo and Domenic and myself? I enjoyed every word. I liked how the story was about a completely different kind of battle than what we usually read about. There were no packs vs. covens or ancient wrongs being righted. This was a story about a man fighting for his life and there is no logical reason for Angelo to even be ill. But he has leukemia and Dominic is there for him every step of the way. It read like an extended meet/cute in that these guys got to know each other as Angelo struggled. Oh sure, they boned at the beginning, but that was a tease-y little nugget that stayed in the back of my mind because I knew all along how HAWT they could be together and made me anxious to read about how it would all play out.

**a copy of this book was provided for an  honest review**

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