Even love can die without trust.
Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begin to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?
Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.
The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.
Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.
Listening Length: 7 hours and 47 minutes
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Guest Reviewer: R *A Reader Obsessed*
I must say that this is fast becoming a favorite, showcasing a top notch urban fantasy that boasts sorcerers, vampires, trolls, fae lords, and last but not least, a squee worthy, small, but spunky dragon. This continues to play on my nostalgia for when I gobbled up series like Sookie Stackhouse, Anita Blake, and Mercy Thompson. If you liked those stories, I don’t think you’ll have any complaint about this at all.
Basically, this is the continuation of the life and times of Angel, new mate to elder vampire Simeon. Their bond is a bit tenuous, slowly evolving and gaining strength, not quite permanent and solidified. Such a bond between a necromancer and a vampire has never been formed, and it’s sure to have unknown repercussions and consequences. As Angel and Simeon deal with their amazing new abilities that definitely increase their status, such developments also set them up as targets for all sorts of unwanted attention. It doesn’t help when their lives and powers are further tested as humans, and supernatural alike, start showing up brutally and ritualistically murdered, suggesting a threat with evil, dark intent. Of course, they’re the only ones capable and possibly powerful enough to address such a formidable foe.
What I enjoyed the most was the additional world building, the exploration into Angel’s abilities, and don’t forget, the evolving relationships he has with not only Simeon, but also with his younger brother, Isaac, and his new apprentice from a rival clan, Daniel. This was full of magical action and adventure, with some really yummy claiming smex. No complaints here!
Again, like its predecessor, Necromancer’s Dance, this was narrated by Joel Leslie. I admit he is not my favorite narrator, as he brings very over the top interpretations and accents to all of the characters, inducing the occasional eye roll, brow raise, and wincing at his various dramatics. However, thankfully the powerful and engaging storytelling overshadows the negatives of the audio, and I eagerly look forward to the next book! SJ Himes can’t write fast enough!!
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review.
Audiobook Review: The Necromancer's Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes
Blog Tour + Giveaway: Taste on My Tongue by Beth Bolden
Beth Bolden and Embrace the Rainbow Promotions host the Taste on My Tongue blog tour! Check out more info on the chef contemporary romance AND enter in the $50 Amazon gift card giveaway!
Title: Taste on My Tongue
Author: Beth Bolden
Release Date: August 15th 2017
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance
BLURB
Almost pop-star Landon Patton has just turned a corner on the worst two years of his life: dropped by his label and dumped by his ungrateful ex-boyfriend. However, his new agent's brilliant plan for Landon's superstardom doesn’t have anything to do with his music – it’s called Kitchen Wars, and it’s the hottest new reality show on TV.
Landon wishes he could have nothing to do with it.
Since the first morning he mixed flour and water, Quentin Maxwell knew he wanted to be a baker. After becoming the pastry chef at a popular LA bakery, anyone else might be satisfied. But Quen wants to call his own shots. Going on Kitchen Wars to win the money for his own bakery seems like a huge risk, but maybe it's worth it.
They’re an unlikely pair. Landon can’t even figure out how to turn an oven on, while Quentin makes his living with one. But with each passing week on Kitchen Wars, they discover what a great team they make – on set, off set, and between the sheets.
Winning should be everything, but what happens when the tastiest pairing is their own?
Find Taste on My Tongue on Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
Landon’s phone rings way too early the next morning.
“What? Who? When?” Quentin moans, his head buried deep into his pillow. “Just make it stop.”
“Sorry, it’s Ian,” Landon apologizes as he tries to hit the accept button through mostly-closed eyes. He begins to move to get out of bed, but Quentin’s arm shoots out and wraps firmly around his middle.
“No, stay,” Quentin mumbles into the pillow.
“What?” Landon barks into the phone, trying to resettle back into a comfortable position. If Quentin doesn’t want him leaving, then he’s sure as hell not going anywhere.
“I’ve got you a meeting with Epic,” Ian says, and Landon doesn’t even care how smug his agent sounds, he only cares what he’s saying.
“How?” Landon squeaks.
“I sent them that new song,” Ian says. “You know, the embarrassing one.”
“Oh god.” Landon’s head falls into his hands and he can’t breathe. “That’s why they want to have a meeting?”
“They loved it. Said something about what a surprising Ed Sheeran vibe you have.”
“I don’t have an Ed Sheeran vibe,” Landon says blankly. “I can barely play the guitar.”
“It doesn’t matter. They loved your voice. How much it’s improved. They loved your writing. Loved the romance of it. You’re basically in. There’s great buzz about Kitchen Wars. They want to piggyback on that. Hammer out a contract. Announce it fast.”
It’s hard to focus on anything Ian is saying. It’s all so good, but because Landon is Landon, he can only hear one thing.
Fast.
Things don’t tend to happen fast, at least in the music industry—real things, anyway. Lots of fake garbage that doesn’t pan out, all that happens plenty fast. But not anything lasting.
And after what he went through before, Landon wants lasting more than he wants to breathe, sometimes.
“What’s the angle?” Landon asks
Ian sighs. “It’s real, I swear. They really love you. Fast is just about the timing with Kitchen Wars. You’ve got to trust me here. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
Landon doesn’t believe he would. He also doesn’t believe that Ian could be fooled into thinking something is a sure thing when it isn’t.
“I guess that means I’m going to the meeting,” Landon says. He doesn’t really know whether to be nervous or ecstatic.
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About the Author
Beth Bolden lives in Portland, Oregon with her supportive husband and their beloved cat. She wholly believes in Keeping Portland Weird, but wishes she didn't have to make the yearly pilgrimage up to Seattle to watch her Boston Red Sox play baseball. She's a fan of fandoms, and spends too much of her free time on tumblr.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn't a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She's published two novels, The Lucky Charm and Getting Lucky, and a short story, Eye of the Storm. Her next novel, Summer Attractions, will be released in August 2016.
Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Goodreads | Amazon
Review: The Wizard by the Sea by Anna Wineheart
On his tenth birthday, Connor trips over a wizard on the shore. Amidst glowing clovers and roses drawn in the sand, the wizard shelters him from the rain and promises to teach him magic. Three years later, they meet again, and Connor becomes his student.
Yates has never been a mentor—he doesn't deserve the privilege. But Connor comes to him after a tragedy, broken and helpless, and stays for years. Without realizing it, they fall in love. Yates knows he shouldn't: he has shaped this boy into a man. At a loss, he pretends not to notice Connor's affections... until his nineteenth birthday, when they celebrate a hard-won victory and give in to desire. Ashamed, Yates banishes his student, leaving a hole in both their hearts.
Four years later and still lonely, a tidal wave sweeps Connor back into Yates' life. When they meet again, he discovers that Yates has withheld secrets from him, secrets that could change his life. Their past is fractured, their future uncertain. But the one thing Connor knows is that he's always loved the wizard by the sea.
Holy moly did I love this book. It's different than the main run of books out there and I truly enjoyed that fact.
Connor is just a child when he meets Yates for the first time, thereafter he sees the Wizard by the Sea on a regular - if infrequent - basis over the coming years. The story follows the development of their relationship. It's not a quick development, not a rush from boy and man to adult lovers. It is slow. It is believable. It fucking well broke my heart a trillion times.
Yates starts as Connor's sometimes friend. A huge influence on Connor, awakening something inside that Connor didn't know existed. He'd not been told that magic ran in his fathers family, his father had none and viewed it as a bad thing. They were simple people, a fisherman and his wife and son. They lived a hard but uncomplicated life. Yates offered something different to Connor, something beyond that which the boy already knew.
The friendship became more important to Connor as tragic events took place, as his father turned to alcohol, as the life he'd known thus far changed and slipped away. Eventually Yates became mentor and Connor apprentice. Feelings were growing with each passing year; Yates was determined to deny them though.
This is front and centre a love story. A love of family. A love of friendship. Of mentor. And finally of man and man. it is a love story that is repeatedly denied. That is given then taken - because of circumstance and fear and honour and a million different reasons.
There is a timeless quality to this story, it is impossible to set it in a time or place, I felt. It was ethereal. Yet it was also remarkably solid. The characters were so true and defined and honest it gave the story an anchor. I loved both Yates and Connor, they were interesting and real. I waned to know them more - and with each page turned I did. Connor particularly I felt I understood. His heart was mine during this story.; every scratch and bruise and tiny bit of love and warmth it received I felt with every part of my own heart.
I also, despite him being flawed, had a real soft spot for Connor's father. I liked that he didn't judge his son. He didn't worry about Yates' age or the fact that he was male. He had his own struggle and was far, far from perfect but again he felt real and despite everything I know he did love his son.
My kindle has loads of notes for this story - most of them saying things like go ahead, break my heart! Anna Wineheart is a new to me author but I will certainly be looking out for books by her in the future.
A copy of this book was given in return for an honest review.For more information see Goodreads.
Review: My Highland Cowboy by Alexa Milne
Duncan McLeish owns a ranch. Unlike most ranches, this one is in the Scottish Highlands. Having inherited a failing farm from his grandfather, he turns it into a successful business. He has friends, he loves his home, but he’s lonely, and not even infrequent trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh slake that thirst to find someone. Then Drew Sinclair walks into his life.
Drew Sinclair is tantalizingly close to getting his clothes brand noticed in the industry. He and his business partner, Joy, design individual dresses, while on the side, Drew designs and produces a line of men’s lingerie. He visits Scotland to design dresses for his sister, Jenna, who is marrying Duncan’s best friend at Christmas.
Duncan and Drew have nothing except their Highland upbringing in common, but they say opposites attract, and the attraction is immediate. Is this simply a summer fling, or can two men who live such opposite lives, miles away from each other, find a way to love?
Reader Advisory: This book contains references to homophobia and references to death of a character’s parents.
My Highland Cowboy had so many of my love buttons in it, I don’t even know where to start. I love opposites who attract, but also complement, cowboys, snark, Scotsman, Brits, kilts and a well-earned HEA. Drew, Duncan and I got it all in the Highlands.
Duncan has inherited a ranch that he was able to turn into a successful destination vacation spot. His story is impressive and I couldn’t help but respect the guy for all he’s gone through. It’s not over the top, but I could get how it made him such a determined character from the beginning. He’s pretty shy overall in social situations but he’s got that quiet strength that is something I absolutely LOVE in an MC. Drew shows up at the ranch to stay for a bit as Drew’s sister is marrying Duncan’s BFF. Duncan is a designer from London with a passion for his work and a plethora of charming attitude he’s more than happy to share with everyone.
Duncan finds Drew . . . unsettling. Duncan is fine with his quiet albeit lonely life. He’s never really felt a spark with anyone regardless of their gender and he’s been with both men and women in his past. They were there to scratch an itch though and nothing more. Drew is attracted to Duncan from the get go, because HELLO, he’s a hot, tall, dark and handsome cowboy. The two get to know one another amidst the wedding planning and Drew manages to push a whole mess of Duncan’s buttons.
This is where my favorite, and at the same time, least favorite things happened. Let me babble a bit here. Duncan has complete control over his life and is a successful businessman but his love life is non-existent. Drew has no trouble finding dates and getting himself a little something, but he’s very career driven at this point and his company is on the cusp of making it big. He’s got no time to be someone’s experiment, he’s worked way too hard to get where he is. Drew has the confidence that Duncan doesn’t have in the romance department and he’s not questioning who he is, at all. I kind of figured he’d be driving the bus on this one, but he didn’t. He turned out to be all practical and while he did pursue Duncan, he never pushed too hard and he never begged. I was so frustrated when he left the ranch. I already loved these dudes and I wanted them to be together! Like, right then!
That wasn’t a thing though and reading further on, I’m glad it wasn’t. Duncan had to own this, he had to be the pursuer. It really showed how much personal progress he made and it wasn’t just about Drew. Sure, Drew was the catalyst, but Duncan wanted this happiness too and he had to learn to be comfortable and confident in his own skin before he could attempt to make Drew happy.
So, it wasn’t an easy road to an HEA for these guys, but it wasn’t overly angsty either. Thankfully! The journey and the bit of back and forth made the HEA more believable and while it did evolve pretty quickly once the time came, the compromises were legit for their lifestyles and I was all kinds of happy for them.
Drew Sinclair is tantalizingly close to getting his clothes brand noticed in the industry. He and his business partner, Joy, design individual dresses, while on the side, Drew designs and produces a line of men’s lingerie. He visits Scotland to design dresses for his sister, Jenna, who is marrying Duncan’s best friend at Christmas.
Duncan and Drew have nothing except their Highland upbringing in common, but they say opposites attract, and the attraction is immediate. Is this simply a summer fling, or can two men who live such opposite lives, miles away from each other, find a way to love?
Reader Advisory: This book contains references to homophobia and references to death of a character’s parents.
My Highland Cowboy had so many of my love buttons in it, I don’t even know where to start. I love opposites who attract, but also complement, cowboys, snark, Scotsman, Brits, kilts and a well-earned HEA. Drew, Duncan and I got it all in the Highlands.
Duncan has inherited a ranch that he was able to turn into a successful destination vacation spot. His story is impressive and I couldn’t help but respect the guy for all he’s gone through. It’s not over the top, but I could get how it made him such a determined character from the beginning. He’s pretty shy overall in social situations but he’s got that quiet strength that is something I absolutely LOVE in an MC. Drew shows up at the ranch to stay for a bit as Drew’s sister is marrying Duncan’s BFF. Duncan is a designer from London with a passion for his work and a plethora of charming attitude he’s more than happy to share with everyone.
Duncan finds Drew . . . unsettling. Duncan is fine with his quiet albeit lonely life. He’s never really felt a spark with anyone regardless of their gender and he’s been with both men and women in his past. They were there to scratch an itch though and nothing more. Drew is attracted to Duncan from the get go, because HELLO, he’s a hot, tall, dark and handsome cowboy. The two get to know one another amidst the wedding planning and Drew manages to push a whole mess of Duncan’s buttons.
This is where my favorite, and at the same time, least favorite things happened. Let me babble a bit here. Duncan has complete control over his life and is a successful businessman but his love life is non-existent. Drew has no trouble finding dates and getting himself a little something, but he’s very career driven at this point and his company is on the cusp of making it big. He’s got no time to be someone’s experiment, he’s worked way too hard to get where he is. Drew has the confidence that Duncan doesn’t have in the romance department and he’s not questioning who he is, at all. I kind of figured he’d be driving the bus on this one, but he didn’t. He turned out to be all practical and while he did pursue Duncan, he never pushed too hard and he never begged. I was so frustrated when he left the ranch. I already loved these dudes and I wanted them to be together! Like, right then!
That wasn’t a thing though and reading further on, I’m glad it wasn’t. Duncan had to own this, he had to be the pursuer. It really showed how much personal progress he made and it wasn’t just about Drew. Sure, Drew was the catalyst, but Duncan wanted this happiness too and he had to learn to be comfortable and confident in his own skin before he could attempt to make Drew happy.
So, it wasn’t an easy road to an HEA for these guys, but it wasn’t overly angsty either. Thankfully! The journey and the bit of back and forth made the HEA more believable and while it did evolve pretty quickly once the time came, the compromises were legit for their lifestyles and I was all kinds of happy for them.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
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Review: Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan
A single stroke can change your world.
Xander Fairchild can’t stand people in general and frat boys in particular, so when he’s forced to spend his summer working on his senior project with Skylar Stone, a silver-tongued Delta Sig with a trust fund who wants to make Xander over into a shiny new image, Xander is determined to resist. He came to idyllic, Japanese culture-soaked Benten College to hide and make manga, not to be transformed into a corporate clone in the eleventh hour.
Skylar’s life has been laid out for him since before he was born, but all it takes is one look at Xander’s artwork, and the veneer around him begins to crack. Xander himself does plenty of damage too. There’s something about the antisocial artist’s refusal to yield that forces Skylar to acknowledge how much his own orchestrated future is killing him slowly…as is the truth about his gray-spectrum sexuality, which he hasn’t dared to speak aloud, even to himself.
Through a summer of art and friendship, Xander and Skylar learn more about each other, themselves, and their feelings for one another. But as their senior year begins, they must decide if they will part ways and return to the dull futures they had planned, or if they will take a risk and leap into a brightly colored future—together.
I don’t even know where to begin with this beauty.
This book starts angsty in a way that doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s not an emotional drain. I didn’t have a knot in my stomach trying to figure out when the pain would end. I think it’s because the friendship between the two men developed in a really clean and honest way. There was no subterfuge, nor underhandedness. It was truly about life, about two people connecting in unexpected ways.
Heidi Cullinan is definitely gifted in storytelling. Xander and Skyler are beautiful characters. They share a common thread, with their love of manga, even while their lives have been been completely different up to that point. That commonality allows them to get to know each other more, and as their connection strengthens, it allows the other things that link them to be revealed.
The supporting characters were a joy. Pamela, Zelda, Unc, and then later, the rest of the Lucky 7 crew. They were all high value support for these two men as they struggled with the challenges that would be their last year in college, and how to navigate their relationship.
The grey-spectrum sexuality in this story, for me, was superb. I loved the way it was handled. I loved that Xander supported Skyler through his revelations. The slow build of their relationship was amazing. I just happy sigh when I think of both these men. I heart them so much.
The art in this story was beautifully vivid in descriptives. I saw everything I felt I was being shown. I also felt every emotion Skyler did when he was looking at what Xander created, and I understood how Xander was unsatisfied when he’d finished a piece. I can imagine all artists feeling that way. That nothing is ever perfect, but the muse demands an outlet and it must be fed.
I haven’t read Heidi Cullinan’s entire back catalogue, but the many books I have read, I’m pretty sure there is erotica in all of them. Not so with this. There is no traditional sex, but there is sensuality and sexual contact in an entirely different way, that was unique to these two men. I think those who appreciate romance and relationship building will appreciate the lack of erotica in this story. I found it really refreshing. Sex was not the end goal, or the trial they had to overcome with Skyler’s grey sexuality paired with Xander’s sexuality. The focus was on building a strong relationship in a way that didn’t appear like Xander was giving up something or Skyler was giving into something, and the mastery of this is what really made me fall in love with these two men as a couple, and the story as a whole.
This book isn’t just fluffy or easy, it has depth, heart, and emotion. There were moments where I teared up and felt sad, but now that I have finished the story, I feel like I have another story that I will turn to when I need the comfort of a re-read.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys MM romance.
A review copy was provided by the author.
Xander Fairchild can’t stand people in general and frat boys in particular, so when he’s forced to spend his summer working on his senior project with Skylar Stone, a silver-tongued Delta Sig with a trust fund who wants to make Xander over into a shiny new image, Xander is determined to resist. He came to idyllic, Japanese culture-soaked Benten College to hide and make manga, not to be transformed into a corporate clone in the eleventh hour.
Skylar’s life has been laid out for him since before he was born, but all it takes is one look at Xander’s artwork, and the veneer around him begins to crack. Xander himself does plenty of damage too. There’s something about the antisocial artist’s refusal to yield that forces Skylar to acknowledge how much his own orchestrated future is killing him slowly…as is the truth about his gray-spectrum sexuality, which he hasn’t dared to speak aloud, even to himself.
Through a summer of art and friendship, Xander and Skylar learn more about each other, themselves, and their feelings for one another. But as their senior year begins, they must decide if they will part ways and return to the dull futures they had planned, or if they will take a risk and leap into a brightly colored future—together.
I don’t even know where to begin with this beauty.
This book starts angsty in a way that doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s not an emotional drain. I didn’t have a knot in my stomach trying to figure out when the pain would end. I think it’s because the friendship between the two men developed in a really clean and honest way. There was no subterfuge, nor underhandedness. It was truly about life, about two people connecting in unexpected ways.
Heidi Cullinan is definitely gifted in storytelling. Xander and Skyler are beautiful characters. They share a common thread, with their love of manga, even while their lives have been been completely different up to that point. That commonality allows them to get to know each other more, and as their connection strengthens, it allows the other things that link them to be revealed.
The supporting characters were a joy. Pamela, Zelda, Unc, and then later, the rest of the Lucky 7 crew. They were all high value support for these two men as they struggled with the challenges that would be their last year in college, and how to navigate their relationship.
The grey-spectrum sexuality in this story, for me, was superb. I loved the way it was handled. I loved that Xander supported Skyler through his revelations. The slow build of their relationship was amazing. I just happy sigh when I think of both these men. I heart them so much.
The art in this story was beautifully vivid in descriptives. I saw everything I felt I was being shown. I also felt every emotion Skyler did when he was looking at what Xander created, and I understood how Xander was unsatisfied when he’d finished a piece. I can imagine all artists feeling that way. That nothing is ever perfect, but the muse demands an outlet and it must be fed.
I haven’t read Heidi Cullinan’s entire back catalogue, but the many books I have read, I’m pretty sure there is erotica in all of them. Not so with this. There is no traditional sex, but there is sensuality and sexual contact in an entirely different way, that was unique to these two men. I think those who appreciate romance and relationship building will appreciate the lack of erotica in this story. I found it really refreshing. Sex was not the end goal, or the trial they had to overcome with Skyler’s grey sexuality paired with Xander’s sexuality. The focus was on building a strong relationship in a way that didn’t appear like Xander was giving up something or Skyler was giving into something, and the mastery of this is what really made me fall in love with these two men as a couple, and the story as a whole.
This book isn’t just fluffy or easy, it has depth, heart, and emotion. There were moments where I teared up and felt sad, but now that I have finished the story, I feel like I have another story that I will turn to when I need the comfort of a re-read.
Recommended for everyone who enjoys MM romance.
A review copy was provided by the author.
Giveaway + Blog Tour: Controlled Burn by Erin McLellan
Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the giveaway below and good luck!
Hello! I’m Erin, and welcome to the blog tour for my m/m college
romance, Controlled Burn! I can’t
wait for you to meet Joel and Paulie, and hope you enjoy their romance as much
as I enjoyed writing it.
Follow along as I stop off at several blogs throughout the week, and
don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $25 Riptide Publishing
gift card!
About Controlled
Burn
At eighteen, Joel Smith’s
life fell to pieces. His boyfriend died in a car crash while reading a sext
from him, the local newspaper outed them both in the aftermath, and his parents
got a divorce. Joel did everything possible to outrun his past: he moved to
Oklahoma for college, legally changed his name, and started over.
Since
then, he hasn’t let anyone get close—not his classmates, not his roommate, and
definitely not his hookups. The strategy has served him well for over three
years. Why would he change it now?
But
Joel doesn’t plan on the articles about his boyfriend’s death being used as a
case study in one of his classes. And he doesn’t plan on Paulie McPherson, who
is sweet and giving and fun. In Paulie, he finds a home for the first time in
years.
But
love isn’t simple, and lies have a tendency to get in the way. Joel must figure
out if he’ll allow his grief to rule him, or if his connection with Paulie is
worth letting all of his walls come tumbling down.
About Erin McLellan
Erin McLellan writes contemporary
romance, often set in the South or Midwest—particularly Oklahoma, Kansas, and
Texas—with characters that are complex, good-hearted, and sometimes a little
quirky. Erin likes her stories to have a sexy spark and a happily ever after.
Erin has a
bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Oklahoma State University and a
master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of
Oklahoma. She has always enjoyed writing, but becoming a librarian and meeting
enthusiastic romance readers helped her find her own writing passion. Now Erin
cheerfully writes romance with characters across the LGBTQIA spectrum. A former
public librarian, she still enjoys being surrounded by books and readers, but
Erin hopes to find her stories on the shelves as well.
Originally from
Oklahoma, she currently lives in Alaska with her husband, and spends her time
dreaming up love stories set in the Great Plains. She is a lover of chocolate,
college sports, antiquing, Dr Pepper, and binge-worthy TV shows.
Connect with Erin:
To celebrate the release of Controlled
Burn, one lucky winner will receive a
$25 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the
contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on August 19, 2017. Contest
is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for
following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
Review: Dalà by E.M. Hamill
Dalà Tamareia has everything—a young family and a promising career as an Ambassador in the Sol Fed Diplomatic Corps. DalÃ’s path as a peacemaker seems clear, but when their loved ones are killed in a terrorist attack, grief sends the genderfluid changeling into a spiral of self-destruction.
Fragile Sol Fed balances on the brink of war with a plundering alien race. Their skills with galactic relations are desperately needed to broker a protective alliance, but in mourning, Dalà no longer cares, seeking oblivion at the bottom of a bottle, in the arms of a faceless lover, or at the end of a knife.
The New Puritan Movement is rising to power within the government, preaching strict genetic counseling and galactic isolation to ensure survival of the endangered human race. Third gender citizens like Dalà don’t fit the mold of this perfect plan, and the NPM will stop at nothing to make their vision become reality. When Dalà stumbles into a plot threatening changelings like them, a shadow organization called the Penumbra recruits them for a rescue mission full of danger, sex, and intrigue, giving Dalà purpose again.
Risky liaisons with a sexy, charismatic pirate lord could be DalÃ’s undoing—and the only way to prevent another deadly act of domestic terrorism.
I’m giving this review my first heart reaction rather than sitting on it and trying to analyze my feelings.
This story was a winner for me. Superb character development. Complete worldbuilding which was easy to follow; I was immersed in this intergalactic world.
The plot was well paced and didn’t appear to have any holes. I have zero complaints in terms of storyline or character development. I was completely connected to Dalà the entire time. I love them. I think they are amazing, complex, and definitely a risk taker by nature.
This story starts out sad. Dalà is grieving the loss of their Husband, Wife, and unborn child. They are on a self-destructive path with petty fighting, and anonymous sex.
It isn’t until they sleep with the brother of an anti-Third Gender activist and son to the President of Europa that Dalà almost gets the sweet oblivion of death they are seeking. Only, once they are recovering, they realise it may not be death they want, but to wade out of the loss and find purpose again.
DalÃ’s grief lends an edginess to their character, without the story being too dark or depressing. The sharp pain is there, like a wave, and as a reader I was completely aware of it the entire time I was reading, but the story, while centering around DalÃ’s pursuit for answers to their loss, didn’t get bogged down with the constant ache and depression.
All of the characters in this story are well plotted out. I’d say there is room for more expansion on some of the characters, and culture and customs of the difference species, but that would require a lot more time and the Glossary at the back gives a basic overview if the reader wants to refer to it while reading (or before reading if you’re that way inclined). Within the story, there is enough information to satisfy during the encounter, and some species who get more page time, are explained a little more with each encounter. I enjoyed the balance. There is no information overload in this story.
The action and suspense is done exceptionally, and I couldn’t put this book down. I was completely engaged the entire time. I wanted to know what would happen next, and how the relationships built between Dalà and other characters would work out. Lord Rhix was an especially complex situation that kept me guessing. I couldn’t tell where the story would go while Dalà and Lord Rhix were interacting.
The peculiar connection between Dalà and the Sontavians was of great interest to me, and I wish there was more information on this, but I suppose if Dalà doesn’t understand it, then the reader shouldn’t either.
Sci-Fi can be a bit hit and miss for me. It took a long time for me to get into it, and only certain stories will keep me interested without my eyes glazing over in confusion of a completely made-up world. This was expertly delivered to readers like me. It wasn’t overly complex, but it was definitely apparent that this was futuristic and Earth no longer existed. Everything was clean and direct, flowing seamlessly through the storyline.
I will be stalking this author for any future gems, and I really hope Dalà becomes the lead in a series. If not, I will have to revisit them often within the pages of this book.
Recommended for all Sci-Fi readers, this is not a romance, but an action adventure story with some conspiracy plots, and some light erotic content.
A review copy was provided for an honest review.
Fragile Sol Fed balances on the brink of war with a plundering alien race. Their skills with galactic relations are desperately needed to broker a protective alliance, but in mourning, Dalà no longer cares, seeking oblivion at the bottom of a bottle, in the arms of a faceless lover, or at the end of a knife.
The New Puritan Movement is rising to power within the government, preaching strict genetic counseling and galactic isolation to ensure survival of the endangered human race. Third gender citizens like Dalà don’t fit the mold of this perfect plan, and the NPM will stop at nothing to make their vision become reality. When Dalà stumbles into a plot threatening changelings like them, a shadow organization called the Penumbra recruits them for a rescue mission full of danger, sex, and intrigue, giving Dalà purpose again.
Risky liaisons with a sexy, charismatic pirate lord could be DalÃ’s undoing—and the only way to prevent another deadly act of domestic terrorism.
I’m giving this review my first heart reaction rather than sitting on it and trying to analyze my feelings.
This story was a winner for me. Superb character development. Complete worldbuilding which was easy to follow; I was immersed in this intergalactic world.
The plot was well paced and didn’t appear to have any holes. I have zero complaints in terms of storyline or character development. I was completely connected to Dalà the entire time. I love them. I think they are amazing, complex, and definitely a risk taker by nature.
This story starts out sad. Dalà is grieving the loss of their Husband, Wife, and unborn child. They are on a self-destructive path with petty fighting, and anonymous sex.
It isn’t until they sleep with the brother of an anti-Third Gender activist and son to the President of Europa that Dalà almost gets the sweet oblivion of death they are seeking. Only, once they are recovering, they realise it may not be death they want, but to wade out of the loss and find purpose again.
DalÃ’s grief lends an edginess to their character, without the story being too dark or depressing. The sharp pain is there, like a wave, and as a reader I was completely aware of it the entire time I was reading, but the story, while centering around DalÃ’s pursuit for answers to their loss, didn’t get bogged down with the constant ache and depression.
All of the characters in this story are well plotted out. I’d say there is room for more expansion on some of the characters, and culture and customs of the difference species, but that would require a lot more time and the Glossary at the back gives a basic overview if the reader wants to refer to it while reading (or before reading if you’re that way inclined). Within the story, there is enough information to satisfy during the encounter, and some species who get more page time, are explained a little more with each encounter. I enjoyed the balance. There is no information overload in this story.
The action and suspense is done exceptionally, and I couldn’t put this book down. I was completely engaged the entire time. I wanted to know what would happen next, and how the relationships built between Dalà and other characters would work out. Lord Rhix was an especially complex situation that kept me guessing. I couldn’t tell where the story would go while Dalà and Lord Rhix were interacting.
The peculiar connection between Dalà and the Sontavians was of great interest to me, and I wish there was more information on this, but I suppose if Dalà doesn’t understand it, then the reader shouldn’t either.
Sci-Fi can be a bit hit and miss for me. It took a long time for me to get into it, and only certain stories will keep me interested without my eyes glazing over in confusion of a completely made-up world. This was expertly delivered to readers like me. It wasn’t overly complex, but it was definitely apparent that this was futuristic and Earth no longer existed. Everything was clean and direct, flowing seamlessly through the storyline.
I will be stalking this author for any future gems, and I really hope Dalà becomes the lead in a series. If not, I will have to revisit them often within the pages of this book.
Recommended for all Sci-Fi readers, this is not a romance, but an action adventure story with some conspiracy plots, and some light erotic content.
A review copy was provided for an honest review.
Labels:
Action,
Adventure,
E.M. Hamill,
erotic,
Fantasy Living,
Fiction,
Gender Fluid,
genderqueer,
grieving,
No Romance,
Pansexual,
Reviews,
Sci-Fi,
Suspense
Review: Goodnight My Angel (Angel Enterprises #2) by Sue Brown
Callum Ross has a tough decision to make. After years of working for the covert ops agency in the UK and owning his own security firm in the US, he’s forced to choose between the business he loves, and the new relationship with his partner, Josh Cooper.
A bottle of whiskey and Josh almost being killed helps Cal make the decision, and he moves to the UK with plans to set up his own security consultancy. Then the head of the covert ops agency where Josh now works asks Cal for help. Agency operatives and their families are being injured or killed, including Cal’s friends.
Cal is asked to investigate with Josh’s assistance.
As the number of victims increase, they’re aware either of them could be the next target for the killer.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.
A bottle of whiskey and Josh almost being killed helps Cal make the decision, and he moves to the UK with plans to set up his own security consultancy. Then the head of the covert ops agency where Josh now works asks Cal for help. Agency operatives and their families are being injured or killed, including Cal’s friends.
Cal is asked to investigate with Josh’s assistance.
As the number of victims increase, they’re aware either of them could be the next target for the killer.
Warning: this review may contain expletives.
(It totally does.)
Aaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhh.
Guess what?
Yup.
This story ends in a fricking cliffhanger.
Fuck. My. Life.
I wouldn't care (I lie, I would) but I loved the book and wanted to know all the things and now I have to wait.
I know. I hear you. Patience is a virtue. Virtue is a grace. Grace is a little girl who didn't wash her face. Well today I have no patience, no virtue, no grace and a dir... okay, my face is clean, I have some pride.
God-damn you, Sue Brown. Don't leave a gal hanging like that. I want to know the why. WHY?????
And the who. I mean, okay, we found out the who, but not really the who because who is the who?????
Huh?
I've got to bloody wait until the next instalment of this series.
It's a good job I'm enjoying Cal and Josh and there assassin-y, protecting-y lifestyle. Or is it? If I hated this series I couldn't give two figs who and why. But I do care. I care too much. I have ragey issues with the not knowing and holy moly the next book I read had better be good or it's going to suffer. Dammit though, the book is well written, enjoyable; the mystery scenes are mysterious, the hot scenes are hot, the sweet scenes are sweet... get the drift? It's a gooooood book. BUT IT HAS A MOTHER-FUCKING cliffhanger ending.
Fuck.
A.
Duck.
So, basically if you enjoy a bet of self-torture, are a self-confessed masochist, go ahead and read this book before the next one comes out. Go on, I dare you.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.
Giveaway + Blog Tour: Three Player Game by Jaime Samms
Jaime Samms is making her clubhouse debut to promote Three Player Game, the newest edition to the popular Bluewater Bay series from Riptide Publishing! Be sure to enter the giveaway below by leaving a comment.
Good luck!
About Three
Player Game
Vince’s life has improved
immeasurably since he moved to Bluewater Bay two years ago. He’s gone from
working for a man he hated, to helping found a company he believes in. And he
and his boyfriend, Pete, have built a delicate balance of power between them that
keeps them both grounded and thriving.
Almost,
anyway.
Pete’s
job on the set of Wolf’s Landing is
demanding. He needs lots of downtime off set, and that’s where Vince’s firm but
gentle control isn’t always enough. And for Vince, Pete’s constant high-energy
needs are turning out to be more than he can handle alone.
It’s
no surprise to either of them, then, that sparks fly when Vince’s coworker Lee
enters the picture. Outwardly, Lee is tough and confident, but when a bad back
confines him to Pete and Vince’s spare room, the cracks start to show and his
desire for connection begins to peek through.
Pete and Vince both like
what they see under Lee’s prickly outside, but now the three men must learn
that love isn’t about beating the game—it’s about balance, trust, and letting
each other in.
About Bluewater Bay
Welcome to Bluewater Bay! This quiet
little logging town on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula has been stagnating
for decades, on the verge of ghost town status. Until a television crew moves
in to film Wolf’s Landing, a soon-to-be cult hit based on the wildly successful
shifter novels penned by local author Hunter Easton.
Wolf’s Landing’s
success spawns everything from merchandise to movie talks, and Bluewater Bay
explodes into a mecca for fans and tourists alike. The locals still aren’t
quite sure what to make of all this—the town is rejuvenated, but at what cost?
And the Hollywood-based production crew is out of their element in this small,
mossy seaside locale. Needless to say, sparks fly.
This
collaborative story world is brought to you by eleven award-winning,
best-selling LGBTQ romance authors: L.A. Witt, L.B.
Gregg, Z.A.
Maxfield, Heidi
Belleau,
Rachel
Haimowitz,
Anne
Tenino, Amy
Lane, SE
Jakes, G.B.
Gordon, Jaime Samms and Ally Blue. Each contemporary novel stands alone,
but all are built around the town and the people of Bluewater Bay and the Wolf’s Landing media empire.
About Jaime Samms
Jaime has been writing for various
publishers since the fall of 2008, although she’s been writing for herself far
longer. Her Stories about men falling in love are the stories that she loves to
read, so it seemed to make sense if she was going to write, they would also be
the stories she wrote.
These days, you
can find plenty of free reading on her website. She also writes for Various
Publishers.
Spare time, when
it can be found rolled into a ball at the back of the dryer or cavorting with
the dust bunnies in the corners, is spent crocheting, drawing, gardening
(weather permitting, of course, since she is Canadian!), or watching movies.
She has a day job, as well, which she loves, and two kids, but thankfully, also
a wonderful husband who shoulders more than his fair share of household and
child-care responsibilities.
She graduated
some time ago from college with a fine arts diploma, and a major in textile
arts, which basically qualifies her to draw pictures and create things with
string and fabric. One always needs an official slip of paper to fall back on
after all . . .
Find Jaime:
To celebrate the release of Three
Player Game, one lucky winner will receive an ebook copy of How
the Cookie Crumbles and a $10
Riptide credit! Leave
a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at
midnight, Eastern time, on August 19, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S.
entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
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