Review: The Story of Us by Barbara Elsborg

Two boys. One love. Ten summers.

Are you okay?

The first words Zed says to Caspian, and the first time someone has cared about the answer. On a hot summer’s day, the lives of two boys are changed forever. A rebel and a risk taker, Caspian doesn’t give a damn for the consequences. Studious and obedient, Zed is the good boy who is never good enough.

The two couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they share, a need to belong to someone who understands them, someone who cares. Their friendship goes deeper than either can possibly imagine. They’re young, in love, and planning their future when an act of betrayal tears them apart.

Fate deals its hand. Seasons pass. Zed’s words follow Caspian through pain, fear and into the darkest of places. Friendships can last a lifetime, even when the world conspires to crush them. But this is more than friendship. This is love and they’re not going to let it slip through their fingers.

Warning
The Story of Us is a tale of love and survival, and the triumph of good over evil against the odds. It's a new adult contemporary romance that deals with family and social issues. There is violence and cruelty to children but not sexual assault. The story has sexual situations, dark elements and suspense. The events and locations are a mixture of real and fictional. The characters are fictional.

DNF

If I could use one word to describe this book up until the point I read it, it would be ‘overkill.’

I’ve read many angst-filled books. The ones I have enjoyed the most, and the ones that have made their way on to my favourites shelf, have been those that flowed naturally.

It’s those ones that tugged at my heartstrings, and made me root for the MCs to get their happy ever after, making the heartbreak and pain worth it.

In ‘The Story of Us,’ one unrealistic scenario after another is thrown at Zed and Caspian. I found I didn’t care about whether the boys found their happy ending with each new dramatic turn.

I decided to call it quits when I rolled my eyes at what was supposed to be a pivotal moment between the MCs, in the midst of yet another crisis.

Also, an observation: there are quite a few Muslim secondary characters in this book, yet not a single one of them was redeemable. I’m a gay man with Muslim friends who grew up in Toronto, a city with a sizeable population of Muslims. My experiences just don’t mesh with the author’s portrayal, though perhaps her experiences have been different.

Again, I think it was a case of overkill.

I decided to put this book down because I just didn’t care enough about the MCs to look past the over-dramatization.

But I’m clearly in the minority, so I might be missing something. Your mileage may vary.

Guest Review: Archangel's Assassin by Barbara Elsborg

He wants to forget

West is an archangel’s assassin delivering justice to supernatural creatures who break the law. Not a straightforward job because he also has to absorb the memories of those he kills. Even worse, West is breaking the law himself in an attempt to free his brother from hell. If he doesn’t succeed before his archangel boss finds out, West will be joining his sibling.

He wants to remember

A young guy wakes in a London park with his memories gone. He has no idea who he is, or where he comes from. A bracelet engraved with the single word Tao is the only clue to his identity. With no sign of his memory returning, he drifts into a life on the streets. Begging is his only way to survive.

Two worlds collide

When Tao returns West’s stolen wallet, West offers to buy him a coffee. Tao delights in the chance to sit down with a good-looking guy until his instincts tell him to run away. Fast. West is surprised when Tao flees, considering how much he’d been mentally urging him to stay. Is he losing his touch or is Tao more than a scruffy young man down on his luck?

Only one way to find out.

Reviewer: NeRdyWRYM

Twisted Mythos

Religion. Myths. Tom-ay-to, to-mah-to. I won't get into that argument here. What I will say is that this book twisted a lot of mainstream assumptions about the mythology that goes along with religion—i.e., angels and demons—and mish-mashed them up with common supernatural phenomenon and fae and gargoyles and all kinds of other fun stuff. And that's what this was: a dark but fun ride. Dark with a capital 'D' for sure.

These MCs, and Raphael's assassin in particular, were just so ... broken. Even the archangel wasn't immune to ennui and apathy in his virtual but necessary imprisonment. The individual plotlines for the MCs intertwined and enmeshed and spun out and spiraled up and down and all around until I wondered if either one of them would ever catch a freaking break!

In all reality, they never do catch a break ... at least not when you want them to or when you think they deserve it. Frankly, there are lots of little bits of horror interspersed with some moments that are truly beautiful.

I'm sure there are things I could have picked apart with the amalgamation of all of my favorite things paranormal/religious/pseudo-religioius, etc. all smooshed into one book, but honestly, I wasn't interested in trying. What I was raptly fascinated with was the journey the MCs were swept away in.

I absolutely loved this book. Yes, I even loved it when it made me want to scream. Repeatedly. I will be watching this author like a hawk for any M/M new releases from now on.

Take a chance on this one. It's dark, it's angsty, and it's soul-destroying here and there, but it's also fascinating, enthralling, interesting and beautiful. All of that wrapped up in one package ... why resist?

Highly recommended.

More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Barbara Elsborg

Today we have a high fantasy fic from Barbara Elsborg WITH A UNICORN! #winning 
Be sure to enter the giveaway for a backlist ebook too. Good luck!

The Choice

When Jago walked into the warehouse, every face turned his way and no one looked happy to see him. He’d been handed the intriguing party invitation in the street along with an electric smile from a tall, dark haired stranger.

Fantastical Costume Party.

Dress to surprise.

He had. With his long, white blond hair Jago looked different whatever he wore but he’d donned an almost translucent robe over tight silver pants, put on star earrings, a metal choker and his horn. God, I love my horn. It was a pain to get it to sit properly on his head but it looked so cool.

Everyone in the place wore amazing costumes but they still looked pissed off with him and he hadn’t even done anything. He curled his toes in his boots to stop himself running.

Fuck this. I am running.

Before he could, silver chains encircled his body and he was spun round to see the guy who’d invited him. The city suit had been replaced by an elaborate long jacket, huge golden wings and scaly clawed hands with sharp red nails. But at least he was smiling. Jago had wanted something different to happen in his life and here it was. Correction, here he was.

“I came,” Jago said.

The guy laughed. “Already?”

Jago’s face burned.
“I’m Dev.”

“Jago.”

“I know.”

The guy hadn’t taken his eyes off him. His smile widened as he took in Jago’s horn. “A rare creature.”

Jago’s cock hardened. He felt as if he was being consumed. He wanted to be consumed.

“Your costume’s great,” Jago mumbled.

Dev turned him and wrapped his arms around him. The hard of press of Dev’s cock against his arse made Jago’s heart pound.

“It’s not a costume,” Dev said.

What?

Dev hissed and those who’d been approaching backed off. Jago exhaled.

“Frightened?” Dev asked.

“They seem angry with me.”

“Because you’re different and because I want you. Though we can only have one night.”

Fuck. Jago was tired of being used, but when he tried to move away, claws dug into his chest and thigh. Dev’s scaly hands were warm. So were his wings. Oh God. Lust not pain rushed through Jago’s body along with dawning realisation.

Dev breathed into Jago’s ear. “One night unless…”

Jago’s pulse raced. “Unless what?”

“You choose to be with me forever.” Dev pulled him round, stared into his eyes and gave Jago the deepest, sweetest, most breath-stealingly intense kiss he’d ever had. Hands caressed his backside now, not claws.

“I choose forever.”

Dev’s smile lit up Jago’s world. “Welcome to Faeryland.”

Be sure to let Barbara know what feels you're feeling in the comments below!

About the Author

The joy of music

Or not if you’re listening to me play the violin or the piano. My mother longed for me to show some talent on the piano. I had lessons for years and I honestly don’t think I improved at all. I refused to do exams because I already had to do those in speech and drama – yes, she was one of those sorts of mothers. Eventually I pleaded too much school work and she let me stop.

What did I do once I got married? Bought a piano. My mother thought she was vindicated and used to sit and listen to me play every time she came to stay until she remembered a pressing engagement with the TV in the other room. But my kids loved the piano – ah – until I made them have lessons. Like mother like daughter. This time the music teacher begged me to let her stop teaching my son. Son was talented but he did everything off by heart. He hated the piano and he hated the teacher. Daughter plodded on. She took up the violin and being that sort of mother, I took it up too. Daughter ended up playing in the county orchestra. I retired horrorstruck once I realized there was more than one position. Those who play will know what I mean.

I am in awe of those who can write while they listen. How do they do it? I get distracted by the hum of the air con and if I’m not in a perfect writing mood, ANY sound will grow to annoying proportions very fast. Though I am grateful to music for some of my ideas for stories and titles. I listen while I run to Robbie Williams, James Morrison, Adele, Take That among others AND manage to plot stories at the same time. If I could do the ironing as well, life would be perfect.

With or Without You by U2 – inspired by title With Or Without Him. http://www.metrolyrics.com/with-or-without-you-lyrics-u2.html

Every breath you take by Sting - inspired the title Every Move He Makes http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sting/everybreathyoutake.html

Cowboys Down – well that was all mine!

Be on the lookout for a new paranormal romance coming soon! Like 12/1 kinda soon. Here's the cover & blurb to whet your appetite!

He wants to forget

West is an archangel’s assassin delivering justice to supernatural creatures who break the law. Not a straightforward job because he also has to absorb the memories of those he kills. Even worse, West is breaking the law himself in an attempt to free his brother from hell. If he doesn’t succeed before his archangel boss finds out, West will be joining his sibling.

He wants to remember

A young guy wakes in a London park with his memories gone. He has no idea who he is, or where he comes from. A bracelet engraved with the single word Tao is the only clue to his identity. With no sign of his memory returning, he drifts into a life on the streets. Begging is his only way to survive.

Two worlds collide

When Tao returns West’s stolen wallet, West offers to buy him a coffee. Tao delights in the chance to sit down with a good-looking guy until his instincts tell him to run away. Fast. West is surprised when Tao flees, considering how much he’d been mentally urging him to stay. Is he losing his touch or is Tao more than a scruffy young man down on his luck?

Only one way to find out.

Enter to win a backlist ebook of Barbara's. Winner's choice! Giveaway ends 12/5 @ Midnight EST. Good luck!

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The Unicorns thank Barbara for helping us celebrate turning 4!

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway HERE! It ends 12/1/17!

Review: Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg

Let the games begin.

When you play dirty, mud gets in your eyes. And when your vision clears, it might be too late to say sorry.

Linton Williams is moving up in life, he’s secured a great job, he’s living his dream - until it all comes crashing down, courtesy of a brother who’s hooked on cocaine and owes money to dangerous people. When Linton’s offered enough cash to pay off his brother’s debts and send him to rehab, he can’t say no.

But there’s a catch. To save his brother from the hell of addiction, Linton makes a deal with the devil. His job? To teach film star Thorne Morrisey a public lesson in humility that might just destroy Thorne’s acting career for good.

When Thorne and Linton meet, sparks fly, and one kiss sets into motion a chain of events that could destroy them both. By the time Linton decides the price is too high, it’s too late. He’s fallen hard. And now he’s trapped between destroying his lover or his brother.

Game over

This book has dark themes and violence.

Wow. To say this book was complex would be putting it lightly. As a few reviews have stated, there is a lot going on in this book but the method to which each character is weaved into the fabric that ultimately becomes the romance between Thorne and Linton was done so flawlessly, you won’t get lost.

***I am going to say this now, this book has on page rape in it and also stories of past rape as well as on page violence so if those are a trigger for you, be aware.***

We meet Linton Williams as he arrives home to his flat after being gone for three months working in the States. When he gets there, the last thing he expected to find was his younger brother Dirk, assed out of his mind on some drug and drink and in Linton’s bed with a man and a woman. Linton hadn’t offered his flat to his brother and he is furious and lets his emotions run his mouth as he kick his brother out. Linton is rightfully upset at his brother for taking advantage yet when he gets a call that his brother has been beaten, overdosed and is in hospital, Linton drops everything to be at his side.

About the same time in a another part of town famous actor Thorne Morrissey is attending a charity premiere of his latest movie, but is quite bored. So when a good looking guy offers him a bit of fun in a hotel room, Thorne agrees. But this invite comes with a spiked drink, an extra player that Thorne wasn’t aware of and sex that he didn’t agree to, along with photo evidence of it all. When Thorne is coherent enough to leave the hotel, he comes upon a young man being beaten by two thugs and does what any human would do, he calls the police.

Linton is shaken at the condition of his brother. Not only the physical marks that are all over his body but learning he may have been raped and he had heroin in his body. Linton knows Dirk is an addict but heroin was never his drug of choice. When the doctor suggest he get Dirk into a rehab and Linton sees the cost, he has no idea how he will afford it. When Dirk tells him he owes his drug dealer, the one who had him beaten, £10,000 Linton knows he will do whatever it takes to save his brother but at what cost to him?

So that right there sets up our story, kinda. When Linton gets a frantic call from his boss, who is also the brother of a childhood friend, Linton drives to a meeting to find out what’s happened. Owen is the friend and Owen is quite frankly fucked up in the head in so many ways. Linton learns that Owen was engaged to Thorne Morrissey, but Thorne ended their engagement with a terrible live and hateful dismissal that happened to be very public. He not only disgraced his then fiancé but he also threw in a few words about Max’s architectural ability that cost Max a few clients and projects. The brothers decide they want revenge on Thorne since the breakup made Owen depressed and suicidal. They want Thorne to pay and to hurt like he hurt Owen so they offer him a deal. Max will give Linton £50,000 up front to make Thorne fall for him and then publically dump him the way he did Owen. Linton is disgusted at the offer and yet he will do anything to save his Dirk. When he asks about the money and the possibility that he can’t make Thorne fall for him, Max tells him it’s his if can make Thorne hurt.

By this time, all I wanted was for Thorne and Linton to meet and when they did in the most organic way I was one happy ginger. Their first kiss was exceptional and so good that it really began the game these two would play. The game, the real one of flirting, creating insane UST and the playful banter between Thorne and Linton was so much fun. I smiled ridiculously all while cringing knowing the secret that Linton held.

From the first time the men are together, you know the chemistry is strong and since we get both POV’s we know Thorne is falling just as fast for Linton as Linton is for Thorne. The true romance between the men was organic and so sweet and sexy AF. Goodness. The first kiss was great with its delivery but when Thorne takes his turn, things get so hot and then when they move forward, the hands were sweating from holding my Nook. I mean, the freaking Skype session and what Linton does and then um… belts? Yeah, Elsborg can write some seriously hot scenes that have so much emotion you feel it.

Oh! Talk about angst! The whole lie of why drove Linton a bit crazy and me too. I wanted him to tell Thorne so many times. I twistedly wanted him to tell Thorne and them to turn around a play a dirty game back with Owen and Max, but Owen has his own issues that get him in enough trouble.

Now there is much that Linton and Thorne have in common that really deepens the story. We have a lot of family dynamics going on with Linton and Dirk and how they grew up. They had a horrible mother who doted on Linton and treated Dirk like shit, so Linton has always felt the need to protect his brother because he didn’t realize all that went on when he left for Uni. Thorne has a brother as well, River, who is autistic and while Thorne grew up with money his parents treated River as if he was a mistake and not worth their time. Both men have unconditional love for their younger siblings and know they’d go through hell for them. This in itself is important to the fruition of the story.

I loved that Linton is so loyal that he’ll lose everything to help Dirk and not hurt Thorne intentionally. I know that may sound strange considering what he agreed to but Linton was blackmailed into it but I don’t fault him at all. When his past with Owen is revealed and we know what Owen was holding over his head from when they were young was awful on many levels but the way Max and Own used it and used Dirk being in rehab was unforgivable. I did not like either of them and though Owen grows up a bit toward the end, I still dislike him immensely.

Thorne was amazing. It was a blast being in his head knowing how much Linton affected him from the first time he saw him in the pub. Watching Thorne let his guard down and fall for the guy who doesn’t believe in love was a pure pleasure. Being witness to Thorne doing little things for Linton because he could and truly wanted to touched my heart. Sure, Thorne has a bit of reputation of being an ass to fans and to lovers when he leaves them but every old dog can learn new tricks when he has a penguin bringing him pebbles. I KNOW that made no sense but it does when you read the book.

Thorne and Linton together is full of every emotion possible. The author truly makes you see and feel it all. From the men bonding with one another’s brothers to them sharing their pasts and learning to trust. I know the trust sounds false when it’s built on a lie but what they have together is not a lie. It’s beautiful and it was a pure pleasure to watch.

I completely adored this book. I did. I honestly think that timing can be everything when you read a book and while it took me a second time to get into this when I first stopped after Thorne’s rape, I am beyond happy that I picked it up again. I devoured this in less than 24 hours. It was amazing and so complex with all that was going on that I couldn't stop reading. I stayed up late reading then woke up on my day off, rolled over grabbed the book and my glasses and read until I was done. I fell in love with this book and though the angst just about did me in I couldn't have stopped reading.

Dirty Games is just that, a book full of dirty games people will make you play to get what they want. It’s a story about doing anything for family and it’s a deep story about forgiving the ones you love, it’s a story about making mistakes and being able to move on to be a better person. It’s a story about love and loving those who can’t say the words back even when they feel them. It’s a beautiful story and I am again so happy I read it. This will be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
Oh and one last note, that epilogue was stunning and those last three pages were perfection.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg

Celebrate Dirty Games release with Barbara Elsborg and Signal Boost Promotions today! And don't miss the Elsborg back list giveaway!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK


Length: 108,000 words


Blurb


The last thing Linton needs when he arrives home after three months in the States, is to find his beautiful flat is a squat, complete with his younger brother Dirk, who’s lying in Linton’s bed with a couple who’ve paid him for sex. Dirk isn’t even supposed to have a key. But after Linton throws Dirk out, life slams in hard and if his brother is to have any hope of a future, Linton has to play dirty. Or at least pretend to. What he hasn’t factored in is having to play the game to the bitter end.


Film star Thorne Morrisey has everything. Good looks, charm, seductive magnetism and a voice that could charm a snake from its basket. He can also be a real shit and yet people still love him - though he’d rather not have the love of his ex. Owen’s a suicidal wreck after Thorne dumped him in a very public and humiliating way and Owen’s wealthy brother has his own reasons for wanting revenge on Thorne. Max’s weapon of choice is his employee, Linton.


Linton and Thorne are on a collision course and in for the game of their lives. But who’s playing who?

Author Bio

Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the South of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.


Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they were to write.


https://www.facebook.com/barbara.elsborg

https://twitter.com/BarbaraElsborg

https://www.barbaraelsborg.com/

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Review: Drawn In by Barbara Elsborg

Undercover police officer Kell has crossed the line. He’s become trapped in an abusive relationship with his violent thug of a boss and sees no way back without wrecking months of work. The hope of ever being involved with someone who respects him seems a distant dream.

Private investigator Gethin is depressed that the bulk of his work involves following unfaithful partners. He knows just what it’s like to be cheated on. Even worse, his relationship with his ex is complicated and Gethin can see no way of breaking free of a guy who so desperately needs him.

A chance encounter brings Kell and Gethin together, entwining their lives with secrets and danger. They both have reasons to keep things casual. But there are consequences to zipless fucks. Not only do they have to survive people trying to kill them, they need to trust each other and keep their wits about them, while ensuring their hearts stay intact.

Let me just play devil's advocate on behalf of this book for a sec. Drawn In came after reading two phenomenal books back to back, so it had big shoes to fill. Also, I seem to be continuing to struggle with heavy reads under the Cheeto regime. I like Elsborg's writing and she does have a tendency to tackle some weighty issues, had I been in a different mindset this could have been a 4 heart read, but timing is everything. So they say.

This is one weighty read. There are mentions of pedophilia, women being sold into slavery, one of the MCs is regularly beaten and for all intents and purposes raped by his "boss", the other MC's ex-boyfriend is a quadriplegic who wants to be euthanized and the icing on the cake is a sociopathic brother. If that isn't the cake of evil cackling doom I don't know what is. All it was missing was a dusting of Cheeto jizz.

EEEEEEEEPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!! OR A CLOWN!
EEEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!

I think it would've been more successful had the euthanasia and maybe the sociopathic brother storylines been deleted. I think I understand the purpose of both I just think it could've been accomplished in a less dire and or sinister ways. To put it succinctly, I struggled to get through this and once it was over I went scurrying directly back to my happy, happy, joy, joy place. With my binkie. Perception is everything though, so what's "weighty" or "heavy" for me may not be for another.

I can always count on Elsborg to bring the heat, though and she delivered there. The chemistry between Gethin and Kell is palpable. I did think their transition from fuck buddies to feels was choppy and verged on instalove, but as the story evolved their relationship strengthened and grew before my eyes. They both have to endure quite a bit and begin relying on and trusting one another more and more. I also loved their banter. Sometimes it was silly but it provided a much needed respite from all the heavy.

The mystery storyline was kind of a bust for me. It came together really quickly with very few unforeseen twists or turns and made these law enforcement officers look like a bunch of incompetent amateurs. The reason I like mysteries and thrillers is that feeling of being kept guessing, on the edge of my seat, if you will and that eluded me. Yet, I always feel badly saying these things when the primary objective of this book or any in this genre is romance. I get that the mystery is supposed to just be the window dressing. I just wish it had been a little more complex.

There were some editing issues that had me rereading sentences to piece them together, but overall the narrative flowed well.

I would recommend this to MM romance fans who enjoy heavier reads, but please heed the warnings.

A review copy was provided.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Barbara Elsborg (NSFW)

We're so pleased to have Barbara Elsborg in the clubhouse to celebrate today and she was nervous about writing a flash fic for us, so be sure to gush and squee in the comments!

Trouble 

by 

Barbara Elsborg

 

“It’s okay.” Matt held Jamie tighter. “You’re fine. Honestly.”

“Gone?” Jamie whimpered.

“Yep.”

“Might come back.”

“No.” Matt slid his hand under Jamie’s butt and accidentally on purpose stroked the crease of his backside.

Jamie shuddered and Matt hoped it was with desire and not fear.

“I’ll protect you,” Matt whispered and his cock hardened as he pressed his finger against the entrance to Jamie’s body.

Jamie wriggled against him. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

If a zombie had broken down the door, Matt would have dealt with it. No way was he going to let this chance evaporate. It had taken him weeks to get Jamie naked, though when the guy had leapt halfway across the room and flung himself at him so they landed in the chair, Matt had been a bit surprised. It was only Jamie’s shriek that made him realise Jamie wasn’t overcome with lust but with fear.

Matt pushed and pressed until his finger slid into Jamie. The gentle gasp of warm air that hit his chest and the tremulous sigh were what he’d hoped for.

“Okay?” Matt asked.

“Uhhuh.”

Jamie rocked against him as Matt finger-fucked him and pretty soon they were both breathing heavily. When Matt tried to move him to a different position, Jamie clung tighter so Matt gave up. He’d been so desperate to be doing this with Jamie that he could have probably come just by standing looking at him.

Jamie came first, spurting hot rivulets over Matt’s chest and that triggered Matt’s release. His eyes closed as his cum joined Jamie’s.

But when he opened his eyes, delight turned to dismay. Trouble was back. Shit.

“I’ll go get a cloth.” Jamie tried to get off his lap and Matt pulled him back.

“Let’s stay exactly like this. Please. I love holding you.”

Jamie smiled against his chest. “Okay.”

Now all Matt had to do was wait until that fucking huge spider disappeared back under the door.

***

Freakin' spiders. We'd like to thank Barbara for joining in the fun. Be sure to let her know what you thought of her fic in the comments!

About Barbara Elsborg

Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.

Goodreads

Website

Enter for a chance to win an ebook from Barbara Elsborg's backlist!

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The giveaway is open until 12:00AM (Eastern time) on 11/16/16. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner! 

Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner. Good luck!

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway here!

Review: Dirty Angel by Barbara Elsborg

Dying Sucks

Particularly when you discover there really is a hell. Aden thinks there’s no way he can avoid going down, but when an angel and demon can’t agree over his fate, Aden is given one more month to gain redemption. He doubts he can find a way to become a better man in so short a time. But it’s worth a try, right?

Living sucks 

Particularly when you can’t shake free of an obsessive ex. Brody might be managing to hold down his job as a vet, but his personal life is a mess. If he doesn’t pull himself together soon, he’s going to be sliding downhill too fast to stop. 

One wet night, on a dark country lane, two worlds collide and destinies change forever.

What a surreal reading experience. I'm not sure if Elsborg is some sort of precog or what, but I do know this was written and released pre-Orlando, but reading it post-Orlando inspired some existential feels. When did terrorist attacks become accepted as a part of the fabric of our existence? When did they become a plausible happenstance when leaving our homes? Back in the day the number one fear of going out was not getting picked up by the popo on the way home from the club not whether or not you'd make it home ALIVE. 

Aden goes out for an innocent night of fun and never gets to go home again. Instead he finds himself in a weird place with lots of ether about to stand judgment for his life. At first he thinks he's dreaming and can't wake up, but the fact that he can't remember going to sleep is troubling. Naturally, this got me thinking about those 49 people who maybe found themselves in a similar situation.

Needless to say I had some... moments but the level of romance Elsborg injected into Dirty Angel balanced out a lot of them. I found the experience soothing to an extent in the wake of yet another avoidable tragedy. 

Aden is given a second chance-one month to prove himself worthy of Heaven, to find out the meaning of love which will decide his fate. Heaven or Hell. He has the power to impact how his eternity will be spent. 

No money.
No lying.
No friends.
No phone.
No going home.
Seven chances at redemption.

Aden's truly not a bad person. He's been dealt a shit hand that has colored his worldview. He doesn't allow himself to get close to other people because they've repeatedly disappointed him. He has a tendency to be opportunistic and has used people, but he's far from diabolical.

"I've been lost all my life," Aden replied quietly. 

"Not lost," Brody squeezed his fingers. "Just undiscovered."

Brody and Aden meet almost immediately when Brody hits him with his car. Aden takes off for fear of having to explain things to the police/EMTs and is discovered camped out in Brody's horse's stall the next morning. I really loved that horse. Captain is fussy, kind of intimidating and highly intuitive. That horse is a keeper.

Brody's a veterinarian who's trying to keep a low profile due to a past abusive/obsessive relationship, so he's moved to the country to live on the family farm. Brody has also developed a rather unhealthy addiction to anonymous sex which has gotten out of hand.

Both men have pasts that have shaped them and continue to affect them in many ways and both must battle their pasts to a certain extent to gain what they want most.

"They prefer to swim in pairs with their tales linked. Sounds like fun, linking tails."

Elsborg is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors for a  couple of reasons. First and foremost, I appreciate that she doesn't sugarcoat life. Her characters usually have to contend with awful childhoods or tragedies or what have you, be able to come to grips with that before getting to the HEA which I find makes the reading experience more rewarding. Second, DAMN! can she bring the romance and the heat. This was swoony-I'm-gonna-pass-out romance. Sooooo much kissing and wanting and desire and sexiness.

Also, I liked getting my learn on with all the miscellaneous animal knowledge. The psycho ex-boyfriend storyline is predictable and the pieces fall together quickly, but that's not the focus of this book. Dirty Angel is about two men who have been knocked around in life figuring out if they're right for each other and trying to figure out how to get the love thing right. Or at least right enough to be with each other and make the most out of a second chance.

If you're looking for a romance that'll put a smile on your face and a swoon in your step, give this a try.

Trigger Warnings:  on page violence, mentions of childhood sexual abuse, on page rape and terrorist attack

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Sunday Funday: SheReadsALot's Favorite Books of 2015

Are you ready? I'm going to release the fuck force upon you! 
Prepare your body! 

j/k

I'm going to discuss my favorite reads of 2015! Relax!

No prep necessary. I'm just going to gush.

2015: I was stingier with my favorite list last year. It's my smallest ever. Just 13, lucky 13. I have repeat authors, a good chunk are books released from previous years and there was one hetero book BUT listen to me, this book is a book I think MM Romance readers could try.

If you don't know, I review for two blogs which forces me to read new releases. If not, I'll be forever trying to conquer my unconquerable TBR that has ten zipcodes at this point. (How do I keep up? Unicorn glitter, coffee and sass)

This is how a few of my fave books made it on there (Hansen, Charles, Elsborg, Deckard), and how a few of the authors on this year's list caught my eye years before. Pair that with my love of freebies, which is how I discovered one of the other authors (Vargas) and well...this girl loves to read.

So in no specific order, they're all on my list. I think it's ranked enough. ;P

The Newcomers

Melanie Hansen's Everything Changes

The story has a lot of winning ingredients to appeal to MM readers and it doesn't tilt the boat. It's contemporary, friends to lovers. Add a soldier and a rock star, you can see the check cashing itself in the bank. Though it has tried and true tropes & ingredients and it's safe, the story is pretty good. This was the author's debut in 2015 and she is already onto book #3 this month. I haven't read her recently to see if her writing improved, but from what I remembered it was solid. Yummy characters, some drama and flair and hot vanilla sex...delicious.

 Emory Vargas's Rock Rod Series (Entire series. All!)

Ask any unicorn, they'll tell you, if I find an author that I think is worth your read, your dollar...I'm going to crow about it until the stable closes. I am guilty of hoarding freebies but I do try to crack them open. So of course, I make time for the Daddy kink. It's my shit. And there was Vargas's "Waiting For the Right Boy" waiting on my Kindle. And it had an extra surprise of MANTIES. A Cupcake & Baby special. We don't get that too often. And the thing is the writing is good. Better than average freebie writing, so I had to snap up everything else I could find that I got for free by the author.

And did. Liked that too. And I don't like reading the same author so close together, I get to notice their signatures in their work.

But she released Alex Undone in May 2015 and...holy shit. It was like my spirit animal wrote a story about a clueless butt virgin becoming a gay porn star.

This series just won my snarky loving heart. And then some.

Alex on Top

Where Palex finally comes full steam ahead.

Yes, I created a 'ship name for them.



Emory gave Palex to the world. And I thank her ever so kindly. #assinator3000FTW

The Authors You Might Not Have Heard Of (But I Think You Should)

P.T. Denys - Violence Begets...
Check out the snazzy new cover!

The ratings are fairly decent and I think the warnings and triggers might scare potential readers but it's a powerful book. I don't know why reading broken people fascinates me so but...this author blew me away. I demolished this book and then had to go sit down for a few. This doesn't have a happy ending. It's pain and abuse up the wazoo and you can discuss it for days as to why the characters put up with it. But there are many people who do. Not excusing anyone but it is what is. I can't wait for the author's sequel to this. Though it's going to be a tough one to try and top, I'll be there on release day. Excellent debut. This is a first time writer's dream book: evocative and lingers on the brain.

Douglas Black - Port in a Storm

I'm not sure 2015 had a theme for me, but 2014 sure did. It was the year of the male author. And I raved about a couple of D's: Deckard, Devon McCormack and Daniel de Lorne but I might've forgotten one. Or not. Douglas Black. I really like his tone and I found myself really enjoying the hell out of his books. But this book? I refuse to remove it from my Kindle because I'm in heavy like with the quotes. The plot is a simple one, but the story is so romantic. *gushing* Yes, sex fiends, there's a jizz-tastic amount of sex as well, but the story about an average guy who was sinking in his mundane life and taking a chance on this larger than life character? It was a great read. Maybe you're a reader like me who tries to avoid those buzz books while they're still buzzing (sounds bad right? But if a book has too many people swarming around and raving 5 stars the house down...I'm looking for the nearest exit) Read this blurb, maybe give this a chance.

L.H. Cosway - Killer Queen - The Hetero Book O_O

Why this book kicks ass?


This is a companion to Painted Faces. And I frown on companion books usually. Why in the hell do I want to read what the other character was thinking if I already read it first hand? Whelp, not only does it feature a drag queen hero that is straight...the story is still as good the second time around from Nick aka Ms. Vivica Blue's POV. It was like meeting with an old friend again and talking about the good old days. I didn't bitch, moan or skim.

That's why it kicks ass. Read the series if you get a chance. It's good great.

The Repeaters

Barbara Elsborg - The Demon You Know

Third in an unrelated paranormal/urban fantasy series based in London, this featured one of my favorite paranormal beings as a main character...a demon. A demon with a twist! I still think the previous book was slightly better, this book still was a strong contender.

And the cover is one of my faves of the year. I want to lick it.

K.J. Charles double whammy - get ready for the verbal sledgehammer

A Fashionable Indulgence

I want to start a Julian Norreys fan club! And I want to be the co-president. I do love the dandies. And he reminded me of some my favorite Regency/ Georgian acerbic tongued dandies *cough*Sebastian*cough*Simon*cough*...the book was good but Julian stole the show, owned it, rewrote and slapped the fuck out of it.

 A Seditious Affair

The secondary characters! The sedition! The return of Julian Norreys! The main characters! O.M.G. I thought I was going to get the filler book before the main event that I know book #3 will be.

Nothing doing. This book had everything and more.

And kink!

Nothing more to say to that.

Bey Deckard - Bringing in the visual. He's excellent with setting the scene.

Fated

Third in the Baal's Heart series, my favorite pirate triad is back in action and revisiting a certain troubled pirate's past. It's darker and quieter but a great conclusion for the triad.

Better The Devil You Know

For the ones who love it darker and without a HEA. Though in my warped head, it sort of was. A book featuring a character I like reading about in fiction and a serial killer have a walk down memory lane.

Twisty. Filthy. Bloody. Clever. Fun?

And that cover still gives me the vapors. Also a fave of mine.

The Book Everyone and Their Father's Barber's Barber Read...Except for Me

Jill Knowles - Concubine

CANDYLAND THUNDERDOME'd = me. I had this book for who knows how long and I would have probably let it languish among the many in my TBR K2. Thank goodness for the THUNDERDOME.

Purple Jism. Sweet Lavender Semen and Raspberry flavored cock heads, you feel me? I would drink it all day and ride it into the sunset. This book was magical. And there was a demon MC, so you know I was excited times a zillion!

BIDGAFFIEHBILI (or Book I Don't Give A Flying Fuck If Everyone Hated Because I LOVED It)

Mercy Celeste - Out of the Blues

I love her writing. And I also know when it's not up to snuff. But this one was like old school Mercy. Her fans know what I'm talking about. This was the jam and jelly. The bees knees. It knocked me out of my book slump right when I needed it. Loved those two dudes. 

Didn't like it? *shrugs*
Didn't think it was believable? *shrugs*

Don't. Give. A. Shit. Loved. It.


So while my list isn't that long, I think it had a good number of strong writers and excellent storytelling. Definitely entertaining. A little bit for everyone's taste? *shrugs*

I did try a good number of new to me authors (like Lisa Henry through her free stuff or authors from our anniversary event's flash fics - Suki Fleet)...wait, I think that could possibly be my theme - the year I finally tried those authors I been meaning to get to.

I think my 2016 list might end up a little longer. We're barely half a month into the new year and I already have 2 faves.

Whoa.

The fuck force is strong, unicorns!

Any books on here that you loved? Any books you loved you want to shout out for 2015?

Try to rub my horn. I dare ya!

SRAL out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *drops mic*