Review: The Fall Guy by Chris Quinton

In 1920s New York, Pinkerton Agent John Brady is assigned to a brutal robbery/kidnapping, an open and shut case with an obvious culprit - but nothing and no one are what they seem.

Small-time crook Cesare Donati has the perfect getaway: a transatlantic cruise ship. When Brady turns up at his cabin door, Cesare knows he is out of options until they reach England.

Will London be a safe haven or a place of reckoning?

Chris Quinton knows how to write a short story.

It’s really hard to believe this book is listed as 32 pages because it struck me with the same impact as a novella at minimum. The author managed to build a world, introduce me to amazing characters and complete a mystery in those scant 32 pages.

John, the earnest and lonely Pinkerton detective and Cesare, the dreamy bad boy with a heart of gold are a great match. Their attraction to one another was instant but not rushed and moved forward as the mystery did. The mystery and evolution of the relationship paced well together and made the whole story flow.

Both characters had a ton of appeal in their own ways and I loved getting to know both of them. The writing showed me the men, their lives and enough of their backstories to understand their motives in everything they did. John is a stand up guy from the moment he’s introduced, he’s someone you wish you could know more of and Cesare’s questionable reputation makes him the perfect foil for John. Their differences could have led to a wealth of angst, but instead the two have a common goal in saving a young woman and honestly, only good guys do that, regardless of their history.

The language and pace read authentically for a historic tale, the balance was well done. Too much would have been campy but this was just enough to be fun to read.

Everything was wrapped up rather quickly and the bow it was tied in was a little too neat (especially considering we’re talking about two gay men in the 1920’s), but, the tidiness of it all was necessary considering the length of the story. So, while not high on the realistic side, it was still completely satisfying.

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

Group Review: Watching and Wanting (Housemates #4) by Jay Northcote

Watching Jude’s cam show stirs desires Shawn’s always denied...

Shawn is adrift. Recently graduated, he’s stuck in a dead-end job that barely pays the bills. His girlfriend dumped him, his friends have moved on, and he’s still in Plymouth—going nowhere.

Jude is a student living in the same shared house. Out and proud, he’s everything Shawn’s been running from since he hit puberty. When Shawn discovers Jude works as a cam boy, he can’t resist the urge to watch one of his shows. It makes Shawn want things that scare him, yet his fascination forces him to confront his attraction.

Keen to explore his bicurious side, Shawn suggests they do a show together. Jude agrees, and things get complicated—and kinky—fast. But Jude isn’t looking to get involved with someone so deep in the closet. If Shawn’s going to get what he wants, he needs to find the courage to stop hiding from himself and be honest about who he is.

Length: 52,000 words approx.
Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.

Sara - 5 Hearts

The journey of sexual discovery is wonderful to read. The journey of sexual discovery out of a character's comfort zone or normality is a joy and the sexual discovery of realizing you are not just bi-curious but bi-sexual and want your roommates D is nothing short of pure erotic pleasure. Oh yeah. This was hot. Dirty, fuckhot, sensual and way emotional. Just how I like ‘em!

Told in Dual POV’s, we meet Shawn as he has recently broken up with his girlfriend Beth after their relationship went south. The two tried everything to save it including spicing it up in the bedroom but what Beth wanted confused Shawn and the two decided to end it and go their separate ways.

Shawn lives in a house full of roommates, mostly folks we have met in previous books including Jude who is gay and Shawn has a strong reaction to his roommates. After a night of feeling sorry for himself and getting wasted, Shawn says some awful homophobic things and spends the next day making it up to his housemates. When he goes to return a hoodie to Jude in his room, he opens the unlocked door while unlocking whole new side of Jude and of Shawn he tried denying existing but decides to explore. Even if the exploration is only on his laptop, in his locked room watching Jude get off for money.

It was amazing what an effective barrier denial could be.

Jude, he has a cam show to make money. He’s okay with selling himself this way and we know his liberal morals and values are passed down through his mom and why. But Jude, he does this cam show and does it well but when he is interrupted by Shawn during a show, things change. Jude already has a crush on his straight roommate and has no idea that Shawn went down to his room and decided to watch after the interruption. Oh the things Jude says about Shawn while he’s stroking his cock… sigh. Shawn has an insight to Jude in a way and gets to hear all that Shawn says. Again, sigh.

When Shawn does a bit of online exploration and decides if he is going to try this dude on dude action out it should be with someone like Jude, someone he knows and has come to think of as a friend and do it well, on camera. LORD! This book is so mother effing sexy I can’t stand it. I’ve read a few books where you have the straight dude doing things on camera for the first time but this was MY first time that felt a connection and true emotion through Shawn’s first experience with a guy. From the first time on camera to the moments of building a true friendship, I was falling hard for Shawn and Jude. I loved their camera time, their gym time, their game time and just all the times they are together. But my favorite was so sexy, so emotional and so just UNF that I can’t even put real words together to describe it.

This was all about the journey. Jude was in charge and that knowledge made him feel safe.

Yeah, this book was sexy AF but it had the elements needed – for me – when a character is exploring sexuality. This isn’t porn without plot, this is plot with porn. Literally. I loved that we got both POV’s to know where the boys were coming from and what their intentions were. The growth of both Jude and Shawn with their relationship was a pure pleasure to read and even the bits of angst wondering when true feelings would be revealed and how was so good. The title though… ugh. I love it when titles actually make sense with the book.

I won’t go into much more about what happens because it’s too good to spoil and man when the moments come (pun intended) and when they do they are worth the wait. That end is SO worth the wait and good lord was it swoony and I agree with the purple-haired girl.

This is a great addition to the Housemates series (and man what a magical house it is) and Northcote is amazing at writing sexual experiment and journey. He’s captured the vulnerability of wanting something new while trusting someone with the knowledge and your wellbeing. Jude and Shawn were made for one another and I am so damn glad that door was opened, in every way possible.

Adam - 2 Hearts

When Shawn walks in on his roommate during a sexy webcam session, it ignites feelings in Shawn that he’s never looked at too closely. When he can’t get Jude out his mind, Shawn proposes that the explore the spark between them on Jude’s cam show. Jude’s more than happy to indulge Shawn. But it doesn’t take long for the lines to start blurring.

Shawn hasn’t been particularly popular in the previous books. He’s the jock roommate who’s given the other couples grief at times. Turns out that he was hiding something underneath the bouts of homophobia - Shawn’s sexually submissive and likes dick just as much as boobs.

I thought Shawn’s discovery of his sexuality was realistic. He slowly comes to terms with what he feels for Jude, and why he had acted out in the past. Plus, he makes appropriate amends for his past behaviour.

Jude is Shawn’s complete opposite. He’s outgoing and confident, and very in touch with his sexuality and desires. Plus, he’s got a dominant streak.

As expected, Jude and Shawn burned up my tablet screen. The two brought the heat from their first cautious jerk-off scene on webcam. There’s a delicious sprinkling of kinks - exhibitionism, voyeurism, bondage, and some light D/s.

Shawn and Jude have an undeniable sexual chemistry. But what I didn’t get a sense of was their emotional connection. What I most like about this series is that while it leans strongly to the steamy side, the books still provide well-developed romances. That wasn’t the case here.

There’s little relationship development. I didn’t get why Jude and Shawn fell for each other beyond the hot sex. The two didn’t really strike up a friendship or have common ground.

Also, the drama at the end was off-putting. I could understand why Jude wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with a closeted man, but the urgency of it didn’t make sense to me. If I’m getting the timeline right, only a couple of weeks pass between the first cam show and Jude putting his foot down. That’s a pretty short time for Shawn to finally come to terms with his bisexuality, begin exploring it, and take the huge step of coming out to everyone in his life.

In the end, I wasn’t convinced that Shawn was really ready to come out as opposed to him feeling pressured to do it. There’s a HFN, but Shawn and Jude definitely have a long way to go.

Overall, this was an okay read for me. It’s a very hot read, but I didn’t really buy Jude and Shawn as a couple.

Chelsea - 5 Hearts

I’m not going to be able to add anything different or unique to the other reviews out there for this book, so this’ll be short and sweet…. oh, and a lot sexy. This was smokin hot!

“Or are you fucking yourself with your fingers or a dildo and wishing it was my cock you were sitting on? Your arse feels so good, so tight. You’re gonna make me come….”
Shawn’s brain imploded. That image made fireworks go off in his head and his balls. He pressed two fingers against his hole, gasping as his whole body tensed and released.

The story was full of interesting characters that were equally fun and frustrating!

But the idea of telling all his friends and his family that he was in a relationship with a man seemed impossible. He was torn, his heart pulling him in one direction while his fear pulled him in another.

There were some subtle kinks which I adored, exibitionism, voyurism, bondage and dominant/submissive roles. yum yum yum.

Fingers dipped into his crack and Shawn shivered, legs going weak. He felt needy, desperate. He wanted to bend over the desk and spread himself open, beg for Jude to touch him more.

I love this whole series and even though this wasn’t my favourite so far, I’m giving it 5 hearts as a reflection of how much I adore all these books.

I highly recommend this whole series to everyone. There's a lot of sex, a lot of friendships and a lot of sneaky, surprise emotions.

Lorix - 4 Hearts

I have really enjoyed this series of books by Jay Northcote, he knows how to write sexy characters, that's for sure. More than that though, Northcote writes characters I find very relatable, and that adds to my enjoyment of his writing. Maybe it's because they are British so instantly I feel at home but that aside I feel the characters are always well rounded and have their own tale to tell.

This is possibly the steamiest book in the series and it appealed to my (theoretic) voyeuristic side. Cam shows from flatmate as you're finally admitting your bi-side? Yes please! There is no denying the sex in this story is hot; the sexual coinnection between Shawn and Jude is immediately apparent and, as someone who can take or leave sex in a story, it was much appreciated in this book. I did feel the emotional connection in this story wasn't quite as strong as some of the other couples from this series and quite often I can skim books with more sex less emotion. NO skimming here though because Northcote is a great writer. I really would recommend this series; it's fun, sweet, sexy and a great read.



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Review: Boys Who Go Bump in the Night (Mad About the Brit Boys #2) by JL Merrow and Josephine Myles

When boy meets (supernatural) boy.

Buckle up as two queens of British gay romance take you on a whistlestop tour of all things paranormal. Vampires, genies, ghosts, magicians and shifters all get their chance for a bit of boy on boy action, in five erotic stories that span the range from the humorous to the sublime.

Will you seek to make your fortune with magic and ritual, or pin your hopes on a genie’s power to grant wishes? Discover a shifty young man on a Scottish shoreline, meet a hapless garlic farmer who’s been turned into one of the undead--and if you dare to venture into the cellar, gird your loins for a horny ghost!

These stories have all been previously published, but are now available exclusively in this anthology.

From the pens of British authors JL Merrow and Josephine Myles,this collection of five short stories, each with a paranormal twist, was an enjoyable way to pass the time. As with all anthologies I preferred some stories to others - but they all bring something to the collection. I have to admit that I love these two authors - but for both of them, I am more of a fan of their longer stories. Short stories bring something different to the table which many prefer. I am though, in general, a longer story gal and so, through no fault of the authors, this did affect my rating.

Leeches and Layabouts by JL Merrow is a humorous take on vampire mythology. It made me chuckle and was perfect to read with a cuppa and some biscuits. Short but different, it worked!

Something Queer by Josephine Myles I really liked - but I wanted it to be a long story. I wanted all these elements in a novel. I don't think thios is a reflection on he writing though, I think it's a reflection on my greedy reader preferences.

Sacrifice by JL Merrow suffered the same fate in my reading hands. I truly enjoyed the elements of this story, but it made me greedy. It made me want this as a full length novel, with all the depth that comes with that. I loved the characters and the story arc, but I wanted more. I don't think it's the author's fault that I am greedy...

Et in Orcadia by JL Merrow had a very melancholy tone to it. It was sad and somewhat haunting, in a way that only takes of the sea can be.

One Last Wish by Josephine Myles was pretty laugh out loud funny from the start. A good way to round up the anthology, it was humorous and romantic.

For fans of anthologies, short stories and tales woith a paranormal twist, I recommend this collection.

For more information see Goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Forbidden Waters (Mermen & Magic, #1) by L.M. Brown

For the dying race of mer people homosexual relationships are forbidden. When Kyle falls for Prince Finn he knows he is navigating forbidden waters.

To save his clan from the ever-increasing shark attacks, merman Kyle seeks sanctuary for his people in the sunken city of Atlantis, even though he knows that as a homosexual merman he will be sacrificing his own chance for love. Love finds him anyway in the form of Prince Finn, the rebellious young heir to the Atlantean throne.

When their relationship is discovered Kyle is the one to pay the price. Banished from the oceans he seeks shelter in England and finds a new love with human, Jake Seabrook.

For Jake, Kyle is the chance to move on from the crush he has on his straight best friend. The strange man he found naked on the beach seems to fit into his life with ease. If only Kyle weren’t keeping secrets from him, Jake could see them having a future together.

Things are not what they seem for either of the men and when Kyle discovers the truth about Finn he knows he must return to Atlantis.

Three men, a tangled relationship, and one chance for happiness, if they can trust enough to take it.

Well hello L.M. Brown! What a fabulous world and series you've created with Mermen & Magic!

This isn't my first time reading this author, most certainly will not be my last! Forbidden Waters had so much to hold my attention - mythology suspense, Atlantis(!), a love triangle, twists and turns, humor, magic and of course mermen! It was great!

You know what it reminded me of? Early Sherrilyn Kenyon back when her series wasn't super stretched out. (I'm sorry Kenyon fans - I've been there but until Savitar's book comes out, I'm not going back there.) Kenyon had hot characters, great back story and plot mixed in with world building and light snark.  L.M. Brown does this but she went to the ocean with her series and travels to England and...you know gay mermen. Plus, subplots that actually make sense. I recently got burned by a urban fantasy book that was dragged out for no reason. Not the case, in Forbidden Waters.

Kyle is the sudden leader apparent of his nomadic merfolk clan. He is openly gay but can only seek sanctuary in the homophobic Atlantis. He has to hide who he is but that proves to be hard for the happy bottom when he catches Prince Finn's eye. The two can't deny their passion and don't try to hide or fight it. But the author makes merman anatomy cool with heats and only being able to have sex in human form. This factors into some other twists and turns. Kyle and Finn fall for one another but this is a menage book, so things are put on ice on the mermen/merman love front.

As the blurb states, Kyle is banished from Atlantis and ends up in England where he meets human, Jake Seabrook. They both have wounds to heal and they comfort each other. And while this story does have sex and hot moments, the world building, is key to moving the plot along.

How the three men come together is pretty cool. And I expected it to be a sweet little HEA once they all agreed together but nope. There are gods and goddesses and so much more! You know my mythology geek self was all over this! Plus, I really enjoyed the way the author broke down each section of the book.

And get this...the triad, Jake, Finn and Kyle, they do this newfangled invention where they open their mouths and not just put penises inside. They SPOKE to one another. They actually talked before making decisions. And if they made a mistake, well by golly, they discussed that too and learned from it. WTF?! A relationship is hard work with just two people, three or more can be chaos but when all hands are on deck (horrible water pun I know), it can be work. And this throuple definitely are putting in the work.

Now this story does have a few minor hiccups (spoilerish):

- The virgin is penetratively deflowered off page. WTF?! That's the money shot!! No, no, no! Don't tease me in such a way. I wanted to read that scene and savor.
- Kyle/Finn - their side of the triangle - I think there should been another scene with just the two of them after all three men met each other. Something to maybe to not make it seem like it was Jake/Kyle more.
- The trident power thing? What's up with that? It kind of fell off after Atlantis use. There seemed to be something there. Is it tied to the throuple?
- Two out of the three visits Medina. Why not a scene with each man? The last 15-20% got a little rushed comparing to the rest of the novel.

Despite my minor issues, I can only really knock off 1/2 a heart from my entire rating. It was that good for me. The story really kicks ass. Major ass. So much so, I'm all over the next in the series. I have so many things I want for the next book. The biggest being: CASPIAN. Please, please, tell me he's getting a book. I don't even know anything about him. I have a theory about the sort of crass, sort of tight lipped, snarky...magical man but...I'm not telling.

Loved this book. Wished I read this earlier but so happy I came upon this now. Because I'm all over this mermen/mythology tale!

For more information on Goodreads or Booklikes!

Unicorn Favourites: Love is an Open Road: Week Six

The M/M Romance Group on Goodreads hosts a Don't Read in the Closet event each year where they invite members to submit a photo with a story prompt. Interested authors then volunteer to write the requested stories, which are published for free for everyone to read. It's a fun/exciting/stressful process, and a great opportunity to read stories from favourite authors. And chances are, you'll also discover some new authors, who hopefully have a back-list of goodies to check out :)

This year's event was named Love is an Open Road and they started releasing the completed stories on June first. Here at BMBR, we've been following along on comment threads, anticipating the stories from our favourite prompts, and now greedily reading the stories as they become available.

SheReadsaLot: The Truth About Forever by Piper Vaughn

Hot cover, great title, sweet story.

"The Truth About Forever" uses one of my favorite plots - 'I'm not good for you, let's break up so I don't drag you down'. It always works for me.

Marco has loved Jonny since they were thirteen. He thinks they're have that forever kinda love. Despite where they live, what they're doing...him and Jonny against the world. All day. Every day. But his world comes crashing to a halt at eighteen when Jonny breaks it off (quite cruelly might I add).

I truly felt Marco's anguish. It fucking hurt. And he didn't think he could live without his other half.

But things look more extreme at eighteen, eh? :)

He picked himself up, he made something of himself without Jonny...on his own. Proud of him. It kinda waned once Jonny returned six years later.

I like more groveling in these types of situations but Marco is a lover, not a fighter. Reading about him, you get he's a passionate type of guy. He loves hard, why wouldn't he accept Jonny just as easily. Better person than I. ;)

What I think I loved more than the romance? The characters and not relying on stereotypes. I'm so happy Marco had the stable background, he might look like a hood but he wasn't. It wasn't all gangsta's paradise just because they didn't come from the 'burbs. (Yes, I'm happy Jonny had the broken background.) 

Great second chance romance: sweet, low angst and very light grit. Wonderful in-between read right here.

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Optimist Kings Wench: Shintarou's way by Eve and Seventh Son by SenatorBlitz

Japanese True Blood!
Shintarou came to be steeped in pain, violence and blood, or so the legend goes. He's been isolated for years following the death of his lover. When he reemerges he finds that vampires are now legal citizens. He's also finds himself feeling lonesome.

Someone needs a puppy.

*makes ridiculous kissing noises*

*insert some super gushy baby talk*

AWWWWWWWW!!!!!!

Akio is a dog shifter who's been expelled from his pack for being gay.

BOOOOOOO!

^^^^Look at those faces. *lip quiver*

Aiko has taken to staying in his dog form, living as a stray and subsisting on scraps. Shin patiently coaxes him into a semblance of trust with an endgame in mind. Every pup needs a loving master.

If the idea of puppy play squicks you, you'll be fine. It's very light and fluffy with beautiful, evocative prose that draws you into the story and makes you root for these two protagonists. It's sweet without being sappy. It's sexy without being porny. It pulls on your heartstrings especially with the hand feeding and cuddles. *swoons* I wish it was longer. Can't tell a lie. I want that punishment scene like nobody's business.

Maybe a follow up?



Thanks to the author and her team for participating in the LOR event.*****

What an odd little story.

I really liked it, though. It's quirky and weird and the prose is almost word vomit, but I liked it.

I liked it so much that at one point I was trying to stifle my laughter in my office and it started sounding like a weird choke/snort which I'm now going to refer to as CHORTING.

Aerie is an odd little man who thinks odd little things. He's so funny that I'd like to put him in my pocket and carry him around so he can spout off sarcastic epithets at random strangers just for shits and giggles. What can I say? I'm easily entertained.

Plus... 

mean I’m a sarcastic pissant who enjoys fighting with my butler. I was aware that I wasn’t the most cheerful unicorn in the universe, but I’d never realized I was actually unhappy.

It didn't really follow the prompt for the historical portion and I would've liked a kilt or two, but the prompt did say contemporary if the author was so inclined.

The whole kidnapping thing was weird and the resolution doesn't make sense exactly but I liked the big reveal of why "Scotty" did what he did.

If you like silly reads, this is worth it just don't take it seriously.

Thanks to the author & their team for participating and the chorts!

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Sunny: In Heaven and Earth by Amy Rae Durreson

I loved this story. The creative elements, the characters, the dialogue. Omg, the dialogue. Loved it. So many grins. They were a nice balance for the serious, nerve wracking parts of the story.

More thoughts for this BMBR post:

This was a fantastic read for me. The well developed characters, the thought provoking quotes, the humor, the emotions, the fascinating world. It all worked together to keep my interest throughout the story, and still makes me smile when I think of it. Will definitely re-read this one :) 

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Lorix: The Truth About Forever by Piper Vaughn and Eagle Man and Mr. Hawk by Dawn Sister

So this right here is exactly why I love Piper Vaughn's words! She always gives me that stomach clenching moment when the two MC's sort out their stuff.

Jonny and Marcus really had a deep, to the bone (HA!! no pun intended) relationship. The kind of love that six years apart doesn't destroy, no matter how much you want it too. The kind of love that bloody hurts - but also feels so damn good.

Piper nails it so well, it's never too much or too little, but just right. Even in a short story she makes me fall in love with the characters and want their HEA more than anything. And she always delivers the perfect HEA. A beautiful story, from prompt to cover to finish. <3 Thanks guys! 

*****

This book made me smile. I loved Ethan with a passion. Seriously, he's quirky, nice, funny & cares about animals. I could read more and more and more about him. I have me a new book boyf!

Alex, I liked him alot - even when he was being annoyingly stubborn and or dense! I think there is a lot more behond Alex's character that we don't actually find out in tbis story.

Despite the fact thee was a bit of miscommunication/jumping to conclusions going on, something I usually hate, I just loved this story. 

Ethan made it for me, though I really care for Alex and want to know more about him. It was humorous and delightful. Thank you so much for this contribution.

Review: Tarot's Touch (Investigating Love 3) by LM Somerton

DI Alex Courtney and his lover, DC Conor Trethuan are under enormous pressure as their team investigates an arson case and a murder.
It soon becomes apparent that the two cases are linked and the race is on to find a vicious killer. A tarot card is placed with the first victim and the detectives are left to interpret the clues it provides. When Conor receives a note from the killer making reference to another card, the whole team is shaken. Their worst fears are realized when a second body is discovered, along with another tarot card.

Conor suspects he has been followed then a hit and run leaves him injured. Alex wants nothing more than to wrap his lover up in cotton wool and protect him from the world. But is Conor the killer’s target or just a pawn in a much more sinister game? As the clues come together, it seems that the motive for murder might be revenge.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of genital bondage.

Book three in the Investigating Love series was an enjoyable read. I had real problems with the first book of this series, it didn't work for me at all, I certainly enjoyed book two more and this one was good too. LM Somerton has a nice writing style, easy to read and the plots are pretty well thought out..yet, while I've enjoyed the books in this series for he most part, I haven't loved them. So I spent a while trying to figure out exactly what it was that was holding me back from becoming fully immersed in them. The conclusion I came to is I just don't like Alex (one of the MC's) very much and don't totally believe the relationship between Conor and Alex.

I'll come back to that in a minute though, because what I'd like to mention first is the crime plot in this book. In each book I've enjoyed the plot and I really wish the author spent more time on this than the MC's sex life! I enjoyed the possibilities of the crime, the twists and turns it took, but it didn't feel quite fulfilled to me. LM Somerton has some really well thought out plots but it felt as if everything was resolved a little too easily...I think I wanted to read this as a crime book with a side helping of relationship...a bit of which was the Dom/sub relationship, but the author focuses quite strongly on the D/s aspect.

Which of course isn't wrong, it's the author's story to tell how the author feels it needs to be told, it is probably just a case of it's me not you. I didn't get quite what I was hoping for but, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, reading is a very personal thing and what doesn't work for me may be exactly what the next read is looking for.

Okay, so Alex and Conor. Yep, while I appreciate them as characters and I actually like Conor, I just can't take to Alex. It's the little things. As well as being Conor's partner and Dom he is also his boss. After Conor is involved in a hit and run Alex insists he stays at home - fair enough, I liked the caring aspect, but then when Conor does return to work doing a desk job/research after a while Alex insists he returns home. The bit that got my goat? No sooner had they walked in the door than Alex was bending over the kitchen table shagging him. Now excuse me, but if you were worried about him surely sitting at a desk is a lot less stressful than being fucked senseless?

It is all these little things that really irritate me. It's not that I don't like sex in my books, I do and I like BDSM books just fine too, but I always feel Alex is more of a bully than a Dom. He'll say one thing, then do another. Sometimes the sheer amount of sex gets on my wick, I start to feel it is there just for the sake of being there. Personally, when I'm ill or in pain, the last thing on my mind is shagging, far less bondage and toys...Maybe that's it, I just don't understand the characters. For whatever reason I can't connect fully to Alex and this does have an impact on my enjoyment of the story. It is very possibly just a me thing though. :)

For more information check out Goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Evil's Embrace (Investigating Love, #2) by LM Somerton

Never underestimate the power of obsession. After the trauma of the Rasputin case, Detective Inspector Alex Courtney and his boyfriend, Detective Constable Conor Trethuan, are in desperate need of a holiday. The peace and tranquillity of Cornwall can't eradicate Conor's nightmares, though, and the unbearable prospect of losing Alex drives him to confess feelings that he isn't sure are reciprocated. Alex responds in the best way he knows how-by issuing orders and claiming Conor's body as well as his heart. Prematurely recalled to work, they are thrown into a dangerous trafficking case focused on a leather bar with a hardcore reputation, Spikes. Conor is sent in undercover, not knowing that he is only a decoy. When Alex learns that the motivation behind his team's involvement in the case might not be as straightforward as it seems, he realises that his actions might jeopardise not just their relationship, but Conor's life, too. A shadowy figure from Conor's past is about to step into the light.

I have to admit to preferring this instalment of the Investigating Love series more enjoyable than the first. In fact, all the issues I had with the first I would say were null and void in this, second, book.

I truly felt there was much more to Alex and Conor's relationship than in the first story and so I became much more invested in it. I loved seeing them on holiday at the start - some open-ended story lines here I feel, I wonder if they are persuade in the third instalment? Seeing where Connor had come from and the life he'd known previously before joining the police force and become Alex's partner was great. i loved seeing these moments between Alex and Connor, the insight to the two of them away from the pressures of the job.

Then, of course, the job came calling and again I was riveted. I hated the situation Connor was put in, it made me feel quite sad at times. It was so against his personality type...I didn't hate Alex quite so much this time round for letting his boyfriend get into this situation (by letting I mean because he is Connor's boss therefore literally let him walk into the environment)though, maybe because I liked Alex more on the whole, he didn't feel like the bully this time round that he did before. It did heighten the angst and the 'oh no' feeling of reading. I felt Alex truly loved Connor in this story (not just lip service for a kinky fuck) and that made a huge difference to me reading it.

In both instalments I liked the mystery that the police are trying to solve. LM Somerton writes this well, she knows when to cut a scene to heighten anticipation, how much to feed you so you'll read on wanting more. She is able to play my emotions just right, leave me on that cusp of anger and sadness and wanting so much for it all to work out for the MC's. There were some twists I didn't see coming, which was good.

I'm quite looking forward to reading the third instalment in this series. Now I've grown to like Alex as well as Connor I'm much more invested in the series. The British vibe from the story completely appealed to me too. No surprise there huh!! It's a good read that I'd recommend.

Find out more at goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Wildest Dreams by Sharon Marie Bidwell

CID Detective Inspectors Frederick Dick and Riley Silcox have more to worry about than how their names create merriment with other officers and suspects alike. There’s the complication that Riley is gay and very happy to be that way, while Frederick’s desire for his fellow officer causes him nothing but misery. Riley suspects Fred might be gay, but if that’s the case, he’s sure the man isn’t happy about it, and Riley doesn’t intrude where he isn’t wanted. Riley has no reason not to pursue other relationships, especially the attractive Scotsman, Calhoun. If only he knew how much Fred does want him it could be a very different story.

When they track down the supplier of REM -- a new upmarket and very secretive drug that not only does strange things to those who take it but could have amazing recuperative properties -- they become the victims. Is Frederick only hallucinating running wild in the woods, or like Riley will he choose to run naked, baring not only his body but also his soul, revealing why he promised to remain celibate, and why having Riley around means that isn’t working out for him, at all.

This book was enjoyable, it didn't blow my world apart but I enjoyed the time I spent reading it. I enjoyed Riley's lust for his partner, the whole unrequitedness of it was well written. I liked his frank thoughts about what he was feeling and then how he tried to disguise it from Fred. Fred's denial of his feelings was frustrating - though understandable. Especially as he worked with Riley. It was the backbone of the story really, the feelings these guys had for each other. The glue that kept the other parts together.

The police investigation was good. I liked the mystery - I have to admit, I was pretty convinced it was going to turn into a paranormal/shifter story at one point. When they were on their investigation and pretty much being held captive I did find I had to suspend disbelief for a bit. I found it hard to believe the police officers would act the way they did - on several occasions....however, I still had fun with what I was reading. And I really liked the scene when Fred woke up to Riley missing and the ensuing shenanigans. It was fun, hot and sexy.

What I didn't like was the fact that, at the end of this scene and the two guys walking away from the house having made tentative steps into admitting their attraction to each other, there was then a biggish time jump to move the crime story further along which jumped the relationship further along. I wanted to see it develop but....I got the beginning and then was thrown right in there.

That said, some of these scenes were hotness itself. Some of them, not so much. While not a BDSM book there is certainly some parts that feature it and they were okay, I was kind of ambivalent towards them. I think my analysis of this and so MY opinion of this book is that this author can write really well, she has some witty dialogue and good observations. I liked her character building, I liked most of the story arc...but sometimes it just didn't flow quite right for me. Almost as if the author wasn't sure of what aspect she wanted to focus on. It's possibly a me thing - I'm quite liking feelz in books these days and I would have liked more here. I certainly didn't hate this book and would encourage people to read it - it's just not the kind I feel the need to ring all my friends about and demand them to read instantly. But that is where reading is a personal choice and I think if it appeals to you then go for it because it wasn't a bad book.

For more information check out goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Author Interview and Giveaway: Suki Fleet

Last year, a book I'd marked as like-to-read on Goodreads was on offer at Amazon. I can't remember the price but I decided to get it - and I swear it's one of the best purchases I've ever made. This Is Not A Love Story absolutely blew me away. It really did - I'd have paid three times it's original price (if not more) if I'd have known before I started reading what I knew after. And what I knew after was that author Suki Fleet moved straight onto my must read list. 

With this in mind, I will say that this is an unashamed fan-girl interview. Authors like Suki are the reason I fell in love with reading. TINALS will be one of my favourites for all time and I would highly recommend it to everyone. It's a really great story. Innocence, has also made it onto my all time favourites list, see my review earlier as to why and read on to find out more from the author. Plus there is a chance to win an e-copy of any of Suki's books at the end of the interview.

The Book:

At eighteen Christopher is restless and longs for something he cannot name. His mother vanished when he was very small and after spending more than ten years travelling on the rivers and canals, drifting between towns and schools, with mostly only his dad and brother, Jay, for company, he is desperate to escape that claustrophobic existence.
When they return to settle in Arlow, a town they haven’t been back to in over a decade, everything changes.

Malachi has given up on love. He lost his heart when he lost his innocence. Now at twenty nine he just exists--getting drunk, fixing cars and playing the music he loves.

When their paths cross one night at a gypsy camp, Christopher thinks he's found what he's been looking for, but Malachi is afraid. He is afraid their love will destroy everything Christopher has ever known. They are both ghosts from one another's past, and if Malachi's secrets are revealed more than just innocence will be lost in their wake. 

The Interview:

With a huge grin on my face I've stuck the kettle on, got out the cakes and welcomed Suki into the clubhouse.....

BMBR: I'm just gonna jump right in there and ask about the settings and characters for your contemporary novels. Both This Is Not a Love Story and Innocence have characters whose lives are far from ideal. I think they are flawlessly written, but what draws you to writing about characters such as Romeo, Julian, Chris and Kai? And how hard is it to write authentically about the lives these characters experience?

Thanks for having me here today, Lori <3

And thank you - I guess some of my reasons for writing characters in disadvantaged/unusual settings come from my own experiences growing up. My childhood living on a boat was unconventional and when we were shipwrecked we lost everything including our home, so I identify quite strongly with characters in those sorts of difficult situations. I also really wanted to give voice (especially with TINALS) to people ,kids, who so many ignore and don’t see, because it’s easier. We all love, we all get scared, whatever our circumstances. I hope people can connect even though their lives are different.

BMBR: I have endless admiration for your knack of taking a tough - really tough - storyline and managing to tear a reader’s soul in two without overindulging in angst for angst's sake. There are some heart-breaking moments in your books, truly, but it all fits into the story and is not added for effect. How hard a balance is that to strike?

<3

Ah, you know, this isn’t a cop out I promise, but all I do is write, I can’t plan, my subconscious takes over and slots all the pieces together. It amazes me every time. I write what moves me. I definitely do write over indulgent angst sometimes but hopefully those are the parts that end up in my extras file.

BMBR: I believe I read somewhere that though you'd been writing for years it's only been recently that you've been putting your work out there...why is this?

Okay, weirdly/not weirdly this has a lot to do with me coping with grief. I’ve always written, ever since I was small—poetry, short scenes. I was the weird kid at school who told ghost stories and made stuff up.

When my friend was killed in a car accident, I started to write more seriously to cope with my feelings. I posted stuff on livejournal—longer scenes, 100 word stories, poems. I talked to other writers.

But it wasn’t until my father in law was sick and then died quite suddenly that I wrote a romance and actually finished something (it was a kind of depressing romance called Wildflowers about saving someone from death). But it was like a eureka moment. I wasn’t running from my grief I was writing it out.

I published that story on fictionpress. And I wrote another romance (Siren) and another (This is Not a Love Story—the first part). Everything I wrote for two years I published on fictionpress.

But I started to get restless (frustrated). I wanted to be published, I just wasn’t sure how to be good enough. I wasn’t sure I could write anything better than I already had.

I self-published TINALS in December 2013 (as the characters were too young for any publisher I’d looked at)—same day, a friend of mine from fictionpress, HT Pantu, told me she’d got a contract for her story I Hate Summer with Dreamspinner Press. I took a look at their site, saw with a burst of joy that they had a YA imprint, had faith that if Hannah could do it I could give it a shot too. So I sent TINALS off to Harmony Ink. The rest is history J

BMBR: Do you have a favourite among your own characters?

For a long time it was Sam (a character from Wildflowers, the first romance I wrote—I wrote about his character for years before I finished his story). Now, I’m not sure.

I love Remee, always—his character came to me easier than any other I’ve ever written. Angus and Sasha too (from Falling and The Glass House). Jay from Innocence. Summer (from Wild Summer).

BMBR: Who do you enjoy reading? Do you have a favourite novel (favourite top 5?) - I know, this is the worst question!

Top five, okay. Hard. Can’t rank them.

Eratses- Junction X

Thorn Kief Hillsbury- What We Do Is Secret

Clive Barker- Imajica

Joan Aiken- The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

Jeff Noon- Vurt

Poppy Z Brite- Drawing Blood

(that’s six I know :P) and I do love David Levithan too (lots of his stories)… and Harper Fox (Midwinter Prince and Salisbury Key). Yep, impossible :P

Any story that can make me cry has a place in my heart (proper ugly cry).

BMBR: Material? Explain!

Material? As in what I do for my day job? I’m obsessed with material. My dad used to work for Liberty before we lived on a boat, and I guess I grew up surrounded by Liberty fabric and now I sell it and lots of other fabric I like.

BMBR: I love how you write about the humanity of a character regardless of their circumstances. Innocence is about a Romany gypsy family and a travellers community. Here in Britain these are often seen as outsiders, how do you write so empathetically about these characters and not turn them into stereotypical bad guys?

They’re outsiders and I can identify with that. And without romanticizing, I do always root for the underdog. I guess stereotypes annoy me and I want to show how wrong they can be a lot of the time. Plan B says it well in ‘Ill Manors’.

BMBR: Tea or coffee?

Tea, always. Love the smell of coffee but can’t stand the taste.

BMBR: Digestive, rich-tea or hob-nob? And do you dunk? (Hey, these are important questions!)

Ah, I’d rather have cake…or brownie. Brownies are my favourite. No dunking though!

BMBR: What 5 items would you take to a desert island with you?

My phone, laptop, kindle, a sunshade and a tea machine (also known as a kettle).

BMBR: What 10 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party if you could? And why?

Umm, I really don’t know. I’ve been wracking my brains about this one. It’d be interesting to get all my favourite authors around one table, (though I’d have to narrow it down of course:P)

BMBR: Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you, Lori!!!! XD

No - thank you Suki, it has been a real pleasure having you in the clubhouse. I cannot wait for your next release.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press:

ARe:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk:

Okay folks, as previously mentioned, Suki is offering any book of hers in e-book fo0rmat (mobi, e-pub or PDF) to one lucky commenter. You lucky, lucky people! Just comment below, not forgetting to leave a means of contacting you (e-mail, facebook, twitter etc). A winner will be randomly drawn a week from today. Good luck.