Group Review: Us Three by Mia Kerick

In his junior year at a public high school, sweet, bright Casey Minton’s biggest worry isn’t being gay. Keeping from being too badly bullied by his so-called friends, a group of girls called the Queen Bees, is more pressing. Nate De Marco has no friends, his tough home life having taken its toll on his reputation, but he’s determined to get through high school. Zander Zane’s story is different: he’s popular, a jock. Zander knows he’s gay, but fellow students don’t, and he’d like to keep it that way.

No one expects much when these three are grouped together for a class project, yet in the process the boys discover each other’s talents and traits, and a new bond forms. But what if Nate, Zander, and Casey fall in love—each with the other and all three together? Not only gay but also a threesome, for them high school becomes infinitely more complicated and maybe even dangerous. To survive and keep their love alive, they must find their individual strengths and courage and stand together, honest and united. If they can do that, they might prevail against the Queen Bees and a student body frightened into silence—and even against their own crippling fears.

So, every now and then, here at BMBR, there comes a book that we love so much we can't help but rave about it. One Unicorn will read it, wax lyrical and more of us jump on the bandwagon - then we start fighting over who gets to review it. When the glittery DM's come out ya know we're in for trouble. So. In the spirit of compromise we settle the situation by doing a group review. When Justin told us how fabulous Us Three was of course we all wanted to read and review. The afore mentioned compromise has resulted in this post. Enjoy.

Breann's thoughts;

What a story. What a wonderful, beautiful story.

The chemistry between Zander, Nate and Casey was off the charts. They fit together so perfectly, whether it was two of them together or all three of them together, I could feel all the emotion flowing between them. What they had was unexpected for the boys. While they were working together, this strong and solid bond was forming and they had no idea. They had no idea that they could have two people in their life that meant so much to them, that without all three of them there, it just wasn't the same. Just two would have never worked.

The bullying was heavy. It was intense and gut-wrenching. The poor boy, who is just trying to get by, just won’t be left alone. The mean girls won’t let him be. It’s incredibly brave of him to return to school after the horrible things that were done to him. I loved, absolutely loved, how Nate and Zander were there for Casey. They were both there but in completely different ways. They helped in their own way, and both were equally loving and effective in their efforts.

Casey, Nate and Zander’s characters were written flawlessly. Flawlessly, I tell you! They were three very distinct and different people. Their dialogue and choices were true to who they were every single time. The way they comforted and loved each other was different for each of them and I could see their individuality shine through in every scene.

Us Three is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It wasn’t an easy read, but it was definitely beautiful and honest. There were some horribly difficult moments and some romantic and sweet moments. It was intense, but completely worth it.

Justin's thoughts;

What can I say about Us Three? I had very high hope going in but at the same time I had reservations about a YA ménage book. Let me just say that this was a slam dunk. Mia Kerick did an amazing job telling the story of three completely different young men who became friends and then discovered something more between them.

This is a love story. It is told from each of the three MC’s points of view, using different story-telling techniques. The format was interesting and unique and gave me insight into each characters' thoughts and feelings. I felt like I really got to know each of them in a personal way and I was drawn immediately into their story.

As with any book involving bullying, this one may be difficult for some to read. The bullying in Us Three is vicious - and surprisingly the bullies are girls. As extreme as it was, I still found it believable and realistic. In the year 2014 some suggest bullying is no longer a problem and that schools and teachers will not tolerate this sort of behavior. Unfortunately, bullying does still exist and in some instances even to this extreme.

I don’t want to spoil this for anyone so I won’t say more but I highly recommend this book.

 




Jo's thoughts;

I hesitate normally on deciding to read ménage books. Lets face it, a lot of the time it is just an excuse to read a book about multiple beautiful people putting tab A’s in multiple slot B’s, yet when an author gets the choreography and story right I will own the fact that I have enjoyed them. It is just rare for an author to convey the intimacy I need to feel an attachment for the characters. When I found out this was a YA book I was even more hesitant but on a friends recommendation I read the book and I am so thankful.

Mia Kerick’s portrayal of Casey, Nate and Zander’s lives and how they intertwine just broke me. It is a wonderfully weird combination of heartbreak that rips into you, while still being so beautifully sweet. Ms. Kerick creates these lonely, broken souls and weaves a story showing you how they fit together to complete each other.

The bullying aspect also really stayed with me. I honestly believe we let our “friends” destroy our souls much more than we ever let a significant other. We get so lonely for companionship and acceptance that we keep moving the line of what we would put up with until you no longer recognize who you are and what you would do to fit in. It is horrible to want Casey to not trust, to not have hope, to not forgive and yet……

Lori's thoughts;

When I think of menage, or a relationship of three, I think of smokin' hot sexy times and not-a-lotta plot. This may be unfair because I've not read much in this sub-genre and it's never really appealed to me. When J started talking about this great book he'd just read I had to give it a go though - and I loved every minute of it.

It is a beautiful story, with fabulous characters. Characters that you don't think will work together, yet the chemistry between them is amazing. I don't think I could even pick a favourite because they all brought something special to the story.

The bullying storyline was sensitive and had a twist in it - it wasn't just your typical jock bullies. I'm wracking my brain trying to think of something bad to say about this, but I can't. It's one of those books you start and just can't put down. Mia Kerrick is a new to me author, I can guarantee I'll be reading her stuff again.

Review: Haffling by Caleb James

 When Alex's mother goes missing, everything falls apart. Frantic, he tracks her to a remote corner of Manhattan and is transported to another dimension—the land of the Unsee, the realm of the Fey. There he finds his mother held captive by the power-mad Queen May and learns he is half-human and half-fey—a Haffling.

As Alex’s human world is being destroyed, the Unsee is being devoured by a ravenous mist. Fey is vanishing, and May needs to cross into the human world. She needs something only Alex can provide, and she will stop at nothing to possess it… to possess him

All sixteen-year-old Alex Nevus wants is to be two years older and become his sister Alice’s legal guardian. That, and he’d like his first kiss, preferably with Jerod Haynes, the straight boy with the beautiful girlfriend and the perfect life. Sadly, wanting something and getting it are very different. Strapped with a mentally ill mother, Alex fears for his own sanity. Having a fairy on his shoulder only he can see doesn't help, and his mom's schizophrenia places him and Alice in constant jeopardy of being carted back into foster care.

Do you remember when you first started reading Harry Potter and you realized how bleak those first chapters were and you couldn't help but think "wait this is a children's story?" That's the same inkling I had when I began reading Haffling by Caleb James. The tale fits right in with the original Grimm Fairytales where almost everyone gets screwed and not in the fun way. And even though you know there is a good chance there won't be a happy ending (even when your dreams come you know it comes at a steep price)- dang doesn't this draw you into the story even more?

Alex and his younger sister Alice are doing everything they can just to make it through the day. They fend off bullies and hunger all the while trying to keep social services from realizing how messed up their mother has become. Alex is trying desperately to protect Alice.  One of the best and most heart wrenching quotes is between Alex and Lorraine a social worker who is trying to help him when she mentions how unfair his life is Alex responds,

"There is no fair" I said "It's just a made-up thing" She looked at me. There were tear in the corners of her eyes. "I know that, but someone your age shouldn't."

 This quote guts me because that is the difference between the innocence of childhood and the reality of being an adult.

Thank goodness for Alex's crush Jarod who shows up in all his shiny armor glory to bring sunshine to Alex and me cause we kind of needed it by this point... a little bit of happy for all of us... The romance is really low key though and for any who care, pretty clean.

Haffling is high fantasy at its purest. The story is all about adventure and quests and all of those mystical beings from classic fairytales. Mr. James does an excellent job of creating both a believable real world and the land of the Fey. As seems to be the trend in most modern fairytales Haffling is a good mashup of real world setting and problems meeting old world fears that had people huddling together over candlelight at night.

Even though Haffling is listed as a Young Adult Fantasy it really is geared for fantasy lovers of all ages. I highly recommend.

  

A copy provided by the author for an honest review. 

Review: Whistle Blowing by Ada Maria Soto

Former Navy medic Sebastian Thompson has classic good looks and a true blue heart. But that doesn’t mean he has the confidence to make a move on the gorgeous young blond who just breezed in to the Blue Dragon Bar. Fate will play its hand, anyway. Finding the same young blond beaten to the edge of death, terrified of a hospital, Sebastian has to choose - walk away, or try to save a life.
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?

   

Whistle Blowing is 20 dollars in an old jacket when you’re broke, it’s like finding out that chocolate can lower blood pressure and help you lose weight (Oh My God - Yes, Yes it’s true Google it). It’s like that hot, sweet guy you’ve been crushing on smiling and waving at you… it is all of that and more… It’s a fantastic full length story that is F’ING FREE. (Cue Alanis Morissette music)

True confession - I started reading Whistle Blowing when I couldn’t get back to sleep at 4 in the morning. I usually don’t like stories with darker elements. Oh My God right thing to do at the worst time. … I was exhausted when I went to work. Why isn’t calling in sick due to reading all night an acceptable thing????  Ms. Soto develops the story at a nice and slow pace… this in no way means dull. I was riveted throughout the whole tale. The reader along with Daren learns to trust Sebastian. 

Because as we find out Daren has so many good reasons to not trust anyone. Sebastian literally finds him broken in a bar’s restroom and the only thing Daren is able to do is plead for no police or hospital lucky for him Sebastian is a trained military medic. Yes with a lesser writer this could be read as too contrived, but this intense start to the story left me captivated and buying every beautifully crafted word. One of the most interesting aspects for me is the medical reality of this book. Ada Soto does a phenomenal job of writing the details of not only what it takes to heal Daren but showing that it is long slow recovery. This is not your “I almost died on Tuesday but am now making passionate love to you after chasing down the criminals all with broken ribs” story. We are there during every blood soaked cleaning and every whimper of pain and horror and embarrassment of Daren’s. Sebastian though holds our hand through the journey and as he gently treats Daren we fall just as much in love as possible.  I was giddy at the romantic feelings that develop between Daren and Sebastian. We are not short changed though on the action/suspense because remember Daren was left for dead and is scared of anyone of authority. We also get great supporting characters, like Rachel, a military friend of Sebastian who reminds me of Aliens Ripley in all of her glory and FBI Agent Kim. 

  
On a side note, I do want to commend Ms. Soto for a cool sequence near the end with a bit of classic French Connection meets Inside Man. You don’t know exactly what’s coming and how the dots are supposed to connect, but you know it’s going to be good.

Without giving away too much the only flaw in my view is that I have so many questions yet to be answered. Ms. Soto has promised to write a sequel, however. It cannot come soon enough, I would even be willing to pay for this one.

As an aside you can visit her blog and she outlines where the story is going and then read some of her other posts while there the lady is freakin' hilarious.
 

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love is Always Write' event

Review: The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes

Professionally, Dr. Alec Johnson has almost reached his goals. As this year’s recipient of a humanitarian award with his ex, Dr. Tyler Hall, Alec’s work with the homeless is about to be recognized. Unfortunately, his personal life sucks because now he has to attend several events alongside Tyler—with his ex’s new boyfriend in tow. In an attempt to lift his mood and break out of his rut, Alec purchases a motorcycle he has no idea how to start.

Dylan Booth doesn't have time for Dr. Clueless and his fickle 1964 Harley, but the cocky mechanic can’t say no to the request for help. Having spent his teen years on the streets, and losing his best friend to HIV, Dylan decides teaching the do-gooder how to ride is the least he can do. But watching Alec flounder in his ex's company throws Dylan into protector mode, and the confirmed hetero introduces himself as Alec's new boyfriend.
The ex suspects Dylan is lying.
Alec claims Dylan’s plan is insane.
And Dylan’s not sure he can fake being gay.

But he’s a master bullshitter, and the phony PDA soon turns ultra-hot. Alec can’t afford to get attached, and Dylan’s learned everyone eventually leaves. Unfortunately, playing the backup boyfriend is starting to feel way too real…





     The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes is getting all types of positive accolades from glowing amazeballs reviews to "....but these go to eleven" ratings.

I know some of you are going to being throwing literary stones at me but I love, love, love the "Gay-for You "plot in books  in fact I will buy and read almost any book using that device and yes there are times when it is obviously just a device and not very believable.   I will own the fact that I am one of those readers that will go along with the story no matter what crazy scheme the author devices for why Super Hetero guy all of a sudden likes the cut of a mans' jib.... I just close my eyes and click my heels together and "believe" the trope but now that my opinion is totally devalued -- this is one of the most realistic portrayals I have read.  The story revolves around finding the person attractive not the gender and there is something in Alec that makes Dylan hummm... We have all been there that special feeling we get when you connect with another person at all levels and then realize "hey this person is very attractive."

And I just love the fake relationship shenanigans in books --- sooooooo gooooood. You know there will come a point when the relationship turns real and that anticipation is just as exciting for me as the build up to any sexual tension.

 Also the super brainy cute guy with the rough hot guy from the streets who runs vintage motorcycle repair chop.. Sexy motorcycle guy is a given on the hot meter.  Who doesn't want to parade that guy in front of the ex who left. I mean it is a walking talking "FU" without having to be crass. The fact that Alec and Dylan actually develop a friendship first is just the cherry on top of this fun sundae.

I love Dylan and the fact that I share the tendency to open my mouth and say whatever it takes to defend a friend even if what I say is stupid, just makes me that much more stubborn I will stick to the story to the end.. I don't live in the land of the Alamo for nothing. So I 100% buy that Dylan will do whatever it takes to give truth to his lie just to prove an asshat wrong.

Alec's reasons for going along with the charade are also believable . I mean come on I would be, and have been despondent for eons when dumped.  Hands up on how many of us were more crushed on being the dumpee as opposed to the dumper (ughh wait is that a legitmate word for this) anyway... then Tyler has the nerve to hook up with younger/thinner/hotter..... oh wait that is my phobia but still you get the point. So then Alec's decision to buy a bike when he did no research, didn't ask any questions and has no clue how to maintain the dang thing is really par for the course and again totally believeable in the realm of idiotic things our crazed up brains will think is alright when we are grieving.

There are many other plot points and character revelations that I really enjoyed, not all is evil in Tyler land, Alec's realization on what a relationship and the freedom of choice really mean and his whole discussion with his mom on that very topic is beautifully crafted by River Jaymes.

There are some really harsh truths shown by Ms. Jaymes. Rick and Noah's relationship; living on the streets and what a person  would do just for a bite to eat.. River Jaymes does not trivialize the reality of kids living on the street and what they have to do for money. She also points out all the benefits to Care clinics for HIV treatment and what they mean to those with access and sadly to the far too many without, yet all of this is done without it being preachy and coming across as a social service ad. It will break your heart but if you don't feel the need to act or contribute in some way then you really just don't have one.

River Jaymes has some very sensual and "artistic" sex scenes that I can not spoil but trust me it is a very "genius" take on the beauty of the human body. Yes.. Yes I am being cutesy with my words

Really the more I write the more I am afraid to ruin the journey for the readers. It is a good one.

A copy provided by the author for an honest review.

 

Review: Try by Ella Frank

Try – verb: to make an attempt or effort to do something or in this case…someone.

Sex. Logan Mitchell loves it, and ever since he realized his raw sexual appeal at a young age, he has had no problem using it to his advantage. Men and women alike fall into his bed—after all, Logan is not one to discriminate. He lives by one motto—if something interests you, why not just take a chance and try?
And he wants to try Tate Morrison.

Just coming out of a four-year marriage with an ex-wife from hell, a relationship is the last thing on Tate’s mind. He’s starting fresh and trying to get back on his feet with a new job at an upscale bar in downtown Chicago.
The only problem is, Tate has caught the unwavering and unwelcome attention of Mr. Logan Mitchell – a regular at the bar and a man who always gets what he wants.

Night after night Tate fends off the persistent advances of the undeniably charismatic man, but after an explosive moment in the bar, all bets are off as he finds his body stirring with a different desire than his mind.
As arrogance, stubbornness and sexual tension sizzles between the two, it threatens to change the very course of their lives.
Logan doesn’t do relationships. Tate doesn’t do men. But what would happen if they both just gave in and…tried?

Ok just read "Try" and I honestly can see why this book is getting so much buzz both negative and positive....I held off reading because I couldn’t get a grasp on the truth behind the reviews. Ella Frank is a very popular writer in Male/Female contemporary romance.   This was Ella Frank’s first M/M release and people seem to have very decided opinions about that fact. 

There was so much flack in the air it was hard to tell the die hard "see no wrong" fans from the antagonists who don't want any one crossing over.  So I decided to give it the one chapter rule and started reading and right away I was drawn into the story.  Despite the immediate presence of female nookie times  - Man giving up cursing is killing my writing, especially when doing these really erotic reviews.  I really liked the heat between Logan and Tate. I love that cat and mouse chase especially when one of them is saying "no, no" but his body is saying “take me hard”... then you get that very same hot scene between the two men.

... But therein lies the problem with this book. It is hot sexy times, angry words regretting and denying those time a lot of lust in public and then back to hot sexy times.  There was no real interaction between the characters outside of the "I want you/I hate you”. I  mean it is scene after scene.  I can’t believe I am saying this because usually I am the one telling the author to stop with the plot and get to the sex, but yes I was actually interested in some of the storylines introduced that went nowhere because Logan and Tate got distracted by each other and then cue the porn music. What is the opposite of 'blue balls'? Chaffing, yes I was rubbed raw by all the sex, lust and angry spats that  after a certain point I just wanted to relax with some nice relationship building. This book was the equivalent of me saying "baby not tonight can't we just cuddle and talk".  There is no denying that Ella Frank can show the heat between the two men but in an 300+ page book I need to know the men actually like who they are sleeping with. With no real interaction outside of their lust for each other how do you know the relationship will continue? You buy that Logan is hot smooth charm - You believe that Tate wants and needs him despite Logan being a man. Then you wake up tomorrow and the car won't start and the cat needs to go to the vet and life happens and these guys don't know how to communicate. This book could have easily been a 100 pages less and still have enough porn for pleasure and not drown out actual plot points.

I am rating the book 3 hearts because if you like undeniable chemistry and friction and great dirty talk for pages then this book is perfect for you, it is basically a very well written cockyboys movie. If only JB was in it.

  

Review: Spokes by P.D. Singer

Pro cyclist Luca Biondi lives for the race. For the star of Team Antano-Clark, victory lies within his grasp—if he can outdistance 200 other hopefuls, avoid suspicion from race officials, and keep his lieutenant more friend than foe. Luca also has secrets, and eyes for amateur cyclist and journalist Christopher Nye.

Christopher understands Luca’s need to keep their relationship under wraps, but chafes at hiding in the shadows of his lover’s career. He’s ready to cheer Luca’s victories, but he knows too well how triumph can turn to tears. While Christopher’s heart sees Luca the man, his inner journalist—and his editor—sees the cycling world’s biggest scoop.

From the jagged curves of the Colorado Rockies to the viciously steep Belgian hills, Luca can ride out any bumps—except rumors.

A few words in the wrong ear could crash everything. With miles between them, hints of scandal, and Luca’s fierce need to guard his reputation, a journalist might have to let go of the biggest story of his career or risk forcing his lover to abandon the race. Christopher and Luca face a path more treacherous than any road to the summit in the Italian Alps.

When reading a book there are so many reasons for feeling a connection to the story or characters. Sometimes they touch our hearts, other times our souls and then we have books like Spokes which tweak the curious part of my brain... that analytical part of us that wants to know more even on a topic I had zero knowledge or interest in before I started reading. The story was good and I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between professional Italian cyclist Luca and Christopher who is a part-time journalist for a cycling magazine. Luca (bellissimo) slight clue as to what I said but totally sexy right... that was Luca through the whole story.. he talked and I heard broken Italian accented English that had me sighing through most of the story like those silly tween girls at boy band concerts. That is why I love my literary crushes all of my silliness is only witnessed by me.

P. D. Singer did an amazing writing job not only did I  understand all of the cycling references I  wanted to know more about all of the intricacies involved in the sport. I felt like I was in some holographic image following along through all the beautiful trail rides in Colorado and in Europe Singer's words let my imagination soar through those mountains with the riders.

I do have to admit though at one point in the story she has Christopher struggle to keep up with the professionals and stated that it felt like he was using training wheels on a tricycle in comparison ......which made me laugh as I looked at my exercise bike currently being used as a coat rack... I did feel the urge to clean it off and use it.... Urge people not actual intention... let's keep this real.

Singer also includes a glossary of terms, but honestly I really didn't need it past the first chapter she does an amazing job of allowing the reader to figure what is what while reading without instructing or breaking character. It is like you are taking cycling for dummies and you get a great romance story while learning.

The story though is not diminished in any way. Luca is closeted, and yes like other athletes, if he comes out he risks losing his family, fans, career and teammates but unlike other sports in this one it could also mean his life. All it would take is one elbow or wrong push and he could literally go off a cliff. I had no idea how dangerous cycling was... I mean come on it is riding a bicycle. Yeah at over 40-50 miles per hour down mountain sides with no guardrails...not to mention deaths due to carless motorists. There is even a shrine to cyclists in Italy - il Santuario del la Madonna del Ghisallo-pilgrimages are made in remembrance of those who have fallen.. by the description of plaques and other items it is way too many.

There is also a thread to the story in which I thought Ms. Singer made a character error. She had Christopher constantly ask if he could quote Luca on a comment he made regarding his training or products he uses. I kept thinking this could be misinterpreted as someone who is using Luca for a story. It doesn't make Christopher look good and I couldn't tell if that is what Ms. Singer intended but I should have had faith it all makes sense to the storyline.

Two of the most fascinating things I discovered thanks to Ms. singer was that cyclists have to use lube to prevent bicycle shorts from chafing their nether region... in fact all activities in that area are delicate because they can not be sore while racing or it could impact their performance... that blew my mind.. it makes sense and yet... wow... like I had all kinds of questions regarding relationship activities especially for gay cyclists since professional cyclists seem to tour , train and compete almost constantly.

Even if you do not like or understand cycling you should read this book, it opened up a whole new venue of interest for me and for any cycling aficionados this will be pure nirvana.

Review: The Caldwell Ghost & Butterflies (The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal # 1 & 2) by K.J. Charles

When Robert Caldwell inherits a haunted house, he calls on ghost-hunter Simon Feximal to rid him of the supernatural menace. But the ghost is stronger than either man realizes -- strong, angry, and desperate for release. Trapped in a haunted house with a dangerously attractive ghost-hunter and a sexually frustrated spirit, can Robert survive the night intact...and will he want to?

K.J. Charles’ “The Magpie Lord” is the absolute best book I have read all year. Not many authors can creep the hell out of you, while making you laugh and then leave you fanning yourself and re-reading repeatedly her more sensual scenes.  So of course I went all fangirl twirley when I saw that she was releasing The Caldwell Ghost, the first book in her new series The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal. I am a voracious reader but usually I don’t like to read short stories. Just when you get into the rhythm of the tale you blink and it’s over…if the story is bad it is wasted seconds of your life and if it is any good it is like that Brazilian summer exchange student that left you in a fetal position crying for more.  When I saw it was $1.99 for only 17 freakin’ pages , well yeah NOOO came to mind.  The buzz around the tale though just kept building and many of my friends were all in a tizzy about how much they really liked the story, and not one of them complained about the price. Then Charles released Butterflies the second book in the series (which is a little longer and free) amping up the cacophony urging me to read the books.  Boy, did I have major crow to eat (crow –magpies hee -snort) because man can Charles write... she crams more story into those few pages than most authors do in full length novels.

If you look at this story as an introduction to the tales, it is the perfect prologue to set the mood. The stories are Robert Caldwell’s unedited versions of previously written censored tales of  famous Ghost Hunter Simon Feximal. The set up in the first story is the meeting between Robert Caldwell and Feximal.  Simon is described as looking like an archaic priest with steely gray hair… ummm wait what really? He has a young face though, and then you realize this man has seen and done some things that have ravaged him throughout the years, but once the story gets going sexy doesn’t begin to describe the way you see Simon.  Charles has a way of vividly drawing images in your mind much in the same way the tattoos crawl across her characters' bodies...and I mean literally crawl.

Great googly moogly  K.J. Charles can scare the crap out of her readers. She has you turning on all the lights and getting under the covers, jumping at every noise. But like that idiot that goes into the other room because they heard something, I can not stop reading! Then, just as quickly, she can fog up the room in a whole different way... leaving you restless and moaning, and moaning ... whew......

ok we go on....

The series is supposed to chronicle 20 years of adventures between Ghost hunter extraordinaire Simon and his companion Caldwell. It is no stretch to compare their relationship to Holmes and Watson, Arthur and Merlin, Bert and Ern.... well ok you get the point.. These two men belong together. I don't want to go into more details because you need to enjoy the whole experience.

I had a major epiphany when reading a specific quote

I know about stories. They must have endings. A story without an ending is an unbearable itch to the reader.

Sound the hallelujah choir, this is why I hate cliffhangers!! It is like that itch in the middle of your back you can't reach.

Well I did not feel cheated after reading "The Caldwell Ghost" and yet I want to read more about them. Thank goodness I was able to go right to the next story.

Journalist Robert Caldwell is still smarting from his first encounter with ghost-hunter Simon Feximal. Their night in a haunted house was thrilling, but the aftermath leaves Robert hurt, disappointed, and resolved not to see Simon again.

But just a few days later their paths cross once more, this time investigating a pair of mysterious deaths: two corpses shrouded in butterflies.

Now Robert wants the truth – on the deaths, on where the butterflies came from, and most of all, on the attraction that still burns between him and Simon.

A free standalone short story (8700 words) in the Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal.

Butterflies starts right where we left off… yippie, I love it when we get right back into their lives and I am not left feeling that the characters were having fun without me... yay!

There is a much talked about scene in The Magpie Lord that is the single most horrific thing I have ever read ! It had me glued to the pages. I could not stop reading that scene even while my heart was thumping wildly. Well, Butterflies has an equally horrific scene, where people are being killed by thousands of swarming butterflies, choking them to death. I know what you're thinking, butterflies can kill, really? But it is so logical it will leave you running away from them faster than rats or spiders from now on.  Who effing knew….well J.K. Charles knew... Thank God.

I hate true horror stories. I don’t like blood and guts and yet I am riveted by Charles’ writing. We follow along jumping at shadows with Caldwell and Feximal while they try to figure out where the butterflies are coming from, why they would kill and who is desecrating ancient crypts… Come on!!! We all know you don’t touch the damn burial grounds…sheesh Ghost Hunting 101 people. Did we learn nothing from Scooby Doo?

The humor and chemistry between Caldwell and Feximal also help to ease the scary tension. Of course it ramps it up in other areas but I am not complaining.

I am really excited to read this series and am hoping for many more vignettes.

J.K. Charles is now an automatic buy, no matter the price or length.

Review: Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan

Love doesn’t come with a syllabus. Kelly Davidson has waited what seems like forever to graduate high school and get out of his small-minded, small town. But when he arrives at Hope University, he quickly realizes finding his Prince Charming isn’t so easy. Everyone here is already out. In fact, Kelly could be the only virgin on campus. Worst of all, he’s landed the charming, handsome, gay campus Casanova as a roommate, whose bed might as well be equipped with a revolving door. Walter Lucas doesn’t believe in storybook love. Everyone is better off having as much fun as possible with as many people as possible…except his shy, sad little sack of a roommate is seriously screwing up his world view. As Walter sets out to lure Kelly out of his shell, staying just friends is harder than he anticipated. He discovers love is a crash course in determination. To make the grade, he’ll have to finally show up for class…and overcome his own private fear that love was never meant to last.
Warning: This story contains lingering glances, milder than usual sexual content for this author, and a steamy dance-floor kiss. Story has no dairy or egg content, but may contain almonds.

 

 A version of this review has previously been posted on GoodReads.
 

I read this book on my birthday and have you ever had that moment where you really believe that the universe is your friend and the whole time you are in that moment you keep thinking "how perfect is this?" That was Love Lessons for me.  I honestly believe that Heidi Cullinan wrote this book specifically for me. She put in everything I love in a book, all of my favorite idiosyncrasies represented in the pages of one book.

Kelly is the sweet naïve boy from a small town who  is away from home for the first time. 
I love the fact that he is unapologetically Pollyanna.... he wants the whole Disney HEA and is not ashamed to demand something special for his first time or his first relationship . Why does his innocence and sweetness make the story dirtier for me?
 For all of his sweetness Kelly is really smart about life and some of the wisest comments come out of his mouth. ( out of the mouths of babes, right, hee-hee)
 
His unexpected college roommate is Walter; the college Casanova- of course.  Oh how I love the college bad boy with the hidden heart of gold in books. Walter is described as a Flynn Ryder lookalike and Ms. Cullinan introduces us to Flynn as we have never seen him before.

If you don't look up David Kawena while reading this book then really just stop reading my review because it is a perfect representation of who I am and what I read. Disney for Adults... ahh paradise.

I just love the geek/bad boy romance, it sings to me. It is sweet innocence that will then throw you up against the wall behind closed doors and leave you screaming for more.
There is hot dirty talk and wonderful family and friends, there are Jane Austen, Princess Bride,  and yes Taylor Swift shout outs; which for anyone who knows me will understand why currently Heidi is my Goddess.

I love the fact that the book does not drag out the relationship angst. You, along with all of Walter and Kelly's friends and family see exactly where this is going. There is no big misunderstanding that frustrates you along with these characters. Not that there is no drama and heartbreak, but that comes from outside forces. I love how strong Kelly and Walter are for each other even when they are only friends.

There is a quote though that touched me the most:

sometimes the ones we love are like butterflies, flitting all over, and we have to sit and wait patiently for them to land

My husband has always let me flitter wherever I needed to in a thousand different ways making sure he is a solid rock foundation for me to touch home.
Those are the books I love the best, the ones that remind me how important that is for those of us whose heads are always in the clouds or I guess, in a book.