Review: Cherish (The Valespian Pact #4) by Lexi Ander

Saving a life can change the course of history.

Destin is torn away from his chicks and his bonded when the Terrens invade Aries 7. Experimented on in Terren labs, and made to work their mines, the GyrFalconi struggle to survive. Destin becomes their caretaker, endeavoring to save as many as possible, despite the emotional toll. Amidst the battle for survival, the universe shines on him and he bonds with not one but four people who give him a reason to keep fighting. When Valespia sends its Legions to the GyrFalconi’s aid, Destin and his bonded are eventually freed, only to face new cruelties from their own people.

Freedom comes with its own trials, though, as a divide forms in GyrFalconi society between the winged and the wingless. Destin and his bonded are given a chance at true happiness and they keep what they claim, no matter what.

 

I have a tendency to come into a series late in the game and this is no exception. This is book 4 of Valespian Pact and the author’s note says this story takes us back in time and provides some historical context through survivor stories.

I’m glad I picked this up and ignored the fact that it said Book 4. Sometimes I will pass on books that go backwards or that are too far into a series, but this one, I’m glad I just went for it.

This story is really rich in world building and the world is fascinating. I used to say I wasn’t into sci-fi but it seems that I just hadn’t found the sci-fi I enjoyed. This is definitely for me. Interesting sentient beings are my thing. I found the next series I plan on sinking into.

The characters were engaging and I loved reading all about their journey. It was tough at times, and spans 20+ years, but it didn’t drag for me. Each POV was important to move the story along while keeping me drawn to where it was leading. I loved it.

I am team GyrFalconi all the way, even though I still don’t know how to pronounce it. I’ll keep trying to figure it out when I go back and start at Book 1 so I can catch up on “Where are they now” part of this Galactic adventure series.

I would definitely recommend this to sci-fi readers, or any readers really. Maybe start with book 1 though… and if you’re looking for sex, you won’t find it here, but you will find deeply fulfilling romantic connections and friendships, and some super cute GyrFalconi chicks.



A review copy was provided for an honest opinion.

Release Blast + Giveaway: Cherish (The Valespian Pact #4) by Lexi Ander

 Author Lexi Ander and Other Worlds Ink share new release, Cherish (The Valespian Pact #4)! Learn more about the latest in the space opera series and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!

Lexi Ander has a new LGBTQ+ space opera out, The Valespian Pact book 4 (Ace, Demi, Bi, Poly): Cherish. And there's a great giveaway!

Saving a life can change the course of history.

Destin is torn away from his chicks and his bonded when the Terrens invade Aries 7. Experimented on in Terren labs, and made to work their mines, the GyrFalconi struggle to survive. Destin becomes their caretaker, endeavoring to save as many as possible, despite the emotional toll. Amidst the battle for survival, the universe shines on him and he bonds with not one but four people who give him a reason to keep fighting. When Valespia sends its Legions to the GyrFalconi’s aid, Destin and his bonded are eventually freed, only to face new cruelties from their own people.

Freedom comes with its own trials, though, as a divide forms in GyrFalconi society between the winged and the wingless. Destin and his bonded are given a chance at true happiness and they keep what they claim, no matter what.

Warnings: violence, captivity, experimentation/not shown, physical trauma, death of unnamed character/not shown, talk of suicide, suicide not on page, death of chicks when eggs go cold.

Amazon | Tolino | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | QueeRomance Ink | Liminal Fiction | Smashwords

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Giveaway

Lexi is giving away three $20 Amazon gift cards with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47219/?

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Excerpt

Dashing tears from his eyes, he finished packing a small but heavy satchel. Alaina and Paxx waited for him in the receiving room holding large, overstuffed bags. At least they were not flying any great distance. The door was open to the balcony and the sight beyond confirmed their reality like nothing else could. Transports large and small zipped between the tall spires of this residential quarter of Skylight. The buildings were hundreds of floors tall with every roost boasting a balcony or three for landing. Usually, municipal transports flew above the spires, but these originated from the base of the buildings where the personal transports were stored.

The aircraft were not the only traffic. GyrFalconi flew everywhere, either singly or in small flocks, and there was a lot of swerving and near collisions, the people too panicked to pay attention. A lead weight formed in Destin’s stomach and a sense of urgency whispered that they needed to hurry. At least his parents’ rookery was only a couple spires over.

“Stay close to me,” he warned. The fledglings’ eyes were round with dawning fear as they observed the chaos. Paxx and Alaina nodded vigorously.

Clutching the pack to his chest, Destin sprinted and leaped off the balcony, his wings spread as he tested the air for a wind to glide on while he waited for his fledglings to catch up. They carried more, so they dropped quicker and had to flap hard to reach him, their burdens clutched to their chests. Destin spiraled down to the building’s lower floors, hoping that the air there would be less travelled, and he was right. As long as they stayed above the storage levels, they would not cross many individual flyers.

A few minutes later, they reached his parents’ building. Destin searched for his mahen’s storage garage where she and his dahen would be waiting. All the bay doors were open and the interiors empty. He did not need to read the labels, since his mahen, Akela de la Zudora, stood in the opening to her bay watching for them. Her golden-brown feathers were streaked with a darker brown that made her look severe when her feathers were clapped tight to her crown. Her brown-ringed black eyes held a wealth of worry as well as a touch of fear, which abated when her gaze landed on them.

Destin circled around behind his fledglings and made them land first. Both immediately went to Akela when their feet touched the floor. She wrapped them in a calming embrace as she clicked her nose-plate to theirs. His dahen, Imrie, rushed from the transport when Destin set down. Imrie’s long, sweeping gray-tipped pink feathers were ruffled in the strong breeze that pushed into the bay. The pink contrasted beautifully with his ebony skin. Of all the Aries collectives, Destin thought his dahen’s feather coloring the prettiest. His own were red feathers dusted with the broody black of Aries 1. When he was much younger, he’d wished he had the pretty pinks of Aries 4 like his da. Destin had outgrown such vanities and he was content with his coloring, though he still thought the red and black was somber.

Imrie grabbed his face and clicked his hard yellow nose-plate against Destin’s. “Where is Dena?” he asked softly enough that the chicks did not hear.

Destin refused to answer, not wanting to bring to the fledglings’ attention that he and their mahen were at odds. Imrie’s blue eyes narrowed with comprehension, and Destin did not envy the dressing down that his dahen would give Dena when he saw her next.

His parents’ personal transport was a modest five-person pipit. Glancing inside, food stores were crammed into every available space, leaving just enough room in the back for Destin’s fledglings. They would be holding their overstuffed burdens in their laps since there was no other room to store the bags.

“I think we can make room for you,” Mahen said, coming up behind him. But they could not and still eat. There were questions about whether the sky-cities receiving refugees would have enough foodstuff to feed everyone. Destin would not have his family going hungry when there was a seat for him on another transport.

“Dena made arrangements for me,” he replied. Akela pursed her lips, sweeping her gaze over him and the fledglings as if to say, ‘yes, my son, I can see the accommodations your bonded has made.’ He forged on. “Speaking of, they are waiting on me. I am already several minutes late.”

His chicks made frantic noises. They were all talk about building a nest of their own, but here they were, not wanting to be separated from him. It warmed Destin’s heart more than it should have. Perhaps Dena was correct, and he was holding onto the fledglings too tightly. He wrapped each chick in his arms, reminded of how much larger they were when he tilted his head up so they could click their nose-plates against his.

“Do what you are told and help your granden and granhen with what they need. They will rendezvous with your bondeds’ families. Together, they will all work to keep you safe.” Destin waited for them to nod before he stepped away.

“When will you and Dena be joining us?” Mahen asked, pushing the fledglings toward the transport.

“The de la Bao flock are meeting up with some of their extended family. I will make my way to you once we stop,” he replied, hoping that the fledglings did not notice he said nothing about their mahen. The fact was that he did not know what her plans were, especially after their argument.

Imrie pulled out his data pad and demanded Destin give him the location where he would end up.

“I will come and get you myself once we have settled Alaina and Paxx,” Akela stated, her expression telling him not to argue with her. Destin nodded, saying hurried farewells to his parents before sprinting to the open bay door and leaping into flight.

He was not exaggerating when he said he was late. He owed the neighbors many apologies when he arrived. They were kind, patient people but the stress of fleeing to safety could make anyone terse, especially when waiting on someone who delayed their safe departure.

The weight of his bag seemed heavier than before, which Destin was sure it was just in his mind. There were more individual fliers clogging the airways. With great care, he dodged a couple of near collisions before reaching the correct building. The bay door was open, and Destin pulled up from his dive to land on the edge… of an empty storage slot. He double checked the name and number to make sure he had arrived at the correct place. This was where he was supposed to meet up with the neighbors.

Destin stared at the bare floor, his mind stalled for a few precious seconds as he tried to comprehend what it meant. Again, he double checked the ID to make sure he was at the right location, and he was, but they were gone. They had left. He was only a few minutes late, but the bay was not even warm from the aircraft’s engine, so they had been gone much longer than he was late.

Had Dena cancelled his seat, thinking he would be travelling with her? He could not imagine the neighbors leaving without him. They were close friends of Destin’s and if they were leaving, they would have contacted him, and there were no waiting messages on the data pad. If Dena told them he did not need the seat, then why did she not say something to him? Did she forget since they had fought? Was—

Destin shook his head, trying to clear his mind. This was not the time to allow emotional turmoil to take over. He would broach the questions with her later, after he reached safety. He considered flying back to his parents’ bay, but they were probably gone already, and he could not waste the time. He would have to fly.

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Author Bio

A two-time Rainbow Award recipient, Lexi has always been an avid reader and started reading (secretly) her mother's romances (the ones she was told not to touch) at a young age. She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a notebook, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in North Carolina with her Yankee husband and her 80-pound puppy named after a vacuum cleaner.

Author Website: http://www.lexiander.com

Author Facebook (Personal): http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/Lexi-Ander-1808012509319412/

Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexi.ander.9/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6521302.Lexi_Ander

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/lexi-ander/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/lexi-ander/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lexi-Ander/e/B009PT22GM/

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Releasing Chaos (Sumeria Sons #6) by Lexi Ander

Lexi Ander and Embrace the Rainbow Book Promotions visit the blog with the Releasing Chaos (Sumeria Sons #6) blog tour! Today's stop is full of goodies: an excerpt, flash fiction and huge giveaway: SIGNED paperbacks of Sumeria’s Sons series, SIGNED paperbacks of Releasing Chaos, Dragon mugs and Dragon Goblets! Check it out!

Title: Releasing Chaos
Author: Lexi Ander
Series: Sumeria's Sons #6
Release Date: August 1, 2017
Categories: Gay, Paranormal, Poly, Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 132,000 words
Cover Artist: Kirby Crow

BLURB

Everything Tristan, Ushna, and Brian have fought for comes down to the moment they face Inanna and Marduk. Before then, Ushna must embrace his destiny and be transformed by Tiamat. But he returns with a fractured mind and will need the help of the new firebird or he'll be lost to the insanity of a primordial God. If he's lost, so is the balance Brian and Tristan sorely need.

Tristan has vowed to care for his ex-Flame, Theo Sullivan, who is doomed to forget more and more with each use of his new ability. When not dealing with his stubborn ex, Tristan must free the warriors stolen by the government and devise a trap for Inanna.

And that's only the start of the challenges, and everything that can still go wrong.

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Find Sumeria’s Sons series on Goodreads

EXCERPT

Prologue

~The Nameless

We Nameless had been running hard for many days. Something crawled under our ruff, beckoning us to go southeast. The part of us that was once human cowered in the back of our minds, pleading with us to stay in our dens, but we could not. The pull was strong, and we responded to the urgent need that seeped into our paws from the ground.

"Hurry," The Earth Mother whispered to us.

Months ago, our alpha freed us from the vileness of our human side, locking away the corruption so we could teach our humans the lessons they had either forgotten or were never taught. We shared the joys of running on four paws, of being family, of supporting each other through the hunt. We gave them our love for the land, the sky, the water, and for each other. We showed them how to work together and yet still be individuals. For we were wolf. Hunter. Predator. Mother. Father. Family.

Now as they proclaimed their fear, we would teach them how to stand together, to use their instincts to discern right from wrong. The Earth Mother called us to the alpha's aid. Though he made us Nameless, he had shown us mercy and set us free. He would forever be our alpha and we his tribe, his people.

As we loped, closing the distance between us and the one who needed us, the Earth Mother pushed healing through our paws, fortifying our energy and curbing our hunger. We stopped briefly alongside a stream to drink our fill before once again we hurried on. The urgency rode us as we ran across fields, through sleepy towns, over grassy plains, and entered foreign woods. We were close now and we hoped we would arrive in time.

As one, we threw our voices into the wind. "We come to stand by your side. To be your shield. To hunt with you and take down your prey. To protect our people. We come, our Alpha, we come."

*~*~*

~Jory Swaine

I didn't know what disturbed me from a sound sleep, but an itch between my shoulders forced me from my room to prowl the dark house. For a couple of days now, I'd been sensing… I pushed out the back door, barely catching the screen before it slapped noisily against the frame, waking the whole house.

Before tragedy had taken Tristan away from us for half a year, he'd entrusted into my care the wolf forms of the traitors who'd attempted to murder him. Members of Tribe Uras collaborated with the rogue, Craig Stoiler, and invaded Tristan's ranch. I would've had them killed for their treachery, but Tristan had another idea. He'd stripped the people of their human form, giving their wolf dominion. The demonstration of his power as the supreme alpha and prince of our people proved his lineage to the doubting members of the Council of Five, but there was an additional reason for his action. He'd given them a second chance, of sorts, and ordered some twenty-eight wolves to follow my commands as their handler.

Whatever type of transformation magic Tristan performed had a lasting effect. With the events that had transpired following his return, I didn't have a chance to relay to him I could still feel those wolves. He'd tied them to me that fate-filled day, not that I was upset. What I sensed of them was harmless, a simple awareness nestled in the back of my mind, telling me their state of being and general welfare… until now.

The stars shone sharp and bright overhead, the sky a virtual blanket of diamonds. The sight still made my breath catch, especially after spending so many years in California cities, where the light was muted. My eyes were drawn to the northwest. The string attaching me to them pulled with their sense of urgency. They were coming. Perhaps it was time to tell Tristan about my relationship with them. Something caused the pack to leave their dens in the Canadian tundra. I wasn't sure if this sense of urgency coming from them was a portent of good or evil. For Tristan's sake, I hoped the banished members of Tribe Uras didn't intend to attack him a second time. I'd grown quite fond of the playfulness of their wolves in the corner of my mind, and I'd hate to be the one who sent them on to their next reincarnation.

Thank you for having me on the blog today! Releasing Chaos is the last book in the Sumeria's Sons series. For the final sendoff, I have put together a series of flash fiction pieces that happen near the end of Dragon's Eye or in between Dragon's Eye and Releasing Chaos. These are little on-the-side scenes that don't have an impact on the plot arc of Sumeria's Sons so you won't encounter any spoilers for the final book. This one takes place much earlier. It's a small insight into how Jynx, Devlin, and Nacht came to be together. Enjoy!

Bond Brothers

-Jynx Roth

I watched from the shadowed hallway as Devlin rocked Becca to sleep. If someone had told me three, even two, years ago that I would be a father and my bond brothers and I would be advisors to the future King of the Lycans, I would've laughed in their face. Like many Magi back then, I was only trying to survive the college and the brutality of the Triad who ruled it. I clearly remembered the first time I saw Devlin. Little did I know that meeting him would changed all our lives… or more poetically, change the paths we walked.

Nacht and I had bonded and we were searching for our third. With a complete circle of three, we would have been relatively safe from the machinations of the governing Triad, especially since we weren't strong earthmovers. Kevah, Caspian, and Barron ruled the Magi College like it was their own little fiefdom. Those who curried favor were treated well. And those who weren't as powerful in earth magic—magical brutes, the lot of them—Kevah had no interest in. He ignored students he considered weak, allowing Caspian to terrorize those beneath his notice.

Nacht was a mediocre earthmover when it came to magic. But his secondary ability he could not hide. He was a Shadow Mover and, like all shadow men, had skin and eyes dark as pitch. I was also a mediocre earthmover and since I didn't present with a secondary elemental magic such as air, water, or fire, the college demanded to know my talent. I pretended I didn't have one, which in reality, about one third of all Magi students only had one elemental talent and nothing else. If Kevah's triad knew I was a Truthseer he would have forced on us a third of his choice, thereby ensuring I was under his control.

When Nacht and I saw Devlin, he stopped us in our tracks. He was short for a Lycan which brought him unwanted attention by the more powerful bullies. The majority dismissed him for his stature alone, but there was something that drew Nacht and me to Devlin. His neon blue hair always drew my eye. When seen up close, I loved that he was covered in freckles and his eyes were almost the same shade of blue as his hair. Of all the Lycans, the Magi were more likely to do something to change their appearance. Usually it only entailed elaborate makeup or clothing and occasionally excessive piercing. But hair color, no one dyed their hair. I had orange streaks through mine that developed when I changed into my wolf the first time. Those of us with unusual coloring also had non-elemental abilities. Though many of us pretended otherwise.

As Nacht and I watched Devlin, working up a way to approach and befriend him, I wondered what his talent was. Not that I really cared. Both Nacht and I were attracted to him and needed to know him better so we could gauge if he would be a good match for our triad.

As we approached Devlin, a group of Caspian's bullies converged upon him, warning us away. It was obvious that Devlin did not wish to be in their company but they kept him separated from everyone. I remembered how he looked over his shoulder, his eyes pleading for help. We'd all been pushed around at one time or another but something felt off.

"What should we do?" Nacht asked as Devlin disappeared around the corner.

The people in the hallway had been quiet until the bullies disappeared. Whispers erupted as the students hurried away from the area. It was easy to see that many were relieved they hadn't been the one taken away. A few stared guiltily where Devlin had disappeared.

"Follow." I glanced at Nacht. "Unless you would rather stay out of it."

I sensed his hurt. "I know we don't have the power to right every wrong the Triad allows, but you don't really expect me to walk away do you?"

I bumped his shoulder with mine. "I had to put it out there. I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want. Besides, I know we can't stop them, but tripping them up, that's something else altogether."

Nacht and I jogged to catch up with the powerful earthmovers. If we challenge them head on, they would kick our ass, make an example of us. So we had to move carefully, extract Devlin without them suspecting who thwarted them. I checked my pocket for my phone. Perhaps if they did something terrible enough, and I caught it on film, I could send it anonymously to the Council of Five. I'd discovered the council member overseeing the college ignored complaints by students, handing the information over to Kevah who would call the student in and 'resolve' the issue. The next option would be to give the information to the other four council members and hope that Kevah hadn't bought them as well.

The five earthmovers took Devlin out behind the school where the manicured lawn butted up against the forest. There the Magi's could let their wolves out and run. With so little cover to hide behind on the lawn, Nacht moved us through the void to the woods.

The boys push Devlin in front of them, laughing when he stumbled and fell. In the corner of my mind that belonged to Nacht, I sensed his growing anger. We fed off each other's ire, the protectiveness we held for Devlin growing in equal amounts.

"That's far enough," said Mark. He seemed to be the leader of the bullies. "Caspian will be joining us soon."

Devlin gulped audibly. I almost left our hiding place to go to him but Nacht had wrapped his arm around my waist, keeping me in place.

"What are we doing out here?" Devlin asked, his voice sounded strong, as if he wasn't afraid.

Mark grinned, the twist of his mouth cruel. "We're here to practice." A small red ball of flame appeared in between his palms.

"I don't understand." Devlin didn't take his eyes off the fire.

"What is there to understand?" Caspian snapped. We had all been so focused on Mark as he played with the flame that we didn't see Caspian approach. "I am instructing these boys on how to hit a target."

"Yeah, and since we can easily hit a stationary target, we brought you to help us with moving ones." Mark laughed but quickly shut up when Caspian glared at him.

"You will be given a five-minute head start. Then these five gentlemen will track you and attempt to take you down. It won't hurt… much." Caspian smirked then frowned. "Well, what are you waiting for? Tick-tock."

Devlin turned and ran into the woods, the harsh cackling of the bullies sounded of manic excitement. What Caspian was doing was illegal. Magi weren't allowed to use their magic as a weapon. Not without permission from the Lycan king, and since we were without one, still illegal. There had been rumors but I hadn't believed they were true.

Nacht hopped us through the forest, placing us ahead of Devlin. Even though Devlin had been able to run a great distance, the whoops the hunters released could still be heard when they started after him. Devlin stumbled upon us, stopping so quickly he fell. But he wasn't ready to give up and he readied to run in a different direction, scrambling to his feet even as I spoke.

"Devlin, please." I raised my hands to show him I meant him no harm. "We're here to help."

Devlin pause. The excited cries of the hunting party sounded closer. "They'll only hurt you, too."

"They have to find us first," Nacht replied, his deep voice soothing, hand outstretched, waiting.

"They will retaliate. They have Caspian's faver," Devlin argued even though I could tell he wanted what we offered.

"We're willing to take the chance."

Devlin's impossibly blue eyes caught mine and held. "You two would do that for me?"

"Yes," Nacht replied for the both of us.

I didn't realize I held my breath until Devlin took Nacht's outstretched hand. "Don't let go," Nacht instructed as he slipped us through the void, coming out across a small nearby clearing.

The area was layered with the scent of all the students, Devlin's was one of many. If they were using smell to track him than this would muddle their senses.

"The both of you climb that tree." Nacht pointed to a leafy behemoth that would be easy to hide in. "I'll return shortly."

That was the afternoon the change the course of my life. Nacht terrorized the boys, dragging them one at a time into the void and tossing them out miles away. The Triad knew that a Shadow Mover was to blame. But whenever they attempted to bring one in for questioning, the shadowmen stepped through the void and none dared to leap in after them.

As I watched from overhead, a plan had formed. There were little ways we could rebel against the tyranny of the Triad. It wasn't without peril. There would always be risk. What had been done to Gregori by Caspian proved that even those who were stronger could be defeated. But Gregori, our Sami, had still stepped up at great personal cost to himself. How could I not follow his path?

A couple months later, Devlin became our bond brother and the three of us harried Kevah's triad from the shadows. As a Pathfinder, Devlin helped us escape pursuit more than once. Years later, when Caspian's dead body had been hung in the courtyard, I knew without a doubt that was the beginning of the end of the terror the students of the college lived in.

"What are you brooding about?" Nacht slipped his arms around me and I pulled him closer.

"Just thinking about how we came to be here," I said, kissing the corner of his mouth.

Before I could pull away, Nacht turned into the kiss, taking it from chaste to deepen devouring. My body responded as if he'd flip the switch. I sensed his hunger and Devlin's awareness of us outside Becca's room. I sent tendrils out, sharing my desire, beckoning him to join us. Many didn't understand the tie bond brothers shared and we didn't often explain. We occupied each other's mind, knew each other hearts and thoughts. Usually, bond brothers fell in love. It was hard not to with how closely linked we were to each other. I couldn't imagine living any other way.

Devlin's small hands skated up my bareback and I made a noise of pleasure. He liked to hear how much we wanted him. Nacht love to tell us with rough and dirty words, making delicious, dark promises that made Devlin whimper. What did I enjoy? Anything. Everything. As long as it included the both of them, I loved it all, just as I loved them.

**HUGE GIVEAWAY**:

WIN SIGNED paperbacks of Sumeria’s Sons series, SIGNED paperbacks of Releasing Chaos, Dragon mugs and Dragon Goblets

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Lexi has always been an avid reader, and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her eighty-pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.

Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Anniversary Shenanigans: Less Than Three Press Giveaway - Part 2!

Less Than Three Press came to play! They came to play HARD!

Like reading about MC (Motorcyle Clubs)?

Well, LT3 Press is giving away the entire Roughhouse Raiders collection split between TWO lucky people! That's right LGBTQIA+ MC standalones from 11 different authors!

Today's haul from the Roughhouse Raiders collections features titles by authors: Lexi Ander, B.A. Huntley, Nicole Field, Eve Francis and Helena Maeve! 

Here is yesterday's giveaway (ICYMI): here

Death Mask (Black Harbinger MC #1) by Lexi Ander
Grim Misery, the President of the Black Harbinger Motorcycle Club, discovers a wounded warlock and four werepups aboard the club's LSD shipment. And the news keeps getting better and better. Not only is the warlock sitting on the edge of death, he's illegally bonded to the werepups, which could trigger a war with the werewolves—and he turns out to be Misery's estranged husband.

Years ago, Griffin turned Misery away to be with another warlock by the name of Marcheso Aldo. Misery left everything behind, even his family, but couldn't shake the heartbreak Griffin caused. With Griffin thrust back into Misery's life, he discovers things aren't as they seem... and everything is about to get much, much worse.

The House of the Scarred Backs by B.A. Huntley
The House of the Scarred Backs has held their territory for six generations. Few dare to challenge them, and those few foolish swiftly regret it—assuming they survive the mistake. Alkeides is a proud Brother, happy and honoured to do whatever is asked of him to look after the Scarred Backs. When he is called upon to track down a possible traitor and murderer in their midst—a vile shifter who may have infiltrated their ranks—Alkeides doesn't hesitate.

But a simple hunt for a traitor has unexpected consequences, leaving Alkeides wondering who he really is and what he really wants.

The Shock of Survival by Nicole Field
In the wake of the final battle against The Oppressor, Benedict, Ophelia and Dylan face their magical community in triumph. But that triumph rapidly loses its shine as they realise the war is not so easily left behind. Returning to, and relearning, the lives they had before proves to be more difficult than even they had anticipated.

The Spirit of the Stairwell by Eve Francis
Jessika Harrison is one of the best Replicators in the country. She's so successful she now has an entire floor to herself in the heart of downtown Montreal, the techno-witchcraft centre of Canada. Her job is secured by the Magical Union, she gets endless referrals for clients, and there's even a cute girl named Skylar who comes by on her power cruiser motorcycle to deliver Jessika all her important packages.

Everything seems perfect, especially when Skylar finally asks Jessika out on a date. Then a former customer, Ralph Curtis, returns to taunt Jessika and steal her trade secrets. But following a series of attacks, missing inventory, and a frigid winter, Jessika's business is in trouble—and it's Skylar, not Ralph, who seems to be the culprit.

Wilding River by Helena Maeve
Jetting off to the Highlands to find a woman she's never met isn't something Abigail ever thought she'd do, but the disappearance of Candice Sharpe has brought back memories of a past life Abigail barely understands.

The town of Gormsey has a low tolerance for strangers, and it isn't long before Abigail's questions land her in hot water with the local werewolf motorcycle gang known as the Wildlings. Her only potential ally is her former lover, but Kayla is also a member of the Wildlings.

Between divided loyalties and strange happenings, it soon becomes clear that investigating a disappearance few seem to want resolved could well mean death for them both.






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The giveaway is open until 12:00AM (Eastern time) on 12/3/16. 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! It ends 12/1/16!

Unicorn Favourites: Love is an Open Road: Weeks 13 & 14

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.  The stories are being released slightly slower now - and many are novel length - so we won't be reading them as quickly, but we promise, we're still reading them!. 

Sunny: Reclamation by Cari Z, Sado by Steelewhisper, Dark Soul by Lexi Ander & The Biggest Scoop by Gillian St. Kevern

Awesome world building with a strong sense of place and appealing characters. The suspense had me a little stressed out and anxious, though. I don't like when that happens, but this was so good, I kept reading. It helped that the pacing was just right, carrying me through the tense parts. The writing style in general, the voices, descriptions, dialogue, really worked for me

Elegant, intense, quiet, and erotic. Beautiful.

I was incredibly impressed at what the author did with just over 5000 words, and little of it dialogue. The precise descriptions conveyed so much, not only about the setting, but about the characters. Yearning, respect, comfort, security...it was all there. The submission, the control, all shown in small details. 

And the ending...beautiful in its simplicity.

Omg...why didn't I wait?! I need part 2 right now!

So many of my favorite things in this story, I loved the world building, characters, and plot.

Sweet, tender, lusty, with a bit of the Mine!
...and there was a tail :P

YA isn't my favorite genre, so while I enjoyed the story, it wouldn't have made my favorites list if it hadn't been for Milo, who gets all the stars. Quirky, adorable Milo who made me laugh, and got me a little choked up. He is one of my all time favorite characters.

Lorix: Reclamation by Cari Z & The Biggest Scoop by Gillian St. Kevern 

I didn't think this prompt would be my thing. I'm so glad I gave it a go though because I loved this story. I loved the world that has been created by Cari Z. Matt and Grayson were great characters and I loved the journey we took with them in this dystopian future world. The attention to detail was amazing, the bosy modifications for example. I'm not the hugest futuristic fan - but when it's written well, I love it. This was written well.

The biggest scoop - firstly can I say how much I LOVE the cover. It really, really appeals to me and I would absolutely have chosen this book for the cover design alone, so kudos. As it was, cute cover or not, I am so glad I read this story. It was hilarious. I adored Milo, every over the top, foot in mouth bit of him. I loved him because he wasn't afraid to be himself. I loved him because he made mistakes. I loved him because he admitted when he was in the wrong. I loved his humour, his style, his kindness, his honesty, his....his everything. He was the story. Everything else slotted into place around him and it worked really well. Growing up is hard, but Milo does it in style. He is a force to be reckoned with and I am super glad I got to meet him. I also loved Taylor - and really the whole cast of characters. This book was a pleasure to read and I'll be watching for this author in the future. 

Review: Dreams of the Forgotten (Book 3 of Sumeria's Sons) by Lexi Ander

For Tristan and Ushna, nothing comes easy and with each passing day the challenges grow and the dangers multiply. The safe home they are building for their family and tribe is threatened from all sides, and the peace they seek is being torn apart by enemies and internal strife. Tristan dares not reveal his condition to any but those closest to him, all the while he's plagued by dreams he cannot remember upon waking…

And over all of it hangs the knowledge that his time with Ushna is running out. Because Ushna already has a Flame awaiting rebirth, and though Tristan would die to protect that bond, he constantly struggles against his beast who demands they bind Ushna to their side. 

Objectively speaking (or at least my attempt at objectivity) if you enjoy MPREG, you'll probably enjoy this installment. I, on the other hand, do not enjoy MPREG. I like smut and adventure, both of which are woefully lacking in this installment. THEY DON'T EVEN BANG IN THIS ONE! NOT ONCE! This is precisely why I don't like the pregnancy plot twist in my reads, not even my M/F reads. Once somebody gets knocked up there goes all the smut. Right out the window.

In this installment Tristan is even more of a delicate flower and because he's hormonal he gets treated with kid gloves. By everyone. Oodles of pregnancy talk/woes/bitching permeate book 3, none of which was interesting in the slightest. Tristan's beast keeps trying to unleash and he keeps it leashed for fear of harming the pups, though that doesn't stop "the beast" from rising to the surface every 15 minutes or so, usually snarling or growling or some such thing. Tristan begins having dreams which morph into nightmares involving a triad and the tribe continues to expand. There were a couple of interesting plot twists, though I'm not sure those will be enough to motivate me to continue with this series.

Overall, I'm still not on the Tristan bandwagon and I'm actually thinking his temperament is ill-suited for leadership but he seems to be adjusting well to motherhood/parenting. He'll be that crazy parent in the stands at the peewee games yelling at the other kids for not stepping up like his baby or he'll use "the voice" and have everyone within a 5 mile radius kneeling in supplication. 

Like I said previously, had I known in advance MPREG was on the horizon I wouldn't have requested these to review, but here we are nonetheless. Again, this series is not my cuppa but many others will enjoy it. 

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Dreams of the Forgotten by Lexi Ander

Book 3 of the Sumeria's Sons series

Blurb(s): 

For Tristan and Ushna, nothing comes easy and with each passing day the challenges grow and the dangers multiply. The safe home they are building for their family and tribe is threatened from all sides, and the peace they seek is being torn apart by enemies and internal strife. Tristan dares not reveal his condition to any but those closest to him, all the while he's plagued by dreams he cannot remember upon waking...

And over all of it hangs the knowledge that his time with Ushna is running out. Because Ushna already has a Flame awaiting rebirth, and though Tristan would die to protect that bond, he constantly struggles against his beast who demands they bind Ushna to their side.

Pages or Words: 63,000

Categories: Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal, Polyamory, Urban Fantasy
Goodreads Link 

Publisher: Less Than Three Press

Cover Artist: London Burden

Excerpt:

Ushna's Lupe, the third form of half-man and half-wolf that all Lycan warriors used for battle, pushed forward as his need to protect took over. Short, fine, black hair burst through his skin under my hands as his chest and arms thickened, his face elongated, and his mouth filled with jagged teeth. Even with fingers tipped with razor-sharp claws, he was careful as he delicately held me in his protective arms. He growled loud and long in warning.

The light switched on, flooding the room with blinding white light. I heard Gregori in the background yelling in anger, followed by a hollow thumping noise, and wounded yells. I scented who'd invaded our bedroom before I gazed over Ushna's shoulder.

Several weeks ago, Elder Koller had made a call to pull childhood friends of ours, Stanley Kendall and Jory Swaine, from California. The suggestion had been made after the Magi Triad had tried to kidnap both Gregori and Ushna, and the elder knew these two were men I trusted. We had been expecting them at any time, and I would've laughed at their antics if I wasn't worried Ushna would eviscerate our friends.

Gregori, his red hair wild, clad only in blue sleep pants, had a fistful of Stan's dark hair and a foot planted in the middle of his back, bowing Stan over backward. Gregori wielded a shoe like it was a Sumerian sword and beat Jory with it. Jory tried to defend himself against the onslaught of the shoe and fight off the two guards who were attempting to subdue him.

"You stupid idiots!" Gregori yelled at the top of his lungs. "You could've hurt him, you oversized oafs! What's wrong with knocking?!"

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

"Ushna is going to eat you and I should let him! It would remind you to respect your alpha!"

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

"Senseless overgrown children!"

Half a dozen guards filed into the room, taking charge of Stan and Jory, relieving a bedraggled Gregori. Scowling furiously at our friends, Gregori gradually crawled onto the bed, talking soothingly to Ushna, who hadn't stopped growling. I ran my hands down his fur-covered back to soothe him.

"Everything is okay, Ushna," Gregori cooed.

I cupped my hands around his face, gazing into his ruby red eyes. "I'm okay," I whispered to him. "Come back to me."

He released the Lupe, and Ushna the man emerged, the harsh and horrific features melting away. His body shuddered, muscles clenched and convulsed as his control returned.

It'd been years since I'd seen our two friends. Where Stan was dark, Jory was light. Stanley Kendall had wavy dark brown hair that roughly covered his brow, but didn't quite touch his collar. His eyes were so brown they were virtually black. He sported a couple days of growth on his chin and cheeks. The stubble looked good against his bronzed skin.

Jory Swaine, on the other hand, had short blond hair, was clean shaven with bright turquoise eyes and golden skin. Stan was broader through the chest with his athletic build while Jory was leaner. Both wore leathers; Jory's pants where loose, hanging low on his hips and revealing the waistband of his boxers, while Stan looked like he was poured into his.

Ushna turned a furious gaze on Stan and Jory, who were standing in the farthest corner, appearing chastised and contrite. "What in the hell were you thinking!" He roared at them. Gregori and I made shushing noises, but Ushna continued to rumble.

"Ah… surprise?" Stan offered weakly, slightly confused.

"Ushna, it's okay; they didn't know," I said.

Ushna snapped his human teeth at our friends. I swear if we'd been alone, I would've jumped and taken him right there.

"Xenres, are you injured?" Corey Bahar was the first to swear a blood oath to me. He'd been Captain until this unexpected growth of the tribe and now he was the newly appointed Arms Master of the Royal Guard. In private, he was most adamant in the use of my title, Xenres, which meant prince in our language. Corey didn't take his sable gaze off Stan and Jory as he approached me. The man looked like he'd been up for hours with his braided blond hair gleaming, clothes pressed and tucked. Did he ever sleep?

Jory chortled at Corey's words, which caused Gregori to throw a shoe and bean Jory in the head.

A string of curse words exploded from Jory. "Dammit, Gregori! What the hell was that for?" He rubbed the sore spot.

Gregori didn't answer. Corey's question was all it took to make Ushna start snarling again as he ran his hands over me, checking for obvious injury. Gregori rubbed small circles on Ushna's back. I grabbed his hands and craned my head around to get him to look me in the eye, to see me.

"Hey, hey! I'm okay. I'm not hurt." I kissed his hands.

"I want Nathan to look at you." Ushna's worried gaze continued to study me. Nathan Janick, my brother and the resident doctor, had meticulously cared for me during my pregnancy so far.

"All right." I knew nothing less would appease him.

Stan watched our exchange. The longer he listened, the more confused he appeared. "What's the big deal?" He crossed his arms, scowling hard. He and Jory had acted as they normally would around us, with carefree roughhousing.

I grabbed Ushna's attention before he could bark back a reply. We'd purposely kept my pregnancy within my inner circle. I hadn't left the Clearwater area, which was my territory. When I needed to go to town, I wore a ring Gregori had made for me, a ring of illusion that had hid my swollen stomach. I didn't meet with outsiders without it.

We hadn't told Stan and Jory. All communication had gone through Elder Janus Koller, who'd recruited them to work for the Elder Council in the Enforcement Division. Neither Ushna nor I had spoken to these two before now. Needless to say, we hadn't anticipated their surprise.

"Master Corey," I calmly said, "we're all right. I'm sorry we woke you." I needed privacy for the talk we were going to have with our old friends.

Corey gave a slight bow. The expression on his face let me know we would be revisiting the issue of posting guards outside the bedroom. I had been successful at convincing Corey that the small group of warriors staying in the house was enough security. We didn't need someone standing on sentry duty in the hallway. To appease Corey, I had even agreed to allow an armed detail to shadow me around the ranch when I left the house. This stunt of Stan's and Jory's would make Cory feel vindicated in his original assessment. I would have to talk quick at the next security meeting to keep the arrangements the way they were now. 

"It was no bother, Xenres." Corey shot Jory a hard look when my friend snorted a laugh. He appeared to be gauging whether Jory was being disrespectful to me or making fun of him. "I won't be far if you need me," he said before closing the door behind him.

Jory tried to hide his smirk by rubbing a hand over his face. I knew what was coming before he opened his mouth. "Damn, Tristan. You've got people bowing and scraping to you. What've you been doing?"

Lexi was kind enough to indulge our curiosity and put together a play list for our viewing/listening pleasure!

Here is the link to the public Youtube playlist 

Dreams of the Forgotten Soundtrack

As I'm world building, I choose music that I think will go well. I don't always select something because of the words of the song. Most of the time it has to do with the underlying feeling of the song that lends to the mood of what I'm writing. There really isn't one music genre I don't listen to. From instrumental to thrash metal, a wide range of songs usually end up on the soundtracks I create for my stories. There are a few song that are staples, no matter what I'm working on. 

Let's get the smexin' on:

Alex & Sierra - Little Do You Know

Avril Lavigne - Let Me Go ft. Chad Kroeger

Bad Company - Feel Like Making Love

Celtic Music 

Adrian von Ziegler - Wolf Blood

Adrian von Ziegler - Feather & Skull

Adrian von Ziegler - Prophecy

Demon Hunter - I Am a Stone

finger eleven - One Thing

Hoobastank - Crawling In The Dark

Korn - Coming Undone

Lifehouse - All In

Unkiss Me - Maroon 5

Metallica - The Unforgiven

Foo Fighters - The Pretender

Train - Ordinary

Fight Inside - Red

Rev Theory- The fire

Seether - Words As Weapons

Tantric - Down & Out

Skillet - Hero 

SHINEDOWN - The Crow & the Butterfly

10 Years - Shoot It Out

The Cure - Burn

A huge thank you to Boy Meets Boy for hosting me today. I hope you enjoyed the list and good luck with the giveaway!

About the author:

Lexi has always been an avid reader, and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her eighty-pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.

Where to find the author:

Web site

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

E-mail

Buy Link:  Less Than Three Press

1.     $20 Amazon Gift card, $20 All Romance Gift card, hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, and such)

2.     $20 All Romance Gift card, hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, and such)

3.     hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, and such)

4.     e-book copy of Dreams of the Forgotten

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Tour Dates & Stops: 

27-Apr Joyfully Jay, Emotion in Motion; 28-Apr Prism Book Alliance, Hearts on Fire; 29-Apr Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Love Bytes, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My; 30-Apr The Novel Approach, Decadent Delights; 1-May BFD Book Blog, Divine Magazine; 4-May Molly Lolly, MM Good Book Reviews; 5-May My Fiction Nook,Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves; 6-May Inked Rainbow Reads, Chris McHart; 7-May Amanda C. Stone, Cate Ashwood; 8-May Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews