Review: The Hike by John Inman

Ashley James and Tucker Lee have been friends for years. They are city boys but long for life on the open trail. During a three-hundred-mile hike from the Southern California desert to the mountains around Big Bear Lake, they make some pretty amazing discoveries.

One of those discoveries is love. A love that has been bubbling below the surface for a very long time.

But love isn’t all they find. They also stumble upon a war—a war being waged by Mother Nature and fought tooth and claw around an epidemic of microbes and fury.

With every creature in sight turning against them, can they survive this battle and still hold on to each other? Or will the most horrifying virus known to man lay waste to more than just wildlife this time?

Will it destroy Ash and Tucker too?

John Inman’s stories run the gamut of genres and I love that there is really something for everyone. I happen to love all manner of his words and The Hike reminded me why. One of my favorite themes is horror, but I do have to be in the mood. John can write stories that will haunt your nightmares, but they are always well balanced with memorable characters. I also get that not everyone is down for the horror thing so his stories that focus more on the love pollen that gets spread are more their jam. The Hike is kind of horror-lite compared to say, Sunset Lake or Willow Man but it wouldn’t play well with the Belladonna Arms boys either. The scare level is more along the lines of Spirit or My Busboy. Any Inman fan worth their salt knows what I’m rambling on about here.

The real strength in this story is the bond between Ash and Tuck. The Hike is an angst free (I’m just talking about the relationship here, not the horror that nature becomes) friends to lovers story. There is no question from page 1 that these two are best friends on their way to more. The evolution of their relationship was a treat to read, the banter was adorable without being sappy and the chemistry was dripping off every page. Once Ash and Tuck got together the romance was sublime, seriously, not many authors can write romance the way John Inman does for me. The sweetest thing was the appreciative awe they each felt about the other, Ash planned this whole hiking vacation to have Tucker all to himself and then found out Tucker wanted the same and the realizations and confessions made me swoon repeatedly. They shared firsts that solidified their bond, the kind of things that you only share with someone you trust with your heart and the magnitude of those firsts was not lost on either of them.

As I said, Ash planned this hike to get Tucker all to himself for three weeks, neither of them are great outdoorsmen, and reading about them getting ready and setting off was pretty damn funny. They prevailed and conquered though and that in and of itself was a story. Being a native San Diegan I loved reading the setting that was basically my backyard that we camp in often. John captured the atmosphere perfectly! So, these two are hiking from southeast San Diego to Big Bear and even without the scary AF mystery, their would have been a solid story. The scare factor elevated the tale just how I like though and I ate up the gradual tension that built as Ash and Tuck got further along the trail and further away from civilization.

I think the scariest part was that what was happening could be a legit thing. Unlikely? Sure. But if I heard about it years later as an urban legend, I’d buy it. When Ash and Tuck reached the cabin I was into the book until I finished. There was no putting this thing down at that point and I loved it. I was most certainly stressed out, but the ride the author took me on was a heart pounding and heartbreaking one. The thing that kept this on the horror-lite side was that I never felt like Ash or Tuck would meet their end. Not that everyone made it home, but I felt pretty solid that those two would be find and honestly when you’re reading a horror tale, that’s all you can ask for with your MC’s.

The Hike isn’t a sequel kind of story, but man, I would love to read more with Ash and Tuck. I loved these two and while there were moments of extreme sadness, nature can really be a bitch I swear, there was heavy doses of romance, friendship and some humorous banter that kept me locked into this book.

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

Review: Highballer (World of Love) by Ava Hayden

What happens when the man is as tempting as the money?
Remy Delacour’s family doesn’t believe in mainstream medicine, and when Remy’s boyfriend reveals that Remy is majoring in nursing, they cut him off. He has to find money to finish his education—fast. And he is so done with boyfriends.

Levi Aronson met the guy of his dreams and followed him to Australia. He knew the chances for a lasting romance were slim—and boy, was he right. Now he’s back in Canada, a year behind in his university program, and short of funds. He needs money, not another man.

Tree planting is a way to make a lot of money fast, but it’s one of the hardest jobs in the world. When Levi, an experienced planter, sees pretty, sloe-eyed Remy, Levi is certain he’ll never last.
They’ll have to pry Remy’s shovel from his cold, stiff fingers, because he won’t quit—or let anything take his eyes off the prize. When a storm brings Remy and Levi together, each finds the other a distraction from the big goal. But can anything develop between two men who have sworn off relationships?

World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.

A story of determination and will that I truly enjoyed, Highballer is set in Canada in the harsh mountains with the occasional visit to the nearby town. The author sets the scene really well, the hardness of the job and living conditions is obvious (especially to a gal who likes her creature comforts) but it becomes part of the story, not just a massive dump of information - which frankly would have been boooooring.

The harsh nature of the job was explained by defining the characters, how they approached, and their attitude towards, their job and surroundings. How they interacted, not just with each other but with the other workers. It was cleverly done, retaining interest in the story whilst explaining the situation well.

Remy, our inexperienced tree-planter, is a fantastic character. He is so determined to not quit, to succeed, but he doesn't do it in a way that is arrogant or selfish. He was a product of his upbringing in many ways, yet he was able to see beyond the restrictions the lifestyle they led placed on him. He had an amazing strength of character that I admired. I enjoyed that he was different to the other workers but yet he managed to fit in whilst retaining his inner self. He brought a wonderful new dynamic to the tree planting group.

Levi was perhaps more typical at first glance, yet beneath that first impression is another strong character - but one who is able to take time to help the newbie. Maybe reluctantly at first, but he saw the determination Remy carried and helped him. It was the start of a friendship - and then something more. 

I liked the author's writing style. She was easy to read and engaging. I loved that this book was set in Canada - a place I've never been but would love to visit. I liked that the characters weren't run  of the mill, carbon copies of characters I've read a million times. I really enjoyed this read and am thoroughly glad I read it. 

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Barging In by Josephine Myles

Celebrate the re-release of Barging In with Josephine Myles and Signal Boost Promotions with a back list eBook giveaway!

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 93,000 words

Cover: Harper By Design

Blurb

When the boat's a rockin', don't come knockin'!


Out-and-proud travel writer Dan Taylor is a city boy who can’t steer a boat to save his life, but that doesn’t stop him from heading into the English countryside to write up a narrowboat holiday. Compared to London, the canal seems dull as ditchwater. Until he crashes into the boat of a half-naked, tattooed man whose bad-boy, penniless appearance doesn’t fit with his posh accent. Dan is intrigued, and he always gets his man.


Still smarting from a past betrayal, Robin Hamilton is firmly closeted in his narrowboat—his refuge from outrageous, provocative men like Dan. But as circumstances keep throwing them together, he can’t help himself from coming to the hopelessly out-of-place city boy’s rescue. Exposure to Dan’s sunny charm starts to melt Robin’s resolve and he’s tempted by the idea of a brief, harmless fling.


After all, in less than a week, Dan will have left the canal and be back to his diet of casual hook-ups and friends with benefits.


Determined not to fall in love, both men dive into one week of indulgence…only to find themselves swept away by a current of escalating intimacy and emotional intensity. Troubled waters they didn’t anticipate… and haven’t a clue how to navigate.


Warning: Contains one lovable tart, one posh boy gone feral, rough sex, alfresco sex, vile strawberry flavoured condoms, intimate body piercings, red thermal long-johns, erotic woodchopping, an errant cat, a few colourful characters you wouldn't touch with a bargepole, and plenty of messing about on the river.

Author Bio


English through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. Jo blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She’s beginning to suspect he enjoys it.


Jo’s novel Stuff won the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Bisexual Romance, and her novella Merry Gentlemen won the 2014 Rainbow Award for Best Gay Romantic Comedy. She loves to be busy, and is currently having fun trying to work out how she is going to fit in her love of writing, dressmaking and attending cabaret shows in fabulous clothing around the demands of a preteen with special needs and an incessantly curious toddler.


Website and blog: josephinemyles.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/josephine.myles.author

Twitter: @JosephineMyles

Newsletter: eepurl.com/hrQ4s

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Audiobook Review: Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw

Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires Fredi to revamp his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and Max is just too hunky for words.

When Max comes on to Fredi, the designer can't imagine why. But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max's dilapidated cabin into a showplace. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

Narrated by David Ross
Listening Length: 2 hours and 55 minutes

Pat Henshaw is an easy read author with, from what I’ve read, uncomplicated love stories. That’s not to say that there isn’t depth, or that the characters don’t have complicated lives, I just find the relationship development straightforward and easy on the heart.

This story has no real angst to it, and I think it is a good thing. It leaves the plot development to the world around Fredi and Max, rather than creating drama within the relationship. This is my favourite type of relationship development. While life can sometimes be messy, I prefer characters who are adept at keeping their romantic lives as tidy as possible, while unwinding mess through discovery and action.

Fredi has been commissioned to revamp a rustic cabin that Max received as part of an inheritance settlement. It is in dire need of a professional touch, and Fredi is an award winning designer who is perfect for the job.

Max has decided that it’s time he came out and stopped hiding. He takes an instant interest in Fredi, and is subtle in his approach to flirting and making his intentions known.

I found Fredi to be a fun complex character. He doesn’t put up with crap from anyone, least of all the town bigots. But he is a little bit over-reactive when it comes to pulling out his Boner……..

This story had a nice easy flow. Some drama to keep it exciting, but the ease with which Fredi and Max communicated was what held my interest.

I’ve read this series out of order, starting with book four, but I don’t think it’s really necessary to read them in order. Each story stands on its own, with no wider story arc, but with enough intertwining to feel the familiarity of some of the characters.

That being said, I would still recommend these be read in order if you are starting from the beginning.

David Ross is always a pleasure to listen to, and I don’t think he could ever make a story sound bad. Top notch voice acting skills that makes him someone I look for when picking new audiobooks to buy.

I would recommend this for those who enjoy straightforward gay romance, with some nice depth and good character development.

A review copy was provided.

Guest Review: Toys for Boys by K.D. Grace

Alpha nerd Will Charles teams up with Caridoc ‘Doc’ Jones in a coast to coast walk across England reviewing outdoor gift suggestions for the Christmas edition of Toys for Boys—an online magazine dedicated to the latest gadgets to tickle a man’s fancy. Will is recording their adventures with the latest smart phone technology. Doc is reviewing the latest outdoor gear. The two quickly discover the great outdoors provides even better toys for boys, toys best shared al fresco, toys that, in spite of Will’s great camera work, will never be reviewed in Toys for Boys.


Note: Toys for Boys has been previously published as part of the Brit Boys: With Toys boxed set.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Will and Caradoc ‘Doc’ are both writers for a men's magazine. One is the outdoorsman, and the other the techie geek. Sent together on a coast to coast country walk across northern England, with new gadgets to record the trip. Things quickly take a kinky turn.

The story opens at a guesthouse with insufficient room left for the wet and weary travellers. An obliging writer offers to switch rooms for the night so the young men can room together. They repay the writer with an in-depth recounting of the trip so far, and eventually fuelled by food and wine, offer something of a live sex show!

This was a quick, sexy read about two guys making a trek together, and discovering that what they thought they knew about each other, wasn’t necessarily true.

The dialogue was adequate, and the scenery described beautifully. The characters are largely likeable but tended to let their orgasms do the talking! There was plenty of kink and a meaningful relationship blossoming by the end of the tale. I would have a loved a little insight into the life of the two men on returning to work in London. Would this be a happily ever after, or merely a happy for now?

This wasn’t my usual read, but was enjoyable nonetheless. If short, erotic new adult MM romance is your gig, this might just be the read for you.

I was given free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Find on Goodreads!

Review: Overexposed (In Focus #4) by Megan Erickson

Love runs wild on the Appalachian Trail in the latest from the author of Out of Frame and Focus on Me...

Levi Grainger needs a break. As a reality show star, he’s had enough of the spotlight and being edited into a walking stereotype. When he returns home after the last season of Trip League, he expects to spend time with his family, only to learn his sister is coming back from her deployment in a flag-draped casket. Devastated, Levi decides the best way to grieve will be to go off grid and hike the Appalachian Trail—a trip he'd planned to do with his sister.

His solitary existence on the trail is interrupted when he meets Thad, a quiet man with a hard body and intense eyes. Their connection is stronger than anything Levi has ever experienced. But when Levi discovers the truth about what Thad is hiking to escape, their future together looks uncertain, and uncertainty is the last thing Levi needs...

Grieving his deceased sister, former reality star Levi Grainger decides to hike the Appalachian Trail, which he and his sister had been planning to do. He craves the quiet and solitude the trail brings. That is until he spots a man in the middle of the night sitting on a rock and staring at the moon. When the man makes room for him on the rock, Levi finds himself drawn to him.

After running into each other again, the man, Thad, invites himself to hike with Levi. Thad doesn’t say much and broods most of the time, but Levi welcomes the company. As they work their way through the trail, Thad slowly reveals more of himself. Levi and Thad begin falling for each, but the real world beyond the trail is full of hurdles that they’ll have to overcome.

‘Overexposed’ works great as a standalone. I haven’t yet read the other books in this series, and I didn’t have any trouble.

It would be hard not to love both Levi and Thad right off the bat. With the story told from his POV, I could feel Levi’s grief every time he thought of his sister. And while Thad’s story is revealed more slowly, it was clear from the beginning that he had his own demons that he was dealing with.

The only window we get into Thad’s thoughts are a few texts he sends to someone identified only as ‘M’. However, those texts were enough to feel how lonely Thad was, and how much being around Levi gave him hope.

Levi and Thad become friends before becoming lovers, which I really liked. It happens slowly, as the two hike the trail and share bits and pieces of themselves with each other. This is one of those books where you really get to see the characters fall for each other.

And underneath the slow discovery was a sexual tension that leapt off the pages. The UST was killer! I was anxiously waiting for the two to give in. And once they finally did, it was hot.

However, both Thad and Levi have their hang-ups, which almost ruin their budding romance. When it looked like the two might not make it, my heart hurt along with them. But they do pull through, and it’s in a spectacularly romantic fashion.

“You don’t have to be perfect. Perfect’s boring...But you’re perfect for me. You fill in all of my cracks, all the places where I’m not whole. I can only hope I do the same for you.”

“You do. You so do.”

‘Overexposed’ has it all - two complex and well-developed characters, a sweet and heart-grabbing romance, a fair amount of angst and emotion, and the kind of well-written storytelling that will capture your attention.

I’d definitely recommend this book for all lovers of MM!

For more info on Goodreads!

Review: Silent Woods by Ofelia Gränd

Do you believe in myths and ancient creatures?

Daniel has never felt the need to leave the city behind, so when his husband suggests a camping trip for their holiday he agrees with reluctance. Even before they step out of the car, Daniel has the feeling of something being wrong. Something about the forest is turning his stomach into knots.

He wants nothing more than returning to the safety of their home, and when their five-year-old son goes missing his fears turn into full-blown panic. What awaits them in the depths of the forest is far more sinister than anything Daniel ever could have imagined. Will they be able to find their son before it's too late?

As if children weren't scary enough!

I kid..

Kinda.

I mean, sometimes kids are creepy, amiright?

#don'tjudgeme.

Here we have Ofelia Gränd doing what she does best, as she weaves a contemporary tale mixed with local folklore to create a story bound to leave you absorbed and chilled.

Anders is a man's man; he loves the outdoors and is pretty much one with nature. He wants to give that same feeling and opportunity to his children, but his husband, Daniel is the polar opposite. If he's not sleeping in a hotel room or resort, surrounded by technology and his iPhone, then it's more like torture than a vacation.

So...the next two days spent hiking and camping in the woods, with two small children in tow, should be awesome!

Eh, not so much.

You see, there's more to these woods than anyone knows.

Sometimes, they go silent.

Sometimes, there's more to an almost forgotten folk tale than anyone could imagine.

Sometimes, you should listen to that nagging feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Ofelia Gränd does MM horror really well, and even though this is one of her older stories, it's still just as creepy and atmospheric as her more recent "adventures". And sexy! Because no camping adventure is complete without a little down and dirty, right?

Suspense and folklore intertwine to create a fantastic and fast little read.

Beware the silent woods!

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

Find out more on Goodreads.