Review: Three Months to Forever (World of Love) by Hudson Lin

Ben is looking for an adventure when he accepts a temporary assignment in Hong Kong, but he never anticipates how his life might change when he meets a sophisticated, intriguing man named Sai. Their initial attraction is sizzling and soon grows into more as Sai takes Ben on a tour of the city’s famous landmarks and introduces him to the local cuisine. Sai stimulates Ben’s intellect and curiosity, and for jaded corporate lawyer Sai, Ben’s innocent eagerness is a breath of fresh air. It would be so easy to fall in love….

But nothing is that simple. Sai’s job forces him to do things that violate his morals, and the difficult dynamics with his family is a major obstacle to any lasting relationship with Ben. Back in Toronto, Ben’s father is ill, and can he really leave behind his home for a man he’s only known a short time? With the clock ticking, they must decide whether to risk it all and turn three months into forever.

I love a nice simple read. No fuss, no complicated roadblocks, just an easy flow romance that shows relationship growth and warmth.

I am definitely on an easy romance kick at the moment. Life is so complicated right now and I just need the satisfaction of knowing that it isn’t always hard for people to be together. This delivered on low angst, which is exactly what I needed.

Getting to know Sai was a little slower than Ben but most of the story is told from Ben’s POV and Sai was a little guarded at first, because of the issues he had with his job and family. Ben was lovely and open. He didn’t hide how he felt, and was willing to be there for Sai when external job drama got in the way of their short time together. He made his feelings about what Sai was putting himself through known, but respected him enough to accept Sai as he was and just be with him any time they could steal away.

The light kink was a really nice surprise. By light, I do mean light, sweet and enjoyable. This would be great for people who haven’t read any kink and want a small taste. Or those who like a little bossiness in the bedroom.

Overall this was nice. It wasn’t quite fluff but a really gentle read. I would read more from this new to me author. I really enjoy her point of view.

Recommended for all romance readers.

A review copy was provided for an honest opinion

Review: The Handy Men by Jamie K. Schmidt

Jack and Dean love each other, but they’re missing the woman to complete their triangle. When newly divorced Paige Richards buys a Bed and Breakfast on Hamlet Island and employs them to help her fix the inn up, Jack and Dean are sure they’ve found the one they’ve been looking for. Despite the playful, sexy clues they drop, luscious Paige is reticent about getting involved, even when they set the stage so she can stumble on them in action. They can tell by her responses she wants to join them, but rumors travel fast on the small island, and tales of a threesome could get back to the conservative, family vacation crowd who won’t patronize those with an alternative lifestyle. And the last thing they want for Paige is the B&B’s rooms…and her bank account…to remain empty. But Jack and Dean will stop at nothing to prove to Paige that she can have it all…with them.

After much angst over how to rate and/or review this book I've landed on 2 Hearts because I was EN-TER-TAINED! I'm not sure if the author intended this to be bawdy but it was to me.

It's a safe bet that there will be spoilage ahead.

Ever watch bad porn? It starts off fair to middling then the "actors" try to start "acting" and maybe even the director gets in on the thing and tries to throw a plot off in there and you don't know what to do with yourself? Should you stay and see this thing through or say fuck this noise and tap out?

Well, I stayed. I couldn't stop myself. I blame General Hospital for this character deficit.

Paige is a recent divorcee and is part drama queen divided by crazy train who meets her match in tweedledee and tweedledum a.k.a. Jack and Dean. This thing between them has been brewing for almost a year with her being clueless to all their not at all subtle come-ons including staging a boning sesh in a beach pavilion when they knew she'd be walking by. From the time they get together to the end is maybe a month and it escalates quickly, as these things tend to do. The instalove is strong with this one.

Let me just say I had NO idea that the buying, trading and selling of fictional properties with the possibility of bankrupty looming at the roll of the dice known as Monopoly could lead to burying one's face inside another's vagina. Might I say ouch and way to think outside the just a board game box.

The sex these people have laughs in the face of human capacity with everlasting orgasms, exploding and monster magic peens that spring up like they were on a clapper. Rebound time. Schmebound time.

"I'm going to fuck you as soon as you drench his face."

All of which is to be expected in porn but then the soap opera began. Jack and Dean have an ex-girlfriend who was apparently banging other dudes while they were together which somehow Jack knew but Dean didn't. *squints* She then decided she didn't want to be "that girl" which apparently translates into being in a triad rather than banging a bunch of randoms so Stephanie (ex) ultimatumed Dean with a marriage proposal that would've second stringed Jack in public and Jack's feels are still hurt. Dean put the kibosh on that deal with a quickness and promptly turned around and married Jack. Well, guess who's back in town with a kid no less?

She sails a foursome sitch past Paige and Paige whips out the martyr card to Dean and Jack when Jack's all welllll mebbe? *cue more dramatics* Much tears. Hasty break up due to butthurtedness. Deliberate obtuseness. Complete balderdash.

"Stephanie makes my dick hard." 

Dean sighed. 

"But she doesn't touch my heart. Paige is my choice. Now and forever. If Brendon is ours, we'll make sure Paige knows that while Stephanie is the mother of our child, she'll never be our wife. Paige is the only wife for us."

The struggle to contain my laughter was real. 

I haven't even mentioned Paige's rents, her ex or how this seemingly idyllic isle is actually Stepford. Her parents floated her 60K so she could open the B&B with a clause that basically says if they don't like anything she does with it or if she doesn't repay the 60K within her first year of business then they can take it away from her. Like, what's even the point of that? The plot thickens when Paige gets a bee in her bonnet, "moves some money around" and repays her parents within her first week of opening!

How...? What even?

The drama continues as Fred, her ex, keeps turning up in her life seemingly trying to make inroads back to her despite the fact that he's now engaged to Barbie, the woman he left her for and, for the record, Paige caught him with at the Waldorf while Paige was sporting a French maid outfit underneath her trench. BURN!!!!! Inexplicably he's still SUPER tight with her parents, makes the trek out to the isle with them for the grand opening and wants to rent out the B&B for his wedding! *cackles*

I've no clue how old these dudes are but they are cliched good boy/bad boy archtypes. Jack is the bad boy with tattoos and a penchant for some bedroom bossiness and a mouth that should be duct taped.

"Let's just ask her outright. Do you want to fuck or not?"

"...We'll treat her like a queen."
"Fuck her like porn stars." Jack mimicked bending her over and fucking her from behind.

"My cock," Jack mouthed and then pointed to his crotch with two thumbs up.

Dean smacked him.

"And yours," Jack mouthed and pointed.

Dean is the "good" one that's clean-cut, reliable, steady and your basic snoozefest. But she loves them both with all her heart. Well, half her heart. Since two dudes. And an illegitimate bébé.

If you like a soap, there was never a dull moment. 

A copy was provided by NetGalley.

Review: Boy Meets Boy Meets Boy by JL Merrow & Josephine Myles

Good men come in threes!

Three’s definitely not a crowd in this trio of contemporary erotic male/male/male ménages with a very British flavour from gay romance favourites Josephine Myles and JL Merrow.

Let your fantasies run wild as you take in the fit bodies down at the gym, or enjoy a very special birthday present from a loving partner. And even a trip to the dentist can be enjoyable with the right sort of distraction!

Kit Bag by JL Merrow

Working late at the gym one night, Kit’s delighted when two of his fantasies made flesh come in for a workout. The guys he’s dubbed Black Muscle Vest and Grey Sweats are tall, gorgeous and insanely built, and Kit can hardly take his eyes off their glistening, pumped-up muscles.

But he’s not the only one who’s been dreaming of a little hot and sweaty man-on-man-on-man action. Harry and Sven are only too happy to make Kit’s fantasy a reality in the changing room—and Kit’s going to get a workout of his own he’ll never forget!

Unwrapped: The Birthday Gift by Josephine Myles

All Dave wants for his birthday is a threesome, and his devoted boyfriend Mark is keen to oblige. Enter Pedro, the mysterious stranger they pick up from the pub. Taking him home with them promises a scorching encounter… if only Dave can deal with his nerves first!

Getting a Filling by JL Merrow

Ivo’s terrified of going to the dentist, even with his lover, Colin, there for moral support. But when the dentist turns out to be gorgeous—and gay—fear turns to flirtation. The next time Ivo ends up in the dentist’s chair it’s a lot more fun, as the support Colin and Ted give him is very immoral indeed!

Kit Bag 3.5 hearts

Teeny tiny short story, but filled to the brim with dirty talk.

Kit works at the gym and has to watch and drool over two muscled men who frequently come in to work-out. *Weary sigh*, what a difficult job. Kit is small and has some submissive tendencies that he'd like to explore with these men. Well one day after work he gets his wish in the showers.

This was actually rather rapey. Two massive, completely naked men cornering a small guy in the showers, stripping said guy of his clothes before any words are spoken, and the spit roasting him bare…. Ah no. But I could look past the weird rapeyness because it was basically just a sex scene and it was damned hot!

“I bet you’d love it if we just bent you over that bench and took turns fucking you raw, wouldn’t you?” Harry mused. “I bet you’d be screaming for more. Little sluts like you always want more.”

“Oh, God! Yes, yes please…”

Unwrapped: The birthday gift 3.5 hearts

This was a cool little story. Not a polyamorous romance, but a romance between a couple in an open relationship.

Mark and Dave have been together for a year, and for Dave's birthday, they want to have a threesome. Enter Pedro. The three guys have an explosive, sensual night together exploring all sorts of different types of delicious positions.

I quickly realized that there would be no escaping the sensations. I was either pushing into Mark’s moist heat, or pushing back onto Pedro’s cock. I groaned with the sheer, unbearable ecstasy of it…

This story was a romance story between Mark and Dave, as Dave becomes more able to trust Mark in an open relationship. I really liked how this wasn't polyamorous at all, Pedro was there for the sex only, and everyone was happy with that. There was an incredibly sexy age gap as well, big fan of that!!!

Getting a Filling 3 stars

Now I HATE the dentist, but if this story happened to me (or better yet, I got to watch…) I'd definitely be going more often.

Ivo has a chronic fear of the the dentist. On his first trip in a decade he takes his boyfriend for support and they meet their new dentist Ted. When some months later they run into Ted at a pub, they decide to go back to the dental surgery and ‘work’ on Ivo’s fear of the dentist.

“Now, Mr Eccles,” Ted continued as Ivo’s flies were unzipped and he felt Colin’s familiar hand close around his straining cock, “open wide.”

There was the sound of another zip being undone, and then Ted gently turned Ivo’s head to one side, bringing him face-to-face with Ted’s hard cock.

Once again this was a very short little story, so there's not much character development, but it had some medical kink, so that was a major plus! Because I'm basically here for the sex, I could've used some more variety with the threesome positions, but still thoroughly enjoyable!



This was a very hot little anthology, but don't expect much character development. Just read it for the fun of watching 3 men getting it on!

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

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Secret Funding (Secret Agreements #1) by S.M. May

Young, handsome, sometimes cruel. Noah Kress is a hardened broker, skilled enough to bring success to his company and determined to face the ever-growing challenges of the venture capital market. In his private life he is Master Noah, a very popular dominator at the Circle, one of the most exclusive private clubs in Boston. For him, at work as well as in the dungeon, people and events are just variables to be interpreted, numbers to be broken down, combinations to consider and evaluate. 

But when the latest, most difficult deal threatens to make his company sink without trace, his only chance seems to be the large investment fund managed by the mysterious Martin Scheer. And in order to provide credit, Martin demands a very special guarantee. 
For both of them it's just business. Yet, what was supposed to be a mere contract might just shatter the perfect surface of their lives. 
And will talented player Noah be willing to gamble following brand new rules? 

Due to m/m mature content, this book is recommended for an adult audience.

Lost in Translation

The concept of this book isn't bad and if you like foreign films this could work for you. I like some foreign films, but sometimes they get too obscure for me, too lost in the aesthetic. When they start focusing on how untethered balloons are a metaphor for life I check out. 

There are so many bizarre metaphors in this book that I just have to share a few.

Noah went stiff and tense like a piece of wood, like the violin he'd so often dreamed of playing. 

He stared at Scheer as if he was looking at a wrinkled palm tree among the desert's scorching dunes.

His recent exertions had brought out some small wrinkles around his eyes that Noah hadn't noticed before and that made Scheer look experienced in life but not old - like Gran Reserva brandy that had been left to decant in secret, becoming stronger and full-bodied.

...reality is nothing but a downpour of random variables; falling shooting stars that tremble and fade before you have the time to think about a wish.

My face nearly every time.

Neither one of these characters are likable and, I believe, that is by design. Noah is an arrogant "professional" dominator at The Circle. Seriously, I'm going to have to shorten this to 'dom' because dominator makes me think of an evil villain from a Bond movie with the ubiquitous lap Persian. He's very popular for reasons. I've no clue what those are because he seems exceedingly selfish, vain, narcissistic, lacks empathy, has a superiority complex and is absolutely horrified of being touched. AND he's a sucky dom!

Sounds super drool worthy don't he?

Mr. Personality is also a venture capitalist with a 60 million dollar deal that's about to go belly up when the mysterious Martin Scheer comes to his rescue with the money and an indecent proposal. Not an original concept but it's still got some tread on the tires, though I still don't understand what prompted him to step in and be the hero. Mine is not to question why, I guess.

Scheer is enigmatic, distinguished and Noah idolizes him mostly for his financial prowess, so he's not exactly averse to the offer despite the derogatory comments about his appearance and age to the contrary. But there's zero chemistry between them. That coupled with the abundance of financial talk which no doubt was some sort of overarching metaphor about how greed and the über rich are corrupting the U.S. financial industry while bankrupting their souls and by extension Americans, but...

SOPORIFIC!

Their relationship, if you can call it that, is just as bizarre and dramatic as those metaphors. I think there was an attempt at some character development by making them both prickly and with the 'horrified by being touched thing' with Noah, but it's like that was never even mentioned when the two get together and I found that difficult to buy. They're both supposedly "dominant" but the kink between the two is non-existent and what occurs in The Circle prior to their arrangement was awkward, contrived and not at all titillating. Noah comes across as an overgrown petulant child with the depth of a cesspool and he's 37! going on 12, so, I guess, apropos. But still. Not attractive or interesting.

The abundance of pretentious minutiae I found to be a poor substitute for world building. I really don't care that they only dine at Michelin starred restaurants, drink wine that's aged to perfection or wear Versace suits and Philip Patek watches. I don't need to know how to savor wine or that the purpling sky is portentous. They are pretty metaphorical words but they don't advance the relationship or the storyline nor did they draw me in to this story or this couple.

I'll leave you with this quote and if anyone can decipher it... good on you! I've read it close to 20 times and still... bupkis.

"Even an empty box can be useful." Scheer walked toward the lifts leading to the upper floors. "It reminds people I'm interested in that I exist, even though I'm not there."

*wut wut*

Not my favorite but I didn't hate it.

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

Find out more on Goodreads.