In a postprivacy future, secrets are illegal and all communication is supervised. Telepaths are registered and recruited by a government with no qualms about invading the minds of its citizens. Fugitive psychics are hunted by the Bureau of Counterpsychic Affairs, or Countermind.
Alan Izaki is one such fugitive, as well as a hacker, grifter, and thief.
Countermind agent Jack Smith is hunting him through the twisted underbelly of Hong Kong.
But Alan possesses a secret so dangerous and profound it will not only shake Smith’s loyalties, but the foundations of their society.
And Alan isn’t the only one on the run. Rogue psychic Arissa binti Noor escapes Countermind, in search of brilliant game designer Feng Huang. She hopes that together, they can destroy the government’s intrusive Senex monitoring system.
Their goals seem at odds, and their lives are destined to collide. When they do, three very different people must question their alliances and their future, because everything is about to change.
I’m going to go with my initial rating and feelings about this story. I’ve had a bit of time to consider the story, and while I’ve recognise the holes in it, I still really enjoyed this and think this deserves this rating from me.
I binge read this story with only work in between. I really enjoyed the concept of it, and the characters that are part of this story were really intriguing to me.
Futuristic fantasy sci-fi can be a bit hit and miss, and while there were some bizarre bits thrown in, I was so absorbed that it melded into the overall plot in a way that satisfied me.
Alan was a surprise. Extremely intelligent and secretive, we learn more about him through Countermind’s Jack Smith than from himself. The clues are there for the picking, but the unveiling happens slowly, as Jack hunts him as a rogue psychic.
Countermind as an agency was interesting and fairly easy to follow. The supporting characters helped to weave this story together, including Noor and Feng. This subplot created a wider net for this story to encompass, which kept me completely absorbed.
The scenery was a bit two dimensional and didn’t convince me this was set in Hong Kong. I had some difficulty placing the story due to the lack of visual descriptors and world building. Outside of Countermind and the chase for Alan, nothing really stood out to me, which is why this didn’t get a five star rating.
But this story did excite me, and I felt really good while reading it. I enjoyed the characters, the ideas, and the overall story plot. The details were given out slowly enough that I didn’t guess all the secrets right away, and that made me happy. I enjoy following breadcrumbs, but I don’t like to know everything until near the end. I like surprises in my stories and this story satisfied that part of me.
Recommended for those interested in sci-fi and futuristic fantasy. This is not really a romance so ignore the Goodread tags.
A review copy was provided for an honest opinion
Find on DSP Publications or Goodreads!
Review: The Master Will Appear by L.A. Witt
Dr. Mikhail “Misha” Budnikov takes one look at fellow fencer Ryan O’Connor and instantly knows his type. The undisciplined hothead is all ego with no finesse and even less control. In short, Misha’s pet peeves personified. To put the arrogant kid in check, Misha challenges him to a sparring match, which he predictably wins.
Not so predictably, Ryan asks him to be a mentor and show him how to fence. Startled by the moment of humility, Misha agrees.
What begins as fencing lessons becomes something much hotter, and before they know it, Misha is giving Ryan an entirely different kind of education. Dominance, submission, pain, pleasure—at the hands of an older, experienced man, a whole new world is opening up for Ryan.
As the trust deepens and their bond strengthens, though, Ryan retreats because that sham called love left him jaded long ago. Cynical beyond his years, he’s not letting his guard down, least of all for a thrice-divorced man twice his age.
Now Misha has to find a way to crack through those defenses…or accept defeat and walk away from the submissive who might just be the love of his life.
Confession. I did something with this review that I've never done since I began reviewing. I sat on it. I sat on it for SIX DAYS. Yeah, I'm not a procrastinator when it comes to reviewing. Everything else is fair game. My rationale was I wanted to see what I remembered, see if my feels changed at all with time. They didn't. I'm still circling between 3-3.5 Hearts.
I liked this book. I didn't love this book mostly because it felt like a draft. Maybe not a first draft, maybe a second or third, but a draft nonetheless. Witt's editor did her a disservice by not acting like my college philosophy prof, in my opinion. That mofo returned papers to me that looked like his pen Hulked out all over my writes. It was like something died on that paper. Fuck, I hated that class. Anywhat. I'm digressing.
Up and down. Up and down. That's precisely how this read went for me. Moments of brilliance like the phone call scene when I simultaneously respected the hell out of Misha while feeling their connection paired with redundancy and repetition like the lotion and water. Times when I felt I was being told rather than shown and vice versa. I also feel like this was two books. The first half was sex heavy. Every time I turned around they were gearing up again like they were freebasing Viagra. I was looking for some relationship development but all I got was sexual chemistry. Then the second half was like the flip side of the coin. It focused more on them as a couple and growing closer. I would've liked a better overall balance.
Ryan's characterization was heavy on the angst and pain having much to do with his dysfunctional family and the toll that's taken on him. Sometimes I felt like the angst and pain was relevant and other times gratuitous. Misha's characterization was simpler, as it should be with all Ryan had going on, so I did appreciate the lack of drama on his end and the fact that we were shown how he's retained his sense of optimism and romanticism through numerous failed marriages and relationships. I think their difference in age (19 yrs) was handled well and shouldn't squick anyone out.
This is Witt so the sex was hot as was the kink. I do like pain, though, so if that's not in your comfort zone you may want to exercise caution. I didn't think it was overly explicit but it's been established I'm not the best barometer for these things so... Ryan also has a bit of an exhibitionist streak and wants to be the star in a gang bang, which Misha arranges and IT WAS HOOOOTTTT!!!!!!! Scorching hot. My favorite part was how Ryan kept looking for Misha though like he was his protector and touchstone. That was a thoughtful touch.
I've been watching a lot of Iron Chef lately, because THE GAUNTLET (((***echoes***))) so I'm about to Alton Brown this review.
We have two primo ingredients here-age difference and kink, which I'll liken to steak and lobster. Both are capable of carrying the show even if you do little with them they're still stellar ingredients and that's what Witt did. Both are prepared well but not transformed in any way. Steak and lobster are a good dish that anyone would pay good money for in any restaurant around the world, but it's not a composed dish and thus, not Iron Chef worthy.
Still worth a read if you like steak or lobster, though.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Don't miss The Master Will Appear Blitz + Giveaway HERE!
Not so predictably, Ryan asks him to be a mentor and show him how to fence. Startled by the moment of humility, Misha agrees.
What begins as fencing lessons becomes something much hotter, and before they know it, Misha is giving Ryan an entirely different kind of education. Dominance, submission, pain, pleasure—at the hands of an older, experienced man, a whole new world is opening up for Ryan.
As the trust deepens and their bond strengthens, though, Ryan retreats because that sham called love left him jaded long ago. Cynical beyond his years, he’s not letting his guard down, least of all for a thrice-divorced man twice his age.
Now Misha has to find a way to crack through those defenses…or accept defeat and walk away from the submissive who might just be the love of his life.
Confession. I did something with this review that I've never done since I began reviewing. I sat on it. I sat on it for SIX DAYS. Yeah, I'm not a procrastinator when it comes to reviewing. Everything else is fair game. My rationale was I wanted to see what I remembered, see if my feels changed at all with time. They didn't. I'm still circling between 3-3.5 Hearts.
I liked this book. I didn't love this book mostly because it felt like a draft. Maybe not a first draft, maybe a second or third, but a draft nonetheless. Witt's editor did her a disservice by not acting like my college philosophy prof, in my opinion. That mofo returned papers to me that looked like his pen Hulked out all over my writes. It was like something died on that paper. Fuck, I hated that class. Anywhat. I'm digressing.
Up and down. Up and down. That's precisely how this read went for me. Moments of brilliance like the phone call scene when I simultaneously respected the hell out of Misha while feeling their connection paired with redundancy and repetition like the lotion and water. Times when I felt I was being told rather than shown and vice versa. I also feel like this was two books. The first half was sex heavy. Every time I turned around they were gearing up again like they were freebasing Viagra. I was looking for some relationship development but all I got was sexual chemistry. Then the second half was like the flip side of the coin. It focused more on them as a couple and growing closer. I would've liked a better overall balance.
Ryan's characterization was heavy on the angst and pain having much to do with his dysfunctional family and the toll that's taken on him. Sometimes I felt like the angst and pain was relevant and other times gratuitous. Misha's characterization was simpler, as it should be with all Ryan had going on, so I did appreciate the lack of drama on his end and the fact that we were shown how he's retained his sense of optimism and romanticism through numerous failed marriages and relationships. I think their difference in age (19 yrs) was handled well and shouldn't squick anyone out.
This is Witt so the sex was hot as was the kink. I do like pain, though, so if that's not in your comfort zone you may want to exercise caution. I didn't think it was overly explicit but it's been established I'm not the best barometer for these things so... Ryan also has a bit of an exhibitionist streak and wants to be the star in a gang bang, which Misha arranges and IT WAS HOOOOTTTT!!!!!!! Scorching hot. My favorite part was how Ryan kept looking for Misha though like he was his protector and touchstone. That was a thoughtful touch.
I've been watching a lot of Iron Chef lately, because THE GAUNTLET (((***echoes***))) so I'm about to Alton Brown this review.
We have two primo ingredients here-age difference and kink, which I'll liken to steak and lobster. Both are capable of carrying the show even if you do little with them they're still stellar ingredients and that's what Witt did. Both are prepared well but not transformed in any way. Steak and lobster are a good dish that anyone would pay good money for in any restaurant around the world, but it's not a composed dish and thus, not Iron Chef worthy.
Still worth a read if you like steak or lobster, though.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Don't miss The Master Will Appear Blitz + Giveaway HERE!
Release Blitz + Giveaway: The Master Will Appear by L.A. Witt
L.A. Witt and Signal Boost Promotions are in the building with The Master Will Appear release blitz! See our review HERE! Check out the book info below! Enter in the L.A. Witt backlist giveaway!
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Length: 120,000 words
Blurb
Dr. Mikhail “Misha” Budnikov takes one look at fellow fencer Ryan O’Connor and instantly knows his type. The undisciplined hothead is all ego with no finesse and even less control. In short, Misha’s pet peeves personified. To put the arrogant kid in check, Misha challenges him to a sparring match, which he predictably wins.
Not so predictably, Ryan asks him to be a mentor and show him how to fence. Startled by the moment of humility, Misha agrees.
What begins as fencing lessons becomes something much hotter, and before they know it, Misha is giving Ryan an entirely different kind of education. Dominance, submission, pain, pleasure—at the hands of an older, experienced man, a whole new world is opening up for Ryan.
As the trust deepens and their bond strengthens, though, Ryan retreats because that sham called love left him jaded long ago. Cynical beyond his years, he’s not letting his guard down, least of all for a thrice-divorced man twice his age.
Now Misha has to find a way to crack through those defenses…or accept defeat and walk away from the submissive who might just be the love of his life.
Author Bio
Website: http://www.gallagherwitt.com
E-mail: gallagherwitt@gmail.com
Twitter: @GallagherWitt
Blog: http://gallagherwitt.blogspot.com
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Tag Team Review: Two for Trust by Elle Brownlee
A fairy-tale vacation—if he can get the ending right.
American nurse Finch Mason steps beyond the comfort of his orderly life and takes a dream trip to England, complete with a National Trust Pass so he can visit numerous historical sites. At the first one on his list, he’s warmly welcomed—and told he bought a pass good for two.
Finch doesn’t hesitate to offer the pass to Benedict, a handsome Brit also there on an outing. They spend a magical week touring the countryside, and while it’s too soon to get attached, Finch wishes their time together would never end.
Then Finch finds himself stuck abroad with no money, and he has no one to turn to but Benedict. Benedict is happy to help, but he also owes Finch some answers—such as who he really is and why he was at the estate where they first met.
Sara - Broken Heart
No one and I mean no one is more disappointed than me to be writing this review right now. It’s not a secret that I am head over feet in love with the Dreamspun Desire series but this month, which is sadly my birthday month, has left me cold with each book. I had hopes for this one because the blurb had everything I should have loved and tossing it into the fluff pile of the series should have made it a no brainer for me to enjoy and yet, I didn’t. In fact I was bored.
I will make this short and say this did not work for me. I spent the entirety of the book waiting for the magic to happen. Waiting to feel some sort of connection to either my fellow ginger Finch or his supposedly dashing trust attendee and companion Benedict and it never came. I don’t know what it was about this story but truly, I was bored and skimmed the majority of it waiting for the feels to happen. For me, they never did.
I never got either man and found it odd that 95% of the story was told from Finch’s POV and then we would get sporadic paragraphs of Benedict's POV which lent absolutely nothing to the story. I figured out right away who Benedict would be and don’t know why it took so long for the reveal.
This did not read like a romance at all. It read more like a tell all of the trust and sites Finch and Benedict would visit. Speaking of telling, we were told a whole heck of a lot in this book and really not allowed to feel anything. Not that there was much to feel between Finch and Benedict anyway.
I usually like alpha men in romance but Benedict came off kinda creepy for me. The two men never flirted or gave any indication that they were interested romantically so all Benedict’s bossing Finch around came off as controlling and semi abusive to me. It really rubbed me the wrong way and had no sense of romance or intimacy nor caring for Finch, just Benedict being a jerk to a nice guy who is accident prone and alone in a foreign country.
The deal with Gran was a head scratcher and good lord, Benedict’s goodbye came out of nowhere and had me tossing my Nook on my bed and almost giving up on the story.
That end made absolutely no sense at all. How did they get there when the whole book was pedestrian and static without a hint of romance? The end was unbelievable and frustrated me to no end.
So yeah. This wasn’t the book for me and I am bummed.
SheReadsALot - Broken Heart
How to sum up Two for Trust?
I've been wanting to read something from this author for a while. And once I read the blurb and saw the cover... I rushed to read it.
After reading, it was not a great first impression of this author's work.
The elements are there for a winning story:
Finch - down and out dorky ginger ex-nurse who struck out on life in the work and love department
Benedict - a very stiff upper lip Brit with a mysterious air
A British countryside vacation filled with historical talking points
The air for romance while on vacation was there.
The thing is, neither main characters were interesting or charismatic enough to have a believable romance. I hesitate to call this a romance. There is a HEA and the right words showed up at times. But the delivery is so wooden, so stiff, so dry, so crusty.
My favorite part is stolen instant oatmeal. I think it was the highlight.
The book spends so much time on the English historical artifacts and research that the non existent romance and chemistry suffers from the boring and dry characters. Finch was pathetic and too similar in disposition to make any impact. Benedict... he was too "reserved". He just manipulated Finch and didn't share anything until it was too late.
And that ending? Please. *side eyes*
If you're new to the Dreamspun line, do not try this. I can't recommend. I do enjoy a quiet romance but this was too staid, too reserved and too boring.
So in closing, if you're having difficulties going to sleep or need something to start a nap, I'd give this book a try.
It worked wonders for me.
American nurse Finch Mason steps beyond the comfort of his orderly life and takes a dream trip to England, complete with a National Trust Pass so he can visit numerous historical sites. At the first one on his list, he’s warmly welcomed—and told he bought a pass good for two.
Finch doesn’t hesitate to offer the pass to Benedict, a handsome Brit also there on an outing. They spend a magical week touring the countryside, and while it’s too soon to get attached, Finch wishes their time together would never end.
Then Finch finds himself stuck abroad with no money, and he has no one to turn to but Benedict. Benedict is happy to help, but he also owes Finch some answers—such as who he really is and why he was at the estate where they first met.
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| Double Broken Heart Rating |
No one and I mean no one is more disappointed than me to be writing this review right now. It’s not a secret that I am head over feet in love with the Dreamspun Desire series but this month, which is sadly my birthday month, has left me cold with each book. I had hopes for this one because the blurb had everything I should have loved and tossing it into the fluff pile of the series should have made it a no brainer for me to enjoy and yet, I didn’t. In fact I was bored.
I will make this short and say this did not work for me. I spent the entirety of the book waiting for the magic to happen. Waiting to feel some sort of connection to either my fellow ginger Finch or his supposedly dashing trust attendee and companion Benedict and it never came. I don’t know what it was about this story but truly, I was bored and skimmed the majority of it waiting for the feels to happen. For me, they never did.
I never got either man and found it odd that 95% of the story was told from Finch’s POV and then we would get sporadic paragraphs of Benedict's POV which lent absolutely nothing to the story. I figured out right away who Benedict would be and don’t know why it took so long for the reveal.
This did not read like a romance at all. It read more like a tell all of the trust and sites Finch and Benedict would visit. Speaking of telling, we were told a whole heck of a lot in this book and really not allowed to feel anything. Not that there was much to feel between Finch and Benedict anyway.
I usually like alpha men in romance but Benedict came off kinda creepy for me. The two men never flirted or gave any indication that they were interested romantically so all Benedict’s bossing Finch around came off as controlling and semi abusive to me. It really rubbed me the wrong way and had no sense of romance or intimacy nor caring for Finch, just Benedict being a jerk to a nice guy who is accident prone and alone in a foreign country.
The deal with Gran was a head scratcher and good lord, Benedict’s goodbye came out of nowhere and had me tossing my Nook on my bed and almost giving up on the story.
That end made absolutely no sense at all. How did they get there when the whole book was pedestrian and static without a hint of romance? The end was unbelievable and frustrated me to no end.
So yeah. This wasn’t the book for me and I am bummed.
SheReadsALot - Broken Heart
How to sum up Two for Trust?

I've been wanting to read something from this author for a while. And once I read the blurb and saw the cover... I rushed to read it.
After reading, it was not a great first impression of this author's work.
The elements are there for a winning story:
Finch - down and out dorky ginger ex-nurse who struck out on life in the work and love department
Benedict - a very stiff upper lip Brit with a mysterious air
A British countryside vacation filled with historical talking points
The air for romance while on vacation was there.
The thing is, neither main characters were interesting or charismatic enough to have a believable romance. I hesitate to call this a romance. There is a HEA and the right words showed up at times. But the delivery is so wooden, so stiff, so dry, so crusty.
My favorite part is stolen instant oatmeal. I think it was the highlight.
The book spends so much time on the English historical artifacts and research that the non existent romance and chemistry suffers from the boring and dry characters. Finch was pathetic and too similar in disposition to make any impact. Benedict... he was too "reserved". He just manipulated Finch and didn't share anything until it was too late.
And that ending? Please. *side eyes*
If you're new to the Dreamspun line, do not try this. I can't recommend. I do enjoy a quiet romance but this was too staid, too reserved and too boring.
So in closing, if you're having difficulties going to sleep or need something to start a nap, I'd give this book a try.

It worked wonders for me.
Labels:
Age Difference,
Brit/American,
Contemporary,
Dreamspun Desires,
Elle Brownlee,
ginger mc,
Nurse,
Release Day!,
Reviews,
Sara,
SheReadsALot,
Vacation,
Wealthy Hero
Giveaway + Blog Tour: Liar, Liar by T.A. Moore
T.A. Moore is here today & she's brought along a Giveaway to promote her newest release!
See the details below!
I have always aspired to amorality. Unfortunately, the evidence of a lifetime suggests that I just don’t have it in me. Unlike Jacob, I’m an awful liar and a premature confessor. So it was fun, for Liar, Liar, to put on the skin of professional fibber Jacob Archer. He might not be a stranger to the truth, but he does hide around corners from it a lot.
It was a lot of fun to write, although he’d admit it’s a pretty exhausting way to live!
Anyhow, I hope you give Liar, Liar a go! I enjoyed writing it, and I think people will enjoy reading it. To whet your appetite, here’s an exclusive glimpse at the characters just before the start of the book.
Check here to find the other extracts: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Title: Liar, Liar
Author: TA Moore
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Release Date: 12 May 2017
Blurb
Just another day at the office.
For some people that means spreadsheets, and for others it’s stitching endless hems. For Jacob Archer a day at the office is stealing proprietary information from a bioengineering firm for a paranoid software billionaire. He’s a liar and a thief, parlaying a glib tongue and a facile conscience into a lucrative career. He just has one rule—never get involved with a mark.
Well, had one rule. To be fair, though, Simon Ramsey is dark, dangerous, and has shoulders like a Greek statue. Besides, it’s not as though Jacob’s even really stealing from Simon… just his boss and his brother-in-law. Simon didn’t buy that excuse either after he caught Jacob breaking into the company’s computer network.
That would have been that—one messy breakup, one ticket to Bali booked—but it turns out that the stolen information is worth more than Jacob thought. With his life—and his ribs—threatened, Jacob needs Simon to help him out. Or maybe he just needs Simon.
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Dreamspinner
Extract Five
When Simon stripped his shirt off, Jacob expected the long, brutally efficient straps of muscle and arrow-lean torso. The scattering of scars on his body hadn’t been part of his mental picture, but he supposed they made sense. The man had taken out the thugs in the alley with the sort of deceptively easy precision that you didn’t get unless you got in a lot of fights.
The one on Simon’s shoulder still gave him pause. It looked an explosion frozen in flesh, all jagged lines and cross-hatched surgical scars.
“Fuck.” Jacob paused with his t-shirt dragged over his head but still tangled around his elbows. Simon folded his shirt, his body held carefully with a sort of self-conscious stiffness. “I wish I’d seen that before I spent four flights whining about my bruises.”
A smile caught on the corners of Simon’s mouth, and then disappeared again.
“Are you sure you’re making good decisions right now?” he asked. “After what happened…”
Jacob finished dragging his t-shirt over his head and tossed it in the direction of the couch. His stomach had that solid, nagging ache that promised a bruise tomorrow.
“You saved me from getting my ass kicked.” He reached out and grabbed the waistband of Simon’s jeans. “I want to say thank you.”
Simon resisted the tug. Since he appeared to be six foot plus of bone and muscle, it wasn’t hard.
“You don’t have to.”
“Shut up and come here.”
Whatever qualm that Simon was struggling with gave up the ghost and this time he let Jacob drag him closer. He caught Jacob’s face between his hands, fingers tangled in his hair, and tilted it back to slant a rough, hungry kiss over his mouth. The kiss claimed Jacob’s mouth, a fierce demand. Jacob leaned into it, their tongues tangled and breath hot, as he unbuttoned Simon’s jeans and shoved them down.
They didn’t get as far as the bedroom. Instead they tumbled onto the couch in a tangle of legs and not-kicked-off-yet jeans. Hands slid over sweaty skin, teeth left marks, and any ache that Jacob had in the morning was going to be well-earned.
His brain was insisting there was something he should remember, but between the adrenaline from nearly getting beaten up, the lingering buzz, and the distraction of Simon’s mouth around him...he told it to wait until later.
The shrill sound of a phone woke Jacob at an unholy hour of the morning. He groaned and reached for it, confused by the dead weight of one side.
After a second his brain caught up with his body. Not his phone, and the owner was the weight pinning him down. It was a single bed, with a crappy Ikea mattress that unrolled. There wasn’t much room to not squash each other.
“What time is it?” Jacob peeled one eye open and closed it again as the light hit him. It took him a second before he tried again. He rolled onto his back and watched Simon climb over him and get off the bed. It was a nice view.
“Five am.”
“Holy crap, why?”
“It’s morning.”
“I do not know who told you that, but they weren’t your friend.”
Simon snorted, that there and gone again smile sliding over his face, and leaned over to drop a kiss on Jacob’s mouth. Despite the hour, Jacob felt a lazy twitch of interest between his legs. He hooked his hand around the nape of Simon’s neck and pulled him back down.
“You don’t have to leave yet,” he said. “It’s still a one night stand, long as you leave before dawn.”
For a second he thought Simon was going to go along with it. He could feel the long, hard body sway toward him, then the other man groaned and pushed himself up off the bed.
“I have to go into work.”
Jacob sighed and let him go. He folded his arms behind his head and watched with appreciation as Simon got dressed. If he wasn’t going to get laid this morning, he might as well log the view for later.
“It’s Sunday.”
Simon pulled his shirt on. He’d denied the arm hurt the night before, but he was cautious with it as he got dressed.
“I’m a security consultant,” he said. “Sometimes the hours aren’t forgiving.”
Even before he’d done it for a living, Jacob had been a really good liar. It was still a good thing that Simon had turned away to pick up his jeans as he said that, because it felt like Jacob’s true feelings were written on his face.
Shit. Shit.
Simon. That’s what he’d needed to remember last night. Ex-Marine Simon, the asshole who’d helped make Syntech’s security protocols so irritatingly close to perfect.
How the hell had he missed that?
“You ok?” Simon asked. He looked curiously at Jacob. “I’d stay if I could, but--”
“Hey, a one night stand I don’t have to share my toast with? Not complaining,” Jacob said. “Just admiring the view.”
It was fine. He’d not expected to see the freaking head of Syntech security playing white knight last night, and the guy was even better looking in person than he was in pictures. It didn’t matter. If his plans worked out he’d not cross paths with Simon again.
Besides, it was a one night stand. Who remembered one of those once you’d reached the pavement outside?
Simon shoved his hand through his hair. The smile came back and hung around a bit longer this time. He looked like he didn’t smile enough. “I enjoyed meeting you, Jacob,” he said. “I’m glad I was the one who saved your ass.”
“Me too,” Jacob said.
It was even the truth. That didn’t happen often. It was a good thing Jacob wasn’t going to be seeing this guy again. He might get into bad habits.
Bio:
TA Moore genuinely believed that she was a Cabbage Patch Kid when she was a small child. This was the start of a lifelong attachment to the weird and fantastic. These days she lives in a market town on the Northern Irish coast and her friends have a rule that she can only send them three weird and disturbing links a month (although she still holds that a DIY penis bifurcation guide is interesting, not disturbing). She believes that adding ‘in space!’ to anything makes it at least 40% cooler, will try to pet pretty much any animal she meets (this includes snakes, excludes bugs), and once lied to her friend that she had climbed all the way up to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, when actually she’d only gotten to the beach, realized it was really high, and chickened out.
She aspires to being a cynical misanthrope, but is unfortunately held back by a sunny disposition and an inability to be mean to strangers. If TA Moore is mean to you, that means you’re friends now.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
Enter for your chance to win a $20 DSP Gift Card. Entries close May 22, 2017 @ Midnight EST. A winner will be notified shortly thereafter. Please respond within 24 hrs otherwise we will choose another winner. Good Luck!
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Review: Primal Need Anthology by Parker Foye, Holley Trent and K.L. White
A sexy male/male paranormal romance anthology that will leave you hungry for more…
An exiled wolf shifter meets his mate and experiences a desire so intense it could be the death of them both.
A coyote pack alpha must convince a human to let down his guard and accept him—the man and the beast.
And a Kelpie naval officer discovers that the man marked for sacrifice is the man he's crossed oceans to find.
This anthology includes:
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent
Dark Water by K.L. White
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3.5-3.75 Hearts
They call him "Prince".
A half breed, small assassin that has had the worst life ended up being my favorite of the anthology, go figure?
The unlikely hero who has been shat on, exiled and doesn't speak due to lacking social manners? My toes couldn't stop curling. Set in alternate Victorian period where werewolves are known, "Prince" aka Kent doesn't really know his true name. He's been collared and kept as a witch's assassin as an adult. He's been bartered over and kept like trash, exiled from wolf packs, he has no kind to call his own. His owner tasks him to do one more retrieval and he will have his freedom, Kent agreed before she even finished her sentence. Kent goes to the highlands to rescue an alpha who isn't like any alpha Kent's met.
But he doesn't care for the alpha, Hadrian's peculiar nature, he just needs to make sure he brings Hadrian back in one piece to his master. The road trip back to York is eventful, as the rival pack that kept Hadrian wants him back. The reasons why Hadrian needed to be retrieved are a little murky.
However personable Hadrian who has his own magical secret was a good choice as a foil to Kent's surly silence. The chip is mega wide on Kent's shoulder and Hadrian's steady persistence to at first befriend Kent was fun to read. The camaraderie, bodyguard/ward relationship takes a romantic turn. And it's subtle, which worked one hand and didn't on the other. The romance is pretty subtle, too subtle in the primal need department. Hadrian is alpha? He read like a beta which I can be down with. But when push comes to shove, he didn't claim his mate.
Kent still has to go through trials during this novella. And it endeared me to him. The story has a nice action/suspense twist and the reader gets to slowly learn about Kent's past and why he's so special.
I thought the reason why Kent is badass was cool. I haven't read about his type much in urban fantasy I've read.
The sex? One scene and no penetration for the smutsters keeping score. The story is interesting and evenly paced. I enjoyed the world building, pretty close to Victorian period with magical/paranormal exceptions.
Out of all the stories, this was the one that showed the most promise. If it's ever re-edited and lengthened, I'm there. Definitely would read more from this author!
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - DNF Delight
A lot of anthologies have a stink bomb or two in their arsenal... this is Primal Need's
The writing style leaves a lot to be desired. Telling, shallow and none of the characters have substance. Then the setting bungle. It's supposed to be set in New York but the setting seemed like it was an internet search and find deal.
If a customer stiffs you repeatedly from tips for weeks... you end up in his bed to get the money you earned?
For what I've read, it's definitely stink face inducing.
Shifter fail. Plot fail.
NOPE.
Save yourself the time.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 2.5 Hearts
If you read the anthology, after the reading the previous stink bomb, Dark Water might read as manna from heaven.
Kelpie shifter lead is definitely on the unusual side of go to shifters.
Being as I didn't suffer through that, I read this without fume-weary eyes. This story is from a debut author... and it reads like it's from a new author. Not a bad thing, I love newbie authors. But the story, while more unusual due to the kelpie shifter mythology brought to the table, the execution has some hits and misses.
Benjamin is on the brink. He's a former naval officer in Maryland who leaves the hospital to kill himself. Trigger warning: attempted suicide. He's blind, has no friends or family other than a racist dementia diagnosed father who wouldn't recognize Benjamin on a good day. He best friend Rez was killed in front of him while trying to save his fellow officers. It's one of the last images in Benjamin's mind. He goes to the beloved beach to die.
At that beach, a kelpie marks him for sacrifice. The kelpie turns out to be Rez, Benjamin's best friend thought to have died on that deadly mission. The mark means Benjamin must die but Rez can't do it. And tries to save his friend. This mission of saving Benjamin gets buried under repetition, different threads to a plot that would've be best kept simple and an underwhelming chemistry.
The length could have been longer to tackle the heavy topics such as a veteran battling depression suicidal thoughts, a new permanent disability, PTSD. The items are touched on, but those are weighty topics that deserved more meat.
And to add more issues: sexuality. Benajimn identifies as heterosexual and never had any sexual feelings toward his friend. Being saved, learning his friend is actually alive and hearing his friend kiss another man helps him discover a part of sexuality he's never questioned?
I'm leaning toward that camp of questioning Benjamin's motives as Rez seemed like he wasn't attracted then he was, then he kissed another man even though he shot the persistent guy down. And now he wants to mate for life to Benjamin.
The kelpie population is dying and the men are charged to mate and make new kelpie foals with female kelpies. Another factor that makes me question the entire relationship factor as Rez wants to do his duty but needs to save his friend more.
And when they have sex, it was "I'm not attracted to males" vs. "but I have to sleep with you to save your life". I'm not liking the way the chips are stacked. It read forced and not sexy. Rough sex for an anal virgin? The possessive streak is usually my go to hot factor but I wasn't feeling it in this context. And the suicidal thoughts were still there close to the end. I get why the need to mate was needed to keep Benjamin alive but I'm not liking the reasons.
And the way everything is neatly tied up? Uh-uh. Right. Sure.
The ideas are good. The execution is questionable. The story would have been better for me both men had an inkling of shared passion prior to meeting, the suicide and killing didn't happen and the plot remained simple.
My rating is for the kelpie folklore mostly and the premise.
The title of this anthology is Primal Need and not one story addressed that factor. So if you're a reader looking for primal shifters, look somewhere else. The good thing about this anthology is the stories are also sold separately. I'd read samples before getting any of the titles.
So, 1 1/2 out of 3?
A copy provided via Netgalley.
An exiled wolf shifter meets his mate and experiences a desire so intense it could be the death of them both.
A coyote pack alpha must convince a human to let down his guard and accept him—the man and the beast.
And a Kelpie naval officer discovers that the man marked for sacrifice is the man he's crossed oceans to find.
This anthology includes:
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent
Dark Water by K.L. White
![]() |
| Not including The Alpha's Claim in the average |
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3.5-3.75 Hearts
They call him "Prince".
A half breed, small assassin that has had the worst life ended up being my favorite of the anthology, go figure?
The unlikely hero who has been shat on, exiled and doesn't speak due to lacking social manners? My toes couldn't stop curling. Set in alternate Victorian period where werewolves are known, "Prince" aka Kent doesn't really know his true name. He's been collared and kept as a witch's assassin as an adult. He's been bartered over and kept like trash, exiled from wolf packs, he has no kind to call his own. His owner tasks him to do one more retrieval and he will have his freedom, Kent agreed before she even finished her sentence. Kent goes to the highlands to rescue an alpha who isn't like any alpha Kent's met.
But he doesn't care for the alpha, Hadrian's peculiar nature, he just needs to make sure he brings Hadrian back in one piece to his master. The road trip back to York is eventful, as the rival pack that kept Hadrian wants him back. The reasons why Hadrian needed to be retrieved are a little murky.
However personable Hadrian who has his own magical secret was a good choice as a foil to Kent's surly silence. The chip is mega wide on Kent's shoulder and Hadrian's steady persistence to at first befriend Kent was fun to read. The camaraderie, bodyguard/ward relationship takes a romantic turn. And it's subtle, which worked one hand and didn't on the other. The romance is pretty subtle, too subtle in the primal need department. Hadrian is alpha? He read like a beta which I can be down with. But when push comes to shove, he didn't claim his mate.
Kent still has to go through trials during this novella. And it endeared me to him. The story has a nice action/suspense twist and the reader gets to slowly learn about Kent's past and why he's so special.
I thought the reason why Kent is badass was cool. I haven't read about his type much in urban fantasy I've read.
The sex? One scene and no penetration for the smutsters keeping score. The story is interesting and evenly paced. I enjoyed the world building, pretty close to Victorian period with magical/paranormal exceptions.
Out of all the stories, this was the one that showed the most promise. If it's ever re-edited and lengthened, I'm there. Definitely would read more from this author!
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - DNF Delight
A lot of anthologies have a stink bomb or two in their arsenal... this is Primal Need's
The writing style leaves a lot to be desired. Telling, shallow and none of the characters have substance. Then the setting bungle. It's supposed to be set in New York but the setting seemed like it was an internet search and find deal.
If a customer stiffs you repeatedly from tips for weeks... you end up in his bed to get the money you earned?
For what I've read, it's definitely stink face inducing.
Shifter fail. Plot fail.
NOPE.
Save yourself the time.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 2.5 Hearts
If you read the anthology, after the reading the previous stink bomb, Dark Water might read as manna from heaven.
Kelpie shifter lead is definitely on the unusual side of go to shifters.
Being as I didn't suffer through that, I read this without fume-weary eyes. This story is from a debut author... and it reads like it's from a new author. Not a bad thing, I love newbie authors. But the story, while more unusual due to the kelpie shifter mythology brought to the table, the execution has some hits and misses.
Benjamin is on the brink. He's a former naval officer in Maryland who leaves the hospital to kill himself. Trigger warning: attempted suicide. He's blind, has no friends or family other than a racist dementia diagnosed father who wouldn't recognize Benjamin on a good day. He best friend Rez was killed in front of him while trying to save his fellow officers. It's one of the last images in Benjamin's mind. He goes to the beloved beach to die.
At that beach, a kelpie marks him for sacrifice. The kelpie turns out to be Rez, Benjamin's best friend thought to have died on that deadly mission. The mark means Benjamin must die but Rez can't do it. And tries to save his friend. This mission of saving Benjamin gets buried under repetition, different threads to a plot that would've be best kept simple and an underwhelming chemistry.
The length could have been longer to tackle the heavy topics such as a veteran battling depression suicidal thoughts, a new permanent disability, PTSD. The items are touched on, but those are weighty topics that deserved more meat.
And to add more issues: sexuality. Benajimn identifies as heterosexual and never had any sexual feelings toward his friend. Being saved, learning his friend is actually alive and hearing his friend kiss another man helps him discover a part of sexuality he's never questioned?
Benjamin loved Rez as a friend, and while they'd kissed and touched, he didn't know if he was seeking comfort in blindness.
I'm leaning toward that camp of questioning Benjamin's motives as Rez seemed like he wasn't attracted then he was, then he kissed another man even though he shot the persistent guy down. And now he wants to mate for life to Benjamin.
The kelpie population is dying and the men are charged to mate and make new kelpie foals with female kelpies. Another factor that makes me question the entire relationship factor as Rez wants to do his duty but needs to save his friend more.
And when they have sex, it was "I'm not attracted to males" vs. "but I have to sleep with you to save your life". I'm not liking the way the chips are stacked. It read forced and not sexy. Rough sex for an anal virgin? The possessive streak is usually my go to hot factor but I wasn't feeling it in this context. And the suicidal thoughts were still there close to the end. I get why the need to mate was needed to keep Benjamin alive but I'm not liking the reasons.
And the way everything is neatly tied up? Uh-uh. Right. Sure.
The ideas are good. The execution is questionable. The story would have been better for me both men had an inkling of shared passion prior to meeting, the suicide and killing didn't happen and the plot remained simple.
My rating is for the kelpie folklore mostly and the premise.
The title of this anthology is Primal Need and not one story addressed that factor. So if you're a reader looking for primal shifters, look somewhere else. The good thing about this anthology is the stories are also sold separately. I'd read samples before getting any of the titles.
So, 1 1/2 out of 3?
A copy provided via Netgalley.
Labels:
Alpha,
Anthology,
assassin,
Berserker,
Contemporary,
Disability,
friends to lovers,
Historical,
Holley Trent,
K.L. White,
Kelpie,
Paranormal,
Parker Foye,
PTSD,
SheReadsALot,
Shifters,
suicidal ideations,
Wealthy Hero
Review: Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly
Le Carré meets Cabaret in this debut spy thriller as a gay double-agent schemes to protect his smuggler lover during the rise of a fascist government coup
Welcome to Amberlough City, the illustrious but corrupt cosmopolitan beacon of Gedda. The radical One State Party — nicknamed the Ospies — is gaining popular support to unite Gedda's four municipal governments under an ironclad, socially-conservative vision.
Not everyone agrees with the Ospies' philosophy, including master spy Cyril DePaul and his lover Aristide Makricosta, smuggler and emcee at the popular Bumble Bee Cabaret. When Cyril's cover is blown on a mission, however, he must become a turncoat in exchange for his life. Returning to Amberlough under the Ospies' watchful eye, Cyril enters a complex game of deception. One of his concerns is safeguarding Aristide, who refuses to let anyone – the crooked city police or the homophobic Ospies – dictate his life.
Enter streetwise Cordelia Lehane, top dancer at the Bee and Aristide’s runner, who could be the key to Cyril’s plans—if she can be trusted. As the twinkling lights of nightclub marquees yield to the rising flames of a fascist revolution, these three will struggle to survive using whatever means — and people — necessary. Including each other.
Stunning
True story. I chose this book because the blurb sounded like MMF with espionage and what's better than that? It is not MMF, just so you know. I think Amberlough should be categorized as gay lit which typically connotes to me a lack of romance. It's true, Amberlough doesn't focus on a romantic plotline per se, but the relationship between Cyril and Aristide is one of the most heartbreakingly romantic and timeless ones I've ever read. They're rarely together but tethered regardless of time or distance.
Amberlough definitively is a wonderful melange of an alternate universe with historical undertones and contemporary sociopolitical overtones. It's magnificently written-evocative, emotive and quieting bewitching. These three characters are beautifully crafted, complex and nuanced, as are the secondary cast all of whom play their roles impeccably. They are flawed, some deeply so, but they were so very affecting.
Aristide Makricosta was my favorite, though.
Aristide is one of those characters that draws me in like a moth to a flame and it's not just because he's a drag queen. He's unscrupulous yet trustworthy, manipulative yet honest, aloof yet caring-a classic paradoxical character. He's got his fingers on the pulse of Amberlough and is whip smart. I think the only person he lets in even to a degree is Cyril.
Cyril Depaul is his lover and a spy. His past is somewhat murky but on a mission he was compromised, nearly killed. Understandably shaken he has been relegated to desk duty since. Nevertheless he's chosen to go undercover for another mission in Ospie held territory just prior to a momentous election and everything goes to shit. Literally. I empathized with Cyril. I didn't always agree with him, but his rationale is undeniably pure, or at least, pragmatic.
When he returns to Gedda Aristide sets him up with Cordelia Lehane. She's his beard to pass Ospie inspection, for all intents and purposes and unbeknownst to her. She is a firecracker and figures out quickly that Cyril isn't interested thus they become friends. She's streetwise, cunning and she'll do what she has to do to survive. Brash and maybe a little uncouth but she makes no apologies for who or what she is and I liked her chutzpah.
This will likely shock no one but Amberlough, in my mind, became pre-WWII Paris-hedonistic and fabulous. Amberlough and, in particular The Bee, are lively, colorful, artistic and chockablock with Bohemians. But with that sort of freedom and vitality there's always a dark underbelly and a conservative faction ready to rally the disenchanted. The Ospies are eerily reminiscent of the Nazi rise to power just prior to occupying France for four long years in that they surround Gedda. The Ospies rule with an iron fist and have zero tolerance for anything or anyone they perceive as deviant. Some Amberlinians can see the handwriting on the wall while others are caught unawares, peaceably living their lives while something wicked this way comes.
Donnelly did a brilliant job contrasting the lush colors of Amberlough with the dreary, lifeless gray of the Ospies. The occupation divested France of it's rosy hue and its joie de vivre as is the Ospies' objective in Amberlough. They are myopic and their laws draconian, but through those long years of occupation the French Resistance held out hope for a better tomorrow, maintaining a covert offensive against the occupation and Amberlough seems to have a similar fortitude. Amberlough may have lost the battle but the war is far from over.
Words of caution: there is on page torture and violence. It gets ugly as all wars do.
I snooped and it seems this will become a trilogy. I will be there. I will gird myself. I will remain optimistic. I will remember that it's always darkest before the dawn. I will hope Donnelly doesn't crush me again.
For a book that started off slow it certainly left an impression . After finishing it I felt fragile and raw yet paradoxically hopeful and above all, heartbroken. I do not cry, but I cried. Ugly cried. There was just a little... nothing, a moment in a day. It truly was nothing I didn't know already anyway, but that drop of sand in the hourglass at the 75% mark was the beginning of the gutting process. So, yeah. Have tissues handy. It's so worth it, though. I wouldn't change a thing and I'm glad my own deviance brought this incredible book into my life.
A review copy was provided.
SaveSave
Welcome to Amberlough City, the illustrious but corrupt cosmopolitan beacon of Gedda. The radical One State Party — nicknamed the Ospies — is gaining popular support to unite Gedda's four municipal governments under an ironclad, socially-conservative vision.
Not everyone agrees with the Ospies' philosophy, including master spy Cyril DePaul and his lover Aristide Makricosta, smuggler and emcee at the popular Bumble Bee Cabaret. When Cyril's cover is blown on a mission, however, he must become a turncoat in exchange for his life. Returning to Amberlough under the Ospies' watchful eye, Cyril enters a complex game of deception. One of his concerns is safeguarding Aristide, who refuses to let anyone – the crooked city police or the homophobic Ospies – dictate his life.
Enter streetwise Cordelia Lehane, top dancer at the Bee and Aristide’s runner, who could be the key to Cyril’s plans—if she can be trusted. As the twinkling lights of nightclub marquees yield to the rising flames of a fascist revolution, these three will struggle to survive using whatever means — and people — necessary. Including each other.
Stunning
True story. I chose this book because the blurb sounded like MMF with espionage and what's better than that? It is not MMF, just so you know. I think Amberlough should be categorized as gay lit which typically connotes to me a lack of romance. It's true, Amberlough doesn't focus on a romantic plotline per se, but the relationship between Cyril and Aristide is one of the most heartbreakingly romantic and timeless ones I've ever read. They're rarely together but tethered regardless of time or distance.
Amberlough definitively is a wonderful melange of an alternate universe with historical undertones and contemporary sociopolitical overtones. It's magnificently written-evocative, emotive and quieting bewitching. These three characters are beautifully crafted, complex and nuanced, as are the secondary cast all of whom play their roles impeccably. They are flawed, some deeply so, but they were so very affecting.
Aristide Makricosta was my favorite, though.
Aristide is one of those characters that draws me in like a moth to a flame and it's not just because he's a drag queen. He's unscrupulous yet trustworthy, manipulative yet honest, aloof yet caring-a classic paradoxical character. He's got his fingers on the pulse of Amberlough and is whip smart. I think the only person he lets in even to a degree is Cyril.
Cyril Depaul is his lover and a spy. His past is somewhat murky but on a mission he was compromised, nearly killed. Understandably shaken he has been relegated to desk duty since. Nevertheless he's chosen to go undercover for another mission in Ospie held territory just prior to a momentous election and everything goes to shit. Literally. I empathized with Cyril. I didn't always agree with him, but his rationale is undeniably pure, or at least, pragmatic.
When he returns to Gedda Aristide sets him up with Cordelia Lehane. She's his beard to pass Ospie inspection, for all intents and purposes and unbeknownst to her. She is a firecracker and figures out quickly that Cyril isn't interested thus they become friends. She's streetwise, cunning and she'll do what she has to do to survive. Brash and maybe a little uncouth but she makes no apologies for who or what she is and I liked her chutzpah.
This will likely shock no one but Amberlough, in my mind, became pre-WWII Paris-hedonistic and fabulous. Amberlough and, in particular The Bee, are lively, colorful, artistic and chockablock with Bohemians. But with that sort of freedom and vitality there's always a dark underbelly and a conservative faction ready to rally the disenchanted. The Ospies are eerily reminiscent of the Nazi rise to power just prior to occupying France for four long years in that they surround Gedda. The Ospies rule with an iron fist and have zero tolerance for anything or anyone they perceive as deviant. Some Amberlinians can see the handwriting on the wall while others are caught unawares, peaceably living their lives while something wicked this way comes.
Donnelly did a brilliant job contrasting the lush colors of Amberlough with the dreary, lifeless gray of the Ospies. The occupation divested France of it's rosy hue and its joie de vivre as is the Ospies' objective in Amberlough. They are myopic and their laws draconian, but through those long years of occupation the French Resistance held out hope for a better tomorrow, maintaining a covert offensive against the occupation and Amberlough seems to have a similar fortitude. Amberlough may have lost the battle but the war is far from over.
Words of caution: there is on page torture and violence. It gets ugly as all wars do.
I snooped and it seems this will become a trilogy. I will be there. I will gird myself. I will remain optimistic. I will remember that it's always darkest before the dawn. I will hope Donnelly doesn't crush me again.
For a book that started off slow it certainly left an impression . After finishing it I felt fragile and raw yet paradoxically hopeful and above all, heartbroken. I do not cry, but I cried. Ugly cried. There was just a little... nothing, a moment in a day. It truly was nothing I didn't know already anyway, but that drop of sand in the hourglass at the 75% mark was the beginning of the gutting process. So, yeah. Have tissues handy. It's so worth it, though. I wouldn't change a thing and I'm glad my own deviance brought this incredible book into my life.
A review copy was provided.
SaveSave
Guest Review: Believe in the Wish by Christi Snow
I buried my twin sister six months after she found out she had cancer. Her funeral was three months ago. Today is our birthday and it started with delivery of letters from her.
It seems she didn’t trust me to move on after her death. She knows me too well. But how can I go on when my other half is just...gone? That’s not something I can recover from with a snap of my fingers. But I also can’t ignore her instructions even though I’d be perfectly content to cuddle up with my buddy, Johnnie Walker, and call it a year.
She has a list of things for me to do and there are rules attached.
There’s one major problem besides the fact it’s been three months since I left the house. I have to do all these things with her jerk of an ex, Hawk Simmons. He abandoned her shortly after she found out she was sick. If that wasn’t enough to make this a really bad idea, the fact that he makes an appearance in all my nighttime fantasies probably does.
I don’t think I can do this, but I owe it to my sister’s memory to try.
Let’s start with the cover…I loved this cover for some reason. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover. I judge. I judge the hell out of them. This one called to me and I just had to get my grubby hands on it. The cover along with the blurb sucked me in.
Twins.
One Died.
Hot for twins Ex.
Enemies.
Sign. Me. Up.
Ethan buried his twin sister Emma and hasn’t been handling her death well at all. He has become a stinky, drunk recluse in a downward spiral until his fairy godmother bangs down his door on his birthday. His fairy godmother appears in the form of Katya Monroe, a sassy attorney hired by his dead twin sister. Emma knew how Ethan would decline after her death so she planned a very specific course of action in order for Ethan to keep full control of their house and the business they created together, E Squared.
The kicker, he has to complete these steps with her ex, Hawk.
Hawk and Ethan’s relationship is very strained due to circumstances that happened prior to Emma’s death. In conjunction with the strain was white hot desire.
The first half of this book was on point. I loved how Ethan and Hawk interacted together. They were snarky and trying everything to keep their interest hidden. They really struggled with their feelings for the other person.
I was on a blissful high of a nerdy introvert and a motorcycle mechanic when all hell broke loose. All throughout this book there are moments of calm right before a category 5 hurricane is unleashed. Ethan and Hawk were H.O.T together. Like, make-sure-you-have-spare-batteries-and-a-cigarette-for-after hot.
The second half of the book dropped off IMHO. Ethan and Hawk had a lot of baggage to work through in regards to Emma’s death and their relationships with her and each other. Both also have very serious hang-ups from past relationships. Some of the interactions became a little over the top.Dr. Dix and his ”counseling” with Ethan made me suspend reality for a bit. I’m sure there are many psychiatrists that have really awesome personalities. However, when a person is in the hospital for an “attempted suicide,” I can’t imagine the interactions taking place like they did. Hitting on the attorney while introducing yourself to the patient and also calling the patient selfish? Those are just a couple examples. Maybe I’m wrong, but I hope not. I liked his personality, I just had to go into make-believe land for processing. The encounters became much more cheesy in the 2nd half as well.
I loved the secondary characters of Katya and Miller aka Trina on drag nights. Theyboth all three had great personalities, really complimented and added to the story. Especially Miller. He was funny AF.
There were a bunch of editing issues throughout this book. Hawk’s name was misspelled Hawke and there were random words that didn’t fit in their sentences and should have been deleted; even on the last page which got in the way of reading. There also needs to be trigger warnings; there was an attempted rape during their outings, a past sexual encounter from high-school was discussed as possible rape and also an attempted suicide (although the way suicide is written, it almost seemed as an accident. However, the MC stated that he might have subconsciously done it).
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I really didn’t want to put it down during the first half and I rooted for Ethan and Hawk in the second half.
A review copy was provided.
It seems she didn’t trust me to move on after her death. She knows me too well. But how can I go on when my other half is just...gone? That’s not something I can recover from with a snap of my fingers. But I also can’t ignore her instructions even though I’d be perfectly content to cuddle up with my buddy, Johnnie Walker, and call it a year.
She has a list of things for me to do and there are rules attached.
There’s one major problem besides the fact it’s been three months since I left the house. I have to do all these things with her jerk of an ex, Hawk Simmons. He abandoned her shortly after she found out she was sick. If that wasn’t enough to make this a really bad idea, the fact that he makes an appearance in all my nighttime fantasies probably does.
I don’t think I can do this, but I owe it to my sister’s memory to try.
Reviewer - Lost in a Book
Let’s start with the cover…I loved this cover for some reason. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover. I judge. I judge the hell out of them. This one called to me and I just had to get my grubby hands on it. The cover along with the blurb sucked me in.
Twins.
One Died.
Hot for twins Ex.
Enemies.
Sign. Me. Up.
Ethan buried his twin sister Emma and hasn’t been handling her death well at all. He has become a stinky, drunk recluse in a downward spiral until his fairy godmother bangs down his door on his birthday. His fairy godmother appears in the form of Katya Monroe, a sassy attorney hired by his dead twin sister. Emma knew how Ethan would decline after her death so she planned a very specific course of action in order for Ethan to keep full control of their house and the business they created together, E Squared.
"You have a series of tasks to undertake. Once you’ve done them all, then the ownership of the business and house will be signed over to you completely and freely. Your tasks will be revealed to you slowly."
The kicker, he has to complete these steps with her ex, Hawk.
"Hawk." Ethan shook his head before he even looked up. “No. No. No. I will not work with that man. Why would she even ask this of me?” He bit out the words.
Hawk and Ethan’s relationship is very strained due to circumstances that happened prior to Emma’s death. In conjunction with the strain was white hot desire.
"Hawk Simmons stood there. Part wary. Part defensive. Part disgruntled. All gorgeous. Like a dog smelling a steak, his dick perked up at the sight of Hawk. Fucking hell."
The first half of this book was on point. I loved how Ethan and Hawk interacted together. They were snarky and trying everything to keep their interest hidden. They really struggled with their feelings for the other person.
"Hawk had been his sister’s lover, the love of her life. He was off-limits!"
I was on a blissful high of a nerdy introvert and a motorcycle mechanic when all hell broke loose. All throughout this book there are moments of calm right before a category 5 hurricane is unleashed. Ethan and Hawk were H.O.T together. Like, make-sure-you-have-spare-batteries-and-a-cigarette-for-after hot.
"Let me come back to your place tonight and fuck you," Ethan said.
“I know you say you don’t do men anymore, but I promise you, I’ll make it good for you. You feel this thing between us, too. Please just don’t let this stop. Not tonight.”
Ethan licked and bit down Hawk’s neck, heading toward that now throbbing nipple. “Just sit back”—suck—“take your pleasure”–bite—“and let me play.”
The second half of the book dropped off IMHO. Ethan and Hawk had a lot of baggage to work through in regards to Emma’s death and their relationships with her and each other. Both also have very serious hang-ups from past relationships. Some of the interactions became a little over the top.
I loved the secondary characters of Katya and Miller aka Trina on drag nights. They
"We’ve got to see the goods, darling, so I know if I’m on the right track or not." Miller looked him up and down, those violet eyes lighting up.
“Oh, we are most definitely on track. I thought you were a twink, but oh my, look at what you were hiding under all that fabric."
There were a bunch of editing issues throughout this book. Hawk’s name was misspelled Hawke and there were random words that didn’t fit in their sentences and should have been deleted; even on the last page which got in the way of reading. There also needs to be trigger warnings; there was an attempted rape during their outings, a past sexual encounter from high-school was discussed as possible rape and also an attempted suicide (although the way suicide is written, it almost seemed as an accident. However, the MC stated that he might have subconsciously done it).
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I really didn’t want to put it down during the first half and I rooted for Ethan and Hawk in the second half.
"Make a Wish, Ethan. Believe in it. It’s time to live."
A review copy was provided.
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