Review: Bullet (Blue Boy #1) by Garrett Leigh

Levi Ramone entered the gay porn market for one reason, and one reason only–he needed the cash to pay his momma's spiraling gambling debts. Seven years later, he's a veteran with a reputation as one of Blue Boy Studio's most ruthless tops, and when his boss suggests it's time for a change, he finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun. Figuratively speaking, at least. Enter Sonny Valentine, a go-go dancer at Blue's sister club, Silver's. Levi has secretly admired Sonny from afar for years, but there's one problem–he can't stand Sonny and the feeling is entirely mutual. When Levi learns Sonny is to play the third part in a scene he considers his worst nightmare, he figures things can't get any worse. But when preparations for the scene from hell collide with tragic events in his personal life, he finds his fast growing, red hot attraction to Sonny the one thing left between him and a bullet.

I first discovered Garrett Leigh’s work from a review I read on GR from the always awesome Isaac. He had reviewed Gypsy Rain and I bought and read it right away. I fell in love with the story and the writing style immediately. Since then I’ve been reading anything that Garrett publishes as soon as it comes out and this was no exception.

This was a great novella that I would have loved to have been twice as long. It’s the story of Levi, Sonny and the working boys over at Blue Boy Productions. It focuses mostly on Levi and the epic cluster his life has become. Levi is a very popular top in Blue Boys videos and he keeps busy. He also has a full time business of his own, but his life is not an easy one and he spends an enormous amount of energy caring for his self-destructive mother. He works his day job, works the porn job and takes care of his mom. Who, by the way, is a bitter angry bitch who doesn’t deserve Levi and all the sacrifices he makes.

So, I may have accidentally stumbled upon some porn once so I recognize the type of porn top Levi is. He’s the stereotypical alpha male, rough around the edges and definitely aloof. Not cruel, but not engaged at all, just disconnected. He was there to do a job. Nail a twink rough and hard, give the people what they want and be done. There was no kissing, no cuddling, no afterglow. Get the job done and move on to the next. That worked for Levi, he didn’t have the time or energy for complications. He even says he had, “been stuck in limbo for most of his adult life.”

Queue Sonny’s entrance into Levi’s life. Sonny is a go-go boy, sometime porn actor and the two of them don’t even give each other the time of day. They’ve never worked together and don’t have a desire to. Jon, the owner of the bar where Sonny dances and Blue Boy Productions makes Levi an offer he can’t afford to refuse. A three way shoot with Sonny and Rex, the most hung and rough top in the Blue Boy stable. The kicker is, Levi would have to bottom for Rex. Levi doesn’t bottom, ever! Frankly he’s completely freaked about the whole thing, but he needs the money for his worthless mother. The sum offered would take a huge amount of pressure off of Levi and his mountain of responsibilities.

While this could follow what you think is a formula of alpha porn star and twink go-go boy, this is where you’d be wrong. It does start that way, but then the wrench of the 3 way bottoming scene gets thrown in and is when the story gets completely unique. Turns out, Levi has more friends than he thought who are concerned about him and one of them just may be Sonny Valentine.

Sonny approaches Levi and offers to help him ‘train’ to be a bottom. Sonny explains there is no way Levi will make it through this unless he’s prepared and learns how to control the scene from the bottom. Sonny is speaking from experience and he calls Levi on his disconnected ways and makes him start to realize that there is an actual person in the scene with him, not just another twink to top. So, these training sessions start and may I just say, WOW and DAMN, just WOW and DAMN! Levi is pretty surprised and totally unprepared for the feelings he starts to have for Sonny. Actually connecting with another person, much less Sonny Valentine was not in his plans. Throw in all the drama with his mother and poor Levi is overwhelmed with emotion and responsibility. The responsibility he’s used to, it’s the emotion he has trouble dealing with.

When the day of the big scene arrives, Levi has pretty much had the worst couple of days in his life. He is a man of his word though and is determined to follow through, even if he isn’t exactly sure why at this point. There is no way to go on with a review of that scene without going all kinds of spoilery, but suffice it to say, all manner of crazy went down and Sonny emerges the hero. Sonny was willing to take a figurative bullet for Levi and that means the world to him. No one has ever protected Levi before, ever. It changes everything.

You know what broke my heart about Levi? This,

“Though he’d had more sexual encounters this year alone than he could remember, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed a man. It had been years.”

That’s just too sad, seriously sad. The author is good at putting those little thoughts and moments in there that convey a lot without having to tell me in a ton of words about Levi’s loneliness. It kept him from seeming too angsty, that would have felt out of character for him.

Being that this is the start of a series, I’m kind of overlooking what seemingly might be missing. Because it might not actually be missing, just not told yet. I want to know more about Sonny, a lot more. He’s pretty amazing from what I know so far. But ultimately, this was Levi’s story and that was consistent throughout. He taught Levi so much, and not just the sweet heat of the training sessions, but how to actual feel something, a connection to another person.

“Feel that Levi? Feel it all. This is what it’s supposed to be. This is what’s real.”

Who doesn’t want more of that?

I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next installment of the Blue Boys and thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Review: KC, at Bat. A Novel by Tom Mendicino

Charlie Beresford would rather be doing anything this summer than hauling furniture for a moving company. Come September, he’ll be leaving for college, away from the awkwardness of Augustinian Academy, away from his father’s constant hints about prospective girlfriends. Then Kevin Conroy—the Mighty KC—joins the moving crew. A star baseball player bound for the big leagues, Charlie is shocked when cool, confident KC suggests hanging out, especially when KC asks him to stay over—and the happiness their connection brings Charlie.

But the summer is changing Charlie—putting muscles on his skinny frame, compelling him to face hard truths, showing him how it feels not just to lose your heart but to break someone else’s. Funny, sweet, and moving, Tom Mendicino’s insightful coming-of-age story perfectly evokes that moment when you stop living life from the safety of the bleachers—and finally step up to home plate.

KC, at Bat is a snapshot into the life of Charlie Beresford over one summer (mostly). The strange thing about this book is that I came to appreciate it more once I'd finished it than I did as I was reading it. Honestly, while I was reading it I kept waiting for the storyline to kick in - I mean it was there really, there was plenty of story, but I felt like I was being told something that would then kick start the story of the book, rather than the actual story itself. Confused? Yeah me too. Okay, you know that Indy film you watched last week/month/year, the one without the traditional Hollywood beginning, middle and end - that is this book, a fact that I fully appreciated once I'd finished it.

We see the events of Charlie's last summer before college. He was supposed to be a camp counsellor with his best friend (and experimental boyfriend) Larry. However his mum was in the middle of cancer treatment so instead he stayed home to help out and his dad's friend offered him a job with his removal firm. It is at this removal firm Charlie meets the legendary (at least in their school) KC. Sporty and an excellent baseball player KC is the stuff Charlie's dreams are made of, so he can hardly believe it when KC invites him back to his for the evening. An evening that turns into all night - a pattern that is repeated weekly and ends up as full weekends together.

I liked the relationship between Charlie and KC. We saw Charlie's insecurities but we also saw KC's too, as Charlie himself came to recognise them. It was true to life, that feeling of someone popular not having any problems or difficulties and the slow realisation that maybe their life is just as complicated and confusing. This isn't a book that you see a relationship develop from mumbled beginnings to an HEA. It is, as I said, a snapshot into Charlie's life. The choices he makes, good and bad, the reasons behind those choices, selfish and considerate, Charlie isn't a polished Hollywood version of a person, he is very real and this is evident in his decisions and actions.

Parts of this book made me sad, some bits made me angry. KC's coach - well that story line was horrible. The boys reactions to what happened made me want to throw my reader across the room, then I realised the sad truth was they acted in the way a lot of people do. It might not be the way we'd want them to act, certainly not the way things would happen in an ideal world, but it is a real reaction, for many, many people. An uneasy reminder of how life is.

Though the story didn't have a fairy tale ending, it was honest. Tom Mendicino could have written this differently, it could all have worked out in a happy little bubble but in a way I'm glad it didn't. It showed this portion of Charlie's life as it happened, warts and all. Was it a perfect book - no, but I'm glad I read it. It seemed to me its aim wasn't to be perfect but to be real and that, I think, it achieved.

 This copy was provided by the author for a fair and honest review

Review: Turbulence by Lyn Gala

Corporal Jacqs Glebov is a simple soldier who wants a bunk, decent food and the company of other battle-hardened men and women who understand the realities of fighting. Instead he's stuck patrolling a remote corner of the border with cadets straight out of boot camp. They don't understand him, and he sure doesn't have an ounce of respect for them.

After a field promotion, Earth sends Commander Zeke Waters to the Candiru for some practical experience in a leadership role. Instead, Zeke falls in lust with the adamantly heterosexual Jacqs. The way Jacqs fights and the way he sees the world draws Zeke closer, even if common sense tells him to walk away.

Even if they can find a way to find to reconcile their sexual differences, they are both still soldiers. The war will eventually take them away from each other unless they can find a way to escape the rules that have defined their lives.

Wow.  Oh, wow.

I didn’t intend to write a review for this book.  I was just going to link my review to Xing’s and call it a day.

But then I read some more. 

Here we have Jacqs.  Jacqs is unapologetically gruff and honest to a fault.  He has pretty much alienated everyone around him with his rude behavior and stand-offishness (I made a new word!).  What makes him so amazing is that he is so incredibly self-aware.  He knows exactly who he is and if no one else likes it, well that’s just too bad.  He will tell you exactly what he thinks without an ounce of guilt.  And he’s 100% heterosexual.  Or so he thinks.

Jacqs is settled in his life.  He understands that he’s been placed on the Candiru with no intention of him ever leaving.  He’s accepted his fate and is content for the most part.  He doesn’t like change so his current way of life is just fine with him.

Then he meets Zeke.  His new commander.  His new intriguing commander.  His new sexually arousing commander.  And everything gets tilted on its head.

But does Jacqs balk at the idea of being attracted to Zeke?  Does he lash out and push him away?  Does he run?  NO!  After some careful introspection, he does what he normally does whenever something new comes at him.  He meets it head on.  He doesn’t back down.  He actually seeks out Zeke and tells him what he’s feeling.  He explores his new desires without any fear or trepidation.

This book was a breath of fresh air.  The perfect balance between character driven storyline and action/adventure.  A fine example of the classic space opera.  And all the secondary characters were fully fleshed out as well.  I was sucked into the story from the first word and wasn’t let go until the end of the epilogue.  I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I even shouted at my screen a time or two. 

And it was all because of Jacqs.  He made this alluring story all the more fascinating just by being who he was and having no regrets on how he as well as his life turned out.  I wish I could meet someone like Jacqs in real life. 

Lyn Gala gets top marks from me and now and forever will be an auto-buy for me.

Picture Guessing Game

Hello patrons of BMBR blog,

We're starting a fun, monthly game called Picture Guessing Game. This game will happen approximately once a month (or whenever) and will be a series of silly illustrations from an M/M book and you lovely people get the joy of guessing which book!

The answer will be posted Sunday afternoon. For those of you who would like to participate in a more interactive way, if you know which book it is, you can PM me (Natasha) on GoodReads with the book name and author, and I will draw you a picture of you as a cat.

Without further ado... guess away!

Review: Glitterland by Alexis Hall

The universe is a glitterball I hold in the palm of my hand.

Once the golden boy of the English literary scene, now a clinically depressed writer of pulp crime fiction, Ash Winters has given up on love, hope, happiness, and—most of all—himself. He lives his life between the cycles of his illness, haunted by the ghosts of other people’s expectations.

Then a chance encounter at a stag party throws him into the arms of Essex boy Darian Taylor, an aspiring model who lives in a world of hair gel, fake tans, and fashion shows. By his own admission, Darian isn’t the crispest lettuce in the fridge, but he cooks a mean cottage pie and makes Ash laugh, reminding him of what it’s like to step beyond the boundaries of anxiety.

But Ash has been living in his own shadow for so long that he can’t see past the glitter to the light. Can a man who doesn’t trust himself ever trust in happiness? And how can a man who doesn’t believe in happiness ever fight for his own?

 




Lesson of the Day: Glitter Pirates are hot as hell.

I think this book was written specifically for me. No, really. Alexis Hall, did you write this for me? I think you did. Thanks, pal. Few things are hotter than big, quiffed out pirates wearing silver nail polish (fingers and toes, thank you very much). Maybe if said pirates talk silly, have orange skin, and are obvious hopeless romantics who throw around the word ‘donut’ like ‘idiot’.

He was a ridiculous creature. A vulgar, glittering pirate of a man, all jewellery and fake tan, gold glinting in his ears, on his fingers and round his wrists.

Things I Will Forever Associate With Glitterland:
- Glitter (duh)
- Silver nail polish
- Lie-kit
- Donut
- Babes
- “You must be clever!” surprisingly not as an insult
- Epaulettes (I even had to Google what they were)
- Minger

Let’s chat about the writing.
This book was written like an LSD trip. This writing style, if it were a collection of tangible things, would be a blue rabbit with six arms playing saloon music on the organ in the corner of a ball room, while a giant sombrero danced the tango with a pictorial representation of gamma rays. It wasn’t the scenarios that were a little whacky, it was the writing. I can’t think of a specific case in which I’ve read a book where the writing was like this, or even similar. And how does someone explain a style? Especially a style of writing? It’s faux-poetic modern drug-trip (fauxetic?). I’m coining that shit. Have you ever done drugs? No, really, have you? I’m asking because I’m a cop and if you have, I’ll be at your house in 20 minutes. The writing style reminds me of the way a person on a heavy drug trip thinks: in patterns and colours and feelings and an abundance of emotions from one thought to another until the previous thought is completely forgotten. And you know what? I think it’s perfect for this book. It’s called Glitterland, so duh, obviously there’s a little bit of SHAZAM in this here book. It’s full of glitter and sparkles and over-thinking and under-thinking and just straight-up emotion. So yeah, I liked the writing a lawt.

This book crawls under your skin a little and let’s you (even the non-romantics) wish for a happy ending, I think. The best part of the book was the line where Ash told Darian that he didn’t need him, but he wanted him, and even without him, he’d miss him and think of him, but he’d be okay. That’s personal growth, my friends, and that is love. You read a lot of books about co-dependence in the romance, one character fixing another. If you need someone else to fix you, you’re not fixed. They’re the duct-tape that’s holding you together. Needing another person is unhealthy, wanting another person is normal, and acknowledging that what you’re feeling (in a relationship sense) is a want and not a need, is ideal in the romance novels I read. So yes, this was perfect for me. It was slow building, but romantic and sweet. Neither of the characters were perfect, even for each other.

The ending. I loved that shit. I eat endings like this for breakfast. It’s a HEA technically, but I don’t need to know about their 20 kids they’re going to adopt 4 years down the road of the type of tiled they picked out for their first house together. I just needed that one special ending moment. And I got it. Ash got Darian’s name tattooed on him and up until the last few words, I was expecting that to become some sort of big deal. But it wasn’t, and that’s another part that worked well for me. It’s the left unsaid part that I eat for fucking breakfast. Give me 80% of what I want. Don’t give me the whole 100% because then I’ll lose interest. Leave me wanting more. And I do want more. Would I read about book about Darian and Ash? Fuck yeah I would, because now I have a thing for glitter pirates.

Why, in all the vastness of the world, did a sparkly idiot from Essex make me feel alive?

This story reminds me of being young and hopeful, and hopeless, and romantic and silly, and completely flabbergasted with life and all it has to offer. And I love that. I’ve been young and stupid and wanted people I shouldn’t, and said things I didn’t mean, and lived one day to the next, hoping for a little bit of magic in my life. I started saying ‘wif’ the other day by accident and tried to explain the allure of ‘lie-kit’ to my boyfriend yesterday. This pretty little book is one that I’m sure is going to stick with me for a long time.

Thanks for the really sweet read, Alexis Hall. Now come on over so we can paint each other’s nails silver.

And just because I can... enjoy this picture.

Review: The Lord of Twink's Bottom by Danni Keane

Twink's Bottom - Just a typical English village...

Tracy Richards has no idea what to expect when he takes the job of caretaker at the mysterious village of Twink's Bottom. The locals are happy to tell him about the part he will have to play in the annual erotic topiary event, but when it comes to the reclusive lord living in the dilapidated manor house on the hill, they are far more reluctant to talk.

Lord Reeves lives an isolated life, only venturing from the grounds of Twink's Bottom Manor to walk his beloved dog, Reggie. But Lord Reeves has a vision—a beautiful, majestic topiary phallus soaring towards the sky from the top of Twink's Bottom Hill. He believes its creation will lay old ghosts to rest, and bring him the peace that has alluded him for so many years.

Could Tracy be the man to bring Lord Reeves' phallus to life, and by working together will they finally reclaim Rory's rightful place as The Lord of Twink's Bottom?

Twink's Bottom is a village located past The Arse End of Nowhere, past the village of Twink and after Morning Wood. Twink's Bottom is a village with a long tradition of eroticism and the annual topiary competition is something the villagers take very seriously. You see topiary is more than mere bush trimming, it's an art form. And before this year’s competition is over, there will be laughter, heartbreak, tears, a budding romance and a disaster of epic proportions you won’t want to miss.

I really needed this story. I'd just finished a very dark and depressing book that I struggled with the entire time. Then I download The Lord of Twink’s Bottom and the party began. This is what I would call a romantic comedy. It is laugh-out-loud funny and full of erotic innuendo and double entendres.

My favorite part takes place as Tracy and Lord Reeves, aka Rory, were about to make love for the first time. With Rory being a virgin, Tracy has to tell him what to do. So Tracy squeezes some lube onto Rory’s finger and asks Rory to get him ready. Rory is hesitant…..

“What if there's something ... ” Rory lowered his voice to a whisper, “ ... up there?”


Tracy couldn't help the giggle that bubbled its way out of his mouth. “Bloody hell, Rory, I don't use my arse for storage, you know!”

Oh my, I thought I was going to wet my pants I was laughing so hard.

This book may not be for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is not a book to be taken seriously but it does have a sweetness to it. Rory and Tracy make an adorable couple and I wish them a long and happy life together in Twink’s Bottom.

If you enjoy movies like the 1980 hit Airplane staring Leslie Nielson

or the outrageous comedies like Dumb and Dumber staring Jim Carrey

then you should definitely read this book. If those aren’t your type of movie, you might just find Rory and Tracy’s story adorable anyway.

Thank you, Danni Keane, for sharing this story. For such a delicate British flower, you sure do write a remarkable erotic tale.

Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find on Goodreads!

WINNERS: James Cox Giveaway & Unicorn Erasers Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to visit the blog! It's been a really amazing first few weeks around here, and we're so glad to have all of you guest unicorns with us. =)

We have winners for two giveaways to announce:

- The winners from the James Cox author chat who will receive an ebook from James Cox's backlist (winner's choice!) are...

~ Penumbra ~

~ Leilani ~

- The winners from the kickoff event who will receive unicorn erasers (or, if international, a personalized unicorn drawing) are...

~ Wendy Hoffman ~

~ Jen (this comment) ~

~ Kindle Alexander ~

Please contact us at contactBMBR(at)gmail(dot)com so that we can coordinate your prizes. Thanks!

Review: Yours by Kim Alan

Kyle is a lost boy. “Freed” for his own good, he’s doing his best to follow through on promises made. But he’s struggling, there’s no doubt about it. That is, until he suddenly finds himself in a place he least expected.

Beau is an independent man, answering to no one but himself. If he’s lonely, it’s a small price to pay. That is, until a beautiful, lost young man stumbles into his bar on Valentine’s Day. He can’t turn him away. The boy needs him. Or is it the other way around?

This short story is so good! It's like a slice of chocolate cheesecake: decadent and delicious with a hint of sweet. I think it would make a perfect bedtime story.

The lost boy sub, Kyle, is so easy to picture. His blond hair and nice clothes really stand out in the leather biker bar. It is here he was pushed out of a car and abandoned very late at night on Valentine's Day. Kyle is nervous and feels very out of place when he approaches the bar to use the phone to call for a ride. He is met with a less than friendly attitude from the bartender but is immediately attracted to the brawny, dark haired man anyway.

The bartender, Beau, is a rugged but good looking man. He can't take his eyes off of the twink newcomer, Kyle, but he tries to put up a front and not show how much he is affected by the gorgeous young man. There is so much sexual tension between Beau and Kyle you could practically feel it crackling in the air.

The author, Kim Alan, does an outstanding job creating this scene and these characters. I felt like a fly on the wall witnessing the events as they unfolded. And the little twist to the plot, well that was just brilliant.

The story is short and takes place over the course of one evening/night. As is the case with most short stories I wanted more. More of these two guys. I didn't feel cheated though, and my want for more is just pure selfishness.

Don't let the length of this one put you off. It may be short but this hot little number lacks nothing.

Highly recommended!

Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Lay Me Down to Sleep by James Cox

Beneath the ice and crystal lies the future of mankind. The entire population was sent to sleep in hibernation chambers underground so that the earth could re-grow. When Glenton wakes, it’s to a shaking chamber and screams. He’s saved by Aric, and together they rescue all those they can as the chambers suffocate the remaining humans. Was it a horrible mistake or a cruel government? Six survivors now try to endure beneath the ice in what remains of the hibernation center, waiting for the day they can return to the surface. Glenton is among them, troubled by his strange feelings for Aric. When their home loses power, they must go to sleep once more. The future of our species depends on their waking. Will they make it to the surface?

Over at BMBR, when we first decided to approach James Cox to be our Author of the Month, I had already chosen this book as one I would read and review for the blog. I really like a good sci-fi story and the level of sci-fi James uses it perfect for me. The world building is interesting but not overdone. I don’t feel like I need a map, a search light and to pack a lunch to just figure out the dynamics. At the same time the environment created isn’t patronizing, it strikes a good balance. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was no exception.

The year is 2999 and Earth is beyond repair. The toxins have become too much and in order to ensure the survival of the planet a plan is formed to wipe out all life on earth and regrow a new, untainted healthy environment via the Cultivator. The plan is basically to enlist a man made “great flood a la Noah” in the form of fire. All of the most important people of earth will spend the time it takes for the Cultivator to do its job orbiting the earth while the world’s workers will spend the regrowth period underground in crystal hibernation chambers.

Glenton was 13 when his father tucked him into the hibernation chamber. He was scared, but having his father hold his small hands while they say their goodnight prayer, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, gives Glenton comfort as the hibernation chamber does its job and puts him into the strange stage of stasis that will hold him until it is safe for them all to go back to the surface.

Sci-fi being what it is, things go awry one year into the hibernation phase. After a rather rude awakening from hibernation, Glenton is saved by an older boy, Aric. Aric, Glenton and a handful of other young people are the only survivors left in their chamber. They had been left to die when the system failed and Aric had been their savior. They turned into a very resourceful group, depending on one another for survival and comfort as they became a family. Glenton knew his father couldn’t have left him behind, but he also has no idea what happened to him. All he has is faith that he will be reunited with this father again one day.

There are a couple of pretty strong themes in this book that really add to the emotions that Glenton, Aric and the rest have got to be feeling, trapped underground with no real idea of what is to come. The ideas of faith and the need for comfort. If you have haven’t read the Q&A that James was so kind to share with us, I highly recommend you take a minute or two to read it. I’m so glad I did before I read this book. Knowing a little backstory and inspiration can really give a reader a whole new level of connection with the story and its characters. This is one of those times.

Really, all these people have is faith, faith in a high power that will watch out for them and help them survive. It’s human nature and helps keep them going. Circumstances are hardly comfortable, or even that hopeful, but faith that they will survive and see the sky, the grass, feel the breeze and the sun again gets them through some cold nights and hard working days. They need to clear the path to the exit, it’s blocked with rubble and ice and the work to clear it is hard and slow going.

The offering of comfort, manifested through touch, through the comfort of the simple act of holding the hand of someone you love was strong in this story. When Glenton was younger, it was holding his father’s hand and as he grew he would hold the hand of his best friend Rawn. She and Glenton were as close as two people could be, but Glenton couldn’t really understand why he didn’t feel for her what he thought he should. All they knew was what they remembered from their childhood before, so as they grew and Glenton realized he felt for Aric what he thought he should have felt for Rawn, he became so confused and so scared that if the others found out, they would make him an outcast. When your whole world boils down to a handful of people, that thought is terrifying. But, when Aric takes Glenton's hand in his, Glenton knows that Aric is the one for him, no question.

Aric knows what happened to Glenton’s father and that knowledge keeps him from letting himself get completely attached to Glenton. He feels guilty and responsible. This and Glenton’s fears are really the extent of any angst. That is something I like about sci-fi and apocalyptic stories, the BS angst is kept to a minimum as there is survival that needs to be worried about, so characters have a tendency to cut to the chase, I like and appreciate that especially if the balance is done well. It is done well here and Glenton gets the closure he needs about his father while getting another level of appreciation for Aric.

As the weeks passed and they came closer to their time to escape the underground chamber, Glenton discovers that Aric feels the same for him. The tension between these two was great and the signature James Cox heat was there, but it was different. The times when these two could get together was both hot and sweet, but what really got to me too was the intimate moment of a hand being held and whispers of love in the dark. That was a swoon-worthy moment right there. So, as I said, the heat was there but it also had the added bonus of true love, hope and faith.

A highly recommended read.

Review: Spokes by P.D. Singer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Funday!!!!

A Great Game to Play

OR

Stuff I Did When I Should Have Been Working

I was at work the other day and the power went out in our building. You really don’t realize that you can’t do anything work-wise without power until you don’t have any. We all circled around for a while, a little lost and basically seeing who would be the first to say, “Fuck it, I’m outta here.” Then, my dear friend, we’ll call him X, said, “Hey, I’ve got a game in my car we can play while we wait for the power to come back on.” Sounded like a fun idea, why not?

The game X brought in was Cards Against Humanity – a Party Game for Horrible People.

I was like, “Hey, we’re horrible, let’s do this.”

Here’s the blurb straight from their site:


What is Cards Against Humanity?

Unlike most of the party games you've played before, Cards Against Humanity is as despicable and awkward as you and your friends.

The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a Black Card, and everyone else answers with their funniest White Card.


Sound like fun? It IS! It basically offends any and all people. When we played we had just about every race, religion and orientation at the table. No one was off limits and it was awful and it was great. It started out a little awkwardly, I mean, we were at work. One girl was a little uncomfortable reading the cards out loud. I suppose when the card you have to read says “Pac-Man uncontrollably guzzling cum” you might get a little squicked out. I volunteered to read for her, I’m a giver that way. It didn’t take long though to get over the uncomfortable and pretty soon cards were being acted out and read in an epic voice-over manner.

My absolute favorite part was when these cards were played.

Who’s white card was that??? . . . . This gal!

It was like kismet. Because you see, I had just finished reading this story.

Lovingly recommended to me by our own Rainbow Stallion. I kind of feel bad for the guy on the cover. I don’t have the words to go into that book here, but I did here . . .

Of course, I could not stop laughing. There was one guy at the table who couldn’t stop cracking up either. We then had to explain to everyone else what tentacle porn was. My poor fellow chuckler started describing before he realized he was actually talking out loud and revealing to us all his expansive knowledge of tentacle porn. I kept giving him the side-eye just to make him uncomfortable, which was also fun. I like to think we all learned a little that day.

So, Cards Against Humanity, highly recommended fun times.

• Should you play at work? Probably not.
• Should you play with family? Depends on your family, but also, probably not. (I’m totally playing with mine though.)
• Should you play if you are easily offended by anything ever? No, this is the part where you run away like you’re on fire.
• Should you play while drinking with your friends? F’ing A right you should! That is exactly when you should play!

Enjoy!

Bonus stuff from RJ Scott, be a dear and do the poll, thank you!

"Readers... I have a question for you... I am planning 2014 and have been speaking to fellow authors about marketing plans and so on... The question I have is... How do you know when I have a book going onto Amazon & other third parties? Or indeed how do you keep an eye on any of your authors?

Do you check specifically for the authors you like? See what books are on review sites? Do you find out direct from me via FB or my blog? Do you see what goes on a publisher's site and wait for it to go to Amazon? Is it word of mouth?

How can authors communicate better with you?

From the answers I received I came up with a simple tick box questionnaire."

How Do You Find New Books

Review: Cold by Brandon Shire

Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left. 

Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.



I struggled with this review because my love for the story is all emotional, and difficult to put into words.    My favorite MC, Lem, was serving a life sentence for killing his brother. Determined to stay in prison, he sabotaged his parole interview. Why? There are hints of self-punishment, and maybe lack of hope, but no clear reason why.  The other MC, Anderson, was eager to get out, and determined to keep his head down and stay out of trouble for the remaining eight months of his term.

The two men, distinct opposites in terms of appearance, personality, and circumstances, came together in an ill-fated romance. I loved their initial observations of and reactions to each other, and when they finally got together? Yikes, time out for a cool down.

Mixed in with the hotness, though, was a sweet vulnerability that drew me in. So gentle and hesitant, with some hope and even awe, overlaid with the bittersweet truth of reality. Reality, because with prison as a background, they hardly had a chance. The small details that showed the lack of privacy, the lack of autonomy in prison life, had me cringing in sympathy. Other details weren't so small. One violent scene had me flinching but even though it wasn't airbrushed, it wasn't overpowering, either.

As the final weeks of Anderson's term wind down, there is a sense of imminent loss and sadness. Every moment is dear, but overshadowed by the reality of their situation. As expected, the ending was sad, but knowing a sequel was on the way, I was hopeful.

Side notes:
 I loved getting to know Lem through his love of nature, work in the nursery, and memories of his of old job. The scene with Anderson and the bonsai was especially touching.

Niggles:
The "short" business tripped me up, pulled me out of the story as I had to think about the unfamiliar meaning, and it's used a lot.

Unless I missed something, Anderson didn't know old Lem was when he went to prison, how did he figure Lem's age from time served? There were a few other niggles, but I set them aside to better enjoy the story and to wait for answers in the sequel.

Find more info on BookLikes and Goodreads

Review: Merry Gentlemen by Josephine Myles (Blog Tour)

’Tis the season of goodwill to all men…even the one who dumped you. Riley MacDermott’s ambitions are simple. Managing the annual Bath Christmas Market—which involves long hours in the cold and a whole lot of hassle—will secure the promotion he needs to afford to move out of his noisy, top-floor flat. Where not even his balcony is safe from an aggressive herring gull. The last stallholder he expects to see is his ex. Riley never recovered from their break up, and five years on the old chemistry still sparkles. So does their habitual head butting. Stan never wanted to leave the love of his life, but the pull of the woods was too strong—and Riley was firmly planted in the city. Reconnecting is painful, but Stan still jumps at the chance to stay with his old flame during the Market. And damn the consequences. As the weeks pass, the two grow closer than ever. But despite scorching sex and cozy intimacy, they both know they face a cold and lonely future. Unless one of them can compromise.

Warning: Contains sex in a shed, a seagull with a grudge, glamping, awful Secret Santa underwear, misuse of Abba song, and as many wood-related puns as the author thought she could get away with.



I’m a big fan of Josephine Myles. I’m a big fan of Christmas. It would stand to reason that I should like this book. I did not like this book. I LOVED this book.

My absolute favorite thing about Jo Myles’s books are her characters and these two MC’s are no exception. Honestly, Riley is hilarious. I love his slightly entitled attitude. Especially for the fact he doesn’t really know what he’s entitled to or why, he just knows he should have more than he does. When tasked with ridding his balcony of a seagull, who really seems to have it out for him, he thinks,

“I was meant to have servants to do that sort of thing for me by now. Or at least one servant. Just a part time cleaner would have been a good start.”

Oh Riley. Poor delusional Riley.

This is really a story about Riley and his journey to figure out what makes him happy. Riley is in that no man’s land between a young party boy and true adulthood. He knows how to be a party boy but it’s getting old and nothing (and no one) compares to the time he spent with his first true love, Stan. Riley is working towards a promotion. He is the manager of the Christmas Market in Bath and he knows if he can pull this off with a modicum of success, he’ll get his promotion. Problem is, he really isn’t sure if that is what will make him happy. He wants it because he thinks he should and it’s the next logical step for his career. But will it make him happy? Riley is floundering a little but he’s not really sure why.

As the vendors are setting up Riley is making his rounds and who does he see? Why Stan of course. Stan had given Riley balance when they were together but he’s also the one who moved away. Stan moved away because he just had to. He’s not a city dweller and in order to accomplish all his life’s goals he had to go. While Riley felt he had to stay behind. Hearts were broken. There really isn’t animosity between the two, more of a wary caution, they were young and wanted vastly different things from life and looking back, they can admit they didn’t communicate well about their decisions. They communicated like self-centered young men. Which, given their ages and stages in life, was completely normal and unfortunately predictable. There is still plenty of heat left from their years together though and it doesn’t take long for the two of them to reconnect.

So, the two start the reconnection in the steamiest of ways, albeit temporarily as the Market only lasts so long giving their reunion a bittersweet quality. They’re reminded why they are just so good together and yet how different they are too. Seriously, Riley and Stan really couldn’t be more different. Stan is the country badger to Riley’s city mouse and Riley can’t help but mock Stan’s country life. Stan takes it with a good natured humor as these two have great chemistry, and matches Riley quip for quip,

“Yeah, I’ve got myself a harem of trained badgers. They’re shy, but really filthy when you get to know them.”

I like Stan. I like Stan a lot.

Stan also reminds Riley that sex, and life, should be fun and that Riley is more than just the flighty party boy he plays at. Plus Stan doesn’t fall for Riley’s “flouncy grand exits”. Riley knows this and in the years since Stan left he’s grown up some. They both have. Riley can’t help but be frustrated because they want such different things out of life. So, the Market ends, Riley is a success and it’s time for Stan to go home. Hearts are breaking again, but, Riley is a bit older and wiser now and he really listens to Stan when Stan says as he is leaving for home,

“Goodbye Ri. Look after yourself. And try to figure out what makes you happy, yeah?”

Well, one thing that Riley is really good at, it’s what got him his promotion, he is a problem solver. He just never really saw his life as a problem until he started questioning his own happiness when Stan had to leave. Riley finally realized he could solve this problem and he sets out to do just that. He channels his inner country badger and heads out to claim his mountain man. Riley has a plan and he’s certainly not going to let any pesky nature get in his way. He’s determined to make this new life work with Stan and now just has to convince Stan to let him in. Of course he has “Riley adventures” on the way to Stan’s place and Stan doesn’t let Riley off the hook too easily at first. Not everyone is cut out to be a country badger, Riley especially and Stan knows this. Stan needs to be sure Riley is in this for the long haul. As he puts Riley through his paces with country life, Riley starts to really appreciate the beauty of the life Stan is living, once he lets go of what he thinks he should want and sees what is right in front of him.

Riley and Stan grew up, and Riley finally figures out that compromise can lead to everything in the world that will make him happy.


Just a few extra bonus things that I absolutely loved in this story . . .

I absolutely have to mention Riley’s best friend and confidante, Janine. I love when the “best friend” is portrayed in a really positive way and doesn’t fall into stereotype. Janine was great. She was a true supportive friend, but she called Riley on his BS too. I love how he is amazed at her ability to spot another gay man without fail. He says,

“You’d think that woman had been born with her own personal Grindr app installed in her brain.”

Can that be a real thing? I’d really like for that to be a real thing.


Riley is known at work for being the guy who strips down to some fancy manties, climbs atop a desk and belts out a Christmas tune at the office Christmas party. It’s what he does. So, of course, his Secret Santa gifts every year are said fancy manties. He swears this year will be different. There is a promotion on the line after all. But, after a little too much to drink coupled with missing his mountain man the ability to actually care is completely gone and he fulfills his legacy with pride. He insists on singing Santa Baby even though,

“And while it wasn’t exactly a song designed for stripping, I was of the firm belief that you could take your clothes off to any piece of music with the right attitude.”

And this is why I love Riley.



Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Shock & Awe by Abigail Roux

After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado. He’s not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O’Flaherty stays with him in New Orleans. Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet—after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can. He’s very surprised, though, when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him. Nick knows all of Kelly’s quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk move on his part . . . or so he thought. But what should’ve been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address. Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other—friends and brothers in arms, or something even deeper?—before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Mmm... delicious.  I enjoyed this introduction to Sidewinder, a spin-off series from the popular Cut & Run books.  The chemistry between Nick and Kelly was off the charts, and the sex scenes were intense, raw and gritty, just the way I like them.   I also liked how the good times continued outside the bedroom.  Their dialogue and private reflections revealed a deep friendship filled with loyalty, trust and humor. It was great how they knew each other so well and could call each other on their BS. 

Why not 5 stars?

It felt rushed; I would have liked a slower build, with a little more tension before they got together.   The transition from Kelly considering Nick a good friend to wanting him sexually happened too suddenly for me.  The process also felt a little too analytical, almost as if he was evaluating the idea without emotion, just checking things off a list:

Kelly likes Nick, check

Kelly likes sex, check

Nick is hot in bed, check

Maybe Kelly would like sex with Nick, let's try it, check

Sex with Nick is amazing, check

His conclusion?  Nick and Kelly should be together because the sex is hot and the relationship would be easy. 

And that amazing sex? Happened while he was recovering from a bullet wound and could barely move.  That distracted me because I kept thinking, wait, doesn't that hurt?

As the story progressed, though, you could see Kelly getting more emotionally involved, which I appreciated.  I also appreciated Nick's reactions to Kelly's questions, propositions and enthusiastic responses ;)

For all that I enjoyed this story, though, I think it’s important to note that it is an introduction to a series, and a lot is left hanging.   So consider it a hearty appetizer, not a main course.

Side Notes:

The dirty talk...oh the dirty talk...*shivers* so good.

The ending shouldn't be a surprise if you've read Touch & Geaux. 

A bonus Sidewinder short story, Bait & Switch, was included with Shock & Awe.  Just a quick peek, really, but it gave us an update on Sidewinder and it included a very steamy scene that complimented the first story nicely.  

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

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

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

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

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

ok we go on....

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

I had a major epiphany when reading a specific quote

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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