Review: Downpayment by A.J. Mars

Mike Barrow and his friends are among many boys in Manchester who think the city will be their chance to improve themselves. But for now Mike is living in a damp flat with his friend Callum, and they’re both making ends meet by working the streets. When Mike meets Chris Wildsmith, a late-twenties entrepreneur, he thinks he’s hooked a job that will pay his rent for several weeks—a windfall already.

But his connection with Chris quickly goes beyond what’s normal between rent boy and client. Mike meets Chris’s friends, goes to Chris’s parties with him as his “boyfriend,” and finds himself swept up in a world he’s never known. He’s sure it’s all going to go horribly wrong, and when Chris’s work colleague figures them out and becomes violent, he’s almost proven right. But Mike isn’t the only one who has confused professionalism with something else. The breakup that follows gives Mike the impetus he needs to relaunch himself as somebody else, a man who will hopefully be someone Chris very much wants to be with.

GAY PRETTY WOMAN!!!!

Like, this was literally exactly the same as Pretty Woman, although better because no wanky Richard Gere character, (Chris was waaaaay less douchey!) and lots of awesome gay sex!

Mike is a prostitute on the streets of Manchester, he meets Chris in a bar and what starts off as a night transaction turns into a week deal. Well if you’ve seen Pretty Woman you know the rest, there’s no kissing on the mouth, then kissing at the end, nasty shop assistants and a caricature rapey bad guy, oh and of course a HEA.

I originally gave this 4 hearts because well… gay Pretty Woman, not super original, but you know what? I had an absolute ball reading this and am still thinking about it days later, so fuck-it, I'm giving it 5 hearts!! So many things I loved about this. I loved that Mike was a prostitute, not some high-priced escort like a lot of M/M rent boy stories are, but he had to walk the streets, go to bars and settle for some less than savoury characters if bills were due. Mike was a very real character, he kept upbeat about his life but also had insecurities, was clumsy and self-conscious at times. The realism (for a completely fantastical fictional storyline) was what made this story extra special for me, it had me giggling at some inappropriate times, much like Mike and Chris.

Mike’s palm squeaks on the glass, and the lube squelches at the change in angle. If they knew each other at all, they’d probably laugh. As it is they avoid each other’s eyes and pretend they didn’t hear it.

Chris was a really interesting character, although I felt like we didn’t get to know him as well, probably because we didn’t get his POV, which was a bit of a shame. He’s obviously ridiculously rich but still laid-back and quirky, he wears floral shirts….sure he says it's a ‘fashion thing’, but really….floral? Yea I kinda loved that about him. Also he sticks up for Mike and never treats him like a whore.

Chris flails purposefully and waves at Mike and all the bags he’s carrying. Behind the glass, their faces go from startled to open-mouthed.
Chris flips them off. He forcefully jabs upward with his middle fingers upraised.
“Snooty fuckers,” he mutters, slinging an arm around Mike’s shoulders and dragging him down the pavement.

The sex was also exceptionally detailed and sensual. I really like how it started rather clinical as Mike ‘worked it’. He thought about what he should do better and tried on different tactics and then as the well progressed it became more intimate and genuine as Mike let his guard down. When that kiss happens…mmm… it is sooo beautiful and worth the wait.

This was a light, sexy, funny, sweet and romantic read (feel free to add anything other warm and fuzzy adjectives in here). There are so many cute quotes I wanted to add because they made my heart swell to double its size, but I’ll just recommend to read the book and leave you with this one, which embodies these boys time together.

Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony— and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don’t mind that at all.

At the end of reading this I couldn’t get this ridiculous grin off my face for days!!!

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Review: Taste in Men by Douglas Black

Taylor Dale is terrified of getting tied down. After years working a job he doesn’t like in a city he’s always wanted to leave, he is finally on the verge of starting over. He just has to make it through his two-week’s notice.

A team-building weekend throws a spanner in the works when Taylor meets Charles. Charles is definitely not Taylor’s type, but attraction sparks hard and fast between them. Against his better judgment Taylor decides there might not be any harm in a weekend of no-strings-attached fun.

But Taylor never was very lucky.

One night with Charles threatens to turn his world upside down, if Taylor is willing to let it. In a panic, Taylor pushes Charles away, but distance isn’t enough to stop him wanting the man. Soon, Taylor realizes he has to take a chance and see if there might be a future between him and Charles. But for that to happen he’s going to have to hope Charles will answer his call.

When I see a new Douglas Black, I barely read the blurbs in my excitement before adding it to my TBR pile. I know that simple yet complex characters and intense situations are on menu.

With the Scottish Highlands as the main setting, "Taste in Men" is an sexual tension filled story about Taylor, an IT employee who is one foot out of the door at his company and Charles, the older silverfox head of the company. Taylor worked for the company since he was eighteen and all the hard work finally paid off with a big lucrative deal. He can finally leave the company where his technology skills were under appreciated. Down to his final two weeks at Webb, sadly, Taylor has to participate in a company team building weekend in the Scottish wilderness.

At 24 years old and carrying the baggage of a crappy childhood, Taylor is closed off, private and likes it that way. Imagine his surprise, when he feels an instant attraction to a man who doesn't fit his type of: barely legal, blonde and in the twink category. Charles is taller, older and broader than Taylor and he can't keep his eyes off the man. The sexual tension was delicious to read, I didn't expect any less from the author.

But I must say, this book isn't going to be for every reader. I think readers who don't mind contrary characters could give this a chance.

Taylor...he's interesting. I actually think Taylor has mental health concerns and undiagnosed disorders. He's antisocial but there more's to just being antisocial when it comes to Taylor. He's compulsive in his need to "not be tied down", to the point of touching slightly neurotic. And possibly on the spectrum with some of his habits displayed. He's so adamant about not being tied down, he won't buy the simplest things, though he has the coins to back it up. And his word vomit, some times it could grates the nerves.

It's perplexing at points. And Charles gets overshadowed with his baggage (loss of family) by Taylor's...uniqueness. He might be odd for some people, but there's something about his damage that made it an interesting read. I do wish it wasn't a singular POV (Taylor's). I think Charles was an equally interesting character if given a chance. His addition could be seen as telling since the reader misses out on his experience since meeting Taylor.

While the story has tension filled undertone, it wasn't saturated with abundant sex. There was outdoor sex! And a few thwarted occurrences just when the sexy times was imminent. You could just feel those blue balls for the men.

But with some good things, there were parts that weren't as solid.

Things not as strong:

There were weird loose ends, like Ray - was he interested or not? What's his deal? At times he seemed jealous, other supportive. And then as we got to the end, he just disappeared.

The epilogue was cool until the final paragraph (okay maybe 3-4 paragraphs) It was a weird spot. The growth great, but the dialogue got a little wonky. Something was a little off with the HEA feeling.

And the biggest one for me was missing out on the personal growth from Taylor. I wish there was more chances to read the interim parts of him trying to become a functioning adult with the one thing he didn't like, before skipping ahead in time.

Other than those things, the story is readable. Sexy, a little sad in parts, a little funny in others, a quick romance that I think would last. Just wish there was more elaboration in the less stronger bits.

Not my favorite from Douglas Black, "Port in a Storm", but not bad at all.

Recommended for readers who like age gaps, characters who don't emote out loud very well and sexy times outdoors.

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Guest Review: Carry Me Home by Sterling Rivers

After his mom dies, Aiden Price returns to Texas to deal with the aftermath. Amidst disapproving family and painful memories, Aiden finds solace in love letters he discovers in his mom’s attic. Needing a change when his sexual orientation is unexpectedly revealed and his dad rejects him, Aiden sets out on a journey to Montana to find the mysterious author of the letters. There he meets Cody Bannar, who volunteers to be his guide.

Cody had a rough start in life but after being adopted into a huge, loving family, he lives out and proud, unafraid of what others think about his sexuality.

Aiden and Cody hit it off and Aiden is welcomed into Cody’s family with open arms. As they continue on their quest, they begin to fall in love, but Aiden isn’t ready to commit to Cody, or to embrace who he is.

Not until after the truth behind the love letters is revealed does Aiden realize his mom would have wanted him to follow his heart. And home is where the heart is—firmly in Cody’s hands.

The idea that love letters written in the past can resonate in the present captured my imagination and I devoured this story.

Narrated by Aiden Price he tells of his return to his childhood home in Texas, distraught at the prospect of the imminent funeral of his mother. He feels both responsible and overwhelmed tasked with putting his mother's affairs in order with very little support or practical help from his distant divorced father and elder sister.

In the attic of his family home, Aiden discovers a stash of love letters in an old military chest that belonged to his maternal Uncle Georgie. The letters are from someone called Bibby whom Aiden assumes to be a woman. On closer inspection however he realises Bibby is in fact a man. Aiden has kept his own sexuality a closely guarded secret, and tries to imagine what it must have been like in the 1950s for Bibby and Georgie.

Impulsively, Aiden decides to take a lengthy road trip in the hope of tracking down the elusive Bibby and discovering what happened to him following Georgie's death at the end of the war.

Aiden finds himself in Valley Forge, Montana and his quest to find Bibby leads to his own journey of self discovery.

Enter stage left Aiden's love interest Cody, who volunteers to help track down Bibby using his local knowledge and contacts. Cody is vibrant and outgoing, the adopted son of a loving and demonstrative family but he also has his own demons to deal with.

In truth, I found Cody just too exuberant and Aiden a little too reserved and secretive, but they clearly have the hots for each other even if it takes some time to get over initial reservations.

With Cody's help, and the beauty of the love letters written from the heart, Aiden comes to realise he has spent too long trying to be the son his father wants and may never get the acceptance and approval he craves. Aiden takes the time to reassess his life whilst searching for Bibby.

Frankly, I found the ending just a little contrived for my more cynical sensibilities, however it is both poignant and charming.

Aiden and Cody get to know one another as their search continues. Aiden gradually comes to terms with mourning his mother and the secrets held between them. He discovers that family can be so much more than the one we are born into. Choices we make about both whom and how we love, can be even truly fulfilling. This is a beautifully etched bittersweet tale of love and self acceptance and the underlying knowledge that home can be wherever you choose.

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Review: Love and the Exorcism by Melanie Hansen

Tom Hannity is not boring, despite what his ex-boyfriend says. He loves his circle of family and friends and finds peace in the beauty of flower arranging. Still stinging from his recent breakup, Tom attends an Anti-Valentine’s Day “Ex-orcism,” hoping for some fun and forgetfulness.

Mario Tellez is tired of party boys, and he’s had his eye on Tom for a while. When they run into each other at the Ex-orcism, sparks fly, until an accidentally overheard conversation drives Tom to do something he normally doesn't do.

What should have been a hot and fun night turns into Tom and Mario seeing each other at their absolute worst, although surprisingly, it brings out the best in them, too. Navigating around the toxic people in their lives isn’t easy, and after a small series of bumps in the road, they finally come around full circle… to Valentine’s Day and laying old demons to rest.

Melanie Hansen was one of my best author discoveries of 2015. I truly enjoyed her Resilient Love series; every book seemed to get better and better and I was unbelievably invested in the characters. Maybe, because of this, my expectations were higher? different? when I read this and whilst I did enjoy it, it certainly didn't wow me as much as the other books of hers I read.

This story was short and enjoyable, a fun little read. An ex-orcism is the perfect way to spend Valentine's day. A way to rid the demons of exes past - what Tom didn't expect was to meet Mario. Or Mario's friends, who really aren't the nicest group of people.

From this first meeting through a year to the following Valentine's day we follow the ups and downs of their relationship. It was cute, it was fun, it was short - it didn't wow me. This book had some big time jumps, a year was covered in this short story. For me it didn't feel as though this came naturally to the author. The jumps felt awkward at times and, whilst the story made sense, it didn't flow as beautifully as her other work.

Maybe I am just prejudiced because I am a fan of this author and this book wasn't 100% for me. I'd hate though, for someone to pick up this book and think this was all this author had to offer because that is so far from the truth. But I also don't want people to think this is a bad read, because it isn't. It's one of those cute stories to be read between longer novels. The sorbet of the book world. I always prefer main course and pudding to sorbet, doesn't mean I don't appreciate the sorbet for what it has to offer.

I would highly recommend this author, I would even recommend this book, I would just say don't go into reading this book thinking it is the same as her (amazing) longer novels.

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

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Review: Quentin Heart, Vampire Bounty Hunter by Amber Kell

Quentin Heart is a magical genius with more troubles than three people his age. His mother is dying of cancer, a vampire master wants to own him and he has bone wolves deciding to be his new puppy protection detail.

When his friend, Glenn, is murdered Quentin Heart has to discover who attacked him and what happened to his body. Unfortunately Jakinson, the new vampire master, has decided to protect Quentin from himself.

Annoyed with everyone trying to kill or control him, Quentin has to push back against vampires, psychotic fae and more magic than he’s ever had to handle before. It will take more than magic to get him out of this one. It might even take love.

Quentin is a powerful academic wizard who is currently trying to get his PhD in spell-casting (I think?!) and is dealing with the slow demise of his mother, whom is battling cancer.

He needs money to pay the medical bills, and stumbles across a flyer advertising for Vampire bounty hunters, on an electrical pole as he is heading to the spell lab. He signs up and captures his first bounty flawlessly, until another vampire decides to claim him as his mate. Now trouble seems to be falling in his lap, no matter what he does, and he is trying to fix it while resisting the allure of the sexy, overbearing Master Vampire.

This story was a whole lot of fun. It was witty, and dry, and charming. I’m not usually that interested in paranormal magic stories but this really was worth the read.

Quentin is a pretty typical college kid, well, for someone highly intelligent and gifted. His struggles with his mother keep him humble, but he still knows his worth. So when the pushy new leader of the local Vampire Clan makes him an Untouchable and he can no longer work as a bounty hunter because he will be in harm’s way, well that just won’t do, and he pushes back, demanding he be given his independence (but strangely not his freedom).

Jaks isn’t your typical arrogant Master vampire. I mean he is arrogant, but he is charming, and seems to enjoy ruffling Quentin’s feathers over allowing him his independence. He wasn’t overly pleased that Quentin would put himself in danger, but he was charmed by the attempts Quentin made to assert himself, and was drawn to the power Quentin holds.

This was a fast paced read, and I power read it all day. There is a lot of stuff going on in this book, but it is all connected, and I was never lost in what was going on.

There were some different takes on magical beings, that I haven’t read before, and Quentin’s friends were all sorts of people, not just your typical ‘good’ people. One of his friends is a necromancer, another is a newly made vampire, and of course there are the Bone Wolves following him around, and not doing what he says, like ‘Go home to your master’.

The insta-love was an issue for me, although I wouldn’t call it insta-love exactly. It was borderline, but I suppose that goes with the ‘fated mate’ territory (Quentin does not believe in fated mates, but Jaks certainly does). I’m not a real fan of that type of relationship building. It feels like cheating to me. There should be more effort being put into proving why these two people should be together, and I hope this is expanded in the next book.

This is more story than sex, but I wasn’t disappointed. The action, comedy, and drama more than took care of this slight hiccup in my typical reading day. There was no cliffhanger, but I am fully aware that this story is not finished and the way it ended feeds into more later. I think it was done quite well, with a lot to work with, but all of the important parts of this story tied up as best it can be.

I would recommend this to all who enjoy a good paranormal fantasy story based around magic. I will definitely be reading the sequel, whenever that is published.

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Audiobook Review: Dinner at Fiorello's by Rick R. Reed

Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.

Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking. When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more—something real, something true—to separate the good from the bad and find the love—and the hope—that just might be their salvation.

Listening Length: 7 hours and 11 minutes
Narrator: Joel Leslie

I had to cogitate on this one for a couple of days before I wrote my review. I wanted to come at it from the right perspective to make sure I do it justice and still make sense about what did and didn’t work for me. I came to the conclusion that I needed to look at Dinner at Fiorello’s as more of a coming of age book for Henry and a coming to terms book for Vito and not so much a romance between the two of them. And there was romance, definitely, but it wasn’t front and center to the overall story to me. Once I did that I could appreciate the story for how well it was written and narrated.

I really liked Henry from the very beginning. He’s a rich kid with, what seems like, every advantage, but he doesn’t have it easy. His mom is disconnected, his father is a selfish egotist and his best friend turns out to be a total shitheel. His father is grooming him to become a lawyer just like he is while Henry’s passion lies in the kitchen and the food he can create. He so desperately wants to explore this side of himself and he sees the summer after graduating as possibly his only chance. Then you add in the fact he hasn’t come out to his family and the kid is under a lot of pressure. I say ‘kid’ because he’s 18, but he really is a mature 18 with a pretty grounded sense of self. He didn’t read older than that though, the author balanced enough angst in there to keep his age real.

This was the strongest part of the story for me. The whole thing could have just been about Henry and I would have eaten it up. He was written and narrated so well I had the urge to befriend and protect his character from the baddies, former best friend who shall not be named, I’m looking at you here. I also celebrated his victories with him and when he found the inner strength to be true to himself I was all kinds of happy. I have to say though, I was sad for his friend too. The kid was messed up and obviously torn about his feelings, BUT, you don’t do that shit to my Henry, not cool. I also really liked the narrator’s voice for Henry, it fit perfectly and captured all the emotion without being over the top.

I’m not really sure where to go with Vito. His story is frickin’ heartbreaking and listening to it was just plain sad. I get it, his loss was overwhelming and not that far in the past so it all made sense. I could see why he’d be attracted to Henry but as the story moved on and Vito compared Henry to his former husband on more than one occasion it made me feel like Vito was really not ready for this and Vito readily admits that he isn’t. Again, that all made sense, I think I had just gotten so attached to Henry, that I wanted more for him.

The author made the city of Chicago and its surrounding areas, which I have never had the pleasure of visiting, into another character in the book. I really could visualize every setting clearly and that added to the story in a meaningful way. The narrator does a great job with the Italian accents in the story. Accents can really be a make or break for an audiobook and Joel Leslie made it seem effortless, making it easy to listen to. I really enjoyed the narration throughout, if I’m on the fence with an audiobook in the future and see that he’s narrating, I’m adding that one to the cart.

So, while I was a little torn on how I felt at the end, besides kinda sad that is, I’m glad I waited a couple of days to get my perspective straight. I think if I’d have had more time with them together when I knew Vito was all in, then the romance would have worked better for me. But, I enjoyed Henry and his story so much, I was able to let that go a little and just root for Henry and where he was going. I ended with lots of optimism for him personally even if I wasn’t completely feeling it for Henry and Vito together. I give them a cautious HFN with lots of hope because that’s what Henry wants and deserves. Vito just better appreciate what he’s got there, that’s all I have to say.

For more info on Dinner at Fiorello's and where to get your copy head over to Dreamspinner Press.

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

Review: Out of Nowhere (Middle of Somewhere #2) by Roan Parrish

The only thing in Colin Mulligan’s life that makes sense is taking cars apart and putting them back together. In the auto shop where he works with his father and brothers, he tries to get through the day without having a panic attack or flying into a rage. Drinking helps. So do running and lifting weights until he can hardly stand. But none of it can change the fact that he’s gay, a secret he has kept from everyone.

Rafael Guerrera has found ways to live with the past he’s ashamed of. He’s dedicated his life to social justice work and to helping youth who, like him, had very little growing up. He has no time for love. Hell, he barely has time for himself. Somehow, everything about miserable, self-destructive Colin cries out to him. But down that path lie the troubles Rafe has worked so hard to leave behind. And as their relationship intensifies, Rafe and Colin are forced to dredge up secrets that both men would prefer stay buried.

The cover of the first book in this series (In The Middle of Somewhere) drew me in and on reading I found a debut novel that I really enjoyed, so when the opportunity to review the second book came up I jumped at the chance.  I am so, so glad I did. I think I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one. 

Set in a timeline concurrent to the first novel, Out of Nowhere, could be read as a standalone. Colin is the brother of Daniel from the first book and while the two characters appear in each others storyline briefly it is not imperative at all to understanding the story. If you have read the other book however, it gives insight to events from two different perspectives. This I really enjoyed, and it served as a  reminder that how we view things is not necessarily how others view things.

This story is about Colin (a character not to be loved in book 1) and Rafael. Colin, on the surface, is not a  nice bloke - but his own worst enemy is himself. His actions are governed by a fear of who he really is. Does it always justify hos actions? No, not necessarily. He is hot headed, prone to fits of temper and pretty unaccepting. At least on the surface. He doesn't know how to reconcile the "two" parts of him; the tough, no bullshit mechanic and "the gay". 

At times I was so angry with him, I wanted to shout just be you, don't hide. At other times though I felt insanely sad that he was so uncomfortable in his own skin as it is only because of the judgement of others that  he felt he couldn't be true to himself. And frankly, that's bloody sad. Colin didn't change from the person he's always been once others found out he was gay but how others reacted to him did. Which really freaking pissed me off because why does someone's sexuality make an iota of difference to anyone else? It doesn't, Colin is Colin is Colin. And people have to deal with this crap - and so much worse - everyday. Okay, maybe writing a review at 4am after waking from a nightmare isn't the best idea, I get ragey. 

Rafael was, on the surface, the opposite to Colin in many ways. Even tempered, he lives to help queer youths, to have a place where they can learn life skills without any judgment on who they are or who they are attracted to. It is only as the story goes on we see this as his way of redeeming a past he is not proud of. When he engages Colin to come and share his mechanic knowledge with the kids. it really is the start of a journey for them both.

I think the attraction of this story is being able to understand life from different perspectives, to be reminded that life is not black and white, and assumptions can be very harmful. Roan Parrish writes very engagingly, with a storyline and characters what are engaging and page turning. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

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

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Guest Review: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

At first I was clueless, I had no idea what I should expect of this. Because it's not the usual M/M romance. It's a funny and quirky story of a 17-year-old guy in high school. And let me say this: he was a real teenager. He is cute and clever, with insecurities and strengths and I loved him.

Becky Albertalli doesn't beat around the bush and she directly says what is important to know. And knows what is not. Because there is a mystery here to be solved. I don't usually like mysteries in the detective novel kind of way. But some enigma now and then does no harm, right? Well, I must say that when the "real" Blue appeared for the first time, I had a feeling he was The One. But there were hints that other characters could be him, too. So I decided to be a little wary. I didn't want my hopes crushed under the heel of disappointment.

Thing is, I liked Blue but I also liked Real Blue. Maybe I was seeing what I wanted to see. And that blinds you, so I tried not to let it go further. I'm glad I was right, because Blue is really cute. I mean, Simon and Blue are both cute, and what they have is really cute. Their banter is comfortable and careful at the same time. They want more, but they also have enough. For now. You have to take into consideration that they are not "together" in the real sense until very late in the novel. This can shoo readers away but in truth I didn't care about this. Because what I got to see was enough for me. It's a feel-good kind of novel.

There is an alternation of episodes: one was about Simon's day to day, and the next one was the exchange of mails between himself and someone called Blue. What began with a quote posted in the high school Tumblr develops to friendship and to something deeper. It's a very subtle change, and I could fall a little in love with Blue with each passing message. But who is Blue? And if they meet in person, would everything be different between them? And if so, would it be a good "different" or a bad "different"?

I liked the total honesty of this book. Seriously, the friends, the family, the theatre play, the "blackmailing", the fuckups, the everything was worth it. Nothing was a tragedy but nothing was rainbows, either. I appreciate finding this kind of story now and then. I didn't exactly laughed out loud but I was definitely not bored at all. I was totally hooked and charmed by it all.

But I'm not only talking about the characters' attitude and feelings but about that obsession authors have about avoiding calling a spade a spade. Sometimes they say the character is "dark" and, consequently, I imagine him dark haired and maybe tanned if further information is given. But after several pages, sometimes the whole book, there is a scene where suddenly someone slips and you realize that when the author said "dark", he meant "black".

And I feel cheated. And that upsets me to no end. I mean, why are you so scared to say someone is black? It's very annoying having a picture in your head and suddenly realizing that it was the wrong one because the author "casually" forgot mentioning it before. It only demonstrates the author's self-consciousness instead of being straight and behaving in a natural way. I do not understand the fuss here, to be honest.

Simon has lots of friends and some of them are black. I loved how the author told the exact amount of information about each one of them without making a big issue out of it. I said before Simon acts as a true teenager and I must say that everything surrounding him had that same atmosphere of reality. With the dramas and not-so-dramas, with the successes and the fails, but everything wrapped in a hilarious and nonchalant mood that encouraged me to keep reading. Because one thing is undeniable: you drink these pages like water, you lose track of time and when you stop reading you realize you have almost finished the bottle. The author knows how to grab your attention and make you turn page after page without breathing.

I recommend this book.

PS: The closest style I can find are the ones in After Ben and The Truth About Riley.

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Guest Review: Waking Jamal by Amberly Smith

Their physical and mental survival depends on them bonding.


Jamal Zumati joins the military, determined to repay the country that fed and housed him. But during his Hamask activation, his senses go offline and he enters a berserker rage. The United States Hamrammr Program, or USHP, has only one option: put him into hibernation.

Despite his extraordinary ability to read and manipulate situations, Vargr Lt. Rum Walker has stepped on one too many brass toes, and the USHP demoted him back to teaching new candidates. Rum is one paranoid thought away from self-destruction when he is recruited for a covert mission: pull Jamal from hibernation.

The problem is, no one has ever survived a berserker fury—at least not officially. If Rum is to challenge the military stereotypes, he’ll not only need to wake Jamal—he’ll need to get him to agree to be bond as a Hamra Pair, the ultimate supersoldier team.

When Jamal and Rum team up with an FBI Hamra Pair to stop the terrorist group Dios Provee, Rum thinks he’ll show Jamal their true potential lies in an equal partnership, but Jamal is convinced Rum should take the lead. Will Rum stop Jamal from going berserk again and destroying both of their futures?

Guess what day it is?!!! It’s my birthday!!! Yes it is. Seriously! Which is awesome because I’m planning my nervous breakdown later today. Come join me for my BIG THIRTY-FIVE…. *sobs* I made it *sobs some more* I hope someone brought me cake… I think I need cake right now.

We unicorns like reasons to celebrate with cake. Happy double b-day FL & Sheziss!

But seriously, Happy Release day for Waking Jamal by Amberly Smith!

Awesome story. I am really pleased that this story is being released on such a special day (my birthday, remember.)

I’ve been really getting into Sci-fi the last six months or so, and so far I’ve only read a few duds. This is definitely not a dud.

This was fantabulous. Jamal is a newly activated Hamask (bear) but something goes wrong and he enters a berserker rage during activation. This is usually a death sentence, especially when the Hamask are put into hibernation to keep them docile. Things are not looking good for Jamal, until four months later, when Vargr (wolf) Lt. Rum Walker is asked to try and wake Jamal up in the hopes that they will become a bonded pair.

Rum has been unbonded for over a decade. He has accepted his fate, and appears to be going slowly insane. That is the documented evidence from the project, for unbonded Vargr. He is not optimistic about his encounter with Jamal, but tries it nonetheless.

This story has a lot of unique concepts. Thankfully you will find the Glossary of Terms for the Valhalla Initiative right there in the front of the book. I suggest you read it thoroughly so you don’t get bogged down during the story on unfamiliar terms, and internal spell check. I still found I tripped over the term Vargr and Hamrammr but the rest was easy enough to remember.

A note before I get into the plot. This is not a shifter story. There is no shifting into an animal. The activation awakens something inside the human that creates similar instincts and physical attributes as bears and wolves (eye-sight, sense of smell, mating instinct, strength), but they don’t actually turn into anything other than growly men and women with super senses.

There was a lot of action in this story. A lot of mission practice to get Jamal and Rum working as a team, and honing their skills for real missions. They worked well together, even though they were not bonded. They were able to keep up the appearance for a time, but after a while, the cracks in their story started to show. This created some tension, and some missed opportunity for open dialogue between them, but the story still flowed well.

The plot was well developed. I didn’t miss a thing. I was completely enraptured by both characters and the overall world building. I am pretty impressed with this story, and I think I want to pressure the author to write more on this world, if that hasn’t already been decided (remember it’s my birthday?! *bats eyelashes* will that work?).

Individually both Jamal and Rum had clearly defined personalities. I enjoyed the way they interacted. I did want a little more from Rum, because I felt his character was held back a little so that Jamal could come through clearly. I don’t think that was necessary, and I would have liked the author to push both characters to the limits of her imagination.

The romance did work. Not because of some fated mate bonding but because bonding is a conscious choice as much as humans have choice over which pheromones they react to (they don’t, but they can sure say, “You smell good, but your personality sucks, we won’t be making the sex”…… ). The misunderstandings were slightly annoying and it is a pet peeve of mine, but I sort of get where Rum was coming from and why he didn’t want to pressure Jamal, thus closing off any dialogue that would have sorted that out much quicker.

The sex was very hot. There’s really not much else I can say on that. The chemistry, tension, and eventual erotic scenes were very well written. The dynamics were believable, and just yum.

A few plot holes that were subtle but will be noticed. Wick…. He is sort of a wildcard on the whole story line. I wasn’t quite sure what that was all about. It sort of made sense, but didn’t. But then I was like who cares, Jamal is sniffing Rum, and it is sexy as hell so forget Wick, he is irrelevant. Someone less interested in the sexy time may have more to complain about so I’ll leave it to them to dissect.

Learning more about the rebel group before that whole scene was executed would have felt more real to me. It felt convenient. The setup wasn’t great but meh… the sniffing and protecting…. Hawt! I’m kidding. I did care about it but it didn’t ruin anything for me.

The journal entries were a great filler and a good way to get to know Dr Brad Bur while still focusing on Jamal and Rum. Be prepared for that point of view. I really enjoyed it. It was casual and witty, great for lightening a generally serious story.

Overall I binge read this from start to finish. I think it is definitely worth reading for those who enjoy this sort of sci-fi/military storyline set on a futuristic earth. I will have my eye on Amberly Smith to see when that second novel comes out, because I want *side eye and grabby hands*.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads or Dreamspinner Press.

Guest Review: Phonebook by Amy Lane

Stuck away from home on business, all Ryan can do is talk with his lover, Scott, on the phone. But the conservative Ryan finds no comfort in phone sex—he's far too embarrassed. Fortunately, his playful lover has not only planned ahead, but he can think on his back as well. It turns out that the heart really is where good sex starts!

1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, 2010.

Guest Reviewer: Adam
Short, sweet, and also sexy. Amy Lane’s fluffy reads are the perfect pick-me-ups.

On yet another business trip, Ryan is feeling bored and frustrated. His boyfriend Scott tries to cheer him up, but he can’t help but be a bit bummed over spending his birthday away from home. Fortunately, Scott knows just what to do to distract both of them up. Phone sex.

I was grinning from the first page. This short is meant to make readers smile, and it achieves that. Even the sex is funny, which I wasn’t so sure about at first, but it worked well. That’s not to say that the phone sex isn’t hot, because it is. We’ve got a usual top getting his inner bottom on with a butt plug while his boyfriend talks dirty to him. Of course it’s hot.

Despite being very short and consisting mostly of a telephone sex scene, I wouldn’t categorize ‘Phonebook’ as PWP. The couple in this book are still fairly new, and are working out some issues. Ryan is at a crossroads, having to choose between his career and his relationship. However it’s angst-free, as Ryan and Scott hash out the problem and come to an agreement pretty quickly.

‘Phonebook’ is the follow up to a short story written by Amy Lane in an anthology that is no longer in print. However, this short story works fine as a stand alone. Though if you do want to wait for it, Amy Lane posted on her blog that the first story will be re-released sometime in May.

I do have to note that I read this short story twice, and liked it more so the second time. When I first read this story, I gave it three stars. I liked it well enough, but it was missing something. After reading the sequel, Puppy, Car, and Snow, I decided to re-read ‘Phonebook’ and enjoyed it much more the second time around. The extra context and emotional connection makes ‘Phonebook’ a much better read. So I’d highly recommend reading the sequel before backtracking.

Overall, ‘Phonebook’ is a cute, sexy, and quick read. If you’re looking for a filler read, this freebie is a good bet.

Dreamspinner Press
Goodreads
Booklikes

Review: Finding the Sky by A.M. Burns

Dillon Smith is so ready for the school year to be over, because he’ll get some relief from the gang that’s been pressuring him to join them. Unfortunately, when he stops for a soda, he’s implicated in the gang robbing a convenience store. Given his late father’s association with the gang, even his mother doesn’t believe him when he says he wants no part of it, and she sends him to live with his Uncle Bryan for the summer.

On the way to his uncle’s house in the country, he and Bryan rescue a hawk that was hit by a semitruck. They take it to some wildlife rehabbers living down the street, and they help open Dillon to experiences he never imagined.

When Dillon meets Scott, the son of the rehabbers, he falls in love, but the gang has a rough summer planned for him.

When this book was offered for review, I have to admit to being in two minds about whether to take it or not. If I'm honest it was the cover rather than the blurb that sold me, so can we all pause for a moment and give a little cover love to this book. Aaah. Feels good huh? So many fugly covers, I do appreciate it when I find one I love!

The cover persuaded me to give it  a try, and I'm glad I did. Despite the fact that portions of this story are very sad, it was on the whole quite a sweet love story - which is what I hoped it would be. I have very little patience for over dramatised, overly convenient plot lines and I did worry that this might fall into that category. I was pleased though, that while it did contain drama, it wasn't of the forced nature I worried it might be.

Once Dillon had moved from the city to his uncle's house the clichés that were lurking fell away and the story of his connection to his summer home came to the fore. And it was sweet. I liked the relationships forged and shown between all of the main characters. Although Dillon was a city boy, he seemed a country boy at heart - once he'd let himself appreciate the virtues of the countryside. Whilst his mother tried hard for him (and yes, she was a bit of a cliché downtrodden, pregnant young, poor mother) it was his uncle who really helped Dillon find himself. The relationship between these two was lovely. 

Scott, with his two dads and extensive knowledge of wild birds, was a great second protagonist. The romance between him and Dillon was really very sweet, and this is what I loved about the story. The angst and sadness and gang storyline were (for me) the author's way of getting Dillon and Scott together. They were there but as a carriage for the relationship development; in my opinion, it was the emotional storyline that won this story. It's what kept me reading.

Basically what I'm saying is; I liked this story. I did. While it wasn't a blow-me-away five heart read, it was exactly what I needed to read at the time I read it and it warmed the cockles of my heart despite the angsty edge.

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

For more information, see:
Harmony Ink Press
Goodreads
Booklikes

Review: The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote

   When a professional relationship turns personal, it’s impossible to resist the law of attraction.
   Alec Rowland is a high-flying lawyer in a London firm whose career is his life. He doesn’t have time for relationships and his sexuality is a closely guarded secret. After picking up a cute guy on a Friday night, Alec’s world is rocked to its foundations when his one night stand shows up in the office on Monday morning—as the new temp on his team.
   Ed Piper is desperate to prove himself in his new job. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by a crush on his boss. It’s hard to ignore the attraction he feels, even though Alec’s a difficult bastard to work for.
   Both men strive to maintain a professional relationship, but tempers fray, passions ignite, and soon they’re both falling hard and fast. If they’re ever going to find a way to be together, Alec needs to be honest about who he really is because Ed won’t go back in the closet for anyone.

Jay Northcote is an author whose books I know I'm going to enjoy. She has a very clean writing style that is easy to read and engaging. Nothing is overtly complex, yet the characters are written with depth and understanding. They are likeable and relate-able - and that is what keeps me going back for more. 

I chose different authors for different reading moods, and Jay Northcote as one I choose when I want a light-hearted read with a touch of humour. The Law of Attraction certainly fitted the bill for me. The storyline isn't a new one, discovering your new boss/employee was your mind blowing one night stand has been done before and will be (I don't doubt) done again. It doesn't matter to me though, if the story has been told before, if I believe in the new characters and enjoy the presentation - and here I did.

Ed kinda stole a bit of my heart. He felt very sincere. I appreciated that there was no unnecessary drama from him. No acting out. He wasn't afraid to be himself, but he didn't do it with a whole load of manipulative bullshit. I liked him a lot.

Alec - well truth be told, I did wonder of I was going to like Alec. The closeted gay guy with the best-friend-beard... it could have been just too cliché for my tastes. But actually, it didn't slip down that path, it felt right. I believed Alec and Alec's reasoning/behaviour.

As ever with  Jay Northcote story, there is hot sex a plenty, so if you're looking to steam up your reading glasses this is a good bet. The balance of hot and sweet is pretty spot on for a low angst, enjoyable read.

To find out more see Goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links (Book is exclusively sold on Amazon)

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B6NSXD0

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01B6NSXD0

Universal Amazon link: http://mybook.to/TLOA_JayN

Guest Review: Shadows and Light by Cari Z.

A fight to the death against his former master turns into a chance for Rafael, an assassin denied the immortality he lived to achieve, to learn the shocking truth about the fate he was spared.

Rafael wanted nothing more than to serve his immortal master, Xian, a High One of Clare, who taught him from an early age how to be an assassin. But after failing the final test, Rafael was turned out into the Lower City, abandoned by the one person he thought he could count on.

Years of hatred and thoughts of revenge have fueled Rafael’s quest for vengeance, but when the time comes to strike at Xian, he hesitates and is taken prisoner. Rafael expects to die, either at Xian’s hand or at the hand of Myrtea, his sadistic mistress.

Instead Xian heals him, spares him a brutal interrogation and tells him the dark truth driving the ruthlessness of the High Ones—the source of their immortality is spent. Soon the city will devolve into chaos as High Ones battle one another and the rebelling denizens of the Lower City for power and resources. Xian wants to spare Rafael that pain, just as he spared him the pain of becoming a High One a decade earlier.

Their only chance for survival is to escape Clare before civil war breaks out. Even if they make it out of the city, though, there’s no guarantee that Xian will live through the agonizing process of becoming human again. The only ones they can rely on are each other…if Rafael can bring himself to once again trust his former master, the only man he’s ever loved.

Reader Advisory: This book contains mentions of blood-drinking, blood magic, blood-play, knife-play, addiction and withdrawal, as well as flogging and whipping. This book also refers to pain and blood-play as coping mechanisms.

Publisher's Note: This book has been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Pride Publishing.

Cari Z is a new to me author……and I can’t explain why. How have I missed this?! I feel like I live under a rock right now. I feel betrayed by my reader friends. Why has no one recommended Cari Z to me before?! I’m wounded. Deeply.

But now that I have discovered the wonder of Cari’s writing, I can see myself working my way through the back list. So at least there is that. I’m now somewhat pacified.

Now that I got the pouting out of the way, let’s talk about this book.

Raphael lives in the slums, and dreams about taking revenge on his former Master, for casting him out and abandoning him to wallow in self-pity and deep depression. He stalks the High One’s and takes them out to get his message to Xian in the hopes that it will draw the former Master to him so he can kill him.

As a former apprentice to be ascended to a High One, and trained ruthlessly by Xian, Raphael has the assassin skills required to catch each arrogant High One by surprise, and take their life. This is facilitated by their inability to tolerate the sun, and movement is always done at night, in the Shadows.

This world was rich with descriptive, showing text. It was not difficult to imagine any of the world the author shared. It was quick to be explained, but not rushed. Through Raphael’s introspection, and present visuals I easily grasped what was going on, who Raphael was, and what his plans were. I also felt his emotions completely, and was sucked into his campaign of killing.

We don’t meet Xian for quite a while, but when we do, it is a very curious exchange. His motives are not clear, and he keeps things secret for quite some time. It is easy to see how devoted Raphael was to Xian as an apprentice, and how those feelings are just below the surface when they come face to face again.

The story unfolds slowly, and we only learn things in due time. Nothing is given away too early, and there is no wondering where a scene came from. This story flowed seamlessly, and skillfully.

Raphael is a masochist… possibly borne, not trained. It’s hard to tell from the flashbacks but he was definitely always submissive. His absolute devotion to Xian and unconditional love is apparent in every move he makes. Whether he likes it or not, he could never harm his Master.

It was difficult to understand Xian’s perspective. We did not jump into his point of view, so we learned about him only from Raphael’s perspective and the dialogue they shared. This made it difficult to connect with him on an emotional level, which I believe was the point. He is thousands of years old, and has been in this state of being for so long that emotion isn’t something he can relate to. He feels affection, but anything beyond that, he no longer understands.

The mythology behind the High One’s, and how they came to be, was interesting and creative. Immortality has a price, and that price can become very high. Resources are always finite. There will always be an end somewhere.

The sex was intense. Complete D/s relationship with bondage and SM. Some of it extreme. The knife play was hot. It’s one of my favourite scenes to read. While the sex was great, it was understated to the rest of the story. It added, not distracted from the actual plot. And this was a complex plot, with lots of twists and turns. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and hope there will be more.

The story ends with a few threads loose, and I hope that means that we might be able to explore this couple some more at a later date. It was definitely worth my time, and attention, and I would jump all over a sequel.

Recommended for those who enjoy fantasy, action adventure with heavy kink, excellent world building, and an almost HFN. This does not end on a cliffhanger, it is a complete novel.

Check out on Goodreads or Booklikes!