The Power of Love

space-coyote: “Saiyanfeld,” the main Seinfeld cast...

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 14:53:11 -0600

“Saiyanfeld,” the main Seinfeld cast in the style of Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, Dr. Slump, etc.). Commissioned by seinfeld2000! I’m a big fan of both Seinfeld and Toriyama so this was a blast to work on.

Wayzata Review

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 18:44:45 -0500

Wayzata

Author: Ted Korsmo

Publisher: John Edward Korsmo II

American release date: July 31, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/PI mystery/187 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Once a policeman in LA, Carroll LaRue left Tinseltown behind for the Midwest. Now he’s a PI in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis. It’s the 1930’s. War is looming, but life goes on as well as it can. And LaRue has a new client.

He’s driven to the house by the chauffeur, a chatty young guy by the name of Jules, where he meets Samantha (Sam) Fortescue, wife of wealthy Leslie Fortescue. The house is definitely easy on the eyes, though the wife has seen better days. Sam shows LaRue a photo of a pretty young thing, a redhead named Mavis Madder—she wants her followed. But she isn’t exactly forthcoming on the real reason she wants the girl followed, so LaRue walks out—and she follows, begging him to stay.

Finally, she admits the truth—Mavis is or was her husband’s mistress. LaRue decides he’s interested and agrees to take the case. Little does he know what he’s getting into.

Wayzata is a PI novel very much in the style of Raymond Chandler, and Carroll LaRue could be a distant cousin to Philip Marlowe. He’s a wisecracking, fly-by-the-seat-of-his pants kind of guy with a weakness for the bottle and sexy dames like Mavis. The big difference is he’s not in LA, he’s in Wayzata, MN. There are only two PIs in town, and the other one, Marion Hules, was once LaRue’s partner.

The cast of characters is worthy of Chandler, including the young smartass chauffeur, the aggrieved wife, the beautiful mistress waiting her turn to become the next Mrs. Fortescue, the ex-partner, the shady gunsmith whose work is strictly off the record.

This is one case that will keep you guessing, and to say I didn’t see the ending coming is no exaggeration. I love the writing style, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

If you enjoy detective stories, and especially if you’re a fan of Raymond Chandler, this is a must-read book.

Driving Into the Sun Review

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:42:56 -0500

Driving Into the Sun

Author: Dev Bentham

Publisher: Loose ID

American release date: September 22, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Contemporary/175 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

When you hit bottom, you’ve no way to go but up…

Dusty Walker is about to hit bottom. Bad enough he was duped by his boss/lover, along with a lot of other trusting souls who blindly placed their money in Charles’ hands. Now Charles is in prison, Dusty’s license has been revoked, and a spiral begun which can only end one way—with him crawling back to his homophobic family in Idaho. To the father and brother who despise him, and the mother he still loves, even after twelve years of never going home. But Dusty has no choice. He sells most of his belongings at a flea market and finds a ride on a ride board, heading west from Chicago.

The guy’s voice on the phone is so sexy, it gives Dusty pause. But he isn’t prepared to meet an actual Indian named Joe Black. In person, Joe seems rather stiff, and Dusty’s fantasies dissipate in the face of reality. The third member of the group arrives, a very sexy cowboy. Luckily, he’s straight, so Dusty won’t have to worry about that. Dusty isn’t interested in hooking up, just getting to Idaho in time for his parents’ 35^th anniversary party—and to tell them the truth he’s evaded for the past year, about himself and his living situation.

Dusty’s journey home has just begun, one he hopes will never end. But nothing is as it seems. Why can’t he seem to quit making stupid life choices?

At first, I thought this would be a typical strangers-meet-and-fall-in-love romance during a road trip, but I discovered there was more to it than that as I grew addicted to the characters. Dusty is endearingly flawed and insecure, the kind of guy you just want to hug. Going home is a last resort for him. He’s lost his faith in himself and his ability to control his life, thanks to his relationship with Charles. Even when he finds himself attracted to Joe, he’s afraid it’s his dick doing the thinking, with its propensity for falling in love at first fuck.

This journey is not without peril, but what journey isn’t? I found myself thinking about Dusty and Joe, even when I wasn’t reading, and I would turn on the Kindle during commercial breaks just to keep reading about them.

The characters are well-written, and the story has a great deal of emotional impact. It’s easy to connect with Dusty and Joe, and to care about what happens to them. This was a journey I’m glad I took, a real feel-good read I heartily recommend.

The Body on the Beach Review

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:07:04 -0500

The Body on the Beach

Author: L.J. LaBarthe

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: March 12, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Historical/Mystery/83 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

In early twentieth century Australia, same-sex relationships are not acceptable, and must remain hidden. William ‘Billy’ Liang is a respectable Adelaide businessman, the head of his family, and the elected spokesman for the Chinese community in Adelaide. He lives with his wife, Hui Zhong, and his lover, Tom Williams. Luckily for Billy, Hui Zhong is accepting of Billy’s relationship with Tom. To the outside world, Tom is Billy’s lawyer and friend, but within the Liang household, he is much more.

When the body of a man washes up on Brighton Beach, a Chinese symbol carved into his torso, Billy and Tom are asked to look into the matter. This has the potential of damaging relations between the Chinese and the Australians, which could spell trouble for the whole community. Billy and Tom take on the challenge of solving the murder and keeping things on an even keel.

This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be the last. The Body on the Beach, while a mystery, is primarily an historical story—a slice of life look at the social structure in early 1900s Australia, and how two men who love each other are forced to live in order to maintain the illusion in front of society that they are not a couple. The murder is almost secondary besides watching these men interact under the watchful eye of judgmental people.

I loved the loving relationship they have with Billy’s wife, who makes their being together possible by her acceptance of them within the framework of their marriage. More importantly, she considers them her family and loves them both.

Great research has obviously been done on the people and the times and it shows. It was like stepping back in time. I feel sorry for Billy and Tom, that they are forced to hide their love, and will always have to. But I was glad they found a way to be together, which is more than a lot of gay men got to do back then.

If you like history, try this one. The mystery is an added bonus. Mostly, this is a story about the endurance of love.

Valley of Shadows Review

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:47:36 -0500

Valley of Shadows

Author: Phoenix Emrys

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: July 23, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Paranormal Romance/290 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Ellery Joyce James is a literary success—copies of his latest bestseller are flying off the shelves. His exuberant agent Max—short for Maxima—is dying to know what Ellery is working on now, but he isn’t talking. Largely because he hasn’t started it yet, something he’s not about to share with Max.

Max nags at Ellery to get a bodyguard, but he is adamantly against the idea. He’s moved from New York to the small town of Birchwood, having been left a huge house there in someone’s will. He prefers his solitude, even if Max does think the former bed & breakfast is a monstrosity. But it suits Ellery just fine, for many reasons.

Ellery has a rather unique talent that no one suspects—he can see and communicate with the dead. Which makes it difficult for him to go out in the world—there are so many of them, it’s rather overwhelming. In Birchwood, he’s far less likely to find them. Plus he has his own little old lady ghost, Mrs. Sheridan, who screens access to Ellery. Still, he tries to help the ones he sees. Usually what they want is to send a last message to a loved one, often giving important information that was never passed on in life.

On his way to the diner, Ellery is almost run over by a handsome maniac in a pick-up truck, whose passenger is a pretty little child—who happens to be dead. When he runs into the pair at the diner, the little girl beseeches Ellery to please help her father. Normally, these are the types of situations Ellery works hard to avoid. But something about this one makes him reconsider. He just might be sorry he did.

The story is told in Ellery’s POV, in his voice, and I came to really get to know and like him. There is much more to Ellery than meets the eye, likewise with this story. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another layer is revealed.

This is not your typical boy meets boy and falls in love tale. No, this is more like boy meets potentially homicidal maniac and fears for his life—so why is he so strongly attracted to him?

Besides Ellery and Boone, there is a supporting cast of supernatural characters you will come to love. I didn’t feel, by the end of the book, that I knew Boone as well as I wanted to, but I feel like I know Ellery. He’s funny and bright, at times self-deprecating, and he has a huge heart.

This multi-layered story was over too soon for my taste. I can only hope and pray there is a sequel in the works. This is my second read by this author, and certainly not my last. Well done, Ms. Emrys, well done!

A Darker Rain Review

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:14:25 -0500

A Darker Rain

Author: Claudine Kapel

Publisher: BookBaby

American release date: November 17, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/Sci-Fi Thriller/378 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

(4.5 stars rounded up)

A black leopard with strange red eyes is wreaking havoc among ranchers in the Seattle area—although this is not a known habitat for leopards. Sigma, a firm that specializes in handling security threats, is called in to investigate. At one time a member of the Air Force, Ryan Cole is aware of a great deal of information the general public isn’t privy to—such as the existence of extraterrestrial life. Also, the fact that alien technology is finding its way to Earth, in the form of weapons.

Ryan and his team are also involved in acquiring some unusual artifacts, five guardian stones which hold great power, and when assembled hold great potential. But for good or harm? Ryan’s boss, Theo Warren, is determined not to let the stones fall into the hands of such criminal types as Drake and Barclay. Sigma possesses one of the stones, and the amulet they came from. It seems that the hunt for these stones may intersect with the hunt for the leopard.

Ryan’s long-time friend Mark Dalton, with whom he served in the Air Force, is head of Sigma’s security. He is distrustful of one of the team members—Caitlin. He senses she isn’t all she appears to be. Also, there is their ex-commanding office, Beecham, who is a sometime customer of Sigma and has no problem with collateral damage. They don’t want him to learn what Sigma is doing, afraid he will take control of the potential weapon in the name of the government.

This was an interesting read from beginning to end, fast-paced and intriguing. I came to like the characters, and was glad to learn there will be more books. The writing is good, but don’t look for indepth descriptions, they’re not there. Even action scenes aren’t as detailed as other books. But it works.

I liked the idea of aliens selling weapons to people on earth. If alien life exists, I can see that happening. The guardian stones reminded me of the stones from the Fifth Element, which is certainly not a bad thing.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi thrillers. Not a boring moment, it’s a very entertaining read.

Capture (The Enforcer's Series #4) Review

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:38:26 -0500

Capture (Enforcer’s Series #4)

Author: Ravon Silvius

Publisher: eXtasy Books

American release date: February 15, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/175 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kenneth and Thorn have been summoned to Arktaine to give their testimony before the council and turn over their prisoner, Marle, who has remained obstinately silent. Thorn is concerned that his words will be regarded less than Kenneth’s and, indeed, they spend far less time questioning him and do not wish to hear all he has to say. Why is the Circle of Ten even present at this hearing?

Kenneth tries to smooth things over, but there is just so much he can do. And when the sentence is given, it’s really a joke, and leaves a bad taste in both their mouths.

At loose ends until they are given a new assignment, they realize they can investigate on their own. And they are not satisfied with how things stand. So they start to poke their noses into places other people think they do not belong, and the unthinkable occurs when Kenneth is captured. Now Thorn must fight to rescue his lover, having no idea where’s he been taken or by whom—and he can’t trust anyone. Kenneth’s life hangs in the balance, and Thorn is terrified he might actually lose the man he loves.

This is quite an intense addition to this series, as Thorn strives to rescue his captured lover. There is a great deal of development and realizations in this book. We watch Kenneth struggle with things he’s never had to deal with before. His eyes are opened to many things, and they aren’t pleasant. We watch Thorn grow and blossom, as their relationship grows even stronger as they adjust even more to one another, increasing their already tight fit. We also see that magic doesn’t necessarily equate to power, neither does lack of it equate to helplessness.

I am so totally in love with this series and these characters. As long as the author keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them. This is a great series if you enjoy steampunk and magic, and fighting against all odds to achieve your dreams. But most of all, this is for people who believe in the power of love.

Can’t wait for the next volume, hope it comes out soon.

Hero Worship Review

Sun, 10 Aug 2014 15:43:51 -0500

Hero Worship

Author: Phoenix Emrys

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: June 8, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/213 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★ ★

High School can either make you or break you. Back in the day, Doug “King” Fisher was ruler of all he surveyed—the cock of the walk. White Knight par excellence, he led his band of faithful followers, the Knights of Right. Their mission was to protect the weak and downtrodden, to vanquish bullies. It’s 1975 and school has just ended. King is officially done with high school, having graduated. Time to go. When he hears the familiar sound of bullying, he cannot help but intervene, and protects a helpless young man with pretty blue eyes, by the name of Barry. Then he moves on, realizing to his chagrin that their paths shall never cross again.

Fast forward a few years. King is going on 57, and his life is not how he imagined it would be. Owner of a small shop that specializes in comic-cum-movie memorabilia, he barely ekes out a living. A far cry from the dreams he once had. He has one employee, a sassy sixteen-year-old named Jennifer. And he has a long-time crush on one-time TV action hero, Rex Rodman, who at one time had the hottest action show on TV. But that all changed when Rex derailed his career with a single announcement—admitting to something that King has never had the nerve to, although their secret is one and the same.

As King’s birthday approaches, he evaluates his life and finds it lacking. He spends more time with his mother than anyone else. And the big love he once dreamed of having has never materialized.

But something funny is going on, something is in the air. What it is, he can’t quite put his finger on. The question is—will it be a change for the better, or will a bad situation become worse?

I totally fell in love with this book from the beginning. I was originally attracted by it, when I saw the first promotion, for two reason. One—the hero is 57, same as me. And two, it’s about hero worship. Something I can relate to.

This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be the last. She has an easy, humorous, witty style that simply flows. King is the narrator, and he is both funny and self-deprecating. I loved all the references to familiar shows and characters.

This story is a modern day version of It’s a Wonderful Life, and you’ll note that King’s former employer’s name is Bailey, although this story does not take place at Christmas, but in July. You can’t help but like King, and root for him to take a chance on love, and just be himself.

This is a definite feel-good story, one I know I’ll read again. If you’re looking for explicit sex scenes, don’t look here. Hot kisses? You’ll find them. And a wonderful romance.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

Heart Knot Mine Review

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:18:05 -0500

Heart Knot Mine

Author: Lily Velden

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: May 1, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/236 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★ ★

Noah Daniels’ love life is—to put it mildly—unsatisfactory. None of the women he’s been dating really do it for him, but he doesn’t know why. None of them strikes a spark inside of him. What’s the matter with him? His brother Mitch and his wife Miranda have spark—in spades. Noah wants what they have. Why can’t he have it too?

When the opportunity arises for a job exchange—he’ll go to London for a semester and teach art at central Saint Martens while his British counterpart takes his own position in Chicago—Noah decides to go for it. Maybe he just needs a change.

He settles into the other guy—Robert Callinan’s flat, and becomes familiar with his new surroundings. He meets Robert’s next door neighbor, Mrs. Higginbotham—a very friendly older lady who welcomes him with a casserole. Noah does some exploring of London in the week before he’s due to start work, and he likes what he sees.

While settling into his new digs, Noah makes an interesting discovery—some homemade porn DVD’s—featuring Robert. Noah can’t seem not to watch—or his body to react. His inadvertent voyeurism starts him on a voyage of self-discovery he’ll never forget.

More than just a holy cow I’m gay book, this is one man’s discovery of who he really is, one that will take him to some very interesting places, especially as he finds himself increasingly drawn to the star of the DVDs—the man whose bed he’s sleeping in.

But, as with most such journeys, there are ugly truths to be learned as well. I cried in places, laughed in others—and found a lot of heart in these pages. Most importantly, I felt.

I first read Lily Velden in her story, Hunter or Hunted, in the Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust anthology. I knew then she can write. This book more than confirms that.

Her style is classic and descriptive, her characters well-drawn. I look forward to reading the next book and see where Noah goes from here. Well done, Ms. Velden, well done!

Sweet Giordan, Please Remember review

Sat, 26 Jul 2014 16:51:22 -0500

Sweet Giordan, Please Remember

Author: Raine O’Tierney

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: March 28, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/89 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Giordan Stone remembers his name and nothing else. His life is a mystery to him. He woke in a hospital after five years in a coma, and then again seven years later, when they found him seriously ill, living under a bridge.

Chloe Devereaux is his caregiver, his Maman. She has taken him into her home and tends to all his needs as she works to rebuild his strength. Giordan wants to remember—he aches to remember. Even though he is afraid, too—afraid of what he might learn about himself and his life.

Somewhere in the confusion that is his mind, Giordan remembers his art. He fills sketchbooks with images, unsure if they are memories, or figments of his imagination. And in his mind, there is a young man… someone Giordan is sure he loves.

Is the man real? And if so, where is he, and why doesn’t he come for Giordan?

This story grabbed me from the beginning. I became caught up in Giordan’s plight, feeling his pain as he strives to remember, to put together the pieces of his shattered life. I fell for his sweetness, for his gentle nature, and I felt his frustration as he kept asking why.

Sweet Giordan is a beautiful love story, one filled with the spirit of love—Giordan’s for Shane, Shane’s for Giordan. Some things transcend mere memory, and love is one of them. The soul remembers, even if the mind does not.

I ached, I cried, I cheered, I hoped… Ms. O’Tierney wrung all of these emotions from me, and then wrung some more. At times, I was fearful, and sometimes I wanted to turn off my Kindle, afraid of what I might find.

If you believe that love conquers all—if you hope even when common sense tells you not to—if you believe that some things are meant to be—than this story is for you. This is one story I will never forget, and will hold in my heart forever.

First Mission (Enforcer's Series #3)

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:55:12 -0500

First Mission (The Enforcer’s Series #3)

Author: Ravon Silvius

Publisher: eXtasy Books

American release date: September 15, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/112 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kenneth and Thorn have been training to assume their new roles as enforcers. Kenneth’s final spell entails learning how to rob a mage of his magic for a short time. Typically such a spell would benefit the mage’s lifemate. But as Thorn is talentless, apparently this does not hold true in this case.

Now it’s time to put their training into effect as they receive their first assignment. A new alchemy school is opening in the town of Eleborough, which is a talentless town, governed by a mage named Thralten, who is known not to like talentless. Their job is to see if the talentless and the students are getting on well. Their secondary assignment is to make certain the school is effective.

One last hurdle before they leave—a dinner party, thrown by Kenneth’s parents.

Thorn has his doubts about what they’re doing, but he’s determined to do his best, as well as support Kenneth. They arrive at the governor’s home, which seems oddly distant from the town, but he isn’t there to greet them, his assistant Marle standing in his stead. They are shown to their room, where Thorn finishes what they began in the cab.

On the governor’s return, they are dined, where they learn that no talentless are employed there. Everything is done through the use of magic. How odd. Thorn decides they will split up to investigate—he will take the town while Thralten shows Kenneth the college.

Thorn quickly learns what the talentless think of him, and it is disheartening. They consider him a traitor, and he begins to wonder if he is doing the right thing. How can he help them when they don’t even trust him? Meanwhile, Kenneth is being presented with temptations of all sorts. What’s up with that?

The excitement continues in the third book of the Enforcer’s series, as we watch our heroes take what they’ve learned and apply it to the real world. Now all of Thorn’s misgivings come to the fore as he struggles between his love for Kenneth and his desire to help the talentless to lead better lives and achieve greater equality with the mages with the fear that he is indeed the traitor his own people perceive him to be. Where the first book was written from Kenneth’s perspective, and the second from Thorn’s, this is told by both of them. So we get a good mix of mage and talentless.

Kenneth and Thorn’s relationship continues to grow and develop, and there are some interesting developments as they get to know each other better. There is a mystery at the heart of this book, and a lot of suspense and drama, as well as some very hot sex.

I am thoroughly enjoying the series and am moving on to the fourth book—hopefully not the last. Highly recommend this series.

Rustling Up Love Review

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 18:42:07 -0500

Rustling Up Love

Author: Lorrie Unites-Struiff

Publisher: Amazon Digital

American release date: July 15, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: EBook/ Western Romance/162 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Sheriff Cole Walker’s biggest concern is what to have for lunch, at least until he walks into his office to discover part of that lunch missing, and the culprit hiding under his desk. He would have gladly rid himself of the little monkey except, wouldn’t you know it, his secret crush, aka Miss Mattie, walks in and takes a shine to the varmint. What’s a feller to do but give in and take the critter into his home, along with a whole heap of trouble.

Cole likes Mattie, but he’s never had the nerve to tell her so, ever since she arrived in town. She’s a strong woman, and he admires her greatly, but he has his own issues and isn’t about to inflict them on her. Now he’s got a thieving monkey on his hands, as well as cattle rustlers, which is a far more serious problem. Sides are being formed, and trouble’s surely going to break out. It’s all Cole can do to keep the peace while he and his deputies try to figure out what’s going on and rectify the situation.

To be honest, I’ve never considered westerns a genre I was greatly interested. Since reading this book, I’ve re-evaluated that position. Ms. Struiff has taken the genre and injected it with her own special brand of humor, in the form of a thieving runaway monkey named Beggar, who will steal your heart (along with anything else that isn’t nailed down!)

This book flows from beginning to end, and you’ll be caught up in it like a cow in a stampede, but in a good way. Cole Walker, the sheriff/hero, is a strong character, but he’s also human, and he has his weaknesses, although he isn’t exactly eager to admit to them. Miss Mattie is lovely and smart, but she has her own past to deal with, one she isn’t ready to share. The mystery of who’s stealing the cattle is intriguing, watching them solve it even more so, as Cole and Mattie find themselves thrown together more and more.

The humor is what especially makes this book. I love the realism. People do dumb things, yeah, and not every guy looks like he just stepped off a catwalk. Or every woman, for that matter. Cole and Mattie are both characters I’d love to know. After this, I aim to read more of Ms. Struiff’s writings, and search for that same wicked sense of humor.

This book has something for everyone—humor, mystery, romance, intrigue… it’s good old-fashioned fun. It’s safe for all ages, and I think it’s enjoyable by men and woman both. Pick up Rustling Up Love—you’ll be glad you did!

Secret Chemistry Review

Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:00:24 -0500

Secret Chemistry

Author: Chris T. Kat

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: January 10, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Paranormal Romance/220 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

At the tender age of thirteen, Tim is a responsible young man who loves his siblings, especially his little brother Robin, who is only one. Tim and his family are all werewolves. His father, Ralf, is the alpha of their pack. But trouble is brewing one day when Ralf is away from home and Tim’s mother Paula is confronted by other pack members over the issue of hybrid pups. Some wolves think they are abominations and the pups that result from such unions should be killed.

Tim has been restless all day, but he doesn’t know why. He keeps smelling something wonderful, that seems to call to him. When the trouble erupts with his mother and the others, she telepathically tells her children to run home immediately. Tim intends to obey but suddenly he smells that scent again, and it’s stronger now, closer. He can’t do anything less than search for the source. He finds and chases a wounded mother wolf and her pup—and, to Tim’s amazement, the pup is the source of the scent. Tim is shocked on two counts—the pup is his mate, and he is a hybrid.

Tim realizes the pup is not ready to be mated, and neither is he. All he can do for now is get him to safety, and keep an eye on him until he is ready, painful though that decision is. But things beyond his control occur and he has no idea where his mate—his Jay is—and there is nothing he can do about it.

Fast forward eighteen years. Tim has never mated. And the pack won’t accept him as alpha, because of his behavior after losing Jay. Ralf chooses Robin, instead, who is less than enthusiastic over the prospect of becoming alpha. Tim has never ceased pining for his Jay. Will he ever see him again?

I totally loved this book. I must say that Chris T. Kat writes everything well, but when she writes about children and animals, she shines. Her affinity for them is obvious in every detail. Her shifters, in their animal form, are so realistic and endearing. She especially excels at playful banter and repartee between her characters.

I’ve read some criticisms of the book and don’t understand or share them. There’s an eighteen year gap between the first and second parts of the story. But to fill that in with what happened is totally unnecessary and would have bogged everything down. As for complaints about Tim’s knot, well, that’s how dogs and wolves are built. It’s there nature. Not like Chris invented it.

The relationship between young Tim and young Jay is precious. Of course, she had to let them grow up before they could mate. Duh. They were thirteen and three. When they meet again, they are ready, and the chemistry between them is hot, hot, hot.

I can’t wait for the next book—Secret Energy. This was a great read. Like a freshly baked cinnamon roll, it’s sweet, gooey, and sensual. Did I mention the sex is hot? It sure is. A must read for fans of Ms. Kat, and those who enjoy hot shifter stories.

Until Thanksgiving Review

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 10:25:51 -0500

Until Thanksgiving

Author: Michael Rupured

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: December 16, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/232 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

When did Josh Freeman’s sex life degenerate into anonymous sex at the local adult bookstore? Maybe when his longtime lover, Ben, needed to take a playmate on the side. Josh goes into a tailspin, but his best friend, and long ago girlfriend, Linda, keeps telling him he needs to take his company’s job offer and move out of Lexington, Kentucky and into the nation’s capital. Finally, Josh agrees.

Moving to Washington DC is definitely out of Josh’s comfort zone, but it has to be better than his life in Lexington. The company assigns Thad Parker to help Josh find a place to live, and the good-looking redhead is more than happy to oblige, especially once he gets a look at the ruggedly handsome Josh. Thad shows Josh a few apartments, saving the best for last, and Josh snaps it up, ending up on the Dupont Circle. Thad neglects to mention he only lives a few blocks away.

Thad and Josh get along very well. Josh accepts Thad’s invitation to a small get-together at a local bar, where he meets a few of Thad’s friends. He finds he is much more in demand than he ever was in Lexington. Except by Thad, who apparently lives with his much older lover, unfortunately for Josh.

Josh discovers that playing the field isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and not everyone is what they appear to be. Including the hunky guy who came on to him, got his phone number, and then never called. Josh is also disturbed by the recent deaths of gay men in the area. The police have no answers, and a serial killer is on the loose somewhere. Disturbing by anyone’s definition.

Until Thanksgiving worked on so many levels for me. The author made me feel like I was a part of the world that Josh moved into. The characters are well-drawn, and it was easy to come to care for Josh and Thad, and hope they would find their way to each other.

I like that Michael didn’t gloss over the sex lives of his characters, or pretend it was always about romance, when for a lot of gay men (and straight) hooking up is all about the sex. Josh begins as a fish out of water, unable to see himself as he really is and how others see him, and he grows and develops throughout the story.

This was the second time I read this book, and even though I knew what was going to happen, it touched me just as much as it did the first time. I was excited, fearful, hopeful… I cried and I laughed. Most of all, I came away with the memory of a very lovely story.

I shall be reading more of Mr. Rupured’s books, rest assured.

The Exam (Enforcer's #2) Review

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 17:33:04 -0500

The Exam (The Enforcer’s Series #2)

Author: Ravon Silvius

Publisher: eXtasy Books

American release date: May 1, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/121 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kenneth and Thorn have decided to become Enforcers. But it isn’t as simple as some might think. They must be tested and found worthy. Which is why they find themselves at the Victeni mansion.

Thorn finds the mansion rather overwhelming. He is also disconcerted to discover the servants are fellow talentless, although he should have expected as much. Thorn’s reception by Kenneth’s mother, Lady Victeni, is less than stellar. She’s having a problem with the idea that her son’s lifemate is a talentless. Thorn is hard put to remain civil to the woman.

Then comes the matter of sleeping arrangements. When Kenneth directs that Thorn’s bags should be taken to his room, his mother objects and refuses to accede to her son’s request. Thorn plays peacemaker, thinking that separate rooms will not keep them from making love when they choose to. The new servant, Lilliana, shows Thorn to his chamber, which seems nice enough to him, until she explains in what ways it’s an insult.

Dinner with the parents devolves into a challenge to Thorn to prove he’s Kenneth’s lifemate. Lord Victeni directs Thorn to get his best things from his room—if he fails the test, he will be sent packing immediately. Thorn senses something is wrong—what it is, he doesn’t know.

And then it begins…

The second book in the Enforcer’s series tests Kenneth’s and Thorn’s desire to be Enforcers, forcing them to question what they know and how they feel as they are forced to justify themselves over and over. It is not cut and dried, by any means. Neither side is wholly right or wholly wrong.

In the process of testing to become Enforcers, the two young men learn a lot about each other. This test can either strengthen their bond—or snap it. It’s up to them.

I love the second book as much as the first. More steamy sex, and a great deal of love and trust, as they learn what makes the other tick. Can’t wait to see what the next book holds!

Noble Magic Review

Sun, 08 Jun 2014 13:24:48 -0500

Noble Magic

Author: Ravon Silvius

Publisher: eXtasy Books

American release date: April 15, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/95 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

The world is divided between mages—those who are able to practice magic—and the talentless, who cannot. War has brought the mages into positions of power over the talentless. The mages are the haves, while the talentless are the have-nots.

Kenneth Victeni is a noble mage, whose father, Lord Victeni, is the most powerful battlemage around. Kenneth’s interests don’t lie with war, though. He prefers alchemy, which he is studying at the magi collegiate, where he will shortly graduate.

Necessity brings Kenneth to the talentless slums. He requires a piece of steel for an experiment in class the next day. Inside the shop, he finds himself at the mercy of the shopkeeper with a bad attitude. Kenneth suspects he’s been ripped off on the price, but what can he do? He takes his steel and goes.

Back on his horse once more, an encounter with a small mechanical object spooks his steed and Kenneth is thrown. The man who inadvertently caused his spill rushes to his rescue. Kenneth can’t help but notice how good-looking he is. The man, whose name is Thorn, offers to buy Kenneth a meal and, for reasons unknown to himself, he agrees. During the meal, Thorn reveals that Kenneth has indeed been cheated and offers to find what Kenneth needs and bring it to him at the collegiate. Kenneth is skeptical but he agrees. With the weather changing for the worse, though, he doubts he’ll see the man again.

Why is Thorn acting so mysterious? And someone else is visiting the slums, someone who also has a magic signature. Who can it be and why is he there?

This is the first book in the Enforcers series, and my very first time reading this author. It won’t be the last, by any means. I enjoyed this book immensely, watching Kenneth and Thorn meet, observing their mutual attraction grow, and seeing how they handle certain innate class prejudices on both sides. Thorn has an interesting secret, which Kenneth doesn’t deal with well, at first. And then there is the issue of a lifemate. When a mage finds his lifemate, his power is greatly enhanced. But only two mages can be lifemates—or can they?

The sex was hot, and I loved getting to know Kenneth and Thorn. I bought all four books in the series, so I’ll be writing more reviews. I hope there will be lots more books!

A great read, well done, hot and exciting—a truly enjoyable love story.

Tease Me Thursday #14

Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:47:19 -0500

A blog hop to celebrate almost Friday! Have a WIP you want to show off? Or something published? Join us for some fun! Tease Me Thursday is now open!

http://powerofgaylove.blogspot.com/2014/06/tease-me-thursday-14.html

Bollocks Anthology from Wayward Ink now available!

Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:21:35 -0500

Do you like to read hot m/m stories? Funny m/m stories? The new anthology from Wayward Ink has a little bit of everything, and it’s out now!

Wayward Ink Publishing:

Barnes & Noble:

Amazon:

The Harvest Review

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:15:18 -0500

The Harvest: Taken

Author: MA Church

Publisher: Storm Moon Press

American release date: October 30, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M SciFi Romance/274 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Imagine, if you will, a future in which the human race is unable to reproduce—sterilized by chemical weapons—facing extinction. This is the situation faced by a group of aliens known as the Tah’narians. Once a unisexed warrior race, they find the selves about to die out. What can they do but seek outside DNA?

So they approach the leaders of various planets, including Earth. The people of Earth are frightened by the sight of the hovering spacecraft, but world leaders explain the situation and how it will be settled—through the use of human males, who will travel to the Tah’narians’ home world to contribute their DNA. A lottery program is put into effect—a five year plan, which includes young men from twenty-three to twenty-eight.

At seventeen, Dale knows he’s safe from being taken in the yearly ritual which has been nicknamed The Harvest. But he learns that isn’t true when the government comes for him and takes him from his parents, prior to his twenty-third birthday, because apparently Dale has been chosen.

Dale has caught the eye of the starship captain himself, Keyno Shou. Dale is injected with Tah’narian DNA—double-dosed, because of an existing condition he is unaware of—and he finds himself in the hands of Keyno, who is determined to woo and win his mate.

Dale is very much opposed to this idea and wants to go home. He is thrilled to learn that his best friend Chad, harvested a year ago, is on the ship, mated to Keyno’s second-in-command, Gibor. Chad tries to tell Dale everything will be all right. But Dale isn’t convinced—especially when he learns the DNA injections are to prepare him to carry Keyno’s young!

The Harvest is both a romance and a coming-of-age story, set against a sci fi backdrop. Although Dale begins as a hostage to the situation, he quickly learns to adapt to his new life, as Chad has done, and he develops feelings for Keyno. Dale also grows and matures. He brings his own brand of justice to the Tah’narian starship—particularly in interactions with the Onfre, the aliens who originally brought about the current situation, and with the criminal gangs the government offloads on the unsuspecting Tah’narians.

I loved the relationship between Dale and Keyno, as they fell in love and began their lives together. The secondary characters are every bit as rich as the primary. Ms. Church’s writing style is homey and familiar, reflecting her Southern heritage, and liberally sprinkled with humor. Such as Keyno’s “nickname” for Dale—“Dammit Dale”! Dale is very mischievous and at time Keyno is easy to get over on, but then Keyno knows how to turn the tables on Dale when he suffers from an attack of cockiness. Their give and take is priceless. As Dale assimilates into the Tah’narian culture, he invests a bit of himself, and shows them his humanity in the process. The two races gain a greater understanding of one another, as Dale and Keyno look forward to taking the next step together—parenthood.

I can’t wait to read the next book. The sex is hot, and I just love these two to death. You won’t be able to put it down—a must-have book for any collection of m/m novels.

Note: I have to comment on one thing, which is not a reflection on the author. The editing leaves a great deal to be desired, and the editor did a less than stellar job, and failed to omit errors which were pointed out in the editing process (which I was a part of, as a beta). On the whole, I cannot recommend this publisher, but I do recommend this author.

For the Bite of It Review

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:42:57 -0500

For the Bite of it

Author: Viki Lyn & Vina Grey

Publisher: ViVi

American release date: March 20, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: eBook/ M/M Paranormal Romance/181 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Fate has a funny way of making itself felt, sometimes when we least expect it. For Vincent Kamateros, it struck the morning his landlord crashed through the window of his bakery in his car, only to be discovered to be dead. Not a propitious start to the day. But it led to the arrival of hot and sexy police detective John Reeder.

And now the complications begin—those nasty little things that like to bite you in the ass.

Vincent is not the innocuous baker he appears to be—he’s a vampire in exile for something he didn’t do. And he’s the heir apparent, oldest son of the King. But to John, he’s a complication John doesn’t need, because John is a deeply closeted gay man, who has no intention of stepping foot outside his comfortable closet anytime soon.

Plus, as if things aren’t difficult enough, Vince is a suspect in the landlord’s murder.

The attraction between them cannot be denied. But John’s doing his damnedest to do just that. Plus Vince knows better than to get emotionally involved with a human. As a vampire, it’s not allowed, but as heir to the throne? That’s just begging for trouble. But he’s never felt this way before, and these feelings are crumbling his determination. How likely is he to be forgiven and to receive his powers back? Why not live a little?

These two men dance around each other, in serious denial. And yet t hey find they cannot stay away from each other.

I absolutely loved this book, loved the sexual tension between these men. I adored Vince from the beginning—where can I find a hot sexy vampire to call my own? Bakery a plus.

The writing is great, the sex is wonderful, and the plot is filled with twists and turns, as well as secondary characters you can sink your teeth into.

There are no pat endings, either, no rushed resolution. There will be another book, and I for one can’t wait. I love the bakery and the way the authors blend food and sex in a very sensual way that is a real feast for the eyes.

Did I mention the sex is hot? It is. I could not put this down, and I thought about it when I couldn’t read it. This is a winner in my books, and I hope the next book comes out soon. I want to get back in their world as soon as possible!