Review: Love At First Sight by Cardeno C

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: Novel
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Blurb: Do you believe in love at first sight? Jonathan does: the moment he glimpsed the striking David from afar, he was hooked, but David disappeared before they could meet.

More than three years later, Jonathan gets a second chance—he and David finally meet face to face, and the two fall into a passionate love affair. David turns Jonathan’s previously lonely life into a fairy tale, giving him more than he ever imagined. But the past few years have been hard for Jonathan, and he’s terrified that his young son and scandalous past will be too much for David. If they’re going to build a future together, they’re both going to have to dig deep: David for the courage to share himself in a way he’s never considered… and Jonathan for the strength to tell the truth.

Reviewed by Stacey Jo: This book has a scene near the beginning that I found to be somewhat disturbing that places this book on my dubious consent shelf. I was pretty taken aback at the situation and the way it was handled... simply laughed off. Needless to say, his best friend is a thoroughly unlikable person and nothing was ever done, in my eyes, to redeem her character.

Jonathan then goes on a trip to New York and sees David. He's so in awe of David that he decides to move there to try and find his dream guy. Of course he doesn't run in to him again but he makes a life there. He ends up resorting to some things that he's not at all proud of and later come back to cause him problems. He learns he's a dad and ends up raising his son on his own.

He ends up going back to his hometown where his family lives and while out one night, due to things he did in NY, is harassed by another guy, only to be rescued by none other than David himself. Jonathan ends up going home with David and it's pretty much love at first sight on David's part. We already know Jonathan's been in love with David for the last three years while searching for him. David thinks he's going to keep Jonathan with him but when Jonathan disappears for a few days without any word and no explanation take care of his son and other responsibilities, David's insecurities play on him and he makes the worst of it.

Both men have a lot of insecurities and issues that they have to work through. Jonathan has self-esteem issues and the things he did in his past. David has always been one to leave a trail of broken hearts yet was oblivious to what he was doing. He couldn't seem to find anyone to love until he found Jonathan. Events play out and the three of them, Jonathan, his son, and David all have a sweet happily ever after.

OK, this was a good story, but it didn't blow me away. I really had to suspend my belief on this one and that's not something I usually have too much trouble doing. But to see someone in another state and move there for three years looking for them, only to move back home, only to learn they lived in your hometown all along? And then it's love at first sight for that person when they see you? What are the odds? Situations always felt just "too much". The feeling of the romance just got a bit over the top for me sometimes which pulled me out of the story. I guess what I'm getting at is that they were so desperate for each other in such a short period of time. And this one suffers from an excessive use of "younger/older" references. That annoys me to no end. It got to the point where if I read the word younger or older one more time I thought I might fling my Fire. I did a search once and the word younger was highlighted three times on one screen. It was in EVERY paragraph! I don't understand what compels authors to latch onto a descriptive word and beat it to death but it drives me batty.

If I set aside the things that bothered me: being beat to death with the words younger/older; having to suspend a lot of belief; and what felt like frantic desperation of David and Jonathan for each other, which made it feel over the top at times, it was a sweet story underneath. The guys were likable and any story that adds a child to the mix is always one that pulls at your heart strings. 

B

Review: Somewhere in Between by Stacey Kennedy(MMF)

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Length: Short Story
Requested

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Blurb: U.S. Marshal, Wyatt Tanning is in a race to catch a serial killer who has evaded the authorities. Just as the case hits a dead end, an unexpected email gives him a lead. As much as he wants to share the surprising message with his lover, Rye Daniels, he must hunt a killer first.

Darby Grant never expected that one night would change her life forever, but that’s exactly what happened. Not only has she been abducted, but she is in a situation that nightmares are made of. As she begins to lose all hope, fate steps in to offer her aid, but she’s well aware things will never be the same again. Soon, though, Darby begins to realize that might not be such a bad thing…

Reviewed by Joe: If there’s one thing I love it’s those deliciously naughty erotic thrillers from the 90s where the cop fell in love with the woman he was supposed to be protecting and they have an affair filled with hot sex scenes. Well Ms. Kennedy’s newest work is exactly like that, except there’s another man thrown in for some bisexual fun. As a bisexual erotica writer I try to read every bi story I can get my hands on and this one is a treat.

The story is exciting and thrilling. The characters are interesting and real and the sex scenes are hot. The only thing I would have liked would have been more action during the big three-way scene, I would have liked to have seen some more m/m action or even some dp action.

I must admit The 1 Night Stand series is hit and miss for me. Some of the stories are hot and some are flat and completely miss the mark. Luckily Ms. Kennedy’s story is hot and totally hits the bullseye straight on. I thought it was an interesting twist to the series and I have to applaud her for thinking outside the box. I hope she has other stories about these characters because I sure would love to act as a voyeur to more of their sexual adventures.

B

Review: City Of Foxes By Cornelia Grey

Publisher: Storm Moon Press
Length: Short Story
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Blurb: The last thing Jake Sullivan wanted to do upon returning to the city was get involved in the ongoing struggle between the organized militia and the fox people. After saving a fox child from bullies, however, he finds himself in the heart of the foxes' slums, where showing his face as a human can be just as dangerous as messing with the militia in the city proper. The proximity of Liam, a white fox with healing powers, certainly doesn't make things any easier. The attractive fox throws his own powers into an uncontrollable overdrive, not to mention his libido.

When several of the fox people are captured by the militia, Jake's presence is like salt on old wounds. Prejudices and politics flare, and Jake's secrets threaten to ruin his shaky alliance. If they are to save the foxes taken by the militia for experimentation, it will take all the cunning and power the clan can muster. Unfortunately, that also means they'll have to put their trust the one place they'd never imagined: in the hands of a human.

Reviewed by Joe: I love foxes and I love fantasy stories like this. This is a very enjoyable story that will make readers salivating for more. That was my biggest complaint, the story felt incomplete and left me wanting so much more. When I finished I felt like I had just read the first chapter of a longer work. I wanted more. I wanted to know what happened after. I can only hope that Ms. Grey will continue to tell stories of the vibrant world she has created.

The story is brilliantly written, Ms. Grey has a real talent with words and paints a very clear picture of this world. Everything is clear in the reader’s head and the characters are all distinct and real. The main characters are likable and you want to root for them while the villain is someone you hope will get his just desserts in the end.

The chemistry between the two main characters is well-crafted and very believable. I liked how they didn’t jump into bed right away. There was some development with their evolving love so when they finally do do it it is that much hotter.

B

Man'ic Monday

Man'ic Monday

Man'ic Monday

It started with a kiss...

Review: Starting Over by Starla Kaye

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Length: Novella
Requested

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Blurb: A virgin gay man, Corbin is ready to ease into his new lifestyle, still, making the move scares him shitless. He’s spent years fantasizing about embracing his true self, but what possessed him to agree to a 1 NightStand? As he nears the long, lean man with shaggy, graying hair, a hard on pushing at the front of his swim trunks, and a sexy-as-hell grin, the dreams pale in comparison, and easing in takes on a whole new meaning.

Though tired of being lonely, Matt considers changing his mind about the one-night arrangement until a tall, well-built man strolls across the pool area toward him, then all thoughts of leaving flee. Those broad shoulders, the amazing pecs, the spattering of dark hair on his chest…all of it calls to Matt. He wants to touch it, play with it. He forces himself to calm down. Matt will be his date’s first male lover, and he intends to find the inner strength to take his time.

Intense physical attraction and Madame Eve’s magic ignite a sexual fire, but will it be enough for two

Reviewed by Stacey Jo: Starting Over is the twenty-seventh book in the One Night Stand series where Madame Eve arranges a one night stand between Corbin and Matt. Both men have heavy pasts that have both of them with heavy hearts and stuck in a rut. Both are successful businessmen, but both are at a point where they feel they need a change. So at the encouragement of friends, contact Madame Eve who sends them to an exotic location for one wild night.

Corbin is very nervous and can't imagine why Matt would want to be with a virgin. Matt knows about Corbin and is intrigued by his lack of experience. Both seemed to hit it off fairly well though although with this being a one night stand, they don't have a whole lot of time to talk and get to know each other. Matt is very patient with Corbin and they are very sweet and endearing to each other. I could really feel how much they cared about each other even though they had just met.

The next day, the date is arranged date is over and they go back to their separate lives, which happen to be several states apart, both being successful business owners. Neither man can get the other one out of his mind, but circumstances keep Matt away, leading Corbin to believe that Matt was over him for good. When Matt realizes Corbin's feelings, he makes a bold move to make sure Corbin knows just exactly how he feels, giving us a really sweet happily every after.

This was a really sweet story and at just under 40 pages, it can be read over a lunch break so it's definitely a quick and easy read. The characters are very likable and the story is one that could make a great longer story.

Having stated what all I liked, I'll point out what I didn't. There was one major problem that I found with the story. A character dies one certain way on page 4 and then on page 28, it is stated that they died another way. I'm sorry, in a story this short, I find it hard to believe that the author forgot how a character died within 24 pages. That to me, is sloppy. If the author changed her mind on the way the character died and fixed it in one spot but forgot to fix it in the other, then a beta reader or the editor should have caught it at the very least. But that just ripped me right out of the story. Had it not been for that, I would have rated the book an A, but I can't say that it was exceptional with that type of glaring error.

Despite the error I pointed out, the rest of the story was well written and enjoyable enough that I was willing to overlook it when looking at the book on the whole. Overall, it was a an enjoyable story with an ending that was warm and fuzzy.

B

Review: Fixed by Tristram La Roche

Publisher: Etopia Press
Length: Novella
Requested

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Blurb: A spin of the wheel can change everything...

Mike had it all. A business in the south of France, money, and a handsome boyfriend. But when the world's economies nose-dived, he lost the lot--including Kurt. With nothing left, he finds himself back home in the north of England, living in a broken-down rented flat, alone.

When the boiler breaks down, the repairman turns out to be an old acquaintance--one who was never Mike's social equal. Now Pete's the one with money and security, his own thriving company and a collection of classic cars. Pete's joie de vivre is impossible to resist, but how can Mike face being a kept man?

Reviewed by Jamie: This book was a surprise, mostly because (I admit) I judged from the cover, expecting some sort of James Bond style, gambling romp. What I got was something completely different.

The cover, I'm sorry to say, is very lame, and doesn't reflect this story at all. More than half the story is set in rain drizzled Yorkshire, England! And it focuses on the characters' range of emotions.

This story wasn't my sort of thing, so I'll be rating it as objectively as possible. It is well written and flows at a steady pace. It starts off with the recently heart broken Mike, who has to move back to Yorkshire and leave his high life in the South of France behind him.

Luckily for him, he meets (or rather, reacquaints) with a handsome boiler repair man, and things are set in motion for the two men to begin a new romance.

I would recommend this story for fans of romance where you don't have to worry about any surprises, or think too hard about the plot. It is sweet and funny, with a simplistic setting.

There is a brief period with the characters in Monte Carlo, but it wasn't racy like the cover suggests. It was more a gentle excursion. The love scenes were a different story; they were hot, and were the only scenes in the book to actually surprise me in any way.

It's a sweet romance, and I liked the Yorkshire setting and amusing quips. But the book definitely needs a different front cover!

B

Man'ic Monday

Review: Hitman’s Creed By Edward Kendrick

Publisher: Silver Publishing
Length: Novel
Requested

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Blurb: Can two men, one, Joey Fairburn, a twenty-one year old Criminal Justice student, the other, Glenn Tanner, a thirty-four year old hitman attempting to start a new life, reach a common bond to stop a murderer and find love despite their disparate ages and occupations?

Two men:
Glenn Tanner, a thirty-four year old hitman who wants to disappear and start a new life.
Joey Fairburn, a twenty-one year old Criminal Justice student studying to become a police officer.

One problem in common:
Joey’s father, an escaped killer, has come to the small town where Joey and his mother live and where Glenn has finally settled down. Glenn meets Joey, discovers what is happening and becomes involved in trying to stop the killer before the man can murder Joey’s mother.

Will these two men, Glenn and Joey, with such disparate ages and backgrounds, be able to find a common bond that will unite them in love? Only time will tell.

Reviewed by Joe: I love m/m stories that don’t have stereotypical characters. I also love m/m stories that are romantic and leave the sex up to the imagination. These are probably two very big reasons why I absolutely loved Hitman’s Creed and can’t give it a high enough recommendation. I thought this book was beautifully and vividly written with realistic characters and rich dialogue. The characters were real and likeable. The book is over two hundred pages long but is so interesting that it is a very quick read and almost makes you wish that it were longer, or that you had read it slower.

I have always been a fan of those wonderful late night suspense/thriller movies that were on TV all the time during the 90s and I could definitely picture Hitman’s Creed being one of those movies; maybe that’s another reason I enjoyed it so much. It brought back good memories of my childhood. I thought Glenn was a very strong, very realistic action-type hero; and as a fellow bisexual male I was happy to see us represented so positively. I also loved the character of Joey. He too was very likeable and a character I found myself rooting for through out the whole book.

The book is definitely a romance and not erotica which I think is fine. While I love explicit m/m erotica as much as the next reader I feel that it would have cheapened the book and would have been unnecessary so I applaud Mr. Kendrick for delivering a sweet romance; something I think is lacking in the m/m genre. Because of this I think this work is the perfect starter book for readers who are just dipping their toes into the genre. I feel this would give them a nice taste of what the genre has to offer.

I was not familiar with Mr. Kendrick as a writer before Hitman’s Creed, but I am very glad I picked up the book and will definitely add his name on my list of author’s to keep an eye out for.

A+

Review: Blood Howl by Robin Saxon and Alex Kidwell

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: Novel
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Blurb: Gun for hire Jed Walker doesn’t figure it for a difficult job—a simple smash and grab retrieval—except his new client doesn’t want money or goods. He wants shy, gorgeous Redford Reed, a man who turns Jed’s world upside down inside a day. He is in no way prepared to fall hard and fast for his newest assignment.

Redford Reed lives his life locked in his grandmother’s house, haunted by a terrible curse and watching the world pass him by until Jed shows up, sent by a man who will stop at nothing to claim Redford as his own. Teaming up with Jed is Redford’s only chance at survival, but as the violence escalates, so does the tension between them. Even though they each finally have something to live for, now it’s going to take all Jed’s skill and every bit of courage Redford has just to stay alive.

Reviewed by Joe: I really liked this book. It was interesting and very well written. Ms. Saxon and Ms. Kidwell collaborate very well together and I am anxious to read more of their work. I hope that they continue to write more stories involving Jed and Redford because I really liked them and I would love to read more adventures about them.

Both of the characters are crisp, sharp and distinct, the dialogue is vivid and the descriptions paint a nice picture. The reader is able to visualize every scene as if they were at a movie. It’s always nice to read a book written by an author who is a true painter and in this case we are treated to two painters who are obviously very well trained in their crafts; it’s like if Picasso and Monet had collaborated on a painting together.

I also thought the sex scenes were hot without being too explicit; something that is easy to do in this genre, but the authors were able to create a nice balance that will satisfy seasoned readers of this genre without scaring off potential new fans.

A

 

Review: Stud To Go By Elizabeth Coldwell

Publisher: Xcite Books
Length: Novella
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Blurb: Ben's broke. The firm he'd been working for in Amsterdam has gone bust, and his employment options are limited, to say the least. But quite how has he found himself working for an escort service that makes him sound more like a takeaway pizza than a hot date? And what will he do when his feelings for his favourite client – urbane, successful photographer Jeroen Storm – go beyond a pure business arrangement?

Reviewed by Joe: Before I start this review I have to admit I am a bit biased: I have published several stories with Xcite Books so I knew I was in for a very hot, very enjoyable read, and the newest work by Ms. Coldwell certainly lives up to the high standards that Xcite Books has brought to the world of gay erotica. Stud To Go is a highly enjoyable novel that is a very quick read with very likeable real characters.

I loved how Ms. Coldwell was able to take a career as taboo and misunderstood as escorting and make it relatable. She brought life to the characters and agency and, no matter what her personal views or thoughts on escorting may be, there is no hint of bias in her writing and not once does her book ever sound preachy.

I also loved the main character. Ben seemed very real to me. I could relate to what he was going through and I liked him. I rooted for him and wanted him to win. I cared about what happened to him and because of that I wanted to keep reading.

I also must give props to the editor of the book. So many times I have read a book that was loaded with grammatical and spelling errors and that pulls me out of the story and lessons my enjoyment of the book but that didn’t happen once to me in this book.

I will definitely will be on the lookout for more books by Ms. Coldwell.

A

Review: Salvation by L.E. Harner

Publisher: Hot Corner Press
Length: Novella
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Blurb: Marcus and Max own Maximilian's, the hottest and most exclusive club in town. The only invitation harder to come by is to their ultra private BDSM club, After Hours. Max is the face of the club, Marcus, the silent partner. But when Max decides to offer a class on the Art of Domination, there's only one Master fit for the job: Marcus. And for the first time in all the years they've known each other, Max is ready to play Marcus' way, with no holds barred.

Jolynn is at a crossroad in life. She has a terrific new job, but her lover left her, and she can't help feeling she needs something more in her personal life. When she finds an invitation to After Hours, she jumps at the chance, wondering if she has what it takes to play the Dom/sub game. By the time Jolynn realizes she knows the mysterious Master, it's already too late, she's under his spell. But would a true Master leave her bloody and beaten unconscious? Marcus believes someone deliberately lured Jolynn to the club to try to kill her, but will she trust him and Max enough to let them help her? Or will the killer find her first?

Reviewed by Joe: I have mixed feelings about this one. First let me start off by saying that Ms. Harner is an amazing writer. Her characters are real, her dialogue is crisp and her sex scenes are so hot you’ll need a cigarette. With that being said, I wasn’t super wild for Salvation.

As a bisexual I love reading about bisexual relationships and I love reading about good bisexual relationships; which is what this story is about. I thought the relationship between the three main characters was real and interesting. I rooted for them. I liked them. I had no problem with that. I wanted the three of them to get together and live happily ever after, here is what I did have a problem:

Without giving too much away, in the book one of the main characters is attacked and brutally beaten. The only problem is I figured out who it was that attacked her. I don’t know if this was deliberate or not but when the reveal came, for me it was anti-climatic. There was no pay-off so I didn’t care. I would have liked to have been kept a little bit more in suspense of who could have held a grudge so great against this character that they would attack her in the manner they did. I feel that if more minor characters could have been introduced the mystery wouldn’t have been so easy to figure out and I wouldn’t have felt cheated. Because of this I kept waiting for something bigger to happen, some greater conflict to arise, but nothing ever did so I felt a little cheated.

I definitely liked the characters and I’m glad that the story turned out the way it did but I just wish there was a bigger suspense and buildup to the mystery of the attack. I will definitely check out more work by Ms. Harner though.

B-