LGBT

Book Review: Outcome by Cara Dee

Reviewed by JustJen

1Title: Outcome
Author: Cara Dee
Series: Aftermath #2
Heroes: Remy/Chase
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 245 Pages
Publisher: Cara Dee
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Three years ago, Chase Gallardo ran toward freedom with his fellow survivors after having spent five months in captivity. He hasn’t stopped running since. Only now, it’s the memories he’s constantly trying to escape. Haunting echoes of a man who forced Chase to play the part of another, the kidnapper’s younger brother. Chase may have survived, but that doesn’t mean he’s really living. Until one day, when his employee tells him there’s a man sitting at the bar, wearing only underwear.

Remy Stahl has given up—almost. For a year, alcohol, drugs, and faces without names have kept him company. But he has two friends who refuse to give up on him, and they lock him up in his house in an attempt to save him from himself. Though, never underestimate an addict’s desire to see the bottom of another bottle. Remy escapes, and he doesn’t give a rat’s ass that he’s nearly naked.

This is the sequel to Aftermath, where Cam and Austin met, struggled, and fell in love. Outcome takes us back to Bakersfield with Chase and Remy’s story. Fueled by anger, guilt, and shame, they’re not off to an easy start. But it’s only a matter of time before they learn how much they need each other in order to move on.
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrews

Guest Reviewed by Morgan 

5Title: A Forbidden Rumspringa
Author:  Keira Andrews
Series: Gay Amish Romance #1
Heroes: Isaac Byler/David Lantz
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 231 Pages
Publisher: KA Books
Release Date: September 3, 3014
Available at:  Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  When two young Amish men find love, will they risk losing everything?

In a world where every detail of life—down to the width of a hat brim—is dictated by God and the all-powerful rules of the community, two men dare to imagine a different way. At 18, Isaac Byler knows little outside the strict Amish settlement of Zebulon, Minnesota, where there is no rumspringa for exploration beyond the boundaries of their insular world. Isaac knows he’ll have to officially join the church and find a wife before too long, but he yearns for something else—something he can’t name.

Dark tragedy has left carpenter David Lantz alone to support his mother and sisters, and he can’t put off joining the church any longer. But when he takes on Isaac as an apprentice, their attraction grows amid the sweat and sawdust. David shares his sinful secrets, and he and Isaac struggle to reconcile their shocking desires with their commitment to faith, family and community.

Now that they’ve found each other, are they willing to lose it all?

Note: Contains explicit sexual situations and graphic language. This is not an inspirational/Christian romance.
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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Book Review: Say Something by B.A. Tortuga

Guest Reviewed by Morgan

1Title: Say Something
Author: B.A. Tortuga
Heroes: Jenson/Mike
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 226 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: September 29, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press and Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Jenson has loved Mike his whole life, but he has never known how to tell Mike how he feels. After high school Mike leaves for college and his Hollywood dream, while cowboy Jenson stays behind in their small East Texas hometown. Neither man knows what to say to go beyond friendship, even though they come together through all of the best and worst times of their lives. The most amazing moments keep bringing them back together, but through huge love and terrible loss, sickness and health, their timing never seems right to take their relationship to the next level. When the universe gives them one final chance, Jenson must overcome his fear and say the most important something before it’s too late.
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Categories: 2.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honorary Blogger Belinda Burke: Accidentally In Love + Giveaway!

Honorary_Blogger_Post

Accidentally In Love

by Belinda Burke

Hello, and welcome to the corner of the Blogger Girls I’ve been given today!

I actually had another post entirely written for this, but then this morning – October 10th, a day that will live in infamy – I fell in love. This is not entirely unusual, but I did it having never seen the face of the man in question, while he talked to my friend who was standing in his cabin typing what he said to me. There’s a serious dose of the cold flutters in this feeling, but it’s still there while I’m writing and I wonder – what is love, anyway? Where on EARTH does it come from?

If you’re hoping for an answer, I don’t really have one, as my current state of existence might suggest.  I mean really, how did I manage to fall in love with someone who I haven’t seen! Whose voice I haven’t heard, whose words came to me only through a messenger? Typed, at that! How am I so affected by a stranger who says “pretty eyes”, when I’d barely learned his name? Well, I’m not certain, but it’s a fact! (The butterflies agree.)

So many times in romance, we read and write tropes and coincidences that seem impossible – like they could never happen in real life. “Love at first sight” is so much a cliché that it’s its own catchphrase, and yet even so it’s often called out as unbelievable.

I’m here to tell you, as a sufferer of Love at NO sight, that it is definitely, definitely a thing. It is apparently a terrible and wonderful thing, just like love is all by itself – and it influences everything. Everything! The way the world looks, how a certain name tastes…oh, you know you all just said a certain name just to test it!

Despite this experience, I still believe that love isn’t magic – that it doesn’t come from nowhere really, even if we can’t always figure out the origin point, or the moment it started. If it’s not love at first sight, is it the second? The third? Or maybe it’s love at first kiss – first smile?  Apparently it can even be the first word.

I’ve gone in deep on this one, fallen in the sense of “yes water feels like concrete from a hundred feet up” – but never fear! I’ll be reporting my experience from within the world of the Eight Kingdoms, where love in all its forms is always more than welcome.

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About The Circle Unbroken

https://www.totallybound.com/image/cache/data/Covers/C/thecircleunbroken_exlarge_PNG-210x336.pngA prince, a king, an oath to bind and an oath to break. Can something begun in darkness survive the light? Or does the shape of that oath define love…and the circle unbroken?

Three months have passed since Macsen Cadoc’s rescue of Bran Fionnan—three mortal months, three days in Macsen’s Red Kingdom. Bran has begun to seek a place for himself—as sidhe, as Summer’s Prince and as Macsen’s consort. The Red King has begun to balance the thirst of his own nature with the love that now moves him just as much. Yet when Bran is reminded of an oath that was made between them when he was just a child, that which has so far held them together may end up tearing them apart.

While the strength of their love is tested, a mortal enemy is once more in motion. Focused only on their destruction, Dealla seeks to step into the place of her dead father–to rule over the Milesians and fulfil the oaths of crown and country. To do so, she must find a way to hurt two foes…one new and openly deadly, the other ancient and its enmity long asleep. Allies appear in unlikely places, armed by their own motives to seek the same destruction Dealla desires…but the price of success may be higher than the cost of failure—higher than any plot or plan allows.

What is the price of an oath fulfilled? Is love born from nothing, or does it wear a path that can be traced?

Available at: Totally Bound

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About Belinda Burke

Picture 2I am author, storyteller, poet – property of one cat, perpetual insomniac, and resident of the New England coast of the United States! In my spare time I bemoan the state of the economy, read anything I can get my hands on, and continue my erstwhile pursuit of a double major in Philosophy and English literature.

I’m currently writing for Totally Bound publishing, fulfilling my primary dream of authoring my own books after many years of reading. Currently the bestselling book one of the Eight Kingdoms series, Dark Side of the Sun, is available everywhere. Book two will be available October 24th, and there’s plenty more on the horizon! Keep an eye out for Wolf of the West, a stand-alone novel coming in January 2015, and of course, more of the Eight Kingdoms!

Fanmail and questions are always welcome at belindaburkeauthor@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook or on tumblr at – and keep an eye out for a new website, launching soon!

Blogger_Giveaway

Belinda has graciously offered up a signed print copy of book one, Dark Side of the Sun, to one lucky winner!! The giveaway starts now and ends October 24, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway, except to verify your Rafflecopter entry.

Don’t forget to check out Nikyta’s review of The Circle Unbroken to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!

Categories: Book Promo, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , | 22 Comments

Vampire Week Review: The Circle Unbroken by Belinda Burke

Reviewed by Nikyta

https://www.totallybound.com/image/cache/data/Covers/C/thecircleunbroken_exlarge_PNG-210x336.pngTitle: The Circle Unbroken
Author: Belinda Burke
Series: Eight Kingdoms #2
Heroes: Macsen Cadoc/Bran Fionnan
Genre: M/M Fantasy
Length: 55k+ words
Publisher: Totally Bound
Release Date: October 24, 2014 (Now available for early download)
Available at: Totally Bound
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: A prince, a king, an oath to bind and an oath to break. Can something begun in darkness survive the light? Or does the shape of that oath define love…and the circle unbroken?

Three months have passed since Macsen Cadoc’s rescue of Bran Fionnan—three mortal months, three days in Macsen’s Red Kingdom. Bran has begun to seek a place for himself—as sidhe, as Summer’s Prince and as Macsen’s consort. The Red King has begun to balance the thirst of his own nature with the love that now moves him just as much. Yet when Bran is reminded of an oath that was made between them when he was just a child, that which has so far held them together may end up tearing them apart.

While the strength of their love is tested, a mortal enemy is once more in motion. Focused only on their destruction, Dealla seeks to step into the place of her dead father–to rule over the Milesians and fulfil the oaths of crown and country. To do so, she must find a way to hurt two foes…one new and openly deadly, the other ancient and its enmity long asleep. Allies appear in unlikely places, armed by their own motives to seek the same destruction Dealla desires…but the price of success may be higher than the cost of failure—higher than any plot or plan allows.

What is the price of an oath fulfilled? Is love born from nothing, or does it wear a path that can be traced?
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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2014, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vampire Week Review: Jackpot by Jordan Castillo Price

Guest Reviewed by Morgan 

5Title: Jackpot
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Series: Channeling Morpheus/Sweet Oblivion #10.1
Heroes: Michael/Wild Bill
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 12 Pages
Publisher: JCP Books
Release Date: October 4, 2012
Available at:  JCP Books, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which is why it’s safer to prey on tourists and leave the locals alone.

This bonus short takes place after Elixir and contains series spoilers.
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2012, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vampire Week Review: En Memoriam by Tami Veldura

Reviewed by JustJen

5Title: En Memoriam
Author: Tami Veldura
Heroes: Paul/Victor
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 44 Pages
Publisher: Tami Veldura
Release Date: October 31, 2014
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Paul has seen Victor before, he just can’t remember where. The rush of fear in his stomach when Victor glances his way is familiar. Paul knows the slant of his smile. There’s nothing safe here, but when Victor offers to meet over coffee, Paul is swayed by this sense of knowing. Victor’s touch feels like an old lover. His hands have been here before.

Paul is sure he once learned something Victor is trying to hide. His hair stands on end whenever Victor gives him attention, like his body reacting to danger that his mind can’t recall. He’s not sure uncovering more is a good idea but he craves what Victor might give him.

Paul wants to know why he longs for Victor’s voice. He dreams about conversations they’ve never had. He desires a darkness he’s never seen before. They met only once, but this longing is too intense. Victor is keeping secrets, Paul just can’t remember them.

Expanded from Mile High Vampire, a reader favorite flash story previously published in the collection Fanged. En Memoriam stands alone.
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Categories: 3.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2014, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vampire Week Review: Elixir by Jordan Castillo Price

Guest Reviewed by Morgan 

5Title: Elixir
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Series: Channeling Morpheus/Sweet Oblivion #10
Heroes: Michael/Wild Bill
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 73 Pages
Publisher: JCP Books
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Available at:  JCP Books, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Wild Bill and Michael might have thought they made it out of the subterranean vampire nest unscathed, but in her anger, Silk left Michael a taste of her wrath that’s impossible to shake.

It’s a race against time to cure Michael of a bizarre affliction, and though the hunter and his favorite vamp have few enough friends, Bill can’t ash a cigarette without burning another bridge. Now Wild Bill must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to save his lover.

His friends? His scruples? His pride?

His humanity?
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2012, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vampire Week Review: Swarm by Jordan Castillo Price

Guest Reviewed by Morgan 

5Title: Swarm
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Series: Channeling Morpheus/Sweet Oblivion #9
Heroes: Michael/Wild Bill
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 65 Pages
Publisher: JCP Books
Release Date: August 13, 2012
Available at:  JCP Books, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  Enigmatic guys are hot. Michael is of the opinion, though, that Wild Bill manages to take it to an entirely new level.

For some time, Michael has suspected that Bill has done more than just dabble in art. As with every other piece of his personal history, Bill plays his cards close to his chest. But when he lets on that a mural he painted before his change might still exist, Michael is dying to see it—and Bill has never been good at saying no.

Only fragments of the building remain, but it’s possible Wild Bill’s painting is still there. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more in the ruins than Bill and Michael bargained for.
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2014, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vampire Week Review: Fluid by Jordan Castillo Price

Guest Reviewed by Morgan 

5Title: Fluid
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Series: Channeling Morpheus/Sweet Oblivion #8
Heroes: Michael/Wild Bill
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 68 Pages
Publisher: JCP Books
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Available at:  JCP Books, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  It’s been a couple of decades since Wild Bill has been able to savor the bite of an ice-cold, freshly tapped keg. Twenty-odd years since the shivery pucker of a cheap, boxed wine has assaulted his palate. But that doesn’t mean Bill’s forgotten how to party.

Wild Bill and Michael have holed up in a week-to-week hotel in an iffy Milwaukee neighborhood, and even though it’s been a year or two, the fringe art happenings are just as edgy as Bill remembers.

There’s a girl covered in frosting in the middle of the hors d’ouvres table, and she’s begging them to dip. And the host of the party wants to lure them into the range of his mechanical eye. It’s all fun and games, until a tryst turns deadly.
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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, Guest Reviewer, LGBT, Published in 2012, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment