Book Review: Rough Attraction by Talon P.S.

Reviewed by JustJen

Rough Attraction (Dominion of Brothers, #3)Title: Rough Attraction
Author: Talon P.S.
Series: Dominion of Brothers #3
Genre: M/M BDSM
Length: 198 pages
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Available at: Amazon, All Romance eBooks & Barnes and Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads & Booklikes

Blurb: Like brimstone and caramel. When two men come together with a Rough Attraction that burns as fast as Nitrous Oxide in their veins, its hard to find the cruise control and trust that they can make this last for the long run.

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Life and relationships aren’t always neat and clean, or come in perfect little packages. Maxum St. Laurents knows this all too well. After being in a four-year relationship that does everything but bring him pleasure and fulfillment, he finds himself struggling to keep working at it. It doesn’t help matters that the man who satisfies every need and want he could have is the man he is having an affair with. And for Maxum, affairs don’t translate into long term relationships.

Darko Laszkovi just couldn’t help himself when he spotted the handsome man ranting over a flat tire on the side of the road. Moreover, he couldn’t be happier when the reward turned into an insatiable lover he hoped to keep for the long run. But, despite the rough attraction that holds them to each other like power-magnets, when Maxum struggles to let go of a relationship that doesn’t work; Darko’s patience and understanding that, we aren’t always where we want to be, gets tested to the max.

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Categories: 3.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2013 | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Personal Secrets by K.C. Wells

Reviewed by Susan65

Personal Secrets (Personal #3)Title: Personal Secrets
Author: K.C. Wells
Series: Personal #3
Heroes: Ed Fellows and Colin Reynolds
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 285 Pages
Publisher: Island Tales Press
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Available at: Amazon, All Romance eBooks & Barnes and Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Blake Davis and husband Will are delighted when Ed Fellows turns up at the hospital the night their daughter is born—even if he is covered in mud from playing rugby and drunk out of his skull. Team-mate Colin is the Good Samaritan who drives him there, and when Colin takes Ed home, Colin finds himself on the receiving end of a blow-job. He has no problem with that whatsoever. He’s been in lust with Ed since Ed joined the rugby team some fourteen months ago. Only thing is, Colin’s assumed up ’til now that Ed is straight. Except the man sucking him off certainly didn’t seem straight….

Talk about the morning after the night before…. Ed awakens to find a nearly-naked Colin asleep on his sofa. The problem is that for some reason, he can’t get Colin out of his mind. Okay, so it wasn’t the first blow-job Ed’s ever gotten from a guy—or given, for that matter—but that was a long time ago, right? And why does Ed now want more?

With friends Rick, Angelo, Blake and Will to advise him, Ed finds himself on a completely unfamiliar road, as he struggles to accept that maybe the line he is walking isn’t as straight as he’d first imagined….

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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Published in 2014, Susan65's Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GRL Blog Tour: Pearl Love – Genre Bending

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Genre Bending

by Pearl Love

Full confession time: I am not a romantic person. I don’t have a lot of interest in romance in my everyday life. So why do I write romance novels, and why M/M romance novels in particular? The answer to the latter is fairly straight forward. I like the thought of pretty men together. And I’m intrigued by the apparently radical notion of putting characters in situations where they just happen to be gay rather than being completely defined by their sexuality.  The answer to the first question, however, is the basis of why I prefer to write stories that don’t fit within the contemporary mold. For me, it’s all about “romance and.”   

Romance and Sci-Fi: This is by far my favorite type of story because it can run the gamut of time–from past, to the present, to the far future. This is the genre that allows me to really let my geek flag fly. I am a long-standing science fiction fan and comic book nerd. Heck, I saw Marvel’s “Avengers” five times in the theater! And we won’t talk about how many times I’ve seen the Star Wars movies over the course of my lifetime. Give me stories that center around technology and scientific theories that have yet to be discovered. Give me worlds with spaceships and sentient artificial intelligence, with scientifically-derived super humans and technology-driven crime fighting. But even more than the high-tech wonder, the most interesting thing about these worlds are the characters that live within them. I want to know how they live, what they care about, and who they love. So, give me a romance about pretty men shooting laser guns, and I’m as happy as can be!
Romance and High Fantasy: Pretty men with long hair. Pretty men with long hair and swords. Pretty men with long hair and swords who use magic and don’t wear a lot of clothing. I think you see my point. Fantasy is all about world building and letting your imagination run wild, which are the best aspects of writing fiction. The concept of M/M romance in a setting that is completely bereft of the rules and mores of our mundane experience is what makes romantic fantasy fiction such a delight to write and to read.

Romance and Urban Fantasy: These are the dangerous waters into which I dipped my toe with my very first book, and which remain near and dear to my heart. How to meld a captivating romance with elements of the fantastic set within the real–or mostly real–world? This is the constant challenge and freedom of urban fantasy. Urban fantasy offers the best of all genres. Want to read a contemporary romance with a little something extra hidden beneath the surface? Check. Want to read about sexy vampires and hot werewolves stalking unsuspecting men in a big city? Check. Want to read a story with elements of magic or sci-fi set within a recognizably modern setting? Check again! What’s not to like?

So, to sum up, I love writing and reading genre romantic fiction because it allows the writer and reader to explore beyond the basic tropes of boy-meets-boy. To me, fiction is all about exploring life beyond the everyday, and that’s what makes “romance and” so appealing.

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About Pearl Love

Pearl Love has been writing since she was a kid, but it was the pretty boys who frolic around in her head who finally convinced her to pursue it seriously.  She’s a mid-west transplant who current thrives in the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital.  A jack of many genres, she enjoys just about any type of story, so long as in the end, the boy gets the boy.  Pearl is a Marvel comics fan girl and owns a ridiculously large stash of yarn and knitting needles.

You can contact Pearl on Facebook, Twitter or email her at pearllove925@gmail.com.

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Categories: Book Promo | Tags: , | 2 Comments

Book Review: Subject 13 by Ethan Stone

Reviewed by JustJen

Subject 13Title: Subject 13
Author: Ethan Stone
Heroes: Luke Kincaid/Ben Skinner
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 230 pages
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: April 20, 2014
Available at: Amazon & All Romance eBooks
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Luke Kincaid’s life is exploding all around him. First his lover leaves him to marry a woman, then childhood nightmares return with a vengeance. He finds comfort in his renewed friendship with high school buddy Ben Skinner. Luke works on rebuilding his life but repressed memories threaten everything. Luke and Ben investigate his past while Luke fights his attraction to Ben, who he believes is straight.

But someone doesn’t want them to discover the truth and Luke’s life is in jeopardy. Luke can’t stop his search—not even when he finds out it is connected to a government cover up. Luke and Ben must uncover the secrets of Luke’s past as well as deal with their true feelings for each other.

Second Edition: This book has been extensively re-edited with several changes to the plot.

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Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MJ O’Shea Backlist Winner!

And the winner of an eBook copy of winner’s choice from MJ O’Shea’s backlist is…

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Urban Fantasy Week Review: Shamrock Green by Jackson Cordd

Reviewed by Nikyta

Shamrock Green by Jackson Cordd eBookTitle: Shamrock Green
Author: Jackson Cordd
Heroes: Darren & Hank
Genre: M/M Urban Fantasy
Length: 340 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: April 2, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, All Romance eBooks & Barnes and Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads & Booklikes

Blurb: Ever since hearing his granny’s old fairy tales, Hank Lear has longed to experience the ancient magic coursing through Ireland, sure that some grand adventure awaited him among the verdant hills. Now, with his vacation coming to an end, he’s about to return to Texas with nothing but memories of old castles, modern cities, and a cheap Claddagh ring he bought in an antique store. On a whim, Hank visits a bath house on his last night in Dublin, where he meets Darren Connell, a man with plenty of secrets of his own. Obscured by the dim light and thick steam, shy Hank musters the courage to flirt with Darren, and though they can barely see one another, a strong and mysterious connection forms.

Just as Hank is about to leave for the airport, Darren stops him, tells Hank he needs his help, and begs Hank to stay. Hank can’t refuse him, and soon they’re caught in a web of forces outside their control and outside reality as Hank understands it. Each step leads them to Shamrock Green and the last portal to the world of the Fae. With danger closing in, Hank and Darren must decipher their destinies before the portal is lost forever.

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Categories: 3.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Nikyta's Reviews, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Honorary Blogger Taylor V. Donovan: It’s A Serial Problem + Giveaway!

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It’s A Serial Problem

by Taylor V. Donovan

Hey, all!

As you may or may not know, I’ve been on tour all over the gay romance blogiverse promoting my upcoming release. Hearsay  is Book 1 in a trilogy featuring Derrick Swain and Roman Bradford, and pretty much the beginning of their journey towards happiness. 

Yes, I’m writing another series, even though I’ve only released two titles in my other series, By Degrees

The thing is, I have a weakness for well developed characters. I want to know who they really are, what makes them happy and what makes them tick. I want to develop a relationship with them as individuals before they become someone’s better half. Long-lasting relationships, in my opinion, take a lot of work, bending, and compromising. In order for me to believe a couple will live happily ever after, I have to see them hit rock bottom first. I have to see them face stuff together, and I have to believe they’re truly willing to fight for the person they love.

People in love need time to become a real couple. They have to show their bad side, their quirks, their annoying habits, and the other person needs time to decide if that’s something they can deal with. This is the reason Bylaws was born. Derrick and Roman have serious issues to deal with, and doing so will take time. In Hearsay we’ll see one of our guys doing everything he can to get the man he wants, while our other protagonist resists the pull with everything he has. Why? Because some people think love isn’t enough… because they believe that, when you really love someone, you need to let them go. And why does our guy think that? You’ll have to read Hearsay to find out. 🙂

And speaking of finding things out…

If you’ve read Six Degrees of Lust there’s a very good chance you called me some unrepeatable names for leaving a certain scene out. I’m a few years late, but I’m about to make it up to you. 🙂  Coming soon—next week—look for Slingin’ Ink… but only if you’re already read Six Degrees of Lust. Otherwise you’ll get spoiled.

And, speaking of getting spoiled… How about you all spoil me by sharing your thoughts on insta-love versus slow build-up? I brought a copy of Hearsay with me to give away, plus a paperback, plus this cute little bag with the Bylaws logo, because, yes, I like branding my stuff, too. So go ahead. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

Good luck, everyone, and many thanks to The Blogger Girls for hosting me today.

Ta for now!

Taylor

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About Hearsay

Hearsay_600x900Senior associate attorney Derrick Swain wants it all: a loving husband, a fulfilling career, and a couple of kids. After years of hard work he’s on the fast track to a promotion. He’s also met the man of his dreams. A week of daily lunch meetings in Central Park provides the perfect setting to get to know him better, and Derrick thinks it won’t be long before they take the next step and go on a date. But instead of asking him out, the object of his affection stops showing up without explanation, leaving him to wonder what went wrong.

As part owner of one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City, Roman Bradford knows that professional success isn’t the be all end all. Although he’s been lucky in life, true love has eluded him for the most part. One too many failed relationships have caused him to be leery of trying again, until he meets a man that can only be described as temptation personified. A few conversations is all it takes for Roman to start believing things will be different this time around. It doesn’t matter that they are boss and employee, or that he’s feeling too much, too fast. Not when he can see the same emotions in Derrick’s eyes. Then life turns on a dime, and Roman has no option but to let his chance at happiness go.

A battle of wills ensues when a life-altering case brings them together a year later. Roman wants to do the right thing by not letting anything happen between them, and Derrick is determined to prove they’re meant to be together. Evidence will be presented and final arguments will be made. Will they be able to come to an agreement, or will they opt to have their potential relationship dismissed?

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Check out the cover of Slingin’ Ink!

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About Taylor V. Donovan

TVDlogoTaylor V. Donovan is a compulsive reader and author of gay romance and suspense. She is optimistically cynical about the world; lover of history, museums and all things 80s. She is crazy about fashion, passionate about civil rights and equality for all, and shamelessly indulges in mind-numbing reality television.

When she’s not making a living in the busiest city in the world or telling the stories of gorgeous men hot for one another, Taylor can be found raising her two daughters and their terribly misbehaved furry baby in the mountains she calls home.

For more information, check out Taylor’s website.

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As Taylor said, she’s giving away a few awesome prizes to three lucky winners!

The giveaway starts now and will end next Thursday, May 21st, 2014, at 11:59 pm EST. After which the lucky winners will be randomly picked.

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below with your email address and you’re in!

Make sure to follow the blog for the winners’ announcement post or check back next Friday, May 22nd, 2014, to see if you’ve won!

Good luck!

Categories: Book Promo, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , , | 16 Comments

Urban Fantasy Week Review: The Saturnalia Effect by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Reviewed by JustJen

The Saturnalia EffectTitle: The Saturnalia Effect
Author: Heidi Belleau/Violetta Vane
Heroes: Troy/Daniel
Genre: M/M Urban Fantasy
Length: 52 Pages
Publisher: Storm Moon Press
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Available at: Storm Moon PressBarnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Troy Khoury is serving a life sentence in Westgate prison for a robbery gone wrong. He just wants to keep his head down and do his time, but he runs afoul of an old-timer named Franchetti. Franchetti offers Troy a simple choice: kill fellow inmate Daniel Amato by Christmas in exchange for protection, or be tortured and raped to death by Franchetti’s heavy, Pliers. Troy’s no killer, though, and Daniel is as gentle and calm as can be. But a prison is a small place, and time is running out. Troy must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice before the choice is taken from him.

Reader’s Note: Buy “The Saturnalia Effect” at Storm Moon Press and receive a bonus deleted scene not available through any other retailer! Continue reading

Categories: 4 Star Ratings, Book Review, JustJen's Reviews, LGBT, Published in 2011, Theme Week | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Book Review: Amara: The Rebirth by Zathyn Priest

Reviewed by Susan65

Amara: The RebirthTitle: Amara: The Rebirth
Author: Zathyn Priest
Heroes: Matthew Mitchell and Emrys Amara
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: 233 Pages
Publisher: MLR Press
Release Date: April 17, 2014
Available at: MLR Press, Amazon, All Romance eBooks & Barnes and Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:Legendary vampire, Emrys Amara, changes Matthew’s destiny when he’s thrown into a world of kidnap victims, werewolves, deceit, and the rebirth of the greatest vampire clan in history.

Matthew and his husband Dean are slayers, trying to end a chokehold Amara half-breed vampires put on Nottingham and kill the leader, Amdis. A diary supposedly written by legendary Emrys Amara is sent to them, yet they doubt the orphaned vampire could have survived the demise of his clan. Meeting Emrys proves them wrong. Matthew falls deeply; Dean’s jealousy takes a sinister turn.

A chain of events involving kidnapped children and werewolves follows as Amdis teams up with another vampire clan. Can Matthew and Emrys save the children while rebuilding the Amaras as the greatest vampire clan in history?

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Categories: 4.5 Star Ratings, Book Review, LGBT, Published in 2014, Susan65's Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hostile Ground Virtual Blog Tour + Giveaway

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Giveaway!

Welcome to the Riptide Publishing/Aleksandr Voinov/L. A. Witt blog tour for our thriller, Hostile Ground!

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a choice of two eBooks off our backlists (excluding Hostile Ground) and a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on May 17th, and winners will be announced on May 19th.  Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. You can also click the Rafflecopter link below to enter!

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About Hostile Ground

Enemy territory is a dangerous place to fall in love.

After the deaths of three undercover cops investigating a drug ring in a seedy strip club in Seattle, Detective Mahir Hussain has been sent to finish the job. He joins the club’s security team in the hopes of finding enough evidence to bust the operation before the men in charge find a reason to put him in a shallow grave.

To protect the strippers, only gay men can work the club. Ridley, the cold and intimidating head of security, knows exactly how to test potential new hires—including Mahir. From the minute they meet, Mahir and Ridley engage in a dangerous dance of sex and mind games. Mahir needs to find his evidence before Ridley figures out he’s a cop—and before they both grow too close to betray one another.

As the game goes on, Mahir burrows deeper into the operation, where he learns there’s much more happening than meets the eye . . . and why every cop who made it this far has been silenced with a bullet.

Hostile Ground is now available from Riptide Publishing.

Make sure to check out JustJen’s review of Hostile Ground to see what she thought of it!3

 

About the Authors

Aleksandr has been published for twenty years, both in print and ebook. He has ten years’ experience as a writing coach, book doctor, and writing teacher, and until recently worked as an editor in financial services.After co-authoring the M/M military cult classic Special Forces, Aleksandr embarked on a quest to write gritty, edgy, sometimes literary M/M and gay fiction (much of which is romance/erotica)—the only way he can use his American Literature degree these days.

He’s been published with Heyne/Random House, Carina Press, Samhain Publishing, and others, and is an EPIC Awards winner and a Lambda Awards finalist.

Connect with Aleks on his Website, Blog, Twitter or Goodreads

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L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer currently living in the glamorous and ultra-futuristic metropolis of Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two cats, and a disembodied penguin brain that communicates with her telepathically. In addition to writing smut and disturbing the locals, L.A. is said to be working with the US government to perfect a genetic modification that will allow humans to survive indefinitely on Corn Pops and beef jerky. This is all a cover, though, as her primary leisure activity is hunting down her arch nemesis, erotica author Lauren Gallagher, who is also said to be lurking somewhere in Omaha.

L. A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blogor on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).

Categories: Book Promo, Giveaways, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , , | 9 Comments