Group Review by Donna, Vicki, Carissa, Dan, Cindy & Tammy

 

TITLE: Charmed and Dangerous: Ten Tales of Gay Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy

AUTHOR: Rhys Ford, Ginn Hale, KJ Charles, Nicole Kimberling, Jordan Castillo Price, Jordan L. Hawke, Charlie Cochet, Lou Harper, Andrea Speed, Astrid Amara

PUBLISHER: JCP Books LLC

LENGTH: 509 Pages

BLURB:

Magic takes many forms. From malignant hexes to love charms gone amok, you’ll find a vast array of spells and curses, creatures and conjurings in this massive collection—not to mention a steamy dose of man-on-man action. Charmed and Dangerous features all-new stories of gay paranormal romance, supernatural fiction and urban fantasy by ten top m/m paranormal authors.

 

 

REVIEWED BY DONNA

 

Rhys Ford – Dim Sum Asylum

For Detective Roku MacCormick, working Arcane Crimes is his passion. Now cleared of any wrongdoing for shooting his last partner, MacCormick is given back his badge… as well as a new case and partner. Trent Leonard isn’t exactly what he’d expected, but then nothing in San Francisco’s Chinatown ever is.

 

REVIEW:

By the time I’d finished reading one chapter I’d already sent a message to a friend, telling her that although I was only just starting the first story, she totally had to buy this book. I’d also scrawled across the top of some note paper – I want a dragon.

This story throws you into the action from the moment it begins as the author skillfully builds the picture around our main character, who is barreling through the streets of Chinatown in pursuit of his partner turned bad guy. The world we’re thrust into is a fascinating blend of contemporary and fantasy, humans mixing with mythical creatures such as dragons, fairies and mermen. But fairies and water-horses don’t necessarily equal sunshine and rainbows because of course, being a Rhys Ford tale, by the time the first scene is played out we’re already counting bodies.

Roku, our main character, obviously requires a new partner and he finds himself saddled with newly minted detective Trent Leonard. Poor Trent surely didn’t expect that his first day on the job would see him chasing down a naughty fertility statue who is running wild in Chinatown, flashing his ceramic bits at unsuspecting citizens and causing spontaneous instances of horniness. What’s a cop to do but run after it.

This story is classic Rhys Ford, despite the paranormal elements sprinkled throughout. It’s definitely more action than lovin’ but I honestly have no problem with that. Now I have to wait with fingers crossed to find out if she decides to set any more stories in this attention-grabbing world that she has created. If I was the author, I know that I’d find it too tempting to ignore for long.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY DONNA

 

Ginn Hale – Swift and the Black Dog

When Jack Swift killed a tyrant and won the revolution he became a national hero. But someone in the new government prefers dead heroes to living, swearing, cynical wizards. Caught between bullets, revenge and desire, Jack had better be swift indeed.

 

REVIEW:

Jack was young, barely a man when he killed the Tyrant and became a hero. But he hadn’t fought for any noble purpose. He’d fought and killed because he was good at it and he had such anger at the whole world. By the time the revolution ended he was broken, but wiser, and now years later he just wants to be left alone. But someone is killing his fellow revolutionist heroes and it appears that the killer could be one of their own.

I’ll be honest with you, this story was terribly difficult to sink in to. The world that the characters inhabit is vast and intricate, though undeniably interesting. I felt that such a complicated setting, with such a complicated history deserved to be shown off in a much longer story. There was a lot that I needed to take in before I could concentrate on getting a handle on the plot. At first I floundered, feeling as though I’d been dropped somewhere in the middle of the story but trust me, any struggle was worth the effort.

I loved each character in this story – the good, the bad and the barely mentioned. I can only assume that the author put a lot of thought and planning into this story, considering all aspects, the characters, the setting and the plot, are so complex and well developed. While I struggled with the beginning, I became so caught up in this fantastic tale that I was annoyed when it ended. I wasn’t done hearing about Jack and Finch and I really really need to know what’s going to happen next.

This is the first story I’ve read by this author but I’d definitely be open to checking out some more.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY VICKI

 

KJ Charles – A Queer Trade

Apprentice magician Crispin Tredarloe returns to London to find his master dead, and his papers sold. Papers with secrets that could spell death. Waste paper seller Ned Hall can’t resist Crispin’s pleading—and appealing—looks. But can the wasteman and the magician prevent a disaster and save Crispin’s skin?

 

REVIEW:

What a great story! I love anthologies that have a theme, and this group of stories are just so cool.

A Queer Trade is set in a familiar world for KJ Charles fans, but features new characters. Crispin, a young magician comes home from a family situation to find his Master has died, and the landlords are in the process of packing his belongings up. Unfortunately they have sold all of his magical notes and papers to a waste collector. They don’t get how this could be an issue, and aren’t even sure who they sold it all too. Crispin heads off to find the seller. After several attempts, he finds Ned Hall, collector and reseller of papers.

Ned is surprised to find a pretty young man looking for some specific papers, but he’s happy to have him paw through the stacks he has, as long as he gets to look at the man. The two chat as the time goes by, but Crispin gets more and more anxious. Finally we learn why he’s concerned, and it all goes as badly as he feared…

I loved this story. It’s fast paced, as it needs to be with a story this length, but a lot is packed in there. We get some history of Crispin anyway, a nice bit of drama and some action, great characters, and a good connection between them. There is quite a lot of contrast between Ned and Crispin, which adds to the interest of the story. Just enough magic to keep it fun and paranormal, but it’s got a great historical feel to it. No on page sex, but that’s ok, I still got the emotional connection between them clearly.

If you are a KJ Charles fan, this world will feel very familiar, and you’ll love this little short story. If you aren’t a fan yet, this will give you a taste of her writing, and you should go get her Magpie books immediately!

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY CARISSA

 

Nicole Kimberling – Magically Delicious

Occult attacks against NIAD agents aren’t remotely Keith Curry’s department. But when his lover, Gunther, is assaulted, Keith refuses to just sit back and fill out paperwork. He’s on the case—even if that means enraging powerful mages, crossing leprechaun picket lines, or braving dinner with Gunther’s goblin parents.

 

REVIEW:

Kieth Curry has a not-so-glamorous job as a food inspector for NIAD (NATO’s Irregular Affairs Division). Let’s just say he is not being drowned in all the excitement. Then someone starts messing with the agents in NIAD–and more importantly with his boyfriend, Gunther–leaving Kieth to makes some rather dangerous investigations involving sweet-toothed pixies, striking leprechauns, and vicious cat that only wants a cuddle.

Gosh, but I do wish this was longer. One thing I have noticed while reading this anthology is that there never seems to be enough to satisfy my endless fascination with these stories and these characters. So many great stories here, but man I do wish they could all be novels. I loved Kieth and Gunther (even Gunther’s parents, who made eating a rather interesting experience). There were just so many good characters in this story. And the mystery was good enough that I didn’t figure it out till almost the end.

I very much recommend you read this one. It was a cute bit of fun with a great little mystery. Though is will make me think twice before I pick up my next energy drink.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY DONNA

 

Jordan Castillo Price – Everyone’s Afraid of Clowns

Psychic medium Victor Bayne can spot a ghost any day of the year, but Halloween holds some special surprises. His psych-groupie boyfriend Jacob coaxes him to the location of an old spirit sighting, but they can’t ghosthunt without enduring a cheesy “haunted house” that’s even more disturbing than they realize.

 

REVIEW:

I’m going to have to start this review with a confession. I have never read a Jordan Castillo Price book before today. Phew, glad I got that out in the open. But now that you’re all screaming “She calls herself a reviewer? She’s not worthy!!” well, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation that will give you a glimpse into the irrational landscape that is my mind. The way I see it, some authors are just too talented and too prolific. I’ve seen the long list of this author’s books. I’ve seen the crazy good ratings. I knew if I allowed myself one hit from that crack pipe I’d be selling myself to feed my book addiction because I would need to read all of them. I figured a short story would be safe, until I was only two pages in and read the word PsyCop. Mother. Fucker.

Obviously I had no prior knowledge of who Victor and Jacob were, so I’m qualified to say that you don’t need to have read any of the PsyCop series to enjoy this story. But for those legions of JCP fans out there, well I’m sure I don’t have to sell you all on the idea of a psychic dude and his decidedly horny boyfriend setting off on a ghost hunt through an old movie theatre in search of a previously sighted ghost. And not just any ghost, but the most terrifying of all ghosts, the dreaded hobo clown.

I must admit, I can see why so many readers love this author. It may only have been a short story, but it didn’t take a whole lot of words to convince me that that Jordan Castillo Price can immerse you in a setting, can create a captivating atmosphere, can deliver a steamy sex scene and can hook you into a series.

See you on the street corner fellow suckers. I’m off to Amazon.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY CARISSA

 

Jordan L. Hawk – The Thirteenth Hex

Hexman Dominic Kopecky doesn’t understand why dashing crow familiar Rook wants his help investigating murder by patent hex. For one thing, Dominic isn’t a witch. For another, the case is already closed—and someone is willing to kill to keep it that way.

 

REVIEW:

Dominic Kopecky is one of the best Hexmen for the MWP. It is as close as he will ever get to his childhood dream, since he tested negative for magical powers as a teenager. Still, even if he can’t make his hex’s actually work, at least he can give those who can the best hex’s to work with. Then the familiar, Rook, flies into his life asking for help on a case everyone thinks is closed and Dominic starts to see all the things he could have had at his fingertips.

*happy dance*

I loved this. Cops, witches, shape changing familiars that I just want to lick. Yep this story has it all. I adore Jordan L. Hawk, and she has once again given us a great story full of magic and the men who wield it.

Dominic might not be everything he wished to be, but he is pretty awesome. And I love the magical theory that blends in seamlessly with the world in which it resides. It made this story so believable, even if there was magic all over the place.

And the ending…*sigh*

This story was a lot of fun. You MUST read it.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY DAN

 

Charlie Cochet – The Soldati Prince

Riley Murrough goes from serving lattes to being chased by demons. If that wasn’t bad enough, he bears the mark of a shapeshifter king from a magical realm. Riley’s determined to get answers, but if the demons out for his blood don’t kill him, the urge to strangle the arrogant king might.

 

REVIEW:

Wow, did I just become a huge fanboy of Charlie Cochet! I never get any of her books to review, because the ladies at the blog always beat me to them. Now I know why! The Soldati Prince reads like a novel, and I was so very sad to flip to the page that said simply:

-end-

But I will have to live with it, and start imbibing a lot more of Charlie Cochet’s works. But I digress…on to the story.

Riley Murrough is your run of the mill art major who isn’t making it far in the real world now that he has finished art school. He is currently working as a barista if that tells you anything about his art career!

One day after the shop closes, two strange men come in and ask him if he is Riley Murrough. When he answers yes, one lets out a huge scream which shatters all the glass in the shop and then both shift into some sort of putrid stinking monsters who try to grab him. When he runs, many more show up. But just in time some big ass tigers show up to save him. What the heck is up with that? And when one shifts into a human the adventure really starts. But why is the guy such a conceited jerk?

What will happen when Riley awakens in another realm, chained up, and apparently a prisoner of this rude man?

I loved this little adventure. I would so like it to have been a novel so I’d still be reading!

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY VICKI

 

Lou Harper – One Hex Too Many

Veteran detective Mike Mulligan is an expert on violent crimes—of the occult variety. He might even be cursed. Detective Hugh Fox is eager to partner up and prove himself, but Mulligan is accustomed to flying solo. Can they trust each other enough to track a killer who’ll stop at nothing, not even summoning a demon?

 

REVIEW:

Nice world building! I liked this one….

This is a modern urban fantasy story, involving a murder mystery and cops. Magic cops. Mike Mulligan is a detective in the magic division of the local police department, and he has an issue with partners. They keep leaving him, six in the last five years, but not all are dead! He is given yet another one, newbie Hugh Fox. They are given a suspicious murder to look in to as their first case together. It looks like an accidental drowning, but turns out to be much more than that.

The mystery part of this story was quite complex considering the length. We get a whole background story that is very interesting, all coming together with a big bang! I liked that. Lou gives us a great world, lots of magic and some cool characters. This really felt like the beginning of a story or series for Mike and Hugh. I enjoyed the mystery and the world, but the romance was lacking a bit. I see that Mike and Hugh work well together, especially considering how new they are as a partnership, but I didn’t get a lot of emotional feelings between them. Hugh is straight as far as we know, one kiss and he freaks out. Then suddenly at the end of the book, we get nookie. With not a lot in between.

So good story, good mystery, good characters, creative world, but not as much “romance” as I like in a story. None the less it was a very enjoyable story!

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY CINDY

 

Andrea Speed – Josh of the Damned vs. the Bathroom of Doom

It’s a boring night at the Quik-Mart for Josh and his friend Doug. Until a vampire with a grudge—and the most adorable backup ever—crashes the store. Can Josh survive the Bathroom of Doom?

 

REVIEW:

When I started this story I was a little skeptical. The name made me a little leery, like maybe it was trying too hard but it didn’t take long before I was hooked and laughing my ass off.

Josh is just an ordinary guy who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. He’s surrounded by the supernatural in so many ways, yet he’s just a plain human….with a goddess looking out for him.

Doug is Josh’s friend and roommate and Colin is Josh’s hot vampire boyfriend. Beware of a few spoilers here. Not for this story but for the books that come before. I loved this universe so much that I went out and bought the whole series and I can’t wait to read it.

This story has hilarious twists and turns and had me giggling almost from the start. Josh is endearing and Doug turns out to be more than just a stoner and Colin’s dry wit is fantastic.

There isn’t much to say that won’t give up the whole plot, but if you’re looking for something funny that will leave you smiling, this is the story for you.

I mean, come on, it inspired me to buy a whole series, right? Easy to read without having read the others, but I have a feeling that once I do, it will only make this story better.

 

RATING: 

 

 

REVIEWED BY TAMMY

 

Astrid Amara – The Trouble With Hexes

P.I. Tim Keller has a problem. And the only person who can solve it is his ex-boyfriend, Vincent, whose job as a hexbreaker was the reason they broke up. It’s hard admitting he was wrong, especially when coughing up organs. But there’s a missing person to find, a hexmaker to hunt down, and a romance to repair before Tim breathes his last.

 

REVIEW:

Six months ago Tim Keller told his partner of two years Vincent to pack his bags and leave. Tim had had enough of watching Vincent hurt himself so that he could help his crazy aunt Charlotte remove hexes from people! Vincent had become that bad that he was having severe convulsions after each removal. But to be honest Tim wasn’t really sure Vincent wasn’t on drugs what with the way he looked more often than not. When Vincent refused to stop his nonsense about hexes and spells Tim told him to leave.

When Tim shows up at his tattoo parlour Vincent is more than a little shocked. Tim looks awful; he looks like he’s aged ten years in the last six months! When Tim comes out and tells Vincent he’s sure he’s been hexed Vincent isn’t sure what to think, after all, hexes and their removal were what had split them apart before.

Tim can’t for the life of him think who out of his many enemies would actually want him dead, with a mortality hex! It scared the crap out of him when Vincent explained he was at the end of the hexes life span. What he didn’t expect was Vincent’s crazy aunt Charlotte helping him the way she did. The two of them have a long way to go but at least once the hex has been removed and the culprit has been bound they will have a very long time to get back to being a very in love couple.

The Trouble With Hexes is a very well written short story that has a bit of angst, hatred, attempted murder and most of all love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story and wished it was a full-length novel. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this story to everyone.

 

RATING: 

 

 

OVERALL RATING: 

 

BUY LINK:

Amazon