Enlightened (Enlightenment #3) by Joanna Chambers

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Enlightened

SERIES: Enlightenment #3

AUTHOR: Joanna Chambers

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 226 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 23, 2017

BLURB:

David Lauriston has been recuperating at Lord Murdo Balfour’s Laverock estate for the last five months. At Laverock, he has regained his health and confidence and has found—with Murdo—more happiness and contentment than he has never known before.
David is all too aware that some day soon he will have to leave Laverock—and Murdo—and return to his legal practice in Edinburgh, just as Murdo will have to return to his life in London. But when David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, asks David to return to Edinburgh to visit him on his deathbed, it seems that day has come sooner than either David or Murdo would have wished.
Chalmers begs David to undertake one last piece of business for him: to secure the future of Chalmers’s daughter Elizabeth. But to carry out his old mentor’s wishes, David must travel to London, with Murdo.
No sooner have the two men arrived in the capital than they encounter Murdo’s ruthlessly manipulative father, who reveals a shocking secret that rocks David to his foundations. What’s more, when David discovers Elizabeth is facing far greater danger than even her father feared, he is determined to help her, no matter the cost to his own safety.
As the stakes rise, it is Murdo who must choose what he is prepared to sacrifice to keep David at his side, and ask whether there is any possibility of lasting happiness for men like them. Read More »

The Hideaway by Rosalind Abel

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: The Hideaway

SERIES: Lavender Shores series

AUTHOR: Rosalind Abel

PUBLISHER: Wings of Ink Publications, LLC

LENGTH: 266 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2017

BLURB:

Lavender Shores’s resident tattoo artist, Connor Clark, looks the part—six foot six, musclebound, and covered in ink—and most definitely doesn’t blend in. Grafted into the Bryant family as a teenager to escape his abusive father, the Bryants saved his life, but Connor has never truly felt a part of the founding family royalty. And if his heart’s desire were revealed, it would betray everything the Bryants have done for him.

Micah Bryant was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s always had everything he ever wanted—save the one he desires most. Even moving to New York City for a few years didn’t dampen his passion. Not that Micah had expected it to. He’s known his destiny since he was nine years old, the moment it had walked through his door.

After years of longing, years of secrets and stolen moments of passion and love, Connor weakens enough to allow the town to see how he feels, and let the Bryants know his love for Micah is anything but brotherly. But no sooner had the decision been made than Connor’s biological family returns and shatters it all. Still, Micah holds on to the belief that their romance was written in the stars, but maybe he’d been wrong all those years…. Read More »

Embrace the Fire (Through Hell and Back #3) by Felice Stevens

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Embrace the Fire

SERIES: Through Hell and Back #3

AUTHOR: Felice Stevens

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 390 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 24, 2017

BLURB:

Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but he’s finally accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along. Read More »

Denver’s Calling (Cooper’s Ridge #1) by J.J. Harper

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Denver’s Calling

SERIES: Cooper’s Ridge (book 1)

AUTHOR: J. J. Harper

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 305 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2017

BLURB:

When Denver’s long-term partner breaks up with him, he flees his life, his career, and his bright future as one of the country’s leading trauma surgeons. Ditching everything but his dog, Denver returns to the quiet town of Cooper’s Ridge and his parents’ ranch.
Leaving twelve years earlier, Denver knew he would never be accepted as a gay man in an unaccepting town. So, when he meets Kes—an old school friend—in the bar he owns, he is shocked to find him in an openly gay relationship. Something he never thought would happen here.
What surprises him even more is the instant, mutual attraction the three men have. Accepting a job in Kes’ bar, they dance around each other, wanting them but not believing he would ever fit in with a couple so obviously in love. But, they want him. And they are not prepared to let him go.
Denver takes a risk and accepts their offer of a night out, finding a side of himself he never knew existed. Not trusting himself to be enough for the two men, the desire blooming in him is unprecedented and he can’t deny it: he wants them as much.
He finds his life falling into place, all because of two men. Is it possible he found his forever in a place he never expected it? Read More »

Wait For Me by Kris Jacen

Reviewed by Cinnamon

TITLE: Wait For Me

AUTHOR: Kris Jacen

PUBLISHER: MLR Press

LENGTH: 168 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2017

BLURB:

Wait for Me is a great military themed story and I truly enjoyed reading it. Living in a military town myself being surrounded by military families this book was really close to my heart. I love the build up, the pace, the conflicts and especially the connection between Scott and Jeff.

Being a military spouse is one of the toughest jobs on earth and only those who live through it can understand how much truth this statement has. It is clear that the writer (as it reads in her bio) has a great deal of experience of the military life and her portrayal of people, relationships and events are lifelike and real with all the ups and downs, the amazing bond these people share. Writing very well done.

We get into the life of a soldier and get important and fascinating details without it being overdone. We get the glimpses,  we get the feels. The balance is really well done and we get just the right amount of information that makes the story both entertaining and informative but also skip enough to be able to follow everything and keep up with the deepening connection and building relationship. This book, though it’s focus point is military life, is not about PTSD, or overcoming personal demons, it is not about analyzing the individuals and what they are going through. This books tells a story of how a soldier can find happiness. How a civilian can fit into a military family.

I love all the small details, the great events, and this indescribable friendship and brotherhood these man live in. If you like men in uniform, true friendship, fun banter, and a blossoming sweet love story, this will be a great read for you.Highly recommended. Read More »

A Dom and His Writer by Xenia Melzer

Reviewed by Cinnamon

TITLE: A Dom and His Writer

SERIES: Club Whisper Book #1

AUTHOR: Xenia Meltzer

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 200 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2017

BLURB:

Life is perfect for Richard and Dean. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who also owns a BDSM club, and Dean is a best-selling author and sub to Richard. They’re young, happy, and in love. The future is bright….

Until tragedy strikes and an accident claims Dean’s beloved sister. Dean finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he’s trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?

It’s not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he’s not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn’t through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or must face facts and part ways. Read More »

Truth By His Hand by Casey Cameron

Reviewed by Amber

TITLE: Truth By His Hands

AUTHOR: Casey Cameron

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 419 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 29th, 2017

BLURB:

I never thought I’d have a sexual awakening at 34, but, well…here I am: River Burke, novice deviant and master class neurotic mess. With my laundry list of control issues, submission doesn’t exactly come naturally, but I figure if I can find the right person—someone big, buff, and crazy intimidating—maybe I can learn to let go.

And then in walks Ellison Fitch.

He’s not at all what I thought I was looking for, but with his piercing eyes, his too-personal questions, and his brilliant mind, he’s under my skin from the moment we meet. He makes me squirm in all the best ways with nothing but a look and a word, and I can see he loves that as much as I do. I thought I wanted someone to push me around, but it turns out I want someone to take me apart.

While Ellison systematically dismantles every one of my barriers, I can’t help but wonder if he’ll ever drop his for me. Does he even want to let me in, or am I too lost, too broken to fill his needs the way he fills mine? I have to know, because now that I’ve had a taste of submission at his hand, I can’t stop thinking about how good it felt to be on my knees for him.

Let’s be honest here: I’m going to let this man break me into pieces. I only hope he’ll be there to put me back together again. Read More »

The One Thing I Know (B-Sides #1) by Keelan Ellis

Reviewed by Chris

TITLE:  The One Thing I Know

SERIES:  B-Sides #1

AUTHOR:  Keelan Ellis

PUBLISHER:  NineStar Press

LENGTH:  224 pages

RELEASE DATE:  August 14, 2017

BLURB:  

Talented studio musician, Henry Cole, is offered the dream job of touring with popular rock band, the Vulgar Details. Things aren’t all rosy, though, as he is hired to replace Dell Miller, creative force behind the band, who recently flamed-out in a car accident.

Henry is all too aware that he’s no replacement for someone like Dell. He’s not the only one who feels that way, either. Terry Blackwood, band front man, has been giving him a hard time even before the tour start. He seems to resent Henry’s presence beyond all reason. What Henry doesn’t know is that Terry and Dell’s relationship was both intensely close and fraught with conflict.

Terry’s grief over Dell’s death is overwhelming and threatens to destroy not only the band but his life. It doesn’t help that the new member of the band makes him feel things he doesn’t want to. Worse, when he sings, Henry sounds just like the man Terry cared so deeply for.

With so much at stake, everything could come crashing down around them and mean the end for the Vulgar Details. Or, just maybe, Henry and Terry will find the one thing they need most.

Sometimes redemption comes from the last place you expect to find it. Read More »

Lace Covered Compromise by Silvia Violet

Reviewed by Caroline

TITLE: Lace-Covered Compromise

AUTHOR: Silvia Violet

PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing

LENGTH: 178 Pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2017

BLURB:

Adam Kingston expects to inherit his father’s multinational conglomerate. When he finds out half of it went to Nate Thomas—an annoying man whose dreams for Kingston Corp.’s future clash with Adam’s need to stave off financial disaster—Adam is furious. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to wrest control of Kingston Corp. from Nate.

Nate may be soft-spoken, but he refuses to be swayed by Adam’s arrogant demands. When Nate accidentally drops a pair of his lacy panties in front of Adam, there’s no mistaking Adam’s interest. Nate hadn’t realized Adam was bisexual, but now that his secret is out, Nate is willing to use Adam’s lust against him if it means protecting the welfare of the company he loves.

For Adam and Nate, hatred and desire are closely linked. Their inability to compromise threatens the company and could expose their tightly held secrets. But as they work together to develop a plan to save Kingston Corp., they begin to realize there might be more to their relationship than anger and lust. Read More »

Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores

Reviewed by Marieke

TITLE: Blood Drop

SERIES: The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge: Book Five

AUTHOR: Jacob Z. Flores

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 230 pages

BLURB:

A single drop of blood might hold the key to the fate of the magical world, and Aiden Teine must choose between his bond of love and embracing the power to defeat his enemies.

Aiden’s adjustment to being the first vampyre fae hasn’t been easy, but his ties to warlock Thad Blackmoor prevent him from becoming a monster. With Thad, Aiden has a new family, a new purpose, and a new reason to live, though he’s technically undead. There’s one problem: Aiden’s control over his vampyre is weakening. He must learn what’s triggering his violent reactions before he surrenders to the creature within. To complicate matters, Aiden discovers his transformation might not be complete, and he fears what he will become.

Aiden’s search for answers thrusts him into a frightening world filled with deception, new dangers, and apocalyptic visions. The part destiny intends Aiden to play could alter his relationship with Thad forever. If Aiden, Thad, and the entire magical community are to survive Icarian’s latest scheme, Aiden must interpret the meaning of the prophetic blood drop before it falls and ushers in the destruction of all creation, and the warlock he loves. Read More »

PS by Caraway Carter

Reviewed by Cinnamon

TITLE: PS

AUTHOR: Caraway Carter

PUBLISHER: Beaten Track Publishing

LENGTH: 119 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2017

BLURB:

Looking back, it was kind of crazy to put a down payment on a fallen-down train depot I’d never actually seen, in a state I’d never actually been to, and use it to build a life with a guy I’d never actually met, but love makes people do crazy things. If you’ve ever been in love, you know what I mean.

But before the plane had landed, I found out that Sam—the guy I’d met online and had been talking to for four years—wasn’t really Sam. He wasn’t even a guy.

I already own the little train depot, and I can’t go back to my old life. And Fairville is such a lovely welcoming town. Did I mention James? He’s made sure that I’ve had a really warm welcome.

All I want is to build a great little bookstore, and have a relationship based on humor, honesty, and hardbacks. I see some tough choices ahead of me.

Or maybe I don’t have to choose… Read More »

Hunted Soldier (Shadow Unit, #3) by Jamie Lynn Miller

Reviewed by Tammy

TITLE: Hunted Soldier

SERIES: Shadow Unit, #3

AUTHOR: Jamie Lynn Miller

PUBLISHER: Lulu.com

LENGTH: 257 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2017

BLURB:

The hunters become the hunted when the past returns to haunt Sergeants Connor Finley and Shawn Weller with deadly vengeance.

In the wake of the harrowing missions in India and Pakistan, Connor struggles to come to terms with causing the accidental death of a child, while Shawn tries to put Julian’s betrayal behind him.

Adding to the emotional fallout, new trials arise – the appearance of a young man from Connor’s past turned stalker may have fatal consequences for him, while Shawn must confront his former heroin addiction and break free of the hold it still has on him.

The challenges continue when a Shadow Unit undercover op in Bangladesh to shut down the pipeline of terrorists being smuggled into the UK draws Shawn and Connor into a web of lies and deceit from a man hell bent on exacting revenge on the two soldiers – demanding a life for a life.

Will Connor and Shawn survive? Or will the jungle become their final resting place? Read More »