Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: 45 and Holding

AUTHOR: Jacki James & Jill Wexler

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 199 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 26, 2018

BLURB:

Empty Nest meets Mid-life Crisis

When widower Scott Anderson’s daughter goes off to college, he finds himself alone for the first time in as long as he can remember. With his primary role no longer being “Claire’s dad,” he realizes he isn’t sure who he is or what he wants out of life.
For Craig Baker, a mid-life crisis crept up on him in the form of restlessness that a new Jeep didn’t solve. Just as he’s contemplating getting a tattoo to try and shake himself out of this funk, he meets an old classmate who is in the same boat.
They’re both trying to figure out who they are at the age of forty-five. For one man, there’s a slow realization that maybe he doesn’t need something to cure the restlessness, but someone.
For the other man, it’s the discovery of a new side to himself and the willingness to embrace it.
And for both of them, it’s realizing that mid-life means you still have half your life left so you might as well live it.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Music of the Soul

SERIES: Souls of Chicago #2

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 248 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2016

BLURB:

Besides his family, music had always been the most important thing in Carter Greene’s life. Having a career in music was everything he had ever dreamed of. That was until the terrible night when he nearly lost everything.

Carter can’t get the image of one particular man out of his mind; the man who found him in his darkest moment. The one who risked everything to save him and the same person who most likely never wants to speak to him again.

Ryan Marshall had led a pretty solitary existence ever since his grandfather had passed away. He spent most of his free time renovating the property he had inherited while avoiding the dating scene. Lately, he found himself longing for someone special; a man he could share his life with.

One fateful night, an emergency call placed Carter in Ryan’s life and the two felt an immediate connection. Unable to stop thinking about him, Ryan decided to reach out, but was disappointed when Carter was not at all what he expected.

Ryan is determined to move on and forget all about the beautiful man he rescued, but he soon realizes that sometimes fate has other plans.

Music of the Soul is book 2 in the Souls of Chicago series and can be read alone or as part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

Reviewed by Donna

TITLE: The Art of Hero Worship

AUTHOR: Mia Kerick

PUBLISHER:  NineStar Press

LENGTH: 186 Pages

RELEASE DATE: October 29, 2018

BLURB:

College junior Liam Norcross is a hero. He willingly, even eagerly, risks his life to save a stranger as a murderous, deranged shooter moves methodically through the darkened theater on the Batcheldor College campus, randomly killing innocent men, women, and children.
The stranger he saves is college freshman Jason Tripp. Jase loses everything in the shooting: his girlfriend, who dies on the floor beside him, and his grip on emotional security. He struggles to regain a sense of safety in the world, finally leaving college to seek refuge in his hometown.
An inexplicable bond forms between the two men in the chaos and horror of the theater, and Liam fights to bring Jase back to the world he ran away from. When Jase returns to school, they’re drawn together as soulmates, and soon Liam and Jase fall into a turbulent romantic relationship. However, the rocky path to love cannot be smoothed until Jase rescues his hero in return by delving into his shady past and solving the mystery of Liam’s compulsion to be everybody’s savior.

REVIEWED BY CINDY

TITLE: Fangs for the Memories (A Dead and Breakfast Novel)

AUTHOR: Julia Talbot

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 174 Pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2018

BLURB:

One wolf lost his memory, but they’ll both lose their hearts.

Bitten werewolf Tom owes the folks at the Dead and Breakfast big for saving his life. So when they ask for help with a rogue wolf on the premises, he’s happy to do his part….

Though he isn’t quite prepared for what he’ll find.

Werewolf Nathan lost everything to a sadistic kidnapper—his freedom, his memories, and maybe even his ability to be human. But as soon as he meets Tom, he knows he might be able to reclaim his life. And even a turned wolf like Tom feels the mating call. The trouble is, Tom isn’t the only one who wants Nathan, and they’ll need help from all their supernatural friends at the D & B to defeat a powerful enemy and keep their love—and themselves—alive.

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Feeding the Soul

SERIES: Souls of Chicago #1

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 246 pages

RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2016

BLURB:

Giovanni Romero had been dealt his fair share of heartbreak throughout his thirty years, including losing his beloved parents in a horrible car accident. After suffering yet another devastating loss, he decided to chase his dream of opening his own restaurant and was soon the proud owner of Romero’s, a hugely successful and critically acclaimed Italian restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chicago.

Knowing that one more blow to his heart could destroy him, Giovanni had built walls up around his heart to protect himself. He has created strict rules for himself about the men he sleeps with, which include never exchanging names and absolutely no repeat performances. That is until he meets a young man who he finds impossible to forget.

After spending the last few years travelling throughout Europe and The Mediterranean, working as an apprentice to some of the world’s top chefs, 23-year-old Caleb Greene was finally moving back home. While he had enjoyed his studies, he couldn’t wait to reunite with his big, crazy, loving family; especially his twin brother, Carter. Most importantly, he hoped to finally begin his career working as the head chef for Chicago’s most prestigious Italian restaurant, Romero’s.

After a night of celebration with Carter, Caleb finds himself in a rare position, going home with a tall, dark and sexy stranger. Caleb had never had a one night stand before, but there was something about the man that drew him in. Unfortunately, the man insisted they could only be together for one night.

Unable to get the intriguing young man off his mind, but resolved to let him go, Giovanni is shocked to find that Caleb has been hired as his new head chef. Working in such close proximity to each other, could he keep his carefully erect walls in place and protect his heart or would Caleb have the strength to tear those walls down, setting Giovanni free?

Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Riven

SERIES: Riven #1

AUTHOR: Roan Parrish

PUBLISHER: Loveswept

LENGTH: 235 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2018

BLURB:

Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.

Reviewed by Chris

Retro Review by Donna

TITLE: His Royal Secret

SERIES: His Royal Secret #1

AUTHOR: Lilah Pace

PUBLISHER: Intermix

LENGTH: 185 Pages

RELEASE DATE: July 19, 2016

BLURB:

The first in an enchanting new male/male romantic duology from Lilah Pace, author of Asking for More and Begging for It ….

James, the handsome, cosmopolitan Prince of Wales, is used to being in the public eye. But he’s keeping a king-sized secret…James, next in line for the throne, is gay.

He’s been able to hide his sexual orientation with the help of his best friend and beard, Lady Cassandra. Sometimes he feels like a coward for not coming out, but he daren’t risk losing the crown. If he did, the succession would fall on his deeply troubled younger sister, Princess Amelia. To protect her, James is willing to live a lie.

While on holiday, he meets Benjamin Dahan—a rugged international reporter with a globe-trotting, unattached life—who catches far more than James’s eye. And when Ben is transferred to London, it seems fate may finally be smiling on James.

But what began as a torrid fling grows into something far more intimate and powerful. Soon James will have decide who he is, what he wants from life and love, and what he’s willing to sacrifice for the truth…

Reviewed by Donna

TITLE: Gremlins Are Malfunctioning

AUTHOR: Susan Laine

PUBLISHER: Less Than Three Press

LENGTH: 245 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2018

BLURB:

A year ago, supernatural creatures swarmed the earth—and ensured that human technology could no longer function without them.
Eliot Tate works for the Civilian and Environmental Protection Agency, so he’s on the receiving end of customer complaints about their gas gremlins. Despite his efforts, though, he can’t figure out what’s wrong.
He gets help in the form of Alek Saroyan, an agent with the Mythkin Energy Research Facility, but right from the start the two men despise each other. With antagonism, the gas gremlin problem, and rising questions about mythkin sentience hanging over their heads, Eliot and Alek are going to have find their own balance if they stand any chance of restoring the balance that’s been lost.

Reviewed by Tammy

TITLE: Fire and Agate

SERIES: Carlisle Deputies, #3

AUTHOR: Andrew Grey

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 200 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2018

BLURB:

When Chris Anducci is moved off jail duty and into the sheriff’s office, he doesn’t expect his first assignment to be protecting a witness against a human trafficking ring. Knowing the new sheriff doesn’t abide screw-ups, Chris reluctantly agrees to work the case.

Pavle Kasun has spent the last four years of his life at the mercy of others. When an opportunity presented itself, he took it, resulting in his rescue. Now the safe houses he’s placed in are being threatened and he needs protection if he is to have any sort of chance at a life.

Chris opens his home to Pavle, but he doesn’t expect Pavle and his story to get under his skin… and stay there. Soon they discover they have more in common than either of them thought. Slowly Pavle comes out of his shell and Chris finds someone who touches his heart. But as the men looking for Pavle close in, they will stop at nothing to get him out-of-the-way. But even if Chris can keep him safe, he might not be able to protect his heart if Pavle moves back home.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Within These Depths

SERIES: Demons and Wolves #2

AUTHOR: Katze Snow

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 194 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2017

BLURB:

Tanner is so close to his revenge that he can almost taste it. With an unusual brand of negotiation skills under his belt, he has everything he needs. Now all that stands between him and destroying Elijah Ravenhill is a dangerous mission into the depths of Hell. Accompanied by his guides, he will enter where loyalties and souls are tested, and few ever return.
Newly mated Alex just wants to keep his loved ones safe. In the sprawling grandeur of Wulfric Manor, he finally has his family under one roof, even if it may only be temporary, and his dreams of having something normal seem to be within reach. Yet what’s normal for the wolf is torture for the prey, and chaos descends on Alex with one mysterious phone call.
Can Alex have all he ever dreamed of without sacrificing his life? Will Tanner put an end to Elijah once and for all, or will his revenge go up in smoke within the fires of hell itself?

Within These Depths is the highly anticipated sequel to Broken in Silence: Demons and Wolves Series, and things are really heating up. This story is NOT a typical romance and it’s not intended for those who seek a HEA. It cannot be read as a standalone. As with book one, hold on to your knickers, because it’s going to be one hell of a ride. Oh, and just because I like to keep my readers on their toes, book 2 ends in a cliffhanger. You’re welcome!

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Seeking Solace

SERIES: The Walker Boys #3, Dreamspun Desires #69

AUTHOR: Ari McKay

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 159 Pages

RELEASE DATE: November 6, 2018

BLURB:

Like his cousins, Devin Walker aspires to be a chef, but he wants to indulge his wanderlust while feeding his customers, and working a cruise ship seems like the solution. Since he can’t find an opening in the kitchen, he’s happy to start out in a position behind the bar.
While onboard Poseidon’s Pearl, Devin is assigned to shepherd a visiting executive. Paul Bailey is quiet and unassuming, and the car accident that cost him his leg also shattered his confidence. He doesn’t think he’s attractive to other men anymore, and Devin is eager to show him just how wrong he is. Paul has a surprising secret that might sink their passionate affair before it even leaves port.

Reviewed by Chris

TITLE:  The Omega Objection

SERIES:  San Andreas Shifters #2

AUTHOR:  G.L. Carriger (Gail Carriger)

PUBLISHER:  GAIL CARRIGER LLC

LENGTH:  317 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 4, 2018

BLURB:  

Can a gentle giant with a trampled heart show a man who’s been running all his life that sometimes there are monsters worth running towards? 

A werewolf walks into a bar. 

Tank is working as a bouncer when he notices something odd about the new sexy-as-sin bartender. He’s odorless, he’s amazingly popular with shifters, and he’s terrified.

A man without a smell. 

Isaac is trying to escape his past. He hides in San Francisco because everyone knows that there are no werewolves in the Bay Area.

Until one walks into his bar. 

Can Tank figure out Isaac’s secrets in time to save him? And can Isaac forgive Tank for being a wolf in time to learn how to love?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Golden Dragon’s Unexpected Mate

SERIES: The Jeweled King’s Curse #1

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 107 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2018

BLURB:

Dragon King Damari is the last dragon of his kind. After a curse killed his family, Damari is left the only one with the power to sustain his tribe. But when years go on and Damari doesn’t find his dragon mate, he must venture out into the human world, and search for other ways to protect his people.
Dumped by his boyfriend, and stuck on the world’s most exclusive resort on Chryseum Island, Miko Lannis needs help getting off…the island. He swoons along with all the other guests when he gets his first look at the domineering dragon king, Damari. He is so handsome and noble, there’s no way he could be interested in the socially awkward Miko in his frayed jeans and worn t-shirt.
Damari can’t control the pull he feels towards Miko from the first moment he spots his pastel blue hair in his office. Miko is goofy, clumsy and speaks his mind—a trait that is hard for a dragon king to find. But mostly, he makes Damari smile. If Damari didn’t know better, he would think Miko was his mate, but Miko is a human.
When Miko finds himself alone in Damari’s lair, he’s ready and willing. Except something happens that transforms their one night stand into forever.
Meanwhile, the curse that killed Damari’s family may not be finished. Damari needs to call on all his powers as the Golden Dragon King to protect his new mate and his people.

The Golden Dragon’s Unexpected Mate is the first book in The Jeweled King’s Curse series. It can be read as a standalone and should be read for entertainment purposes only. Do not attempt to recreate anything you read in this book.