Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Pros & Cons of Vengeance

SERIES: Pros & Cons #1

AUTHOR: A.E. Wasp & May Archer

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 294 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 8, 2018

BLURB:

FIVE JOBS. FIVE CHANCES FOR REDEMPTION. One thing’s for sure: these men are no angels.

There’s nothing like being blackmailed by a dead man to really bring a group of cons together. And what a group we are: a hacker, a thief, a con artist, a thug, and a Federal agent with an axe to grind. The deal is simple, we do the jobs and Charlie’s lawyer wipes the slate clean for each of us, one at a time.
Since job number one calls for some muscle, it looks like I’m up first. I’m Steele Alvarez, ex-Special Forces Close Protection Specialist (aka, a bodyguard for some not so nice guys).
After learning what the job is — taking down a seemingly untouchable senator with a penchant for beating up young male prostitutes — I’m in. No questions. A bullet ought to do the trick.
Then I met Senator Harlan’s latest victim: Breck Pfeiffer, the gorgeous hooker with a heart of gold and the soul of a fighter. One look at him and I’m gone. That kid laid me out harder than any punch ever did. I’ll do anything to protect Breck, even kill for him. But Breck doesn’t want the senator dead, he wants vengeance.
If we’re going to find a way bring down the slimebag and get the blackest mark on my record erased, I’m going to need all the help I can get.

Like it or not, we’re all in this together.

Reviewed by Cheryl

TITLE: On Chocorua

SERIES: Trailblazer  #1

AUTHOR: Robin Reardon

PUBLISHER: IAM Books

LENGTH: 299 Pages

RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2019

BLURB:

A mountain. A blizzard. A young man new to hiking and to love, making mistakes in both.

First year of college is a great time to re-invent yourself. Nathan Bartlett takes the opportunity very seriously–maybe a little too seriously. And he makes mistakes.

His mistakes? Falling for a straight guy who reminds him of his beloved older brother. Getting too invested in the substance abuse disorders of two other students. And climbing a mountain in a snowstorm for all the wrong reasons.

But he also develops friendships that will be his for life. He faces his inner demons and comes up with a plan. And he realizes that answers to important questions are seldom waiting on the surface but must be worked for, or struggled for, or suffered for–and sometimes all three.

Nathan is a trailblazer on his own journey. His success will be measured not by how well he follows someone else’s path, but by whether he can forge his own. This first book in a series of three novels gets Nathan started on a journey that will teach him about himself, about life, and about love.

Walk with him.

Reviewed by Donna

TITLE: A Dance Too Far

AUTHOR: H.L Day

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 245 Pages

RELEASE DATE: February 17, 2019

BLURB:

Love can be dangerous!
Valentin Bychkov, rising star of contemporary Russian ballet, appears to have everything: wealth, talent, success, and a face and body to match. Not that anyone can get close. Bypass the entourage and there’s still Valentin’s sharp tongue and acerbic wit to deal with. He may give his body freely, but his emotions are kept tightly locked away.
Max Farley’s life is a simple one. All he’s interested in is work, drinking, and picking up the latest in a long line of one-night stands. The way he chooses to live may not be to everyone’s taste but it suits him down to the ground. He’s never met anyone who’s made him want to confront the demons from his past. Until now.
A show in London brings the two together. Lust brings them closer still. But if rumors of Bratva connections turn out to be true, then dangerous men wait in the wings. One dangerous man in particular, who’s used to people following his orders without question.
Difficult choices need to be made on both sides. Valentin and Max need to stop playing with fire and let each other go, or face the consequences. But letting go isn’t that easy where love is concerned.
And some things are worth the risk.
Warning: This book contains a snarky ballet dancer with an aversion to clothes, a little too much wall sex and an overabundance of Russian heavies.

Reviewed by Cheryl

This is a Series Review of Roads (Books 1 -3 )

AUTHOR:  Garrett Leigh

PUBLISHER: Self Published

TITLE:  Slide

LENGTH: 332 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2018

BLURB:

Don’t look back. Don’t you ever look back…

Shy tattoo artist Ash has a troubled past. Years of neglect, drug abuse, and life on the streets have taken their toll, and sometimes it seems the deep, unspoken bond with his lover is the only balm for wounds he doesn’t quite understand.

Chicago paramedic Pete is warmth, love, and strength—things Ash never knew he could have, and never even knew he wanted until Pete showed him. But fate is a cruel, cruel mistress, and when nightmares collide with the present, their tentatively built world comes crashing down.

Traumatic events in Pete’s work life distance him from home, and he doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Ash has slipped away. Betrayal, secrets, and lies unfold, and when a devastating coincidence takes hold, Pete must fight with all he has to save the love of his life.

TITLE:  Rare

LENGTH: 292 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2018

BLURB:

Paramedic Pete Adams lived through the year from hell watching his lover, Ash, fall apart, and the precarious balance between work and home is becoming more strained. His heart is always home, with Ash, but the dark side to his job is weighing him down.

Tattoo artist Ash Fagin is recovering from a nervous breakdown triggered by revelations about his traumatic childhood. His battle with mental illness is far from over, but with Pete by his side, he’s feeling good again, so good he doesn’t notice something missing until it walks right into his living room.

Ash believes he’s had enough coincidence in his life, but when a voice from the past comes looking for him, it takes the devastating injuries of the one he loves most to convince him to let a ghost become the family he never knew he wanted.

TITLE:  Circle

LENGTH: 200 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 5, 2017

BLURB:

I love him…but he’s forgotten why.

A lot can happen in six years, and Ash and Pete have seen their world flipped upside down more times than most. Being parents to Pete’s young nephew wasn’t in their plan, but life happens to them and they roll with the punches. Or at least they did, until new heartache rocks their hard-won happily-ever-after.

Ash loves Pete as much as ever—more, in fact—but Pete battles alone with a burden that weighs heavily on his heart. Ash is no stranger to dark clouds, but the secret Pete keeps from him is a storm that could break them.

Despite the fierce love that once buoyed them, they’re both drowning until a new friend throws them a lifeline. His wisdom offers insight—for better or worse, real love is rarely a smooth journey. For Ash and Pete to come full circle once more, they’ll have to hit the road and chase it.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Vampire With Benefits

SERIES: Supernatural Selections #2

AUTHOR: E.J. Russell

PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing

LENGTH: 266 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 26, 2018

BLURB:

Silent film actor Casimir Moreau had imagined that life as a vampire would be freewheeling and glamorous. Instead, he’s plunged into a restrictive society whose rules he runs afoul of at every turn. To “rehabilitate” him, the vampire council orders him mated to an incubus with impeccable breeding who’ll mold Cas into the upstanding vampire he ought to be. Or else.
As an inactive beaver shifter, construction engineer Rusty Johnson has fought—and overcome—bias and disrespect his entire life. But when his longtime boyfriend leaves him for political reasons, Rusty is ready to call it a day. Next stop? Supernatural Selection and his guaranteed perfect mate, a bear shifter living far away from Rusty’s disapproving clan.
But then a spell snafu at Supernatural Selection robs both men of their intended husbands. Rusty can’t face returning to his clan, and Cas needs somebody on his arm to keep the council happy, so they agree to pretend to be married. Nobody needs to know their relationship is fake—especially since it’s starting to feel suspiciously like the real thing.

Reviewed by Cindy

TITLE: My Fair Brady

SERIES: Dreamspun Desires #76

AUTHOR: K.C. Wells

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 226 Pages

RELEASE DATE: February 19, 2019

BLURB:

A spur of the moment invitation changes two lives.

Jordan Wolf’s company runs like a well-oiled machine. At least until his PA, Brady Donovan, comes down with the flu and takes sick leave. Then Jordan discovers what a treasure Brady is and who really keeps his business—and Jordan in particular—moving like clockwork. So when Jordan needs a plus-one, Brady seems the obvious choice to accompany him. After a major shopping trip to get Brady looking the part, however…. Wow.

Brady has a whole new wardrobe, and now his boss is whisking him away for a weekend party. Something is going on, something Brady never expected: Jordan is looking at him like he’s never seen him before, electrifying Brady’s long-hidden desires.

But can the romantic magic last when the weekend is over and it’s back to reality?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Kissing Lessons

SERIES: Valentine’s Inc #10

AUTHOR: Brittany Cournoyer

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 86 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2019

BLURB:

Valentine’s Inc.: we’ll help you find your perfect match; no matter what.

Those who can’t do; teach. Those who don’t date; matchmake. At least, that’s how it was for me, Witt Ramsey. After a breakup that left me heartbroken and bitter, with no desire to date, I threw myself into work to save Valentine’s Inc. from bankruptcy.
My life felt busy and fulfilling until Tony Morelli walked in. Following a string of dating disasters, I made it my mission to help Tony find his perfect match. But between his old-school ways and his abrupt demeanor, I realized I had my work cut out for me. After some makeover tips and a series of trial dates, Tony was ready to meet his match.
But after getting to know him, was I ready for that?

Reviewed by Jess

TITLE: Behind These Doors

SERIES: Radical Proposals #1

AUTHOR: Jude Lucens

PUBLISHER: Greenwose Books

LENGTH: 449 pages

RELEASE DATE:  June 22, 2018

BLURB:

Lucien Saxby is a journalist, writing for the society pages. The Honourable Aubrey Fanshawe, second son of an earl, is Society. They have nothing in common, until a casual encounter leads to a crisis.

Aubrey isn’t looking for love. He already has it, in his long-term clandestine relationship with Lord and Lady Hernedale. And Lucien is the last man Aubrey should want. He’s a commoner, raised in service, socially unacceptable. Worse, he writes for a disreputable, gossip-hungry newspaper. Aubrey can’t afford to trust him when arrest and disgrace are just a breath away.

Lucien doesn’t trust nobs. Painful experience has taught him that working people simply don’t count to them. Years ago, he turned his back on a life of luxury so his future wouldn’t depend on an aristocrat’s whim. Now, thanks to Aubrey, he’s becoming entangled in the risky affairs of the upper classes, antagonising people who could destroy him with a word.

Aubrey and Lucien have too much to hide—and too much between them to ignore. Rejecting the strict rules and closed doors of Edwardian society might lead them both to ruin… but happiness and integrity alike demand it.

Reviewed by Taylin 

SERIES REVIEW: The Knight Club books 3-4

AUTHOR:  C.J. Baty

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

TITLE: Learning Trust

LENGTH: 84 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 17, 2018

BLURB:

Rio Garcia was not prepared to become a surrogate father to his seventeen year old brother, but he didn’t have much choice in the matter. He did have a choice of the men he could have in his bed. Steve Coulter was on his two strikes and you’re out list. Rio didn’t trust anyone especially cops. So, why did the man get under his skin and make him sweat.

Steve Coulter had never wanted anything more than to be a cop. Being gay did not fit into his career choice. Keeping things on the down low he could have both, but there was no way he was coming out. He didn’t trust anyone that much. Rio Garcia the hot bartender at the Knights Club made him want things he knew he couldn’t have, so why did he keep going back.

Trust. It’s a big thing. Can Rio and Steve overcome their past issues with trust to find a happily ever after that works for them? Life and family at the Knights Club is always a challenge.

This book contains material that is intended for a mature, adult audience. It contains graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations.

TITLE: Coming Out

LENGTH: 106 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 18, 2018

BLURB:

Phillip Hapner was smart and good looking. He just had one problem. He liked to gamble, trouble was he wasn’t very good at it. Now, he was trying to stay alive and convince the leader of the underground gambling syndicate, that he didn’t know who was in charge. Well, he did have one other problem, Malachi Brady. The cop who was protecting him. Phillip wanted him, even though he knew the man was straight.

Malachi Brady had accepted that his brother was gay. He believed everyone was intitled to love whom they wanted. He knew he wasn’t gay, but he was feeling things for Phillip Hapner he’d never felt before. When he was assigned to protect Phillip, the sexual tension between them exploded. Could he figure out what was going on in his head and his body and who was behind the gambling syndicate in Atlanta.

The people who work at the Knights Club are a family. And like any family, there are times when things just don’t go right.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Kissed in Paradise

SERIES: Valentine’s Inc. #9

AUTHOR: Crystal Lacy

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 93 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2019

BLURB:

Cary:
My impromptu vacation before a job interview in Hawaii gets interesting when my best friend books me a “tour guide” for four days from Valentine’s Inc—a date-for-hire app. The guy he hired? Fei Li, an ex-classmate from high school and the guy who made me realize I was gay in the first place. Now Fei’s determined to give me my money’s worth, and I don’t know how I’ll be able to go through four days of fake-dating with him and keep from sinking deeper into my infatuation. Don’t know if I even want to try.

Fei:
Past and present collide when a last-minute gig turns out to be my high school crush, the football team captain who once walked in on me with another player in the locker room. I’m determined to prove I’m no longer the angry, nerdy kid I once was—even if being around Cary Jackson makes me feel like a teenager all over again. I’m going to make our four dates rock his world, all without crossing the professional line I’ve set for myself after a disastrous slip in the past. This is all pretend. I’ve got to remember that. No falling for a client.

Reviewed by Chris

TITLE:  Tea

SERIES:  A Cup of John #1

AUTHOR:  Matthew J. Metzger

PUBLISHER:  NineStar Press

LENGTH:  322 pages

RELEASE DATE:  January 7, 2019

BLURB:  

John only went into the cafe to have a brew and wait out the storm. He didn’t expect to find love at the same time.

And it really is love at first sight. Chris is like nobody John’s ever known, and John is caught from the start. All he wants, from that very first touch, is to never let go. But John is badly burned from his last relationship and in no fit state to try again. When Chris asks him out, he ought to say no.

But what if he says yes instead?

Reviewed by Taylin 

SERIES REVIEW: Knights Club, books 1-2

AUTHOR:  C.J. Baty

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

TITLE:  Starting Over

LENGTH: 82 pages

RELEASE DATE:  September 18, 2018

BLURB:

Xavier Knight was starting his life over. A new city. A new club. The past was gone, and he had everything to look forward to… except… love. That ship had sailed, never to return. He was too old to play the games or stack up the one night stands. Until, an old enemy’s son walked into his club and his heart.

Sebastian Brady was through. Through with hiding who he was. Through letting his brother officers dictate his life. And completely through, with his family telling him who he was. He turned his back on his badge and his family’s heritage in the Atlanta police force. But, he never imagined that he’d be serving drinks in a gay bar and working for the hottest silver fox he had ever seen in his life.

Xavier and Seb have a lot to learn from each other. Hopefully, their growing love will survive Xavier’s past, Seb’s family, and a host of characters with secrets of their own, who all work at the Knights Club.

TITLE:  Letting Go

LENGTH: 93 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 18, 2018

BLURB:

Calypso knew he looked good. He loved bright colors, makeup, and most of all, high heels. The higher the better. The sassy mouth and self-assured man he presented to the outside world wasn’t how he felt on the inside. At the Knights Club he hide the self-doubt and depression. Until, Benedict Hart walked in bringing all his old demons back to life.

Benedict Hart was a high-priced gigolo. It’s not what he started out in life to do but it paid the bills. Meeting Calypso at the Knights Club turned his world upside down. The man was sexy, smart mouthed and completely sure of himself. He made Benedict want things he hadn’t thought about in years. Losing a dear friend spurs him into action, but will his past get in their way?

The Knights Club hosts a group of characters diverse in every way, but they are family. Xavier Knight watches over them as if they were his children. And, like most families, things don’t always run smoothly.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Snowed In: Nen and Anani

SERIES: Snowed In

AUTHOR: Nell Iris

PUBLISHER: JMS Books LLC

LENGTH: 73 Pages

RELEASE DATE: February 16, 2019

BLURB:

It is time to go to my son.

Nen waited to hear those words from the Vasilissa for fifteen rotations, since that time the snow wouldn’t stop falling. But now that he’s about to meet Anani, the love of his life, again, he’s afraid. What if Anani doesn’t feel the same anymore?
Anani, the guardian of the water element, was only seventeen when he was banished from his mother’s court. Heartbroken he couldn’t be with the one he loved, he lost control over his emotions and his power. No matter what he tried, the snow wouldn’t stop, and as a last resort, he was sent away.
When they finally meet again, Anani is hopeful but disillusioned. The law that kept them apart hasn’t changed. How will they be able to find their happily ever after?
And what happens when the snow starts falling again?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Holiday Hijinks: Escape from the Holidays

SERIES: Hounds of the Hunts #3

AUTHOR: Toni Griffin

PUBLISHER: Mischief Corner Book LLC

LENGTH:  154 Pages

RELEASE DATE: December 23, 2018

BLURB:

This year the holidays seem to be rubbing Archie the wrong way. He can’t stand that damn happy music blasting in the stores and all over the radio. The decorations went up far too early—and don’t even get Archie started on how cheery everyone is.
Seeing the holidays cause Archie to slip back into a depression, Adze decides to take matters into his own hands. The one thing his mate has always wanted is to see the Tudor houses in England. Besides, it’s the perfect time to escape the humdrum heat in Melbourne. Adze can’t think of anything better than curling up in front of a roaring fire with his mate while snow falls outside.
Of course, life would never be that easy. Baby demon stowaways and a Christmas Krampus hell-bent on doing good leave the pair wondering just where things went wrong.

Part of the 2018 “Escape from the Holidays” Series