Book of the Week Poll
Welcome to the Love Bytes Book of the Week Poll!
Here are the books which achieved a 4.5 or 5.0 review last week from our reviewers.
As a reminder, the top two books from each week’s poll will roll into our Book of the Month poll at month’s end. Happy Voting!
Please scroll to the very bottom for the voting section.
POLL SCHEDULE:
This poll will remain open until at least 6PM, Amsterdam time next Friday. The actual closing time will vary depending on blog staff schedules…
Pros & Cons of Deception (Pros & Cons #2) by A.E. Wasp & May Archer
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Pros & Cons of Deception
SERIES: Pros & Cons #2
AUTHOR: A.E. Wasp & May Archer
PUBLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 312 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2019
BLURB:
There’s nothing like being blackmailed by a dead man to really bring a group of cons together. The deal is simple, we do the jobs and Charlie’s lawyer wipes the slate clean for each of us, one at a time.
Job number two lands right in my lap. I’m Bond. Wesley Bond. (I can’t resist saying it that way. Blame my dad, if you can find him.) You could call me a hacker. I redistribute wealth – moving it from rich slimebags to poorer but infinitely more deserving people – and make a tidy profit as I do. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to bring down some modern-day slave traders.
I definitely choose to accept it.
With the life of the one person in this world I love on the line, I can’t afford any screw ups or distractions. Unfortunately, my biggest distraction is my biggest asset – Danny Monroe. Danny is an leftover complication from our first job; a victim of the vicious senator we’d gotten locked up. He’s a smart, funny, gorgeous, ex-prostitute, who can’t seem to keep his clothes on. I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut around him. But I need a fake boyfriend, and Danny is the only option.
Fooling the world into thinking we’re in love will be easy; fooling myself that I’m not might be impossible.
We don’t know who the bad guy is, we have no idea how to prove anything. There’s no internet on the island, no cell service, and I’ll have only the bare bones of my gear. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to need all the help I can get.
Like it or not, we’re all in this together.
Don’t (Don’t #1) by Jack Pyke
REVIEWED by Lisa and Jen B.
SERIES: Don’t #1
AUTHOR: Jack Pyke
PUBLISHER: Jack Pyke
LENGTH: 399 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2019
BLURB:
“Don’t… bleed for me.” ~ the Unknown.
Saying Don’t around Jack Harrison always did lead him into dangerous grounds on London streets. But now someone knows Jack’s head inside and out, and they’re about to twist all perception and lead him into an underground depravity that nearly sent him down in his youth. As Jack slips further into a dark psychological minefield, only two men offer different paths back to sanity: Gray, a man who knows Jack’s every dark thought, and Jan, the first man to show Jack a “soft lad” approach to head and heart. But with deadly games and ghosts bleeding through into Jack’s reality, it’s a fight to see who out of the three of them will survive long enough to find a way out of the vicious game played by someone known only as… the Unknown.
Merry-Go-Round (Fairground Attractions #2) by L.M. Somerton
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Merry-Go-Round
SERIES: Fairground Attractions #2
AUTHOR: L.M. Somerton
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 79 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2019
BLURB:
Even the brightest places have shadows.
Stevie is sweet and shy—the only hint of an independent spirit comes from his lilac hair. For years he’s harboured a crush on his best friend, Adam, who is everything Stevie isn’t. The problem? When it comes to love, Adam is a bit slow on the uptake.
On top of that, Stevie fears the escaped killer known as Harlequin is targeting his friends, and clings to his role managing the merry-go-round for some semblance of normality. But someone is watching from shadows even the summer sun can’t penetrate.
Realising that life can be all too short, Adam takes steps to ensure that Stevie will be his. All his protective instincts kick in when Stevie attracts some unwanted—and very dangerous—attention, but he can’t take care of him alone. The group of friends needs to band together because the bright lights and whirling horses of the merry-go-round won’t be enough to keep Stevie alive. Some killers are far too good at hiding in plain sight.
Vanilla Clouds by Roe Horvat
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Vanilla Clouds
AUTHOR: Roe Horvat
PUBLISHER: Beaten Track Publishing
LENGTH: 117 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2018
BLURB:
Sex and chocolate are the two pleasures Michał enjoys most in life.
His sex life has been nonexistent for some time, though. After a particularly bad hookup, he keeps mostly to himself. That leaves chocolate. Luckily, he works surrounded by the most delicious, extravagant produce in Gothenburg. Beside his job at the chocolaterie, his main source of excitement is his online friend, Magnus, whom he stubbornly refuses to meet in person.
A customer turns up at the chocolaterie one day—tall, shy, and charming. He could be just the right man. If Michał can step out of his overly safe shell, there might be not only chocolate, but sex, too. Maybe chocolate-flavored sex. And if he’s lucky, maybe even love.
Warning:
This book contains explicit scenes, adult language, and obscene amounts of chocolate.
Mixed Signals by Cooper West
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Mixed Signals
AUTHOR: Cooper West
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 222 Pages
RE-RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2019
BLURB:
Devastatingly handsome pilot Frank Sheldon is doing his best to avoid his inheritance of money, charm, and good looks by rebuilding his life on his own terms after being discharged from the Air Force just before the repeal of DADT. When he unexpectedly meets the eccentric geek Benjamin Kaplan, sparks don’t quite fly, despite Benjamin’s obvious interest. Frank is not one to back down from a challenge, but what does any of that have to do with his sister’s campaign for governor, or the muckraking political website attacking her opponent, who just happens to be Frank’s unlamented, very closeted ex-boyfriend? It’s hard to fall in love when all you are getting is mixed signals.
Skin and Bone (Digging Up Bones #2) by T.A. Moore
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Skin and Bone
SERIES: Digging Up Bones #2
AUTHOR: T.A. Moore
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 253 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2019
BLURB:
Cloister Witte and his K-9 partner, Bourneville, find the lost and bring them home.
But the job doesn’t always end there.
Janet Morrow, a young trans woman, lies in a coma after wandering away from her car during a storm. But just because Cloister found the young tourist doesn’t mean she’s home. What brought her to Plenty, California… and who didn’t want her to leave?
With the help of Special Agent Javi Merlo, who continues to deny his growing feelings for the rough-edged deputy, Cloister unearths a ten-year-old conspiracy of silence that taps into Plenty’s history of corruption.
Janet Morrow’s old secrets aren’t the only ones coming to light. Javi has tried to put his past behind him, but some people seem determined to pull his skeletons out of the closet. His dark history with a senior agent in Phoenix complicates not just the investigation but his relationship with Cloister.
And since when has he cared about that?
Demon on the Down-Low (Supernatural Selections #3) by E.J. Russell
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Demon on the Down-Low
SERIES: Supernatural Selections #3
AUTHOR: E.J. Russell
PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing
LENGTH: 320 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2019
BLURB:
Lovelorn kangaroo shifter Hamish Mulherne, drummer for the mega-hit rock band Hunter’s Moon, waited years for the band’s jaguar shifter bassist to notice him. Instead, she’s just gotten married and is in a thriving poly relationship. How is Hamish supposed to compete with that? But with everyone else in the band mated and revoltingly happy, he needs somebody. Since he can’t expect true love to strike twice, he signs up with Supernatural Selection. Because what the hell. When Zeke Oz was placed at Supernatural Selection through the Sheol work-release program, he thought he was the luckiest demon alive. But when he seems responsible for several massive matchmaking errors, he’s put on notice: find the perfect match for Hamish, or get booted back to Sheol for good. The only catch? He has to do it without the agency’s matchmaking spells, and Hamish simply will not engage.
But Zeke starts to believe that the reason all of Hamish’s dates fizzle is because nobody in the database is good enough for him. And Hamish realizes that his perfect match might be the cute demon who’s trying so hard to make him happy.
The Fight For Freedom (The Journeyer # 3) J.P. Bowie
Reviewed by Kimberley
TITLE: The Fight For Freedom
SERIES: The Journeyer #3
AUTHOR: J.P. Bowie
PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing
LENGTH: 134 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 29, 2019
BLURB:
Treachery and murder lead Jamie and Tanaka on the trail of a deranged deserter intent on personal revenge amid a looming war between the Choctaws and the English.
As the English army advances on the Choctaw nation, Jamie and Tanaka enlist the aid of a young Lieutenant, William McBride who is sympathetic to the Choctaw’s cause. Their quest for peace is thwarted by Captain John Davenport who orders their arrest then leads his men into a crushing defeat at the hands of the Choctaws. Court martialed for desertion under fire, Davenport seeks revenge on all those he holds responsible for his fall from grace.
As all these forces come together for the final struggle to survive, Jamie and Tanaka face their greatest challenge yet. Is their will strong enough to overcome those who seek to destroy them, and can their love protect them from the hazards of the wilderness itself?
A Miracle for Markie by Lynn Lorenz
Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: A Miracle for Markie
AUTHOR: Lynn Lorenz
PUBLISHER: MLR Press
LENGTH: 65 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 28, 2018
BLURB:
Seven-year-old Markie is determined to shine this Christmas. He’s decided his light can’t be hidden any longer, but not everyone in his life is supportive.
This Christmas, he’s looking for a miracle. Maybe if the family’s Nativity can host a miracle, then it might spill over onto him and his family.
The Boyfriend Cruise (Pride of the Caribbean #2) by Deanna Wadsworth
Reviewed by Marieke
TITLE: The Boyfriend Cruise
SERIES: Pride of the Caribbean #2
AUTHOR: Deanna Wadsworth
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 294 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 25, 2018
BLURB:
The Pride of the Caribbean is a cruise ship unlike any other. Paranormals working on board the enchanted ship hide in plain sight, under the benevolent protection of a demigod captain and his fairy husband.
And this is a shipboard romance unlike any other.
Josh Gilbert’s well-meaning family booked a gay-friendly cruise for Christmas in order to find Josh a boyfriend. Hoping to escape the constant parade of bachelors—and the collapsible fishing rod dangling mistletoe his mom keeps in her purse—Josh takes solace in a growing friendship with the ship’s photographer, Nathan. Though Josh is falling for Nathan, he worries it will never be more than a shipboard fling.
Nathan recently became aware of his incubus heritage and has finally learned how to control his demon side. But Josh has awakened more than just the demon’s need for orgasms—Josh has awakened Nathan’s heart. What’s developing between them is the real thing, but can Josh ever accept Nathan’s promiscuous past… and love a sex demon?
Amid lush tropical settings, family hilarity, holiday costume parties, sexy snorkeling adventures, gingerbread martinis, and mythical creatures, will Josh get his Christmas wish and finally find the true love he’s wanted for so long?
HALO (Fallen Angel #1) by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
Reviewed by Danielle
TITLE: HALO
SERIES: Fallen Angel #1
AUTHOR(s): Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
PUBLISHER: Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine
LENGTH: 262 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 23, 2019
BLURB:
Massive world tours. Over a hundred million albums sold. Groupies galore.
Every day is a party for Viper and the guys of TBD, the biggest rock band in the world. But it all comes to a screeching halt when the lead singer walks out of the studio one day and never comes back.
Ear-blistering vocals. Butchered lyrics. Fame chasers.
After months of lackluster auditions, Viper, the lead guitarist and resident bad boy of the group, is ready to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. Time’s running out and the pressure’s on to find a new singer, but it isn’t until an angel walks through the door that the band’s prayers are answered.
Charismatic. Talented. Magic behind the mic. Halo is everything they’ve been looking for.
With a voice to match his stunning good looks, it isn’t long before Viper’s taking notice. But there are several reasons this is a bad idea:
1.Interpersonal relationships in the band are discouraged
2.Viper has already broken rule #1—big mistake
3.Halo is straight
Too bad Viper’s body isn’t listening to his head—at least not the one on his shoulders. But you can’t fake chemistry, not onstage and certainly not off it, and Viper and Halo? They have it in spades.
As both men try to resist the fire blazing between them, and the band is forced to reinvent themselves, it’ll be a complicated rise back to the top. But from the ashes of what was, something beautiful is born. Something better. And when the world finally sees Halo stretch his wings, they’ll discover what it’s like to fall for an angel.
BOOK ONE OF THE FALLEN ANGEL SERIES
A ROCK ROMANCE
Touch of a Yellow Sun (Colors of Love #2) by V.L. Locey
REVIEWED by Jen B.
SERIES: Colors of Love #2
AUTHOR: V.L. Locey
PUBLISHER: V.L. Locey
LENGTH: 281 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 25, 2019
BLURB:
It’s been a rough couple of years for Marek Hafer, roaming hockey protagonist and pugilistic expert. Ending up in Berger Lake, Pennsylvania, on a financially unstable minor league team might just be the ending his wretched career deserves. On the other side of thirty, Marek knows his time on skates is dwindling. His goal now is to spend a few quiet years playing for the Berger Lake Badgers, knock a few helmets together as needed, and then call it quits before his salty personality gets him booted out of hockey permanently.
After a bloody encounter his first night on the ice, the Badgers coach suggests that Marek find a way to lower his violent tendencies before he’s sent packing yet again. That decree leads Marek to knock on the door of his next-door neighbor, Shey Pierson, the owner of Sun Touch Yoga Studio. Shey ticks every box Marek has with his soft blue eyes, flowing golden hair, and long limber legs. The only problem is that Shey is yin to Marek’s yang.
Can a man famed for throwing punches find serenity in the arms of a man known for his tranquil ways?
The Vampires Quest (The Realm of The Vampire Council #2) by Damian Serbu
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: The Vampires Quest
SERIES: The Realm of The Vampire Council #2
AUTHOR: Damian Serbu
PUBLISHER: NineStar Press
LENGTH: 317 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2019
BLURB:
The Vampire’s Quest brings back the beloved gay vampires, Xavier and Thomas, in the anticipated sequel to The Vampire’s Angel.
In 1822, the Archangel St. Michel orders Xavier to go on a quest to America, a quest that violates the Vampire Council’s laws to the point of a possible death sentence. Worse, Xavier must abandon his lover, Thomas. Xavier runs to his aging sister and pleads for Catherine’s help as Thomas races after them. With Thomas and the Vampire Council vying for Xavier’s soul, Xavier and Catherine struggle to obey the former priest’s divine calling before their inevitable capture.
Finding Forgiveness (The Knights Club #5) by C.J. Baty
Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Finding Forgiveness
SERIES: The Knight Club #5
AUTHOR: C.J. Baty
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 85 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 6, 2019
BLURB:
Xavier Knight lied and now his past was catching up to him. Sebastian Brady meant everything to him. Losing him wasn’t an option Xavier was ready to accept. Ghosts from his past threaten to open up a secret that needs to stay hidden. He wasn’t going to let Zach Brady or anyone else take his happiness away from him.
Zachary Brady had lived in the shadow of his father his entire life. He’d lost his family, his job—everything. What happened between him and Xavier Knight was long ago and best forgotten. He wasn’t going to allow it to sabotage his chance to be accepted by his brothers and sister as family again.
Neither man realizes that they don’t hold the key to their peace of mind. And when the truth is revealed, it will shake their worlds. Family isn’t always the one you are born into, sometimes it’s the one you create for yourself.