Reviewed by Becca

 

TITLE: Nice ‘n’ Rosy

SERIES: Cedar Falls #3

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc

LENGTH: 116 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 28, 2015

BLURB:

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Jesse Grant was a proud, flamboyant gay man who wasn’t afraid to wear makeup and heels. Not about to change for anyone, not even if that meant he’d been in more than a few fights over the years. Parker Flemming wasn’t sure what to think of Jesse when he walks toward him. Dressed in Daisy Dukes, pink tank top, with matching flip flops, Jesse looked like a dream come true.Too bad Parker had to give up his dream of finding a man like Jesse to settle down with since moving back in with his homophobic mother after his father died. Jesse had always been a “love them and leave them” kind of guy, until he meets Parker, who has his heart racing with just one look. Confused when Parker runs the other way, Jesse isn’t deterred. After all, isn’t the chase half the fun?

REVIEW:

This was the other I was ready for. I knew it was going to be kind of rough from the other two. By the way, these first three stories run simultaneously. Just told from each MC s perspective with their story intertwined. Which brings me to….TRIGGERS. Abuse is mentioned from Ethan’s story, but this story centers on bigotry, hatred, verbal abuse, possible physical abuse, and attempted murder. Please be careful.

If you’ve read the first two, or have kind of been keeping up, you will know these first three stories revolve around three best friends. First was Zane’s, second was Ethan’s, and now we have Jesse’s. And it breaks my heart.

I knew from the other two stories some of Parker’s story, from Jesse chasing him. But it never tells the full extent until now and it’s rough. Jesse has had it bad for Parker since day one. Everything about Parker just screams at Jesse. When they officially meet, Parker is ever thought gentleman, even kissing Jesse’s hand. Until he realized they were in public. Then he immediately shut down. Jesse was discouraged but little by little, he kept trying. Only to be kissed, almost more another time, and then rejected. Constantly rejected. Parker tried to explain a bit, that his home life is just horrible right now and he has to protect part of his family. Jesse, thinking it’s just a line, is furious. Until Parker almost dies. Then he realizes how severe things really are. Jesse vows that day to be all that Parker and his family needs, but he doesn’t know if it will be enough and in time.

I don’t want to give too much away, but when Parker loses his father, the hell he thought he grew up in got 20x worse. He almost made it away, until he realized how much danger his younger siblings were in. He had no choice but to step in and be a buffer and take care of them. Jesse is every dream of Parker’s come true, but he can’t chance it because of his siblings. It kills him to say no. My. Heart. Shattered. To see the gentle giant cry, so broken. Oh gah, I’m going to cry again lol.

This is the one time I REALLY want to smack Jesse. Jesse’s life has had it’s ups and downs as well. Not nearly as bad, but his own stuff. I normally just adore his personality, but when he becomes so selfish and not really listening when Parker tries to tell him, it makes me want to shake him. Parker is pouring his heart out and Jesse is thinking ‘me, me, me’. But when he gets his head out of his ass, he becomes the friend and helper everyone knows him to be. Even if he can be a little bouncy. 😉

These three stories open up a hell of a series. It’s got some major water work moments, but also moments of joy and hope. The bad is horrid, but the good outweighs it when love really wins. True love. The love that accepts everything. Flaws and all. An exceptional book and series.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

bookstrand

amazon

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TITLE: Lube Master

SERIES: Cedar Falls #4

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: Siren-Bookstrand Inc

LENGTH: 114 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2015

BLURB:

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Ryder Monroe came to Cedar Falls to save the dying town. On his way there, his life spiraled out of control when delays and unruly passengers cause him to be late. He expected Aidan, the man in charge of hiring him, to be there to greet him, but instead found a man he didn’t know, Tag Kendrick. It was clear to Tag Ryder was having some sort of meltdown. After the day the man had, Tag couldn’t blame the guy. His instinct was to take control and put the sexy little man over his knee, but he wasn’t sure Ryder would appreciate his dominating ways. They learn just how perfectly they fit together as Ryder submits to Tag’s control. But when the mayor tries to undermine their budding relationship, will they be able to find their happily ever after, or will Ryder be forced to leave town?

REVIEW:

This is one series that just keeps getting better. I’m so happy to see that. This book deals with BDSM and more serious than Bram and Ethan, I think. But every relationship is different so it’s all in how you look at it. I think the only thing I didn’t like, and it’s a personal thing, is the instalove. Falling in love after one hour doesn’t cut it for me, BUT like I said, it’s a personal thing because I’m a cynic lol.

With all the crap going on, Ryder hasn’t had time to decompress the way he needs to. Since his old lover, Syn, introduced him to the BDSM lifestyle, Ryder has discovered it helps him center and focus so much better if done right. But he and Syn weren’t meant to be and where he is doesn’t feel like home. So when Aiden offered Ryder a chance to help Cedar Falls rebuild and grow, Ryder didn’t hesitate. But getting to Cedar Falls has been murder, and his first meeting with Tag was awful because of it. Tag wanted to wash his hands of Ryder at first, but when he realized what was really going on underneath with Ryder, when he pulled his head out of his ass and paid attention, he realized what Ryder really needed. He needed his control back and Tag knew just how to do so. He felt so much for Ryder already and the more he got to see Ryder underneath and the more he interacted, the more he knew Ryder was the one. But the mayor is throwing his weight around to keep secrets and getting the town to grow may be stopped before it even starts.

Tag and Ryder could not be more suited for each other. Both have such a need for the BDSM lifestyle, it’s what they need for focus and grounding. They both need control and stability in their lives and when they don’t get it, they need an extra outlet. Plus they love it. Tag is a good Dom for Ryder. He takes good care of him. He sees a need in Ryder most often before Ryder even knows he needs it. He’s harsh when needs to be, but gentle as well. He just perfect for Ryder.

And Ryder is just as perfect for Tag. Tag needs a sub, but a sub that isn’t…..a lot of work? He loves that Ryder has his own job amd can take care of himself and such. Not that he doesn’t want to take care of Ryder, because he does, but he wants a partner as well. His equal and well as a sub. If that makes sense. And Ryder is his own man. Yes, he needs Tag. He needs what Tag gives him as well, but he’s secure in himself.

I really do love how this series is going. It doesn’t drop off and get dull. It’s still exciting and a hell of a lot of fun. (Jesse is up to usual tricks lol. So funny). I hope you guys love them as much as I do.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS: 

bookstrand

amazon