Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Stalker

AUTHOR: Edward Kendrick

PUBLISHER: JMS Books LLC

LENGTH: 149 pages

RELEASE DATE: September 7, 2019

BLURB:

When PI Jake Marshall fails to stop the abduction and subsequent murder of a client who was being stalked, he vows to do everything in his power to identify the man responsible. He’ll need all the help he can get, including Kelly, his partner in the agency, and Russ Foster, a library security guard he met at a local bar … with whom he’s becoming personally involved.

Soon, it becomes even more imperative they find the stalker when a friend of Jake’s also disappears and everything points to the stalker as his abductor.

Can Jake and Russ stop the stalker before he kills again? And how will their search affect their budding relationship, presuming the stalker doesn’t target one of them next?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Tears of Life

SERIES: Druid’s Curse #7

AUTHOR: Shea Balik

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 188 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2019

BLURB:

Mingus had one true love in life, animals. None of them were off the list, although, if he were completely honest, his favorite was his cat, Pretty Baby. He never imagined one day he might have to put someone else first. Not just anyone, but the man who has stolen his heart.

For centuries Oluf has dreamed of finding the one destined to be his. He’d even anticipated the need to woo him by becoming a chef. After all, according to his mother, the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. What he hadn’t expected was that he would come in second to a cat with sharp claws, who seemed to enjoy using people as her personal scratching post.

As Mingus, Oluf, and their friends get closer to Samhain, the Fae will try to stop them using everything at their disposal. It means finding a way to work together, even if it takes shedding a few Tears of Life to do so. But in the end, will the fate of the human world come down to a cat?

PLEASE NOTE: Although each book in this series focuses on a different couple, to enjoy the overall story arc these books SHOULD be read in order!

REVIEWED by Anna Lynn

TITLE: The Brat and the Bossman

AUTHOR: Rebecca James

PUBLISHER: Self Published

SERIES: The Hedonist #3

LENGTH: 270 pages

RELEASE DATE: January 12, 2019

BLURB:

Kicked to the curb by his wealthy parents, Lake Adams works four jobs just to get by. When handsome Blaze Harrington walks back into his life, Lake doesn’t have the time to flirt. Besides, the first time they had met, the sexy biker had turned Lake down. Now Blaze seems interested, but in more than just a one-nighter.

And Lake isn’t boyfriend material. Ever since his older brother died, Blaze has run the Hedonist Motorcycle Club. He also owns a porn company, Hard Time Productions. When he decides to merge with another company, he’s surprised to find his new business partner’s PA is Lake Adams, the feisty, sharp-tongued young man Blaze had met at a party over a year ago. Blaze has come to terms with a lot of things since then and, after some initial uncertainty, wants to give dating Lake a try. But the guy’s burning the candle at both ends and determined not to make things easy for Blaze. However, the more Blaze sees of Lake, the more he’s convinced the man is worth the effort.

And Blaze is a determined man.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Anchors: Loyalty and War 2

SERIES: God Jars Saga #8

AUTHOR: Devon Vesper

PUBLISHER: Magelight Press

LENGTH: 282 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2019

BLURB:

The choice between love and duty has never been harder.

Valis is on his way to free his father from the enemy compound, but it seems like everything is working against him.

The team sent to eliminate the last Anchor of Qos needs his help. Tavros falls ill after an accident, and if he doesn’t get help quickly he’s going to die. And the constant blizzards mean they are moving so slowly Valis is afraid they may be too late to save anyone.

With so much at stake—lives, family, his heart—one wrong move may cost Valis a price he’s not willing to pay.

His army needs him. His husband needs him more. Valis can’t afford to fail either. The race to save his family is on.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Game On

SERIES: Fever Falls #5

AUTHOR: Devon McCormack & Riley Hart

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 3609 kb

RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2019

BLURB:

CARTER

Relationships—who needs ’em? As a personal-assistant-extraordinaire to one of the top PR firms in Los Angeles, I’ve dedicated most of my life to errand-running and people-pleasing. But when it comes to men, as much as I love to please them in the bedroom, I’m way too busy to give more than that. Fortunately, as far as my options go…well, let’s just say I’m used to getting what I want, whenever I want it.

Unless your name happens to be Sawyer Burke.

I haven’t been in Fever Falls long, but the more time I spend here, the more intrigued I’ve become by the guy with the sexy auburn locks and the no-nonsense attitude. He plays the quiet, bookish part well, but he’s got a problem—I have a talent for reading people, and if there’s one thing I’m certain about, it’s that there’s a wild sex-beast hiding under his clever facade. He thinks screwing around is all a big game to me, but games can be fun, right?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Twelfth Knight

SERIES: Guardians of Camelot #1

AUTHOR: Victoria Sue

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 232 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2019

BLURB:

To battle an ancient evil, the greatest weapon each hero will have is each other.

Hundreds of years ago, facing defeat, the witch Morgana sent monsters into the future to vanquish a humanity King Arthur wouldn’t be able to save. The King might have won the battle, but now, centuries later, a few chosen men will have to fight the war.

Merlin always hated being named after some mythological wizard. His dad had been obsessed with the magic man of King Arthur’s Court before his untimely death – a loss that had sent Mel reeling in a downward spiral. He is ill-prepared, to say the least, for the outrageous claims of a proper English knight bent on overcoming evil.

Born a commoner, Lancelot was never supposed to be a knight in his own time, never mind now in a modern world he is so woefully untrained to protect. Thrown into a battle centuries in the making, this flawed hero, and a young man too-used to battling monsters of the present day, will have to come together in a last desperate fight to save humanity.

Can Mel and Lance defeat the greatest enemy the world has ever known? Or in the midst of fighting evil, will they discover the real threat has always been a shattered heart?

And what if the one fight they cannot ever hope to win is with themselves?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fish on a Bicycle

SERIES: Fish Out of Water #5

AUTHOR: Amy Lane

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 327 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2019

BLURB:

Jackson Rivers has always bucked the rules—and bucking the rules of recovery is no exception. Now that he and Ellery are starting their own law firm, there’s no reason he can’t rush into trouble and take the same risks as always, right?

Maybe not. Their first case is a doozy, involving porn stars, drug empires, and daddy issues, and their client, Henry Worrall, wants to be an active participant in his own defense. As Henry and Jackson fight the bad guys and each other to find out who dumped the porn star in the trash can, Jackson must reexamine his assumptions that four months of rest and a few good conversations have made him all better inside.

Jackson keeps crashing his bicycle of self-care and a successful relationship, and Ellery wonders what’s going to give out first—Jackson’s health or Ellery’s patience. Jackson’s body hasn’t forgiven him for past crimes. Can Ellery forgive him for his current sins? And can they keep Henry from going to jail for sleeping with the wrong guy at the wrong time?

Being a fish out of water is tough—but if you give a fish a bicycle, how’s he going to swim?

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: The Low Road

AUTHOR: Eleanor Harkstead

PUBLISHER: Pride Publishing

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2019

LENGTH: 45 pages

BLURB:

Can a lonely driver and a tragic hitch-hiker cheat both time and death?

One night in the pouring rain, Alex stops on Gallows Hill to pick up a hitch-hiker. But when the hitch-hiker vanishes from the passenger seat, Alex fears for his sanity.

Then he discovers that Gallows Hill is a place filled with ghosts—of smugglers, witches and highwaymen.

And a young, tragic hitch-hiker named Joe.

When Joe appears again on Gallows Hill, Alex dares to hope that they can cheat both time and death. But how can there be a future for them when Joe is trapped in a few minutes of a rainy night forty years before?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Marshal: Loyalty and War 1

SERIES: God Jars Saga #7

AUTHOR: Devon Vesper

PUBLISHER: Magelight Press

LENGTH: 250 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2018

BLURB:

When love collides with duty, you do what you must.

One of Valis’ fathers came home half-dead. The other is missing. When Valis tries to form a rescue party, he’s blocked at every turn by the Patron Priest who refuses to even consider the matter.

Valis’ non-magical allies—the Kalutakeni and mercenaries—are all on board, ready to follow Valis at a moment’s notice. But to mount a successful rescue mission, Valis needs mages. A lot of them.

He will have to go over the Patron Priest’s head to get the sanction. Doing that means he and his husband must go up against the Aesriphos Order’s Grand Masters in a battle of magic and stamina. If they win, they get the sanction and much more than they bargained for. If they lose, it may cost them their lives.

His father’s life hangs in the balance. Valis will do what he must.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Cameron & Rylan

SERIES: A Chance Meeting #1

AUTHOR: Valerie Ullmer

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 259 pages

RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2019

BLURB:

Cameron Hayes believed himself to be a dedicated friend and a good son but destined to be alone. Because in his twenty-one years, he’d never fallen for anyone. Dating never appealed to him when he would rather spend a night at home. Despite his friend’s best intentions for Cameron to find a hookup for the night, he stayed at the bar as he nursed a beer. And that’s when Cameron spotted him and everything he knew evaporated with one look.

Rylan Ellis wanted one night out without complications. To forget about his overwhelming responsibilities and stress at home. He loved to lose himself in the music and ignore everyone around him. But when he happened a glance at the bar and spotted the tall, broad, and sexy-as-sin man, he felt drawn to him.

Soon, Cameron and Rylan learn about each other and establish their lives together. They also have to deal with a group of well-meaning friends, loving parents, and unexpected friendships. But most of all, a dangerous threat that could tear their lives apart.

Will a chance meeting turn into something more?

This novel contains heavy attraction at first sight and first-time gay sex between two men. There is no cheating or cliffhangers and ends with a happily ever after.

*Contains a brief mention of a prior sexual assault and violence in later scenes.

Reviewed by Jess

TITLE: Buried Secrets

SERIES: Timothy and Wyatt Mysteries #1

AUTHOR: John R. Petrie

PUBLISHER: Harmony Ink Press

LENGTH: 196 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 1, 2019

BLURB:

The son of an alcoholic mother, Wyatt Courtland skips school to work construction to help the family survive. When he finds a lockbox containing a series of articles about Bobby LaFleur, a student who went missing four years ago, he enlists the help of sheriff’s son Timothy Mitchell to learn what happened to Bobby.

Timothy wants to go into law enforcement, even if it’s against his father’s wishes. He figures solving this case will convince his dad he can handle police work, but as he digs deeper, he uncovers a string of missing boys—and the truth about Wyatt’s desire to find out what truly happened to Bobby. As the two grow closer, they realize the mystery is far more sinister than they imagined—and it’s a secret someone is willing to kill to protect.

Reviewed by Danielle

TITLE: Second Song

SERIES: Sugarhouse Blues #1

AUTHOR: Edie Danford

PUBLISHER:  Self Published

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2019

LENGTH: 376 Pages

BLURB:

A wounded singer’s second act.
For four years, superstar singer Sage Hazen shunned the spotlight. After a brutal attack killed his bodyguard and left his voice permanently damaged, he retreated to his Vermont home, unsure he’d ever perform again.

Now Sage is preparing for a second act, and there’s just one man he trusts to handle security for a trial-run tour–Antonio Callan, his former bodyguard’s brother.

A bodyguard’s chance at redemption.
For Antonio, touring backwoods Vermont is the wrong gig at the wrong time. Still, it’s only right to help the wounded kid his brother died protecting.

But after arriving in Vermont, Antonio feels more helpless than heroic–and it’s his heart that’s at greatest risk. Sage has grown up. He’s fiercely independent and distractingly sexy, but it’s his quiet bravery that sings to Antonio’s soul.

Two wounded souls find healing in love’s sweetest song.
The more time they spend in close quarters, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks flaring between them. Turns out protecting two wounded hearts from love is an impossible job. And harmonizing two very different lives will demand a brand-new take on courage.

Second Song, a 108,000 word gay romance, is the first in the Sugarhouse Blues series and can be read as a stand-alone. Contains angsty-hot pining (and Vermont pines), first-time lovin’, sappy songs (and Vermont maples), and the healing power of loooove.

Reviewed by Kimberley

TITLE:  Bite

SERIES: Anthology

AUTHOR: Clare London, Ruby Moone, Sue Brown, Joanna Chambers

PUBLISHER: Jocular Press

LENGTH: 210 pages

RELEASE DATE:  September 25, 2019

BLURB:

Vampires old and new, strong and sensual, with desires both predatory and protective. Their attraction is fierce and fascinating, and their love is eternal. We believe they deserve a very special kind of man—and their own happily ever after. Four best-selling authors bring you their own take on the vampire lover’s story.

In Out of Time by Clare London, the ancient vampire Ambrus tries to protect Edward, a newly-turned young man, hoping to bring him comfort, acceptance of his fate, and eventually love.

In Christmas for a Vampire by Ruby Moone, grief-stricken vampire, Ellis Davenport, faces a miserable, lonely life when it seems the love of his life prefers death to eternity with him.

In A Tale Told in Darkness by Sue Brown, Lee comforts his lover with the tale of Brook, a vampire who falls for his neighbour Michael. When the young man is pursued by someone far more dangerous, only Brook can save him.

In Lamb to the Slaughter by Joanna Chambers, there is very little Lucien St. Villiers enjoys more than hunting for beautiful young men who are eager to learn all that Lucien has to teach them. 

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: A five-minute kiss

SERIES: Back in the rain #2

AUTHOR: Elen Chase

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 123 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 15, 2019

BLURB:

Liam hates high school. Since he came out three years ago, bullies have been tormenting him every day, and the school library is the only place where he feels like he belongs.

When one day he finds Dan – the most popular boy in school and Liam’s secret crush – sitting in his favorite seat, he knows that he should just ignore him… but he doesn’t. And their encounter will change his life forever.

Content warning: non-explicit underage sex

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Twice Baked

AUTHOR: Andrew Grey

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 174 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2019

BLURB:

When the pickiest eater in America is tapped to judge a cooking competition along with his chef ex-boyfriend, will it be a recipe for a second chance… or disaster?

Luke Walker’s humor about foods he can’t stand made him an internet celebrity and his blog, The Pickiest Eater in America, a huge hit. He plans to bring that same lighthearted comedy to the show—but he won’t be the only host.

Meyer Thibodeaux might be a famous chef, but he’s solemn, uptight, and closeted. He’s also  Luke’s ex. As different as they are, the sparks between Luke and Meyer never really went out, and as they work together, each begins to see the other in a new light, and the passion between them reignites, hot as ever. But secrets, gossip, and rumors on the set could sour their reunion.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Red

SERIES: Once Upon a Future #1

AUTHOR: Pelaam

PUBLISHER: MLR Press

LENGTH: 14, 000 words

RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2019

BLURB:

Red is a re-telling of a classic fairy tale, and the first in the Once Upon a Future series.

Ceron, known as “Red”, comes from the village neighbouring a Wolven pack. Storm, son of the Wolven Alpha, befriends Ceron who finds that friendship soon becomes something much deeper.

For generations, Ceron’s people and the Wolven have lived in peace, but now, the Wolven are accused of attacking villagers.

Ceron and Storm know they’ll face prejudice as their relationship deepens. But more dangerous and deadly is an unknown enemy.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: New York Heat

SERIES: The Go-Go Boys of Club 21 #1

AUTHOR: Cameron D. James

PUBLISHER: Deep Desires Press

LENGTH: 542 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 25, 2018

BLURB:

Club 21 is New York City’s hottest gay nightclub. The drinks are cheap, the music is infectious, and the go-go boys are the stuff of dreams.

For Dan, it’s where his life will forever change. With his signature on the dotted line, he goes from bartender to owner. And with that change, he realizes that both his responsibilities and his stress have skyrocketed.

Club 21 is home. The staff are family. Like a mama bear, Dan is fiercely protective of his clients and his staff, especially his go-go boys, whose carefree dancing inspires Dan to make Club 21 the best it can be.

Especially Ken, once a fling, now the love of his life. There’s so much that needs to get done at Club 21, but Dan is terrified that all the long evenings will drive his young go-go boy lover away. Dan doesn’t want to lose him, but if anything ever happened to his staff—his family—Dan would never forgive himself…

Content warning: New York Heat contains a scene of mass violence and the death of a main character.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Murder With a Splash of Rum: A Puerto Rican Murder Mystery

AUTHOR: C.E. Marion

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 254 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2017

BLURB:

Life in the Caribbean used to be simple: rum, sun, sand and sex. Then, overnight, everything changed. A serial killer has murdered several men in Puerto Rico, including a wealthy American tourist.

Fernando Amado is only 24, but his future is bright. He has a new boyfriend and an important new job. His days in the tropical paradise are filled with dancing and beach parties. But a chance meeting in a bar throws him into the middle of a murder investigation. The lead investigator, Alexandra Vargas, is a tenacious female detective who won’t stop until the killer is brought to justice. To do her job, she must choose between standing up to institutionalized discrimination or accepting the status quo.

The clues are there, but only a smart and dedicated police officer can stop the murderer before he claims his next victim. Fernando, the new boyfriend, and a mysterious bodybuilder hold the key to solving the case.

When a serial killer is loose in paradise, not even tourists are safe.