Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Fault Lines

AUTHOR: Shane K. Morton

PUBLISHER: I.M. Limited

LENGTH: 250 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2019

BLURB:

Drag goddess, Ursula Moolay, left Kentucky as fast as her size twelve pumps could carry her and created a new life for herself in Los Angeles. Here, she has found herself surrounded by a group of people with their own secrets and lies.

A daytime Soap stud hiding in the Hollywood closet.

A reality television producer prepared to destroy his star.

An aging showgirl- the complex’s mother hen, fighting to survive.

A married male escort desperately hiding his profession from his pregnant wife.

And finally, Ursula, pulled into a terrifying ordeal of drugs, murder, and deception as she grapples with her own identity.

Enter the world of red carpet meltdowns, sex tapes, shopping with drag queens, earthquakes, mortgages and murder.

Can they survive or will they each fall into the cracks of LA’s fault lines?

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Slow Birth

SERIES: Heat of Love #2.5

AUTHOR: Leta Blake

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 2193 kb

RELEASE DATE: October 17, 2019

BLURB:

Jason and Vale are back in this side story set in the Heat of Love universe!

A romantic getaway turns dramatic when an unexpected heat descends on Vale, leaving Jason with no choice but to act. The resulting pregnancy is dangerous for Vale and terrifying for Jason, but with the help of friends and family, they choose to embrace their uncertain future. Together they find all the love, joy, and heat they need to guide them through!

While this story follows the characters from Slow Heat, it will be most enjoyable if read directly after Alpha Heat, as it takes place contemporaneously with that book.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Hunter

SERIES: Brawlers #4

AUTHOR: J.M. Dabney

PUBLISHER: Hostile Whispers Press

LENGTH: 198 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2018 2nd edition

BLURB:

Welcome to Brawlers Bar…

If there was a way to destroy his life, Hunter Black could do it. He was a catastrophe waiting to happen. Survival was his only priority and having to leave his old life behind that meant a job of the legal variety. He’d found one as a bartender at Brawlers Bar and a safe place in a huge house with the rest of the bar crew who quickly became the family he’d never had. The one thing Hunter didn’t need was his old life tracking him down.

Deputy Wren Gramble hated his job and his weekend assignment of staking out a bar in the middle of nowhere waiting for drunks. Although he’d heard the homophobic and racist jokes going around about the crew and customers, he kept his head down and stuck to his job and nothing else. He despised being driven back into the closet, but he’d reached the end of the line and what he’d do if he earned another transfer he didn’t know.

Linus Trenton was considered the normal one in his family and according to the weird ones that meant he should be punished daily. He never came out one way or another, if he found someone attractive he was attracted. His life was complicated enough having a crush on the sweet and awkward Hunter but now he had to throw Wren into the mix. Linus didn’t have time for dating or romance, most of the time he didn’t even think about having a sex life, although, Wren and Hunter were ruining his calm.

Hunter was in lust with the handsome deputy the minute the man pulled him over, but a man like that wouldn’t give him the time of day. His friend, Linus, was another matter altogether. Hunter wanted both. His bosses made it work with their man, why couldn’t he? Could Hunter prove he wasn’t as much of a screw up as he appeared or would he have to call in backup to claim his men?

NOTE: THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF HUNTER HAD FORMATTING ISSUES. THE NEW VERSION IS CORRECTED AND THE UNEXPLAINED NUMBERING OF PARAGRAPHS HAS BEEN REMOVED. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE MISTAKE. THANK YOU.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Roots of Evil

SERIES: Merrychurch Mysteries #2

AUTHOR: K.C. Wells

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 228 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 22, 2019

BLURB:

Many consider Naomi Teedle the village witch. Most people avoid her except when they have need of her herbs and potions. She lives alone on the outskirts of Merrychurch, and that’s fine by everyone—old Mrs. Teedle is not the most pleasant of people. But when she is found murdered, her mouth bulging with her own herbs and roots, suddenly no one has a bad word to say about her.

Jonathon de Mountford is adjusting to life up at the manor house, but it’s not a solitary life: pub landlord Mike Tattersall sees to that. Jonathon is both horrified to learn of the recent murder and confused by the sudden reversal of public opinion. Surely someone in the village had reason to want her dead? He and Mike decide it’s time for them to step in and “help” the local police with their investigation. Only problem is, their sleuthing uncovers more than one suspect—and the list is getting longer….

REVIEWED by Jay V.

TITLE: Heartsong

AUTHOR: TJ Klune

SERIES: Green Creek #3

PUBLISHER: BOATK Book

LENGTH: 402 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 22, 2019

BLURB:

All Robbie Fontaine ever wanted was a place to belong. After the death of his mother, he bounces around from pack to pack, forming temporary bonds to keep from turning feral. It’s enough—until he receives a summons from the wolf stronghold in Caswell, Maine.

Life as the trusted second to Michelle Hughes—the Alpha of all—and the cherished friend of a gentle old witch teaches Robbie what it means to be pack, to have a home.

But when a mission from Michelle sends Robbie into the field, he finds himself questioning where he belongs and everything he’s been told. Whispers of traitorous wolves and wild magic abound—but who are the traitors and who the betrayed?

More than anything, Robbie hungers for answers, because one of those alleged traitors is Kelly Bennett—the wolf who may be his mate.

The truth has a way of coming out. And when it does, everything will shatter.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Bull

SERIES: Brawlers #3

AUTHOR: J.M. Dabney

PUBLISHER: Hostile Whispers Press

LENGTH: 183 pages

RELEASE DATE: February  11, 2018 2nd edition

BLURB:

Welcome to Brawlers Bar…

They said men only get better with age, distinguished and all that BS, but Archer “Bulletproof” Woods hadn’t gotten better. At fifty-six he was still as much an asshole as he’d been in his twenties and thirties, hell, maybe he was worse. Being a bouncer at a bar called Brawlers suited him just fine and he even tolerated the rest of the crew who’d taken up residence in his house when they’d had nowhere else to go. He was big, growly and homely that kept the parade of men passing through Brawlers at arm’s length for the past decade. One night changed all that.

What he’d thought was happily ever after turned into a nearly five year nightmare. Gregory Charles appeared to have it all, a successful business, sophistication, and a perfect marriage. His friend and best employee, Landon, begged him to come out to a friend’s bar to celebrate Landon’s anniversary. What could it hurt? A night without contemplating the hell that would come down on him the moment he served his husband with divorce papers would do him good. That is until he met the brooding older man staring into a whiskey straight ignoring everyone around him.

Watching for trouble was his job and Gregory screamed mistake as soon as the long, lean and handsome man sat down beside him. But he also knew when someone was in over their head and Gregory needed someone to watch his back. That someone was Bull, only time would tell if he’d have to fight Gregory as much as the man after him.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: The Gathering Storm (previously The Gathering)

SERIES: Juxtan #2

AUTHOR: Tricia Owens

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 257 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2019

BLURB:

After betraying the only man he ever loved, Hadrian ni Leyanon waits for death amid the ruins of a sorcerous battle. Before that can happen, he is recruited by the Council of Elders, which governs the use of magick in Juxtan. The Council needs him to track down his evil sorcerer father and force him to face the justice they aren’t powerful enough to inflict on their own. Wracked with guilt, Hadrian agrees to join the mage-led mission in the hopes it will allow him to redeem himself. But when Caled, the handsome mercenary whom Hadrian betrayed, insists on joining the mission too, Hadrian discovers that redemption needs to come from the man who hates him most.

Caled has forsaken his family name to become an instrument of justice. Stalking Hadrian through the halls of the mage school where the young sorcerer is recovering, Caled is determined to see that justice comes not just to the father but to the son, even if his heart cries out for him to reconsider.

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Long Way Home

AUTHOR: Nicky James

PUBLISHER: Nicky James

LENGTH: 310 Pages

RELEASE DATE: August 14, 2019

BLURB:

It was love at first sight.
They were soulmates.
It was forever.
But they were only sixteen.
Too innocent. Too naïve.
Too ignorant about the world around them.
Besides, nothing lasts forever.
With their fairy-tale future torn to shreds, both boys need to learn to find their own way in an unforgiving world.
Gavin Buchanan is thrown into a life he didn’t want, molded to do a job he always feared. He must learn to get by, but with only his brothers in arms to lean on and secrets so deep they eat at his core every day, he struggles. How long until life in the Marine Corps turns this gentle, tender-hearted man into someone no one recognizes?
Owen Wallace is adrift and going through the motions. Every time he tries to stand tall and put the past behind him, life kicks him down. There is only so much a person can take before they turn bitter and jaded. It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Their souls are bound to each other.
Nothing will keep them apart.
It will take time, but they just need to find their way home.

**Triggers for PTSD**

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Nuts

SERIES: Ace’s Wild#2

AUTHOR: S.E. Jakes

PUBLISHER: Stephanie Tyler LLC

LENGTH: 118 pages

RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2019

BLURB:

Jagger’s the son of a bookmaker and fixer. Now, he’s the owner of an exclusive, underground club…and he’s also been put in charge of the family business.

Preston’s the son of a wealthy, powerful, blue-blood Boston family…or he was, until he was disowned for choosing his friendship with Jagger over his family. Ten years later, he’s a Special Forces Operator—and he’s still best friends with Jagger.

But things are about to change, for both men. Because after a long year of no contact, Preston’s coming home to Jagger for the first time since they shared a surprising kiss.

One night, one poker game, and one hand finds Jagger lucky—and skilled enough—to win a chance to fix things with Preston. But what’s at stake is far more than their friendship—it’s everything…and both men are all in to fight for what’s theirs.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Stallion Mage Complete: An Mpreg Horse Shifter Romance

SERIES: Books 1-3 into 1 book

AUTHOR: A.O. Spade

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 418 pages

RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2019

BLURB:

A gay mpreg shifter series set in an Stone Age fantasy world.

This is just all three parts of Stallion Mage mpreg series put together into one book for convenience.

In a tribe of stallion shifters, Alvarr is smaller and more delicate than the rest of his tribe-brothers. But he is also a rare stallion mage, a male shifter who can perform magic… a talent only found in mares.

The other tribe members mistrust Alvarr and his powers over the earth. Though the Elder stallions view the mage as something precious, they are the only ones who value him. Even the strong, commanding lead stallion, Laren, keeps his distance.

The leader’s rejection of the smaller mage hurts, until the Time of Mating brings them together. Two nights in the woods change the course of their lives forever.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: It’s in My Blood: Obsession

SERIES: Criminal Delights #10

AUTHOR: Sean Azinsalt

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 217 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2019

BLURB:

Criminal Delights

Death eventually comes for us all. But what if there’s a way for older people to regain their youth? To stay a step ahead of the grim reaper?

Turning 40 was the last straw for me. It’s practically 60 in gay years and I wasn’t ready for dentures yet, so I came to Youthology — a program that injects clients with blood transfusions from young, fit and healthy donors.

I chose Nick.

Handsome. Masculine. And more importantly, young.

I thought I hit the lottery, until my life started to change for the worst. Not even the top medical experts can explain what happened to me. From the moment Nick’s blood flooded into my veins, I stopped being me, and I became something new; something dangerous and deadly.

I became my donor.

His obsessions are mine now. His darkest desires, his dreams, his needs, and nightmares are all a part of me, and I don’t want to let them go.

I embrace them and the beautiful boy who haunts both of our dreams.

My blood pact was sealed the moment I entered Youthology.

I never thought I’d become a killer.

This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.

Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.

REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Ground Zero

SERIES: Zero Hour

AUTHOR: Aimee Nicole Walker

PUBLISHER: Chasing Rainbows Press

LENGTH: 287 Pages

RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2019

BLURB:

Ground zero, noun: the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change.

Heat, humidity, and homicide are things veteran detective Sawyer Key expects to encounter on his first day with the Savannah Police Department, but the hostile reception from his new partner catches him by surprise. Sawyer isn’t a stranger to heartache and recognizes that Royce Locke is a wounded man who’s reeling from a devastating loss. Relentless and patient in all things, Sawyer is determined to make the new partnership work.

Savannah, Georgia is known for her quirky people, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. Beneath the Southern charm and hospitality, festering hatred and violence is soaring with the summer temperatures. Locke and Key find themselves at the epicenter when their first case involves the death of a former shock jock who appears to be the victim of vigilante justice.

Opposites in nearly every way, the two detectives set aside their differences to take back their city and restore law and order. From this reluctant truce, an intense attraction grows that will either tighten or shatter their tenuous bond. Falling for his partner spells inevitable disaster, but Sawyer’s always been a sucker for wounded things. Sawyer could be the key to the life Royce has always wanted, if he’s brave enough to trust him. The fuse is lit, the clock is running, and the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.

Ground Zero is the first book in the Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. Ground Zero has a happy-for-now ending with no cliffhanger. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.

Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Pumpkin Cream Pie

SERIES: Welcome to Morningwood Omegaverse #7

AUTHOR: Kiki Burrelli

PUBLISHER: self-published

LENGTH: 3671 kb

RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2019

BLURB:

A young man with a turbulent past meets the only man with a hand steady enough to tame him.

Seamus is a nineteen-year-old falcon shifter with a bad reputation, just ask anyone. Growing up in the insulated all-shifter town of Morningwood, there isn’t a person around who doesn’t remember each of his mistakes and they aren’t afraid to throw them in his face at every chance. He’d leave town entirely if it weren’t for his little brother and his stupid hope that Morningwood is where he belongs.

Leo Thibodeaux recently returned to Morningwood after his father died, leaving the leadership of the rabbit clan up to Leo. Widowed and a single father, Leo tries to do the best he can for his son, his pack, and his town.

When Seamus nearly burns down Morningwood University, he’s given a choice, go to jail or do the repairs under the tutelage of Leo. Seamus expects Leo to treat him like everyone else does, but amazingly, while Leo does command respect, he doesn’t look down his nose at Seamus. It doesn’t take long for Seamus to realize that Leo isn’t at all like the others. He makes Seamus feel protected, like he can turn his life around, he can be a friend, a better brother, a mate.

Leo recognizes that the timing isn’t ideal. He was meant to mentor Seamus, but there is nothing he can do when the beast inside him recognizes his mate. They agree to keep their relationship behind closed doors, at least until the repairs can be done, but even that comes with its own risk.

Meanwhile, there’s a spooky mystery in Morningwood. Someone—or something—is digging up old bones from the local cemetery and leaving them around town. It sounds like a stunt Seamus might have pulled, but this time he’s innocent. But as his past deeds place him under suspicion, Seamus knows the true culprit must be found, or he’ll lose everything.

Pumpkin Cream Pie is the seventh book in the Welcome to Morningwood series. It can absolutely be read as a standalone for total enjoyment and features an age gap romance, a new and steamy way to eat pumpkin cream pie, themes of family and redemption as well as all the sexy, sultry, fun you expect from Morningwood!

Other books in the Morningwood Series:

Gingerbred Lessons

Ball Drop

Sweet Meat

Sack of Gold

Hop On

Red, White & Blew

Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Conspiracy Theory

SERIES: Hamarsson and Dempsey #1

AUTHOR: Elle Keaton

PUBLISHER: Dirty Dog Press

RELEASE DATE: October 8, 2019

LENGTH: 245 Pages

BLURB:

Years of grueling police work have left Niall Hamarsson jaded and disillusioned with life…although it’s likely he’s been that way all along. The last straw lands when the DA refuses to try a case Niall worked for years to bring to justice. Within hours he finds himself heading to the only place he’s ever been able to call home—a place he knows he doesn’t belong.

Mat Dempsey returned to Piedras Island after his father’s death. These days he’s Island County’s sheriff. He’s happy enough, even if moving home from San Francisco effectively forced him back into the closet. Mat’s well-ordered universe collapses when a local’s body is discovered floating in the cold waters of Hidden Harbor’s marina. All hell breaks loose in the community, and accusations fly…all coinciding with Niall Hamarsson’s return.Niall and Mat have a history, and it’s not one Mat’s proud of. He owes Niall an apology, even if it means getting down on his knees. However, Mat’s first priority is investigating the murder before his community tears itself apart and he may have to ask the aloof Niall Hamarsson for help.

Push apart, pull together, yes or no… The chemistry crackles between them but will the two men be able to put aside their pasts and embrace a future?
Maybe.

TITLE: Love is a Walk in the Park

AUTHOR: V.L. Lovey & Stephanie Locey

PUBLISHER: Gone Writing Publishing LLC

LENGTH: 143 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2019

BLURB:

Sullivan Haines knows exactly what he wants out of life. Fame as a Broadway dancer and to find the man of his dreams. Sadly, his love life is a dismal mess, his roommate is PMS personified, and working at a dingy dance studio teaching old people how to tango and foxtrot is not exactly the bright lights. Actually, life in the Big Apple is pretty rotten, until he and his dog run into tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome Duane Hart in the park. Their pooches hit it right off, but can the two men find romance along the park’s winding paths?

Duane Hart hasn’t had a lot go right in his life. His girlfriend recently broke up with him, taking everything that wasn’t nailed down or in his roommate’s name. Well, everything except the Yorkshire terrier that he didn’t want to get in the first place, and that she now refuses to take back. However, when he meets a handsome stranger and his pit bull in the dog park, will the blooming heat in his chest be able to convince him to start dating again? Or will fate prove love isn’t a walk in the park, after all?