TCO Reviewer: Paula

Broken in Silence by Katze Snow: Release Day Review

March 19, 2017 by Denise

Tannerian Wulfric is a leader—a strong alpha who bows to no-one, especially those who try to undermine his authority.

When an opportunity arises, he grabs it with both hands and lets nothing get in his way. Trouble is, his brother has been caught in the crossfire of glorious retribution, and Tanner is in need of assistance.

For many years, Alex Jonas has lived his life in peace. But when fate lands him in the hands of his ex-lover and alpha, he finds himself in the centre of a feud he never knew existed, and must immerse himself in ways he had never imagined. One chance encounter, one night, and everything comes crashing down around him. Alex must fight for his life while Tanner fights for one thing and one thing only—vengeance, which has never tasted sweeter.

Can Tanner avenge his family’s death without spilling more blood? Or will his inner demon tear apart everything he has worked for, and lose the man who owns his heart?

Warning: Contains strong language, violence, and graphic, erotic scenes which require a shower to cool yourself down. This is NOT a romance. It’s hot, it’s sticky, and all kinds of messed up. Proceed with caution!

Amazon

This was a very interesting book. It’s always refreshing to have a MC who is the “bad” guy. Tanner was not a nice guy. He was reminiscent of a mob boss to me. I loved it. Because hey bad guys need stories too. This story feeds that little place inside you where you want to see and experience the dark side. People doing bad things and you cheering for them. That being said I felt for Alex. He was stuck in this world with no way out really. He had a ten year reprieve, but was ultimately dragged back in. Tanner owned him, which he reminded him time and again. I have never read anything by this author before, however the world she created and her characters were really well written and I became invested in this story. If you are not a fan of MC’s sleeping with other people than this probably isn’t the story for you. However everything fit the plot and I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

4 pieces of eye candy

There’s This Guy by Rhys Ford: Release Day Review with Giveaway

March 17, 2017 by Denise

How do you save a drowning man when that drowning man is you?

Jake Moore’s world fits too tightly around him. Every penny he makes as a welder goes to care for his dying father, an abusive, controlling man who’s the only family Jake has left. Because of a promise to his dead mother, Jake resists his desire for other men, but it leaves him consumed by darkness.

It takes all of Dallas Yates’s imagination to see the possibilities in the fatigued art deco building on WeHo’s outskirts, but what seals the deal is a shy smile from the handsome metal worker across the street. Their friendship deepens while Dallas peels back the hardened layers strangling Jake’s soul. It’s easy to love the sweet, artistic man hidden behind Jake’s shattered exterior, but Dallas knows Jake needs to first learn to love himself.

When Jake’s world crumbles, he reaches for Dallas, the man he’s learned to lean on. It’s only a matter of time before he’s left to drift in a life he never wanted to lead and while he wants more, Jake’s past haunts him, making him doubt he’s worth the love Dallas is so desperate to give him.

Title: There’s This Guy
Author: Rhys Ford
Release Date: March 17, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Rhys Ford has yet to create a character that hasn’t had me wrapped around their finger. Jake and Dallas were no exception. Jake about broke me in this story. His parents messed him up so bad, it made me cry. As a parent I found myself wondering through a lot of this story how a parent could treat their child this way. I’m as clueless now as I have ever been. Jake is an extremely well developed character. I went on this journey with him and I was exhausted by the time I finished(in a good way). Dallas was perfect for Jake. His lightness was so good for Jake to experience. He has such a beautiful heart. And of course it wouldn’t be a Rhys Ford book if it didn’t have a little mystery in it. Not telling what though, you’ll have to read and find out for yourself.

5 pieces of eye candy

The only book I have read by Rhys Ford before was Fish and Ghosts a few years ago, and I recall enjoying the book. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started There’s This Guy.

The opening scene with Jake was powerful, frightening, and grabbed you quickly. The reader can tell that they are in for a hell of a ride from the very beginning. Dallas was light-hearted and was able to slowly take a hold on Jake’s heart, one interaction at a time. You literally saw Jake changing as you read the book. That was awesome to see.

However, where I struggled with the book, and considered putting it down was the descriptions. There were too many metaphors and embellished descriptions for me. It felt overly wordy and unnecessary, especially in the first half of the book. I struggled with really loving the story and the characters, especially Celeste, and feeling as if the book might have been even better with about 1/3 less words.

In the end, I enjoyed the story, and stayed in, happy to see Jake work so hard to find his happy ending with Dallas.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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Hanging the Stars by Rhys Ford: Release Day Review

December 5, 2016 by Denise

Angel Daniels grew up hard, one step ahead of the law and always looking over his shoulder. A grifter’s son, he’d learned every con and trick in the book but ached for a normal life. Once out on his own, Angel returns to Half Moon Bay where he once found… and then lost… love.

Now, Angel’s life is a frantic mess of schedules and chaos. Between running his bakery and raising his troubled eleven-year-old half brother, Roman, Angel has a hectic but happy life. Then West Harris returns to Half Moon Bay and threatens to break Angel all over again by taking away the only home he and Rome ever had.

When they were young, Angel taught West how to love and laugh, but when Angel moved on, West locked his heart up and threw away the key. Older and hardened, West returns to Half Moon Bay and finds himself face-to-face with the man he’d lost. Now West is torn between killing Angel or holding him tight.

But rekindling their passionate relationship is jeopardized as someone wants one or both of them dead, and as the terrifying danger mounts, neither man knows if the menace will bring them together or forever tear them apart.

Title: Hanging the Stars
Series: Half Moon Bay: Book Two
Author: Rhys Ford
Release Date: December 5, 2016
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 206

Amazon

ARe

Dreamspinner Press

I love Angel and Wes so much. I really wasn’t sure about Wes after the last book, but boy oh boy this book changed my mind. These two are intense together. Angel spent his early life in an unstable environment, but he worked hard, and got his shit together. I love his attitude and personality. Wes made me like him in this book. He was more relateable and human as the story went on. He started to make me feel for him. These two guys together was explosive in the best possible way. As with all of Rhys’ stories there was the murder and mayhem element of it that was highly entertaining. This was a rich and complex story with excellent first and secondary characters. I really enjoyed getting to see some of Zig, Deacon, and Lang.

5 pieces of eye candy

Limitless by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Excerpt (NSFW), Release Day Review and Giveaway

December 4, 2016 by Denise

Even within the context of the Underground BDSM Club, Joshua’s desires are dark and extreme. Hopelessly addicted to pain and the high it gives him, he has no limits. Joshua would quite literally rather die than use a safeword, and he accepts that might be his fate. As much as he depends on others, he has yet to find a man who can gain his trust, and he has little hope that he ever will.

For Nash, acquiring Joshua from another Dom at the club is only the first step in what will be a long and arduous road to lure the young man back from the brink of self-destruction. He must do the impossible and win Joshua’s trust, and he must be the one to set limits in their exploration—something he’s unaccustomed to as a Dom. But Nash knows dominance doesn’t always mean pushing a submissive’s boundaries. It’s about establishing a bond and fulfilling another man’s needs. In Joshua’s case, he’ll have to strike a balance between meeting the young man’s expectations and drawing firm lines that will save Joshua from himself.

Title: Limitless
Series: An Underground Club Tale: Book Two
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: December 2, 2016
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 200

Amazon

ARe

Dreamspinner Press

Excerpt from Limitless (NSFW)

“Good evening, Kirk.” Nash took the seat next to him.

“Hey, Nash. How are you doing tonight? Finding any action that suits you?”

“Not looking for action, only answers.”

Kirk eyed Nash’s drink and then met his gaze. “I never trust the answers I find in booze.”

“Nor do I. Rumor has it you’ve played with Joshua before?”

“Troy’s new boy?” Kirk asked.

Nash nodded and sipped his drink.

“Yeah, I played with him once and that was enough for me.” Kirk looked unnerved as he ran his fingers through his long grayish beard, suddenly looking every bit of his forty-five years. “Trust me, that’s a hornet’s nest you do not want to get tangled up in. That boy is a complete and utter fucking mess.”

Damn, Nash hadn’t expected that type of reaction to the mention of Joshua’s name. Still, he wasn’t deterred, his interest in the submissive all the more piqued. “What do you mean by mess?”

“He has no limits. Like zero fucking limits.”

“That’s impossible. Everyone has their limits.”

“Not Joshua. He’s as bad as a heroin junkie, only his drug of choice is pain. He’s constantly looking for the bigger and better high. He’ll let you kill him before he’ll safeword.”

Nash propped his elbow on the bar and ran his goatee through his thumb and index finger as he considered Kirk’s words. If Joshua were a pain junkie, it could be a whole lot worse than a nest of swarming bugs. A submissive who required that much work wasn’t what Nash was looking to get into. He hadn’t had a full-time sub for many years and wasn’t sure he wanted one. To push a submissive to his limits was one thing, but to try and teach them limits when they had none was a whole other kind of hardship. Did he want to take on such a responsibility? He cut a glance toward Joshua, who was still kneeling at Troy’s feet and still being ignored. Fuck! The way his chest tightened when he looked at the man, Nash already knew the answer. He would do everything in his power to see that Joshua wasn’t abused and that he didn’t suffer one more mark of a Dom gone too far.

Nash picked up his glass and raised it as he stood. “Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. Seriously, Nash, think about what I said long and hard before you consider playing with that boy. He may not have limits, but I assure you, he will push you to yours.”

This was a heartwrenching story for me. I felt so much for Joshua. He was so messed up due to his past and didn’t really realize that things could be different. I was rooting for him through the entire story. He tried so hard to feel better but was pretty clueless on how to do that. I fell in love with Nash and his determination to get Joshua to a healthy place in his life. Nash warmed my heart because he cared so much. He was so genuine and caring. This was a great pair. This story drew me in and got me emotionally invested. SJD Peterson did a great job creating characters who showed uncertainty and felt real. The entire store flowed well and kept me interested from start to finish. Nash and Josh were a great pair. Their interactions with each other and their own individual personality was great.

4 pieces of eye candy

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

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Leave a comment congratulating Jo on her new release, and you can receive an ebook copy from her backlist.

Masked in Music by Ginger Voight: Quick Review

October 31, 2016 by Denise

When a young musician takes his first gig with a hard-partying band in Los Angeles, forbidden sparks fly with the sexy lead singer. It is an attraction they must both fight, especially since their band also includes a violent homophobe just itching for a reason to snap.

Rudy Renfro thought he’d never find anything he loved as much as music. Then he met Tony Rojas, the enticing lead singer of an up-and-coming band in Los Angeles. Tonos de Oro found themselves in need of a guitarist to take them next level. Enter Rudy, who had been playing since he was nine. After ten years of honing his skill, this rocker prodigy has absorbed everything musical simply because it was safer there. He found a mask in the music. Hidden by his guitar, he didn’t have to face the fact that despite being an all-American boy with every known advantage, he was 100-percent, undeniably gay.

Now he’s in a band notorious for being hard-partying hedonists, one of which is a raging homophobe. This spells big trouble for Rudy. The longer he’s around Tony, the harder it is to fight his intense attraction, even when giving into this man and all his confusing, frustrating mixed signals could not only end Rudy’s budding music career… it could threaten his life.

Rudy Renfro comes of age bursting out of the closet and into the spotlight… and it could cost him everything.

Ginger Voight finally brings her trademarked rock and roll angst to an M/M saga sure to blaze right off of the pages. More hot new characters join her growing book universe in a story chock-full of exciting cameos of old favorites, including a finale that threatens to undo every happy ending you’ve read so far.

Intended for readers 18+ for sexual content and violence.

Amazon

ARe

This book was brilliant. The cast of characters were extremely well written and the story was told so well. I absolutley loved Rudy. This is really a story about him figuring himself out and finding his place in the world. Traveling this journey with him as he becomes comfortable and confident in himself is beautiful. Learning to stand up for himself and who he is. Learning to demand that he be treated decently and with respect. Finding a “family” in unexpected places. This book made me breathless and left me in awe. The struggle and doubt, that becomes strength and confidence. This is the first MM written by this author and she knocked it out of the park. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

5 pieces of eye candy

Blueprint by RJ Jones: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

October 13, 2016 by Denise

If only building the foundation for a lasting relationship was as easy as drafting the blueprint.

Jet Black doesn’t date. Even if he wanted a man beyond sex, his ever-watchful identical twin scares potential suitors away. Jet lives with his brother, but since Gray fell in love with Kris, Jet feels like a third wheel. Despite their bond, Jet knows he needs to move out and experience life for himself, whether Gray likes it or not.

After his father dies in a boating accident, Ethan Nichols is devastated. As the last survivor of his family, he realizes the need to put down roots. He leaves Australia and returns home to San Francisco and his old architectural firm. But there’s more to building a new life than simply moving house.

Jet and Ethan’s first encounter is brash and anonymous, but when Ethan moves across the hall, their lives become irrevocably linked. Jet is quirky and fun loving, while Ethan is rock steady and dependable. There’s no denying the passionate spark between them.

But Ethan is looking for a more solid foundation than Jet is ready to offer. Until Jet learns to spread his wings and trust Ethan with his darkest secrets, building a life together will be impossible.

**This can be read as a standalone, however it is best enjoyed reading the series in order as side characters play a major role.**

Goodreads

Amazon

All Romance

Smashwords

iBooks

I woke a little while later with dried come on my balls and Ethan kissing me softly. It was sensational, and I hoped this time he would finally fuck me. Instead I got a deep kiss, a slap on the ass, and an order to shower.
“Are you joining me?” I had hoped to draw out the pleasure and delay any awkwardness I could feel rising within.
Ethan pressed his lips to mine. “No. I’ve already had one. I’ll start breakfast while you wash up. Eggs good for you?”
How domestic. “Sure.” I remembered stating last night that I would cook breakfast, but the way I was feeling at that moment, I’d probably burn it.
Ethan appeared relaxed and happy while my insides burned with a need to flee. Some people have a fight-or-flight response; it seemed I either fucked or fled. I hoped a shower would calm me down some. It didn’t and when I appeared in the kitchen fully dressed in last night’s clothes, Ethan’s frown deepened as he dished up scrambled eggs on toast. He was wearing only his boxer briefs.
“Uh.” I plucked at a loose thread on my jacket. “Thanks for last night. I had a really nice time.”
Ethan didn’t look at me when he spoke. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” The spoon he’d been using clattered loudly in the sink. He turned and glared at me.
“No! No. I… I’m sorry.” I looked at my shoes as I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “I don’t want to. This is all new to me and… I have no idea what to do, but I would love to have breakfast with you.”
Judging by Ethan’s tone, I hadn’t been very convincing. “Does that mean you’ll be leaving as soon as you’ve finished eating?”
“I do need to get changed.”
“Are you coming back?”
Swallowing down my anxiety, I answered, “I’d like to. If that’s okay with you.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”

I have been waiting for Jet’s story since book one. This was so well done. Jet is a relationship virgin and it shows. He has no idea how to interact with a guy after he’s slept with him. His uncertainty is so endearing. I really like how he tried to figure out how to “date.” Ethan was a very good match for him. Once he know where Jet is coming from and how inexperienced he is with relationship he is amazing with him. Ethan was so caring and understanding it was beautiful to read. Jet’s growth in this book is heartfelt. These characters made me want to invest my feelings in them. I thought the story RJ Jones wrote for Jet was perfect. The interactions between the MC’s felt real and authentic.

5 pieces of eye candy

RJ started as a reader and eventually made the progression to reviewing. It wasn’t until two men popped into her thoughts, insisting on telling her their story that she started to write. It started with one scene. A hot and dirty one in the shower.
RJ’s initial thought was if she could write their scene then they’d shut up and allow her to concentrate on other aspects of the day. That shower scene was 3000 words long and three hours of work. But they didn’t shut up. They told her their entire story and she didn’t sleep for days. Sometimes she couldn’t keep up with what they were telling her and she had to keep a notebook by the bed.
Whilst RJ was writing their story a side character decided he needed his story told too. Then other characters followed suit.
You see the problem? If RJ ever wants to sleep again then she needs to write.
RJ is a wife and a mother to two boys. Even her dog is a boy.
She is surrounded by males.