Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

My Dragon, My Knight by John Inman Release Day Review with Giveaway

March 30, 2017 by Denise

synopsis

Danny Sims is in over his head, torn between his abusive lover, Joshua, and Jay Holtsclaw, the bartender up the street, who offers Danny the one thing he never gets at home: understanding.

When Joshua threatens to get rid of Danny’s terrier, Danny knows he has to act fast. Afraid of what Joshua will do to the dog, and afraid of what Joshua will do to him if he tries to leave, Danny does the only thing he can do.

He runs.

But Danny isn’t a complete fool. He has enough sense to run into the arms of the man who actually cares for him—the man he’s beginning to trust.

Just as their lives together are starting to fall into place, Danny and Jay learn how vengeful Joshua can be.

And how dangerous.

Title: My Dragon, My Knight
Author: John Inman
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

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michelle review

WOW is the first words that come to me while I sit here to put a review together. Another new author to me, John Inman, has blown me away with this story. I was expected a little “dark” considering the blurb but what I got was a story full of heart ache and eventually new love. I don’t feel there is a need to recap what the blurb already states so I will focus on the story without giving spoilers away.

There are books that make you feel the emotions and then there are books that demand you to feel the emotions. My Dragon, My Knight demanded that I sit up and listen to the story that is being told. I was enthralled with this book and could not put it down even though there were times I couldn’t see past the tears. Anytime I read a book about abuse I generally can hold it together and not let the tears flow but then there are times when I let them fall just to finish reading. I generally am not a big sap when it comes to reading books including those with huge triggers. It’s more the emotions that are bouncing off the pages than the actual action being done (although they are gut wrenching) that gets me emotional.

Inman’s writing is impeccable and the flow of the book was perfect. The character development (as hard as it was to see an abusive character) made this book 10 times better than I could have imagined. My Dragon, My Knight will be a book that stays with me for a very long time. Inman turns a tragic situation into one of love and beauty – So to Mr. Inman – Thank you for such an engaging, heart breaking and beautiful story. I will be checking out more books by this author.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Momo: My Everything by Posy Roberts: Quick Review

March 30, 2017 by Denise

momo synopsis Brave the spotlight for the man he loves, or stay alone in the shadows…

William Harris is a reserved man, private and guarded. He has no one to go home to. He’s never found a man worth sticking around for. He’s never been in love. And he’s convinced he’s happy with his lone-wolf life.

Nate Kelly is William’s opposite, social and easy going. He comes into William’s life as the elegant geisha Momo. When William realizes Momo is a man in drag, he’s captivated.

From their first date, William’s world changes. Nate is nothing like his usual type. And William soon finds out being with this carefree man means always being on display and attracting attention, which makes him want to retreat. He tries to keep Nate at arm’s length, but it’s no use. Nate’s transformed his life in a matter of months and keeps drawing him back in.

If they stand a chance, William has to be comfortable standing next to someone so at home in the limelight. Their future together and William’s happiness depend on it. Is Nate the man finally worth giving up William’s solitary existence? Is he worth sticking around for?

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michelle review

Home run for my first Posy Roberts story. I read the blurb and thought “what-the-hell” I’ll give it a try. I am so very happy that I did. I generally bypass stories that are less than 100pgs. Nothing against those that write them I just don’t like them. The few I have read were rushed (beyond the fast pace that is needed for a short story) and have always fell flat. I will say that I was extremely surprised about how much I loved this.

Nate and William are the epitome of opposites and Roberts did an amazing job with their story. The only thing that would have made this story better (for me) was to have it as a dual POV as I would love to be inside Nate’s head. He’s personality was outstanding and fun.

The writing was fantastic. The story was well paced and for once did not feel rushed to get to the steamy scenes. Even though it is a short story there was a well-developed plot and character development. I am sure Nate is everyone’s favorite as William was a little bit more to handle but I wouldn’t change William’s character at all. He was exactly what (IMO) worked best for this story.

I highly recommend this book. I see a reread in the near future. I have now added all of Posy Roberts books to my TBR.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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Fangs Like Me by Lyssa Dering: Quick Review

March 28, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Lane, a newborn vampire, still feels the pain of betrayal. Two years ago, a faithless boyfriend took his life, and now, Lane’s Maker has also left him behind. The pain of separation burns strong when all Lane wants are arms to hold him and enough warm blood to satisfy his voracious appetite. At a shifter party, Lane is drawn to a hunky Alpha werewolf who tries to console him.

Parker is more than a thoughtless hookup. Since his family disowned him for finding boys just as hot as girls, all he wants is someone to love and look after. The sweet little vamp calls to his protective instincts, but he sure is jumpy. Cuddling with boys is new and delicious, but when this boy also wants him as a food source, things get complicated.

Vampires and shifters aren’t supposed to get along, and Parker’s rough dominance triggers bad memories for Lane. But Parker’s wolf wants Lane, and he knows he can give Lane what he needs. Can Lane learn to navigate his past and give the thing growing between them a chance? Or will the very real possibilities of heartache, abandonment, and even death, keep them apart?

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michelle review

Shifter and vampire books are starting to become my drug of choice. I love how every author does the world building and characteristics differently but also stays within the “norm” of Paranormal. Lyssa Dering does it a tad different than I am use to with Vampires so it took a bit to get into the blood as sweat and tears.

Lane is a “vamp baby” who is still dealing with how he was changed. He was bitten and left for dead by his vamp boyfriend. Theo, his maker, turned him instead of leaving him to die. Parker is an Alpha wolf shifter who left his pack to do to his family not approving of his choice of men over females. Lane & Parker meet at a party and from there we follow them through their story.

The writing was good and the story flowed smoothly. The issues I had were that Lane was depicted as more of a child losing his parent as Theo, the maker, is never around. He wants to be loved and be part of a family but he feels he doesn’t have anyone. Parker wants everything that comes with mating but without the actually relationship. Of course there is hot steamy scenes, knotting, biting and claiming but it wasn’t in the form of a growing romance until towards the end. Lane has certain “tastes” in the bedroom whereas Parker is a lover and caretaker. It was nice to see them work around the issues.

I enjoyed the book but wished there was less aggression and more romance. I am excited to check out other books by the author.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Talking In Code by Ariel Tachna: Quick Review with Giveaway

March 27, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Some things crumble under pressure. Others are tempered by it instead. For three former soldiers, a tragedy might be the catalyst that binds them together—stronger than ever.

Richard Horn and Timothy Davenport met in the SEALs twenty years ago and have been lovers ever since. Now running their own paramilitary organization, Strike Force Omega, they work in the shadows to protect their country and its people. When Tim falls for Eric Newton, a deadly sniper and strategist on their team, Richard accepts that Tim’s heart is big enough for two men. He respects, admires, and even desires Eric enough to accept him into their relationship—and their bed—but he’s never been fully a part of what Eric and Tim share.

Then Eric is captured by terrorists and Tim is gravely injured in an op gone wrong, bringing Richard’s world crashing down around his ears. Even if he gets his men out alive, Eric must face the aftermath of months of physical and psychological torture—and without Tim to lean on, Eric’s PTSD is tearing him apart. Richard has to figure out the third leg of their triangle fast, or Tim won’t have a life to come back to.

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Dreamspinner Press

michelle review

One of my all-time favorite tropes is ménages. For me, it doesn’t matter if the ménage starts out as a couple who adds a third, or 3 men coming together at the same time. If the story is done right and the feelings are there than I will love it. As soon as I saw the cover (not the blurb) I knew I had to try it.

Ariel Tachna is a new author to me (my New Year’s resolution was to try new-to-me authors). With every new author I read I go in expecting nothing while hoping for everything by the time I am done reading the story. With every new ménage story I go into it expecting everything and hoping the author can pull off the dynamics it takes to be in a relationship with 3 people. So here’s what I thought about Talking in Code…

I LOVED IT. Granted there are things I wish were done a little different but I really enjoyed the story. Richard and Tim were together for years and then Eric comes into the picture. Of course there is going to be misunderstandings and lack of communication but it’s how well the author gets them back to a ménage relationship….And that is why I love this story so much. We get to follow them from their new beginning as 3 instead of 2 – to the middle when it all goes to shit – to the wonderful end when they come out better than before.

Tim has a connection with both men inside and outside the bedroom while Richard and Eric’s only real connections is inside the bedroom. It is not until a tragedy happens that Richard and Eric start to communicate better. Once these 3 realize how short life is and how quickly everything you worked so hard for could be taken away did they start to move as one solid unit.

The writing was flawless and Tachna kept me engaged the entire time. Did I mention I am a sucker for military men in my stories? We get a little bit of action and a little bit of sweet. I really adored this story. Another wonderful M/M/M for those who are a fan of ménages. I would love to have a book 2 to see them in the future.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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Necromancer’s Dance by SJ Himes: Release Blitz with Exclusive Excerpt

March 27, 2017 by Denise

NDrelease

Title: The Necromancer’s Dance
Author: SJ Himes
Series: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #1
Narrated by: Joel Leslie
Length: 8 Hours 8 minutes
Release Date: 21st March 2017
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, MM Romance

synopsis

In a world where magic is real and evil walks amongst humanity, a young sorcerer is beset upon by enemies, both old and new. Angelus Salvatore is the only necromancer in all of Boston, and his name is whispered warily by the undead and fellow sorcerers alike. He and his brother Isaac are the lone survivors of an attack by an army of the undead, in which Angel used a spell so powerful it forever marked his place in history. Now, years later, Angel struggles to balance his career as a teacher of the higher magical arts, his role as big brother, and a tenuous relationship with an Elder vampire from the local clan. When his brother’s boyfriend is used as a pawn in a mysterious plot to draw Angel out, Angel is once again pulled back into the old hostilities that fueled the Blood Wars and led to his family’s death.

Leaning on others for help is something Angel cannot do, and while he searches for clues into who may be targeting him and his brother, Angel finds his heart steadily growing occupied with Simeon, Elder and vampire. Dealing with death magic and vampires on a daily basis may leave Angel jaded when it comes to life and staying that way, but the more time he spends fending off the ancient vampire’s attention and affections, the more he realizes he wants to give in.

Can Angel find out who wants him dead, and keep his heart safe in the process? How can he fall for a vampire, when his whole family was torn apart by an army of the undead?

Death stalks the streets of Boston’s historic Beacon Hill….and there is no one more suited to battle against death than a necromancer.

MATURE CONTENT Contains graphic violence, male/male sexual contact, a cranky necromancer, a sexy Irish vampire, and a pesky demon.

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tco exclusive

Angel let the smoke out of his lungs, blowing it to where the cloud of magic hovered unseen. If Angel called more magic, any one could see it, but there was no need. He had enough. Angel was not raising the dead, merely manipulating the approaching death of the compelled man, so what he gathered was sufficient. The smoke from his lungs arced through the invisible magic cloud, and thickened, becoming more substantial. It grew, and moved with the magic gathered over the table. Angel heard Simeon shift on his feet, and the other vamps stiffened. The humans all inhaled sharply, and stared. They don’t often see magic performed, going by their reactions. Greg was so far gone he was barely conscious.

Time to play.

Angel gave the smoke and magic cloud a gentle mental nudge, and a thin thread of it peeled off from the mass and snaked out towards Greg. He saw it coming, and jerked, trying to escape the chair. It was the compulsion working, trying to get the compelled out of the way of the spell.

meet the author

I’m a self-employed writer who stresses out about the silliest things, like whether or not I got my dog the best kind of snack and the fact my kindle battery tends to die when I’m at the best part in a book. I write mainly gay romance, erotica, and urban fantasy, with ocasional forays into contemporary and paranormal. I love a book heavy on plot and character evolution, and throw in some magic, and that’s perfection. My current series are: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer, Bred For Love (as Revella Hawthorne), and The Wolfkin Saga. My last two novels in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer won 3rd Place in the Gay Fantasy category for the 2016 Rainbow Awards.

I live in New Orleans, where the personalities are big and loud and so are the bugs! New Orleans is rich in cultural history, and the flavor and music of the City is impossible to hide. Before that, I lived all over the United States: Tampa, Western Massachusetts, Indianapolis, and on and on…. I’m a nomad, and I’ve yet to find a place that calls to me strongly enough to become home. My faithful travel companions are my dog Micah, the numerous voices in my head who insist they all get put on paper, and the wind at my back.

One Bullet by Casey Wolfe: Release Day Review

March 27, 2017 by Denise

34382246 synopsis When Ethan Brant was shot, he found himself dealing with severe PTSD and unable to do his job as a police officer any longer. With the aid of Detective Shawn Greyson, the man who saved his life, Ethan not only finds himself again but discovers love as well.

Shawn’s life growing up was less than ideal, however, he overcame that to become who he is today. That doesn’t mean he isn’t missing something in his life. What Shawn hadn’t realized, upon first meeting, was that Ethan could give him all that and more.

Can one bullet really change two lives? I was intrigued by the synopsis and wanted to see when the author would take it and overall I was impressed.

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deanna review

Ethan, a police officer was shot while off duty and rescued by police detective Shawn. Shawn saved his life, keeping pressure on the wound until help arrived, visiting the hospital while Ethan recovered. The two struck up an easy friendship even after Ethan had to leave his job on the force due to PTSD. Shawn has been helping Ethan work through his PTSD by going to his weekly therapy appointments with him and suggesting new treatment options he’s read about. At some point the line between friendship and relationship was blurred and the two need to figure out if heading forward together is where they want to be.

I really enjoyed the slow buildup of their relationship. I love the way Shawn was so supportive of Ethan’s recovery.

The one point of confusion I had was with the opening scene. Ethan is trying to avoid the police looking for him and at one point he’s flat out running from them. To the point that the police use the taser on him. Shawn runs to rescue him and the storyline drops. If the police wanted to question him to the point of pursuit and taser use the storyline can’t fall flat. There needs to be some sort of conclusion. If the author was using this idea to introduce Shawn as the hero it would totally work, but the conclusion needs a little beefing up.

That said, I really did enjoy the book. The story was well told, the slow build up was great and the character development was on point. It was entertaining and an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next.

3 pieces of eye candy