4 stars

Wild Retaliation by Ethan Stone: Release Day Review

September 7, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Chief of Police John Dakota is in a world of trouble. His peaceful town of Seaside, Oregon, has been rocked by a wave of unsolved murders. The bloody deaths are eerily reminiscent of ones that occurred in Seaside years ago. Back then John worked hard to make sure the truth about the killer was never revealed. Now he’s afraid the past is coming back to haunt him.

Trevor English, the nosy reporter who occasionally shares John’s bed, is demanding information about the crimes. He also wants more of John’s affections. But John can’t afford to give in to either demand without risking the revelation of Seaside’s biggest secret: the town is a haven for shifters, and John is one of them.

To solve the crime—and prevent more victims—John must delve into the past. Many members of Seaside’s shifter community are involved, but it’s becoming harder and harder to tell which residents can be trusted. Even John’s family isn’t above suspicion. The body count is rising, and it looks like John is the killer’s next target.

Title: Wild Retaliation
Author: Ethan Stone
Release Date: September 7, 2016
Category: Paranormal: Werewolves/Shapeshifters, Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 117

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Dreamspinner Press

deanna review

The mystery and intrigue pulled me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down.

Chief of Police John Dakota is investigating a string of murders that appear to be copy cats of murders that happened 9 years ago. The murder must somehow be connected to the old case, because they know details that weren’t released to the public.

On top of that he is starting to have strong feelings for his sometimes bed partner, Trevor than he is willing to admit. If John was 100% sure that he could trust Trevor with his secret he would dive in head first, but he isn’t sure how Trevor will take the news that he is a bear shifter.

Trevor is a reporter for the local news paper and has been love with John for a while, but he knows not to push the man too far or else he may walk away. Willing to take what John is able to give he hopes one day John will be able to open up to him.

When Trevor uncovers eerie similarities between the current murders and those from 9 years ago John is forced to reveal his secret. Together they will have to discover why the murders are being reenacted and who is behind it before it’s too late.

This book was awesome, I stayed up way too late reading because I was so engrossed and couldn’t put it down.

The mystery kept me on my toes, I never would have guessed who was behind it. There were a lot of characters in the book, but they were well described so I never was confused.

The story moved at a steady pace and there weren’t any plot holes that I found. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I can’t wait for book 2.

4-pieces-of-eye-candy1

Wrenches, Regrets, & Reality Checks by L.A. Witt: Release Day Review

August 31, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

When Reggie’s garage became part of a popular reality show, business went through the roof. And he supposes having his shop in the black is a fair trade for jumping through the network’s hoops.

As the show’s lowest-ranking producer, Wes is tasked with proposing a new spin-off show to Reggie. The sexy mechanic makes him sweat on a normal day, but this time, Wes is holding cards he can’t show. With execs breathing down his neck, he’s expected to pitch a show Reggie will never agree to do, even if his rejection puts his existing show on the line.
The network is counting on Reggie refusing to sign. But they’re not counting on their messenger falling for the man they’re trying to fire.

First Edition published by Amber Quill Press, 2015.

Title: Wrenches, Regrets, & Reality Checks
Series: Wrench Wars: Book Three
Author: L.A. Witt
Release Date: August 31, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 67

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Dreamspinner Press

deanna review

The next installment in the Wrench Wars series will get you hot under the collar.

The TV network wants Reggie and his crew off of Wrench Wars because they can’t walk all over them. Reggie has put his foot down more than once about what he will and will not allow. Due to the iron clad contract Reggie negotiated the network has sent Wes to talk Reggie into a find a bride type of reality show. Reggie immediately balks at the idea, no one from the network knows he’s gay.

Wes lays it on the line for Reggie. If he doesn’t agree to do the show the network will cut the garage from Wrench Wars. Reggie can’t have that, his guys are depending on the extra income. Wes himself is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He has had feelings for Reggie since the minute he met him and the idea of pitching a reality show where he finds a wife is making him sick to his stomach.

Reggie is super stressed not being able to find a way out of the spin off series. One of the guys from the shop takes him to the bar after work to blow off some steam. While sitting at the bar they notice Wes at one of the table drowning his sorrows. Wes doesn’t look his usually button up self. His hair is disheveled, his tie is undone and his suit coat is off. Reggie goes over to make sure he’s ok and the two start talking.

Wes is as drunk as Reggie thought he might be and his spills all the networks secrets. That has Reggie coming up with a plan to get out of this mess, but first he has to make sure Wes gets home safe. Reggie takes Wes back to his hotel and as he turns to leave Wes kisses him. Reggie can’t let anything happen while Wes is drunk, he’s not even sure the man is gay.

The steam starts to rise between Reggie and Wes as the pressure from the network rains down on them. Together the two have to come up with a plan to get out of the spinoff series and keep whatever is happening between them on a path to something more permanent.

I love this series so much. I love that each installment can be read in about an hour. They are great stories with surprising depth in so few pages.

The characters are always interesting and just the type I would picture in a garage. The story moves along at a great pace with no plot holes.

The sexy scenes are so steamy I thought my glasses were gonna fog up. Holy cow. *fans herself* I can’t wait for the next one.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Turning the Page by Andrew Grey: Release Day Review

August 19, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Malcolm Webber is still grieving the loss of his partner of twenty years to cancer. He’s buried his mind and feelings in his legal work and isn’t looking for another relationship. He isn’t expecting to feel such a strong attraction when he meets Hans Erickson—especially since the man is quite a bit younger than him.

Hans is an adventure writer with an exciting lifestyle to match. When he needs a tax attorney to straighten out an error with the IRS, he ends up on the other side of the handsome Malcolm’s desk. The heat between them is undeniable, but business has to come first. When it’s concluded, Hans leaps on the chance to make his move.

Malcolm isn’t sure he’s ready for the next chapter in his life. Hans is so young and active that Malcolm worries he won’t be able to hold his interest for long. Just when he’s convinced himself to take the risk and turn the page, problems at the law office threaten to end their love story before it can really begin.

Title: Turning the Page
Author: Andrew Grey
Release Date: August 19, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

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Dreamspinner Press

paula review
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Malcolm was beautiful. He was so serious and kind of stiff. Hans was the perfect counterpart to him. He loosened him up a little, but also accepted him and his introverted ways. Malcolm had such a challenge to pull himself out of his grief. Hans was so great with Malcolm. I really like how understanding and accepting Hans was towards Malcolm’s feeling. He dealt with Malcolm insecurities very well. These were very real characters. The story was told very realistically. I felt for these characters.

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy

Fire and Snow by Andrew Grey: Quick Review

August 12, 2016 by Denise

Carlisle Cops: Book Four

Fisher Moreland has been cast out of his family because they can no longer deal with his issues. Fisher is bipolar and living day to day, trying to manage his condition, but he hasn’t always had much control over his life and has self-medicated with whatever he could find.

JD Burnside has been cut off from his family because of a scandal back home. He moved to Carlisle but brought his Southern charm and warmth along with him. When he sees Fisher on a park bench on a winter’s night, he invites Fisher to join him and his friends for a late-night meal.

At first Fisher doesn’t know what to make of JD, but he slowly comes out of his shell. And when Fisher’s job is threatened because of a fire, JD’s support and care is more than Fisher ever thought he could expect. But when people from Fisher’s past turn up in town at the center of a resurgent drug epidemic, Fisher knows they could very well sabotage his budding relationship with JD.

Book Fire and Snow (Carlisle Cops #4)
Author Andrew Grey
No. of Pages 200
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Dreamspinner Press

jennifer

What an excellent addition to this series!

First I want to say I was very luckily given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review…. Lucky me indeed. I adore this series, although I’ll find it almost impossible to top to Carter, Donald and little Alex’s story, this one was just as heart wrenching.

First, we had JD, we’d seen him in previous stories but didn’t know much about him. He’s a good cop who left his hometown when a scandal and his family turning their back on him made him want to start over somewhere new. Having an aunt he was close to give him the strength and encouragement to be who he is was amazing. I was sad he lost her and even sadder that his mother was so awful about her and their relationship. They got the last laugh though and it ended up being what brought them together. I didn’t care for his mother AT ALL in the beginning but I’m glad she eventually saw what was most important in life. Having two young kids myself (actually, not so young anymore, my oldest turned 13 today… whaaaaat?)
I don’t care what my kids do, who they choose to love or what they choose to do with their lives as long as they’re happy and decent people…. that’s enough for me. (Although, I’ll strive for them to be a little more than decent.. I mean, I’ve put a lot of hard work into them haha) Still, I hated that JD didn’t have the support that he needed from his family but was glad he had his aunt.

Then, we have Fisher. Fisher broke my heart and continued to do it. After a car accident leaves him with some mental disabilities, bipolar, depression, bouts of paranoia and panic and anxiety attacks, he’s just looking to settle into a routine that keeps him balanced. Everyone in his life turned against him and maybe some of it was justified, certainly not the abandonment of his family. Again, as a mother myself, shame on his family.
He pulled himself out of the depths of all things bad though and worked everyday to be a better person. That’s admirable and hard to do. I liked seeing someone less than perfect, striving to be better, it was real and genuine and an every day problem for some people. I love stories that people can relate to and this one was perfect.
It was hard for Fisher to get close to JD and accept that he was good enough and that JD liked him for him. He was constantly thinking that JD deserved better and sometimes tried to push him away. I was glad JD put up a fight and went after what he wanted.

The plot twist and darkened story-line was easily guessed by the first few chapters. I knew who was behind everything I was just waiting and page turning to see how it all played out, so while it was angsty to an extent, it wasn’t a mystery and it made me antsty because I just wanted to get to how it played out. I didn’t like the weasly boyfriend of the ex and I wanted to see him get what he had coming to him. For everyone who follows my reviews, you’ll know I hate when the bad guys get away with being bad guys… I need them to get their karmatic kick in the teeth or I don’t feel vindicated… is that weird? Probably… do I care? Nahhhh

Other than that, I loved seeing Carter, Donald and Alex, I love that Alex is a happy kid now with his Daddy and Papa, I love seeing the progress they made as a family and that everyone is still, happy and healthy and together.
I loved seeing Terry and Red, Red was another of my favorites and I enjoy reading about he and Terry whenever they come up, and even Jos and Kip even though they weren’t mentioned a lot in this series I was happy to see everyone doing well.
I adore this author and I adore this series but that doesn’t mean I’m biased, it means I have heavy expectations and every one of them were met in this story….

Overall, this was a great addition to an already fantastic series and I can’t wait to read more!

Cover Hot!
POV 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again Absolutely!

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy

The Night Screams by Devin McCormack: Quick Review

August 6, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

After Cal escapes a deranged kidnapper who tortured him, he doesn’t even have the clothes on his back. Desperate and afraid, he breaks into a convenience store. But Jake, a clerk at the store, confronts what to him is little more than a petty thief. After a violent tussle, he knocks Cal out.

Jake encourages his Uncle Gary, the owner of the store, to report Cal to the police, but Gary can’t bring himself to report a kid who was just looking to steal food. When Cal wakes, Gary asks him if he’s okay. But Cal’s trauma has left him mute. Instead, he has to write his experiences down, relaying the horrifying events that led him to the store. The police track down the sick man who held Cal captive, and when he confronts them with a gun, he’s shot dead. However, Cal discovers that even with his captor gone, he is far from free of the nightmare he endured.

Gary and his wife welcome Cal into their home, determined to help him heal. Jake doesn’t trust Cal, and he isn’t afraid to say so. But buried beneath Jake’s disapproval might be the person who can help Cal recover from the terrifying experience that continues to haunt him.

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ARe

Dreamspinner Press

guest review

Ok….let’s take a second and breathe…..

This book… ok, you know how when… okay, wait…. start over…. this book….. sigh….
First, I’ve got to mention that I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review…. Let me just tell you how I was not prepared for this book…Keep reading, I’ll tell ya why…

Cal was kicked out of his parents home when they learned of his “sinful ways”. That should be sad but I truly felt he was better off without them in his life. His mother was terrible and as hurtful as it would have been to be cast aside by someone who was supposed to love you; the abuse he suffered by her and his father was far worse. Heading to an LGBT center for gay youth, he’s taken and held captive by a man he didn’t know and had never seen. It was always dark in the place he was kept. I don’t feel bad telling you that part; cuz it’s all in the blurb. I’ll just skip past spoilers because the surprise and heartbreak and hopefulness of this story kept me turning the page.
During his daring escape; he meets Gary and his nephew Jake.

Gary is the epitome of all things amazing. He realizes he needs help and insists on helping him; much to Jake’s dismay. Jake was a jerk at first; I got his reasonings later; but, I just didn’t trust him. I didn’t like the way he treated Cal and even knowing what he’d gone through; I just didn’t feel like he treated him right. I hurt for Cal so much; I felt that he’d gone through so much, he really didn’t need Jake’s crap.
However, Gary and his sick wife Luce continued to help him and be there for him. It took Cal a long time to find his voice; he didn’t trust and he was scared more often than not; and why wouldn’t he be? He’d been through something so very traumatic. Still, Luce and Gary were amazing. He couldn’t have found better people. I forgot so many times that these were fictional people and it wasn’t something I was experiencing in real life. I love when a story does that; where it sucks you in so completely you feel like you know the people you’re reading about and find yourself hoping and living through their experiences. …. Is that crazy? Am I the only one who does that? ….

Anyway, through Cal’s discovery of a life where things aren’t always terrible and sometimes good things happen, he gets some curve balls thrown his way. As we all know, not everything in life is sunshine and roses. One thing I loved seeing though is his relationship progress with Jake.
Jake really redeemed himself. I could understand his hesitation and his distrust of Cal in the beginning and once they got to know each other, his sincerity and thoughtfulness with Cal was endearing. He was patient and understanding and he cared about him so much. I loved that.
I loved the friendships with Mallory and Blake; although I wasn’t so much a fan of Keith, I felt for him too at the end. Everyone makes mistakes and does petty things out of jealousy and I had to keep reminding myself that these were kids. Teenagers. I felt like Jake and Cal had been through so much in their lives, they didn’t live like normal teenagers; they’d already known so much loss and devastation; they worked hard and had so many responsibilities for their age.

There were so many surprises and twists that I never saw coming; ones that took my breath away, ones that made me weep at 3 in the morning while trying to be quiet so my husband didn’t wake up and think I was crazy; ones that broke my heart and then put me back together again.
Yep… all that happened in one, 238 page literary adventure!

I will admit this was the first book I’ve read by this author; but I can assure you it will not be the last. If you enjoy a tearjerking, hopeful yet heartbreaking read, do not pass this one up. I really, really enjoyed it…

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy

Flight or Fight by Dirk Greyson: Release Day Review

August 5, 2016 by Denise

synopsis Life in the big city wasn’t what Mackenzie “Mack” Redford expected, and now he’s come home to Hartwick County, South Dakota, to serve as sheriff.

Brantley Calderone is looking for a new life. After leaving New York and buying a ranch, he’s settling in and getting used to living at a different pace—until he finds a dead woman on his porch and himself the prime suspect in her murder.

Mack and Brantley quickly realize several things: someone is trying to frame Brantley; he is no longer safe alone on his ranch; and there’s a definite attraction developing between them, one that only increases when Mack offers to let Brantley stay in his home. But as their romance escalates, so does the killer. They’ll have to stay one step ahead and figure out who wants Brantley dead before it’s too late. Only then can they start the life they’re both seeking—together.

Title: Flight or Fight
Author: Dirk Greyson
Release Date: August 5, 2016
Category: Western, Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 200

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Dreamspinner Press

paula review

I love a good whodunit and this book didn’t disappoint. Brantley leave the big city after something pretty shitty happens to him. He buys a ranch hoping for some peace and quiet. What he winds up with is a dead body on his front porch. I really enjoyed Mack. His gruff personality is at the beginning it awesome. I enjoyed watching Mack’s attitude towards Brantley grow from suspicious to protective. These two together were HAWT! The tension and heat in this book made it hard to put down. The characters were very well written and the story flowed really well and kept you wanting to know what would happen next.

4 pieces of candy