4 stars

What the Carpenter Saw by Vicki Reese : Release Day Review

August 3, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Wounded warrior Jake Cramer returned from the Middle East missing part of one leg and with a partially paralyzed left arm. He feels useless in his family’s construction business, but carpentry is all he knows. He needs to relearn how to work and how to live. He can’t even consider finding a man to love. Who would want him this way?

Alex Ford is a top-of-the-line architect who’s tired of big cities and wants to settle down, maybe run a small inn. The mansion he inherited from his grandparents might be the ticket to his dream, but it needs a lot of work. When he meets the handsome builder, he knows he’s made the right decision. He just needs to convince Jake that his scars don’t matter. Unfortunately Alex’s greedy family has other ideas, and they’re determined to ruin Alex’s plans and take the inheritance for themselves—even if they have to kill to do it.

Title: What the Carpenter Saw
Author: Vicki Reese
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 143

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paula review

This was a wonderful story with a little mystery/suspense to it. I really liked Jake and Alex. Jakes strength to deal with his physical issues was awesome. I really enjoyed his attitude. Alex was awesome as well. I liked how he interacted with Jake. His family was nuts though. Alex and Jake were so much fun to watch come together and deal with everything that was going on. The characters were very well written and the story itself was interesting and entertaining.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Normal Enough by Marie Sexton : Release Day Review

August 3, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

What is “normal”?

When Brandon Kenner shows up at Kasey Ralston’s garage with a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is smitten by both the man and his car. But Kasey is hiding an embarrassing secret: his love for old muscles goes beyond what most would consider normal. His unusual fetish has kept Kasey isolated—estranged from his family and even distant from his coworkers.

But when Brandon figures out the hot mechanic’s secret, he’s not repulsed. In fact, he finds Kasey intriguing, and he’s determined to have him for himself.

Everything about Brandon revs Kasey’s engine, and he’s more than willing to get down and dirty with the charming man. What worries Kasey is what will happen after. Is there any chance of a future for them? In the past, expecting anything long-term has only led to heartbreak. But Kasey can’t help hoping that, despite Kasey’s fetish, Brandon will be the exception.

Title: Normal Enough
Series: Wrench Wars
Author: Marie Sexton
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Category: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Pages: 82

denise review

Wowza! This was a hot little romance. I read book 1 by L.A. Witt, and thoroughly enjoyed the introduction into the Wrench Wars world, Last Mechanic Standing, (and am looking forward to book 3). And having only read a little bit of Marie Sexton’s work, I wasn’t quite prepared for the hotness that was this novella.

Kasey’s fetish for muscle cars is so believable. Similar to infant imprinting, he was at a vulnerable time in his life when he would go into his father’s junk cars, read porn magazines, and car magazines, and do what teenage boys naturally do. This imprinted on his life, and because his father had little regard for him since he was not biologically his, Kasey found shame in all he did. He reverted into a shy, reserved introvert who was embarrassed by a natural act.

Brandon was fantastic at allowing Kasey to be drawn out. He let him know that he found him attractive, and not strange at all. Yet when Kasey began to feel his self-confidence lagging, Brandon was able to smooth out the wrinkles in Kasey’s concerns. This also helped Kasey to feel better about himself as a person, allowing him to build relationships with his brother, and co-worker.

I’d love to see a little more of these two. Their relationship was just beginning to take shape, and I’d like to see how it continued to grow. Hopefully, there is more ahead for these two.

Oh, and did I mention that the sex was smoking HAWT!!!! DAMN!!!! Marie Sexton lives up to her name. 😉

4 pieces of eye candy

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Never Lose Your Flames by Francis Gideon: Release Day Review

August 1, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Cop-turned-bounty-hunter Gabe Dominguez is hired to capture firestarter Nat Wyatt. For a dragon-shifter like Gabe, apprehending Nat is easy, but transporting him involves more time, energy, and blood loss than he envisioned. An attack from a band of fairies, an out-of-control forest fire, and a showdown at an auction don’t faze Gabe, but Nat’s innocence might stop him entirely.

Since discovering his abilities, Nat’s lost a best friend, a boyfriend, and trust in his brother. Only his love of concerts and card games get him through life without a home. Rumors of the Judge, a giant dragon who once destroyed half of Canada avenging those he loved, provide Nat with hope of vindication. When Nat discovers his captor is the Judge, he thinks he’s finally caught a break. Through late-night conversations and a shared love of music, Nat tries to convince Gabe he’s not guilty.

Can Gabe continue his cutthroat lifestyle, or will he run away with his dragon hoard like he’s always longed to do? Can Nat escape his legacy, or will his be another spark snuffed out by people who don’t understand? The Oracle, the most powerful wizard in Canada, might be the only one who can provide answers.

Title: Never Lose Your Flames
Author: Francis Gideon
Release Date: August 1, 2016
Category: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal: Other, Werewolves/Shifters
Pages: 310

paula review

This was a really entertaining read. Nat and Gabe were awesome characters. I really felt for Nat and all of his trouble. Nat has a really hard life. He is constantly hunted because of who he is, and he doesn’t really get any peace. Blamed for things he didn’t do he’s just trying to survive. Gabe just wants to do his job. He’s at war with himself between his head and his heart. He’s trying to move beyond his past, but he can’t really let it go. The author did a really excellent job crafting this story. You really felt the turmoil and struggle throughout the book. Gabe was the perfect counterpart to Nat. The characters were easy to connect with and I found myself rooting for Nat and Gabe to get past everything and get together.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Fish Out of Water by Amy Lane : Release Day Review

July 29, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

PI Jackson Rivers grew up on the mean streets of Del Paso Heights—and he doesn’t trust cops, even though he was one. When the man he thinks of as his brother is accused of killing a police officer in an obviously doctored crime, Jackson will move heaven and earth to keep Kaden and his family safe.

Defense attorney Ellery Cramer grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but that hasn’t stopped him from crushing on street-smart, swaggering Jackson Rivers for the past six years. But when Jackson asks for his help defending Kaden Cameron, Ellery is out of his depth—and not just with guarded, prickly Jackson. Kaden wasn’t just framed, he was framed by crooked cops, and the conspiracy goes higher than Ellery dares reach—and deep into Jackson’s troubled past.

Both men are soon enmeshed in the mystery of who killed the cop in the minimart, and engaged in a race against time to clear Kaden’s name. But when the mystery is solved and the bullets stop flying, they’ll have to deal with their personal complications… and an attraction that’s spiraled out of control.

Title: Fish Out of Water
Author: Amy Lane
Release Date: July 29, 2016
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 270

paula review I really enjoyed this story. However I had to kind of forget about what is going on in the real world right now, and just put myself in the story.

First you have Jackson Rivers, a former cop turned PI. He is very much a no strings kind of guy. Men, women it doesn’t matter. And he has had a lot of people in his bed. I really liked this character. His attitude and personality was so good. He has a whole bunch of issues, and all of them are well deserved. His life has not been easy. His relationship with his family was beautiful. The loyalty and love there was incredible.

Ellery is like the complete opposite of Jackson. He grew up in a stable, privileged home. He was perfect for Jackson. He could take Jackson’s attitude and dish it right back.

I loved watching him push Jackson to get what he wanted and what Jackson needed. Some of the scenes between these two were page smoking HAWT!! Ellery was fearless in his pursuit to get to the truth. Highly recommend this one.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Open Road by M.J. O’Shea: Release Day Review

July 25, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Angus has been with the same guy for ten years. When his boyfriend breaks up with him the night of his thirtieth birthday party and announces his engagement to a twenty-two-year-old less than ten hours later, Angus is… a mess. To put it lightly. He spends days in bed, drinks himself into a stupor every night, and ends up losing his job and his apartment. His best and oldest friend, Reece, decides it’s time for an intervention. And a change of scenery.

Reece and Angus take off on a buddy trip across the US. They don’t have much of a plan; they just start driving. It takes Angus a couple of days to do much more than grunt when Reece talks to him, but slowly he opens up. They drive, talk, heal, shout, drink a bit too much sometimes, dance, meet new friends… and somewhere between Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine, they fall in love.

Which was the last thing in the world Angus expected.

Title: Open Road
Author: M.J. O’Shea
Release Date: July 25, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

paula review

I’m ready for a road trip now! This was a really fun story to read. Angus and Reece were great characters. I really felt bad for Angus and how he was treated by his ex. I wanted to hit his ex so bad. Angus was so lost and depressed when his ex dumped him. After spending the last 10 yrs. with his ex and then being dumped so callously was horrible. Angus was so lost in his heartbreak and embarrassment that he cuts everyone out of his life. His pain is easy to relate to and draws you more into the story. And then as it usually is with really good friends, they do what they have to, to get you out of your funk. I really liked Reece. His dedication to his friend is awesome. Reece is so patient and understanding. He put a good honest effort into making Angus see that he really is better off without his ex. That he is fun and amazing and not what his ex made him feel. The entire story was an entertaining read from start to finish. I really liked how Reece made his interest in Angus known. I though it was a creative way to do it.

4 pieces of eye candy

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The Boy Next Door by Kate McMurray: Release Day Review

July 22, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Life is full of surprises and, with luck, second chances.

After his father’s death, Lowell leaves the big city to help his sick mother in the conservative small town where he grew up. He’s shocked to find himself living next to none other than his childhood friend Jase. Lowell always had a crush on Jase, and the man has only gotten more attractive with age. Unfortunately Jase is straight, now divorced, and raising his six-year-old daughter. It’s nice to reconnect, but Lowell doesn’t see a chance for anything beyond friendship.

Until a night out together changes everything.

Jase can’t fight his growing feelings for Lowell, and he doesn’t want to give up the happy future they could have. But his ex-wife issues an ultimatum: he must keep his homosexuality secret or she’ll revoke his custody of their daughter, Layla. Now Jase faces an impossible choice: Lowell and the love he’s always wanted, or his daughter.

First Edition published by Loose Id LLC, 2011.

Title: The Boy Next Door
Author: Kate McMurray
Release Date: July 22, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

deanna review

This is only the second book I’ve read by Kate McMurray. I was really hoping to enjoy this one as much as I did Put in the Field, I wasn’t disappointed. This is a great story.

Lowell return to town after the death of his abusive father so he can help take care of his aging mother. He buys a house right next door to his elementary school friend Jase.

Jase is recently divorced, raising his daughter on his own because his ex-wife is a flake. Their marriage ended because Jase couldn’t hide the fact he was gay any longer. Now he’s drowning in guilt over a failed marriage wondering if he even deserves happiness.

As soon as Jase and Lowell reconnect the sparks fly. The two embark on something they haven’t defined, whether it’s friends with benefits or a full fledged relationship.

Jase’s ex-wife puts serious pressure on him to stop seeing Lowell stating she doesn’t want it to corrupt her impressionable daughter. Jase is torn between doing what his ex wants and doing what he wants.

As a last ditch effort to hurt Jase, his ex kidnaps their daughter. Emotions are running high and Jase gets into an argument with Lowell and says some things he doesn’t mean.

Jase needs to get his daughter back and fix his relationship with Lowell, only then will he be truly happy.

The storyline was great! It loved at a fast pace and I couldn’t put it down. Once Jase’s daughter was kidnapped nothing else matter, we ordered take out. I couldn’t put the kindle down long enough to cook dinner.

I love that Kate didn’t gloss over the glamorous life of a single parent. The scheduling conflicts, last minute sitters, and stolen moments between Lowell and Jase were true to form.

There were a lot of great characters in this book. I hope this is the start of a new series because I need to see what is going on with Neal and Russ. Also, a story about Detective Brown and his firefighter would be interesting.

4 pieces of eye candy

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