Book Reviews

Three New Wishes by Sean Michael: Quick Review

April 29, 2017 by Denise

James, Guard and Damien continue to grant the sexual fantasies of their clients, but so far have been unable to make Rainbow Island work for their own relationship. Damien misses being home more often with his lovers, though, and Guard has been working on breaking down James’ defences. As the men move from one week to three week stays for their guests, can they finally make their own fantasies come true, too?

As always, three different fantasies are granted through Rainbow Island.

Tim is rich and bored now that he’s sold all his companies. A sometimes sub for the occasional evening, he’s searching for something more. He’s seen ‘lifestyle’ subs who indulge 24/7 and he’s curious to see if it really works. Full time Dom Rainier is brought in to give Tim the experience he’s been looking for. But Rainier has a secret – he’s been watching Tim in the club for years, just waiting for Tim to get serious before making his move. Can these two men find what they need in each other?

Mike has been hired to be a submissive for three weeks. He doesn’t know that much about the lifestyle, but has been assured that he won’t be damaged and that he can stop the proceedings at any time. He figures he can handle it, besides, the payday is too good to give up and will keep him off the street and fed for a long time. Dom Brendan is handsome and confident and the things he shows Mike have Mike more than a little turned on; in fact, they speak to something deep inside him. Could he have found something more than just another job in Brendan?

Angus and Robbie are a committed Dom/sub pair who want to spice things up a little and see if Puppy Play is for them. They’re excited and nervous to learn this new aspect from Sam, the puppy master that Rainbow Island has brought in to show them the ropes. They discover there’s more to puppy play than they’d imagined and not all of it is for them. Can they separate what they need from what they want and come out stronger than ever in the end?

Don’t miss out on these three new fantasies come true.

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I have really enjoyed this series. Each book offers three new stories as well as a little more into the story of the owners of the resort. While this one provides the conclusion of Guard, James and Damien’s story.

In the first fantasy Tim is a bored executive. He has recently sold his multi-billion dollar company and doesn’t know what to do with his time. He has dabbled in the dom/sub scene but lately that isn’t providing the relief it once did. He’s hoping three weeks immersed in being a 24/7 submissive will scratch the itch.

Rain is the dominant the Island staff hire to bring Tim’s fantasy to life, but Rain has a secret. He has been watching Tim for years as he moved from one dom to another. Biding his time until he could make his move. He knows Tim was made for him, he just has to get Tim to see that they can make this work long after the fantasy is over.

In the second fantasy Brendan wants a submissive, someone knew to the scene. He wants to be able to show someone how wonderful the dom/sub lifestyle can be without the rehearsed lines and the posturing.

Mike is hired by the Island staff to be Brendan’s sub for three weeks. Mike has no idea what to expect but the money was too good to pass up. Mike is a free spirit who travels wherever the next job takes him with nothing and no one to tie him down to one place. The minute the fantasy begins Mike knows hes way out of his league. He starts feeling things he shouldn’t be feeling, things that can’t possibly be felt this early in the game. Brendan will need to show him that the feelings are reciprocated and see if he can be the anchor Mike has been searching for to tie him down.

In the third fantasy Angus and Robbie have been in a committed dom/sub relationship for quite some time. They are looking to try new things, one being puppy play. The island brings in a puppy play expert to help Angus and Robbie navigate this new lifestyle so they can figure out which aspects of the lifestyle they want to incorporate in their own while leaving the rest behind. It’s an adventure of discovery for the pair as they work together to bring their fantasy to life.

James is nearly at his breaking point; he can’t eat, he can’t sleep, he can’t concentrate without seeing Damien and Guard in every thought and action. Guard and Damien strike while the iron is hot, reminding James of all that he lost and all that he can have again.

This story is hot!!! It has something for everyone. There is puppy play, fisting, nipple piercing, some bondage and a ton of hot sex.

I really enjoyed reading this whole series and waiting for the conclusion of Guard, James, and Damien’s story was so worth the wait. It was great to see their progress from the first story to the last.

These wishes were just as hot as the wishes in the other books. I’m not sure how Sean Michael keeps it fresh and interesting, but definitely a job well done.

I know I’m greedy, but I would totally love a followup novella. Maybe a huge party on the island for past guests so we can see where everyone has gotten to.

Pieces of Candy: 4

Unsteady by Melissa Collins: Release Day Blitz and Double Review with Giveaway

April 28, 2017 by Denise

Micah Hudson and Jude MacMillian were both lonely teenagers. One the new kid and one the target of relentless bullying, they quickly became friends. But when friendship grew into more, the relationship was too much for either to handle. As their tenuous bond was tested, everything tumbled down, leaving them lonely once again.

A decade later, Micah is on the brink of losing his will to live. Beyond exhausted from lying to everyone, including himself, Micah thinks of the one person who knows his deepest secret. Desperate and alone, Micah makes the only decision he feels he has: he must leave. But his need for closure depends on one thing.

Can Jude make room in his Unsteady life for Micah once again?

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I love this series.. I already knew, from the other two stories, that it was going to be a tearjerker for me. It was…

Micha and Jude… let’s discuss.

After losing his mom, Jude and his dad hit a rough patch… one turned to food while the other turned to alcohol and, it just seemed that they both just got so lost that they didn’t know how to find their way back. The bullying in this, made me sick to my stomach and I hated that the bully just got away with being terrible. I hate when that happens… Fortunately, the new kid, Micah, was Jude’s saving grace. Not only did he befriend him and help him in so many ways, he became Jude’s best friend….

Micah had his own baggage, mainly with his father. He was a jerk plain and simple. You won’t like him, I’ll point that out right now. But I feel like, he was the biggest part of why Micah was the way he was. Even though I’m not a fan of the going back and forth from past to present… it worked here. We needed it, for the story to work, but I was broken hearted by the time we made it back to the present.
After losing touch for ten years, knowing that their friendship was well beyond friendship and that they loved each other so much….it was hard to see Micah as anything other than the strong one like he had been when they were younger; but the tables turned and now Micah needed Jude to be the strong one.
And he was….

Things are great with them for a while, though I wanted to reach in and slap Micha upside the head for keeping so much from Jude. I knew it was going to end badly when all the secrets came out, there was no way around it. I did understand why he kept the secrets, but I hated that he did…for everyone involved. (I mean, I have to just leave that there, cuz I don’t wanna spoil it)

This is truly a second chance romance and if I have ever needed two people to work out like they did.. it was these two. Their chemistry and passion and love for each other was evident from the very beginning and it never quit. I wanted to cry for them several times and just say “you have to work out! You just have to!”…. In all fairness, I knew they would… but it was a rough road getting there.

I loved this story… I loved the hurt/comfort and the realness of each character and… sigh… I just love them as a couple. It’s hands down, an excellent addition to an amazing series, although it’s a standalone and you don’t technically need to read the other two… you just should… just because they’re amazing too. But this one… easy 5 stars….Don’t miss it.

Pieces of Candy: 5

WOW – When the Prologue has you in tears, slightly sobbing, you know you are about to read a book that is going to tear you apart but you’re not sure if you are going to be put back together. Unsteady lived up to its name especially after such a passionate and powerful prologue.

Micah was introduced in On Higher Ground (Dax & Bec). There was something very intriguing and mysterious about him. I squealed when I heard he was getting a story.

Unsteady is somewhat of a 2 part story as Jude and Micah were best friends back in high school. In a previous book of hers (Let Love Live) part one was the past while part two was the present. With Unsteady it is mixed together and I have never seen an author do this with such effortlessness as Collins does. You will never feel lost or feel like it is not part of the story. There are not many “flashbacks” and each one is valid and added at the precise spot it should be. It gives it an endearing quality to see what happened to separate 2 people who were so in love with each.

Micah has secrets….TONS of secrets but he is also feeling dejected so he finds solace with the only person he has ever loved…..Jude. Collins writing is off the charts remarkable and the story flows with simplicity. It’s hard to find a writer than creates such a broken character a
nd does it with dignity and pride.

I fell in love with Collins writing back in 2014. Even though I know her stories will leave me needing tissues and lots of wine I will always read what she writes. Her love of writing shows in the stories she shares with us and they will hit you in the heart and take up residence there – For that alone I adore her.
If you are looking for a well-developed story with 2 broken souls, some sexy romance and a bit of unsteady issues (<- – – see what I did there…lol) – Than this read is for you. If you don’t like to cry or get sentimental while reading than pretend I didn’t state that (I tend to get emotionally over some topics) and give it a try.

A HUGE thank you to Melissa Collins for writing a heartfelt and beautiful story of 2 misplaced souls finding each other again. I am now naming you the QUEEN of prologues – No one has ever made me shed a tear with in the first 3 pages. Kudos to you on such an astounding book.

PS: That is one drool-worthy cover and it represents Micah and Jude to a T

Pieces of Candy: 5

FAVORITE LINE: And with each day, it’s more and more difficult to capture those fleeting seconds of peace. They only come at night when I relive the soldiers dying in my arms. Envious of their peace,eventually the dreams became increasingly morbid. It was no longer a comrade taking his last breath, but me.

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Melissa Collins Author Page

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

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Rough Edges by Cardeno C : Audiobook Review

April 27, 2017 by Denise

Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

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Audible

Kyle has had to fight tooth and nail for everything he has in life. Nothing has come easy for him and because of that he carries a pretty big chip on his shoulder. He can’t stand people born to money that don’t have to earn it and meeting his buddies friend Brent proves his point.

Brent was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. He was born to money, raised to enjoy the finer things in life, and spends his days lazing about. At least these are the things Kyle thinks he knows about Brent, and takes an instant dislike to him.

When Kyle’s hard work and dedication at work finally turn into a promotion that allows him to put a down payment on a condo he finally feels like he’s made it. He’s accomplished his goal, then in one second it’s all taken away. When the chips are down Kyle has no one to turn to until Brent offers a helping hand.

Kyle borrows Brent’s spare bedroom until he can find a new job and get back on his feet. Over the first few weeks he’s there Kyle starts to realize that there is more to Brent than he first thought. He might not be the spoil rich kid he thought he was. When Kyle realizes what Brent is doing with his free time each day he finds out that old prejudices can blind you from seeing some great right in front of you.

I love a great enemies to lovers story, even if they were only enemies in Kyle’s head. This is a great story about a man finding that through his narrow and intolerant views of people he could be missing out on something great. The characters were well developed and interesting. The story, as always was perfection.

The narrator was good. This was my first time listening to Kevin Chandler. He infused just enough snark in his voice to bring Kyle to life for me. It was great.

Overall an enjoyable listening experience.

Pieces of Candy: 4

Tied to You by Riley Hart: Release Blitz, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

April 27, 2017 by Denise

TIED TO YOU

WILD SIDE BOOK 2

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

COVER PHOTO: John Karrer

ARTWORK: Sarah Jo Chreene

Miles Sorenson prides himself on his brutal honesty. Facts and logic are a hell of a lot easier to deal with than emotions. He’s got his career and a small, close-knit group of friends, and he doesn’t need nor want anything else. The total opposite of Quinn Barker, who doesn’t take life too seriously and thinks a good laugh can cure anything.

When Quinn takes Miles home, it’s supposed to be a one-time deal. Except they really click in the sack and end up spending the weekend together, enjoying each other’s bodies as much as their company…to Miles’s dismay. Matters get even more muddled when, months later, they run into each other at the popular West Hollywood bar, Wild Side, and pick up right where they left off.

On the surface, Quinn and Miles are like oil and water, but the draw between them is undeniable. As their lives further entwine, they realize there’s more to their connection than the way they singe the sheets together.

But demons from the past have a way of catching up, and no matter how strong the link is tying Miles and Quinn together, the pressure may be enough to make it snap.

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Red rope with a knot isolated on white Background .

3 tied teaser 3

Miles still held him by the back of the head. Their lips were inches apart now, breaths heavy, Miles panting as he looked at Quinn.

He breathed in, Miles out, Miles in, Quinn out.

“You gonna fuck me or what, Counselor?” he finally asked, and then they were stumbling out of the shower—teeth clanking, tongues slashing, lips searching.

He felt like Miles was going to devour him, take him whole, and in this moment, he would welcome it.

Miles kissed him until they got to the sink. “Bend over it,” he said, and goose bumps shot across Quinn’s skin at the command.

He did as Miles said. Miles’s hand brushed down his back, his finger tracing each rise and fall of Quinn’s spine. “Perfect arch.”

Quinn looked up, met Miles’s eyes in the mirror and replied, “I know.” Because he did. He was fucking good at this.

“Mouthy little bottom, aren’t you?” Miles teased.

“Realistically confident.”

“You’re killing me.” Miles looked away, and Quinn knew it was because this was a lot. Because just fucking before he’d admitted that Quinn intrigued him was one thing, but now they both knew this was about more than just a piece of ass. What? They hadn’t gotten that far yet and didn’t know each other well enough to figure it out either, but it was a truth between them that hadn’t been there the first weekend they’d shared.

Or maybe they had known it but hadn’t been able to admit it.

“Get in me,” Quinn told him.

“Mouthy,” Miles said again. “Going to have to do something about that.”

It’s so hard to write a review for a book that that you adore without coming out looking like a crazy stalker or making you look like you are trying too hard to convince someone, who is reading this, to give the book a chance.

Riley Hart is an auto buy for me no matter what she writes or who she co-authors with. Some of my favorite books and book boyfriends have come from the genius mind of Riley. I love how each book/series is nothing like her previous books – always evolving into something new. The Wild Series is about 4 friends, Oliver, Matt, Miles and Chance, who have been best friends since they were kids. Tied to You is book 2 in the series where we meet the enigmatic Miles, who has taken over my heart.

Back when Quinn was introduced in Jumpstart (Christian & Beckett, Crossroads Book 4) the first thing I did was message Hart and immediately asked if Quinn was getting a book. Of course I loved the book but there was something with Quinn, despite being a secondary character that drew me to know more about him. To have him finally get his book and for it to be with Miles has the stars aligning and me being exceedingly happy.

Hart’s writing is remarkable with the book flowing with simplicity. Both Miles and Quinn each have a past that have made them the way they are….distance, closed off, only looking for some fun. Their connection is off the charts which you could feel from the start of the book. Reading this made me think Hart was inside my head while writing their story – I got all the feels. Here are my exact thoughts…

“I’m in love with Miles and Quinn’s banter. Gah…When he calls him Baby Boy….I’m Done….HOOK…LINE AND SINKER. I was not expecting to feel like I was punched in the heart when Miles & Quinn (((took spoiler out))). JFC….I haven’t read something that felt that intense in such a long time.”

I just love everything about this book – the writing, the characters, the secondary characters, the banter, the miscommunication, the walls that take a while to come done, the romance – **sigh** – Just everything.

If you haven’t started the series yet you should. Start with Dare You To (novella), than Gone For You.

If you didn’t care for either of those books and are reluctant to try this one….PLEASE TRY – This is one of best from Hart.

If you are a newbie to Hart’s work you should give it a go. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Another fantastic read by Riley Hart. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

FAVORITE QUOTE

“I got you, baby boy,” Miles said as Quinn wrapped his arms around Mile’s neck. “I got you. I’m here.” He kissed Quinn’s forehead. Held him tight. In this moment, nothing else mattered…”

Pieces of Eye Candy: 5

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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Olive Juice by TJ Klune: Release Day Review with Giveaway

April 26, 2017 by Denise

32993007 synopsis

It begins with a message that David cannot ignore:

I want to see you.

He agrees, and on a cold winter’s night, David and Phillip will come together to sift through the wreckage of the memory of a life no longer lived.

David is burdened, carrying with him the heavy guilt of the past six years upon his shoulders.

Phillip offers redemption.

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jennifer

What a vague blurb, eh?

I didn’t care… I knew who wrote it so I was like.. of course, I’m gonna read it and of course, I’m gonna love it! I wasn’t disappointed… Surprised? Absolutely, I was not prepared for this book. Not one bit.
I went into it knowing it was about David and Phillip. Knowing that they’d been through something traumatic together and that was about it…And oh, boy, did they. The worst thing imaginable as parents.

This story is the epitome of overwhelming sadness and how one copes with it. How easy it is to be angry when your grief is so profound that you don’t know what else to do but lash out or blame yourself to feel better. Or to feel worse… because you feel as if you deserve it, which is what David did

He carried everything on his shoulders and because he was drowning is his own grief, he forgot that he wasn’t the only one suffering. Pain will make you do that, though, won’t it?

My heart broke for both of these guys. Literally, I was a sobbing lunatic through the majority of this story. I wanted so badly for them to get the answers that they were looking for, but like life, sometimes it isn’t all fairytales and roses. If you’re lucky, you won’t have to go through those hard times alone and I was glad that they had each other and even when they were lost, that they found their way back to each other because they’d already lost so much I didn’t want them to lose anymore.

Sigh… It was a heartbreakingly tragic read, but so well worth it. You’d be a fool to pass this one up.
And even though he made me cry….again… like, ugly, psychotic looking, Farrah from teen mom, ugly face cry… I loved it.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Devour by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: Pre-Release Review and Giveaway

April 24, 2017 by Denise

Ian Pierce is the chef and part owner of the hottest restaurant in Cincinnati, his chosen family is full of happy relationships, and the scruffy, snarky cop who has been haunting his dreams is one step closer to being in his bed. But everything comes crashing down when the past he narrowly escaped nine years ago comes to a deadly head.

Hollis Banner was enamored of Ian at first sight. He’s kept his distance, knowing the gorgeous, self-confident man is out of his league. Yet there’s no standing aside when Boris Jagger escapes a raid. Jagger’s world has been nearly destroyed and this time, the crime boss is coming after Ian and his friends personally.

Hollis will do whatever it takes to keep Ian safe as they escape to a safe house with a couple of Ian’s overprotective friends. And Ian finds himself in a race to unlock painful memories—memories containing information that could take down the very last of Jagger’s illegal operations forever.

Amazon

**SIGH** I really didn’t want this series to end. I fell in love with Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian in Shiver (book 1). The series name definitely fits the friendships of these 4 men – there is nothing that will tear them apart and they will always have each other’s backs. I am a sucker for series that is revolved around a group friends and with each book you see how strong their bond is. With this series, you get the bond of friendship as well as the bond with their partner and I will forever love these 4 and the man they claim as their own.

Devour is book 4 in the Unbreakable Bonds Series and is best read in order as the storyline continues through all 4 books. I’ve been waiting, what feels like a lifetime, for Ian and Hollis’s story. I was a little worried about Hollis when he showed up in Torch (book 3) and was undercover. Ian holds a special place in my heart for what he has been through. In the previous books we only had a glimpse of what is early life was like but with Devour we finally are able to get the whole picture. You will definitely shed some tears – some happy and some gut wrenchingly sad.

Drake & Elliott are a duo team but you will never know there are 2 separate personalities writing this series. They write as one and it shows in how well composed the plot is. The story picks up where Torch left off. There are a lot of unknowns with Lucas leaving, Jagger out to get Ian and the rest of the group trying to pick up pieces to keep their family together. Devour is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. The suspense was throughout the whole book and I loved every minute of it despite my heart pounding the entire time. The book flowed with gripping ease you will not want to stop reading.

Drake & Elliott have given us another phenomenal read. It wasn’t always hearts and flowers but in the end they gave us an ending so wonderful I was fighting back the happy tears. This series will be a re-read for years to come. I am hoping they make a spin off series with the secondary characters we have come to love ***cough cough…Sven and Geoffrey**

A huge thank you to Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott for creating a gripping series for me to love.

5 pieces of eye candy

FAVORITE LINE: He got it. The sweet message that Ian was so subtly sharing – Rowe had his back no matter what. Over the past year, he’d marveled at his tight-knit family Ian was a part of. He’d never seen such a group of men so devoted to each other, willing to give up anything and everything for one another’s safety and happiness.

We will be giving away two copies of Devour (or any book in the Unbreakable Bonds series) on release day. Tell us about your most unbreakable bond, person, place or thing.