Book Reviews

Tied Up In Knots by Mary Calmes: Audiobook Review with Giveaway

March 22, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Miro Jones is living the life; he’s got his exciting, fulfilling job as a US deputy marshal, his gorgeous Greystone in suburban Chicago, his beloved adopted family, and most importantly, the man who captured his heart, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian isn’t just his partner at work – Ian’s a soldier through and through. That commitment takes him away from Miro, unexpectedly and often, and it’s casting a shadow over what could be everything Miro could ever dream of.
Work isn’t the same without Ian. Home isn’t the same, either, and Miro’s having to face his fears alone…how to keep it together at the office, how to survive looming threats from the past, and worst of all, how to keep living without Ian’s rock-solid presence at his side. His life is tied up in knots, but what if unknotting them requires something more permanent? What would that mean for him and Ian? Miro’s stuck between two bad choices, and sometimes the only way to get out of the knot is to hold tight to your lifeline and pull.

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deanna review

I love the Marshalls series. There is just something about Ian and Miro. Their story is a fairytale,.. Kinda… Maybe… If Quentin Tarantino were writing it.

This installment picks up with Ian being away on a four month op and Miro being loaned out to the DEA on the west coast. Of course Miro finds all sorts of trouble to get into out there. As he’s headed home he gets the call that Ian is heading home too. For the first time, Ian asks Miro to pick him up from the airport with his team.

Miro starts hoping for some normalcy when Bam, the military life rears it’s ugly head again. Several people from Ian’s old unit have died and the government brass think that someone is trying to kill the whole team. Ian heads to Washington to try to figure out what’s going on, meanwhile Craig Hartley has escaped from prison again.

Ian and Miro have some tough choices to make. Can Miro stand by Ian when’s he gone for as much time as he’s home? Can Miro live with the anxiety everyday of not knowing whether Ian is going to come home safe? Is Hartley coming after Miro again?

This story wraps up in stunning fashion, as I’ve come to expect from this series. I can’t wait to see where the next story takes us, hopefully their is a wedding involved.

These characters are some of my favorites, the story was entertaining and fast paced. I’m kinda over the Hartley story line, I know the storyline was left open so he could possibly return in a later book, but please Jesus let Miro be. I can’t handle the stress of him being kidnapped and tortured again.

I think Tristan James is perfect for this series. The Chicago accent is great, it’s gritty and tough and perfect for Ian and Miro. I will admit Kage sounds damn good too.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Here for Us by A.M. Arthur: Quick Review with Giveaway

March 21, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Cris Sable doesn’t walk into popular gay bar Big Dick’s expecting to find more than a casual hookup, so he’s surprised by his instant attraction and intense chemistry with go-go dancer Jake. Jake’s sexy as hell and a firecracker in bed. The sparks between them are undeniable, and what starts as a hookup evolves into something deeper, possibly permanent—until Jake dumps Cris flat on his ass for no good reason.

Angry and confused, Cris finds comfort with his longtime friend and employer Charles “Chet” Greenwood. Cris’s emotional state stirs up Charles’s long-buried feelings for Cris. Feelings he’s denied for eight years, because Cris is his employee and therefore off limits—not to mention two decades younger than Charles. Cris admits he has feelings for Charles, too, but he’s still getting over Jake and both men agree nothing can happen between them while Charles is still Cris’s boss.

Jake Bowden knows he doesn’t have anything to offer a guy. He’s a go-go dancer with no degree and no real career aspirations. He’s also used to everyone who loves him leaving, so it makes sense to cut Cris loose before things get too serious. Cris is kind, passionate and totally deserves a guy like Charles—wealthy, owns a home, successful businessman. Jake can’t compete so why bother? They’re better off together. But when Jake has a serious personal crisis, Cris and Charles unite to pull him back together, and the three men discover it’s possible—maybe even inevitable—to fall in love with more than one person at a time.

“Here For Us” is the first in a brand-new m/m/m menage romance series that explores the March/May/September relationship of three very different men.

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erin

Here for Us is the first in a new series from author AM Arthur. And while it is a new series, all of her books take place in the same world and there is quite a bit of character overlap. And while this book has a ton of overlap, you don’t need to read the others. But you’ll want to.

Cris is a porn actor on hiatus. He still has a day job but being that he is his own boss and works from home, he has to be persuaded to go out and socialize. So when his best friend talks him into going out one night, he is taken aback by one of the go go dancers.

Jake has no problem with a one night stand. That is his preferred situation. So after one amazing night with Cris, he is gone before the sun comes up. Cris is confused because he thought they really had chemistry. So when his bosses nephew asks Cris to get Chet out of the house, they head back to Big Dick’s.

Cris and Chet have always danced around their attraction to each other. Besides the age difference, Chet is technically Cris’ boss. And he doesn’t cross that line. So Cris persues Jake while Chet pines for Cris.

This is a menage romance (obviously) but really, the menage doesn’t start until nearly the end of the book. So I really enjoyed the story and I enjoyed Cris with Chet and Cris with Jake, I really needed more Cris with Jake AND Chet. The way it is, it seems like Cris is getting exactly what he wants and Chet and Jake are along for the ride. Perhaps a little more of the three of them together could have built the relationship better.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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Dyed and Gone to Heaven by Aimee Nicole Walker: Quick Review with Giveaway

March 20, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Gabe and Josh’s romantic dinner date to celebrate love and life takes a shocking twist when a man who’s presumed dead enters the restaurant. What Gabe learns that night and the days that follow sends the homicide investigation down a road full of sharp twists and dangerous turns.

Josh is finally living the life he’s always wanted. He has a man who loves him just the way he is and an exciting new career opportunity. All of that feels threatened when a mysterious neighbor moves into the neighborhood. Josh is convinced his presence is more than a coincidence and questions what fate has in store for the happy couple.

Can Gabe find the balance between work and love or will his focus on justice put their harmony in jeopardy? Can Josh continue to overcome his insecurities or will they overshadow the beautiful life he’s building with the man he loves?

Dyed and Gone to Heaven is the third book in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries series. These books were written to be read in order. They contain sexually explicit material and are intended for adults 18 and older.

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erin

Cute, cute, cayoot. Gabe and Josh are disgustingly cute. Not that that is a bad thing. But maybe a little *too* cute for me. But still…

You MUST read the previous books in this series and it wouldn’t hurt to read the prequel short on her website. Otherwise you will be lost. Besides all of the recurring characters, there is a mystery story line that continues through them all.

Josh and Gabe are now happily co-habitating. SO happily. And while they are in their honeymoon period, people are still getting murdered. But by whom? And why? You’ll find out. I promise. No spoilers from me though!

So while the mystery element is twisty and turny, we see more about the secondary characters. Namely Dr Dimples and Chaz. I really want them to end up together. There is one scene that will make you wince, but also think “yep, been there”.

Josh and Gabe also get a new neighbor. Very mysterious, naturally. He has a backstory that could be super angsty. I hope we get that story. He needs it. WE need it. Ok, I need it. Because I have a love of angst.

So I did enjoy the book, even though it was quite fluffy. And did I mention cute? There was a lot of Gabe and Josh telling each other over and over how much they loved each other and how they were good men. Not the kind of pillow talk I like, but it was ok.

Savage the parrot is absolutely hilarious. I cannot wait to hear what he says! And I love that the patrons at the salon have no problem with the Dirty Bird.

Some good points- I really enjoy that these characters go to work every day. Seems silly I know, but oftentimes I feel like characters in new relationships take off of work all of the time to be together. That just isn’t realistic. But no. They go to bed early, get up early, sometimes work different hours, etc. It’s refreshing.

Ms Walker also did a good job of wrapping up the murder mystery- but there are still questions that need to be answered. Which leaves it wide open for book 4.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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Catching Heir by Julia Talbot: Audiobook Review with Giveaway

March 20, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Is he in love with an old hotel – or its new owner?
Professional snowboarder Cullen Patrick is successful and kinda famous. So when he inherits an old Colorado hotel from an unknown relative, he really should leave well enough alone.
Matt Nathanson has been managing the Treeline Estates since college. He loved the elderly former owner, and he stands to inherit the place if no one claims it in the next week. Of course, Cullen shows up, and Matt thinks it’s time to move on. He doesn’t want to like Cullen, no matter how engaging the guy is, or how hunky.
Cullen has grand ideas for the Treeline, but he doesn’t want to implement them without Matt, and he’s not sure he’s ready to give up snowboarding. Can Matt convince Cullen that putting down roots is worth it…and maybe catch his heir at the same time?

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Audible

deanna review

My review of the book: What a great read. Julia Talbot is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Matt is just days away from claiming ownership of The Treeline, a hotel he has worked hard to maintain for years when Cullen, the deceased owners grandson is found and ownership reverts to him. Cullen is a professional snowboarder and never wanted to own a hotel.

Ben, the previous owner wrote a clause in the hotel trust that Matt could never be fired for any reason. His job was and always would be secure at The Treeline. Cullen and Matt will have to work together to ensure the success of The Treeline while Cullen still has his snowboarder’s life to contend with. Along the way feelings are developed and both want to make their arrangement a little more permanent.

I loved his! It was a sweet, low angst read. I loved the progression of the relationship between Cullen and Matt. It felt real, with everyday obstacles and little to no drama.

Listening: I forgot how much I enjoyed this story until I started listening. John Solo brought Cullen and Matt to life in a way that was perfect for their story. It was thoroughly entertaining and so enjoyable to listen too.

4 pieces of eye candy

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

March 17, 2017 by Denise

there's this guy synopsis 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

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Dreamspinner Press

paula review

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

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denise review

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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An Officer’s Submission by Christa Tomlinson: Release Day Review, Blitz, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 16, 2017 by Denise

Title: An Officer’s Submission

Series: Cuffs, Collars, and Love #4

Author: Christa Tomlinson

Publisher: Self- Torlina Publishing

Release Date: March 16

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 67,000

Genre: Romance, erotic romance, contemporary, D/S, established couples

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“You don’t ever have to keep anything you feel locked up, Clay. I’m your Dom, and whatever you need from me, I’ll gladly give to you.”
– Sergeant Logan Pierce

Police Officer Clay Foster is finally at peace and happy with his life. He enjoys his career as a member of Houston’s SWAT team, and he loves submitting to his Dom in the bedroom. His life is perfect, until one cruel act destroys Clay’s bubble of happiness. Shattered trust forces Clay to reevaluate his career, his relationship, and himself.

Sergeant Logan Pierce is the leader of Houston’s elite SWAT team. On the force, he’s the best at what he does. In private, the most important thing in his life is taking care of his submissive, Clay. Clay is his whole world, and Logan will do whatever is necessary to keep him safe. Even if that means going up against Clay’s stubbornness in order to help him heal.

Can Logan and Clay work together to rebuild their happiness? Can they find their way back to the shared passion of Dominance and submission? Or will their love and relationship end before it’s truly begun?

“It’s good to be back home.”

Logan looked down at him with an eyebrow raised. “Home?”

Clay snorted a laugh. As usual, they were at Logan’s house. When he thought about it, he realized he hadn’t been back to his apartment in weeks. In fact, his bags from their recent trip to Colorado were here at Logan’s. He hadn’t bothered to take them back to his place after their return.

“If I’m in your space too much, I can throw all my stuff in the car and head back to my apartment,” he said as he pretended to pull away.

Logan tightened his grip on his foot. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Clay bit his lip to hold back a grin. “I didn’t think you wanted me to. But what I meant is, I feel good about life. That trip was awesome. I got to play in the snow, just like I wanted.”

“And I got to warm you up when you were done.”

“You did a very good job. You might have gotten me a little overheated a few times,” he teased. He wiggled his toes as Logan squeezed his foot again. “You and I are in a great place. And I think things are going to be better at work now too. We redid Hayden’s ridiculous course and passed with flying colors this time. I’m hoping the fact that we passed the redo means Hayden will get off our backs and quit fucking with our schedule.”

“The team is gelling again. And we’re hoping Hayden will finally move on and give up on his pet project of tormenting our team. Anything else?”

Clay shifted, looking at the TV instead of Logan. “What else is there?”

“Are you still blaming yourself for that idiot making those fake calls to our team?”

Clay pulled his feet off Logan’s lap for real this time and got up from the couch. “Why wouldn’t I blame myself? It was my fault.”

“It wasn’t your fault. And I don’t like hearing you say that it was.”

“C’mon, Sarge. You know that was on me.” Clay roughly ran a hand through his hair, turning his back on his lover. “If I hadn’t gone to that convention and went on camera bragging about how badass our team was, that whacko would have never taken it as a challenge to try and prove he was better than us.” He turned back around as Logan grabbed his hand and pulled him to stand in between his legs.

“Maybe not. But maybe he would have taken his anger out in another way.”

“What do you mean?”

“You read the report Roberts put together on the guy. He was looking for revenge because he felt he’d been slighted too many times. What if he’d physically attacked the people he wanted revenge against? Someone or several someones could have been hurt. At least with the revenge tactics he chose, no one was. We managed to catch the idiot, and hopefully he’ll be granted some time to think about what he did.”

“Are you forgetting he tried to kill me?” Clay saw a muscle tic in Logan’s jaw at the question, his hazel eyes going hard before he answered.

“No, I’m not forgetting.”

Clay tilted his head to the side as he studied his lover. “You know, I noticed that the perp seemed a little worse for wear before you got him loaded in the patrol car. Did you do anything to cause that?”

“I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

Logan’s response was a non-answer, but it confirmed Clay’s suspicions. “I’m a cop. On occasion, I might get hurt. And you can’t go after people because of that.”

“And you’re mine. Did you forget that?”

Clay shook his head. “No, Sir.”

“Come here.” Clay followed the gentle pull Logan gave his hand to drop down to the couch and straddle his lap.

“You’re my lover. My submissive. It’s my right and my pleasure to protect you, always.” He brought a hand up, his thumb sliding across the metal collar that circled Clay’s neck. “I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you or take you away from me.”

A thrill shot through Clay at that declaration. Logan’s unapologetic possessiveness had caused problems early on in their relationship, but they’d worked on it and come to an understanding on boundaries. Now, he was able to revel in Logan’s possessiveness and caring, because he knew it wouldn’t get out of hand. Clay pressed his forehead to Logan’s and closed his eyes. “I love when you talk to me like that.”

Logan’s hand moved to grip the back of his neck. “Do you?”

His eyes still closed, Clay nodded.

“Tell me why.”

“Because it makes me feel like the most important thing in your world. I’ve never felt like that with anyone.”

“It’s true. You are the most important thing to me. Having you in my life, wearing my collar, means everything to me.”

Clay opened his eyes and looked into his lover’s gaze, seeing the sincerity there. Not that he doubted him. Logan had proven time and time again how much he loved him. “I don’t deserve you, Sir. And I don’t do enough to show you how much I love you in return.”

“You don’t have to do anything to deserve me. I’m with you because I don’t ever want to be with anyone else.”

“Well, maybe I can show you what I feel tonight. Physically.”

michelle review

The boys are back and I couldn’t be happier. The Sergeant (book 1) is one of my favorites and I absolutely love Tomlinson’s writing. An Officer’s Submission is book 4 in the Cuffs, Collars and Love series. You will need to have read The Sergeant (book 1) and A Christmas Story (book 3) prior to reading this to get the back story of Clay and Logan.

I am not one for spoilers but I can guarantee that Tomlinson will take you on a joyous and wonderful ride. The writing is superb and the book flows with a natural ease. Tomlinson definitely doesn’t short change you in the romance department and all the while you get the feels… She will make you love to hate Logan and Clay and at the same time fall deeper in love with them. It’s hard writing reviews for books you love with everything you are because no one likes spoilers and Al I want to do is gush about everything….But…I will refrain.

If you want to shed some tears, smile from ear to ear, get stars in your eyes and kinda – maybe want to throat punch a MC than this is the book for you. If you have yet to read this series you really, really should. If you like a great and engaging story you should read this. If BDSM is your thing….Well…You should have already started this series. If BDSM isn’t your thing I would hope you’d give it a try as Tomlinson does a fantastic job with it.

I need this series to go on forever whether it’s with new couples or a continuation of Logan and Clay for years to come. I am a fan for life. Fantastic job.

5 pieces of eye candy

Amazon

Self-Torlina Publishing

Christa Tomlinson is an exciting up and coming author in erotic romance. Christa graduated from The University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in history. She loves to create stories that are emotional and lovely with sex that is integral to the characters’ romantic arc. Her books include straight couples, curvy couples, gay, and multicultural couples. Love is love and everyone should have their story told.

Christa lives in Houston, Texas with her two dogs, and is a retired roller derby player. She enjoys hearing from readers, other authors and aspiring writers. For more on Christa’s work, including deleted scenes, excerpts, and free reads, visit www.ChristaTomlinson.com

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