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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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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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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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Bonfires by Amy Lane: Release Day Review with Giveaway

March 24, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.

Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.

It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.

Title: Bonfires
Author: Amy Lane
Release Date: March 24, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 280

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I love Amy Lane’s books, although I haven’t been brave enough to read her really angsty stuff. I don’t want to end up in a fetal position on the floor in my house wondering how I will go on. 🙂 But Bonfires seemed like a good middle ground between Amy’s super angsty and her sweet and light-hearted works. A good middle ground it was.

It is very seldom that I get to read a book where the characters are about the same age as I am. Generally they are between 25 and 35, so this was a fantastic change of page. Both characters were mid to late 40s, with teenagers still in the house, and some kids having already left home. And for both men, this was a second chance at love.

I loved the fact that it wasn’t insta-love. These men had lived in the same town for years, seen and talked to each other at multiple events. It merely had become time for them to live their lives again, rather than having their lives ruled by their children. Don’t get me wrong, the kids definitely interfered. Finding the time or place to have adult sex was rather funny to read, because you could see that happening in your own life, with your own kids.

There were definitely some HUGE surprises in this book, some the reader doesn’t see coming, as Amy Lane books are often wont to do. In the end, though, it was about two men finding a second love, and figuring out how to manage time, their jobs and life in general. They found it, but they worked hard at it, knowing it wasn’t easy.

Amy also threw in one of my favorite things to find. To me, it is almost like an Easter Egg. She didn’t solve all the problems. There were still unresolved issues within this new family, and realistically that is exactly what happens in life. Too often with romance novels, everything is wrapped up neatly, no stone is left unturned, and all issues have been settled. Not here! She left a couple things unsettled, and that is okay with this reader!

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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When the Dust Settles by Mary Calmes: Audiobook Review with Giveaway

March 23, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Glenn Holloway’s predictable life ended the day he confessed his homosexuality to his family. As if that wasn’t enough, he then poured salt in the wound by walking away from the ranch he’d grown up on, to open the restaurant he’d always dreamed of. Without support from his father and brother, and too proud to accept assistance from anyone else, he had to start from scratch. Over time things worked out. Glenn successfully built a strong business, created a new home, and forged a life he could be proud of.
Despite his success, his estrangement from the Holloways is still a sore spot he can’t quite heal, and a called-in favor becomes Glenn’s worst nightmare. Caught in a promise, Glenn returns to his roots to deal with Rand Holloway and comes face-to-face with Mac Gentry, a man far too appealing for Glenn’s own good. It could all lead to disaster – disaster for his tenuous reconnection with his family and for the desire he didn’t know he held in his heart.

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deanna review

This is by far my favorite series by Mary Calmes. There is just something about cowboys. All of your favorite characters from Timing and After the Sunset make an appearance in this one as well. I love when you get to followup with old favorites, and boy is Rand a favorite but I digress.

Mac Gentry is the foreman of the Red Diamond, Rand’s ranch. He comes across as gruff and down right mean, Most people steer clear of the man. He is the ranch and has no need for anyone who doesn’t live the ranch life.

Glen Holloway gave up the ranch life to open a restaurant, The Bronc. Since he doesn’t fit in with his own family he’s created a makeshift family of his own with the strays at The Bronc. He avoids the ranch at every opportunity to stay away from awkward family interactions with his brother and Rand, but mostly to avoid Mac. Mac makes Glen speechless and angry in equal parts.

When Stef calls in a favor, Glen has to go on a four day cattle drive with Rand and Mac. A long day in the saddle and a lonely night on the prairie has Glen and Mac re-evaluating their relationship. If they lay it all on the table will the foundation they build be strong enough to withstand real life or will it crumble to dust out on the prairie?

Love, love, love the book. The characters are familiar, the story is entertaining. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Mary will write another one. I’m not ready to let them go just yet.

Can we talk about Sean Crisden’s voice. Holy Hannah, that is the sexiest cowboy voice I have ever heard. It deep, rich, and just gruff enough to bring the characters to life with panty dropping perfection.

5 pieces of eye candy

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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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