novella

Momo: My Everything by Posy Roberts: Quick Review

March 30, 2017 by Denise

momo synopsis Brave the spotlight for the man he loves, or stay alone in the shadows…

William Harris is a reserved man, private and guarded. He has no one to go home to. He’s never found a man worth sticking around for. He’s never been in love. And he’s convinced he’s happy with his lone-wolf life.

Nate Kelly is William’s opposite, social and easy going. He comes into William’s life as the elegant geisha Momo. When William realizes Momo is a man in drag, he’s captivated.

From their first date, William’s world changes. Nate is nothing like his usual type. And William soon finds out being with this carefree man means always being on display and attracting attention, which makes him want to retreat. He tries to keep Nate at arm’s length, but it’s no use. Nate’s transformed his life in a matter of months and keeps drawing him back in.

If they stand a chance, William has to be comfortable standing next to someone so at home in the limelight. Their future together and William’s happiness depend on it. Is Nate the man finally worth giving up William’s solitary existence? Is he worth sticking around for?

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michelle review

Home run for my first Posy Roberts story. I read the blurb and thought “what-the-hell” I’ll give it a try. I am so very happy that I did. I generally bypass stories that are less than 100pgs. Nothing against those that write them I just don’t like them. The few I have read were rushed (beyond the fast pace that is needed for a short story) and have always fell flat. I will say that I was extremely surprised about how much I loved this.

Nate and William are the epitome of opposites and Roberts did an amazing job with their story. The only thing that would have made this story better (for me) was to have it as a dual POV as I would love to be inside Nate’s head. He’s personality was outstanding and fun.

The writing was fantastic. The story was well paced and for once did not feel rushed to get to the steamy scenes. Even though it is a short story there was a well-developed plot and character development. I am sure Nate is everyone’s favorite as William was a little bit more to handle but I wouldn’t change William’s character at all. He was exactly what (IMO) worked best for this story.

I highly recommend this book. I see a reread in the near future. I have now added all of Posy Roberts books to my TBR.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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Fangs Like Me by Lyssa Dering: Quick Review

March 28, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Lane, a newborn vampire, still feels the pain of betrayal. Two years ago, a faithless boyfriend took his life, and now, Lane’s Maker has also left him behind. The pain of separation burns strong when all Lane wants are arms to hold him and enough warm blood to satisfy his voracious appetite. At a shifter party, Lane is drawn to a hunky Alpha werewolf who tries to console him.

Parker is more than a thoughtless hookup. Since his family disowned him for finding boys just as hot as girls, all he wants is someone to love and look after. The sweet little vamp calls to his protective instincts, but he sure is jumpy. Cuddling with boys is new and delicious, but when this boy also wants him as a food source, things get complicated.

Vampires and shifters aren’t supposed to get along, and Parker’s rough dominance triggers bad memories for Lane. But Parker’s wolf wants Lane, and he knows he can give Lane what he needs. Can Lane learn to navigate his past and give the thing growing between them a chance? Or will the very real possibilities of heartache, abandonment, and even death, keep them apart?

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michelle review

Shifter and vampire books are starting to become my drug of choice. I love how every author does the world building and characteristics differently but also stays within the “norm” of Paranormal. Lyssa Dering does it a tad different than I am use to with Vampires so it took a bit to get into the blood as sweat and tears.

Lane is a “vamp baby” who is still dealing with how he was changed. He was bitten and left for dead by his vamp boyfriend. Theo, his maker, turned him instead of leaving him to die. Parker is an Alpha wolf shifter who left his pack to do to his family not approving of his choice of men over females. Lane & Parker meet at a party and from there we follow them through their story.

The writing was good and the story flowed smoothly. The issues I had were that Lane was depicted as more of a child losing his parent as Theo, the maker, is never around. He wants to be loved and be part of a family but he feels he doesn’t have anyone. Parker wants everything that comes with mating but without the actually relationship. Of course there is hot steamy scenes, knotting, biting and claiming but it wasn’t in the form of a growing romance until towards the end. Lane has certain “tastes” in the bedroom whereas Parker is a lover and caretaker. It was nice to see them work around the issues.

I enjoyed the book but wished there was less aggression and more romance. I am excited to check out other books by the author.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Running With the Moon by Kiernan Kelly: Release Day Review with Giveaway

March 15, 2017 by Denise

synopsis Heart of the Wolf

What happens when a veterinarian ends up a patient in his own animal clinic?

Dr. Dae Anderson needs to lose the deadbeat boyfriend who is holding him back, but Jack is determined to hang on to Dae—even if he has to resort to violence.

Dae has worked hard to fit in among humans, and if his secret gets out, he’ll lose everything. His veterinary assistant, Sean, might be just the man to stand with Dae… against Jack and the world.

Courage of the Wolf

The most painful changes don’t involve the shape of the body, but of the heart….

Just as Dae and Sean are settling in to life as a couple, Dae is contacted by his brother, who still lives with his former pack and who exiled him for being gay.

If he refuses to return to Wyoming, a sociopathic alpha will slaughter Dae’s family one member at a time. And deep down, Dae knows he must confront his past before he can truly have a loving future with Sean. First, they have to stay alive.

First Edition of Heart of the Wolf published as Change of Heart by Torquere Press, 2007.
First Edition of Courage of the Wolf published as Change in Attitude by Torquere Press, 2011.

Title: Running With the Moon
Author: Kiernan Kelly
Release Date: March 15, 2017
Category: Paranormal: Werewolves/Shifters
Pages: 140

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michelle review

Running with the Moon is a 2 part story where we meet Dae, the Vet Shifter and his adorable tech Sean. Dae is in an abusive relationship while Sean is hanging out on the sidelines waiting to jump in. I absolutely adored Sean and loved how Dae had no clue Sean had any feelings towards him.

Both stories combined are about 150 pages and Kelly manages to put a lot of information into those pages. Short stories always have (IMO) given a fast pace feeling due to trying to tell a story in fewer pages. Sometimes it works and other times is doesn’t. Running with the Moon fell in between for me. I would have preferred to have more character development as well as more details regarding Dae as a shifter throughout both short stories. The writing was good and there was no grammar/editing issue that I saw.

I really enjoyed this book but wished it would have been longer. Kelly gave us a little bit of everything – some sweet, some sexy, some actions and some tension.

If you are looking for a quick and sweet story – this will definitely fit the bill. I look forward to reading more from this author.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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Jumping In by Cardeno C: Quick Review with Giveaway

March 9, 2017 by Denise

jumping in synopsis When love’s on the line, the brave jump in with both feet…

Small town cop Clint Rivera can’t catch a break. His ex of two weeks is suddenly getting married, his dogs tore up his furniture, he’s getting evicted, and he’s out of beer. When he decides to solve his alcohol shortage by going to his ex’s engagement party, Clint winds up too drunk to drive himself home.

Enter gorgeous deputy mayor Hawk Black, the man who constantly shows up unexpectedly and sends Clint’s body and mind into a tailspin with nothing but his whiskey voice and blue eyes. After months of patience, Hawk can finally seduce the man he’s been craving.

Clint’s day might not have started out well, but Hawk’s going to make sure it ends with a bang, preferably in bed. He’ll show Clint some rewards are worth the risk. With love on the line, Clint will need to decide if he can open his heart, tear down his shields, and jump in with both feet.

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deanna review

I’m a huge Cardeno C fan so I usually jump to read any books that are released. In true CC fashion, this book did not disappoint.

Small town sheriff, Clint Rivera is having a run of bad luck. He’s just returned to town after a bad breakup and a two week vacation at the lake to find his ex, Ewan Gifford is engaged to a woman and throwing the engagement party of the year. Clint heads home to lick his wounds only to find the dogs have eaten the couch, he’s being evicted because the landlord sold to a developer and he’s out of beer.

Taking care of pressing matters first, Clint heads to the engagement party for the free alcohol and runs into the sex deputy mayor, Hawk Black. Since Clint has been drowning his sorrows in alcohol all night he isn’t fit to drive himself home and Hawk jumps at the chance to offer a ride.

Hawk has been lusting after Clint for months and finally sees his opening. Not one to let a chance pass him by, Hawk goes on the offensive with one goal in mind. Win over Clint Rivera.

Love this story. The characters are relatable, the plot line realistic and entertaining. This could easily be turned into a full length novel. Hint hint.

4 pieces of eye candy

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jennifer

Okay… I’m Jumping In on the 6th book and don’t realize how I haven’t read any of these before when I adore this author!

Clint is a cop in a small town, just getting back from a camping trip in the woods to get over a bad breakup with a man who insisted they stay hidden. When he gets back, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and an already terrible day is made worse, by an invitation to said exes wedding… to a woman, just two weeks after they broke up. Which means, he must’ve been seeing her when they were together.

Hawk Black has had his eye on Clint since the second he laid eyes on him. Uprooting his whole life on a glance, he’s been patiently waiting to make his move on Clint; the day he gets back from his camping trip, he gets his chance. Now, I know a lot of people are leery about insta-love, but…. I’m a sucker for it, when it’s believable. I loved these two, especially together.

Hawk is sweet and romantic and he knows what he wants and is intent on getting it. Clint needs a little more convincing but a weekend with Hawk showing him what life could be like if he stopped fighting the inevitable, it didn’t take no time for him to fall for Hawk as well… afterall, he was already insanely attracted to him and had been since he laid eyes on him as well.

The only problem I had with this, was that it wasn’t longer. But, alas, it was a novella, so I knew it wouldn’t be. I loved it though… I need to go back and get the others of this series, I already know I won’t be disappointed.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

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Rough Edges by Cardeno C: Quick Review includes Giveaway

March 8, 2017 by Denise

rough edges synopsis 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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deanna review

As expected from Cardeno C this novella is perfection!

Kyle Potter as had to claw and scrape to earn every single thing he has. Brent Haralson was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. They are attracted at first sight but Kyle can not let go of the fact that Brent has no job or direction in life while he’s busting his ass to make ends meet.

When a stroke of bad luck leaves Kyle without a job and a home, Brent offers up his spare bedroom until Kyle can get back on his feet. Kyle begrudgingly accepts the offer and begins to see a completely different side of Brent.

Is it possible that he has been wrong about Brent this whole time?

Amazing story. Great life lesson. Never judge a book by its cover. The characters and the storyline were well developed. I read it one sitting, I couldn’t put it down.

4 pieces of eye candy

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jennifer

Ok, I’m kind of on the fence about this one.

I’m a huge fan of this author, I love her stories and the families and friendships. But I found that I couldn’t really forgive Kyle, he was suuuuuch a stuck up jerk!
See, he and Brent had met through mutual friends, but when Kyle found out that Brent was a trust fun baby and didn’t have to work, he pretty much wrote him off. He treated him awful.
Like he was a bum because he didn’t have a job, then didn’t care to take the time to get to know him and maybe find out when he was about, aside from not having a job.

Brent was caring and compassionate and patient and a lot more forgiving and tolerant than I would’ve been. I wanted to lay Kyle out several different times. He took it all in stride though.
I mean, I can understand Kyle being envious, having had to work so hard his whole life and kept getting slapped down by life; but none of that was Brent’s fault and the way he treated him was just… unjust and unfair.

Having lost everything, yet again, Brent offers his guest room and instead of being grateful, he was still bratty and rude, even though he accepted it. I don’t remember ever even reading a thank you.
Over time though, when he got his head out of his butt, he did start letting his guard down and he and Brent started getting along. The sex started off, almost clinical and formal but it was kinda hot at the same time. I didn’t feel any connection between them, really and I felt bad for Brent more often than not. He seemed to be a glutton for punishment.
In my opinion, he was the only redeeming quality of this story. I just don’t think this one, was really for me. Not bad, by no means, it’s a good, enemy-to-lovers story.
I guess I just couldn’t get over Kyle and his resentment.

3 stars from me.

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After the Romance Novel by Susan Laine: Release Day Review with Giveaway

February 22, 2017 by Denise

synopsis

Romance novels always end with a happy ever after. Right?

Evan and Adam are best friends, but they don’t know everything about each other. For one thing, Adam doesn’t know Evan writes and publishes gay romance novels until he discovers one while snooping on Evan’s laptop.

This revelation changes their relationship in ways neither could’ve imagined. Adam’s reaction to reading Evan’s stories is not what he expected, nor is the new way he’s looking at his lifelong pal. After all, Adam is straight, or so he’s always thought, and that is what Evan believes about Adam as well.

When Evan admits he might be bisexual, Adam suggests he try dating girls to find out for sure, but when Evan follows his advice, Adam is caught off guard by his feelings of jealousy. And when the date proves Evan isn’t bisexual, but gay, Evan’s request that Adam find him a guy might be the last straw.

How can Adam admit he wants that guy to be him? His epiphany will either end their relationship—or change it into something wonderful in their very own friends-to-lovers romance.

Title: After the Romance Novel
Series: Before… and After
Author: Susan Laine
Release Date: February 22, 2017
Category: Contemporary, New Adult
Pages: 63

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denise review

I don’t normally read YA. There just seems to me to be something creepy about being a woman in her (cough, cough) middle 40’s to be reading about 17 year old kids falling in love, possibly having sex. However, the subject on this one intrigued me, so I gave it a shot. And I’m glad I did!

After the Romance Novel is the first thing I’ve read by Susan Laine, and I really enjoy her writing style. I enjoyed the alternating POV’s, and the mindset of these two young men. They’ve known each other for years, been best friends for years, and yet didn’t realize they could fall in love with each other.

There were a few things that seemed implausible to me. First, how introspective they seemed. These are 17 year old boys, with large vocabularies, introspective about what they wanted. Their mindsets in many ways felt as if they should have been 10 years older. In addition, when Adam finds out about Evan looking at his current work in progress, Evan has written his 12th story, and always writes Adam and Evan as the MC’s, then changes before he publishes, yet he didn’t ever once consider being in love, or attracted to Adam?

However, all that being said, I enjoyed their relationship. They didn’t take each other for granted, and even though they were dealing with uncomfortable, and heavy subjects with each other, they never wavered in their friendship. There were uncertainties as to how they would move forward, but they always felt they were best friends, and would always be.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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