Tag Archives: M/M

Taken (Holton Woods 2.5) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

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TAKEN (Holton Woods 2.5) by HelenKay Dimon-a review

Taken

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015

Wade Royer and Elijah Sterling are on shaky ground. While initially reluctant Eli is finally ready to take things to the next level, Wade is hesitant. He senses trouble coming and he’s right. Still, they know their fiercely undeniable connection—both in and out of the bedroom—is worth saving.

Then a man from Eli’s past reappears and the CIA comes calling—and they both want Eli back. With their relationship in jeopardy of falling apart and Eli in danger of a different kind, both men will have to decide what they really want—and then take it…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  TAKEN is the third installment in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Holton Woods erotic, romance series. This is former CIA agent Eli Sterling and, Holton Woods security specialist Wade Royer’s storyline. TAKEN can be read as a stand alone but for  background information and character history, I would suggest reading in order as Eli and Wade’s storyline began in book one MERCY.

NOTE: TAKEN is an erotic, romance novella with M/M sexual situations.

TAKEN follows the ongoing relationship struggle between Wade and Eli. As a former CIA agent who left under extenuating circumstances, Eli was targeted for immediate disposal. With the threat now ‘buried’, someone from Eli’s past attempts to pull Eli back into the lifestyle he just escaped, and Wade fears Eli’s new direction in life is boring and sedentary. As Wade continues with his own issues of trust, another threat to his relationship with Eli comes in the form of an ex lover and friend.

Throughout the series, the relationship between Eli and Wade has been one of push and pull, yin and yang, and an emotional roller coaster of misunderstanding, perceived betrayal, and mistrust. Wade is quick to push Eli away, and in this Eli has a difficult time with the relationship dynamics. The $ex scenes are intimate, suggestive and provocative. Eli and Wade are deeply in love but there is quite a bit of emotional baggage and mistrust.

The supporting and secondary characters include Becca and Jarrett (Mercy #1) with only a mention of Kyra and Sebastian (Only #2). There is a start up of a relationship between former CIA agent Natalie Udall (whose life has also been targeted for termination) and Gabe- a man who runs a secret organization that specializes in deep, undercover protection. We are also introduced to Eli’s past-a man who wishes Eli was his present.

TAKEN is an intense, compelling and quick read that focuses on the troubled relationship between Wade and Eli, but also begins to build on the upcoming installment for Natalie and Gabe. There are moments of romance, love, heartbreak and pain in a storyline that ends with a happily ever after but getting there is a struggle.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Series Spotlight
MERCY
Holton Woods #1
by HelenKay Dimon
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: May 6, 2014

MercyAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of MERCY

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2014

After she infiltrated his business and betrayed his trust, a disavowed CIA agent must seek sanctuary in the bedroom of a man who will either help her, kill her, or bring her to her knees

Becca Ford is on her own. Eight months after she headed up a sting operation to take down millionaire club owner Jarrett Holt, the other agents in her special ops team have been eliminated under odd circumstances, and she needs a place to hide.

Jarrett is a man who prefers darkness to light. He deals in the only truly valuable currency—information—and his supper club caters to an exclusive clientele. It was an uncharacteristic moment of weakness when he let a woman into his life. But it’s not luck that the criminal charges disappeared . . . as did the evidence.

When Becca returns to the club seeking his help, Jarrett doesn’t want to hear her story. But he does want her body, and demands that she give it to him. He’ll keep her safe—for now—but it’ll be in his bed and on his terms, until he says they’re done.

__________

ONLY
Holton Woods #2
by HelenKay Dimon
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense
Release Date: October 7, 2015

 

OnlyAmazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 7, 2014

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of ONLY

He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

ONLY

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…

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There You Stand (Between Breaths 5) by Christina Lee-Review and Book Tour

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THERE YOU STAND (Between Breaths 5) by Christina Lee-Review and Book Tour

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There You Stand
Between Breaths 5
by Christina Lee
Release Date: April 21, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, M/M, romance

There You Stand

Amazon.com /Amazon.ca/ B&N / KOBO/ itunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York—so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery—and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him—whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long—and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

••••••••••••••

NOTE: THERE YOU STAND is an M/M romance storyline with M/M sexual situations.

REVIEW: THERE YOU STAND is the fifth installment and first M/M storyline in Christina Lee’s adult, contemporary Between Breaths romance series. This is tattoo artist Cory Easton and skate boarder Jude York’s storyline. THERE YOU STAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Some of the previous storyline characters from Raw Ink play a secondary and supporting role throughout.

Told from first person point of view (Cory Easton) THERE YOU STAND follows the building relationship and friendship between Cory and Jude. Cory is a tattoo artist at Raw Ink and his latest customer is the quiet, shy and mysterious skateboarder Jude York-a young man with so many secrets and deep seated demons that Cory has a difficult time getting past the physical and emotional scars. Jude is constantly surrounded by unsavory characters, and in this, the small town rumors and gossip continue to fly. It is only when Cory discovers the truth is Jude able to open up-a little bit at a time. Jude’s story is sad and emotional; Cory’s backstory is heartbreaking.

The relationship between Jude and Cory is slow to build as Cory and Jude dance around one another for a good portion of the storyline-there is plenty of sexual tension between our leading heroes that does not go unnoticed by friends and acquaintances. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic; there are no overly graphic or erotic scenarios but it is an M/M storyline with M/M sexual situations. As Jude reveals the secrets about his past, Cory begins to fall in love with the broken and intense skateboarder.

The secondary and supporting characters include Cory’s friends Emmy and Tristan, fellow artists at Raw Ink- Dex, Nate and Jessie (Promise Me This #4) as well as the regulars at Zack’s Bar and Hog’s Den including Vaughn and Smoke, and Malachi from the Disciples of the Road MC. And we can’t forget Chopper, Ace and Patch that are the catalysts that bring together Cory and Jude.

THERE YOU STAND is an engaging and entertaining love story with moments of emotional heartbreak and pain; mystery and suspense; retribution and revenge when Jude’s past resurfaces with a vengeance. This particular part of the storyline is quick to resolve and the exact details are never revealed about what went done or how it happened. Christina Lee writes a wonderful storyline with a happily ever after.

Reading Order and Reviews
All of You
Before You Break
Whisper To Me
Promise Me This
There You Stand

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

there you stand teaser 2

excerpt

 

Chopper, get your ass back here!”
While he was distracted, I silently moved toward him, hoping to grab hold of that leash. But just as I approached, he took off again, following that same squirrel who’d taken a leap to the next large maple.
I was out of breath and now beyond frustrated. I shoved my hand in my hoodie, my fingers closing on a sturdy dog cookie.
When I looked up again, Chopper was headed straight for the skate park. Shit.
“Chopper, goddamn it,” I called in some last-ditch effort. “You don’t listen for shit.”
Unexpectedly, Jude York neared the cement barrier at the entrance to the bowl. His board clenched in his fist, he seemed to be assessing the situation as the large dog charged nearer.
He left his skateboard on the concrete walkway and stepped into the lawn. He squatted down in the grass, made eye contact with Chopper, and the dog changed course to sail directly toward him. What the hell was that about?
Some type of deep whistle emitted from Jude’s lips and instead of slamming into his chest, Chopper came to a sudden halt beside him. Like Jude was a damn dog whisperer or something. His strong fingers grabbed hold of his collar and he reached down to mutter something in the dog’s ear. Chopper sat down in the grass. Actually fucking sat down—I had never been able to get him to do that.
I became motionless as I watched them, even though Ace was eager to inch closer. At least one animal heeded my command. I wondered what it was about Jude that compelled Chopper to run toward him. I mean, I got the appeal, so maybe it was just pure animal instinct.
The muscles in Jude’s forearm flexed as he stroked Chopper’s head and the dog’s tongue hung out in a happy pant. The little fucker.
As I walked closer to Chopper, Jude’s eyes lifted to mine. And for the first time I saw an array of other emotions alight in them. The most blatant being amusement, as if his irises contained a flicker of light. His lips tilted at the corners in an almost imperceptible smile and he looked so dazzling right then. As he held my gaze for the first time ever, something tightened like a fist inside my chest.
Shit, he was stunning. In that exotic kind of way. His hair was a mass of short blond dreadlocks, his skin inked mainly in black, and his eyes were the most gorgeous light green I’d ever seen—almost like cellophane. And now those same eyes locked on mine and held steady.

 


 

about the author

Christina Lee Author Photo

 

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

 

Connect with Christina:
Facebook /Twitter/ Website/Goodreads

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Hard to Be Good (Hard Ink 3.5) by Laura Kaye-Review and Book Tour

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HARD TO BE GOOD (Hard Ink 3.5) by Laura Kaye-Review and Book Tour

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Hard To Be Good
Hard Ink 3.5
by Laura Kaye
Genre: adult, contemporary, M/M, romance

Hard To Be Good

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015

Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother’s stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy’s whole world has been turned upside down—not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.

Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he’s drawn into the SF team’s investigation of his army colonel father’s corruption, he’s surprised to find acceptance and friendship—especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie’s opposite in almost every way.

With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can’t help but wonder why they’re trying so hard to be good.

REVIEW:

NOTE: HARD TO BE GOOD is a M/M storyline with adult situations and some sexually graphic M/M text.

HARD TO BE GOOD is the latest installment in Laura Kaye’s adult, contemporary HARD INK series focusing on an elite group of ex special forces soldiers trying to prove their innocence in an Afghanistan mission that went horribly wrong. Kicked out of the Army with a dishonorable discharge, the Special Forces Team begins an investigation of their own. This is Jeremy Rixey (tattoo artist, owner of Hard Ink Tattoo and SF leader Nick Rixey’s brother) and Charlie Merritt’s (Becca’s brother/the Colonel’s son) storyline. HARD TO BE GOOD is part of an ongoing series, where each of the storylines are interconnected therefore I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion, backstory and continuous world building. The timeline events span less than three weeks over the series.

HARD TO BE GOOD picks up immediately after the events of book three-HARD TO COME BY-following the attack and explosion at Hard Ink Tattoo. From the local mob, former special forces soldiers turned rogue, and an unknown enemy, the SF gang at Hard Ink are targeted. Someone wants something, and they believe that Nick and his fellow Special Forces team are either protecting or know of the whereabouts of what it is they seek.

Charlie Merritt is Becca’s brother- a computer genius and a victim of a brutal abduction that saw Charlie loss a part of his hand in the introductory storyline. Enter Jeremy Rixey, Nick’s brother and owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, and the man who calls to Charlie’s heart. As the gang tries to set up surveillance in the hopes of discovering the people behind the attacks, Jeremy and Charlie take their friendship to the next level. Jeremy is a bisexual male who knows what he wants, and Charlie continues to hide in the shadows at Hard Ink Tattoo.

The relationship between Charlie and Jeremy begins as friendship but the sexual tension is high. Everyone at Hard Ink is aware of the attraction between the two men, and with it comes the good natured shoulder slapping when they finally admit the truth.

All of the previous storyline couples are present as well as what remain of Nick’s Special Forces Team. I believe there is a spin off in development that includes the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club-Nick and the Team’s new allies in the war at home.

HARD TO BE GOOD is a sensual, passionate and hopeful storyline. Laura Kaye’s HARD INK is an addicting series with intense and emotional stories. A great series and a talented author that will capture your attention and heart.

Hard Ink Series

Reading Order and previous reviews

Hard As It Gets
Hard As You Can
Hard To Come By
Hard To Hold On To
Hard To Be Good
Hard to Let Go (June 2015)
Hard As Steel (September 2015)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

“You should be inside celebrating,” Jeremy said, his
voice a raw scrape. “You and Marz did an amazing thing this morning.” An hour
ago, Marz and Charlie had cracked open a heavily encrypted microchip that contained
a wealth of information that not only seemed likely to help the team clear its
name, but proved that Charlie’s father hadn’t been dirty, like they’d all
thought. “And I’m so happy for you about your dad.”
A wounded darkness passed through Charlie’s gaze, but
he finally nodded. “Didn’t feel right without you there.” Pink filtered into
his cheeks, and damn if that wasn’t as cute as it was sexy. Jeremy wasn’t sure
anything had ever made him blush.
“I’m just not—” Jeremy shrugged and looked down at Charlie’s
chest again. Having seen the guy dress more than once, he knew that shirt
covered lean muscle that ran from strong shoulders down to his narrow hips.
Jeremy fisted his hands against the urge to burrow them under the hem of the
tee. After weeks of looking, and wanting, he was dying to touch. Jeremy found Charlie hard to read though, and
hadn’t wanted to do anything to scare him off. “—very good company right now.
I’m sorry if that—”
Charlie nudged Jeremy’s chin up with his hand, his
fingers just barely touching Jer’s stubble-covered skin. But then his thumb
landed softly against his lips.
Jeremy’s heartbeat kicked up and his lips fell open.
Slowly, oh so tentatively, Charlie stroked the soft pad of his thumb back and
forth across them.
“Charlie,” Jeremy whispered as arousal surged through
his body, spiking his pulse, tensing his muscles, hardening his dick.
Uncertainty poured off Charlie as the man’s hand
trembled where it touched him, but those blue eyes absolutely blazed desire. No
way was Jeremy imagining that.
“You’re always good company, to me,” Charlie said in a
low voice, his gaze dropping to Jeremy’s lips. Charlie leaned in closer, and
closer still, and Jeremy could hardly believe the other man was the one to
initiate this. But he was fucking thrilled.
Jeremy swallowed, his lips anticipating that first
soft brush. Charlie was so close his shaky breath caressed Jeremy’s lips. His
pace was maddening but so damn sexy Jer could barely breathe. And then
Charlie’s eyelids fluttered closed and he was right there…

 


About The Author

Laura Kaye NewLaura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins-a review

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ON SOLID GROUND by Melissa Collins-a review

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Amazon.com / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date January 13, 2015

When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.

As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: ON SOLID GROUND is the latest adult, contemporary M/M erotic romance novel from author Melissa Collins. The storyline focuses on tattoo artist and shop owner Beckett ‘Beck’ Ridge and former soldier Jacob ‘Dax’ Daxton-two men with dark pasts and even darker issues.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Beck and Dax) the premise follows Dax, a gay man, who has yet to come out to his family but a former soldier who suffers horrific PTSD and anxiety attacks. Dax believes he is broken; lost in a world of heartbreak and pain; hiding behind a friend who knows his deepest, darkest secrets. Hoping to get a tattoo as a remembrance for someone he lost, Dax enters Beckett Ridge’ s tattoo shop. What ensues is a building relationship between two men-from friends to lovers- when both men need it the most. There is an immediate attraction to one another but one that must be examined before misunderstanding or emotions become involved.

Beckett or Beck as he likes to be called is a man with a dark past; a family history of drugs, alcohol, abuse and neglect. Beck and his sister have survived but along the way the road has not been smooth or without its’ share of loss, death and destruction. When Dax enters his life, Beck is reluctant to allow anyone close knowing that there are complications in his life he isn’t willing to share. There is a bit of back and forth in the relationship reluctance; both men have issues that must be addressed and in this there are some tense and anxious moments especially as Beck continues to push Dax away when the going gets tough. Talking with one another would have helped immensely.

There are some explicit M/M $ex scenes so be forewarned if you have issues with the graphic imagery.

Melissa Collins has written a heartfelt storyline of heartbreak and loss; family and friends; acceptance and forgiveness; and plenty of misunderstandings. Part of the storyline focuses on memories, flashbacks and history-for both Beck and Dax-allowing the reader to better understand what ensued to erect the barriers both men come to build.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Beckoning Blood by Daniel de Lorne-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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Beckoning Blood by Daniel de Lorne-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Beckoning Blood
by Daniel de Lorne
Release Date: May 1, 2014
Genre: paranormal, vampire, M/M,

Beckoning Blood

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /ibooks /Escape Publishing /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2014

A gripping, blood‐drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies — no matter how many times you kill it.

Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir — Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness…his twin brother.

Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.

•••••••••••••••••••••

NOTE: Beckoning Blood is a M/M storyline with graphic depictions of same sex scenarios, obsession and bloody violence.

REVIEW: BECKONING BLOOD is the first instalment for first time author Daniel de Lorne’s new paranormal, adult, vampire series focusing on twin brothers Theirry and Olivier d’Arjou. The storyline spans over six hundred years-from 1390 to present day-following the brothers’s transformation to vampires and lethal killers. Beckoning Blood is a story of love, hatred, blood lust and sibling rivalry. This is not your sparkly vampire novel-this is a novel of betrayal and revenge between two brothers and a series of enemies they have made along the way.

The focus of the storyline is the relationship between twin brothers Thierry and Olivier d’Arjou. Growing up in a violent and abusive household the brothers are turned one fateful night that saw Thierry’s lover murdered and the brothers on the run. The storyline fast forwards in several spots, skipping hundreds of years at a time but what happens in the ensuing years is revealed when necessary to the plot and story. As Thierry continues to mourn the loss of his soul mate Etienne, Olivier’s thirst for blood and revenge are the building blocks of a violent history between two brothers who are searching for love and acceptance-Thierry’s search for his long dead lover in every soul that he meets and Olivier’s obsession and love for Thierry. With over six hundred years of history, the brothers have made many enemies and will soon discover they are not the only immortal beings with a thirst for revenge.

The relationship between Thierry and Olivier is volatile, necessary and emotional. They are tied to one another’s psyche through bloodline, power and pain. The twins are the epitome of good and evil; black and white; yin and yang. Years and centuries would separate the brothers but they are pulled to one another in an emotional tale of jealousy, love and family ties. When it finally looks like Thierry will be free of Olivier’s psychotic and painful deception, fate will step in when it is learned that Olivier is needed for a higher purpose. It is Olivier’s never ending love and need for Thierry that fuels his crazed and murderous jealous rages.

The secondary characters are numerous, colorful and play a continuous role throughout the storyline in various incarnations and sources of threats. The brothers will face their mortality on more than one occasion but there is always someone or something watching and waiting to step in and save the day.

Told from third person close point of view BECKONING BLOOD is a well written, evenly paced, original storyline of suspense and horror about a love between two brothers that is violent, graphic and not without some questionable moral ethics. There are no apologies for the death and destruction reaped by the brothers-they are, after all, predators and, humans are their prey. But Thierry does have a conscience-one born of love-that pits the brothers against one another in an enduring battle of right and wrong throughout the years.

Daniel de Lorne has written a seductively dark and dangerous storyline where the fine line between love and hate is only a matter of blood. The world building spans centuries and countries; family and friends; death and rebirth. BECKONING BLOOD is astonishing in its’ violence; dramatic in its’ presentation; passionate in its’ love.

Copy supplied by the author through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

In defense of blood

First up, I’d like to say a big thank you to The Reading Cafe for reviewing my book and allowing me to guest post here today.

bleeding heartNow, on to a topic that’s near and dear to my heart…blood. (Get it? That’s a joke because you know…blood…heart…right, moving on.)

One of the things I hear from readers is how bloody Beckoning Blood is. Of course, for me, I don’t really have a problem with it. There’s not much that turns my stomach, least of which is blood, but I can appreciate some people’s aversion to the stuff, even when they’re reading about it. (My mother-in-law probably won’t take much pleasure in reading about flowing veins.)

But in my defense, it’s not my fault. You see, my main characters, twin brothers Olivier and Thierry, are vampires and what else are they going to drink? You might say, “Ahh yes, but everything in moderation.” But if there’s anything that my characters struggle with, particularly Olivier, it’s moderation.

By way of illustration, here’s a short passage from my book, soon after Thierry is made vampire:

They rent flesh, broke and smashed bones, and opened the body up to be devoured like some roasted boar at a banquet. Each slippery sinew, each quivering organ slid into their mouths and down their throats. Thierry had never tasted anything like it before. No animal held this much flavour, held this much potency. His anger simmered beneath his hungry grunting as he dipped into the body again and again to wolf down all he could. They chewed through heart and liver, stomach and spleen, sucked on brains and lungs. They covered themselves with gore and blood until there was nothing left but bones. … They sat back and looked at each other, covered with blood like painted warriors of Gaul.

male-vampire-m

Not much room for moderation there, especially in the heat of the moment.

But everything has its place and Beckoning Blood isn’t a complete bloodfest. At least I hope you agree. There are shades of light and dark throughout when it comes to blood. Olivier, for all that he gorges himself, is still a connoisseur:

Olivier emerged from his last kill like some sated pig, the blood of seven warming his body, and his tongue over-sensitive from the taste of so many lives. Each one had been unique, and each had something to savour. Not one flavour repeated on his tastebuds, and he regretted their loss as they slipped away but the possibilities of more snuffed out any sadness.

Rest assured though, the pages aren’t flowing with the red stuff but the brothers get their lips wet on more than one occasion – all in the name of bloody good fun.

But I’m keen to hear what you think? How much blood is too much blood? Does the thought put you off or are you ok with this most vital of bodily fluids?

About The author

Follow: Facebook/Twitter/Google +/Goodreads/ Website

Daniel De LorneDaniel de Lorne writes mostly about the loves and trials of hot and sexy paranormal men – and creatures. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and developed a fascination for the mythical and magical early on. Daniel wrote stories from a young age but it was high school biology class he remembers fondly as providing an excellent cover for writing stories that were filled with teen angst and fantastical creatures. He now lives in Canada with his partner. It was while in this great northern frontier that Escape Publishing accepted his first book, Beckoning Blood, for publication.

For a free read, introducing you to the “heroes” of Daniel’s book, head to his website at Daniel de Lorne

 

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King of Thieves (Demons of Elysium 2) by Jane Kindred-Reviews and Blog Tour

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Prince of Tricks / King of Thieves (Demons of Elysium 1 & 2) by Jane Kindred-Reviews and Blog Tour

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King of Thieves
Demons of Elysium #2
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover by: Kanaxa

King of ThievesABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

“There are worse things to lose than one s good name. “

“Demons of Elysium, Book 2”

Belphagor can seduce demons with a look and bring angels to their knees with a single motion, but when it comes to being in love, the Prince of Tricks is out of his element.

At every turn, Vasily rebels against the discipline he claims to want, even refusing to use his safe word. But when Belphagor uses a scheme to shut down an underage brothel to test Vasily s limits, he loses Vasily s trust along with the boys he intended to set free.

Uncovering a smuggling ring that spans two worlds, Belphagor calls on a team of Nephilim mercenaries to rescue the Lost Boys from earthly gangsters. But his relationship seems beyond repair and a heartbroken Vasily beyond his reach in the arms of a sensual demon named Silk.

Belphagor has more than enough grand schemes up his sleeve to bring down the smuggling ring for good. But when it comes to putting things right with Vasily, his bag of tricks is empty. Except for trust and a plan to teach his boy a lesson neither will soon forget.

Warning: Contains two strong-willed lovers who will test the theory that without air, there can be no fire. Expect plenty of smoke, more than a few mirrors, and an old-fashioned Russian duel. You may need a shot of vodka when you re done reading this one!

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NOTE: Contains erotic M/M graphic imagery.

REVIEW: KING OF THIEVES is the second instalment in Jane Kindred’s ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, fantasy series-a spin off from her House of Arkhangel’sk Trilogy. This is the continuing story of airspirit demon Belphagor and the love of his life firespirit demon Vasily. The Demons of Elysium is a sexually graphic M/M series where nothing and no one is off limits. KING OF THIEVES follows Belphagor as he attempts to close down a child prostitution and pedophilia ring in Heaven but in doing so will lose the only man that he has ever loved. The storyline advances the series about eighteen months.

The focus of the King of Thieves finds Belphagor involved in a sting to take down a child prostitution ring but using demon children (known as the Lost Boys) is not high on the list of Heaven’s problems. When Belphagor sets a plan into action, Vasily will unknowingly be used to aid in Belphagor’s scheme but in doing so will pull the demon lovers apart-possibly for the final time. A rescue attempt will find Vasily harboring a former Lost Boy and Belphagor , once again, caught in the center of a controversy involving Heaven’s angels and under aged teens.

Jane Kindred has written another graphically detailed and sexually explicit storyline. The reader is pulled into a fantasy storyline about Heaven’s missing and exploited children; where pedophilia is rampant amongst the Nephilum; and one man risks everything to protect the innocent from harm.

Once again, the world building continues from the previous storyline wherein Heaven’s landscape is reminiscent of early twentieth century Russia. There is a destructive chasm between the rich and the poor; between Heaven and the World of Man; and a proclivity to use the most innocent when sexual perversions are at the helm. Many of the previous storyline characters play a secondary role giving King of Thieves a familiar edge.

KING OF THIEVES is not a story for everyone. It is, at times, difficult to understand the needs and wants of our leading characters. Belphagor is a Dominant male who has fallen in love with a man who needs to be dominated but is not a submissive. Vasily is a man/boy-barely twenty years old-who has fallen in love with Belphagor. He is naïve, at times, a little slow on the uptake and is oblivious to the little nuances that make Belphagor the man that he is. The relationship between our leading couple is sensual, sexual, graphic and bordering on abusive. Belphagor is a demon who does not know how to love and in doing so pushes Vasily further away-every time.

KING OF THIEVES is a story of suspense, betrayal, mystery and love. This is not a romantic storyline but a story of love between two men who must learn to accept one another; open up about their pasts; and forgive. Jane Kindred’s stories are not about God and spirituality but about two worlds-Heaven and the World of Man-that are more similar than they are different.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Prince of Tricks
Demons of Elysium #1
by Jane Kindred
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Genre: adult, fantasy, erotic, M/M

Prince of TricksABOUT THE BOOK: Release January 7, 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Over the past century, Belphagor has made a name for himself in Heaven’s Demon District as a cardsharp, thief, and charming rogue.

Though the airspirit is content with his own company, he enjoys applying the sweet sting of discipline to a willing backside. Angel, demon, even the occasional human. He’s not particular. Until a hotheaded young firespirit steals his purse—and his heart. Now he’s not sure who owns whom.

A former rent boy and cutpurse from the streets of Raqia, Vasily has never felt safer than in the arms—and at the feet—of the Prince of Tricks. He’s just not sure if Belphagor returns those feelings. There’s only one way to find out, but using a handsome, angelic duke to stir Belphagor’s jealousy backfires on them both.

When the duke frames Vasily for an attempted assassination as part of a revolutionary conspiracy, Belphagor will do whatever it takes to clear his boy’s name and expose the real traitor. Because for the first time in his life, the Prince of Tricks has something to lose.

Product Warnings
Contains erotic sex: m/m, m/m/m, m/m/m/m…oh hell. Let’s just say “mmmmmm!” and be done with it. Also one m/f scene. Smart discipline meted out with a great deal of love and charm. Erotic sex acts requiring copious amounts of elbow grease.

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REVIEW: PRINCE OF TRICKS is the first instalment in Jane Kindred’s adult,fantasy ‘Demons of Elysium’ erotic, M/M spin off series from her House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy. Demons of Elysium is (so far) a prequel series focusing on airspirit demon Belphagor and firespirit demon Vasily. Like the House of Arkhangel’sk series there runs a parallel theme between Heaven and Earth (World of Man) where Heaven’s political infrastructure closely matches that of the early twentieth century Russia. The similarities and familiarity blend two worlds from the modern day Russian homeland and that of an earlier time.

Belphagor is a dominant lover who has fallen madly in love with the high spirited, reckless firespirit demon and former rent-boy Vasily. When Vasily inadvertently puts his life at risk to please his dominant lover, Belphagor must use everything and everyone to ensure that Vasily survives the upcoming rebellion against the Royal House. When Vasily is targeted to take the fall in an assassination attempt on the Principality, Belphagor will use everything in his possession to free his young and naïve lover from the bonds of imprisonment and perhaps his execution.

PRINCE OF TRICKS is a sexually graphic and explicit M/M love story where nothing is off limits between consenting adults. Belphagor and Vasily use their sexuality and their bodies as commodities. They exchange sex for love, for fun, for dominance and control; sex between each other is passionate, aggressive, seductive and emotional; sex with others is a form of punishment, entertainment, and degradation. The Dom/sub relationship between Belphagor and Vasily is a mixture of discipline, humiliation and love. While Vasily is quick to acknowledge his love for Belphagor, Belphagor is unwilling to risk saying the words aloud knowing his heart maybe broken at any time. Their’s is a relationship that is forbidden on Earth but envied by the demons in Heaven.

The world building is stunningly detailed, controversial and profound. It is a social study in culture, economics, sexuality, health, politics, religion and industry. The secondary characters are colorful, abrasive, passionate and intense. The storyline never falters-there is always something happening whether in the World of Man or in Heaven. We learn a little more about some of the characters first introduced in Jane’s ‘House of Arkhangel’sk’ trilogy

Jane Kindred writes an intensely sexual storyline rich in Christian and religious overtones, the Russian revolution and the Romanov executions as well as the sociology of the impoverished and the powerfully rich. PRINCE OF TRICKS pulls the reader into a storyline that parallels much of the fabled royal Russian history as well as a fantasy where angels and demons are at war with one another. Jane Kindred’s Heaven is not the place of peace and understanding but a battleground between the have and have nots; angels and demons; Heaven and Earth.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author Black and Red

 

Jane-Kindred-200x300Jane Kindred is the author of The House of Arkhangel’sk trilogy, the Demons of Elysium series, and The Devil’s Garden. Born in Billings, Montana, she spent her formative years ruining her eyes reading romance novels in the Tucson sun and watching Star Trek marathons in the dark. She now writes to the sound of San Francisco foghorns while two cats slowly but surely edge her off the side of the bed.

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Pinterest/ Tumblr

 

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Tigers and Devils/Tigerland by Sean Kennedy-2 reviews

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Tigers and Devils/Tigerland by Sean Kennedy- 2 reviews

TIGERS AND DEVILS (Tigers and Devils #1) by Sean Kennedy

TIGERS AND DEVILS is the first storyline in Sean Kennedy’s contemporary M/M romance series featuring Declan Tyler and Simon Murray. First, let me start by saying, this is NOT an erotic look at an M/M storyline. The loves scenes are mostly implied and everything virtually fades to black. You know our heroes have sex, but there is nothing dirty, graphic or violent when it comes to Declan and Simon’s relationship. This story is about the difficulties that a closeted football (soccer for us in North America) star and his lover face, when he is outed by a vindictive journalist who has pictures of the couple in a loving embrace.

Simon Murray is a young independent film producer whose interests include movies, football and friends. When he reluctantly agrees to attend a house party with his friends Roger and Fran, Simon is shocked to discover that the AFL’s most popular and chronically injured football player Declan Tyler is a guest. But it is Simon’s defense of Declan that pushes Declan to want more from Simon.

Declan is the most popular and gifted player in the Australian Football League, but an injury that refuses to heal will find him on the sidelines too long and anxious to get back onto the field. But Declan has a secret that no one knows. He is gay and to keep the pressure off his career, his team and his family, Declan is unable to come out of the closet.

As the relationship between Declan and Simon deepens, so does their insecurity. Simon continues to protect Declan by never revealing their relationship, but as hard as that is, it is more difficult when friends and colleagues begin to pressure Simon about his secret life. Everyone knows that Simon is gay, but he feels obligated to keep his relationship quiet for fear that Declan’s career will be irrevocably harmed by the information. But is it only a matter of time before photographs of the couple are released showing Simon comforting Declan following the hospitalization of Declan’s father.

Here is where the ride gets difficult. Declan is a quiet, reluctant hero who only wants to play football and live his life with the man of his dreams. But the news media, the journalists and public opinion have a way of snowballing the information and eventually Declan feels obligated to defend his position. Simon and Declan’s personal life becomes fodder for the press and Declan’s own teammates make his on-field life a living hell. Both Declan and Simon have tempers and each is willing to defend and protect the other from emotional and physical harm.

Declan and Simon both have some major issues with insecurity and trust, and this becomes apparent when their relationship becomes headlines news. Declan has a habit of withdrawing and running away, and Simon refuses to talk when his world begins to collapse in on itself. Simon’s need to continuously protect Declan includes allowing Declan’s teammates, their spouses and the public to use Simon as a whipping boy and Simon will eventually withdraw only to explode in a shower of anger and pain when it all becomes too much.

There are some amazing secondary characters. Roger and Fran are Simon’s best friends and will eventually become closer to Declan. They are accepting of Simon’s homosexuality but Roger will have some difficulty accepting Declan as Simon’s lover. There is obviously some bromance jealousy as well with Roger’s protective nature coming through, and it will place a major wall and barrier between Simon and Roger. At times I wanted to smack them both upside the head and say ..”look, he wants to explain. Let him explain.”. It is Simon’s refusal to listen that amped up my stress, as well as Declan’s. Declan’s football teammate and best friend is Abe. Abe and his partner Lisa are so tight with Declan, that they have apartments in the same building and when Declan decides to move back to Melbourne, Abe and Lisa will follow shortly thereafter. Abe and Lisa are immediately enthralled with Simon, and to Simon’s surprise he is readily accepted into Declan’s very small circle of friends. But acceptance by family is another matter.

TIGERS and DEVILS is a wonderful story that focuses on the hardship of a professional athlete when he comes out of the closet at the height of his career. Whether the animosity and hatred would occur in reality, the struggles for a new couple are multiplied when they must live their lives on the front pages and headlines of every news media and gossip column hoping to cash in on the latest tabloid story. Sean Kennedy does an amazing job writing a story that shows how two people can love each other and overcome the odds, when the odds are very high-indeed. The character development is amazing. You are drawn into the storyline from the start and you feel the emotional sorrow and powerful love between two ultimately shy lovers.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

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TIGERLAND (Tigers and Devils #2) by Sean Kennedy

TIGERLAND is the second storyline (October 2012 release) in Sean Kennedy’s M/M contemporary romance series featuring Declan Tyler and Simon Murray. Tigerland continues approximately 3 years after Tigers and Devils.

Now in a committed relationship, the media hype surrounding Declan’s coming out has all but burned out for Declan and Simon. Their public personas are still very much in demand as Declan is now a sports commentator and Simon is the program developer for gay content at a local television station. But life is about to be turned upside down again, when Declan’s former love comes out on the same day as he retires and brings Declan’s private life back into the media frenzy.

Declan and Simon have had their ups and downs, but the lovers have now moved in together and their careers have taken different paths once again. But it is Declan’s previous love life that will take center stage when Greg Heyward announces that Simon was the reason for Declan and Greg’s breakup and subsequent loss of friendship. The fact that Simon was not around during Declan’s relationship with Greg didn’t matter, but selling books and making a name for himself wreaked of revenge and a jealous former lover. And to Simon’s dismay, another journalist with an axe to grind against Simon will be at the forefront of Heyward’s deceitful autobiography and subsequent media campaign.

There are a couple of secondary storylines. One involves Declan’s former teammate Abe and his partner Lisa. As the story begins we learn that Abe and Lisa are no longer together and Abe is a one-man wrecking crew as it involves his life and his friends. To be honest we are not privy to the problems that led to Abe and Lisa’s breakup but we are aware that Abe is having a difficult time with the loss of his partner and love.

Roger and Fran’s life will take on added stress when the couple try desperately for a baby, but when several attempts and thousands of dollars later there is no success, Declan and Simon will offer a little help, if only to pay the added costs. But it doesn’t help when Simon’s brother Tim’s wife continues to breed with like a rabbit in the woods.

Throughout both storylines, Tigers and Devils and Tigerland, like many of the characters, we begin to question Declan’s silence as it pertains to his private life and Simon’s love. Although he is fiercely protective of his lover, he is reticent to face the media other than to say a few pre-programmed words that rarely mollify the media journalists and rag reporters. Greg Heyward’s attempt to goad Declan at every opportunity will eventually results in a face to face physical confrontation but it will take Simon’s concern about Declan’s silence regarding Heyward’s accusations that force Declan to make a public statement defending his lover and telling the truth about what happened so many years ago.

TIGERLAND is another amazing story in Sean Kennedy’s Tiger and Devils series. With colorful characters, interesting storylines and the right amount of romance, Tigers and Devils is fast becoming one of my favorite series.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

Reviewed by Sandy

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