Kindle Weekly Deals~ Week of 7/25/15- 7/31/15

"Better Than Good" by Lane Hayes- M/M, contemporary romance~ Price drop to $1.00!

"Diversion" by Eden Winters- M/M, romantic suspense~ Price drop to $0.99!

"The Foster Family" by Jaime Samms- M/M/M, contemporary romance~ Price drop to $1.00!

"The Siren" by Tiffany Reisz- Adult, contemporary romance~ Price drop to $1.99!

"Sinner's Gin" by Rhys Ford- M/M, romantic suspense~ Price drop to $1.00!

Bookblast: Undercover Lovers by RJ Scott

Please welcome RJ Scott with her newest release 

Undercover Lovers

Bodyguards Inc. #4

Blurb:

Even if Ross and Kyle make it out of this alive, will the secrets in Kyle's heart stay safe?

Kyle gets caught up in a case that is entirely unrelated to Bodyguards Inc. Not only does he abruptly need time off, but he has to have absolute trust and complete support from Ross without being able to tell Ross a thing.

CIA Agent Stefan Mortimer needs Kyle's help with a case of a geneticist and a missing formula. Trouble is being led right to Kyle’s door, endangering the life of the team he has built and the man that he loves.

Going undercover, with Ross as his husband, is the worst kind of torture in so many ways, but it is the only answer. Kyle and Ross may well live through this but Kyle is convinced his heart won't survive.

Excerpt:

Dinner was quiet.

To be fair, Ross couldn’t recall ever sitting down to eat with Kyle at an actual dinner table. They’d shared pizza or Chinese when they stayed late on a case, but inevitably Kyle was in his office and Ross was at his desk. They didn’t even take the time to have a coffee together; that wasn’t what bosses and their PAs did. But sitting here like this wasn’t what Ross had been expecting. He’d imagined they would talk, and given they had a cover to maintain, it should look more animated, like they were two men in love. But unless Kyle responded to the three or four conversation starters Ross had thrown out, they would look like the poster couple for divorce.

Pasting on his best flirtatious face, Ross leaned over the table. “You need to talk to me,” he whispered before grasping Kyle’s hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

Kyle looked down at their joined hands then up at Ross. He copied the whole leaning-in part. “Sorry.” He picked up his water glass. “To us,” he said loudly—or at least louder than their whispering.

Ross raised his glass. He’d ordered a Sprite and exchanged laughs about how hungover he’d gotten at his stag night and how he was off alcohol forever. He’d kind of like a vodka or two at this moment in time, but he and Kyle had to maintain some semblance of control. “To us,” he replied.

Audiobook ARC Review: Johnnie by Cardeno C.

From the blurb:

A Premier lion shifter, Hugh Landry dedicates his life to leading the Berk pride with strength and confidence. Hundreds of people depend on Hugh for safety, success, and happiness. And at over a century old, with more power than can be contained in one body, Hugh relies on a Siphon lion shifter to carry his excess force. 

When the Siphon endangers himself and therefore the pride, Hugh must pay attention to the man who has been his silent shadow for a decade. What he learns surprises him, but what he feels astounds him even more. 

Two lions, each born to serve, rely on one another to survive. After years by each other’s side, they’ll finally realize the depth of their potential, the joy in their passion, and a connection their kind has never known.

Heather's rating:






Woah, this was just... woah!

Cardeno C. crack in the hizzous!

I usually start my audiobook reviews by talking about the story and then, at the end, I talk about the narrator. However, I just can't even talk about ANYTHING before I say what a freakin' AMAZING job Greg Tremblay did with this book. He narrated his butt off! I can't even picture this book with any other narrator. Greg made this story come to life, and he proved again why he is one of my favorite narrators. I heart you, Greg Tremblay!

Story-wise, this book was pretty awesome, too. Usually Cardeno's stories are a little on the insta-lovey side for me, but this was a niiiice slow burn. It packed a lot of relationship development in for a novella. To boot, I really liked the world-building, which I wasn't expecting. The concept of a Premier and Siphon was really well thought out, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Johnnie and Hugh.

Audiobook ARC Review: Beyond Duty by S.J.D. Peterson

From the blurb:

The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell didn’t come soon enough for Gunther "Gunny" Duchene and Macalister "Mac" Jones, career US Marines who met at boot camp in the 1990s. They’ve been somewhere between best friends and lovers in peacetime and wartime both, but as the clock ticks toward Mac’s and Gunny’s retirements, the guys have much more to worry about than coming out. 

Whether their relationship will survive outside of the closet they’ve had to shove it into for over two decades is a big question mark. After all, Gunny questions why a hot military man like Mac--who could get any guy he wanted, including a younger, sexier one--would want him. But as Gunny and Mac navigate emotional waters as choppy as any they saw on duty, they just might learn Semper Fi applies to more than their careers.

Heather's rating:





When I saw this book for review in the audio edition, I HAD to try it. I feel like "Beyond Duty" is somewhat of a must read if you like M/M military books. I mean, two career Marines getting together? All that manliness and testosterone?! YUM! And some mild kink never hurt anyone, nuh uh.

Let's get right to it. I'm historically not a fan of established couples, and this book is basically an established couple story. Gunny and Mac have been exclusive for years, and though their relationship title was never established, they were essentially 100% a couple for a very long time. One of the problems that I had with this story was that I found Gunny and Mac's relationship to be a bit... boring. Without the excitement of a new relationship, I struggled a bit to get into the two guys as a couple. However, at the same time, I found their devotion and understanding of one another to be very touching.

Kink-wise, I was pretty "meh". I always like a good power play, but I was a little take it or leave it here. I think it made some of the sex scenes super hot, but there are a LOT of sex scenes in this book, and they began to feel a little rote for me after a time.

Book Review: College Love by Edgar Morgan

Blurb:

Gabriel and Bradley are two college guys, their days are like any other, with sports, university and girls.

But they have a deep secret, the sex between them. Will that sex be love? 

Todd's rating:

I have pretty mixed feelings about this one.

I saw the book cover, which I thought was adorable, then read the blurb, which although short, sounded pretty promising.

The story line itself was fairly concise and interesting; however, there was a *lot* of telling versus showing, especially in the first half of the book. Not really a fan of that.

Gabriel is a 20 year old soccer player and law student, the son of conservative parents, who lives to do what's expected of him and to make other people happy, choosing a field of study simply because he's guaranteed to make a lot of money and 'look' successful to others.

Bradley is a 20 year old rugby player and med student, with an understanding and supportive family, but also a tendency to be overly concerned about what others think of him. And, oh yeah, a steady girlfriend.

So when Brad and the girlfriend, Alicia, have a fight, Brad refuses to cancel his plans of a night in the city with Gabriel, leaving the girlfriend and their mutual friend, Jacqui, at home.

The usual joking sexual banter between Brad and Gab continues through dinner, a movie, then clubbing, where they run into Brad's housemate and his friends.

Two of Brad's friends happen to be gay and invite Brad and Gab to tag along with them to a gay club and Gab rides to Brad's rescue by pretending to be Brad's boyfriend to fend off a rather persistent suitor.

Both boys get into playing boyfriends at the club, which ends in a very touching slow dance to Alison Krauss' "When You Say Nothing At All."

God, that scene was insanely touching, as the boys' attractions and feelings coalesce into a something much more tangible.

------------------------------------

** Note: If you've never heard of the song, it's ridiculously beautiful, even if it is a Country (ish) song, so do yourself a favor and check out the heart-felt lyrics in the video below.

Alison Krauss' "When You Say Nothing At All"

------------------------------------

So, yes, for the most part, I did really enjoy the story of these two gentle, loving young men, as they became brave enough to embrace their true feelings for one another.

ARC Review: Lead Me Not by Ann Gallagher

From the blurb:

Isaac Morris has devoted his life to preaching against the sin of homosexuality. But when his sister proposes a documentary to demonstrate once and for all that it’s a choice—with Isaac choosing to be gay as proof—he balks. Until he learns his nephew is headed down that perverted path. Isaac will do anything to convince the teenager he can choose to be straight . . . including his sister’s film.

When Isaac’s first foray into the gay lifestyle ends with a homophobic beating, he’s saved and cared for by Colton Roberts, a gentle, compassionate bartender with a cross around his neck. Colton challenges every one of Isaac’s deeply held beliefs about gay men. He was kicked out by homophobic parents, saved from the streets by a kind pastor, and is now a devout Christian. Colton’s sexuality has cost him dearly, but it also brought him to God.

As the two grow closer, everything Isaac knows about homosexuality, his faith, and himself is called into question. And if he’s been wrong all along, what does that mean for his ministry, his soul, his struggling nephew—and the man he never meant to love?

Heather's rating:





Christian romance for the M/M crowd? Apparently so.

I can see why L.A. Witt adopted a new pen name for this book: it is a HUGE departure from her normal stuff, so if you are expecting smoking hot man sex and dirty talking, look elsewhere. This is a totally clean romance with only kissing on page. Everything else is only vaguely alluded to. It is also pro-religion, treating Christianity with respect and showing how devotion and faith can coincide with being queer. If that isn't your thing, look elsewhere. I enjoyed reading something that was different from my usual reading material, but I found that the relationship development took a backseat to the religious messages.

I've always been fascinated by religious zealots, or really anyone that strongly believes in a faith. For a mostly cultural Jew with liberal opinions on social issues, I have a surprising number of very religious friends. For a time, my closest friends were a group of wig-wearing, no opposite sex touching, virgins until marriage, long sleeves and tights in summer, Orthodox Jews. I also have a number of Mormon friends, and I am lifelong friends with not just one, but two girls who grew up to be lesbian pastors. But honestly, the only time I have ever been frightened or turned off by a religious person was when I met my friend's Fundamentalist Christian cousins. They reduced me to tears, preaching about the word of Jesus and how my heathen Jewish ways were wrong. There was no gray area, in their minds: I was going to HELL.

Because of that power of that encounter, I have my doubts that this book would ever happen in real life. The people who grow up in churches that homeschool and preach fire and brimstone would probably never consider trying to "be gay" as an experiment, even if they were repressing their homosexuality. I don't really buy it, but I went with it anyway.

ARC Review: Treble Maker (Perfect Harmony 1) by Annabeth Albert

Blurb:

Cody Rivers is determined to be a rock star, but couch-surfing between bar shows gets old fast. Joining an a cappella group for a new singing competition show could be his last chance at real fame—unless the college boy from the heart of the country messes it up for him. Lucas Norwood is everything gothy, glittery Cody is not—conservative, clean-cut, and virginal. But when a twist in the show forces them together, even the sweetest songs get steamy as the attraction between them lights up the stage. Lucas wants to take it slow, but Cody’s singing a different tune—and this time it maybe a love song

Dani's rating:

"I want to go home," [Lucas] said ... He needed out of this place and out of his own head.
"To Iowa?" ...

"No. To us."

There is nothing real about television. Every competition "reality" show is staged, every elimination carefully scripted.

Cody knows this and is willing to play the game. He has an incredible voice and moves like Adam Levine, but he's living out of his van and has no prospects on the horizon.

Cody slinks around in his tight pants and eye liner, working the modern Goth look. He's snarky and unabashedly, flamboyantly sexy. When Cody first meets Lucas, he openly smirks at the "farm boy" from Iowa.

Lucas is gay, though, gay and out ... sort of. He's taken a virginity pledge to save himself until marriage. But Lucas doesn't fantasize about the sweet and tender. He yearns for the raunchy and dirty; he yearns for Cody.

Cody and Lucas do the whole hot and cold thing. Neither wants to admit that their relationship is more than just friends getting off. Cody pushes Lucas, but Lucas judges Cody.

Watching Lucas give in to temptation is hot. DAMN HOT! Mutual masturbation turns into something much (MUCH!) steamier.

I loved the dual POV here, as it helped me understand both men. Lucas craves his parents' approval, and Cody, who is used to being lonely and unloved, is scared to trust.

I loved watching them come together, and seeing the connection between them.

Words still weren't cooperating, so he did the only thing he could and kissed Lucas. Not the earlier gentle slide of lips but a raw, emotion-driven attack ...

His brain played a soundtrack of every love song he'd ever sang ...

The secondary characters in this book are very well sketched. We see all the pettiness and jealousy that can happen during a competition, when people whom you thought were your friends turn their back on you.

Cover Reveal: Demon Of Mine by Rayna Vause

Demon of Mine

by Rayna Vause

Blurb:

Climbing the corporate ladder can be hell….As a Collections Demon, Zavier grants his “clients” one wish in exchange for their souls. His job sucks, but once you make a deal with Corporate South, they own you. The trouble is, Zavier’s not a very good Collections Demon, with his tendencies to spurn authority and find loopholes to help deserving clients out of their contracts. He’s under scrutiny from the head of his department, who would quite literally like to see him burn. He just needs to close a simple deal to get upper management off his back. Instead, he meets Ryan.Ryan is desperately searching for a way to save his dying sister. He doesn't believe in magic and demons, but he’s out of options. Zavier’s not what he expects in a demon, and even more unexpected is the strong sense of familiarity—very intimate familiarity.While trying to free Ryan from his contract, Zavier discovers secrets unscrupulous even by South standards. Exposing them could cost Zavier everything, but it might be Ryan’s only hope.

Available for pre-order at 

Release Date: 

August 28, 2015

ARC Review: Get Your Shine On by Nick Wilgus

Blurb:

When his mother goes out to party one Saturday night and doesn't come back, seven-year-old Ishmael Hood is taken in by his estranged uncle Henry and Henry's live-in boyfriend, Sam. As this unlikely trio begins to build a new life together, they encounter both support and hostility in the small Mississippi town where they live. Seems like just about everybody has an opinion on the matter—and they're not shy about expressing it.

While this blossoming little family finds its feet, outside forces—and ghosts from the past—threaten to tear it apart. Henry, still trying to deal with the tragic death of his parents, finds himself hard-pressed to open his heart to this needy child.

Just as a little shine begins to come back into their lives, Ishmael's mother returns, and their world is thrown into chaos.

Sandra's rating:





Nick Wilgus doesn't write romance. I knew that going in, so I didn't expect this book to be all romantic. If you're not familiar with Nick's books, read the first sentence again, and then read all of his books anyway!

What Nick writes are Southern stories pulled from real life. The characters he creates are real. They exist, somewhere, in similar fashion, in some small town in Mississippi. You've met them. You've heard them. You've seen them, in churches, in schools, in all the places.

So, romance, this is not. Oh sure, it features two men in love, in an established relationship, living together, facing all the homophobic crap the good Southern bible thumpers are wont to dish out, because, you know, the bible says so, without ever really thinking about how cruel they are to others.

You know, if you use the bible to hurt someone, you're doing religion wrong.

Anyway, in this book, which is somewhat similar to Nick's Sugar Tree series, we have Henry Hood, who, a few years after losing his parents in a tragic incident, is suddenly faced with having to take care of his 7 yo nephew Ishmael (Ishy for short), after the boy's mother disappears. Henry's BF Sam Rakestraw, who runs the local grocery store owned by his family, is all for taking care of Ishy, and after a few mishaps, they establish a routine.

Of course, this happening in a small Southern town, most of the good folks in town are not impressed and are sure to let Henry know they disapprove. Henry's sister is labeled white trash, Henry is kicked off the music group from church (a volunteer position, no less), he's labeled a pedophile (because, obviously, that's what gay men do - they prey on little boys [/sarcasm]), and there's some blackmail from the good sheriff who wants to know what really happened when Henry's parents died.

There are good people too. No small Southern town is all bigotry and hate, and there are those who stand with Henry, first and foremost his boyfriend, as well as his boyfriend's parents. There's one scene where Sam's brother Paul, a hateful man for sure, is thrown out of the family house for bringing his hate to the dinner table.

Henry's sister, the drug addict, is also a homophobe, who doesn't want Henry and Sam to take care of the boy. Not that she has much choice, seeing how she's in jail. And will be there for some time, what with the drug charges, and abandonment charges she's facing.

As always, Nick Wilgus includes some difficult themes in his book, but despite those difficulties, there is one shining light.

Love.

Love for a child, love between two men, love for your parents, your church, your town. Love for you from others, love that supports. Love that isn't always easy, love that faces hardships and bigotry, love that wins in the end.

Yes, there's heartbreak too. Nick Wilgus ripped my heart into pieces, made me cry bitter tears, and then he patched it back together. Much like he did to Henry - with the fissure lines still very much in place.

His stories are so amazingly real, with such realistic characterizations, and while I ranted against the unfairness of all the things in this book, I also rejoiced at the good people at the core of it.

Blogtour: Surrounded By Crimson by Lexi Ander

Please welcome Lexi Ander with 

Surrounded By Crimson

Blurb:

Tristan has agreed to bond with Ushna but there is still much to do and returning to Tribe Enkidu puts everyone on edge. Tristan is being stalked like prey all the while fighting depression as he mourns the loss of Nikita and enduring a battle of wills with the Elder Council over his birthright. The pleading of his adoptive daughter only adds still more stress to the situation.

Stumbling onto a secret prison while searching for Ushna leads Tristan to risk everything to free a lost God. But breaking the tie to his Flame has more repercussions than Tristan knew and the assistance of a forgotten Goddess and a centuries old lover may not be enough to save him.

Excerpt:

Ushna was out of the car and greeting his parents before I unbuckled the seatbelt. Hami wasn't as tall as his son but he was wide, very wide, barrel-chested with a set of deltoids on him the size of small children. His dark hair was cut above the ears and I'd never seen the man without at least three days growth of facial hair. It looked good on him. That kind of scruff made me resemble a bum.

Donya was tall and lean, one of those women who had a natural sway when she walked. Her blue-black hair fell to her waist in thick glossy waves. Her skin was a deep almond, darker than her husband's or son's, and her bright, emerald-green eyes were large and expressive.

They both greeted Ushna with festive exuberance, and why not? I'd kept him away from them for a very long time. I observed them for a moment over the hood of the SUV. Hami picked his son up in a bear hug, laughing loud and boisterous. Donya took his face between her palms as she gazed deeply into his bi-colored eyes—eyes that were forever changed by me. At that thought, I wondered how they truly perceived me. My stomach rolled with anxiety-induced queasiness.

With all the grace of someone my size, I made my way into the house, leaving Ushna to his family reunion. I had hoped we wouldn't see them until after the children were born. I'd entered the home stretch of my pregnancy. Even with the ring of illusion, I had a hard time hiding my condition. Early in my pregnancy, Gregori had fashioned a ring of magic, creating the illusion that hid my continually growing stomach and constructed a normal appearance.

A pregnant male wasn't something we wanted to explain to humans. With the looming threat of assassination, if my identity was discovered, we thought it best to continue to keep my birthright a secret until after the children were born. So I'd continue to wear the illusion even though the ring wasn't much help now. The giveaway was in the walk and the way I stood. People could see there was something different by how I held my body and it couldn't be helped. I was able to hurry, in spurts, and then I lumbered like an elephant—very National Geographic.

Neesie followed me into the kitchen. She was dressed differently than what I'd become accustomed to. Gone were the combat boots, black jeans, and white tees. She wore a pale blue silk blouse, a pinstriped pencil skirt, and knee-high black stiletto boots. She appeared fierce in a whole new way.

"Why didn't you wait and greet Ushna's parents?" she asked.

With a plate in hand, I inspected the cold cuts tray that sat on the kitchen counter. I was starved and wanted something quick to eat before everyone came in. When I didn't answer Neesie, she took the plate from me and started placing fresh vegetables on it.

"I thought I'd give them some time to catch up," I finally replied. It wasn't a complete lie. "They haven't had their son to themselves in quite some time. They don't need me hanging out in the background."

Neesie pinned me with her golden-brown gaze. "That is such bullshit and you know it. What's the real issue?"

I quirked a smile at her. "You know I love ya?"

"Yes, and you're the one who called me for dating advice because you suck at subtle. Your 'hey moron, get your hands off my sister' ranked right up there."

"I can't help it if Mr. Octopus Arms was oblivious to his audience."

"Go ahead and keep playing that song because I know you still refer to him as Lonnie Fucking-Fowler. Before you walked into the house, your face turned green and you practically sprinted in here."

"Ahh, stampede!" I gave mock crowd screams. Neesie was not impressed.

"Spill, jackass." She shoved a full plate into my hands and a chair under my ass. Neesie glared at me but her expression was filled with concern.

"Fine, you tyrant. I wanted to make a good impression. I wanted to be able to show them that I am a strong partner and worthy of their son's love and devotion. But right now I'm huge, and miserable, and swollen, and hungry. Why did you give me carrots? You know I hate carrots. You're trying to torture me, aren't you? I'm an elephant, not a rabbit. I get like peanuts or something, not Bugs Bunny hand-me-downs." I threw the carrot at my cackling sister. The woman was not remorseful.

"Tristan."

I threw another carrot at Neesie before turning to see who called for me. I swallowed a curse as I faced Donya. She stood in the doorway, her large green eyes soft and liquid as she searched my expression.

"Ma'am?" Embarrassingly, my voice cracked like I was fourteen years old.

"How can we not be proud of you, son?" Donya crossed the room in a smooth glide and gently took me in her arms. "We've always been proud of you, Tristan, don't ever believe differently." Tentatively I embraced her in return and ignored Neesie's sniffles.

Get the book:

We got to ask Lexi a question...

ARC Review: Cheeky Hipsters & Jocks, by Posy Roberts

From the blurb:

Jack has a secret hidden in his pants, and Eli thinks he knows what it is. Jack Cox has a secret he’s kept hidden for years until a fellow hockey player discovers a scrap of silk and lace hiding in his pocket. Elijah Mitten notices how anxious Jack is as the hot-pink fabric makes its way around the locker room, and when Jack throws it in the trash like it means nothing, Elijah guesses what’s beneath his stoic façade and possibly his pants. When Elijah shows up on Jack’s doorstep looking for answers, Jack won’t admit anything. But when Elijah takes matters into his own hands, Jack has to make a decision: share his secret and risk losing hockey or keep it hidden forever.

AnnaLund's rating:

All in all, some 50 pages (this is a short story in the series The Secrets Collection, which is written by a bunch of hilarious and sexy authors), and just as the other two I have read, this one was awesome.

I love the premise of somebody having a sexy little secret, and here it is the love of lace that a hockey player tries (unsuccessfully) to hide. Sexy times ensue, and it is both fun and happy. And sexy. And pink lace. Tons of it.
Just sayin’.

ARC Review: Bitter Taffy (Candy Man 2) by Amy Lane

Blurb:

Rico Gonzalves-Macias didn't expect to fall in love during his internship in New York—and he didn’t expect the boss’s son to out them both and get him fired either. When he returns to Sacramento stunned and heartbroken, he finds his cousin, Adam, and Adam's boyfriend, Finn, haven't just been house-sitting—they've made his once sterile apartment into a home.

When Adam gets him a job interview with the adorable, magnetic, practically perfect Derek Huston, Rico feels especially out of his depth. Derek makes it no secret that he wants Rico, but Rico is just starting to figure out that he’s a beginner at the really important stuff and doesn’t want to jump into anything with both feet.

Derek is a both-feet kind of guy. But he’s also made mistakes of his own and doesn’t want to pressure Rico into anything. Together they work to find a compromise between instant attraction and long-lasting love, and while they’re working, Rico gets a primer in why family isn’t always a bad idea. He needs to believe Derek can be his family before Derek’s formidable patience runs out—because even a practically perfect boyfriend is capable of being hurt.

Dani's rating:

"Is your life always this ... I don't know — "

"Tide of chaos washing ashore on the beach of what the fuck?"

Oh, Amy Lane, you do have a way with words.

Flufftastic Lane stories have a special place in my heart, and I j'adore this series.

I was very glad to visit with Adam and Finn once again. Adam's come a long way, even though he's still vulnerable around the edges. And Finn is ... pure joy, like his big, boisterous, giving family.

Now Adam has not only Finn but Rico. The two cousins have a special bond, which is good, because Rico comes home early, unannounced, and is almost taken down by a rather scary, half-naked Finn wielding a weapon.

I expected this to be Rico and Ezra's story. But this isn't a story about first love.

It's a story about REAL love, the kind that takes you to baseball games and holds your hand in public.

ARC Review: A Casual Thing, by Annabelle Jacobs

From the blurb:

Patrick Mason travels to Bristol to spend the summer with his brother, Ben. He’s cat sitting for the first two weeks while Ben goes on holiday. But Ben neglected to tell him he wouldn’t be doing it alone. Will Adams—Ben’s mate and Patrick’s long-time crush—is staying in Ben’s guest room while he waits to move into his new house after a breakup. Against his better judgment, Patrick convinces Will that a little no-strings fun is just what they need. Patrick doesn’t want to get involved with a guy on the rebound, and Will isn’t interested in starting something serious with a student. But Patrick’s never been good at separating sex from feelings, and this time is no exception. As their weeks together draw to a close, they need to decide if they have something worth pursuing or if it’s really just a casual thing.

AnnaLund's rating:

There are a few things I really admire in an author, and at the top of my list is the ability to write different kinds of stories, in different voices.

I had become used to the quirky and darkish tone of Ms Jacobs paranormal series The Altered. Then I read her short story Toy With Me, which was hilarious, and light, and happy, and sexy.

But this book? This book takes British Boys by their proverbial hands and runs with them, hard and fast.

I giggled, and I snorted, and then I giggled some more, just because.

It is Unrequited Love at its primal stage. (Or is it?)

ARC Review: Prickly Business by Piper Vaughn and Kenzie Cade

Blurb:

Some people might call Avery Babineaux a prick. He’s a hedgehog shifter from an old-money Louisiana family with a penchant for expensive shoes and a reputation for being a judgmental snob. His attitude is why he and his fated mate are estranged. Not that Avery cares. He doesn’t want to be mated to some blue-collar werewolf anyway. Or so he keeps telling himself.

No werewolf likes to be looked down upon, least of all Dylan Green. He doesn’t need a mate, especially not some snotty hedgehog who sneers at his custom motorcycle shop and calls him a grease monkey. But when Avery gets into trouble with a shady loan shark, Dylan can’t stand by and let him be hurt—whether he wants the brat or not.

Yet once Dylan steps into Avery’s world, he realizes there’s more to Avery than his prickly exterior, and that unexpected vulnerability calls to Dylan’s protective instincts. The sassy little hedgehog needs a keeper, and despite their horrible first impressions, Dylan starts to believe he might be the wolf for the job.

Dani's rating:

You have no idea how much I love the idea of a hedgehog shifter! Thinking of all all that prickly attitude ... and a big bad wolf mate. Yummy.

My first mistake was expecting serious steam. Because. SHIFTERS. KNOTTING.

Nuff said.

Well, I waited. And waited. And waited some more.

The steam finally arrived at 60 percent, and what little we got was fairly hot. But so much of it was hinted at or off page.

I loved Dylan and his growly possessiveness. Dylan is protective, sexy, and rough in all the right places.

Avery ... let's say it took me much longer to warm up to him. The little hedgehog is a snotty, spoiled, judgmental brat, just waiting for his Daddy to bail him out. Yes, Avery tries. He changes. A little. But did I fully believe in the conversion? Maybe.

Maybe not.

Blogtour: The Taming Of The Billionaire by Jessica Clare

The Taming of the Billionaire

(Billionaires and Bridesmaids #2)

By Jessica Clare

Blurb: 

The New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire and the Virgin returns with a tale of Shakespearean-style seduction…
Edie’s an overbearing cat behaviorist who’s not big on people. Magnus is a newly-rich game developer who likes to be in control. When the two of them meet at Gretchen and Hunter’s masquerade engagement party, the loathing is mutual. Unfortunately for them—and everyone else—they’re in the wedding party together and must deal with each other for the next few months.
But when Magnus’s younger brother falls for Edie’s sister, he begs for his brother’s help in concocting a plan to win her over. If Magnus can keep the prickly Edie occupied, his brother will have time to woo Edie’s sister. Of course, Magnus isn’t interested in the slightest, but Edie is…intriguing. And stubborn. And smart. And sexy. And they might have more in common than they thought.
Before long, it becomes a challenge between the two of them to see who will be tamed first. But how’s Edie going to react when she finds out that Magnus is using her? And how’s Magnus going to handle the fact that he’s fallen for a cat lady?

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Excerpt