This had so much potential.Personally,there definitely aren't enough Cowboy MM/MMM romance stories out there.
Cash and Red have been friends for years.....but it's just friends,right? Why complicate things? They've been lusting after each other for ages but it takes a new man for them to open up to their feelings...
Positives,
- I absolutely loved the three men.Their back stories were well explained and their connection really felt believable,
- the setting was perfect,
But,the writing tense just completely spoilt my enjoyment here.
Review copy from NetGalley
Merged review:
3 Stars.
The story was good enough but the writing tense didn't work for me.
This had so much potential.Personally,there definitely aren't enough Cowboy MM/MMM romance stories out there.
Cash and Red have been friends for years.....but it's just friends,right? Why complicate things? They've been lusting after each other for ages but it takes a new man for them to open up to their feelings...
Positives,
- I absolutely loved the three men.Their back stories were well explained and their connection really felt believable,
- the setting was perfect,
But,the writing tense just completely spoilt my enjoyment here.
Maybe I was,unfairly,comparing it to book two which was one of my favourite books from last year.Was I[image]
Didn't love it.Didn't hate it.It was ok.
Maybe I was,unfairly,comparing it to book two which was one of my favourite books from last year.Was I expecting that same intensity? Most definitely.But,to be fair,this was a completely different book.
Let's start with the positives....
Fabian He is my absolute favourite type of character.Femme( enough said really)...I loved everything about him.I could wax lyrical all day about him.
Ryan,on the other hand....I had mixed feelings about him.At times I kind of melted and at times he just irritated me( the inner thoughts started to bore me).
Overall,I loved these two guys together.I got their connection and chemistry,I really did.But something just wasn't pulling me into this one.I stalled around half way and never really got going again.
Review copy provided from the publisher,via NetGalley....more
This passion that can’t be talked about, that has to be concealed, gives way to the terrible question: if it isn’t talked about, how can one k
This passion that can’t be talked about, that has to be concealed, gives way to the terrible question: if it isn’t talked about, how can one know that it really exists? One day, when it’s over, when it finally comes to an end, no one will be able to attest to what took place.
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Is this a memoir or just fiction? Surely it's a memoir and if it is it makes this even more of a compelling read.I was a mess after I finished this.It was always going to be obvious the outcome for Thomas and Philippe wouldn't be the one the reader wanted and that wasn't really the reason I was a mess.It was more about the world we live in where as recently as the 1980's people still have to hide their sexuality and as a result never get to live their lives the way they want to.
Starting in 1984 and finishing in 2017 this one touched me deeply.Two young boys who became lovers for a summer but were never destined to be much more.
I did struggle,initially with the lack of dialogue but the more I read the more I didn't mind although as a result the book had a very melancholy feel to it.The joy and anguish of that first love told in the most beautiful words here.
The majority of the book centres around Thomas and Philippe's youth.How they got together and their subsequent relationship.My heart ached for these boys.Their story was so touching and yet so sad.How many people meet and fall in love and never really stand a chance?
The later part is when Philippe meets Thomas's son by chance one day and finally finds out a little of Thomas's life after the summer of 1984.I say a little of Thomas's life because although his story is told there's so much you don't know in a way.
It's not romance but it definitely was a love story....
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley...more
I wanted to love this,I really did but something just wasn't pulling me into this.It started off promising enough but I just got bored and f2.5
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I wanted to love this,I really did but something just wasn't pulling me into this.It started off promising enough but I just got bored and felt disconnected to the story.
Huey and Felix both had issues and I honestly got them,especially Felix.Yes,he might have been a tad needy and insecure but that's the kind of character I love.I really admired the way he sacrificed his own life and put his family first.
Huey just infuriated me.Period.I hated the way he treat Felix at times.Again,he had demons he was dealing with but I kind of became indifferent to them.
Have to mention the covers for this series.Honestly some of the most stylish book covers ever.
Overall,just ok for me.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley...more
They hated each other but they couldn't keep their hands off each other...
Not so much enemies to lovers but enemies AND lovers.... nothing [image]
They hated each other but they couldn't keep their hands off each other...
Not so much enemies to lovers but enemies AND lovers.... nothing better ( this stuff makes me swoon)
This book pushed all my buttons in the very best way.I absolutely loved it.
Fierce rivalry on the ice rink and even fiercer passion between the sheets.
Shane and Ilya are both 19 when come into the media spotlight.Not just because they're such promising young players but their hatred for each other becomes legendary.Wouldn't the world love to know the truth?? Starting in the present day the story then goes back seven years to when they both started hooking up.
HATE-SEX.....people!! And it was downright delicious. The sex scenes,and there's a lot of them,are scorching hot.The Author gets it just right here.You don't get pages and pages of long drawn out foreplay and preparation here....these boys get straight to it and it's pretty damn perfect.It's desperate sex at it's best.There's pushing against walls,throwing on the bed,dirty kisses,it's take-me-now,I'll-beg-if- I-have-to stuff.....
*twirls*
I'm not normally a fan of sports romance but,again,the Author totally nailed the sports element.The ice hockey theme was,obviously,ever present but never got boring.Often with these stories you get a lot about rules,tactics,etc but I never felt that here-in fact I might have fallen in love with ice hockey a bit.
Ok,so it took a while for the feelings to come but I didn't care.It worked.I read this in 24 hours.These boys went everywhere with me,I couldn't put it down once I started and isn't that just the best thing?
I adored these two guys.I loved the writing.I honestly can't fault this.
Highly Recommended.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley...more
Another enjoyable story by Sally Malcolm with engaging characters in a quaint small town setting.If you've read Perfect Day by this Author you'[image]
Another enjoyable story by Sally Malcolm with engaging characters in a quaint small town setting.If you've read Perfect Day by this Author you'll be familiar with the town and some of the characters.
Luca Moretti is a bit of a free spirit,not one to be tied down to any place or anyone.He's back in his home town after five years to try and persuade his mother not to sell the place he used to call home....the ageing Majestic Hotel.His mother,Jude,feels she doesn't have much option other than selling to a large investment company.The hotel needs time and money spent on it...something she's unable to give.Luca arrives in town full of hostility which is directed at Jude's husband who made his views on Luca's sexuality very clear years ago and this is the first time Luca has returned in years.
Theo Wishart is the man given the job of persuading Jude to sell the beautiful old hotel but it's not going to be an easy transaction.Jude offers Theo a life line in negotiations....stay at the hotel for two weeks and feel the beauty of it and the town.
Theo and Luca don't get off to the best start but their attraction for each other soon becomes apparent.And yes,it was insta lust/love but this is one of those books that just worked for me.Their feelings moved fast but I found it believable and they are pretty cute together.
Theo has dyspraxia,he can't read people well and his last 'relationship' with a man didn't end well.He's adorably awkward and has no idea how to relax and embrace his experience in New Milton.There are some lovely moments between them....Luca teaching Theo to body board,beach top walks holding hands,slow dancing at a wedding.Can Theo dare to hope Luca might be the one and will Luca be prepared to give up his wanderlust and settle down?
And will the hotel be rescued?
Recommended read.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley....more
"Everyone pays for sex.It's just that we don't always pay with money(...)"
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Ever since Ghost was introduced in book one I've been fas
"Everyone pays for sex.It's just that we don't always pay with money(...)"
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Ever since Ghost was introduced in book one I've been fascinated by him.Book two wasn't a massive hit for me so I went into this with some trepidation.After a shaky start I really liked this and it's definitely my favourite book in the series.
Who would be the man who finally tamed Ghost?
Turns out the Author created the perfect character in Duncan.Not someone I would have imagined Ghost with but this is Ghost so I really didn't know what to expect.
With the drama of Mama and Spratt unfolding around him,Ghost finds himself having to put his trust in a Cop.Their relationship is not conventional at all.There's no insta lust or love here.What there is,is a slow understanding of each other and their boundaries.Don't go into this expecting lots of dirty sex,which given Ghost's past might be a realistic expectation...
“Everyone pays for sex. It’s just that we don’t always pay with money. Sometimes it’s with dinner or dancing first to make your partner feel respected, sometimes it’s with drinks in a bar, sometimes it’s with date movies or going to see someone play in their awful band or listening to someone talk about their bullshit.”
Ghost might have been a whore but sex did nothing for him apart from survival.His body might have been used but mentally he switched off every time,as a result this is an extremely slow burn which I didn't mind at all.In fact anything else here wouldn't have been believable here.Ghost learns a lot about himself from Duncan and he wants to be a better man for him.There is drama,there is angst but there are also some tender moments-watching old movies together and taking care of each other had me melting a little bit.
Duncan and Ghost turned out to be pretty damn special together
Recommended.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley....more
Well this is pretty filthy and I don't know what it says about me but I liked it....A LOT!
I'm not su3.5
"Naughty boys get punished,"
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Well this is pretty filthy and I don't know what it says about me but I liked it....A LOT!
I'm not sure if it's meant to be taken too seriously? Basically it is what it is....erotica.
Meik is a controlling asshole and I loved him.He's not really bothered about how he gets his kicks but after a dirty encounter in an alley with Sebastian he finds himself getting just a bit obsessed....
Seems one time wasn't enough...
There's,
-dirty talk,
-a bit of spanking,
-bossy bedroom antics,
-a bit of a D/s thing going on,
-no romance,although I've got a feeling that might develop.
Free on Amazon now,I think,so if you fancy a hot quickie go grab it.
Well,this was a pleasant surprise.I'm always a bit n4.5
There was one last perfect day.
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Modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion
Well,this was a pleasant surprise.I'm always a bit nervous about reading something from an Author I haven't come across before but I'm so glad I requested this.I read it in about 24hours,I couldn't put it down once I started it.
Finn and Joshua were from different worlds when they fell in love one summer.They had their future mapped out-it was going to be perfect-until it wasn't-when their dreams ended just like the idyllic summer they'd spent together...
8 Years later Finn is back in Joshua's life....
-There's anger,
-There's resentment,
-There are so many memories...
Will love be enough the second time around?
This was utterly charming
-the scene setting,by the beach,was beautiful,
-Finn and Joshua are highly likeable,well developed characters that fit together so well,
-a sensual love story that turned out beautifully.
Ok,there was a bit of miscommunication and the epilogue was too long but I'm overlooking that because I really,really enjoyed this!
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Recommended read.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley...more
Whenever I see this Author has a new book out I simply cannot wait to read it.She could pretty much write a grocery list and I'd be all ove3.75
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Whenever I see this Author has a new book out I simply cannot wait to read it.She could pretty much write a grocery list and I'd be all over it.
So....even though I'm not a massive fan of Military themes I was never not going to read it.
Matt and Shane meet at BUD/S training.It's intense,full commitment and concentration is required....the last thing either of them need is any sort of distraction....but that's what they get from the first moment they set eyes on each other.
I'm not going to go into their back stories,but they both have them and they definitely have an influence on how they move forward,as far as the training is concerned and their relationship.
If you're a fan of Military MM romance,I'm sure this will be a hit for you.Personally I found all the training exercises a bit too much...they are quite a large focus of the book and while I appreciate they are important in the two men's development,I could have done with a bit less. Maybe it's because I'm British and don't know enough about Navy SEALs?
It's quite a slow burn and anything else wouldn't have worked here.And when they do get down and dirty it's pretty delicious.
Overall,I mostly enjoyed this,finishing on a strong HFN (which I was perfectly happy with),I'm guessing by the title of the next book ,Keeping a Warrior, that it might be a continuation of their story?
Recommend Read.
Review copy provided by the Publisher,via NetGalley....more
Three books in and this is turning into a highly addictive series.This one pulled me in from the start and didn't let go...
Dominic and 4 Stars.
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Three books in and this is turning into a highly addictive series.This one pulled me in from the start and didn't let go...
Dominic and Levi are in a good place emotionally when the book opens.There are sweet moments and some seriously hot one's as well.After reading the blurb for book four (big mistake!), I kind of knew what to expect but that didn't make it any less dramatic and the further I got into the book,the more I read with growing trepidation.Having an idea of how things would play out and how they actually do are two very different things...
Career wise,
Dominic has just started a new job as a Private Investigator and the case he's assigned to of a missing women is about to test his resolve to it's very limits...
Levi is getting more and more frustrated with his inability to catch the elusive Seven of Spades killer and add into the mix an all out gang war on the streets of Las Vegas and he seems to be pulled in every direction and increasingly unable to spend so much time with Dominic...
Cordelia Kingsbridge has created some truly great couples in her stories and Dominic and Levi are no exception.These two men are just meant to be together.I adore them individually and together they are explosive,although definitely not always pretty.Both struggling with ever present demons from their pasts...will their love be enough?
Although it was important to the story I got a bit bored with the gang war aspect and kind of felt the Seven of Spades took a bit of a back seat here.Having said that the mystery surrounding his/her identity is building nicely and I'm more than a bit fascinated by the fixation with Levi.I've had my theory on who it is from book one and my opinion is still the same...
Seriously,September can't come soon enough...I'm completely enthralled by this series.
Highly Recommended.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley....more
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series but that didn't spoil my enjoyment here so this can be read as,a standalone.The char3.5
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I haven't read any of the previous books in this series but that didn't spoil my enjoyment here so this can be read as,a standalone.The characters from previous books (I'm guessing) fit perfectly into the story.
Spencer Bryant is a successful journalist and is lucky enough to get himself embedded with a Naval Seal Team.He is the ultimate professional and the last thing he's expecting is any kind of involvement with anyone but he hadn't bargained on temptation to be put in his way in the form of a hot as hell ace sharpshooter...
Bacon is used to being on the front line,something he lives for but a minor injury finds him having to take a step back and he's definitely not happy about having to look out for a journalist...
This one didn't exactly grab me but overall it was enjoyable,
-there's no denying the attraction between the two men,the pacing of their relationship was just right.
-the sex scenes are not overly descriptive but they didn't need to be here and they just worked for me.Sometimes a book can be very sexy without pages and pages of long drawn out scenes and I think the reason this worked for me was because the men had a believable chemistry.
-it took me a while to warm to Spencer but I absolutely loved Bacon and he's one of the reasons for my enjoyment here.
-a bit of drama,which I could totally see coming unfortunately.
Conclusion: I would recommend it,especially for fans of this series.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley....more
I read the sample of this and it certainly had me interested enough to request it....
A moder3 Stars.
The storm clouds were gathering for Beau...
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I read the sample of this and it certainly had me interested enough to request it....
A modern day take on Beauty and the Beast ?....kind of.
The story immediately sucked me in and there are definitely possitives and,sadly,negatives.
Beau is a music journalist looking for that big story. He's tired of just interviewing rock stars...he wants something more so when his Editor finds the story that will be the story of his life he doesn't hesitate.
Gabriel was at the top of his game.Hugely successful,in demand,desired by everyone but suddenly he disappeared .....and no one knows what's happened to him in a year...
When Beau finds Gabriel he isn't the person he was expecting at all...
I kind of loved this and was a bit indifferent,if that makes sense.The first half had me captivated enough to race through it until I got answers....unfortunately the answers weren't delivered well and while the outcome was a strong HFN, the last quarter was rushed and a bit unbelievable.
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley....more
Tobias was always a good boy,eager to please.When he was young he announced he was going to be a doctor so he could spend all his days with 3.5
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Tobias was always a good boy,eager to please.When he was young he announced he was going to be a doctor so he could spend all his days with his Papa.... What he hadn't expected was that,when he got older,it would be a given that he would follow in his Papa's footsteps and go into the medical profession.The pressure of expectations proves too much for him and his actions cause him to be admitted to The Woodbury Centre where he meets Church and Ghost who along with Tobias were introduced in book one.
After his treatment and back at home,life is still a struggle for Tobias.When he discovers a secret his adoptive parents have been keeping and when Ghost goes missing he moves out....he's determined to find Ghost whatever it takes.
Sullivan is a PI,working on a case when their paths cross.Could his case and Tobias's search for his friend be linked? And can these two men give each other what they need?
I found the plot quite complex at times and had to go back and read a few scenes more than once.I was terrified I was going to miss something vitally important.
Sullivan likes to dominate,something his previous partner wasn't really into to and Tobias didn't seem to know he had submissive tendacies until he met Sullivan. Unfortunately,I didn't feel the connection between them as regards to the D/s relationship and some of the sex scenes seemed too clinical for me...I wasn't getting any real emotions.In fact I enjoyed their relationship away from sex more.
Overall,it was ok and I'll definitely continue with the series because I absolutely adore Ghost....I simply cannot wait to meet the man who will tame him.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley...more
I've got to admit I really struggled to get into this and it wasn't until about half way that I started to enjoy it.I didn't,initially,warm 3.5
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I've got to admit I really struggled to get into this and it wasn't until about half way that I started to enjoy it.I didn't,initially,warm to either Hop or Rafe and I had no idea it had a BDSM element.
But,it's the Sassy Boyz with all their masculinity and feminine charm so I had to stick with it....
My absolute favourite thing...
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Hop grew up full of rage and rebellion after being ignored by his wealthy father and it certainly didn't help having a minder in Rafe,one of his father's men.Time after time Hop got into trouble and time after time Rafe was there for him....until the one time he really needed him he wasn't.
Rafe has his own agenda with Hop's father.Adrift at a young age he felt he had no where to turn to when Hop's father took him under his wing.But he's tired of dancing to someone else's tune and if he can just secure one last deal he will finally be in control of his own life.
Is fate about to intervene when the two men find themselves face to face again?
When Rafe watches the Sassy Boyz auditioning at his club one,in particular,catches his eye....a beautiful vision with pink hair,
But only one held Rafe’s attention. Pastel Princess. Cotton-candy queen.(...)
There's no doubt these two had explosive chemistry.The sex scenes(and there's a lot of them)are seriously hot.I definitely wasn't expecting the BDSM element which actually worked here for me.It's not all whips and chains,it's more D/s and I loved Rafe getting all bossy and demanding and in turn Hop's submissive nature sexually was totally believable.
Overall,enjoyable and recommended for fans of this series...
Review copy provided by the publisher,via NetGalley...more
It was amazing how one man’s life— and death— had changed the course of so many others’, leaving people as adrift as pieces of flotsa
5 + Stars
It was amazing how one man’s life— and death— had changed the course of so many others’, leaving people as adrift as pieces of flotsam on an angry sea.(...)
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I'm a huge fan of this Author and she's delivered something quite special here.I,like most people,have watched the news reports over the years,have seen coffins being brought home to distraught families.....casualties of war.You watch,you sympathize,you take a few minutes and you get on with your life.....never really imagining what those left behind go through.This book changed that for me.Melanie Hansen's portrayal of grief,through Trevor,was so incredibly moving it brought me to tears.
The story is told in two parts,before and after....
Before ,gives the reader an introduction to Riley.How,due to a wreckless encounter,Trevor is left to raise Riley from the age of 18.He sacrificed his late teens and twenties to be there and care for his son.Actually,sacrifice probably isn't the correct word....Trevor loved and cherished Riley and made a home for him packed full of love and memories.I loved Riley and read his introduction with so much trepidation because I knew what was going to happen.
After, I really can't put into words how the Author expressed Trevor's grief at losing Riley.It was raw,painful to read as his life fell apart as he struggled with every part of exsisting.
Jesse was Riley's best friend in every sense.With him in combat,there for him when it really mattered and in turn Riley was the one man Jesse could trust with his secrets.It wasn't just Trevor who lost Riley.....Jesse suffered as well.When Jesse turns up at Trevor's door with some personal belongings from Riley the two men slowly start to find comfort in each other.
Their story was quite beautiful.The progression of their relationship developed at exactly the right pace,nothing felt forced.Two men united in grief who formed a bond,a friendship,and found love in the most tragic circumstances.
This story will stay with me for a long time...
Review copy provided by Carina Press,via NetGalley....more
The blurb definitely had me exited.A gender fluid ballet dancer and a NFL player....just my thing.Unfortunately this did not live up 2.5 Stars.
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The blurb definitely had me exited.A gender fluid ballet dancer and a NFL player....just my thing.Unfortunately this did not live up to expectations.
The Story.
Victor is a Russian ballet dancer currently seeking asylum in the US.He's very vocal and passionate about gay rights,something he's not prepared to change.
Isaiah is a NFL player,preferring to live his life away from the public eye as much as possible.He lost his husband three years ago and is raising their adopted 14 year old son,Evan.He's terrified of going through the pain of loss again.
The two men hook up one night but Isaiah makes it very clear that's all it will be.When Victor is denied asylum Isaiah makes him an offer.....they will get married and have a marriage of convenience.No sooner said than done and off to Vegas they go!
Despite my rating this isn't a bad story but there is one issue that couldn't be overlooked.But,I'm going to start with what I liked,
-I really liked Victor,I thought he was a beautiful character inside and out and I absolutely loved how he bonded with Evan.
-Evan,I found him quite fascinating and would love to read his story when he's older.
-it's my first read by this Author and the writing style definitely worked for me.
Negatives,
-Victor is described in the blurb as being Brash,loud,and gender fluid.Firstly I really didn't consider him brash at all.He was loud in respect of his opinions but all he was doing was standing up for his beliefs.If I hadn't read the blurb for this there is absolutely no way I would have thought Victor was gender fluid.Wearing make up and one reference to lingerie DOES NOT make someone gender fluid.And his gender identity is never mentioned or discussed in the book.He came across as a slightly effeminate man and that's all.This is definitely a major issue as I'm sure a lot of people might be drawn to this book because of the blurb.
-I never really warmed to Isaiah and hated his treatment of Victor at times,he does redeem himself in the end but it was just a bit late for me.
Conclusion:
The blurb promised a lot but definitely didn't deliver.
Arc received from the publisher,via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
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