I can’t get enough of Sebastian and Anthony! But now I must accept that their story has finally reached its HEA.
It has been over two years since “BroI can’t get enough of Sebastian and Anthony! But now I must accept that their story has finally reached its HEA.
It has been over two years since “Bronwyn” and Anthony’s wedding, and they’ve been lucky their secret hasn’t been exposed. Sebastian and Anthony always knew their ploy would someday come to an end, but they hoped it would be on their OWN terms and not forced upon them. Someone wants Bronwyn out of the way and has gone so far as to attempt to frame “her” for practicing witchcraft…
I must first say I DID NOT like the “framing” plot at all! It just seemed too easy and underhanded, and once it was revealed who the instigator was, well, it made sense. But I still didn’t like it.
I LOVED the big, elaborate plan to get rid of Bronwyn...and the even more elaborate plot to get rid of the “bad guy”. I never wanted to see Bronwyn have to “die”, but I understand that the risk had finally become too great. And “even though she wasn’t real, what she represented had been.” There was no question what Anthony and Sebastian meant to each other, not in my mind anyway…
One of my favorite passages:
“Good Lord, no. Let me rest.”
Anthony rolled away. Sebastian heard him hunting through his clothes and he returned with a small pouch. “I want you to have this. It was made for you--not Bronwyn.”
Sebastian took the pouch and emptied its contents onto the palm of his hand. A heavy gold ring with a large green stone landed in his hand. “This is too much!”
Anthony took it and slid it onto the index finger of Sebastian’s left hand. “Nothing is too much for you, Sebastian. I meant what I said, while I love that you wear the ring from when you married me as Bronwyn, this is the ring Anthony would give Sebastian.
So you know how Anthony is always screwing up and having to apologize to Sebastian? Well, he still hasn’t learned his lesson! And Sebastian is still acting just as childish when he doesn’t get his way...but I think those are some of the things I’ve eventually grown to love about these two. I mean, if it was any different, then it wouldn’t be THE Anthony and Sebastian I know. So the point I’m trying to make here is that I’ve grown fond of the things I was annoyed by in the first book The Actor and the Earl, and even the second book Duty to the Crown. I have DEFINITELY enjoyed this series.
Is this the last we will see of Anthony and Sebastian? After reading the epilogue, which TOTALLY left me teary eyed, I believe their journey is complete. There’s always hope for James. ;) And I see there is a contemporary story about the 16th Earl of Crofton, Saving Crofton Hall, that I will be reading as soon as possible.
If you enjoyed the previous two books, it is very likely Forever Hold His Peace will be equally as enjoyable. If you haven’t tried this series at all, well, it’s a fun one!
I know I’m waaaaaaay late to the party when it comes to the SPECTR series! Why? I’ve been waiting for all six books to be released in this story arc bI know I’m waaaaaaay late to the party when it comes to the SPECTR series! Why? I’ve been waiting for all six books to be released in this story arc because I KNEW I would be hooked after reading the first one. Now I can devour them ALL without having to wait!
Surprisingly, I was somehow able to go into this first book knowing very little of what to expect or even what it was really about (I didn’t even read the blurb). I mean, I KNEW there were three main characters and one was named Gray...but I never expected it to be what it to be THAT way!!!!! WOW!!
First, there was A LOT going on in the beginning and I was REALLY confused. So many characters were being introduced and they were speaking of a world and terms I wasn’t familiar with. This is probably one of those instances where reading the blurb would have been beneficial. When I got to the possession scene when Gray moves into Caleb’s body...I had to read it four times before I realized what had happened. The voice change also threw me off too, but then all of a sudden everything clicked and I was like “OMG! THIS is Gray and this is INSANE and I have to keep reading!!” I NEED to know how Caleb/Gray is (are?) going to manage their new circumstances; I expect I’m going to LOVE Gray’s new human experiences. Plus, I want to learn more about this intriguing world that is nothing like anything I’ve ever read before.
Second, there was the mystery: who killed Caleb’s brother Ben? Nope, I didn’t exactly have it figured out but I never trusted those Fist of God crazies for even a second!
Third, there is a little bit of romance happening between Caleb/Gray and Special Agent John Starkweather! Not a lot, but it certainly has the potential of going somewhere great. And how will Gray fit into this relationship?
Did you ever read any Choose Your Own Adventure books when you were a kid? I did and repeatedly borrowed Who Killed Harlowe Thrombey? from the school Did you ever read any Choose Your Own Adventure books when you were a kid? I did and repeatedly borrowed Who Killed Harlowe Thrombey? from the school library until the book was falling apart. Stranger Things Have Happened is an adult and deliciously kinky sort of choose your own adventure story...more specifically it is An Adrien English Write Your Own Damn Story. Yes, Adrien is back and he’s surely to get himself into trouble!
I’ve actually had the paperback version of this book sitting on my bookshelf since it first released and am just now getting around to reading it for Josh Lanyon Week here at the blog. I even read from both versions, the print and the electronic, and found that I prefer the print copy since it felt more interactive.
So about the story: It’s basically a redo of the first Adrien English book, Fatal Shadows, revolving around the “Who Killed Robert Hersey?” plot...when Adrien first meets Jake. Of course the story goes in many different and hilariously crazy directions. Seriously, I was laughing out loud with every page. There’s pirates and tentacles and table sex...and much more with many different endings! But mostly it’s all in good fun for those who love this series and these characters. I don’t think a reader unfamiliar with Adrien would quite enjoy it as much as someone who has read all five books in the series.
Like other Chose Your Own Adventure books, the story is written in second person POV. YOU become part of the story and it’s up to YOU where to take it next. The POV did take me a little time to get used to at first, but it made it even funnier when outrageous things were happening to ME. For example: suddenly, I found myself being fucked by Jake on his kitchen table...and then he cooked me breakfast the next morning!
Also, I have to applaud Catherine Dair for her wonderful artwork on the cover and the few within the pages. It’s nice finally getting to see someone elses vision of Adrien and Jake.
OhMyGod! This series is so much fun! I absolutely love Sebastian and Anthony even though I want to strangle them both most of the time!!
Don’t forget: OhMyGod! This series is so much fun! I absolutely love Sebastian and Anthony even though I want to strangle them both most of the time!!
Don’t forget: The Actor and the Earl must first be read in order to appreciate Duty to the Crown.
Sebastian has been pretending to be Bronwyn, the wife of Anthony (Lord Crofton), for over year and things get a little sticky when Sebastian finds himself being pursued by TWO siblings at the same time. Ha! I loved the whole spin on this since Anthony was originally meant to be the pursuer of the young lady, and Sebastian had to suffer with his jealousy while Anthony flirted with other woman. But when the tables turned and Sebastian AND “Bronwyn” was fending off advances, I was dying with laughter at Anthony’s jealousy and Sebastian’s discomfort! Anthony finally got a taste of his own treatment and I loved every minute of it.
The whole plot with the “duty” to the Queen was a bit outrageous, but I think you have to go into this series being completely open to the ridiculousness of it. I mean, Sebastian is pretending to be a woman 75% of the time and NO ONE has figured it out!
Sebastian and Anthony are just as yummy as ever. Maybe even more so since they are obviously in love and have eyes for no other. The dancing scene was totally intense! But one of my favorite scenes was when Anthony got frisky with Sebastian at court. OhMyHotness! Plus, I can’t get enough of their playful banter and squabbles.
I was a bit disappointed in the beginning that this book wasn’t told from Anthony’s POV. I at first thought that would have been a refreshing change to the series, but in the end, I agree that the happenings of this story was best told from Sebastian’s POV. I’m still holding out hope that I will eventually be gifted with something from Anthony. :)
I will be starting Forever Hold His Peace as soon as possible! I NEED more Sebastian and Anthony and can’t wait to see if they finally decide to get rid of “Bronwyn”. I don’t want her to go anywhere!
Well THIS was an unexpected surprise!! How have I never heard of this book before last week? Could it be because it has a string of pearls and (what IWell THIS was an unexpected surprise!! How have I never heard of this book before last week? Could it be because it has a string of pearls and (what I am assuming) a riding crop on the cover instead of two bare chested men?! Hmpf. It deserves some love no matter what’s on the cover!
I must admit that I wasn’t quite sold on the story in the very beginning because the POV changes were too frequent…even though they were clearly marked. But as soon as I realized that Daniel couldn’t stand Michael, causing Michael to pursue Daniel all that much more determinedly, I was hooked. I mean, at first, Daniel hated everything about Michael, so it was perfect when Daniel’s cousin Jane forced him to “make nice” with Michael. Of course, Daniel still didn’t hide his distain for Michael and was quick to remind Michael of that every chance he got. Then Michael kisses him, and well, Daniel is none too pleased! Ha!
Okay, so clearly Daniel is an asshole…or is he? Maybe he’s just trying to protect his heart? Or maybe he just needs the right man to put him in his place. Either way, once Daniel finally gives in to Michael’s advances…OH MY GOD! Umm, so they have A LOT of hot sex…slightly kinky hot sex, but nothing too shocking. But still!! I was surprised by the intensity.
AND THEN…Daniel totally surprises me with his determination to keep Michael and with the things he’s wiling to risk. sigh So what that Daniel kind of screws up, he totally makes up for it in the end!! Yeah, yeah, so what that the ending is sooooo melodramatic, it was a hard won HEA.
Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon never fail to create an enjoyable story with characters that are easy to fall in love with.
The idea of this story is realBonnie Dee and Summer Devon never fail to create an enjoyable story with characters that are easy to fall in love with.
The idea of this story is really quite sad! Bloody and beaten and rejected by his religious family, Jonah finds himself in awe of the traveling carnival. He figures it is the perfect opportunity to get away and start a new life. Rafe, the carnival manager, agrees to give Jonah a chance to find his place among the other members. Of course, Jonah and Rafe won’t be able to keep their hands off each other for long...and Rafe is running from his own demons.
The Setting: This is probably the fourth book I’ve ever read that’s set within a traveling carnival. There’s just something about that lifestyle, never settling in one place, yet constantly with the same “family” of people, that intrigues me. The authors did a wonderful job creating that spectacular illusion of something that’s so grand in the dark, yet dusty and mucky come the light of day.
Secondary Characters: Then there was all the unique characters. From the freaks to the performers to the barkers. I have my favorites and I have the ones that I hated. But what stands out is they all had their own voices and purposes in the story.
The Mystery: There were actually two little mysteries taking place here. The primary mystery was obviously who is vandalizing the carnival, which I didn’t figure out...although I didn’t try all that hard. The other, and most intriguing, was the mystery that IS Rafe. What is he running from? How does he REALLY feel about Jonah? THAT is what kept me turning the pages.
Romance: *sigh* Jonah and Rafe were yummy together. I loved how Jonah turned out to be a bit more experienced at sex than Rafe, although Rafe was more experienced with keeping his distance and protecting his heart. YES, I wanted to grab Rafe and shake him by his shoulders MANY times! I just wanted him to SEE Jonah right in front of him and everything that Jonah had to offer. Eventually...he did. :)
The Ending: I mostly loved the ending; it’s a pretty solid HFN. I just wanted to see more of the reunion between Jonah and Rafe. I DID love the new direction the carnival crew plan to take and I could totally read more about these guys!
Now that’s more like it! After the crazy cliffhanger ending of Walkabout, Dingo Run picks up right where things left off. I hate to spoiler too much bNow that’s more like it! After the crazy cliffhanger ending of Walkabout, Dingo Run picks up right where things left off. I hate to spoiler too much but someone from Mark and Jim’s past shows up to get them out of the “situation” just in time…and then its back to life on the run for the lovers.
A new thing I really liked about this installment is that it’s entirely told from Mark’s POV this time. You’ll quickly see why that is…or why I suspect it’s told from his POV instead of Jim’s like the previous two stories. Anyway, I totally see Mark in a different way now! This one even had a bit of humor and it was hilarious seeing a jealous Jim!
This story also delves more into the mysteries of Mark’s preternatural strength. I TOTALLY did expect it to go in THAT direction…but I’m intrigued.
Dingo Run easily redeems this series after my slight disappointment in Walkabout. There was story and romance, and of course there was sex…but it wasn’t ALL sex!
The beauty of the Australian setting is back…and so is the beauty of Mark and Jim’s love for each other. I do hope the wait isn’t long before I can find out where these two head next on their journey.
Walkabout picks up just a few days after the end of The Billabong. Jim is trying to get used to his new life on the run with Mark and soon discovers aWalkabout picks up just a few days after the end of The Billabong. Jim is trying to get used to his new life on the run with Mark and soon discovers a new side to his lover that he's not so sure he likes. Is Jim going to stick with Mark for the long haul?
Okay, I REALLY enjoyed the first book, The Billabong, and even gave it 4 stars. It was such a beautiful little story. But, for me, Walkabout doesn't quite live up to my expectations.
On one hand, there was just too many different things going on for a short story: Jim and Mark rescued an injured man, held up a family wagon, worked as drovers for a few weeks and got into a bar fight that left them in a bit of a predicament at the end...all the while having sex every time they could chance it. There was almost more sex than story, and what story existed, was more scattered than cohesive. There's even hints of paranormal thrown into the mix.
On the other hand, I love the danger and excitement between Jim and Mark. I love the commitment that they've made to each other knowing that they could both meet their end tomorrow. And I even liked the crazy WhatTheFuck ending...now I HAVE to read the next installment of their adventure.
Morticia Knight’s work has been on my radar for a while now and when I read the blurb for Hesitant Heart, I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, Morticia Knight’s work has been on my radar for a while now and when I read the blurb for Hesitant Heart, I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, once I started, I immediately realized it wasn’t a book for me.
Why?
After one day of meeting each other, and when I say “meeting” I mean speaking to each other and having a conversation and not just looking at each other from across the bathhouse… So, after ONE DAY Sam and Aaron are both declaring long lasting commitments to each other…and they hardly even know each other!!!
For example:
“I’ll always stay with you. I told you that yesterday.” ~ Sam
Umm, yes, “yesterday” was the day they met.
“That’s all I ever want to do. I plan on devoting my life to your happiness and well-being.” ~ Aaron
Umm, yeah, I was done after that last bit…at 38%. Surprisingly I made it that far into the book. The relationship was progressing so swiftly, yet the story was moving so slowing and hardly ANYTHING had happened by 38%…except for Sam’s eagerness to have Aaron teach him all about sex and erotic pain.
Then there was the pet names, which I can usually forgive, but at this point the situation was so unbelievable that I was beyond annoyed.
“Little Sam. My sweet, little Sam. All mine.” ~ Aaron
I didn’t see myself ever believing in Sam and Aaron’s relationship so I didn’t see any reason for me to continue on with this book.
I’m always quick to say how I’m not a fan of stories featuring established couples, but earlier this year I read Mighty Casey on a whim and it ended uI’m always quick to say how I’m not a fan of stories featuring established couples, but earlier this year I read Mighty Casey on a whim and it ended up being a lot of crazy fun. So when I saw the sequel, Home Run, was coming out, I immediately added it to my TBR list. BUT…since it is an established couple book, I let it sit there unread for a few months. Silly me!
Home Run picks up Casey and Nate’s story about a year after Mighty Casey. They’ve been living the happy married life but both men realize something might be missing. Now it’s that time of year for Nate’s big family reunion and he’s not looking forward to seeing all the happy little families his sisters have created. But Casey just might have the perfect surprise for Nate’s reunion gift.
Okay, I admit, this story was just as adorable as the first one. There is no angst between Casey and Nate’s relationship, just sweet, sexy fun.
He pressed a kiss to the underside of Nate’s jaw. “Thank you.” Nate cocked his head, curious. “For what?” “If I had time, love, I’d make a list.” Casey looked up at Nate, watching the lights in his eyes as he’d watched the stars in the sky. “But mostly just for being you.”
The first book featured a day at the ball field, this story takes us to Nate’s family home where we find out that he had a very interesting childhood. Of course the whole story was equally outrageous, but it kept a smile on my face through the entire book. Nate’s family was HILARIOUS, along with his mom and two dads. And Swayze was a bit of a creeper.
I found myself VERY interested in Eamon…a prospective in-law. I would LOVE to read his and Zeke’s story…if it ever existed.
In the end, this a wonderful followup to Nate and Casey’s HEA…and the beautiful ending left me a little teary eyed.
When Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee collaborate, those books ALWAYS land on the top of my must read list!
The Bohemian and the Banker begins in 1901 ParisWhen Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee collaborate, those books ALWAYS land on the top of my must read list!
The Bohemian and the Banker begins in 1901 Paris...a bit different from what I’m used to reading from these two authors, but no less wonderful. What immediately caught my interest when I skimmed the blurb was “singer dressed in an elegant gown” and “virgin”. Who can resist that!!?
Nigel, a virgin banker from London on business in Paris, finds himself the target of a prank when he ends up alone at a drag cabaret. Completely scandalized, Nigel is more intrigued than he could possibly admit to himself. The beautiful singer on stage is a MAN and Nigel is burning with curiosity...it's the perfect opportunity for Nigel to pursue his hidden desires. Jean Michel, er, Jay invites Nigel back to his overcrowded apartment where they spend the night under the stars and lights of Paris discovering each other. Then the sun rises and it's time for Nigel and Jay to go back to their everyday lives...in different countries AND separate societies.
The Setting: I loved the setting and the beautiful imagery. Of course, I’ve never been to Paris, but the authors totally took advantage of the atmosphere and culture and I could easily image the rooftop scene and the Paris Exposition in 1901. Gah...the Ferris wheel!!
The Romance: I really liked Nigel and Jay together. Yes, they fell for each other pretty fast, but I think their initial reactions to each other were fairly believable. I’m always a huge fan of virgins and self discovery and I was quickly drawn into Nigel and Jay’s whirlwind romance.
The Miscommunications: I think this is what caused me to disconnected from the story. At first, neither MC was expecting much from the other MC, and then all of a sudden they were making long term, LIFE CHANGING plans for each other without ever discussing those plans!! I was very frustrated with this because, a this point, they didn’t feel like the characters I thought I knew.
The Crossdressing: So supposedly, Jay not only enjoys his cabaret performances, but he loves putting on makeup and dressing in silky, lacy things. In fact he NEEDS this….it’s a part of him, yet when he is in London staying with Nigel, none of these desires are explored. THEN all of a sudden Jay needs to go back to France because he misses all of this in his life and it isn’t safe to express himself in London. I think this whole plot thread could have been used much more prominently throughout the story and would have had a larger and sexier meaning.
The Ending: I loved that Nigel and Jay were able to figure it all out in the end, and even though one of them had to make a HUGE life change, I feel that there were to many small things missing along their journey for me to fully appreciate their HEA.
Why is it that the best books are always the hardest to review? That’s exactly how I feel about Semper Fi! It’s been a few weeks now since I read it aWhy is it that the best books are always the hardest to review? That’s exactly how I feel about Semper Fi! It’s been a few weeks now since I read it and I’m still not any closer to figuring out how to review it as I was then!
It’s like this:
Sometimes when you read a book and every single word just touches that perfect place inside you. And you can’t stop thinking about it..for days...even weeks after you read the last word… Yeah, it’s like that.
Go ahead and read the blurb; it does a wonderful job setting up the story.
Now, I’m just going to randomly list out a few thoughts because there is absolutely no way I can form coherent and gibberish-free paragraphs…
Yes, this is a 1940s historical love story, but honestly it hardly felt like a historical at all. Every bit of it is still relevant today: hardship, war, heartbreak, fear, religion, homophobia... I do think some of the verbiage was not 100% accurate to the time period, but I don’t care!! How it made me FEEL is the only thing that matters!!!
I loved how it alternates between telling the story of Jim and Cal’s friendship beginning in 1942 during WWII, and then back to present day 1948 when Cal moves to help Jim on the apple orchard...when their love for each other is finally revealed and consummated. My initial thought was “oh, please don’t let the entire book be like this!” But by the third chapter I understood that was EXACTLY how Cal and Jim’s story deserved to be told. Plus, the transitions were perfectly seamless.
Cal and Jim...gah! The power of their friendship. The reality of their love. The things those two meant to each other. The things they RISKED for each other. Gah! I don’t have the words… They are all spilt out in the pages of this book. Semper Fidelis. “Always Faithful” indeed.
Seasons Pass is a short, free read for all those Murdo and David fans out there from the Enlightenment Trilogy. The story takes place just before the Seasons Pass is a short, free read for all those Murdo and David fans out there from the Enlightenment Trilogy. The story takes place just before the second book Beguiled and gives us a little peak at what Murdo was up to right before he traveled back to Edinburgh…two years after he last saw David.
This is very short and takes less than half an hour to read, but I enjoyed getting inside Murdo’s head for once! And boy did he choose and interesting place to visit! No, David doesn’t make an appearance in this story, but he spends a lot of time in Murdo’s thoughts!! Gah! I wish I had time to reread this series…it’s one of my FAVORITES!!!!
So, while Murdo is at this “interesting place”, he comes to a realization of what he MUST do next. He also encounters Captain Iain Sinclair, who makes a brief appearance in the second book. Looks like he’s all set up for his own book soon and I can’t wait to read more about him…and James?
If you haven't read the Enlightenment Trilogy yet, GAH you are missing so much! Start with Provoked.
The Billabong is the first short novella in the Bushrangers series and tells the story of two men in the AuI am completely in love with Jim and Mark!!
The Billabong is the first short novella in the Bushrangers series and tells the story of two men in the Australian Outback in 1875.
While building a fence to organize his cattle, widower Jim Kelly is bitten by a venomous snake. Mark Turner, a stranger, just happens to be there in the right place at the right time to save Jim's life. Once Jim is back on his feet, Mark is determined to stay along for a while until Jim gets over his weaknesses and help him at his camp. But Jim is starting to look at Mark in a way he has never looked at another man...and Mark's past is soon to catch up with him.
A few thoughts:
The setting was beautiful with the billabong and the indigenous plants and animals. I could easily imagine every detail.
It's heavy on Australian verbiage...thankfully there is a nice glossary at the beginning of the story. I still had to look up a few words though.
I loved the slow burning attraction between Jim and Mark. I did get a slight sense of D/s with the bondage in the first sex scene and Mark's forcefulness in the second. I'm curious to see if anything comes of this in the later stories.
I hate that the story was so short because I wanted to see more of that sexual build up and of Jim further accepting what he and Mark were doing together. But even with it being so short, I did find their "love" for each other easily believable...I just wanted to see more of them falling for each other.
There was a bit of suspense that I never saw coming and I found that to be an interesting twist to the story.
Even though it ended with a HFN, it still left me with a huge smile on my face. I'm looking forward to reading more about Jim and Mark in the next story Walkabout.
A Time For Loving is a historical short story of two lovers who survived the tragedies of war. After losing his hand, Christopher, the second son of A Time For Loving is a historical short story of two lovers who survived the tragedies of war. After losing his hand, Christopher, the second son of a baron, returns home to recuperate. When he awakens, he discovers that his lover Jack has not left his side. In order to stay together without raising suspicions, Jack takes on the tasks of Christopher's valet.
This story was too short! It's really more like a snippet of what could have been a longer, much better developed romance. Like…if it would have shown how Jack and Christopher discovered each other, their first time together, how they fell in love, Christopher's injury and recovery, and more about Christopher's uncle. Oh, the POSSIBILITIES!!
Anyway, I think the story fit well with the time period and I enjoyed some of the dialects. I didn't find the sex scene all that hot and spicy...but I think that's because I prefer lots of sexual tension and I just wasn't all that attached to characters either. I loved the ending and it put a huge smile on my face.
Like I said, this was a short story...and it serves its purpose. But I still think it has amazing potential for being expanded into a novel, maybe even a LONG novel. Jack and Christopher have a lot of story there to tell!!!!
I just love a good M/M regency romance! Even though I HATE the ton, I love this time period where the only things important are self image and social I just love a good M/M regency romance! Even though I HATE the ton, I love this time period where the only things important are self image and social relationships.
I’m not going to rehash, the blurb…it does a good job setting up the story, but One Indulgence is your typical gay regency with all the common happenings:
1. Man has responsibility to provide an heir 2. Man visits brothel 3. Man falls for another man 4. Man denies love for other man 5. Man is betrothed to other man’s sister 6. Man comes to his senses and they all live happily ever after
…think of classic “Ava March” without all the kinks…
So, I don’t think the story actually provides anything new to historical romance, yet I loved every minute of it!
Why?
♦ The first 20% was VERY sexually intense! Ohmygod! The whole secret identity-first-time-virgin bit hit all my buttons. And the chemistry between Henry and Richard was spot on.
♦ It would have been too easy to dislike both Henry and Richard; they both had their faults and made stupid decisions. But it was those imperfections that had me loving them so much…screwing up and then having to fix their screw ups. It did get angsty there for a bit, and I wanted to slap Henry VERY hard…but he was able to redeemed himself nicely.
♦ It should have been hard for me to believe that Henry and Richard loved each other after only one night together and with all the mistrust, but somehow the author made me believe it. I’m such a sucker.
“What I am going to do is simple,” Richard continued. “I am going to win you.” “W-what?” Henry balked. “I am going to win you. Convince you.” Henry shuddered as Richard leaned against him, his warm lips grazing over Henry’s ear. “I am gong to court you, Lord Brenleigh.”
♦ There were so many great secondary characters that were hard for me not to love…like Anne, Julian and even Sam. (I NEVER saw that twist with Sam coming!) I did think it was odd to get some of their POVs at random times, but somehow it worked. Now I can’t wait for Julian and Sam to get a HEA. My question is: Will Julian and Sam get a HEA together?
In the end, nothing new, but I’m one who could still read this same story over and over again. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series!
Precious Metals is set around the same time period as Noble Metals, during the Klondike Gold Rush, but can be read completely as a stand alone.
Paul BPrecious Metals is set around the same time period as Noble Metals, during the Klondike Gold Rush, but can be read completely as a stand alone.
Paul Benson fled from his Canadian home and found himself working as a constable for the North-West Mounted Police just below Chilkoot Pass. When prospectors return with a half frozen man with a fake leg, Paul volunteers to help warm him. When Joseph awakens, he’s anxious to return to Dawson City to rescue his kidnapped younger brother. But the journey is too risky, especially for a crippled man without any money or provisions; he will never make it alive. Paul suggests traveling south to Juneau and somehow catching an airship to Dawson City to get there safer and faster. Before he knows it, Paul has been “volunteered” to escort Joseph and ensure he safely makes it onto one of those airships…you can imagine what happens along the way.
I really enjoyed this story. I happen to love the “gold rush” theme and the modest steampunk aspects are especially a plus.
The Romance: It’s told in alternate first person POVs from Paul and Joseph, so I got the chance to get right into the heads of both characters. They are easily likable and it wasn’t hard for me cheer them on. There was some good sexual tension and I always have a soft spot for first time/self discovery type stories. I do think their commitments to each other happened a bit too fast for almost strangers, but I’m mostly okay with that since it kinda worked for the stressful situation they were in.
The Adventure: The majority of the story covers Paul and Joseph’s journey from Chillkoot Pass to Dawson City. There are some scary, exciting moments here and there, but I think a lot of it lacked intensity. I was most worried when they were trying to get on the airship, and even that was resolved very easily.
The Steampunk: This book, along with Noble Metals, is fairly light on the steampunk. There are the mechs, airships and a few other gadgets, but it’s nothing heavy or difficult to follow. I do think the “idea” of the mechs was better explained in Noble Metals and may be a tiny bit confusing for readers not already familiar with them. But since the mechs aren’t a huge part of this story, it shouldn’t be a problem.
My Question: How did Paul plan to return to Chilkoot Pass? No way could he have safely made it back via Skagway.
I do hope there will be more books from this universe. There just aren’t enough gold rush romances out there right now.
Imagine this: It’s late January 2013 and Rhys Ford sends me a text message telling me that I MUST read this book called Widdershins. Widder-what? And Imagine this: It’s late January 2013 and Rhys Ford sends me a text message telling me that I MUST read this book called Widdershins. Widder-what? And eww, it’s HISTORICAL!! At the time, I was in such a pathetic book funk that I was willing to give something new a try, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m even willing to go so far as to say that Whyborne and Griffin are majorly responsible for my subsequent obsession with M/M historical romance…and Jordan for being the master creator of one of my top all time favorite couples. I guess I also need to give Rhys a little credit here too.
If you are familiar with this series, then you know that the clever titles always give a big clue to the focus of the book. Bloodline. It says it all. It uncovers unimaginable family secrets on the Endicott side and reveals that there is more to the town of Widdershins than anyone ever knew…and I really can’t say much more without giving away all kinds of spoilers. I would rather give you the chance to be like me screaming “ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod” every other other chapter or “no, Whyborne, don’t do THAT”!!
Bloodline is definitely my favorite book in the entire series…so far.
It seems to me that everything that has happened so far in this series, are only smaller pieces setting up the big revelation that occurs here in Bloodline. And every bit of it holds more importance now than it appeared to at the time. Seriously, think about everything you know about Whyborne and his family and throw it out the window. Then think about all those subtle things that have come up that seemed too easily explained and coincidental . There! Those are the clues!! Ha! I’m not even making sense anymore… My mind is blown!!
Let me try and simplify my thoughts:
The Mystery: Wow, it just amazes me how thought out and tight this was. The mysteries and the prophecies were so completely intertwined that I could not even come up with a decent suspect, besides predict how it would all come to an end. And it all fit perfectly with the previous books.
The Creatures: Well, as usual, I can’t say what they are, but ohmygod!! Freaky! And beautiful at the same time.
The Sorcery: In the two years since Whyborne discovered sorcery, he’s been studying to learn more and more spells and expand his powers…disregarding all the discouragement from Griffin. When Whyborne starts spiraling out of control, it will always be Griffin there to bring him back.
“…What if…what if there is some darkness in me? Something terrible inside? “Then we’ll face it together.” Griffin touched my face with one hand, fingers tender. Finding the hotter wetness of tears amidst the cold rain. “You are the love of my life.”
The Romance: I ♥ Whyborne and Griffin, and I LOVE when Whyborne gets all dominant and toppy! But ohmygod these two had my stomach in knots!! I knew they would work everything out, but still…
The Ending: Well THAT was totally tear worthy!! I had to read the last scene twice because I could hardly read through my tears the first time. Just a sec, I’m going to go read it one more time.
What’s next? Looks like book six will be titled Hoarfrost. I do hope that is a clue that Whyborne and Griffin…and Christine will be taking a trip to the Yukon!
When the request came in for me to review this book, I immediately said “no way”. For one, it is contemporary and let’s just say that contemporary romWhen the request came in for me to review this book, I immediately said “no way”. For one, it is contemporary and let’s just say that contemporary romance hasn’t been my thing for over a year. Second, it’s self-published by a brand new author. Yikes!! Now, I know there are many readers out there who love to give new, undiscovered authors a try, I’m just not one of them. Oh, I’ve chanced it many times and can honestly say that’ve I’ve found some great ones. Out in the Open just happens to be one of those great ones.
I immediately connected with the main character Ethan Follett. He’s socially awkward and more focused on his academics than making friends with the cool kids. He actually reminded me a bit of myself when I was in college. But when he shows up late on the first day of Constitutional Law, Ethan gets stuck sitting by the biggest distraction of his life: “fraternislut” Greg Sanderson. Before he knows it, Ethan is having super-secret-public-sexcapades with Greg all over campus. The problem? Greg swears he is straight.
Okay, this isn’t a real complicated story and the majority of it is fairly predictable: closets, drunken frat parties, cliquish drama. But it hit all my weakness in all the right places: virgins, out for you, self discovery. And the sex was crazy hot…I think it was all the risky, public sex that did it for me. Ethan and Greg were very creative.
The story is told from Ethan’s POV, so obviously I get to know him a lot better than Greg. Greg is a bit of an enigma and Ethan struggles to uncover the real Greg. I thought it was pretty obvious what Greg was hiding, but it truly endeared him to me more. I did think that the ending was a little rushed and the resolution a bit too easy. I wanted to see all that “stuff” that happened between the last chapter the epilogue dammit! Gah! I’m greedy like that.
In the end, the author has done of wonderful job of bringing campus life…well, to life. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Psst, I already know whose story it will tell. :)
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