Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. The characters are believable and their conflict realistic. Dillon is out and proud, but he’s never had a real Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. The characters are believable and their conflict realistic. Dillon is out and proud, but he’s never had a real relationship. His life doesn’t allow much time for that. Tio is bisexual jumping from one woman’s bed to another, but never finding one who really draws him in. Dillon has always been a friend, but when they go on a cruise together, Tio discovers that there is a lot more to explore than “friendship”. Between fending off Dillon’s fans and Tio’s ex, there’s a lot going on for this cruise.
While I did enjoy the story, there was one thing for me that I questioned. Tio’s ex, Carole. I really would have loved to have seen her taken off in handcuffs. Something needed to be seriously done about her. I didn’t care for the way that seemed to be left hanging.
Recommendation: Recommended. This is a hot M/M romance with a satisfying ending.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” ...more
This was a short, quick read in the contemporary gay romance genre. It’s very much an Andrew Grey story - guy in trouble, another one comes to his resThis was a short, quick read in the contemporary gay romance genre. It’s very much an Andrew Grey story - guy in trouble, another one comes to his rescue. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad story. Not at all. I was very much invested in the story. The characters are realistic and the setting well-done. I loved that Cade helped Shelby out of a tough situation - and then continued to help him when he took on his four brothers and sisters. I also liked that his father eventually came around.
It’s a nice little romance and is a quick read you’re sure to enjoy. Recommended....more
The blurb for the book pretty much says it all. This is about two old friends, Chas who’s now a kindergarten teacher, and Gunner who’s a former Navy SThe blurb for the book pretty much says it all. This is about two old friends, Chas who’s now a kindergarten teacher, and Gunner who’s a former Navy SEAL. Chas is relaxing at home one evening when he hears gunshots and finds his neighbor dead on his doorstep curled around a two-year-old baby. Gunner takes the little girl in and calls for help in the form of an old friend. Gunner comes running and gets them out of immediate danger, but the killers follow them and they end up on the run. They get help from other SEALS and friends, but it’s a close call for the trio.
I had to laugh out loud at the picture of this big, burly SEAL taking on a two-year-old and changing diapers and cuddling her. I could just see him, through the author’s description, holding the little girl out at arm’s length, not quite sure what to do. That made the whole book for me right there.
As the trio is on the run from all sorts of bad guys, they realize that the “infatuation” they had as teens has turned into love, but there are issues—beyond the bad guys chasing them. Chas wants nothing to do with Gunner’s violent life and Gunner can’t give up what he is to be a teacher. The two come to an impasse of sorts and have to figure it all out—which they do. The tender love scenes are nice without being too hot and their emotions about each other and the baby come through strongly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Okay, not all the violence—I’m kind of with Chas on that one—but it definitely fit the story. And I am definitely going to read more from this author.
Recommendation: A hot Navy SEAL, a sweet schoolteacher, and a bouncy little girl in jeopardy—what could be better? Add in a HEA and you have an exciting book. Definitely recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” ...more
Aw, Rhys, you’ve done it to me again. Grabbed me from the first page and kept me going. There’s a reason why I love Rhys’s books – the characters are Aw, Rhys, you’ve done it to me again. Grabbed me from the first page and kept me going. There’s a reason why I love Rhys’s books – the characters are believable, the scenes and settings real, and the sarcasm never stops.
What I liked: The beginning is hilarious with a gun-toting, sheep-costume-wearing lothario and two attack dogs (one of which ends up licking Cole to bits). I loved the interplay between Cole and Dell (lady cop). And the angst that Jae and Ichi have for their husbands is very believable.
What I didn’t like: okay, I loved the story, but there was some repetitiveness that could have been cut. Still… it’s a grand story.
Recommendation: Even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, you won’t have trouble getting into this one. Everything is explained so you know who’s who and why. What do I recommend? Get them all, including this one. You won’t be sorry.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book. All comments are my own opinion. ...more
This is a story full of magic and vampires. The old empire has fallen into ruin and vampires and thralls are overrunning the land. Kaiden was once theThis is a story full of magic and vampires. The old empire has fallen into ruin and vampires and thralls are overrunning the land. Kaiden was once the village drunk. Now, he’s a thrall—servant to a vampire master and driven by his thirst for blood. And yet, he’s different from the other thrills. Unlike them, he still has a mind. When his master orders him to kill Johann, a vampire hunter, Kaiden resists the order. Johann sees this and realizes that Kaiden is not a mindless bloodsucker. He takes Kaiden back to his compound, much to the consternation of the other hunters. With Johann’s help, Kaiden breaks free from his master, but he can never be human again. However, he might be able to turn into something more—a vampire master. Kaiden and Johann set out to find out about the old empire and the old magics, and find much more along the way.
Things I liked: This isn’t your normal vampire story. It’s about a young man who was made into a slave, but he fights to retain a bit of his humanity. The characters are well-drawn, believable (yes, they’re vampires and hunters – but it’s a fantasy), and have issues. They’re good and bad, with hopes and dreams. The setting is detailed enough that you feel like you’re there without being overbearing. The author makes good use of all the senses. I liked the plot—the reasons for everything that happened. Yes, I’m being vague—I will not give away an author’s story—but the author set things up and followed those points in an acceptable manner. I liked the ending. It’s not a romance. There’s no HEA. But it’s a good ending—as good as it can be with what the author set up. And from the ending, I can believe there’s a chance for further stories in this universe.
Things I didn’t like: Honestly? I thought it was a little slow. And yet… everything that happened needed to happen.
Recommendation: This is an epic fantasy which means there’s a lot going on so don’t expect a quick read. If you’re up for a book that is long, has vampires, hunters, magic, and just a touch of romance, then this book is for you.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Lucas is a firefighter who lost his son and wife in a fire. His wife was running away from him because of his job. While working the fire at the motelLucas is a firefighter who lost his son and wife in a fire. His wife was running away from him because of his job. While working the fire at the motel, the other firefighters found them…along with Lucas’s brother (who survived but was injured). Lucas blames his brother Mark for everything and hasn’t spoken to him for three years. While clearing an area of wildfire, Lucas comes across Owen and a baby girl hiding out in a cabin. He does manage to save them, but realizes there’s something wrong. Owen and the baby disappear from the hospital before Lucas can ask them what’s wrong. Then he finds out. Owen is on the run from a gangster (Damien) who murdered baby Mia’s mother—Owen’s friend—in front of Owen in order to control him. Owen is supposed to testify at a trial against Damien, but he has to survive first—which isn’t easy since people in the marshal’s office and in the police department are on Damien’s payroll. The only person he can trust is Lucas.
This is the standard person in jeopardy trope, but that’s not a bad thing. There are lot’s of twists and turns along the way and internal and external conflicts galore. The characters are realistic and believable, the situations plausible, and the ending is satisfying. I love that when Lucas is hurt, he turns to the one person he stopped trusting—his brother. That was really good.
Things I liked: The characters. They are realistic and I love the dog and the baby combination, especially when she calls him B-bee (dog’s name is Bailey). Nicely done. I love that the brothers resolved their issues and that the bad guy gets his (okay, not really giving anything away. You know in this kind of story that’s going to happen!). I also like that the author gave me a bit of a surprise as to who was working for Damien. I didn’t expect what happened there (definitely not giving that away!). I loved the baby having the men wrapped around her little finger, and them accepting it. I liked the romance. It was sweet and developed slowly, though they were in constant danger. Both men had issues, but overcame them to build something worth having.
Things I didn’t like: Not much. It’s a sweet, standard romantic suspense story with lots of action, nastiness, happiness, and more.
Recommendation: Definitely recommend to anyone who likes M/M romantic suspense. Am going to find more books from this author as she has a good style and gives a satisfying read.
Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for providing this ARC in return for an honest review ...more
Sixteen-year-old Zeph’s junior year of high school isn’t the greatest. Yes, he’s on the cross-country team with his friend Connor, and yes, they “hookSixteen-year-old Zeph’s junior year of high school isn’t the greatest. Yes, he’s on the cross-country team with his friend Connor, and yes, they “hook up” any time they can, but those are things on the surface. Much deeper down, things aren’t quite so rosy, especially when his religious zealot parents find out he’s gay, and when his best friend Bronson returns from boarding school.
Watermarsh is a small town once renowned for its cranberry bogs, but now, it’s just a small town with not a lot going for it except secrets—a lot of secrets. Zeph’s father runs a road-repair business and his mother is heavily into her church—the kind of church where you don’t have gay sons. When Zeph comes out to his parents, they refuse to accept that. So they reach an agreement with Zeph. He doesn’t have to attend church (which he hates) as long as he doesn’t come out to anyone else and embarrass his mother. Their uncomfortable agreement lasts for a while. What they don’t know is that Zeph’s friend and teammate, Connor, and Zeph meet quite often, and not for team sports.
But Connor isn’t okay with being out. Not like Zeph. Zeph is his dirty little secret. Then Zeph’s old friend Bronson comes back from boarding school and Zeph discovers what life could be like if he wasn’t someone’s secret. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
This was a story full of the usual teen angst plus the added issues of being gay or bi, religious zealots, small town gossips, and suicide (a very small part of the story but it’s talked about as in the past). The author does a decent job of showing us Zeph’s issues and how he handles things. And there’s a definite HEA that satisfies completely.
One thing I absolutely loved – and laughed over—was the author’s use of non-swearing swear words for the coach (get your aspirin over here!). It’s a shame that only lasted for a page. The humor was a nice break from all the angst.
One thing that didn’t work for me… was that it was a little slow to get into, but once I did, this was a decent story that came out right in the end. Nicely done.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book—and not just to teens. The characters are well-constructed and believable, the setting works, and the issues are definitely handled well and in a way that makes you believe it could have happened that way. It’s a realistic look into teen life and all the things that can go wrong—or right. ...more
Danny Jones left his comfortable job in Houston to return home to the small town of Everness to help his mom who has cancer. In Houston, he was out anDanny Jones left his comfortable job in Houston to return home to the small town of Everness to help his mom who has cancer. In Houston, he was out and comfortable, but when he returns, he has to go back into the closet or risk the wrath of his abusive father. Then he meets Deputy Jake Perez, a new resident who is on the trail of a psychotic killer. They meet when Danny runs his truck into a disabled car (at a blind curve) and Jake saves his life. There is instant attraction, but Danny doesn’t dare do anything about it. Then the bodies start piling up and everything points to Danny.
This was a story that started intensely with the accident and subsequent explosion. And it didn’t let up.
The characters of Danny and Jake are three-dimensional with issues, both internal and external that makes them realistic. The secondary characters, especially the sheriff, are there as strong support rather than just background. There was a strong attraction between the two main characters and grew organically as the story moved forward. I loved Jake’s sensitivity to Danny’s wish to keep his father from finding out about them and Danny’s determination to help his mom even though all he wants to do is get away from his father.
Although it’s pretty obvious who is doing all the killing, it works for the story because this is a romantic suspense and not a solid murder mystery. The author does a good job of building the suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat when Danny disappears. Jake is the only one who believes Danny is still alive. Danny’s father is truly nasty—but the author introduces a bit of humanity to him when he realizes Danny is gone and everyone thinks he killed him. That was an interesting scene, well thought-out and well-done.
Details: the setting is a small town in Texas near Houston. But we really don’t know any details about it other than that – oh, and that there’s one bar in town. Still, the lack of details isn’t a big problem, but a little more would have been nice.
So… romance, suspense, murder, acceptance, and more combined to make a compelling read that keeps you turning the page. I definitely recommend this book. ...more
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