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June 27th, 2011
 Love Ahead: Expect Delays by Astrid Amara
Publisher: Loose-ID
Genre: LGBT Contemporary, M/M, Erotic
Length: Novella
Summary:
A “Not Quite Christmas” Story
Austin thinks driving a 1989 Geo Spectrum fourteen hundred miles in the middle of winter is a bad idea. But he would never forgive himself if the man he loved, Zach Roth, got himself killed in Idaho, so he agrees to go.
Besides, he has something to prove. He wants Zach to know it’s more than just Zach’s deliciously wicked body he adores. And if it takes spending Hanukkah in Zach’s grandma’s old hatchback to prove it, then so be it.
Ever the optimist, Zach believes everything will turn out for the best. But bad weather, robberies, blown gaskets, run-ins with the police, and motel bedspreads of questionable cleanliness seem to conspire against them, and they may need eight days of miracles just to keep each other…and their romance…alive.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
K.B.’s Review:
Love Ahead: Expect Delays by Astrid Amara is a light-hearted and sexy little novella. A simple favor turns into an adventure laden road trip from Washington to Colorado that proves to be a turning point in Zach and Austin’s six month relationship.
Zack Roth is an optimistic and good natured man. He has the remarkable ability to find the silver lining no matter how awful the situation. He has a wonderful relationship with his extended family, and he is eager for them to meet the new man in his life. Zach’s has been burned by past lovers, and he is taking a slow and cautious approach with Austin. The various mishaps that occur on their journey prove to be a defining moment for Zach’s doubts and insecurities.
Austin Jenker is pretty much Zack’s opposite in looks and personality. A big man, he is nonetheless, a gentle and caring lover who is crazy for Zach. Austin is a man of action whose willingness to use violence to prove a point does not sit well with the non confrontational Zack. The road trip highlights this fundamental difference between them and Austin realizes his anger issues could derail their relationship.
Love Ahead: Expect Delays Astrid Amara is a refreshing story about an established couple. The problems between Austin and Zack are realistic, and they deal with them in a mature and believable manner. While some of the escapades that Zack and Austin face are a trifle improbable, Love Ahead: Expect Delays is such a fun and well-written book it is easy to suspend belief and enjoy the ride.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas K.B.!
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Posted in 4 Divas, Astrid Amara, contemporary, Erotic, K.B., Loose Id, Love Ahead: Expect Delays, m/m | No Comments »
May 25th, 2011
 The Ship Engineer (Workplace Encounters #3) by Serena Yates
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary, M/M
Length: 164 pages
Summary:
Can a straight-laced ship engineer and a happy-go-lucky musical dancer find enough common ground to discover a future together?
Nathan Kappas is a ship engineer who prefers the predictability of machines to people. He has just been promoted to second engineer on a mid-size cruise ship, hoping to become first engineer within the next few years. During his first day on his new ship, the Sapphire, he runs into his new crew mate Harper Quade, a musical dancer who is full of life and is very good with people.
Nathan has no idea what has hit him, but the attraction is immediate and they quickly become inseparable. But then Harper’s abusive ex-boyfriend appears and threatens everything they have achieved together…
K.B’s Review:
The Ship Engineer by Serena Yates is a deliciously sweet yet incredibly sexy read.
Nathan Kappas and Harper Quade are multi-dimensional life-like characters, and they are absolutely perfect for one another. Nathan is career oriented without much of a social life, and he is a tad bit lacking in the people skills department. Harper, on the other hand, is outgoing and gregarious. The two men’s strengths compliment the other’s weaknesses. Nathan and Harper begin to see themselves in a different and more positive light which in turn gives them added confidence.
The setting of the cruise ship is romantic and adds to The Ship Engineer’s appeal. Ms Yates wonderful descriptions of the places the ship docks are vibrant and informative. The behind the scenes view of the inner workings of a cruise ship is interesting and enlightening.
The Ship Engineer by Serena Yates’ is a charming novel and an unexpected surprise will delight readers. Nathan and Harper’s uncomplicated romance is refreshing and extremely romantic. The Ship Engineer is an outstanding addition to the Workplace Encounter series.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 4 Divas, contemporary, GLBT, K.B., m/m, Serena Yates, Silver Publishing, The Ship Engineer | No Comments »
May 25th, 2011
 Back Home by RJ Scott
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Erotic, Contemporary
Length: 256 pages
Summary:
Kieran Addison ran to London six years before when his attraction to his brothers lover, Jordan Salter, became too much to handle. He has only returned home once, and that was for his own brother’s funeral.
When his dad becomes ill, he finally returns home for good, to take over the family business. He has to face the man that Jordan has become and the attraction between them that has never diminished.
Resentment and regret build, but when Addison Construction takes on a make or break renovation project, the two men are forced to work alongside each other to save the company.
K.B’s Review:
A full spectrum of emotions quickly draws the reader into Back Home, RJ Scott’s latest novel. Grief, anger, resentment, regret and ultimately, joy, all play a role in this compelling love story.
There is a long and rather complicated history between Kieran Addison and Jordan Salter, and Back Home begins right in the middle of it with Kieran’s return home. Ms. Scott skillfully unveils past events through the eyes of Kieran and Jordan which provides terrific insight into both characters. Startling revelations of previous events help to diffuse some of the anger and guilt harbored by both men.
Jordan’s relationship with Kieran’s brother, Brad, was realistically portrayed and gives the reader a deeper understanding of Jordan’s guilt. It was also refreshing that the family recognized Brad’s faults but loved and supported him in spite of them.
While Kieran’s solution to past problems was to run away, he now faces them head-on. Kieran and Jordan’s transition from friends to loves moves at an unhurried pace as they discover communication is key to solving their past issues.
Back Home by is a delightfully engaging novel. Strong family ties and flawed characters provide added depth and authenticity to this well-plotted story. RJ Scott has once again written a powerful and passionate romance that will resonate with her readers.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 4 Divas, Back Home, contemporary, Erotic, GLBT, K.B., m/m, RJ Scott, Silver Publishing | 2 Comments »
April 23rd, 2011
 Some Like it Rough (Gentlemen’s Club #2) by Gale Stanley
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary
Length: 112 pages
Summary:
Julian Decker grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in an inner city neighborhood with a reputation for violence and crime. He leaves his old life behind when he gets a lucrative job at the exclusive Gentlemen’s Club. When he spots wealthy member, Richard Caldwell, it’s lust at first sight. The older man is way out of his league and doesn’t even know he exists. But Julian is used to going after what he wants and when an opportunity arises he makes his move.
As part-owner of the Gentlemen’s Club, well-respected attorney, Richard Caldwell, has the means to make all his dreams come true. But Richard’ dreams died five years ago when he lost his long-time partner to cancer. He’s never been able to move on and he’s resigned to living the rest of his life alone.
Then on one of his rare visits to the Club, a seductive new employee catches his eye and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. For the first time in years, Richard is attracted to another man and he responds to the strong chemistry between him and Julian. But before the budding relationship can get started, Richard is attacked and all the evidence points to his new lover.
K.B’s Review:
Decadent, steamy, erotic sex. That is what first comes to mind when thinking about Some Like it Rough, Gale Stanley’s second book in the Gentlemen’s Club series. There is, of course, more to this novel, but Richard and Julian ooze sex appeal, and that makes it difficult to concentrate on the rest of their story.
Julian Decker and Richard Caldwell are well-rounded likable protagonists. Julian is working hard to overcome his rough past, and while he has bettered his life in many ways, his mental attitude is a work in progress. Richard is a successful lawyer and financially secure, but since the death of his lover, Tony, he has closed himself off from the possibility of finding another loving and lasting relationship.
Some Like it Rough is a fast read with an interesting plot. I liked that Julian was willing to put himself out there and make a move on Richard despite his initial misgivings. Ms. Stanley does an outstanding job building the sexual tension. The resulting sex between Richard and Julian is incendiary and explosive. However, their relationship moves a little fast, and both men seem pretty willing to give up at the first sign of trouble. A little communication would have saved Richard and Julian a lot of heartache.
Some Like it Rough is refreshing, sexy, and engaging. Julian and Richard are flawed but that only adds to their appeal. Gale Stanley has me hooked on her Gentlemen’s Club series, and I am looking forward to the next novel in this delightful series.
Rated 3 1/2 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, contemporary, Gale Stanley, GLBT, K.B., Silver Publishing, Some Like it Rough | No Comments »
April 17th, 2011
 Save Your Heart for Me by Caroline Clemmons
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense
Length: 122 pages
Summary:
Six years ago Beth Jeffers fled her abusive husband. Now, she wants nothing more than to protect her son Davey and help her mother operate a boarding house. The women in her family have no luck with men, and she has no intention of letting any man mar her son’s life. Not even Matt Petrov, no matter how much her heart urges otherwise.
Federal Marshall Matt Petrov fell in love with Beth the first time he saw her. She was another man’s wife, so he kept his longing to himself. But when he and the lovely widow cross paths again, he intends to seize his chance at happiness.
K.B’s Review:
Save Your Heart for Me by Caroline Clemmons is a sweet romance and an enjoyable book to while away a lazy afternoon.
It needs to be pointed out the blurb for Save Your Heart for Me is a little misleading. This book is definitely a historical romance, but there is no mention of the mystery/suspense that is a large part of the story.
Beth Jeffers and Matt Petrov crossed paths at the lowest points in their lives. However, both of them have changed in the intervening years. In between the race to rescue Matt’s kidnapped distant relative and Beth’s boarder, Ivan, Matt and Beth work to overcome the demons of their respective pasts.
Matt and Beth are well-developed and multi-dimensional characters. Although Save Your Heart for Me is told from both characters perspectives, Matt’s is the predominant voice heard, and the reader gains a great deal of insight into his character. Ms. Clemmons does a wonderful job of revealing the different facets of his character a little at a time thus keeping the reader fully engaged in the unfolding story. Beth is a sympathetic and likable character whose past experiences leave her understandably mistrustful of an intimate relationship with Matt.
The secondary characters are a true delight. Beth’s mother, Lena Mae, is absolutely wonderful, and she does not hesitate to set Beth straight needed. Beth’s son, Davey, is adorable, and Matt’s interactions with him reveal the many layers of Matt’s character.
Matt’s desire for a normal life with a wife and children is often at war with events from his tumultuous past. His prior history with Beth’s husband plays a pivotal role in their relationship, and Beth’s reaction to his revelations felt completely out of character for her considering the abuse she suffered while she was married to him.
Save Your Heart for Me by Caroline Clemmons is a well written and fast paced novel. Not everything is as it seems in this charming love story as Beth and Matt defy the odds, overcome their difficult pasts and find everlasting love.
Rated 3 1/2 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Caroline Clemmons, Historical, K.B., Romance, Romantic Suspense, Save Your Heart for Me, The Wild Rose Press | 1 Comment »
April 17th, 2011
 Sleepless Knights (Silent Knights #2) by Gale Stanley
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: GLBT, contemporary, M/M/M, Ménage
Length: 113 pages
Summary: Sequel to SILENT KNIGHTS!
Despite being polar opposites, Andy and Paul are passionate and totally committed to each other. But when the two-year itch infects their relationship, Paul becomes distant and refuses to talk about it. Paul is the love of Andy’s life and he’ll do anything to make him happy, even if it means bringing another man into their bed. But is it really the answer? Or will it drive them further apart?
Zach flees to Los Angeles to escape his abusive father. He plans to use his good looks to get into the film industry but catching that big break is harder than he thought. He decides to try his luck in San Francisco. He has no money but if he can find someone to put a roof over his head, he’ll trade sex for security. When two smokin’ hot guys pick him up on the Pacific Coast Highway, he thinks he hit pay dirt. He never expected to actually fall for them.
KB’s Review:
Sleepless Knights features Andy Reynolds and Paul Stanton from Silent Knights, and author Gale Stanley takes their relationship in an unforeseen direction.
Andy and Paul have been together for two years now, and their relationship is undeniably rocky. Paul is working long hours and he is holding Andy at a physical and emotional distance. Their sex life is practically non-existent, and Paul refuses to share with Andy why he is dissatisfied with their relationship. Andy takes matters in his own hands and sets up a much needed romantic getaway. Their weekend succeeds in reconnecting the distant lovers, but an impulsive decision to pick up hitchhiker Zach Baker has far reaching implications and further complicates Andy and Paul’s troubled relationship.
Paul and Andy are still the same lovable, well-developed characters Ms. Stanley introduced us to in Silent Knights. The reader gains a much deeper understanding of Andy as much of the story is from his point of view. Ms. Stanley does a fantastic job of letting us know what is going on in Paul’s head as well, but unfortunately for Andy, Paul is abysmal at communication, so Andy remains clueless about why Paul has become frustrated with their relationship.
Zach is a three dimensional character whose low self-esteem has set him on a self-destructive path that is initially helped when he meets Paul and Andy. Ms. Stanley’s characterization of how Zach’s low self image affects his decision making is extremely well done and entirely realistic. Andy’s guilt and confusion over events that transpire between him and Zach forces Zach to fall back on past bad habits, and he finds himself in an abusive situation that he is powerless to escape on his own.
Paul’s lack of communication sets the stage for much of the heartache and anguish in Sleepless Knights. He brings Zach into their home, but leaves Zach and Andy floundering when he fails to verbalize his desires for their future relationship. Given some of the events that transpired in Silent Knights, the addition of Zach to their relationship seems way out of character for Paul and Andy so that part of the plot was difficult to believe.
Sleepless Knights is an entertaining and erotic read. Delightful characters and deliciously steamy sex quickly engages the reader and keeps the story moving at a fast pace. Hopefully Gale Stanley has plans for another novel with Paul, Andy and Zach as I would love to revisit this intriguing threesome.
Rated 3 1/2 Delightful Divas by KB!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, contemporary, Erotic, Gale Stanley, GLBT, K.B., M/M/M, menage, Silver Publishing, Sleepless Knights | No Comments »
April 9th, 2011
 The Impersonator by Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Allure Publishing
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary
Length: 82 pages
Summary:
After being dumped by his boyfriend, Benjamin Pomeroy has hot club sex with a gorgeous new employee at the same Las Vegas hotel where Ben works as an Elvis impersonator. And shortly thereafter, Ben abruptly loses his job when the new CEO, Maxwell Orton, decides that Elvis no longer fits the hotel’s image. Facing the grueling prospect of locating a steady job, Ben needs extra cash to tide himself over. To help the situation, Ben’s brother Phillip, also employed at the hotel, offers him a paying proposition–swap identities with Phillip at a masquerade ball being given by Maxwell Orton for the hotel’s higher echelon employees. Attendance is mandatory, but Phillip has made other important plans that he refuses to cancel. To Ben, the idea of switching places with his brother seems preposterous, yet harmless enough. Besides, it’s easy money, right? And after all, he’ll be wearing a mask the entire time, so no one will learn of the deception. But the masquerade doesn’t go as planned when Ben discovers, to his complete shock, that Maxwell is actually the sexy hotel employee whom he entertained privately at the local gay club.
K.B’s Review:
The Impersonator by Shawn Lane is a highly engaging and entertaining novella.
Ben Pomeroy and Maxwell “Trey” Orton are three-dimensional protagonists who are extremely appealing. Ben is upbeat and optimistic despite the many challenges facing him. While he does do a couple of things that seem out of character for him, it quickly becomes apparent to the reader why he does so, and it fits in with the current upheaval in his life. One of his most charming traits is his goal of becoming a Vegas performer on his own merits without Trey’s assistance.
The Impersonator is a well-written novel with a refreshing plot. Ben and Trey are mature men who actually communicate with one another when problems arise in their relationship thus avoiding the tired “big misunderstanding” plot device. The Las Vegas setting is interesting, and the reader gets an enjoyable glimpse of life in Sin City.
The Impersonator by Shawn Lane is a fun and rather light-hearted read. Ben and Trey are truly delightful characters with just enough flaws to make them believable and real. The sex scenes are deliciously hot and steamy. I highly recommend this charming romance.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by K.B.!
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Posted in 4 Divas, Amber Allure, contemporary, GLBT, K.B., Shawn Lane, The Impersonator | No Comments »
March 3rd, 2011
 The Baumgartners Plus One by Selena Kitt
Publisher: eXcessica
Genre: Erotic, LBGT, Menage, F/F/M
Length: 188 pages
Summary: When Danielle Stuart meets the Baumgartners, her life doesn’t need to get any more complicated. Studying Italian on scholarship at the University of Michigan, Dani is haunted by a horrible tragedy that her husband, Mason, simply can’t come to terms with. But when she meets Carrie Baumgartner, and then her handsome husband, Doc, she finds her attraction to the couple irresistible, no matter how complicated things might get. While the two women bond over being childless and yet surrounded by children in the university’s married housing complex, it’s Doc Baumgartner who really brings them together with a game-changing idea that serves to reshape all of their lives.
KB’s Review:
The Baumgartners Plus One by Selena Kitt is as sinfully sexy as the other novels in the Baumgartner series but Ms. Kitt brings a layer of seriousness to the storyline that is missing from her other works.
The Baumgartners Plus One takes place before Doc and Carrie have children, and it provides interesting insight into their characters. They are still deeply in love with one another, and they still spice up their sex life with delicious adventures with other partners, but Ms. Kitt reveals details from their lives that fully develop their characters.
Dani is a well-developed character whose troubled marriage is on its last legs. Her involvement with the Baumgartners comes at a crucial time as she and her husband try to move past the tragedy that has virtually destroyed their marriage. Unable to say no to Carrie and Doc, Dani is pulled back into her life as she finally comes to terms with the heartbreak in her past.
The Baumgartners Plus One is a delightful addition to the Baumgartner line. Carrie and Dani’s shared pain will move the reader to tears, but their ultimate triumph over tragedy will lift your spirits. Selena Kitt is one of my guilty pleasures, and I highly recommend she become one of yours too.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by KB!
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Posted in 4 Divas, contemporary, Erotic, eXcessica, f/f/m, GLBT, K.B., LGBT, menage, Selena Kitt, The Baumgartners Plus One | No Comments »
February 5th, 2011
 Strangers With Candy by G.A Hauser
Publisher: OmniLit / All Romance eBooks, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, GLBT, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: 38 pages
Summary:
Some temptations are too delicious to ignore…
IRS employee Gareth Witherspoon spies a man, alone at a nearby table in a coffee shop on Valentine’s Day. Something about the foreigner calls to him and in an uncharacteristic leap of faith he impulsively slips the man a box of candy.
Urie is new to the United States, but he’s no stranger to heartache. Since arriving in Los Angeles he’s been lonely, isolated, and in desperate need of friendship. Gareth’s gesture touches his heart and Urie finds himself throwing caution to the wind.
All bets are off and anything goes when the two men spontaneously become lovers. Could it be Urie has found his soul mate in the City of Angels?
K.B’s Review:
Gareth and Urie’s serendipitous meeting at a local coffee shop sets the stage for a sweet yet steamy read in Strangers With Candy by G.A. Hauser.
Urie’s feeling of isolation is heightened by Valentine’s Day, and his decision to do something out of the ordinary leads him to kindred spirit Gareth Witherspoon. Also feeling out of touch with the people around him, Gareth spontaneously buys Urie a box of candy and introduces himself to the attractive immigrant.
Gareth and Urie are well developed and sympathetic protagonists. Urie’s willingness to sacrifice some of his happiness so his family in the Ukraine can have a better life is humbling. Gareth’s sense of isolation is palpable as are his self doubts. Gareth and Urie’s lovemaking is passionate yet incredibly poignant.
Although Strangers With Candy is a short story, Ms. Hauser’s plot development is superb. The overall story is compelling, but it is occasionally repetitive.
Strangers With Candy by G.A. Hauser is a wonderful reminder to take a few steps out of your comfort zone every once in a while. You never what fate might have in store for you!
Rated 3.5 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, contemporary, Erotic, G.A. Hauser, Gay, GLBT, K.B., m/m, OmniLit/All Romance Ebooks, Strangers With Candy | No Comments »
February 3rd, 2011
 Texas Two-Step by Cat Johnson
Perfect Stranger Book 1
Publisher: OmniLit / All Romance eBooks, LLC
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary, Menage, Western/Cowboys, M/F/M
Length: 60 pages
Summary:
It takes two to tango, but three to do the two-step with these Texas cowboys…
Londoner Maryann Morrissy finds the companionship she’s missing by making friends on the Internet with fellow rodeo fans in the States. Her fiancé Robert doesn’t understand her new obsession. His mocking is just one more thing in a long list that convinces Maryann he’s not the man for her. Perfect timing, because Maryann is flying to Texas where two rodeo cowboys are waiting to show her the ropes.
Annoyed he has to pick up his sister’s British online buddy from the airport, tie-down roper Wes Griffin drags his best friend Shooter with him. Misery loves company until Wes sees Maryann get off the plane. When her sexy accent makes his heart do the two-step, Wes begins to wish he’d kept Maryann all to himself because Shooter is just as intrigued.
After the nasty end to Maryann’s engagement, she’s ready to take both cowboys on, but is Wes willing to share?
K.B’s Review:
Cowboys Wes Griffin and his friend Shooter show their British visitor Maryann Morrissy a whole lot of Texas hospitality in this incredibly sexy short story, Texas Two-Step by Cat Johnson.
Wes Griffin reluctantly agrees to pick up his sister Ellen’s on line friend at the airport, and he ropes best friend Shooter into accompanying him. The sexy Englishwoman quickly piques his interest, and the competition is on when he notices Shooter is equally interested in their attractive guest.
Maryann’s discontent with her fiancé Robert is simmering below the surface as she sets off to America to meet Ellen. When her suspicions about Robert are confirmed, she knows their relationship is over, but she is reluctant to break off their engagement over the phone. She does not count on her instant attraction to the two charming cowboys, and all bets are off as Wes and Shooter show her some creative uses for a tie-down roper’s piggin’ string.
Although it is a short story, Texas Two-Step has a superb and well developed cast of characters and a compelling plot. Maryann is a strong and gutsy heroine who does not hesitate to go after what she wants when the opportunity presents itself. Wes is intense and serious, but Maryann definitely brings out his more playful side. He is the perfect friend for the less serious and fun loving Shooter. Wes and Shooter are definitely sigh worthy heroes, and it is not any wonder Maryann cannot choose between them!
Texas Two-Step by Cat Johnson is an absorbing read that is loaded with humor, scorching hot sex, two unbelievably sexy cowboys, and one feisty Brit. If you are looking for a book to warm you up on a cold winter’s day, then look no further. Pick up your copy of Texas Two-Step today.
Rated 4.5 Delightful Divas by K.B!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Divas, Cat Johnson, contemporary, Erotic, K.B., m/f/m, menage, OmniLit/All Romance Ebooks, Texas Two-Step, Western/Cowboys | No Comments »
January 22nd, 2011
 Knight’s Fall by Mia Watts
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: M/M, GLBT, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 51 pages
Summary:
Andy’s cavalier attitude about sex keeps his emotions safe, but when Knight moves Andy’s heart, it’s a game of trust Andy isn’t sure he’ll win.
The Senator has decided that interdepartmental tension can be alleviated by a week of team building camp exercises. No one is immune as the first group arrives comprising multiple government departments. Among them are FBI agent Andy Power and Detective Liam Knight.
Having met six months ago was challenging enough. After all, Andy made an idiot of himself. He’s used to being the confident Fed who casually uses sex as he chooses. Some think he’s too free, but Andy knows they’re only seeing his persona. But Liam Knight is different. He’s actually someone Andy wants a relationship with.
Liam thinks the klutz he met is kind of cute, if dorky. Yet the guy he has to partner with at camp is a bit on the cheesy side with slick come-ons and preformed ideas about Liam. Just when he thinks he can’t stand the guy, Andy’s mask slips away and leaves Liam breathless.
When the week is up, will Liam have cut through the bullshit or has Andy decided that trusting Liam with his heart isn’t worth the risk?
KB’s Review:
by Mia Watts provides an in-depth look into the biases that exist in the gay community, and the devastating impact of rejection.
Andy Power is not happy to discover he will be spending a week with his secret crush Liam Knight. Although he hasn’t seen Liam in six months, he finds he is still deeply attracted to the seemingly straight detective. Andy’s reaction to Liam’s surprise confession that he is, in fact, gay, drives a wedge between the two men. Will the team building exercises the men are participating in lead Andy and Liam to both a professional and personal relationship?
Liam and Andy are complex characters whose life experiences leave them wary of relationships. Andy hides behind a dizzying array of facades, and he very rarely exposes who he truly is to the people in his life. Liam sees the man hiding behind the masks, and he is not willing to settle for less than the “real” Andy. Andy’s subsequent emotional growth leads to startling revelations about his past, and gives him added insight into the prejudices Liam faces within the gay community.
Knight’s Fall by Mia Watts is charming love story with a great deal of depth. I highly recommend this delightful character-driven short story.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by KB!
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Posted in 4 Divas, contemporary, Erotic, Gay, GLBT, K.B., Knight's Fall, m/m, Mia Watts, Total E-Bound | 2 Comments »
January 22nd, 2011
 A Special Christmas by J.P. Bowie
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: M/M, GLBT, Contemporary Romance
Length: 46 pages
Summary:
A romantic hideaway on a snow-covered mountain – what better place to meet the man who could heal a broken heart?
Question: What’s Brett Masters to do when his best laid plans for a special Christmas alone with his lover in a mountain cabin resort get axed because the lover up and leaves? Brett’s first instinct is to just suck it up, go home early and spend the Yuletide with his family – but it might have been a good idea if he’d called the airline and changed his flight to an earlier one.
Thwarted, he decides to use the cabin he’s paid for, all the while wondering if this form of self punishment is such a good idea. A romantic hideaway without the romantic partner – what’s that about? But fate steps in and takes him for a spin in the arms of Devyn Weston, the resort manager’s hunky brother.
What’s Brett to do when he and Devyn get stranded by a snowstorm?
K.B.’s Review:
A Special Christmas by J.P. Bowie is a quick read that is sure to lift the reader’s spirits as Brett Masters celebrates Christmas and the beginning of a new and unexpected relationship with Devyn Weston.
A Special Christmas has a delightful cast of characters whose flaws make them surprisingly authentic, sympathetic and likeable. Brett’s recovery from his painful breakup rings true and occurs at a realistic pace. Both Brett and Devyn tentatively enter their new relationship with both men carrying their fair share of emotional baggage from previous breakups. The romance between Brett and Devyn feels a little rushed and underdeveloped because the first half of the story details the aftermath of Brett’s failed relationship.
A Special Christmas by J. P. Bowie is a delightfully sexy short story. It is particularly heart-warming as Brett and Devyn open their hearts to their new relationship despite their painful pasts.
Rated 3.5 Delightful Divas by K.B.!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, A Special Christmas, contemporary, Erotic, Gay, GLBT, J.P. Bowie, K.B., m/m, Total E-Bound | 1 Comment »
January 14th, 2011
 Change of Tune by JM Cartwright
Publisher: Torquere
Genre: M/M Contemporary, BDSM
Length: 373 Pages
Summary:
Johnny Rayne has had enough – enough of being at the top of the rock music industry for the last decade, enough of constant touring and recording. He wants something more — just something very different. Moving to a farm in West Virginia, Johnny meets Sheriff Virgil Grissom on his first morning in the mountains.
The sheriff challenges Johnny in a multitude of ways – with overt machismo, disdain for Johnny’s musician past, and all-around know-it-all-ness. The two men clash continually, and Johnny resists succumbing to the sheriff’s brash charm until Grissom forces him to admit some very basic truths. One: Johnny’s definitely attracted to men. Two: Johnny’s definitely attracted to Grissom. And three: Johnny’s definitely going to enjoy every moment of it.
KB’s Review:
In a Change of Tune by JM Cartwright rock star Johnny Rayne discovers that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Johnny retires from his successful band, purchases a place out in the country, and relocates to a small town in West Virginia where he meets Sheriff Virgil Grissom. Johnny is attracted to the sexy Sheriff but is he ready to admit that he is gay?
Johnny Rayne and Virgil Grissom’s encounters are contentious and underscored by their simmering passion for one another. Johnny succumbs eagerly and rapidly to Virgil’s relentless pursuit, and the resulting sex is H.O.T. as well highly erotic. Johnny finds small town living surprisingly enjoyable as he discovers new friendships with the local residents. His wish to live anonymously is understandable but unrealistic as he quickly discovers the locals are fully aware of his rock star status as well as his relationship with their Sheriff.
A Change of Tune is a fast paced novel that is jam-packed with several likeable characters. There is no angst and very little conflict as Johnny and Virgil work through the inevitable problems that crop up in new relationships. Overall, the plot is sound, but Virgil and Johnny fall in love at lightning speed, and there is a plot twist that is rather unbelievable. Johnny and Virgil’s tendency to refer to one another as “the singer” and “the big bruiser” becomes annoying, and there are a few editing errors. But none of these faults detract from the overall enjoyment of A Change of Tune.
JM Cartwright has an engaging and descriptive writing style that easily carries this character driven novel. Refreshingly realistic protagonists, three lovable canines, and charming characters prove to be an irresistible combination.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by KB!
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Posted in 4 Divas, BDSM, Change of Tune, contemporary, Erotic, Gay, GLBT, JM Cartwright, K.B., m/m, torquere | No Comments »
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