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September 4th, 2012
 Pushing The Envelope, Book XI: Posthaste by Kim Dare
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, Erotic Romance, BDSM, M/M
Length: 37 pages
Summary:
Scott’s never been the most confident of men. When he gets scared by something, running away has always seemed like a pretty good option. The latest letter he plans to give Joe is by far the hardest he’s had to write. Knowing what might happen when Joe reads it terrifies Scott since the letter has the power to change everything between them.
Will Scott have the courage to hand over the note? And will Joe be able to calm his submissive’s panic? Or maybe Scott’s not the only one who’ll be scared once the content of the letter is out in the open.
Dakota’s Review:
 First of all, let me say that I am a huge fan of Ms. Dare’s work. I absolutely love her Rawlings Men series and was hoping this would be another wonderful series for me to indulge in. While the writing was up to her usual standards, I found myself disappointed at the end – with both the length and the feeling of the story not being finished. More than likely that’s because of the fact I didn’t think the main issue had been resolved in the way I’d hoped.
Now with that being said, lets get on to the stellar parts of this short. I loved both Scott and Joe’s characters. They were well fleshed out for such a short piece. I love the way the couple interacted even with the issues facing them. Once again, Ms. Dare has given us not only a sensual Dom but a very sensitive sub who is trying to find his own way in their relationship. While I don’t personally know if I’m going to read another of her Pushing the Envelope series or not but either way, this is a great little book which showcase the talent that Ms. Dare is capable of.
Rated 3 1/2 Delightful Divas by Dakota!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Amber Quill Press, BDSM, Dakota, Erotic, GLBT, Kim Dare, m/m, Pushing the Envelope Book XI Posthaste | No Comments »
June 11th, 2012
 Diversion by Eden Winters
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M
Length: 274 pages
Summary:
Drug dealers aren’t always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and boardrooms, selling merchandise in official-looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags… When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his “expertise” to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau’s Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he’s begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he’s assigned to train before he leaves–a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn’t paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone, including the target of their investigation.
Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist, but watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, “Will this be the day I give in?” To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess. The bad guys don’t stand a chance–if Lucky and Bo don’t strangle each other first.
Doug’s Review:
Diversion by one of my favorite authors Eden Winters was perfectly in keeping with the tormented protagonists and the villains who you can’t quite hate completely. Written from Lucky Lucklighter’s point of view, we are carried along a journey of a man who had sworn off connecting with others. Saved by Walter, a man who ran diversion task forces to catch corrupt drug companies, Lucky served out the better part of a 10 year sentence working for the good guys after getting caught working for the bad guys. Not wanting to hold onto his past mistakes for one day longer than necessary, Lucky is counting down the days until his time with Walter is over and he can start his life over with a clean slate. All of that changes when he meets Bo, his new partner on Lucky’s last diversion operation.
From the first moment we meet Bo, we know right away there is something powerfully attractive about him that touches Lucky in a way he’d spent the better part of a decade avoiding. To make matters worse, Lucky is plagued with memories and guilt of his previous lover, Victor, the man who introduced Lucky to the the world of drug heists and white collar criminal behavior.
 Throughout Diversion, Ms. Winters weaves together a complex web of experiences and emotions which paint a visceral picture of a man who has reached a cross-roads. Through flashback memories of his life with Victor, internal dialogue which paint the inner struggle beautifully, and an undeniable passion and heat with Bo, Lucky is forced to face everything he’s hidden from.
What I loved about Diversion was how both protagonists were somewhat damaged. Lucky was certainly more damaged and plagued by ghosts from his past, but Bo’s past wasn’t as boy-next-door as Lucky had originally thought. But the antagonists were also somehow relatable and had qualities which made them somewhat likable. The ability to draw characters who clearly fit the roles of good guys and bad guys, but to weave in a very real humanity into each one is a brilliant skill Ms. Eden masterfully weaves into each story.
For me, the sign of a successful story is where the main character or characters transform and that is exactly what happened in this story. Lucky changed from a closed off solitary soul to a man who recognized a need to connect with the man who’d snuck past each of his guards with no effort whatsoever.
The heat level of Diversion was a bit tamer than I would have expected based on the electricity between the two characters. Also the shift from Lucky and Bo annoying one another to needing one another happened a bit quickly, almost like I had to do a double take to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
With that said, I found myself reflecting on the importance of family, or what we call family, and how part of the human condition is to connect with others. The emotions were ones anyone can relate to and transcend sexuality, race, or economic status, ethnicity, or any other categorization you can think of. At the center of Diversion is the message that love and home are found in the people who see you for you, warts and all, and love you because of them.
Rated 4.5 Delightful Divas by Doug!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Divas, Amber Quill Press, contemporary, Doug, Eden Winters, Erotic, GLBT, m/m | No Comments »
May 14th, 2012
 Games Boys Play by Fae Sutherland
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 44 pages
Summary:
Sequel to Amber Allure’s best-seller Gambling On Maybe…
When Zachary West and Officer Stephen Miranda met two months ago, it shook up Stephen’s boring, paint-by-numbers life in ways he’d never expected. Now, though still in the closet at work, Stephen is realizing that the things he feels for his sparkly, out-and-proud lover are way beyond just lust and intrigue. He’s falling in love, but can someone like Zach live even partially in the closet? Zach’s games of forbidden trysts and dangerous liaisons collide with Stephen’s desire for more than just the moment at hand, forcing Zach to face one of his biggest fears–can he ever be enough for a real life hero? And should he even try?
Lasha’s Review:
I must preface this review by stating I loved the prequel to this book, Gambling on Maybe. It was sweet, funny and had the best touch of hot sex combined with likeable characters. So, I was eagerly awaiting the sequel Games Boys Play, which takes up a little while after the first novella. Police officer Stephen “Stevie” Miranda and his utterly adorable lover Zachary West are still together, but not out as a couple due to Stephen’s job. Instead of bemoaning that fact and putting pressure on his lover, Zachary devises fun sex games they can play to keep their relationship interesting until Stephen can come out.
 What I loved in Gambling on Maybe were the things I liked in this book too. Zach was back as his irrepressible self, a walking fashion plate with a heart of gold and a sassy mouth that doesn’t quit. How could Officer Hotness ever resist? I know I couldn’t. Zach and Stephen are two of the most delightful characters ever to grace an m/m novel and have their own unique flare that works. This short story’s plot depends on them having chemistry and Ms. Sutherland makes that work.
However, despite that chemistry, this novel doesn’t progress their relationship much beyond the sexy games they play. It seemed like a middle step in a trilogy (think The Empire Strikes Back in the Star Wars universe) and not much characterization or plot was developed. While it was a fun, light PWP romp, I wanted more than that. I was hoping the issue of Stephen’s job would be resolved, and while Zach and Stephen have come to an understanding on that front, something felt missing.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed this series and will be looking forward to any more in this universe. Recommended with reservations as noted.
Rated 3 ½ Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Amber Quill Press, contemporary, Erotic, Fae Sutherland, Games Boys Play, GLBT, Lasha, m/m | No Comments »
March 25th, 2012
 Full Disclosure by Sean Michael
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, BDSM, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Summary:
Samuel Cavanaugh never thought the hardest part about being a lawyer would be keeping an administrative assistant, but with Jeannie on pregnancy leave, he’s gone through five since he became a partner. Yet his newest assistant is Jarrod Tinsley, an attractive man who just might fulfill all his fantasies, even the ones he didn’t know he had. Unbeknownst to Samuel, Jarrod has been hired by the law firm to investigate whether Samuel is “the leak,” the person selling confidential information to the firm’s opponents. Jarrod thinks it’s going to be a run-of-the-mill job until he actually meets his sexy new boss, and then all bets are off. Samuel triggers in Jarrod every one of his Dom tendencies, and he knows instinctively exactly what Samuel needs to have all his fantasies fulfilled. Can Samuel and Jarrod survive the investigation and their attraction to each other, or will their fragile relationship go tumbling down in pieces?
Samhain Queene’s Review:
 Full Disclosure is a really good story by Sean Michael.
Samuel is swamped when his assistant goes out on leave. Then, he’s surprised by her replacement. The man takes flirting to a whole new level, making Samuel crave whatever the man wants to give him. Jarrod is sent in to investigate corporate espionage. Someone in Samuel’s law firm is selling secrets, and it all points to him.
What begins as a way to keep Samuel off-balance, turns into much more when Samuel responds to Jarrod’s advances. One night goes from mind-blowing amazement to utter heartbreak the next morning. No matter what Jarrod is determined Samuel is going to be his.
I loved the dynamic between Samuel and Jarrod. The big-time lawyer turns into a quivering mass of need when his assistant speaks. They take risks, but trust is paramount between them. Full Disclosure is a great story. Kudos, Sean Michael.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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February 12th, 2012
 Moon Touched by Vivien Dean
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Length: 155 pages
Summary:
Thomas Durling escaped his small-town upbringing for over ten years, until a single phone call draws him back. Told his mother has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, Thomas returns to the small northern Michigan town he once called home to find a mute stranger named Andre taking care of her in his stead. On the surface, Andre seems harmless enough, but Thomas has enough problems trying to deal with his mother’s illness. He doesn’t need a gorgeous young man to distract him, especially in a town that already drove him away once with its homophobia.
But Andre Nezat has nowhere else to go. A wolf without a pack, he’s been on the run since witnessing his father’s murder, always looking over his shoulder, never looking ahead. Taking care of Thomas’s mother has given him a welcome sanctuary, as well as a place he can call home for a couple months. He wants to stay, but more importantly, he wants to help, even if Thomas isn’t ready to accept that they can actually be friends.
Lasha’s Review:
Vivien Dean’s paranormal books are some of my favorite in the genre. In this novel, Thomas Durling is returning home to take care of his mom who has Alzheimer’s. When he gets there, he finds another man in his childhood home: Andre Nezat. Andre has been helping out Thomas’ mother and his presence intrigues Thomas. Andre, on the other hand, is cautious about everything. On the run from his pack, who murdered his father and tried to kill him, the attack made him mute and afraid. But the minute Thomas shows up, Andre is attracted to him and while his heart wants him to stay, his head is telling him run. Which will win out?
When I picked this book to review, I was immediately curious about how a paranormal book with shifters could also have a serious sub-plot and work. In Moon Touched, Ms. Dean is able to pull that off brilliantly. Thomas’ mother’s illness was an integral part of the plot, weaved in between the romance of Andre and Thomas and the suspense of Andre’s past catching up with him. In fact, the realistic way Andre and Thomas deal with Mrs. Durling’s illness was one of the best parts of the book for me.
Unfortunately, the paranormal aspect of the novel just wasn’t my cup of tea this time. While Andre’s injury meant he was a different sort of shifter, the whole pack in-fighting and grudges did not fit into the Alzheimer’s sub-plot and for me distracted from the sweetness of that part of the book. Along with the fact that I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Andre and Thomas, meant the first couple of chapters weren’t as compelling as some of Ms. Dean’s other paranormal books, as they did not draw me in as a reader from the first page.
So while Moon Touched might not haven been my favorite Vivien Dean book, I still enjoyed certain aspects of it. And despite my lower rating for this particular novel, I will continue to have Ms. Dean on my auto-buy list, as I truly enjoy her writing.
Rated 3 Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 3 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Erotic, GLBT, Lasha, m/m, Paranormal, Vivien Dean | No Comments »
November 7th, 2011
 Can’t Be His by Shawn Lane
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 34 pages
Summary:
Exterminator Lonnie “Roach” Raines and ice skater Alexi Summerville have been friends and roommates for years, but they’ve never taken their relationship to the next level. When Alexi’s coach wants him to train for the World Championship in another state, however, Roach is forced to examine his feelings before he loses Alexi, possibly for good.
Cryselle’s Review:
Friends to lovers describes Roach and Alexi’s relationship; they’ve known and liked one another for years. Never being single at the same time, nothing has ever happened between them, and it begins to look like nothing ever will. Shawn Lane jolts these two out of their complacent little rut in Can’t Be His.
Alexi and Roach are an unlikely pair: a top level figure skater who shares an apartment with an exterminator. They get along really well, both being serially monogamous, more or less, and discovering a shared kink. They’ve just never quite managed to be single at the same time and get together. Roach is protective of Alexi, and the affection between them is blindingly obvious to everyone around them.
Even a casual date can see the score before Roach does. Alexi’s coach understands what’s going on and figures it’s bad for his skater’s career. One advises to go for it, the other thinks there should be several states separating them. Since Roach celebrates Alexi’s newly single status by making him listen to drunken screwing in the next room, I was in the “several states over” camp before Chapter 3. Roach may be protective of Alexi but he certainly isn’t thoughtful.
There was actually very little story for the page count; most of the really interesting action happened off-screen. The unfortunately named Roach, which I could see as a nickname for a man with cans of poison, provided endless small icky jolts when applied to a leading man in a romance, especially when he tells about his encounter with the wasps afterward and getting first aid, but we don’t see him in action. Alexi’s skating is over and barely described after we find him wiping away the sweat. There’s dialog and then sex.
The story missed the potential in the contrasts and similarities between the willowy but strong artist/athlete and the tatted, gruff working man. I liked the premise and their discovery of a shared kink, but the execution of Can’t Be His didn’t provide enough for this reader to fall in love with.
Rated 2.5 Delightful Divas by Cryselle !
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Posted in 2 1/2 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Can't Be His, contemporary, Cryselle, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Shawn Lane | No Comments »
October 23rd, 2011
 Free Me by Brita Addams
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, BDSM, GLBT
Length: 97 pages
Summary:
Dr. Bryan Newcastle needs a respite from his grueling medical practice. He’s looking for someone to free his mind and his body, to take him to unexplored sexual heights. So on impulse, he plunks down his credit card and commits himself to a Gay BDSM cruise he hopes will answer his prayers. Dom Phil Sanderson is looking for a vacation sub. With a keycard slid across the lunch table, Bryan is plunged into Phil’s decadent world, where sexual submission is only the beginning. Phil brings his willing sub to new heights, but soon realizes seven days just isn’t enough for either of them. Will Bryan and Phil be able to return to their former lives, or has the journey to Bryan’s sexual freedom only begun?
Jae’s Review:
Free Me by Brita Addams was a fast-paced romp on the wild side. When I first started the story, it wasn’t what I had expected and I was a bit concerned that it wasn’t going to fit my taste in reading. The main characters seemed a bit free and loose, and the sex, while hot and fascinating to read, was a bit devoid of passionate emotion.
 That sounds like a complaint when I read over it, but it’s not necessarily intended to be. As I really got into the heart of the story, it became clear that while our main character intended such a getaway – a free sex, love-em and leave-em, spankin’ good time – what he ended up with is something different entirely. The true essence of both characters comes shining through as the story progresses. And it was beautiful to see.
The end of the book is merely the beginning of Bryan and Phil’s story. I’d love to see where they go from here. This is the first story I’ve read by Brita Addams and I’ll be on the lookout for more stories in the future. If you’re in the mood for a hot, sexy, BDSM romp, be sure to try Free Me by Brita Addams.
Rated 3 ½ Delightful Divas by Jae!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Amber Quill Press, BDSM, Brita Addams, contemporary, Erotic, Free Me, GLBT, Jae, m/m | 1 Comment »
October 6th, 2011
 Why I Love Waiters by T.A. Chase
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Contemporary, GLBT, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: 175 pages
Summary:
As a member of a covert army unit, John Davidson isn’t scared of many things, yet one look into the dark blue eyes of Heath Kane and John knew a different kind of fear for the first time. John couldn’t be gay, at least not out and proud in his unit, even with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell being repealed. He’d never been interested enough in any man to risk the fallout. Heath Kane left home never wanting to return. The army-base town wasn’t the best place for a gay kid to grow up, but his grandmother did her darnedest to make it good for him. Now he’s paying her back for all her love. She’s getting older and needs help with the family restaurant, so he waits tables at the Corner Café while taking online courses to get his degree. Even though the army base provides lots of buff eye candy, he knows it’s best to keep his eyes to himself. Yet neither Heath nor John can deny their attraction, and when John returns from a visit up North, he seems willing to act on their mutual interest. Are John and Heath willing to risk everything to hold each other?
Maggie B’s Review:
TA Chase’s Why I Love Waiters is a sequel to Why I Love Geeks and was previously published as a serialized freebie online read, chapter by chapter. It is a sweet story and a quick read, but I’m sorry to say it was a bit of a disappointment. I usually love Ms. Chase’s work and I did enjoy this one on some level, but not as much as I had expected. The men from Why I Love Geeks made an appearance and then took over the story. Even the HEA at the end was theirs.
 Heath and John, the featured characters of Waiters are good men who are compelled to deal with the fallout from the flawed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell military policy as well as good ol’ boy homophobic mentality. Both are depicted accurately and unfortunately quite realistically. The sex is hot but the dialogue seems forced and stilted, not up to Ms. Chase’s usual high standards.
Although Why I Love Waiters did not meet all of my expectations, it has its merits as a short story that can be read quickly to fill the time while waiting at the airport. It is an excellent expose of the hardships posed on servicemen and women and their families under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policies. Whether they are withdrawn or not, the mindset of many in the military will remain homophobic and unrewarding. It was good to see the ripple effect consequences of this misguided policy that some may not have considered.
Rated 3 1/2 Delightful Divas by Maggie B!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Amber Quill Press, contemporary, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, MaggieB, ta chase, Why I Love Waiters | No Comments »
September 26th, 2011
 The Truth About Al by M.L. Rhodes
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, GLBT, M/M
Length: 134 pages
Summary:
To most, Al Baxter’s life seems charmed–he’s got looks, smarts, friends, and is headed to law school in the fall. But under the surface, things are far from perfect. Al’s mother is pursuing a career in national politics, and when her staff uncovers a potentially devastating secret Al’s been keeping from his family for the past four years, a painful rift forms in the once close-knit Baxter clan. Wanting to do the right thing to support his mother’s career, but conflicted over his growing desire to live his life in the open on his own terms, the last thing Al’s expecting, or needs, is to fall for stubborn and oh-so-serious Elliot Cullimore. Especially since Elliot has a protective fortress the size of Texas built around his heart. Raised by a struggling single mother, Elliot Cullimore learned early that nothing in life was easy. That truth hit home when, at the age of twelve, a life-threatening illness left him partially deaf, making his teenage years difficult as he learned to cope with his new reality. Now, he works long hours to put himself through college. And he holds no illusions about ever finding love. He knows from painful experience that being a nerdy, hard-of-hearing guy doesn’t exactly make him a hot commodity. When he meets Al Baxter, however, he’s blindsided by his feelings for the man. The trouble is, Al is exactly the type of guy Elliot swore he’d never be with–rich, entitled, and one who has always had everything he ever wanted fall at his feet. And worse, Al’s hiding who he really is and pretending to be something he’s not. How can Elliot trust his heart to a man who can’t live his own life with honesty? But for the first time, Al finally knows what he wants, and he’s willing to fight for Elliot. Even if it means risking everything.
Samhain Queene’s Review:
In The Truth About Al by M.L. Rhodes you meet two amazing characters and get great story of being true to yourself.
Al is caught between wanting to live his life openly and his mother’s political desires. Elliot is caught in his desire for Al but his dislike of how Al apparently lives his life. When they finally stop and talk about the animosity between them, they both realize the mistakes they’ve made. As they slowly begin to build a relationship those out to harm Al’s mother’s campaign almost destroy them. It takes an accident for Al to finally stand up and tell his mother that while he supports her he is going to live his life on his own terms.
The Truth about Al is tense and complicated but a wonderful romance between two wonderful characters. M.L. Rhodes crafted a fantastic story around Al and Elliot. Positive and strong, this story is well-worth reading.
Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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September 17th, 2011
 Kissing Sherlock Holmes by T.D McKinney and Terry Wylis
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance, GLBT, M/M, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 255 pages
Summary:
“My dear Watson, how does one go about kissing a woman?”……Sherlock Holmes’ question leads to a lesson Watson never expected to teach. And feelings he never thought to explore. A single kiss alters Watson’s world while the announcement of Holmes’ upcoming marriage sets an odd fear in his heart. Amidst the beauty of an English country party, the greatest detective the world has ever known searches for a traitor. Somewhere among the glittering nobility a sadist lurks, using blackmail to destroy lives and endanger a nation. Only Sherlock Holmes can save an innocent man and bring the traitor to justice. It’s a search that could cement the greatest friendship of all time into something far deeper and stronger…if the hunt doesn’t end Watson’s life first.
Cryselle’s Review:
It’s delightfully in character that Sherlock Holmes would launch this story by precipitating a change in his and Watson’s relationship in the name of acquiring information. While Kissing Sherlock Holmes does not break new ground in assuming a homosexual attraction between them, TD McKinney and Terry Wylis do provide a sexually charged pastiche with a mystery to solve.
The mystery elements have a well-weighted share of page time: the problem is worthy of Sherlock Holmes’ attention before Watson arrives at Toddington Oaks. Once he’s there, the danger is no longer confined to treason and blackmail, but becomes personal when a freshly kissed Watson is repeatedly endangered. The culprit becomes evident far too early in the book, but there is a certain entertainment value to watching Holmes flounder around before he figures it out.
The authors pay attention to the late Victorian sensibilities very well at some times, though not so well at others. Holmes and Watson pay lip service to not being caught, but when they are found out by one person, Watson does not even contemplate the possible consequences, and not because they are too horrid to think about. The entire matter takes on the same social importance as spitting in the potted plants – it disappears entirely. The “whirlwind romance” of a few weeks from first meeting to wedding that Holmes and Winnifred are planning would have been a scandal; everyone would have assumed he’d gotten her pregnant with such a short engagement. Yet Holmes does play the stern male authority figure, putting her in her place when she steps out of the assigned female role.
The unfolding of Holmes and Watson’s physical explorations is very sweetly done – they need to invent everything for themselves, every small touch is new and wondrous. The change in their relationship is marked with vast numbers of “darlings” and “dearests” which rather stepped on the amazing intimacy of Holmes using Watson’s given name. I boggled at Watson using “darling” in front of another person, no matter how sympathetic that person was.
The language, “darlings” aside, matched the tone of Holmes canon nicely, and the ending was certainly the best that could be hoped for as far as the Toddingham family was concerned. The mystery was tragic in the classical sense, being made inevitable by the character’s fatal flaw; I had sympathy for the villain, though to explain why is a spoiler. Some of the villainous behavior was just over the top, requiring a huge amount of collusion from other parties, and could have been dispensed with.
All in all, the joys of this well done pastiche outweigh the flaws: Kissing Sherlock Holmes is a good, solid read, and the prospect of Holmes and Watson’s return to 221b Baker Street is a joyful one.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Cryselle !
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Posted in 4 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Cryselle, Erotic, Gay, GLBT, Historical, Kissing Sherlock Holmes, m/m, mystery, mystery/suspense, T.D. McKinney, Terry Wylis | No Comments »
September 16th, 2011
 Static by L.A Witt
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Fantasy Romance, GLBT, M/M,
Length: 287 pages
Summary:
Damon Bryce is worried sick when he doesn’t hear from his girlfriend after she visits her estranged parents, but when he checks up on her, he’s in for the shock of his life–she’s a shifter, part of a small percentage of the population who can shift genders at will. Thanks to her parents, though, she’s been forcibly given an implant that leaves her static–unable to shift–and male. Alex Nichols desperately wants the implant removed, but getting it out isn’t nearly as easy as putting it in. The surgery is expensive and dangerous. Left in, the implant carries its own set of risks, with the potential to cripple or even kill him. On top of that, he’s carefully kept his identity a secret from more people in his life than just Damon, and his parents aren’t the only ones appalled by shifters. Stripped of half his identity and facing serious physical effects and social ramifications, Alex needs Damon more than ever, but he doesn’t see how their relationship can get through this unscathed. Especially if Alex is a static male permanently.
Kelley’s Review:
I have read many of Ms. Witt’s books and have loved them all. She is clearly one of my favorite authors out there. So I was quite excited about reading Static. Just the summary itself had me intrigued. It made me wonder, what would it be like to have the ability to change from a male to a female and vice versa. And how would one deal with the differences? Or how would a partner deal with it?
 Alex and Damon have been together for awhile and know each other well. So when Damon goes to check on Alex one morning, he gets the shock of his life. Ms. Witt does a fantastic job with detail in expressing all of Damon and Alex’s feelings. That fact in itself is what made Static so real for me. This story contained an array of emotions that had me feeling what these men (and a woman) were feeling.
What these two main characters had to go through and what sacrifices each one made was incredible. But all through the book I wondered would it be enough? Could Damon get passed the fact that his partner was a shifter? Could Alex live with the possibility that he might have to stay male for the rest of his/her life?
This book is about two people rediscovering things about one another and deciding whether or not their relationship is worth fighting for. The emotional aspect of Static will have you reeling. It makes you think about how far you would go for the one you love.
Static by L.A. Witt is a definite must read. The array of characters and emotions of this story made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I commend Ms. Witt for writing another wonderful story that I couldn’t put down.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Kelley!
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Posted in 5 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Fantasy, GLBT, Kelley, L.A. Witt, m/m, Recommended Read, Static | No Comments »
August 30th, 2011
 Cemeteries by Lynn Lorenz
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Paranormal, GLBT, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: 65 pages
Summary:
At the place known as Cemeteries, strange things happen… Mike meets Jacob on the bus and they start a hot affair. Both men are falling hard, and Mike wants forever with Jacob. But Jacob is content to leave things the same, so each night, they go their separate ways–Mike to the next bus, and Jacob just disappears. When Mike tries to find Jacob, he follows the young man into a cemetery, only to lose him among the great stone tombs of one of New Orleans most famous Cities of the Dead. Jacob has a terrible secret, and only Mike holds the key to Jacob’s future. But will Jacob’s secret destroy them both?
Lasha’s Review:
Cemeteries is an eerie, haunting novella that takes the reader on a one-way journey with Mike, who rides the bus every night after his shift at the famous O’Malley’s pub in New Orleans. Set exclusively on the bus, the plot has Mike meeting the man of his dreams on his ride home. Jacob, is gorgeous, mysterious and will only meet with Mike on the bus. (So, yes their love affair and the sex happen entirely on those rides night after night – it’s a good thing they are the only passengers besides the driver on the vehicle!) However, Mike wants more from Jacob and after following him home late one night, Mike realizes Jacob is harboring a huge secret, one that might destroy their love.
Lynn Lorenz has once again set an intriguing drama inside the scary, but beautiful city of New Orleans. In my estimation, the city takes second place in the story after the characters of Mike and Jacob. She is able to string the reader along on this journey of intrigue and suspense along with Mike as we find out exactly what Jacob’s secret is. (Hint: I thought it was one thing and it was something totally different, which surprised me in a totally good way). The ambiance of the setting, the evocative tone of the plot and the desperation of the two main characters all make for an uneasy and atypical love story. This novella is perfect for a dark, rainy night – as long as all the lights are on. I recommend Cemeteries and any other of Ms. Lorenz’s works.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 4 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Cemeteries, Erotic, GLBT, Lasha, Lynn Lorenz, m/m, Paranormal | No Comments »
August 17th, 2011
 Call and Answer by Val Kovalin
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, GLBT, M/M
Length: 131 pages
Summary:
Small-town Louisiana in 1959 is a dangerous place to have a gay affair. But Henri can’t help his instant attraction to Gabriel, a handsome black musician who accepts his advances with amused tolerance. Henri hopes for a summer of hot, uncomplicated sex before he leaves for college. He doesn’t realize that Gabriel is a powerful shapeshifter who also lives as an alligator in the bayou.
When Henri first sees Gabriel transform into an alligator, he mistakes him for the Devil. Then he learns that Gabriel exists to raise power through sex-magic. For that, Gabriel needs a human lover. In the past, some lovers have helped Gabriel spend the power for the good of the land, and others have squandered it for personal gain. What will Henri do–given that he never wanted to be a magic-wielder in the first place?
As his summer romance with Gabriel deepens into passionate love, Henri must learn to face responsibility as he encounters prejudice, family feuds, and startling glimpses into the underworlds of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Can he persuade Gabriel to take a chance on a future with him?
Cryselle’s Review:
So many things are off the beaten path with Call and Answer–this shapeshifter story is definitely an unique offering. Set in bayou country in the late fifties, the elements of time and place shape but do not overwhelm the plot. Val Kovalin has created something special here.
Henri Broussard, horny eighteen year old, blows past the conventions and into the arms of Gabriel, a gorgeous black man/land spirit who insists Henri know and understand his alligator form and nature. It’s easy for Henri to agree to the responsibilities that come with being Gabriel’s lover, much easier than to actually discharge them. Henri’s thoughtless and a little wild; Gabriel might have been right to think Henri’s called him too soon.
Val Kovalin weaves the small town, pre-Civil Rights movement, pre-women’s lib attitudes through the plot very deftly, without resorting to coarse language in doing it, yet it all simmers within the story, much as it must have done in that time. Combine that with the heavy bayou air, the water that’s too dangerous to swim in, except for Gabriel, and the pull of sex, and the sweat rises off the reader.
Gabriel’s a mystery, yet very open, too. He doesn’t question what he is or why he’s bound in certain ways; he’s been in the swamps since “before whites or blacks.” It’s been a long time since his seasonal partner was a man, but Henri burns with lust – he’s the one. There’s a serious maturity gap here, yet Gabriel cannot be the guide Henri so urgently needs because of the way the power works. Somehow that’s fitting – look into reptilian eyes and there’s no one in there you can communicate with. Still, Gabriel can be hurt, and he values loyalty.
Call and Answer is so much the story of Henri’s growing up, going from simple lust to understanding and maybe even love, and coming into manhood in so many other ways. Henri’s character in the beginning seemed under compulsion – there were no moments of reflection on how many of society’s rules he was breaking or that he was doing it deliberately or with understanding, just boom – into the arms of the most unsuitable (on the surface) lover around. By the end though, this young man is a much finer person. A vivid cast of secondary characters assist him in their various ways, from Sofie, who wants a different life and feels a claim on Gabriel, to Mr. Jackson, a middle-aged black teacher who’s been beaten, but not beaten down, by the color bar, and a family already astraddle two cultures.
Henri”s young and the mistakes he makes reflect that – unbridled horniness and hesitating to fulfill a frightening duty — by the end he’s much deeper than he starts, when his every action has consequences greater than he first expects. His decisions cost him dearly, but not more than he and Gabriel can pay. I want to see what happens in the spring.
Rated 4.5 Delightful Divas by Cryselle!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Divas, Amber Quill Press, Call and Answer, contemporary, Cryselle, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Val Kovalin | No Comments »
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