Renaissance Man (Blaze of Glory #3) by M. Garzon ~ 5* Book Review~ @mgarzonauthor

Title: Renaissance Man (Blaze of Glory #3)

Author: M. Garzon

Publisher: Petal Press

Publication Status: Available

Genre: Contemporary, Sport, Romance, Young Adult

Length: 338 pages

ISBN: 9780988001367

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

The third book in the popular 'Blaze of Glory' series, soon to be adapted for television.
"And they lived happily ever after."
In fairy tales, that’s always how things end. The prince and princess ride away on his white horse and from then on all’s right with the world. But what if it wasn’t? What if the prince’s life didn’t suit the princess? What if she felt stifled by life inside the castle walls? Could she tell him? And if she loved him—really loved him—how could she ask him to give up his kingdom?

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Pickup Men by LC Chase ~ Book Review ~ @Riptidebooks

Title: Pickup Men

Author: LC Chase

Publisher: Riptide Books

Publication Status: Available

Genre: MM Romance, Contemporary, Western

Themes: angst, coming out, homophobia, hurt/comfort, jocks / athletes

ISBN: 9781626490284

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

It takes a pissed-off Brahma bull named Shockwave to show rodeo pickup man Marty Fairgrave the cold hard truth about champion bull rider Tripp Colby: Tripp will never leave the safety of his closet or acknowledge Marty in public. Sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough, and after a year of hiding what they are, Marty finally sees the light—and it’s no longer shining on Tripp.

Tripp Colby would do anything for Marty. Well . . . almost. He’s never loved anyone before, and isn’t quite sure how to handle it now. But he knows Marty is his everything, and in order to win him back, Tripp will have to overcome his darkest fears and step into the light.

But no matter Tripp’s intentions, the cost might be too high and the effort too late for these two cowboys to ride off into the sunset.

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The Flesh Cartel 7 - Homecoming ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title:  The Flesh Cartel 7: Homecoming

Author: Rachel Haimowitz & Heidi Belleau

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing

Publication Status:  Available

Genre: Horror, erotica, thriller

Themes: Slavery, Abuse, BDSM, Suicide

ISBN: 978-1-937551-96-4

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

BLURB

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If It Fornicates ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title:  If It Fornicates (Market Garden #4)

Author: LA Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

Publisher:  Riptide Publishing

Publication Status:  Available

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Themes: BDSM, Rentboys, GLBT, CBT

ISBN: 978-1-62649-027-7

My Rating: 4.5 of 5*

From the Publisher:

If it flies, drives, or fornicates, it’s cheaper to rent it.

Nick is a top earner in the Market Garden, where rentboys fulfill their high-rolling clients’ every sexual fantasy. As a Dom and a sadist, he sets his own price and is experienced enough not to let any client get out of hand. He’s damn good at his job, and it’s easy money.

Or at least it used to be. But now he has a boyfriend. Spencer is a former client, a closeted corporate lawyer, and so beautifully submissive he’s perfect for Nick. He doesn’t even mind how Nick earns a living. He just wants to take care of Nick—something Nick isn’t quite sure how to handle.

In fact, Nick’s clearly off his game these days. Sure, he’s tired from his shift work and his studies, but mainly he’s bored by his clients and distracted by thoughts of Spencer—dangerous for everyone when he’s wielding a whip. Now Nick has to make a choice: give up his independence, or walk away from the only man he’s ever loved.

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Flawless by Cat Grant ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Flawless (Irresistible Attraction #4)

Author: Cat Grant

Publisher: Riptide

Publication Status: Available 22 April 2013 (available for pre-order from Riptide now)

Genre: M/M Contemporary

Themes: transgender, bisexuality

ISBN: 9781626490123

My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Steve Campbell used to be a player, until a mid-life crisis opened his eyes to his long-repressed love for Connor, his soon-to-be-married best friend and business partner. Coming out at thirty-eight means learning how to date all over again, and this time, Steve’s not willing to settle for empty one-night stands. He wants the real thing.

Gil Alvarez has never had it easy, struggling through childhood and rejected by his family for a body that didn’t match who he was inside. A skilled driver and mechanic, he’s working hard to make his auto shop a success. The last thing he needs is a rich white guy in a candy-apple-red Ferrari tempting him, but Steve’s ready smile and easygoing manner prove irresistible.

One brief, intimate encounter leaves them both hungry for more. Gil’s not ashamed of who he is, but he’s terrified that Steve will reject him—or worse—when he discovers what Gil can’t find the courage to tell him.

This title is part of the Irresistible Attraction universe.

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What I'm Reading... Cut & Run Series ~ #7 Touch & Geaux Win TODAY!! ~ @RiptideBooks

Many of my friends have asked why I, a straight married mom of 3, love reading M/M romance novels... the answer is the Cut & Run Series by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban.

I am currently re-reading the entire series in preparation for today's release of Touch & Geaux the 7th book in the series

Join Riptide in Celebrating the release of this book and also show your love for Abigail Roux and M/M Romance in the dabwaha by voting for book #6 Stars & Stripes TODAY!!!



Read more to find out how you can win great prizes form Riptide!!

Giving an Inch ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Giving an Inch - The Professor's Rule #1

Author: Heidi Belleau and Amelia C. Gormley

Publisher: Riptide Books

Publication Status: Available 15 April 2013 (pre-order at Riptide now)

Genre: Contemporary, M/M Romance, Erotica

Themes: Dominance/Submission, Multiple Partners

ISBN: 9781626490161

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

School is back in session.

History grad James Sheridan thinks his biggest problem in life is trying to find a suitable outfit for his upcoming Ph.D. candidacy exam. That is, until he accidentally texts a changing-room selfie meant for his fashionable sister to his ex, the domineering Professor Carson.

James and Carson haven’t seen each since James fled their power games two years ago. Back in his undergrad days, Carson was his Professor, and not just in the academic sense: a man of unusual tastes and extreme sexual demands, James had been happy to sate Carson’s savage appetites. Too happy, in fact. He never could trust himself not to let Carson push too far.

Now James is older and wiser, and sharing some seriously flirtatious vibes with a cute menswear rep. When Carson replies to James’s errant text, ready to pick up where they left off, James can’t help being drawn back into Carson’s control. It’s only when Carson suggests involving the salesman that James has to ask himself how far is too far, and whether he’s willing to go there with Carson again.

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The Flesh Cartel #6: Brotherhood ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: The Flesh Cartel

Author: Rachel Haimowitz and Heidi Belleau

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available at Riptide, Wide release 1 April

Genre: action / thriller, contemporary, drama, erotica, horror

Themes: too many to name

ISBN: 978-1-937551-75-9

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

In the season finale of The Flesh Cartel: Fragmentation, Nikolai sets into motion his plan to break the bonds of brotherhood between Dougie and Mat. Time and again, Mat and Dougie have proven they’ll do anything to stay together, anything to spare the other misery or pain. To sever that thread, Nikolai plots a strategy more cruel and clever than he’s ever employed before. And to pull it all off, he enlists the help of a willing accomplice: Mat.

You see, Mat and Nikolai have come to an understanding. Or rather, Nikolai has come to understand what makes Mat tick. How to wind him up. How to make him stop. And how very much he’s willing to sacrifice for his brother’s happiness.

But Mat is still a loose cannon, and there’s no telling how Nikolai’s plan will unfold. One thing’s for certain though: Nikolai never fails, and with Mat’s cooperation or without it, Dougie will be his.

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Covet Thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs #4) ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks @GallagherWitt

Title: Covet Thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs #4)

Author: LA Witt

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 25 Mar (Pre-Order at Riptide)

Genre: Contemporary, M/M Romance, LGBT

Themes: Religion, Homophobia

ISBN: 978-1-62649-000-

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Opposites attract, but heaven help these two.
Tattoo artist Seth Wheeler thinks he’s struck gold when Darren Romero rents the apartment across the hall. The new guy is gorgeous, witty, and single, plus he’s just the right blend of bold and flirtatious. Perfect.
Except then Darren reveals that he moved to Tucker Springs to take a job as the youth pastor at the New Light Church. Seth is not only an atheist, but was thrown out by his ultra-religious family when he came out. He tends to avoid believers, not out of judgment but out of self-preservation.
But Darren doesn’t give up easily, and he steadily chips away at Seth’s defenses. Darren is everything Seth wants in a man . . . except for that one massive detail he just can’t overlook. Is Darren’s religion the real problem, or is it just a convenient smoke screen to keep him from facing deeper fears? It’s either see the light, or risk pushing Darren away forever.

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What I'm Reading: Louder than Sirens, Louder Than Bells

Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells by K.D. Sarge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Why on earth did I put this story down way back when??? I started this story in July, got about 1/2 way through the first chapter and abandoned it. I knew it was one I would go back to, so back on the TBR it went to be pulled out now when challenged to read the oldest book on my TBR. I don't know WHY I ever abandoned it. I absolutely adored this book. It was definitely a slow-burn, but Lukas and Alan are so great together, even before they are "together". I loved it from beginning to end and read it in basically one sitting (with only minor breaks for little things like feeding and bathing the kids). I would love to see more about this couple in the future.


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Never a Hero by Marie Sexton ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Never a Hero (Tucker Springs #5)

Author: Marie Sexton

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 25 May (Pre-orders available through Publisher's website)

Genre: MM Romance, Contemporary

Themes: Hurt/Comfort, Disability, Illness/Disease

ISBN: 9781937551940

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Owen Meade is desperately in need of a hero. Raised by a mother who made him ashamed of his stutter, his sexual orientation, and his congenitally amputated arm, Owen lives like a hermit in his Tucker Springs apartment. But then hunky veterinarian Nick Reynolds moves in downstairs.

Nick is sexy and confident, and makes Owen comfortable with himself in a way nobody ever has. He also introduces Owen to his firecracker of a little sister, who was born with a similar congenital amputation but never let it stand in her way. When she signs the two of them up for piano lessons—and insists that they play together in a recital—Owen can’t find a way to say no. Especially since it gives him a good excuse to spend more time with Nick.

Owen knows he’s falling hard for his neighbor, but every time he gets close, Nick inexplicably pulls away. Battling his mother’s scorn and Nick’s secrets, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it’s time to be one—for himself and for Nick.

This title is part of the Tucker Springs universe.

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If it Flies by LA Witt and Aleksandr Voinov ~ Book Review ~

Title: If It Flies (Market Garden #3)

Author: LA Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 9 Mar 2013 (available for pre-order now)

Genre: BDSM, M/M Romance, Contemporary

Themes: interracial/multicultural, prostitution

ISBN: 978-1-62649-004-8

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

If it flies, drives, or fornicates, it’s cheaper to rent it.

Spencer is in a rut. Long hours at the law firm are sucking the life out of him, and he doesn’t have time or energy for a relationship. He’s lonely, horny, and itching for something new, so he tries the Market Garden, an exclusive—and expensive—brothel. Spencer isn’t in the door five minutes before a cocky rentboy makes his move.

Nick isn’t just any rentboy, though. He’s a Dom, he’s a sadist, and he’s everything Spencer didn’t know he was missing. One night turns into more, and before long, Spencer is one of Nick’s regular clients.

Both men think they’re just scratching each other’s backs: Spencer’s exploring a submissive, masochistic side he never knew he had, and Nick is getting off and getting paid. But as time goes on, it’s clear their strictly professional arrangement . . . isn’t, and if Nick has one hard limit, it’s that he doesn’t get romantically entangled with his johns. The problem is, while Nick doesn't want to be owned, Spencer’s no longer content with just renting.

This title is part of the Market Garden universe.

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City Mouse by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov ~ Book Review ~ @Riptidebooks

Title:

Author: Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov

Publisher: Riptide Books

Publication Status: Available 18 Mar 2013 (available for pre-order now)

Genre: contemporary, romance, M/M, Gay

Themes: commitment, self-discovery, trust issues

ISBN: 978-1-62649-005-5

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

A magical weekend, a breathless declaration, a happy ever after . . . Right?

Wrong.

When Malcolm Kavanagh took his first step toward emotional maturity by declaring his love to Owen Watson, that was just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than that.

One problem: Malcolm has never been in love. He doesn’t know the rules of a relationship and isn’t confident enough to trust that his is real. He learns the ropes by sharing his life and his flat with Owen, but relationship boot camp proves a challenge. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer.

Luckily, Owen knows a little more about relationships, and labors patiently to survive the first six weeks of their life together. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.

This title is #2 of the Country Mouse series, and is the sequel to Country Mouse by Aleksandr Voinov and Amy Lane.

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Flesh Cartel #5 ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Flesh Cartel Episode 5: Wins and Loses

Author: Rachel Haimowitz and Heidi Belleau

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 2 Mar 2013

Genre: Action, Horror, Contemporary, Erotica

Themes: non-consent, kidnapping, abuse, slave/capture, comfort

ISBN: 978-1-937551-74-2

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

In episode five of The Flesh Cartel, Nikolai is well on his way to undermining the bond between Mat and Dougie, but there’s still a long road ahead. Training slaves is a process full of setbacks, and with these two, the situation is more complex and precarious than usual.

Walking the line with Mat is especially challenging. Too severe a hand leaves him fearful, even broken, but too light a touch leaves him disobedient and full of fury. Dougie, on the other hand, wants desperately to end his suffering and loneliness and fear. But his unwillingness to disappoint his brother means he can’t bring himself to submit.

Controlling Mat with pain alone is futile, so Nikolai must take a defter route by decoding Mat’s deeper desires: why does he fight, and why does he want so badly to win? By contrast, Dougie may need a firmer touch than the pleasure and affection Nikolai has so far shown him. To convince Dougie of how much he stands to gain by giving all of himself to Nikolai, he must first teach him how much more he has left to lose.

This title is part of the The Flesh Cartel, Season 2: Fragmentation serial. Check out the season discount!

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Take it Off ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Take it Off

Author: L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 25 Feb 2012

Genre: Erotica, LGBT

Themes: prostitution, romantic elements

ISBN: 978-1-62649-002-4

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

Turnabout is foreplay.

High-end Market Garden rentboys Tristan and Jared have found their niche. Men are willing to pay good money to watch Tristan tease Jared, and the two of them seduce London’s elite with sex and power games.

Except Tristan is less and less interested in getting money out of the johns these days. He wants his partner in crime, and he wants the seduction to be real. But is Jared just in this for the pay?

When Rolex, the john who started it all, returns to Market Garden, the boys jump on the opportunity to service him—and each other—for a fresh pile of cash. Rolex isn’t the only one itching for a rematch, though. Jared’s been waiting for a chance to get back at Tristan for teasing him so mercilessly the first time.

And for a former stripper, revenge is a dish best served extra hot.

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Once a Brat by Kim Dare ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: Once a Brat

Author: Kim Dare

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available

Genre: BDSM, Gay Romance

Themes: Dominant / Submission, First Time, Mild Kink, Spanking

ISBN: 9781937551926

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Experienced dominant Marcus Tremayne has a stalker. On the plus side, the boy following him around his local leather club is gorgeous and a self-professed submissive. Unfortunately, he’s also inexperienced, bratty, and liable to drive Marcus insane within his incessant chatter and questions.

Bret Daniels fell head over heels with Marcus the moment he first saw him. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Marcus’s attention and prove his worth as a submissive. He might not be a traditional sub, but he knows he has a lot to offer a dom who can handle his quirks.

When Marcus gives in and agrees to do a scene with Bret, sparks fly. One scene quickly becomes another, and another. But will it be a case of once a brat, always a brat? Bret intends to prove to Marcus that—expectations and experiences aside—he deserves his master’s collar.

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Too Stupid to Live ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks @AnneTenino

Title: Too Stupid to Live

Author: Anne Tenino

Publisher: Riptide Books

Publication Status: Available

Genre: M/M Romance, Contemporary

Themes: LGBT, Coming Out, Homophobia

ISBN: 9781937551841

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.

Until he meets Ian.

Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.

Until he meets Sam.

Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?

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Unlawful by Jessica Freely ~ Short Story Review ~

Unlawful by Jessica Freely

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I totally have to go buy His Own Devices now... Thanks Ms. Freely ;)

Droje and Larke lead very different lives in a world where being who they are (namely Gay) is illegal. they happen upon one another when Droje is at his lowest and Larke takes him in at great personal risk (though he doesn't realize it at the time).

This is a hot little short (well not too little, enough to have its own plot) and definitely whet my appetite for more from this Universe, but can be read on it's own as well. Great job.

Buy on Amazon  Buy His Own Devices on Amazon


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Paul's Dream ~ Book Review ~

Title: Paul's Dream

Author: Rowan McBride

Publisher: INscribe Digital

Publication Status: Available

Genre: Urban Fantasy, MM Romance

Themes: Magic

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Paul Graham is content with his life. An up-and-coming lawyer, he has no time to dwell on the mazes, puzzles, and riddles he solves while asleep. He has no interest in dreams, or anything that might derail his career.

Until Kian shows up. Sensual, playful, he claims that Paul rescued him four years ago. Now he's determined to repay him with the one thing he knows best: sex laced with ... magic.

Kian is unlike any man Paul has encountered. He won’t go away, for one. The fact that Paul doesn’t remember him doesn’t deter his mission of seduction in the least. But soon enough, Paul finds that this strange, carnal creature has the ability to melt his ice with a touch, to bring out a sweetness Paul didn’t even know he had.

As Kian becomes a part of his life, Paul finds himself more and more attached. Forgotten dreams, buried memories, and the dangerous obsession of another conspire to tear them apart. Is he strong enough to endure a trial by fire in order to keep them together?

Contains: M/M (involves anal play, penetration)

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Latitude Extreme (Latitude #2) ~ Book Review ~

Title: Latitude Extreme (Latitude #2)

Author: Stephani Hecht and Jackie Nacht

Publisher: Extasy Books

Publication Status: Available

Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBT

Themes: enemies to lovers, road trip

ISBN: 978-1-77111-448-6

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

When love has you going to the extreme to rectify a misunderstanding.

Craig and his sister Lana have officially been recruited for season two of Latitude on the famous LGBTQ network. The only problem is that Lana is now going to be teaming up with her new boyfriend, former camera man Angel. So why are they contacting him to come on the show this season with no teammate? And after what happened last season, he feels a trap coming.

Luke Nolan knows that this probably isn’t the way to reunite with Craig. In fact, it’s probably a terrible mistake considering five years ago his social circle in high school had given both Lana and Craig, hell. However, after seeing him on the show last season, he knows that he hasn’t gotten over Craig. He will do anything to get him back, even go to the extreme. But will Craig listen long enough to rectify the misunderstanding that has been haunting Luke these past five years?

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The Flesh Cartel #4: Consequences ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks

Title: The Flesh Cartel #4: Consequences
Author: Rachel Haimowitz and Heidi Belleau
Publisher: Riptide
Publication Status: Available 4 Feb 2013
Genre: action/thriller, contemporary, drama, erotica, horror
Themes: non-consent, slave/kidnap, abuse, LGBT
ISBN: 978-1-937551-73-5
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

From the Publisher:

In episode four of The Flesh Cartel, Mat and Dougie Carmichael begin their training with their new master, Nikolai, where they both learn the meaning of servitude . . . and of consequences for their choices.

For Mat, destined to be trained but not broken—to always fight but never win—life with Nikolai is suffering stacked on suffering. Nikolai pushes him to the edge but not over; he must never lose the hatred in his eyes. Dougie, on the other hand, is fated to love and crave service. For that, Nikolai must teach him the pleasures of a pampered sex slave, but training a straight man to revel in his gay captor’s touch is no easy feat.

As if the challenges Mat and Dougie face aren’t difficult enough, one last complication remains: before either brother can submit fully to Nikolai, they must first give up their strongest, most powerful loyalty: their dedication to each other.

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Meaty Main Dishes ~ Children's Cookbook Review ~

Title: Meaty Main Dishes

Author: Jennifer S. Larson

Photographer: Brie Cohen

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780761366348

Publication Date: 1 April 2013

Genre: Cookbook, Children

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

 

 

From the Author:

Want to treat your family to some meaty home-cooked meals? You can be the chef with these easy-to-follow recipes for Asian shrimp stir fry, juicy chicken drumsticks, taco meatballs, and other tasty dishes. You'll find simple drawings of important steps as well as photographs of the finished dishes. This book also provides key information, such as an equipment list, a technique list, safety tips, notes on special ingredients, and more. What are you waiting for? It's time to get cooking!

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Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks @heidicullinan

Title: Dirty Laundry

Author: Heidi Cullinan

Publisher: Riptide

Publication Status:

Genre: Contemporary, M/M Romance

Themes: BDSM, Hurt/Comfort, Mental Illness, LGBT

ISBN: 9781937551773

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Entomology grad student Adam Ellery meets Denver Rogers, a muscle-bound hunk of sexy, when Denver effortlessly dispatches the drunken frat boys harassing Adam at the Tucker Springs laundromat. Thanking him turns into flirting, and then, much to Adam’s delight, hot sex over the laundry table.

Though Denver’s job as a bouncer at a gay bar means he gets his pick of geek-sexy college twinks, he can’t get Adam out of his head. Adam seems to need the same rough play Denver does, and it’s damn hard to say no to such a perfect fit.

Trouble is, Adam isn’t just shy: he has obsessive compulsive disorder and clinical anxiety, conditions which have ruined past relationships. And while Denver might be able to bench-press a pile of grad students, he comes from a history of abuse and is terrified of getting his GED. Neither Denver nor Adam want to face their dirty laundry, but to stay together, they’re going to have to come clean.

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January Reading Challenge #4 ~ Monthly Challenge ~

This challenge comes to us from the Romance Readers Reading Challenges group on Goodreads

1. 'J' is for January: Read a book that starts with 'J' or by an author whose first or last name begins with 'J'.

2. Happy Birthday!: Read a book from a January birthday celebrant's GR bookshelf whose name/nickname starts with the same letter as yours OR match the date of your birthday (1-31) to a member on the January birthday list. Eg My name is Jane and my birthday is 13 August. I can either pick a January birthday celebrant whose name starts with 'J' or was born on 13 January.

If neither of these options work, select a match as close as possible (either side of the initial or date).
January Birthday List

3. Geography: Read a book whose author, character or setting is from Louisiana, USA. Louisiana is well known for New Orlean's Mardi Gras, so for this category you can also read a book centered around a celebration or involving a parade.

4. 'New Year' means New Year Resolutions! Read a book with a character that is trying to improve themselves, started in a new profession/job/life-phase or has moved to a new district/country.

5. National Stay Healthy Month. Read a book where good health or dealing with health issues is a key consideration. For example, read a book where a main character is an athlete, doctor, nutritionist/dietician, physiotherapist, or where the character is recovering from ill health.

6. 13 Jan - This is, of course, Rubbie Duckie's Birthday!: (From Sesame Street) Read a book that features a child or children; or just read a children's book :) [Not a Young Adult book.]

7. 14 Jan - National Dress Up Your Pet day: Read a book with a pet in the storyline.

8. National Hugging Day and Make Your Dreams Come True Day are both in January: This is an easy category for everyone - Read a romance book! And a 'High 5' if your bookcover shows 2 {or more ;} people hugging!

9. Backwards Day is Jan 31: Two options.
* How do you organise your TBR shelf? Take a deep breath and select a book from the opposite end of your shelving (the last 20% of your 'normal' bookshelves).
OR
*Catering for those that don't have a TBR shelf, read a book that shows someone/something's back view or that 'takes you back' in time (a historical book or time-travel book that goes back in history).

10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.

My Picks:

Something New Under the Sun ~ Book Review ~ @RiptideBooks @GallagherWitt

Title: Something New Under the Sun

Author: L.A. Witt

Publisher: Riptide

Publication Status: Available Jan 21 2013

Genre: M/M Romance, CyberPunk

Themes: Vampire, Assassin, abduction/kidnapping, blackmail

ISBN: 978-1-937551-88-9

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Liam Lansing is heir to a prominent family of bio-modified vampires. That is, until he chooses the wrong lover and is cast down to the Gutter to scrape for his life.


Daniel Harding is heir to Cybernetix and a prince of the corporate Sky. That is, until his ideology drives his father to put a price on his head, forcing him into the Gutter.


But Daniel and Liam won’t vanish meekly into the smog. Together, they plan to rip open the hidden corruption that runs the Sky—for vengeance, for justice, and for hope. They strike against the corporations in a daring raid. When everything goes wrong, Daniel must betray his core beliefs to save the man he loves and protect his dangerous secret. Only through courage in the face of death—or worse—might he and Liam change the world they live in and create something new under the sun.

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Reactivated - Killer Contingency #1 ~ Book Review ~

Title: Reactivated - Killer Contingency #1

Author: Caitlin West

Publisher: Extasy Books

Publication Status: Limited Availablity

Genre: Thriller, LGBT, MM Romance

Themes: First Time, Erotic, Assassin

ISBN: 9781771114370

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Ardan Boyle has spent the majority of his life as a freelance assassin. Working throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East, he only accepts contracts for the most vile of criminals, for those who have made themselves 'above the law'. His success can be measured in the reduction of criminal filth in the Old World but even this service to the world has a price: the total detachment from his humanity.

Enter Brad Myles, an aspiring actor and businessman. Their chance meeting at an airport awakens something Ardan thought long dead and even as they become acquainted, it becomes obvious that maybe there's a cure for a lifetime of apathy. Nothing comes for free though and while Ardan may be on the road to recovery, his past is not quite so easily shed.

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January Reading Challenge #3 ~ Spell The Month: Dutch Edition ~

This is a simple challenge. Spell the month and then read a book for each letter (Title, Author First Name, or Author Last Name). The twist? Spell the month in Dutch.

This challenge comes to us from the Romance Readers Reading Challenges group on Goodreads. The word this month is JANUARI

My Picks:

Xylophone by KZ Snow ~ Book Review ~

Title: Xylophone

Author: KZ Snow

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publication Status: Available

Genre: M/M Romance, Contemporary Romance

Themes: Hurt/Comfort, GLBT, Abuse

ISBN: 978-1-62380-258-5

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

From the Publisher:

Daren Boothe's most significant secret centers on an unlikely object: a xylophone. That secret led him to develop his professional alter-ego, a sensual, androgynous dancer. When Dare begins his second (and considerably more wholesome) job playing clarinet in a polka band, he meets a young man who takes his grandmother out dancing. But Dare knows the man has his own secret.

Jonah Day immediately recognizes the clarinetist. Three years earlier they crossed paths in a therapist's office, but they both abandoned that route to mental health. Neither was ready then to open up about the psychological traumas that haunted them.

In an attempt to heal their wounds, Dare and Jonah turn to each other. Understanding and empathy come instantly, accompanied by ambivalence about their growing attraction. But the repercussions of victimization are many. Soon, the very experiences Dare and Jonah share threaten to drive them apart.

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January Reading Challenge #2 ~ In with the New ~

This challenge comes to us from the Kindle Smut group on Goodreads.

Since it is January we are going with the In with the New theme. Here you go (as usual 5 books for this challenge):

New Author- this is just a new in general author, someone who has just been published in the last year.
New to YOU Author- any author you have never read before.
New Genre/sub-genre- Always wanted to try PNR, Urban Fantasy, Historical, Sci Fi? Do it now!
New Kink- Push your own limits on this one, and read something totally different. Try out M/M, menage, BDSM, spankings, gang bangs, pick your kink!
New Release- Pick a book less than a month old.

My Picks:

 

The Nothingness of Ben by Brad Boney ~ Book Review ~

Title: The Nothingness of Ben

Author: Brad Boney

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publication Status: Available

Genre: M/M Romance

Sub Genre: LGBT, loss

ISBN: 978-1-62380-139-7

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

From the Publisher:

Ben Walsh is well on his way to becoming one of Manhattan’s top litigators, with a gorgeous boyfriend and friends on the A-list. His life is perfect until he gets a phone call that brings it all crashing down: a car accident takes his parents, and now he must return to Austin to raise three teenage brothers he barely knows.

During the funeral, Ben meets Travis Atwood, the redneck neighbor with a huge heart. Their relationship initially runs hot and cold, from contentious to flirtatious, but when the weight of responsibility starts wearing on Ben, he turns to Travis, and the pressure shapes their friendship into something that feels a lot like love. Ben thinks he’s found a way to have his old life, his new life, and Travis too, but love isn’t always easy. Will he learn to recognize that sometimes the worst thing imaginable can lead him to the place he was meant to be?

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January Reading Challenge #1 ~ Over in a Flash ~

Yep I am still doing all those awesome reading challenges.  With the new year, you will actually see some new ones and starting over with some old ones.  One I love doing every month is the Over in a Flash challenge from the Happily Ever After Cafe group on Good reads.

It is a quick challenge, you need only read 2 books (though I usually do all 3):

Here are the rules (these are taken directly from the HEA Cafe)

Rules: Read 2 books with the following items found on their covers; choose 2 of the 3 options below. Be sure to post your book covers, dates read, and star ratings. If you want, you can do this at the end of the month after you reviewed your covers. Feel free to do all three, or more, if you want.

COLOR: White...as in Winter White.

HOLIDAY: (1) New Year’s Day - Out with the old and in with the new. Read a new author, new series to you or a new release (released in the last year). (2) Epiphany Day 1/6/13 - Read a book with any type of religious character or a cult of some sort. A character that has some type of revelation or insight. (3) Martin Luther King Jr. - Birthday 1/21/13. - Read a book with a plot centered around dreams. Read a book with one of the following words in the title: dream, peace, freedom or believe.

ITEMS: January’s Birthstone is garnet. Flower is carnation. Goat and Water bearer for zodiac. Other items snow/ice, rain/lighting, cabin, skis or skiing, fire, scarfs, beanie, gloves/mittens, boots, jacket, blanket, Northern lights, fireworks, celebration (Australia Day), President, King, Queen, e.g. for Inauguration Day.

My Picks:

Quid Pro Quo by L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov ~ Book Review ~

Title: Quid Pro Quo

Author: L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication Status: Available 7 Jan 2012

Genre: Erotica, M/M Contemporary

Sub Genre: LGBT, Mild Menage, Mild BDSM,

ISBN: 978-1-937551-89-6

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

From the Publisher:

For the past six months, Jared’s been selling sex at Market Garden, a London club that caters to the better-off. But business is slow in the run-up to Christmas, when businessmen and bankers are too busy bickering over bonuses to rent themselves a little high-class action.

Though Jared’s wallet finds the downtime unnerving, the rest of him rather enjoys the opportunity it gives him to admire Tristan, an old hand in the club whose reputation usually sees him well-booked. Jared has been crushing on Tristan for months—he’s no more immune to Tristan’s cockiness and confidence than the johns, and those are just Tristan’s inner qualities.

Just as Jared’s about to chat Tristan up, a businessman asks for something a little different: he wants to book them both. They agree—and Jared finds himself going from crush to mind-bending lust as he’s made the pawn in a sexual power game. Tristan shows him how a pro handles a john while delivering the top-shelf sex for which the Market Garden is so rightly renowned.

This title is part of the Market Garden universe.

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