Category Archives: M/M

December 4, 2016 · 11:56 pm

Review: Hanging the Stars by Rhys Ford

Title: Hanging the Stars by Rhys Ford
Half Moon Bay Series Book Two
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Romance, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 206 pages?Word Count: 74,726
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Half Moon Bay: Book Two

Angel Daniels grew up hard, one step ahead of the law and always looking over his shoulder. A grifter’s son, he’d learned every con and trick in the book but ached for a normal life. Once out on his own, Angel returns to Half Moon Bay where he once found… and then lost… love.

Now, Angel’s life is a frantic mess of schedules and chaos. Between running his bakery and raising his troubled eleven-year-old half brother, Roman, Angel has a hectic but happy life. Then West Harris returns to Half Moon Bay and threatens to break Angel all over again by taking away the only home he and Rome ever had.

When they were young, Angel taught West how to love and laugh, but when Angel moved on, West locked his heart up and threw away the key. Older and hardened, West returns to Half Moon Bay and finds himself face-to-face with the man he’d lost. Now West is torn between killing Angel or holding him tight.

But rekindling their passionate relationship is jeopardized as someone wants one or both of them dead, and as the terrifying danger mounts, neither man knows if the menace will bring them together or forever tear them apart.

Review:

Hanging the Stars is the second suspense-laden installment in Rhys Ford’s Half Moon Bay series. While this newest release can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the first book the series as well.

After moving around from place to place with his con-man father, Angel Daniels returned Half Moon Bay to set down roots. Now raising his eleven year brother, Roman, he owns a bakery and manages a rundown motel that is home to several down on their luck residents. Angel is extremely patient and loving as he tries to ensure Roman has a stable home life and reassure him he will always be there for him.

West Harris runs a highly successful business but he is not close to his twin brother Lang nor does he have very many close friendships. He is socially awkward, standoffish and finds it hard to trust anyone. West kind comes across as a little callous and unfeeling but he is making progress in overcoming the effects of his dysfunctional childhood.

West and Angel have history together but they have not seen or spoken to each other in several years. Given how their relationship ended, Angel is pretty unhappy that West is trying to buy his bakery and force him out of the only home he and Roman have ever had. Even worse, instead of approaching Angel directly, West is letting his best friend handle the transaction. All of that changes when separate attempts are made on both men’s lives and West returns to Half Moon Bay. The sparks fly between the two men right away and despite the painful ending to their relationship years earlier, both of them still have feelings for one another. Their reconciliation occurs without them hashing out their unresolved issues from their break up but there is no shortage of angst as West and Angel continue to targeted by their unknown assailant(s).

West and Angel have absolutely no idea who is behind the attempts on their lives and they can only assume the events are somehow connected. A shocking murder reveals a stunning betrayal and West’s reaction threatens to derail the men’s still fragile romance. While things continue to be a little shaky with Angel, West and Roman instantly bond and their relationship is rock solid despite the danger surrounding them.

Hanging the Stars is an action-packed mystery with a cast of likable characters. The first few chapters are a little confusing since the novel starts right in the middle of the action but it does not take long to get up to speed on what is happening. The romance between West and Angel is surprisingly conflict free considering their history but they do have to overcome a few bumps on the road to happily ever after. The mystery element is full of twists and turns and Rhys Ford brings this part of the storyline to an adrenaline fueled conclusion. All in all, an excellent addition to the Half Moon Bay series that old and new fans will enjoy.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Half Moon Bay Mystery Series, Hanging the Stars, M/M, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Rhys Ford, Romance, Suspense

November 22, 2016 · 11:58 pm

Review: Bait by Elizabeth Noble

Title: Bait by Elizabeth Noble
Circles Series Book Five
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Mystery/Suspense, Romance
Length: 94 pages/Word Count: 31,049
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Circles: Book Five

Tyler McCall has made mistakes. He was a teacher—before he fell for a student in his school. That misstep cost him his job and everything he’d worked for. He moved to the Black Hills of Wyoming to start his life over, and he’s happy working at the Big Rock Inn near Devils Tower.

Linden Bourne, a no-nonsense FBI agent Tyler had met before, returns to Wyoming hot on the trail of a killer. The previously unexplored attraction between them grows—which is good considering they’ll be spending a lot of time together when a blizzard strands them at the inn. Cut off from the outside world, with no power, they’ll need to rely on their wits and each other to survive.

Especially when it becomes clear they’re not alone—and the danger they face comes from more than the elements.

Review:

The fifth installment in Elizabeth Noble’s Circles series, Bait is a suspense-laden, engrossing mystery.

Ten years after a lapse in judgment cost him his career, Tyler McCall has carved out a new life for himself in Wyoming. So, when FBI Agent Linden Bourne unexpectedly arrives in town right before a big snowstorm, Tyler is a little confused why Bourne is asking questions about people he knew during that time in his life. Linden’s latest investigation of two murders leads him to believe a killer is targeting a select group of people that Tyler may have known back then. While he is fairly certain Tyler is not the murderer, he needs to cross Tyler off his suspect list before moving forward with his investigation. Just as the weather takes a drastic turn for the worse, the two men realize they are trapped with the killer. Completely isolated with no way to escape, will Linden be able to save Tyler from certain death?

Having previously met Tyler, Linden does not really believe he is responsible for the murders he is investigating, but he has no choice but to consider him as a suspect. Relieved to discover his instincts are indeed correct, he hopes Tyler can help him figure out why someone would be targeting these particular men from his past. Although Linden makes considerable progress fairly quickly, the would be killer takes advantage of the rapidly deteriorating weather conditions to carry out a calculated attack on Tyler. Despite Tyler’s efforts to save himself, he is soon in dire straits and he can only hope Linden will arrive before it is too late.

While the murder investigation is the main focus of the story, there is a slight romantic element to the storyline. Tyler and Linden’s brief meeting prior to their unexpected reunion lays the groundwork for their budding romance. There is a simmering attraction between them that neither man pursued since they do not live in the same state. Their renewed acquaintance provides them the impetus to pursue a relationship but the investigation into the murders takes precedence. The novella concludes with a quick peek into the men’s lives months after the case is closed that is quite satisfying and quite steamy.

With less than a 100 pages, Bait is a fast-paced and riveting mystery that is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy a little romance with their mysteries. The characters are multi-faceted and easy to like. The mystery aspect is well-developed and the investigation moves at a brisk pace. The setting springs vibrantly to life and serves as a perfect backdrop for the killer’s nefarious plan. Although this latest release is the fifth installment in Elizabeth Noble’s Circles series, it can be read as a standalone.

4 Comments

Filed under Bait, Circles Series, Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Elizabeth Noble, M/M, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Suspense

September 19, 2016 · 11:56 pm

Review: Not a Game by Cardeno C.

Title: Not a Game by Cardeno C.
Friends Series Book One
Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance
Word Count: 55,866
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

An accidental meeting and a misunderstanding lead to a life-altering connection.

A new job, a new city, and hopefully a new life. When chubby gamer Oliver Barnaby receives a job offer from the best boutique game developer in the country, he leaves his family and his less than spectacular existence in Oklahoma without a second’s hesitation. Determined to change more than his career and his geography, Oliver implements a plan to finally land a boyfriend. Step one is improving his skills in the bedroom.

A life that looks perfect on paper, but feels empty in reality. Attractive, successful, charismatic Jaime Snow has a life other people envy. His already booming business is growing. He isn’t lacking in friends. And he has no trouble finding a date. But there’s an emptiness in Jaime’s heart and a hole in his life that only the right man can fill.

An accidental meeting, a misunderstanding, and falling in love. When Oliver and Jaime end up at the same bar at the same time, they each see something they want in the other. Going to bed together that first night is easy. Building the lifetime relationship they both desperately crave will require trust, time, and a little misunderstanding.

Review:

Not a Game by Cardeno C. is a scorching hot, conflict-free erotic romance.

Having recently moved from OK to WA for a new job, Oliver Barnaby is determined to make some much needed changes to his life. With plenty of insecurities and not much confidence due to some unkind remarks by his ex-boyfriend, he makes a surprising decision that he hopes will provide him the experience and confidence he needs to jump start his non-existent love life. He also plans to make an effort to make friends but he is uncomfortable around people he does not know so he focuses on improving his sex life first. Oliver is quite smitten with the new man in his life, Jaime Snow, but due to the circumstances in which they first meet, he finds it difficult to believe Jaime is truly interested in him.

Jaime is pretty much everything Oliver is not. He is in great shape and he is quite self-assured. He has been in a long term relationship and although he and his ex split up several years earlier, he has not met the right man to spend the rest of his life with. He is instantly attracted to Oliver and he is quite patient with his new lover as he helps him overcome his self-doubts. Jaime is quick to assure him that his interest is sincere and Jaime bides his time as he waits for the right time to clear up Oliver’s misconception about his true identity.

Initially, Jaime and Oliver’s relationship is mostly physical so there are plenty of explicit sex scenes between them. But there is also little doubt that they genuinely like each other and there are a host of feelings simmering beneath their passionate encoutners. Although Oliver does become much more comfortable with his appearance, he remains uncertain that Jaime’s interest in him is real. Jaime does not help the situation by continuing to keep important information to himself even though his reasons for remaining silent are understandable. Once Oliver finally figures out the truth, his reaction is a tiny bit unrealistic but refreshingly free of unnecessary drama.

Not a Game by Cardeno C. is a sinfully sexy erotic gay romance. The characters are wonderfully developed, delightfully imperfect and infinitely appealing. The storyline is engaging and provides a positive message about body image. A fast-paced and enjoyable love story that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the Friends series.

3 Comments

Filed under Cardeno C, Contemporary, Erotic, Friends Series, M/M, Not a Game, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Romance Authors

June 20, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna

Title: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna
Sins in the City Series Book Two
Publisher: InterMix
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Ménage, M/M/F, M/F, M/M, Romance
Length: 347 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Crosstown Crush comes the second sexy novel in the trilogy that explores the illicit pleasures of ménage à trois.

At the edge of thirty, Clare is feeling restless. Even though she’s gainfully employed and pursuing her passion for photography, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing. Then she meets Mica. A perfect subject for her portrait exhibit, Mica is sexy, exciting, and everything Clare desires.

One night with the charismatic stranger is all it takes to leave her craving more. But the intensity Mica brings isn’t confined to the bedroom, and Clare wonders if this summer fling might turn more adventurous than she anticipated—especially as a curious energy starts to simmer between the two of them and Mica’s handsome roommate, Vaughn.

As the three-way tension mounts, Mica makes a sinful proposal. It’s an invitation Clare can’t pass up, and an erotic encounter she’ll never be able to forget. Caught up between two irresistible men, Clare is about to get all the excitement she’s been looking for—and then some….

Review:

Downtown Devil is the newest blistering hot addition to Cara McKenna’s steamy ménage à trois trilogy, Sins in the City. This latest installment can easily be read as a standalone since the series is loosely linked by subject matter not characters (but I highly recommend Crosstown Crush as well).

On the cusp of her thirtieth birthday, Clare Geddes is a little disappointed by how few of her goals she has accomplished. Despite having a college degree, she is working a dead end job in a call center and she has not really dated since she ended her last relationship. Clare is an aspiring photographer and she is hopeful her latest project will be selected for a show in a local gallery. During her lunch break at a coffee shop, she is immediately struck by one of the barista’s stunning good looks and she is elated when Mica agrees to model for her. Once their photo session is finished, they indulge in an insanely hot one night stand. Thrilled when Mica wants to see her again, Clare is taken off guard when their next hookup turns into a ménage à trois with his roommate and close friend, Vaughn Tucker.

Clare unapologetically embraces her sexuality and she is completely comfortable with the knowledge that Mica is not boyfriend material. Although a little disappointed when she does not hear from Mica after their night together, Clare pushes thoughts of him aside as she continues working on her photo project. When he calls her out of the blue about a week later, she is eager to hook up with him again. After Vaughn interrupts their evening together, Clare is a little uneasy with some of Mica’s suggestions, but he easily persuades her to step out of her sexual comfort zone and she revels in their raunchy encounters.

Mica is edgy, sexually adventuresome and completely lacking in social graces. His dysfunctional childhood left an indelible mark on him and he runs from any type of commitment. Mica knows what he wants and he is not afraid to go after it which makes him a little calculating at times. He is emotionally distant and a little thoughtless but these traits are easy to overlook when Mica turns on the charm.

Vaughn is just as sexy as Mica but he is much more settled and considerate than his friend. Although Mica’s behavior frustrates and irritates him, Vaughn fully understands the reasons behind his actions. The men’s longstanding friendship thrives despite their differences but Vaughn is somewhat troubled by how easily Mica can manipulate situations to suit his needs.

The sex scenes between Mica, Clare and Vaughn are scorching hot and sometimes, just a little illicit. Although initially reluctant to act on their desires, Clare and Vaughn willingly let down their inhibitions and fully participate in Mica’s carefully orchestrated sexual adventures. There is no shortage of erotic encounters and nothing is off limits as they indulge in dirty talk, phone sex, blazing hot guy on guy action and sizzling hot threesomes that will set your eReader on fire.

Downtown Devil is an unabashedly erotic novel that is full of delectably carnal encounters but it is the surprising conclusion that will delight readers. Despite the abundance of sex, there is room for romance and Cara McKenna exquisitely builds anticipation as Clare unexpectedly falls for one of her partners. This latest addition to the Sins in the City trilogy is incredibly steamy with a happily for now ending that is quite satisfying.

1 Comment

Filed under Cara McKenna, Contemporary, Downtown Devil, Erotic, InterMix, M/F, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sins in the City Series

February 4, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Whistle Blower by Dev Bentham

Title: Whistle Blower by Dev Bentham
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Romance
Length: 214 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Money can’t buy happiness. Jacob Nussbaum knows this better than anyone. He’s a corporate lawyer deep inside a huge New York firm, where he works overtime, sacrifices any chance at a personal life, and has been selling his soul for years. With a secretary as his only friend, he trudges on, until his whole world is blown apart by a manila envelope of photos—evidence that one of the firm’s partners is the dirtiest lawyer in one hell of a filthy business.

In search of the truth, Jacob travels to a small northern Wisconsin fishing resort. There he meets Ben Anderson, a brutally lonely man, who knocks him off his feet. Ben prompts Jacob to reevaluate his life. He’s a dozen years older than Jacob, still recovering from the death of his long time love, and doesn’t want to leave anyone a widower. But a jaded New Yorker on a soul-searching mission might be just the man to convince the grieving Ben that it’s never too late to begin again.

Review:

Whistle Blower by Dev Bentham is a sweet and sultry novel of healing for widower Ben Anderson. Still grieving the death of his longtime partner of twenty-five years when he meets Jacob Nussbaum, Ben gradually comes to terms with his loss but is he ready to commit to another relationship?

In his mid-thirties, Jacob has sacrificed his personal life to achieve professional success and despite making partner, he still continues to work long hours. After receiving an envelope from an anonymous source containing damning evidence against senior partner Marvin Voss, Jacob suffers a crisis of conscience over his chosen profession. As a corporate lawyer who helps major corporations settle disputes to their advantage, he has always maintained a degree of separation from the victims in the law suits. However, after viewing the photos from the chemical spill case he worked on with Voss, Jacob decides that no matter the cost to his career, he has no choice but to find proof that Voss is guilty of ethical misconduct.

The first step in Jacob’s investigation is to track down opposing lawyer Carl Halverson at a remote Wildcat Island Resort in northern Wisconsin. Upon his arrival, he discovers that Carl has changed his arrival date but Jacob decides to take advantage of his time off. Although completely out of his element, he relaxes for the first time in years and he enjoys spending time in Ben’s company and learning to row a scull. At the same time, Jacob continues to re-evaluate his life but he remains uncertain about his plans for his future and the situation with Voss.

After Manny’s death, Ben moved to Wisconsin and began operating the lodge year round. Although he has been gone for two years, Ben cannot bring himself to clear out Manny’s clothes or spread his ashes. Despite indulging in a couple of meaningless one night stands in the intervening years, Ben is nowhere near ready for another relationship which is why his attraction to Jacob catches him completely off guard. He genuinely likes the younger man and while he is willing to agree to a no strings fling, Ben is unprepared for his growing feelings for Jacob.

Ben and Jacob’s relationship begins with friendship and gradually turns to sexual once they decide to act on their mutual attraction. Their encounters are deliciously steamy and both men are surprised by their emotional connection. When it is time for Jacob to return to New York, their parting is a little bittersweet and they begin corresponding by e-mail. Jacob returns to Wisconsin to meet face to face with Carl and while waiting for his arrival, he resumes his fling with Ben. Both men realize their feelings run deeper than desire, but Ben refuses to take their relationship to the next level in an effort to protect Jacob from future heartache. Another trip provides Jacob vital information about Voss and unexpectedly leads to disagreement with Ben that completely derails their burgeoning romance.

Whistle Blower is a beautifully written romance that is remarkably free from unnecessary drama or angst. Ben and Jacob are well-rounded protagonists who are flawed yet immensely appealing. The resort setting is quite unique and Dev Bentham brings the remote island and its surroundings vibrantly to life. With its distinctive storyline and charming cast of characters, Whistle Blower is a realistic and engaging love story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of the genre.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Dev Bentham, Dreamspinner Press, M/M, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Whistle Blower

December 6, 2015 · 11:56 pm

Review: Jesse’s Diner by Cardeno C.

Title: Jesse’s Diner by Cardeno C.
Hope Series Book Two
Publisher: The Romance Authors
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Erotic, Romance
Length: 112 pages/Word Count: 30,00
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Two men with a shared history and a mutual attraction must be honest with themselves and each other so both their dreams come true.

Quiet, unassuming Tanner Sellers spends his time running a diner in Hope, Arizona. Not particularly social, twenty-two-year-old Tanner keeps to himself and enjoys his simple life, but he longs for someone to call his own. In his most secret fantasy, that someone is sexy Steve Faus. But Steve is his friend’s father and mentor’s widower and therefore off-limits.

Despite some challenges, thirty-nine-year-old Steve Faus has had a good life. He’s extremely successful at work, has a great relationship with his college-age son, and lives in a wonderful town. Eighteen months after losing his partner, the one thing Steve lacks is someone to share his life. If Steve is honest with himself, that someone is the young man he has known and cared about for years. Steve and Tanner want one another, all they need is a little push in the right direction to make both their dreams come true.

Review:

Jesse’s Diner by Cardeno C. is a heartwarming May/December romance that is delightfully angst free. This sweet yet steamy addition to the Hope series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.

Although Tanner Sellers is endearingly shy and a tad socially awkward, he successfully runs the diner he inherited from his mentor and friend, Jesse. Now his best friend Mike (Jesse’s son) is attending college out of state, Tanner keeps to himself and concentrates on his business. But when Mike asks him to check on his widowed dad, Steve, Tanner eagerly agrees. Tanner has harbored a secret crush on Steve for years and although delighted to spend time with him, he is initially nervous and tongue-tied. But as the weeks pass, so does his anxiety and as he finally gets to know Steve, Tanner begins to see him as more than the object of his fantasies.

Despite being good friends with Jesse and his long time attraction to Steve, Tanner really does not know much about him. Steve easily opens up to him about his life before moving to Hope and the circumstances that brought him and Jesse together. His honesty is refreshing and when Tanner misses his subtle attempts to flirt with him, Steve does not hesitate to tell him that his feelings run deeper than friendship. Steve is gentle and patient with Tanner as they transition from friends to lovers and their romance is a wonderful blend of scorching hot love scenes and low key quiet times. With a welcome lack of drama, misunderstandings and miscommunications, their relationship is a warm, comfortable romance that is quite enjoyable to watch unfold.

Jesse’s Diner by Cardeno C. is a heartfelt and engaging novella that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. A quick read that is uplifting and satisfying, this second installment in the Hope series will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next book in this marvelous series.

3 Comments

Filed under Cardeno C, Contemporary, Erotic, Hope Series, M/M, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Romance Authors

Category Archives: M/M

Review: Hanging the Stars by Rhys Ford

Review: Bait by Elizabeth Noble

Review: Not a Game by Cardeno C.

Review: Downtown Devil by Cara McKenna

Review: Whistle Blower by Dev Bentham

Review: Jesse’s Diner by Cardeno C.

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