BELLS AND BALLS by Sue Brown

BELLS AND BALLS by Sue Brown

 

Pages: 96

Date: January 30, 2015

Grade: 4+

Details: no. 4 With a Kick

Own/Kindle

The blurb:

“Rob Barker had plans for his weekend and they didn’t involve struggling through the pre-Christmas crowds with the five-year-old niece he barely knows. Left with no choice, he grudgingly takes Pearl to see the sights of London but, instead of following the list his sister-in-law gives him, Rob takes her to With A Kick, an ice-cream shop with a difference. 

His plan is foiled when he discovers With A Kick is closed for a private children's party, but the owners kindly let Pearl join in. Rob’s mood improves considerably as he watches Father Christmas hand out presents. Not only is Santa a hot red-head under the beard, he is also one of his rugby team-mates, Mick, a man Rob has always lusted after. After Mick confesses a mutual interest, he agrees to meet Rob at With A Kick’s evening party—where there are definitely no kids - or girls - allowed.”

My thoughts: 

This is the second book I’ve read in this series and I can honestly say I enjoyed Bells and Balls at least as much as I did Hissed as a Newt (which reminds me I really have to go back and read books 1 and 3 soon). I like Sue Brown’s men and the way they interact both with each other and with the world.

Rob Barker’s day with Peril – excuse me, Pearl – had me in stitches at times. I have to admit that it took me a few pages to get to like Rob but as I got to know him better he more than grew on me. By the end of the book I was a fan of this snarky yet bighearted man.

Mick was lovable right from the moment he was introduced which made all the pain he subsequently went through that much harder to read about. On more than one occasion I wanted to give him a hug and tell him all would be fine. Thankfully Rob was there to do that job for me.

The slow emergence of a relationship between Mick and Rob was a joy to behold. The way these two big rugby players are almost shy with each other and both in fear of what their family’s reaction to them being gay might be was cute and a nice reminder that appearances rarely tell the full story. It was wonderful to read a story in which coming out of the closet played a big role without being the theme of the book. First and foremost this is the engrossing story of two men coming to terms with who they are and finding each other on their somewhat surprising journey. And of course I've got this thing about rugby players...

Bells and Balls was extremely hot for a story that has little to no sex in it. It takes a good writer to make lust as hot – if not hotter – than any sex scene good have been, and Sue Brown did a wonderful job.

All in all this was a delightful story. I found it all but impossible to put the book down once I started reading and while the story is complete, I was sorry to have to say goodbye to Rob and Mick by the end of it. 

Introducing HEART OF ATLANTIS by Deidre Meyrick

I am delighted to welcome Deidre Meyrick and her new book to my blog today. I was lucky enough to read Heart of Atlantis in an early incarnation and can assure you it's a wonderful story that will enthrall and delight you.

Heart of Atlantis

By Deidre Meyrick

Series: Purgatory, Inc.

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Genre: MM, Fantasy/Supernatural romance

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Release Date: January 30, 2015

Blurb:

Marin was a cursed merman. Where he once walked the streets of Atlantis—where he found his true love—he now swam, alone. Until he was offered a way out: out of his curse and into the heart of another. But would he be able to love another as he did his true love?

Marley was a loner, a treasure hunter with wild theories about Atlantis who fantasized about mermen. He'd always felt a little out of place, always searching for something, and wanting nothing more than to belong to someone completely.

Between them lay several lifetimes and a wicked sorceress bent on possession. Is a soul deep connection enough to bring them together and to break a curse that was meant to never be broken?

Excerpt:

“Marin? Do you believe in fate? In reincarnation?”

“Reincarnation?”

“Past lives. The soul living beyond the death of one body into another.”

“Ah, yes. Transmigration. As it so happens, I do. Why do you ask?”

Marley sighed, flexing his fingers ever so slightly. Just enough to barely touch Marin's. “I think I may have known you then. From before.”

“I think so too, Marley.” Marin held his breath momentarily before he continued. This was the time. This was it. “Aeëtes, his eyes—although everyone in his family had eyes of as dark as the night sky, my Aeëtes’s eyes were a striking blue. As blue as the Aegean Sea or a sky on a clear winter's day.With one exception. His right eye was two colors. Partly the beautiful blue, but like a wave lapping the shore, the blue met with a golden brown.”

Marley's breath caught as Marin described eyes that were identical to his own. Even down to how his parents' eyes were of a drastically different color. No one could ever explain why there was such a difference; they just accepted it as part of who Marley was. “Like mine.” It was barely a whisper, but enough for Marin to hear.

“Yes, just like yours.”

Buy Link:

Evernight Publishing:http://www.evernightpublishing.com/heart-of-atlantis-by-deidre-meyrick

Deidre Meyrick bio:

Deidre Meyrick is a lover of happy endings, and believes in taking advantage of the good in any moment. She’s a glass half full kind of optimist with a dash of realism and hedonism thrown in, and maybe a splash of rum for good measure. We only live once, right? She’s lived in several states but calls the Florida coast home, where on any given day you may find her sitting on the beach with her toes in the sand and a notebook in her hand.

Deidre Meyrick Social Media links:

Website: deidremeyrick.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deidreRVC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laDEEda51

The Mating of Michael

THE MATING OF MICHAEL by Eli Easton

 

Pages: 237

Date: 28/01/2015

Grade: 4.5

Details: no. 3 Sex in Seattle

            Loaned from Jaycee Edward

Kindle

Blurb:

“Everyone admires Michael Lamont for being a nurse, but his part-time work as a gay sex surrogate not only raises eyebrows, it's cost him relationships. Michael is small, beautiful, and dedicated to working with people who need him. But what he really wants is a love of his own. He spends most of his time reading science fiction, especially books written by his favorite author and long-time crush, the mysteriously reclusive J.C. Guise.

James Gallway's life is slowly but inexorably sliding downhill. He wrote a best-selling science fiction novel at the tender age of eighteen, while bedridden with complications of polio. But by twenty-eight, he's lost his inspiration and his will to live. His sales from his J.C. Guise books have been in decline for years. Wheelchair bound, James has isolated himself, convinced he is unlovable. When he is forced to do a book signing and meets Michael Lamont, he can't believe a guy who looks like Michael could be interested in a man like him.

Michael and James are made for each other. But they must let go of stubbornness to see that life finds a way and love has no limitations.”

My thoughts:

The Mating of Michael surprised me in the most wonderful of ways. It is one of those books with the perfect balance between sweet, funny, angsty and thought-provoking.

Michael is adorable. It is impossible not to fall in love with him the moment you meet him. The truly amazing thing – and something I both appreciated and admired – is that Michael never comes across as too good to be true. He’s borderline close to being too sweet at times but Eli Easton manages to portray him as a fully fleshed and realistic character, as prone to less than sensible decisions as the rest of us.

James is almost the opposite. He goes out of his way to keep his distance from everyone who approaches him, and it would have been easy to dislike him except that his reasons for being stand-offish are plausible and he is totally aware of his shortcomings.

When these two men come together we’re taken on a slow, sensual, alternatively laugh out loud funny and angsty, romantic journey. Yes, the crisis in their relationship was predictable and unavoidable from the very start. It was also completely realistic and caused by an issue that makes you wonder what you might do under similar circumstances.

I always love reading a book within a book and to say I would love to read ‘Sentimental Cyanide’ - the book James writes when all hell breaks loose - would be a gross understatement. That story-line grabbed me as much as James and Michael’s romance did.

I am so glad Jaycee raved about this book on Facebook. I’m not sure when, if ever, I would have come across this book if left to my own devices and it would have been a crying shame to miss out on this well written, wonderful and uplifting tale.

The Gasman Cometh by T.J. Masters

THE GASMAN COMETH by T.J. Masters

 

Pages: 24

Date: January 24, 2015

Grade: 4+

Details: Working Hard, Loving Harder Series

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

“The Gasman Cometh tells the story of sexy young central heating engineer Chris who is sent to the home of the older and more confident Colin Andrews to repair a fault. So far the lad's life has amounted to little but Colin takes a shine to his repair man and circumstances now lead him to want to help turn things around. Of course mistakes must be punished, but who says that love cannot start with a spanking?”

My thoughts:

‘The Gasman Cometh’ is a very short story. It is also rather intriguing, very hot and at moments rather cute. I thoroughly enjoyed my quick but very intense encounter with Colin and Chris. It was impossible not to feel for Chris who is convinced he’s failed at the game of life and about ready to give up on himself. Colin’s actions to help the younger man may be unconventional, they are also inspired and show Chris a side of himself he hadn’t know existed.

Personally I wouldn’t have minded a bit more time with these two men since I’ve got a feeling Chris’s further sessions with Colin would have been as hot and interesting as the one in this story was. Having said that, I have no problem imagining how things might proceed from here so the author has successfully done his job and given me a clear picture of the men and their possible future.

This was the third book by T.J. Masters I thoroughly enjoyed in less than a month so it’s safe to say I’ve found myself yet another author to keep a close eye on.

Never Wrong by Chris McHart

NEVER WRONG by Chris McHart

 

Pages: 105

Date: January 13, 2015

Grade: 4

Details: Copy received from author

Kindle

The blurb:

“Jeff was raised to believe love between two men is wrong. Or is it? Can love ever be wrong?

When Jeff meets the much younger Dean, he only knows he wants him, consequences be damned. But things are not as easy, especially after Jeff's ex calls and announces big news.

And Dean? He thinks the new neighbor is hot, but he's not interested in something more than a rebound fuck. That's what he tells himself, at least.

But lust isn't a good basis for a relationship, more so since Jeff isn't sure whether he can deal with being gay. 

Love is never wrong, but can Jeff accept that?”

My thoughts:

This was a very enjoyable and engaging May to December romance. There are a lot of dynamics in this stories and a lot of odds stacked against Dean and Jeff finding their happy ending. Both the reader and the characters are in for quite a ride.

For starters there’s the twenty year age difference between them. Something Dean is actually delighted about since he prefers older men, but also something Jeff has issues with. The fact that Jeff has up until recently both ignored and denied his attraction to men doesn’t make things easier and neither does the news that Jeff’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant and doesn’t want to keep the child. Throw Jeff’s mother’s obsession with social niceties into the mix and it is hardly surprising Jeff isn’t entirely sure about himself, Dean, or the future.

I liked that the way each character dealt with the situation they found themselves in, clearly illustrated their age and the difference between them. In general Jeff had the bigger picture in mind and while he occasionally concentrated too much on all the possible pitfalls that didn’t take away from his measured outlook on life. Dean on the other hand does everything with the enthusiasm of youth; he throws himself into his drinking, his loving and his arguing without a lot of thought and even less restraint. And yet, despite all the differences between them and obstacles on their path, Jeff and Dean work together and you, the reader, want them to come to their senses and work it out.

If I have one regret it is that we only saw events from Dean’s perspective. I would have loved a peek into Jeff’s head on a few occasions. Not so much because I felt I missed information – the dialogue between Dean and Jeff made sure I didn’t – but just because I’m curious that way.

This was my second book by Chris McHart and I’ve enjoyed both of them. In both stories the author managed to completely draw me into her character’s lives, and that’s all I ask for when I’m reading. I’m looking forward to whatever may come next.

Related post: Grenzen

Buy link: Amazon

Hands of Power 1 & 2

HANDS OF POWER by T.J. Masters

 

Short Story

Date: January 11, 2015

Grade: 4.5

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

“Amateur rugby player Richard Doyle is injured in a match and after a visit to a hospital A & E he seeks the help of a sports therapist to get him fit to play again before the next important game. Physiotherapist Alan Jennings is a very fit, attractive and skilled man. Ex-army, divorced and gay, Alan is immediately attracted to his stunningly good looking new client and wastes no time in seducing the younger man and introducing him to the joys of masculine m/m sex. As Richard’s shoulder is treated so a powerful relationship develops between the two men. 

The therapist’s powerful hands work their magic on the handsome rugby player and soon he is fit to play again. At the same time he has become a hungry submissive partner in their discrete but intense sexual adventures. The day of the semi-final arrives and Alan accompanies his lover at the request of the team coach in order to look after their star player. After winning a great game the team are ready for their traditional night of drunken celebrations but Richard just wants to get his sexual mentor back to their shared hotel room as soon as possible.”

My thoughts:

Everything you need to know about this story can be found in the blurb. This is a story about a man, Richard Doyle, who has always considered himself straight. Sure, he’s been disappointed about most if not all of his past encounters with women, but he’s put that down to not finding the right one yet rather than anything else. The way his body reacts to Alan’s hands takes Richard by surprise but it isn’t long before temptation proves stronger than doubt and fear.

This is a short story so there isn’t a lot of soul searching on Richard’s part before he gives in to his desires. To me that made sense. Why wouldn’t he take advantage of what’s on offer when his body so clearly wants it? And I happen to be a firm believer of something Alan says in the story. Like Alan I don’t believe there is such a thing as being 100% straight or 100% gay. I think most if not all of us exist somewhere on the spectrum in between. Just because the fast majority of people prefers to think it’s an either / or situation doesn’t make it true.

Anyway, I enjoyed this short, hot and very entertaining story. I wouldn’t call it a BDSM story in the traditional – or should I say stereotypical – sense, but I enjoyed the way in which Alan took control and Richard not only allowed that to happen but also thrived on it. 

And just on a personal side note; I think rugby has to be one of, if not the, sexiest sports imaginable.

Bonus:

T.J. Masters wrote a follow up story called Hands of Power 2, which is a free read and can be found here.

And I for one am really glad he did. Not only was it wonderful to spend some more time with Alan and Richard, it was also great to see how their relationship had developed and where they would be going after the story ended.

I still loved Alan’s philosophy about sexuality and his answer when Richard wonders whether their relationship means he’s gay.

“Why do you need a label? You’re still the same person you were before we met.”

I also liked that their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom, continued to grow and progress.

Individually these stories were entertaining and fun. Taken together and read in order, they made for a charming, hot, and rather satisfying read. 

Going Home by Max Vos

GOING HOME by Max Vos

 

Pages: 128

Date: January 11,2015

Grade: 4

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

“Journalist Carter Roberts was required to interview Carl Foltz and Matt Evans for an article on their lives. It was not an assignment he relished: he just wanted to get there, get it done and get out. Thinking about the subject matter made his stomach churn.

The interview reveals as much about himself as about the two men, and for the first time, Carter learns what a real home feels like. He never would have expected that meeting the two men would change his way of thinking – and his life – forever.”


WARNING: Contains materials for ADULTS only. If you have any reason to think that you cannot or will not tolerate any type of mature subject matter, please do not continue. If you have any issues with any type of taboo, or what you may consider taboo material, please do not read. If you have a closed mind about any sexual activities whatsoever, please put this book down or delete it now. If you truly believe that love is love, then by all means, continue.

My thoughts:

I don’t usually copy the reader advisory with the blurb but thought I’d make an exception for this book because the subject matter is somewhat controversial, to put it mildly.

I wasn’t overly worried about reading this book. I’m not easily offended or shocked and will give almost any book a chance before voicing my opinion. My sentiments while reading this book pretty much mirrored Carter Roberts’ who narrates the story. The relationship between Carl and Matt may be very unusual and something most people would instantly frown at, the way it was described, made it beautiful and plausible. I mean this wasn’t a story about an adult taking advantage of an unsuspecting youngster. Nobody in this story is underage or too young to know their own minds and needs. So while it certainly was a story with a theme I’d not come across before it was ultimately nothing more and nothing less than a hot love story.

Well actually, it was more. It is also a touching story about coming home and making your own home with those you belong with. Carter at last finding a place where he’s wanted, loved, fully accepted, and able to be nothing but himself was beautiful and satisfying.

I can’t help feeling this story was more a dream – a form of wishful thinking – than a realistic contemporary romance. And that is fine. I can’t speak for anyone else but I occasionally need a story in which things just go right for the characters, regardless of the obstacles they’re up against. This story moved very fast at times, feelings we’re recognised almost instantly and acted upon without a lot of thought or reflection, but that made me smile rather than frown so I really can’t complain about it. And as dreams go, this one was rather hot.

Overall Going Home was a sweet yet thought-provoking story. I didn’t expect to be shocked or horrified when I started this book but was surprised when the controversial idea failed to bother me at all. I happen to agree with the sentiment in this book; if it’s love between consenting adults and it doesn’t set out to hurt others, there is no reason why the rest of the world should have an opinion about it, never mind interfere.

Thank you Max Vos for this delightful journey out of my comfort zone.

SAVING SAM by Nikka Michaels

SAVING SAM by Nikka Michaels

 

Pages: 52

Date: January 10, 2015

Grade: 4.5

Details: A Romance on the Go Story

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

“Ezekiel has been a Watcher angel for thousands of years, and now he wants a promotion to Guardian status. When he shows up for a meeting at Purgatory, Inc. Zeke gets the shock of his lifetime when his boss and Higher Power commands him to bring back Azazel, Death’s assistant.

Throw in the devil, a possible apocalypse, and a partner in archangel Sam and Zeke might get more than just his Guardian angel wings.”

My thoughts:

I think I may have mentioned in previous posts about Nikka Michael’s books how much I love her words. Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. She creates a world for her characters and plants me slap bang in the middle of it as soon as I’ve read the first few opening paragraphs. The sensation of being transported to a different realm was a bit stronger in Saving Sam than it has been in Michael’s contemporary stories. Purgatory was a real place within moments after I started this book and the story and characters dragged me into its depths instantly.

I could happily believe in a God who wants to be called Steve and says things like:

“Walk with me, Zeke. Oh, and unfurl the wings a little. You’re harshing my spiritual buzz.”

I adored Zeke and Sam and loved how Michaels turned their roles completely around. We may think Sam is the experienced, bad ass archangel, as the title suggests things aren’t quite that simple and we soon learn sweet innocent Sam is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, if Divine powers and sexy angels aren’t enough to entice you, there are zombies (or Deadies) to keep you occupied. And that’s before I even mention the rather hot angel sex.

Summarising, this is an exciting, entertaining, hot and ultimately sweet short story. I’m always eager for more books by this author. This time I’m also curious about the other Purgatory Inc. stories. Bring it on.

If you want to know more about Saving Sam and Nikka Michaels, including an enticing excerpt, please click here.

Introducing SAVING SAM by Nikka Michaels

As always it is my pleasure and honour to welcome Nikka Michaels to my blog. Read on to learn all you want to know about her latest release. I can't wait to read it later today.

Saving Sam

By Nikka Michaels

Genre: M/M, Paranormal Romance

Line: Romance on the Go

Series: Purgatory, Inc.

Release Date: January 9, 2015

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24396430-saving-sam

BLURB:

When Ezekiel the Watcher Angel, requested a promotion he wasn’t expecting Steve, his boss and Higher Power to command him to bring back Azazel, Death’s assistant. Throw in the devil in a blue dress, a looming deadie apocalypse and a partner in an Archangel named Sam and Zeke might just earn his Guardian wings.

EXCERPT:

“Ezekiel?”

I looked up from my clipboard and froze. Standing in front of me, radiating divine power, was an older man with long white hair pulled back into a ponytail. He wore board shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops, and reading glasses hung from a chain draped around his neck. With a smile on his friendly face, he didn’t look like the higher power hundreds of religions called Heavenly Father, but more like a kindly hippie grandfather.

I pushed to my feet and promptly tripped over the length of my wings. In my most mortifying moment, God caught my arm and saved me from a face-plant onto the ugly industrial carpet. “Oh, God. Shit. Jesus.”

He chuckled and brushed me off. “Don’t worry. Not the first time I’ve heard My name. You should hear this place around Valentine’s Day.”

I blinked.

“As for Jesus? My Son works in accounting. You should introduce yourself sometime and bring them donuts. Nothing excites accounting like free sugar.”

“Yes, sir.”

He flinched at my words, and I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. To where, I had no clue, as The Man was standing in front of me. At this rate he no doubt planned to bust my ass down to angelic lawn statue.

“Whoa there, partner. We’re pretty informal around here. Can I call you Zeke?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The Supreme Being smiled and patted me on the back, and I swallowed hard.

“I mean, yes, sir, God, sir.”

The man snorted. “Just call me Steve.” He gave me a once-over, and I wondered if my khakis and polo shirt were workplace appropriate. “Walk with me, Zeke. Oh, and unfurl the wings a little. You’re harshing my spiritual buzz.” Without another word he turned and took off down a hallway, the sounds of his flip-flops echoing.

I hurried to catch up, cursing my clumsiness.

“As you can see, there isn’t a formal dress code while in the office. Most of the staff favor business casual so they don’t have to change before golf in the afternoon. There’s a coffeemaker in the break room. Just don’t leave empty creamer containers in the fridge without replacing them. The last guy who did that lost his head. Literally.”

“Sorry?” I squeaked.

“Oh, don’t worry. We found it again, but the Archs get cranky when they don’t get their caffeine. How many times do I have to tell them to leave the swords at home when they’re not out in the field?”

“Swords?”

“Yep, don’t mind them too much. They’re usually more bark than bite.”

As we walked down the hallway, I caught glimpses of beings seated at desks in cubicles. Some were speaking into headsets, some drinking coffee, and one was tossing pencils at the ceiling. It seemed just like every other office I’d ever seen on Earth. Except for the wings.

“This is the Heavenly side of the pod, by the way. Through that door over there is our counterpart. Some of the staff call them the baddies, but they’re not all bad. Except Cerebus keeps peeing on my rug. Damned dog.” He stopped in front of an office and gestured for me to enter.

“Thanks,” I mumbled as I opened the door. I stopped short with surprise, and Steve bumped into me.

Slumped on a chair in front of a large desk was a huge male of obvious celestial rank. His inky black wings fluttered, then folded, blending in with his leather jacket and black jeans. His dirty biker boots, which he’d propped on the desk, were encrusted with dirt and blood, and I swallowed down a wave of fear.

When he met my gaze, something I’d never felt before flooded my system: lust. Or disgust… possibly a mixture of the two.

“Holy….”

The man grinned at me, a flash of white teeth against his darkly handsome features.

“Oh, this is going to be good.” He purred in a low growly voice. “Fresh meat.”

BUY LINKS:

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/saving-sam-by-nikka-michaels/

Amazon US:http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Purgatory-Inc-Nikka-Michaels-ebook/dp/B00S0IQK1C/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Saving-Purgatory-Inc-Nikka-Michaels-ebook/dp/B00S0IQK1C/

Bookstrand:http://www.bookstrand.com/saving-sam-mm

All Romance eBooks:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-savingsam-1721888-340.html

NIKKA MICHAELS BIO:

Nikka Michaels lives in the Pacific Northwest where she spends her time cooking up romantic tales to satisfy her craving for HEAs with heat. A voracious reader, novice knitter and music lover she’s been known to multitask without breaking a sweat. She loves to read and write M/M romance but believes everyone deserves a love story.

NIKKA MICHAELS SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: http://www.nikkamichaels.com

Blog: http://nikkamichaels.com/blog/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nikkamichaels

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/Nikka.Michaels

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/nikkamichaelsauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7231273.Nikka_Michaels

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/nikka-michaels/

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/author/nikkamichaels

All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Nikka+Michaels