Review: Roped

Roped by S.J.D. Peterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Andddddd this one opens up a new shelve, the bad-ass-alpha-male one.

This was a total surprise, I did not imagine this back story for Tek and Jaime, never in hundred years.

Was amazing, the characters are a amazing. Their bond is beyond love, is so much more.

Their bond is about weakness and strength. Is about love and pain. Is about knowing each other's darkest side and still be there to hold the one you love together.

Even in all their bad ass glory, they are sweet, and caring.

Like I said, where these two are coming from, a total surprise. How they ended up in NYC being part of the GOF gang? Destiny.

But are they in the right place and with the right family to face their past if it comes hunting them? You can bet they are.

I really enjoy the letters, those insights into Tek's mind. He sees the world and himself in a very interesting way.

Even when Jaime sees him in a complete different light, Tek trusts that Jaime sees the better part of him, and still loves all the dark that reminds under the surface.

They love, they dominate, they compromise.

They are oh so beautiful when they submit to each other, so beautiful.

What is not sweet, nor beautiful, are cliffhangers. I need deets on book #5.



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Review: Double Blind

Double Blind by Heidi Cullinan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



New Review for the Re-release of Special Delivery Series March 2014

Who is on top and who´s at the bottom? Who is the Dom and who will play the sub? Who is an Ace and who is just a King? But above all, who gets to break down and who is going to put the pieces back together?

Randy Jensen and Ethan Ellison can´t be any more different if they try. One night when Ethan thinks he has lost it all, and Randy feels like betting on the poor soul, destiny puts them together as cards in a game that is way out of their league, or is it?

Randy, doesn’t believe in fate. He believes each man makes his own luck. Playing poker in a low end casino in Vegas, he´s seen almost everything. Ethan, is innocent and new, naive even; but with a wicked side that calls to Randy like nothing before.

Everything in Double Blind is about poker, the cards, the players, learning to bluff and read people. And while we are trying to learn to play, the story of a man that finally grieves and starts to love again, meets the story of a man that was wrapped up so deep inside himself that he no longer knew who he was.

Ethan went to Vegas to end his life, without even imagining his life was about to begin. He didn’t know he had it in him, but he is funny, naughty, kinky, open minded, stubborn and smart.

Randy needs Ethan in his life, he just doesn’t know his place anymore. He was the third in Sam and Mitch´s relationship for so long, that was his place. Finding his space with Ethan, Sam and Mitch takes him a little while. We get to see a different Randy, a boy still hurting, a man in love that doesn´t know what to do with all his feelings.

These changes are not just on an emotional level, we get some pretty intense action in the bedroom too. Honestly, the hotness of these four are like nothing else. Doesn´t matter if it’s an orgy or an intimate strip dance for two, the author pushes all the right buttons.

I love seeing Sam and Mitch again, and seeing Sam growing up so much. I like that they are part of the story, not just standing on the sides. They’ve been Randy´s for a long time, so watching them all interact with Ethan was only fair.

This is a new chapter in Randy´s life and as he finds his place in the new dynamic, Mitch and Sam are his constant.

Crabtree deserves a special mention, his mind games were really intense and f***** up, but he had a plan, and in the end even with a few misreadings in between, it all worked out just as he planned.

I have to say, Double Blind gets better with time. This is a much solid version and I love seeing all of them again.

Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews



Original Review January 2013 - 4*

I don´t think I loved Ethan and Randy as much as I loved Sam and Mitch but it was a great story anyway.
The poker talk, game talk, casino was hard to follow at times, but it was one of the things that made this book interesting.
How life is completely related to poker, I never thought about it but it makes sense, especially for Ethan and Randy.
There is a lot going on in the bedroom too, ups and downs, D/s and switch all well plotted and developed. All sexy and tastefully done.
Randy losing his face, Ethan finding what or better WHO he was supposed to be. Even Crabtree served his purpose, and you cannot dislike the guy in the end. His mind games are always one step ahead of any of the participants.
But still if Sam or Mitch were in the room, my attention was on them.
And I wish I got that particular night the 4 of them are together from Sam´s POV, he has in my opinion the best voice of them all.




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Review: Echoes of Us

Echoes of Us by Teegan Loy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Echoes of Us was a huge and very unexpected surprise.

After the initial shock and disappointment at the use of insta love and the fact that these two are music stars without a bad boy attitude, [a:Teegan Loy|6449698|Teegan Loy|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png]showed me that I can still LOVE a book that is not perfect in all the things.

It was a slow burn, a slow and long way to that point where my heart was crying silent tears and I couldn't believe she was doing that to me.

Rylan is the type of guy that never puts his feelings on the line, except he does, so much it hurts. He has to put up with his parents rejecting him, or at least he thinks they are. He feels he is not good enough, always a disappointment to them.

He meets Jade, and even when he tells himself he is not going to go there, he does and falls in love like never before. These two make an amazing couple, they complement each other so well. Jade jumps right into the relationship even though this is the first time he feels attracted to a man.

The journey into their relationship is one that I loved reading, how carefree Jade was, and how that carefree attitude pushes Rylan to relax and enjoy the ride.

It is not just about their love, it’s about their music too. And all their struggles as they reach the top.

I don’t want to give much more away. I can tell you that you will need your kleenex. I can tell you that you will truly love the secondary characters, these female roles that surround them are strong and reliable; I wish I had a Maggie in my corner sometimes!

I love a book that can still surprise me, I love a book that is not full of cliches. I love an author that grabs an idea and makes it her/his own, showing me something different and unique.

It was the pace, it was the characterization, it was the relationships between the characters..

I´m glad I picked this book and I hope you will give it a chance to surprise you too.

Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews



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Review: Not As Easy As It Looks

Not As Easy As It Looks by Jaime Samms

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Days after I’ve finished this book and I still don’t know where to start with the review.

Words fail me, and even though I took notes while reading, right now they are all over the place and make no sense at all… so please bear with me.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think MMM is sex. Lots and lots of sex. I mean, if two boys can have that much fun together, imagine what can happen with three of them in the same room, right?

Right there, that’s your first mistake. If you are planning on picking up this book, you will have to think again about polyamorous relationships. For these MCs nothing is about sex, well not until very late in the story anyway.

I felt a very powerful connection to these characters, on different levels, I recognized myself in Don’s need for family, Cliff’s protective instincts and Howard’s fears of not being enough.

Their poly dynamic is different from any other MMM book I’ve read. It is all about their relationship and how to make it work, taking care of each man’s needs, making sure they each get what they need out of their relationship.

It starts in a spontaneous way, more of a friend supporting another friend in a time of need. And after just one kiss, all three of them feel their world shift. They are not sure what to call it, or how to make it work, but Don and Cliff know that there is no way they can live without Howard in their lives.

All three of them are very unique characters, very special individuals. Don has a sense of family that cuts deep; he needs to belong to someone. His family is his rock, and he can only be happy if he is there to provide Cliff and Howie with that same safe environment. It might kill him in the way, he will fight demons he doesn’t even know exist, and he will have to ask for help.

Cliff is the papa bear of the troupe, he will protect the men he loves with everything he has. Always strong and confident.

And Howie… he will start as their weakest link. The one that needs the most, the lonely one. It will take a while for him to see that he fits, really fits with Don and Cliff.

Such an emotional, eye opening book. For me, their love, how they work to build a life where they can be open and sincere about their feelings. How they fight against the obstacles and stick together during the hard times.

Why not a 5* you ask? Well, the one thing that didn’t work for me was how the story was told. See, it goes back and forth from age 7 to age 27, telling their story with different scenes at different times in their lives. So, it got confusing, and a bit hard to keep the timeline straight.

Don’t go looking for the dirty, it’s mostly off page, right until the end. And boy, do we get a change of pace and a huge surprise there. The slow building to that moment is totally worth the wait, enjoy the ride.

Worth reading, if you enjoy the sub-genre. And if this is your first MMM, I can only say it’s a great choice.


Reviewed for Gay List Book Reviews





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Review: The First Real Thing

The First Real Thing by Cat Grant

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The plot line is probably a bit "Pretty Woman" cliche, except for the boy part of the plot.
But I really liked the characters and the writing, so I enjoyed this book very much.
Cameron is very cocky and thinks he knows it all, and one mistake, one miss-judgement changes his life forever.
It was funny to see his reaction when he realized he made a mistake with the "client"
And from there I loved everything else.
Great read, if you are in between books, need something light sexy and fun to read, this one is a great option.



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Review: Let It Snow

Let It Snow by Heidi Cullinan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



According to the dedication on this book, Heidi wanted a snowed in story, couldn´t find one so she wrote it...Bravo!!!!

Bears, big, hairy, strong, masculine bears. And a twink, who provides the perfect balance, he is just amazing. And so strong and fabulous...I loved Frankie. He might be a walking cliche, but he makes it his own, that´s who he is, and he is not going to change.

Marcus, is a scary man at first but ends up being a huge softy at heart. The perfect combination for Frankie.

And the sex, as usual is smoking hot.

I pick up this book to have a change of scenery from the 100F we are suffering here, a little snow did me good. ;)



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Review: A Matter of Time, Vol. 1

A Matter of Time, Vol. 1 by Mary Calmes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



WTFH?!

Im late, I know Im starting late...and now I need all 7 books to know what happens next!!!! Angry, annoyed doesn´t start to describe how Im feeling.

First, Im shipping the wrong pairing, but honestly is the only pairing that makes sense...

And now I´m so angry with Sam, he is such a selfish ass**** Honestly, what is wrong with you? Jory is AMAZING, caring, such a good honest guy...and you are a brat!

I dont even care you have to come out, and feels like is too much. Jory is worth it! arghhhhhh you are lucky you are not real Sammy.

Ignore my ranting, this only happens when I get too involved with the book and the characters.

Can I have a date with Dane, please?




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Review: Family Man

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved everything about this book.

It was just so close to me, my family. I know exactly how Vinnie feels every-time the family gets together, and Rachel for that matter. Italian families work in a funny way, we might not all get along all the time, but if one is hurting, we are all hurting.

That used to creep me out a bit, getting a phone call from a second cousin about this or that, that was going on in my life. As I grew older I learn to take that as family concern and welcome it, need it sometimes, just like Vinnie.

And nothing prepared me to read my RL cousin story in this book. It´s amazing when fiction and reality come together sometimes. And the reading experience turned into a more personal one.

I was trying to pin-point my family members among Vinnie´s LOL

We all reacted differently, that first time we meet my cousin BF, and I know that he had conversations like "do you want me to move away?" with his military brother, or "I thought about ending my life" with his parents. So seeing everything in the form of a book, that turmoil of emotions for Vinnie, that fear of facing the family and be able to live his life fully, had me texting my cousin last night just to say ILY.

A few other things I really liked about this book:

*That even tho they point out the issues with Church, and the catholic upbringing, they don't take it as a political statement, is just the way Vinnie is brought up and doesn´t define him.

*Sex is about love! YES, reading a gay boy who values sex as a connection, intimacy and love. Was sweet and perfect.

*The fight against stereotypes. Vinnie was the macho man, the Italian stallion and he was also a bottom. He never doubt it.

This book brings out the best from these two authors. They are amazing on their own and nothing below that could come out of their collab.




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Review: Play Me, I’m Yours

Play Me, I’m Yours by Madison Parker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



How I adored this book!!! If you loved How to Repair a Mechanical Heart, this is a book for you.
What I liked about Madison´s writing is that she made her boys be boys, teenagers dealing with teens stuff and acting like teens.
Sometimes you read YA books but the MCs voices are "old" for their age.
Here they are fresh, funny, emotional, unsure, they wear their hearts on their sleeves, they are bitchy, jealous, they kiss and make up.
They are growing up, and they dont know how. They learn as they go.
The friendships were strong, the family dynamic was real. A father that takes some time to come around, but as you see him struggle you know he loves Lucas. A mother that is too much on the cooing side, very protective. A brother, just like any other brother, you know how you can do/say anything to your brother´s and sister´s but if someone tries to harm them in any way you could kill them? Well, just like that is Mason. He is dealing with how his brother´s choices will affect his life, but he will not stand and see him get hurt.
Donovan, he just needs a hug. Someone to love him.
Alex, I knew he was going to be my favorite from the start, such a great kid.
And Zach? Well, Zach is our warrior in shinning armour...perfect for Lucas.
I love it, all of it!



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Review: Strawberries for Dessert

Strawberries for Dessert by Marie Sexton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



WOW... just WOW
Abso-fucking-lutely amazing!!!!
I LOVED Jonathan, I LOVED Cole.
They are just perfect for each other. Cole's flamboyant personality was perfectly done, to be genuine and also work as a defence mechanism.
I can't decide if I'm going to start with the Coda Series or go straight to book 2 of SfD... that ending was arghhhhh
I need more asap!
And if like me you had this book for months in your kindle, do not put it off any longer. You are in for a treat.



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Review: Lost Time

Lost Time by Parker Williams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This was a cute friends to lovers story.
I liked it, but it felt too much like following a recipe.
* BFF´s since childhood - check
* Awkward HS times - check
* Fake Prom Dates - check
* Inevitable drifting apart -check
* Drama and basic misunderstanding - check - And here a separate note, they spoken every day, email back and forward for YEARS, yet after one phone call went wrong Alex didn´t even attempt a short msg saying "Hey u moron u changed your number?... send me your new digits" or something like that.
* Reunion 5 years down the line, all secrets coming clean and great confession of love forever and ever - check
And there you have it, the perfect instructions for a friends to lover story.




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Review: The Badass Of His Dreams

The Badass Of His Dreams by Missy Welsh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Definitely Missy Welsh needs to dedicate herself to write shifter´s stories.
I love it, it was funny, sexy and WOW you are a Wolf Man! LOL




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Review: #First Impressions #Second Chances

#First Impressions #Second Chances by Heidi Belleau

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was so sweet, funny, cute... a great story of love in modern times.
When we look for approval from our followers instead of our friends, and people on line get to know us better and their opinion sometimes affect us more than they should.
Loved Jonah´s flamboyant personality, so adorable.
And Sam was a total sweetheart too.



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Review: King Perry

King Perry by Edmond Manning

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



There is not much I can say about King Perry that other's haven't said better.
I couldn't help the sob that came out of me by the end of the book, it was like I've been holding it in for far too long.
What I wanted from the book, or what I was expecting from it was far different from what I got.
This book was different, weird, confusing, crazy and unexpected.
But it was also emotional, powerful, life altering.
I couldn't help but compare it to Robert Fisher's The Knight in Rusty Armor, or maybe some of Paulo Coelho's tittles.
Those that you read as entertainment but have a much deeper message.
King Perry broke me and put me back together.
All the feelings, all the tears, all my love.



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Review: Nothing's Missing Now

Nothing's Missing Now by Westbrooke Jameson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A great tale of hope, love and second chances.
It felt familiar, the story seem to get inspiration from a RL couple.
Another author I am discovering thanks to the LHNB event... so Thank you!



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Review: Merger of Equals

Merger of Equals by Liz Winters

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Another great story from the LHNB event, that you Liz!
I loved the broken MC characterization she did with Jordy, how finding a partner who understands where he is coming from frightens him, how he has to learn to share his demons and have someone beside him that will be patient and understanding.
And Ken, a boy who had to turn into a man far too soon due to some tragic events in his past. He is the perfect partner for Jordy, a young man who knows how important trust is, and can give Jordy all the time and space he needs until he finds himself and is able to open up and love.
The picture prompt is beautiful.




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Review: Nor Iron Bars a Cage

Nor Iron Bars a Cage by Kaje Harper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I am still out of words to describe this book.
Lyon´s story from his training as a sorcerer, to the abuse under the wraith, to his lonely life. Secluded, scared of his own shadow. Without letting anyone get too close.
Until an old friend appears at his doorstep and starts awakening the man buried inside the hermit.
Tobit is absolutely amazing. Patient, caring, brave, strong. Everything Lyon needs to move forward.
They are on a mission, for the King, to help maybe save their country.
I must say I am not a fan of fantasy and I get confused is AU narratives; but once again it is all in the writer talent.
I was immerse in this world and this time from page one and I devoured every detail in this book.
The mystery, the angst, the preparations for battle, the magic... everything is intriguing and wonderfully developed.
Lyon´s and Tobin´s relationship, how far Lyon can go and how much they can learn from each other. It was beautiful to read.
And if you need any extra encouragement to read it, this story is available to download for free from the MM Romance Group as part of the LHNB event.



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Review: Heaven

Heaven by C. J. Anthony

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book is about a kid, Brian, a little boy whose world turns upside down at the age of 5; and how one of the most confusing days of his life turns out to be the best day, the day he meets his best friend, Joey.

Joey and Brian have been best friends forever, sharing everything, always.

It is sweet to see them growing up, Joey’s personality is like the sun, bright and warm. While Brian shows from early on his shyness and a bit of social awkwardness. They complement each other, all the courage and bravery Brian lacks, Joye makes up for.

With hair, clothes and makeup going from Boy George to Duran Duran, Joey was destined to be a high school outcast. On the other side Brian, always impeccable smart and boy next door looks found himself appointed as HS Queen's King. Not a place he really wanted to be, but he went with the flow and landed a spot with the popular kids.

And here is when the tables turn, when Brian starts to notice that maybe his friend’s looks are like an armour too.

Adolescence is never easy,confusing feelings, mixed messages; and these two BFF have to face that sometimes society puts labels on people, and those are not fair. But they are also reminded of what is important, that looks aren't everything, that friendship can overcome all the adversities and that acceptance comes natural when you open your heart.

If you are a child of the 80’s this is going to be a nice walk down memory lane. Lots of pop culture reference, lots of music... will put a smile on your face.

I really enjoyed reading about these two boys, Joey specially. The changes in his persona, as he found and accepted who he was and what was the meaning of it all.

The openness with which Brian welcomes his friend changes, at first not understanding what they all meant, and even doubting but never judging.

It was a really beautiful coming of age story. So, if you get the chance and want to read from a new author in the genre, you should give Heaven a chance.

I was provided with an ARC from the author.



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Review: The One That Got Away

The One That Got Away by Rhianne Aile

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I´ve let myself be influenced by bad reviews...and I was reading this book with misconceptions already. WRONG!!!!
And then I got a new kindle, and I left this book in my old one and just this weekend I was able to move the books...and BAM! I went to finish it forgetting about what I´ve read in the reviews and love it!!!
Weird how that happened.
Some of the things that are mentioned on those reviews are true, MCs take off clothes when they are supposedly already naked, get dress when they are already wearing pants, best friends that didn't know each other as best friends should and so on...which coming from DSP you think someone should have caught it; but alas they didn´t.
So, if you can get past that bad start, I almost put it down at 30%, then you´ll discover a sweet, romantic tale of two friends falling in love.
And the premise of the book might be silly, I´m talking about the migraine, followed by the accident causing these two to live together, but it serves a purpose.
These two needed to be under the same roof to be able to see and develop their feelings.




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Review: The Zero Knot

The Zero Knot by K.Z. Snow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



"Because I lay with him...I´ve caught a glimpse of heaven. Or I understand what I need. Or I have the courage to be myself."

Two boys, Jess & Dylan, understanding feelings that have been with them for a long time. Finally acting on them. And Facing the consequences.
This book had a bit of a slow start, but it was all part of the story development.
For both Jess and Dylan, facing who they really are was a hard step to take. And they both have different experience when it actually happens.
They are faced with the decisions that we all face at young age, when we are trying to find our place in the world.
After many misunderstandings, they finally find a way to walk that road together. They trust each other.
I absolutely adored Red, Jess´s younger brother, and his Dad was great too.
But there was something about Red, his view of the situation that was life altering for Jess and Red manage, with his snarky comments, to make it lighter in a way, but not less important.
You´ll get to scene where Jess slaps Red so hard, he regrets it instantly, but that scene was so powerful, I cried for those brothers, their love & connection, so real, amazing.
I couldn´t put it down, I was up until 2am last night, I needed to see Jess & Dylan make it. And be happier, stronger and whole on the other side.




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