Friday, March 31, 2017

Release Day Review: My Dragon, My Knight by John Inman #Review #Giveaway



Author: John Inman
Book: My Dragon, My Knight
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publication date: March 31, 2017
Length: 200 pages


Reviewed by Morningstar


Synopsis

Danny Sims is in over his head, torn between his abusive lover, Joshua, and Jay Holtsclaw, the bartender up the street, who offers Danny the one thing he never gets at home: understanding.

When Joshua threatens to get rid of Danny’s terrier, Danny knows he has to act fast. Afraid of what Joshua will do to the dog, and afraid of what Joshua will do to him if he tries to leave, Danny does the only thing he can do.

He runs.

But Danny isn’t a complete fool. He has enough sense to run into the arms of the man who actually cares for him—the man he’s beginning to trust.

Just as their lives together are starting to fall into place, Danny and Jay learn how vengeful Joshua can be.

And how dangerous.




Buy Link




Review

I am a first time John Inman reader and although I thought the story was well written the writing style just wasn’t for me.

Jay was the owner and bartender for “The Clubhouse” a gay bar. He’s a somewhat older man who works hard for what he has and has lost a love in the past in the most tragic way. When he first sees Danny he sees the bruises and knows the lies he’s being told but a friendship is born. One that Danny defies his abusive boyfriend to foster.

Danny lives right now the block from Jay’s bar and it’s the only good thing about his life. He hates the class he’s taking but Joshua said he should. He has no friends because Joshua scared them away. He lives in fear for his life and the life of his dog because Joshua beats him. Danny thinks it’s him every time it happens. He can do better, be more. But that all comes to blows one night the fear is bigger than it ever had been.

I loved that the author was willing to delve into the abusive relationship that Danny was in on page but didn’t make it extreme. It was a big part of the story and it was even better having it in there.  I think Danny was an accurate portrayal of an abused “spouse” in how he blamed himself and believed so much that Joshua loved him. And even though Jay and Danny were a decade apart and really were very different people they meshed well together in how they viewed each other and relationships and their banter was cute.

There was a slow build for Jay and Danny, from friendship to more but all the while they had been falling in love, fearful of telling the other how they felt.  The move from friends to boyfriends was seamless and sweet but the writing was a little too flowery for me. As I mentioned before I did love their snarky banter which is what kept me reading. the middle went a little too slow and I felt like the two main characters should’ve known right away who was at fault for all the bad that was happening. Their denial was annoying and felt contrived for the purpose of the story.

There weren’t a lot of secondary characters and the few that there were didn’t play a major role.The ending was a on the edge of your seat suspenseful, heartbreaking, and scary. I loved how they stood together in the fight against Joshua and the end of the epilogue was perfectly sweet. 



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Random Review: A Royal Rebellion by Revella Hawthorne #Review #Giveaway




Author: Revella Hawthorne
Book: A Royal Rebellion
Series: Bred for Love #3
Self Published
Publication date: November 10, 2015
Length: 147 pages



Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

Hunted by the crown, Prince Edward of Cassia struggles to adjust to his new reality. His consort and lover Percy is pregnant with their child. Their friend, Abelard Reynard, a former captain in the Royal Guard, never strays far from Percy or Edward, determined to keep them both safe. Edward, no stranger to hard work, is still at a loss when the hardship of a life on the run catches up with them. Percy's pregnancy progresses at a rapid rate, and the palace guards are always a step behind. It takes Reynard's skills from his secretive military career, an unexpected ally from within the Cassian Dynasty, and the love between Percy and Edward to keep the three of them safe as Percy's time draws near.

Keeping themselves safe and together may have been their goal originally, but as the trio travels across Cassia, through the garbage-strewn alleys of abandoned hamlets, to the opulence of the nobility's drawing rooms, the effects of their journey leave behind a lasting impression.

A rebellion is brewing in Cassia...sparked not from the lashes of oppression and cruelty, but born from love and a desire to see all of humanity treated as equals.

The final book of the grand love affair between prince and slave comes to a riotous conclusion in A Royal Rebellion.






Review


And wow does this story keep getting more and more intense! Even MORE answers in this one! The suspense runs super high and can I just say I adore watching Percy grow. Not belly wise LOL I mean as a person. I love the few moments he stands up for himself or for someone. It makes me so proud.

Reynard is amazing and we got a little secret about him too. And Mason? Oh my word! I adore him to pieces. What an amazing person. To go through all he has gone through and manage to maintain a smile? That’s just crazy. I did find myself wondering what would happen to Arianna after book 2 ended and we get to see, sort of, how that’s going for her.

This story builds and builds and though there is a finality in this book… not like the cliffhanger of book 2…. I am left wondering more. It is sort of cliffy-ish. I’m hoping book four is released soon since it seems that heads are gonna roll! Not to mention I can feel the end for so many and I’m dying to see the King again and watch him fall!

This is an awesome series and I am super excited for more!




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Blog Tour: Rainbow Sprinkles by Anna Martin #Review #Excerpt #Giveaway ~ Guest Post



Hello! And welcome to my blog tour for my Dreamspinner Press ‘States of Love’ novella Rainbow Sprinkles.

Rainbow Sprinkles tells the story of Cooper, a down-to-earth guy who makes ice cream at the Dreamy Creamery, and Drew, who’s a Prince at Disneyland. I’d actually had the idea for the characters for a while when I saw the open call for States of Love novellas, which gave me the perfect excuse to write a ridiculously fluffy little story about two guys falling in love in California.

And Disneyland.

I’m a big, big Dis-nerd. Unapologetically so, with a huge amount of love and an abundance of opinions. Since Rainbow Sprinkles is only a novella I don’t want to give too much of the story away, so I’ve got a little excerpt for you and then through my blog tour I’ll be covering some of my favourite parts of Disneyland!

Up today is my favourite Adventureland attraction. Please do leave a comment and let me know your favourite places and rides at Disneyland!

Thanks for stopping by.

Anna xx




March 29 - Love Bytes
March 31 - Diverse Reader
April 3 - Gay Book Reviews
April 5 - The Novel Approach
April 7 - My Fiction Nook
April 10 - Bayou Book Junkie
April 12 - MM Good Book Reviews
April 14 - Joyfully Jay
April 16 - Anna Martin



Length: 21,795 words


Blurb

Cooper Reed has a fairly relaxed life for someone who lives in LA. He’s no celebrity—just the guy who makes sundaes at the Dreamy Creamery, and that’s the way he likes it. The highlight of every week is the beautiful guy who turns up and orders a sundae with rainbow sprinkles. Cooper still isn’t sure if that’s a code, because he has a huge crush and the hot guy is terrible at flirting.

Drew Tanner, it turns out, is an original California dreamer. He’s as wholesome as apple pie and twice as sweet, a real-life Disney Prince at Disneyland. But while Drew’s head is in the clouds, Cooper’s feet are firmly on the ground, and their different outlooks might be more than their new relationship can take.



Review

With a cover and title as cute as the one for Anna Martin's new book, Rainbow Sprinkles, you'd expect something light and cute and fluffy, yeah? I mean, no question, right? And you'd be mostly right. Anna Martin has a way of writing stories with characters who are really likable, though flawed and this gives them such a realistic feel. Such is the case for Cooper and Drew. One guy has his head in the clouds, the other firmly on the ground. One has hopes and dreams, the other is perfectly (well, mostly) content with his life the way it is. So yeah, that all sounds perfectly normal, doesn't it? And it is, and that's one of the great things about Rainbow Sprinkles. 

As part of Dreamspinner Press's States of Love series, this one is set in California and wow does Anna give us a real California vibe in this book. Beach and sun and ice cream and Disney Land. Lots and lots of ice cream and Disney Land seeing as how Cooper works in the ice cream shop, Dreamy Creamery, and Drew works at Disney Land as one of the characters. I loved all of the Disney scenes, of which there are plenty. I felt like I was there experiencing everything. Drew's been stopping by the Dreamy Creamery at least a few times a week where there is much awkward flirting between him and Cooper and finally a date is made. Where they go to Disneyland of course. But it's super cute, and hot at times, watching these two get to know one another. There's hand holding and kissing and yes, there is some pretty steamy sex, too. 

As guys in their early to mid-twenties, they still haven't gotten life quite figured out yet, and Cooper isn't in any hurry to do so. Oh, he's got an idea, but it's a vague, sort of sometime somewhere down the road thought. Drew, who wants to be an actor, doesn't get this and as you can guess this causes a bit of conflict. When the moment comes, the misunderstanding and miscommunication feels blown out of proportion. Thankfully it doesn't last too long (kind of hard with such a short book!) and the end is every bit as sweet as you hope it'd be. With some extra rainbow sprinkles thrown in! Check this one out y'all. It'll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy ... and craving some ice cream.

Excerpt

“Can I get a….”

He looked over the menu like he didn’t stop by here at least once a week. Cooper would have expected anyone who got two sundaes a week to be a little chubby around the edges, but not his hottie. He was tall and broad shouldered, with a narrow waist and long legs. Most of the time he came by in workout gear. Whoever thought to put an ice cream parlor on the same patch as a gym was either an idiot or a genius. Probably a genius, since the Dreamy Creamery was signposted on billboards for miles, and they were on the main route into Disneyland. The place saw a lot of tourist traffic.

“Birthday Cake and Green Tea.”

Cooper winced. “You sure?”

“I’m adventurous.”

“You’re sure something,” Cooper laughed, turning back to the freezers and his scoop. “In a cup, right?”

“Yeah. And with—”

“Rainbow sprinkles,” Cooper finished for him.

Always the same. Always gross combinations of ice cream, topped with rainbow sprinkles, and if that wasn’t code, Cooper was going to die.

Adventureland

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

In the Tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room, all the birds sing words and the flowers croon, in the Tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room!

Some people think the Tiki Room is annoying.

Those people are wrong.

There’s something enchantingly perfect about getting a creamy cool Dole Whip and sitting in an air conditioned room in the middle of a hot California afternoon, watching a show Walt Disney himself imagined.

(A side note about Dole Whip – the pineapple flavoured soft serve ice cream available at the stand outside the Tiki Room: while this is arguably one of the best snacks available at Disneyland, I’m lactose intolerant. Oh, be sure I’ll get one. I’ll eat it. And I’ll regret it. But still, every time, it’s gotta be done.)

I love the Tiki Room. I love the reveal of each new section of the show, I love the cheesy songs, I love the clicking of the animatronics. Somehow that’s just part of the whole experience and I’d probably hate it if they got rid of it!

Adventureland contains both Jungle Cruise and the Indiana Jones ride, which are arguably “better” attractions than the Tiki Room. I’d entertain those arguments, and don’t get me wrong, I freaking love the Jungle Cruise. But there’s something to be said for a classic, which is why Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is my pick for best Adventureland attraction.




Author Bio

Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the southwest of England and now lives in the Bristol, a city that embraces her love for the arts. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, Anna is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theater (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), going to visit friends in other countries, and reading anything that’s put under her nose.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, prereading, and creative ass kicking provided by her best friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept responsibility for anything Anna has written.




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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Release Blitz: Bitten by Design by Annabelle Jacobs #Giveaway




Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 80,000 words

Regent's Park Pack Series

Bitten By Mistake (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

When the last thing you want, is everything you need….

Seb Calloway isn’t interested in shifters. After his best friend bonded with one, he avoids getting involved with them—no matter how hot they are—to prevent the same thing from happening to him. Why take the risk for a few hours of fun?

Tim Walters is the pack doctor. Considered to be mild-mannered and non-threatening by pack standards, he prides himself on being able to stay calm and maintain his control at all times. Desperate for a bond of his own, he knows his interest in Seb is an exercise in futility, but he can’t seem to help himself.

When news emerges that threatens Seb’s safety, he and Tim need to fake a relationship to keep Seb safe. Despite Seb’s refusal to be anything other than friends with benefits, what starts out as pretend, quickly becomes more—for Tim at least. If Tim doesn't want to end up heartbroken, he needs to prove to Seb that loving a shifter doesn’t mean losing himself.


Excerpt

He looked anywhere but at Tim, embarrassment clear in his expression. Before the moment could get awkward—and giving Seb no chance to object—Tim scooped him up, bridal style, and started down the stairs.

Letting out a startled laugh, Seb clung tight to his crutch so it didn’t slip out of his hands. “Twice in one weekend. You’re going to give me a complex.”

Tim bit the inside of his cheek. If Seb knew how much he liked being able to take care of him, how much his wolf liked it, he wouldn’t find it half as amusing or embarrassing. Clearing his throat, he hitched him a little higher, then started down the stairs. “It’s just quicker this way, and I don’t want to make you late for your appointment. We’re running a little behind.”

“Fair enough.”

Not daring to meet Seb’s eyes—their faces were so close together, he didn’t like his chances of not doing something stupid like kissing him—Tim quickly made his way down the steps.






Author Bio

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website – www.annabellejacobs.com
Email – ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction


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Release Blitz: Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg #Giveaway




Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 108,000 words

Blurb

The last thing Linton needs when he arrives home after three months in the States, is to find his beautiful flat is a squat, complete with his younger brother Dirk, who’s lying in Linton’s bed with a couple who’ve paid him for sex. Dirk isn’t even supposed to have a key. But after Linton throws Dirk out, life slams in hard and if his brother is to have any hope of a future, Linton has to play dirty. Or at least pretend to. What he hasn’t factored in is having to play the game to the bitter end.

Film star Thorne Morrisey has everything. Good looks, charm, seductive magnetism and a voice that could charm a snake from its basket. He can also be a real shit and yet people still love him - though he’d rather not have the love of his ex. Owen’s a suicidal wreck after Thorne dumped him in a very public and humiliating way and Owen’s wealthy brother has his own reasons for wanting revenge on Thorne. Max’s weapon of choice is his employee, Linton.

Linton and Thorne are on a collision course and in for the game of their lives. But who’s playing who?

Author Bio

Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the South of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they were to write.

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.elsborg

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Release Blitz: Goodnight My Angel by Sue Brown #Giveaway





Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK (Links will be live soon)

Cover: Meredith Russell

Angel Enterprises Series

Morning My Angel (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Callum Ross has a tough decision to make. After years of working for the covert ops agency in the UK and owning his own security firm in the US, he’s forced to choose between the business he loves, and the new fragile relationship with his partner, Josh Cooper.

A bottle of whiskey and almost being killed by a motorbike helps Cal make the decision, and he moves to the UK with plans to set up his own security consultancy. Then the head of the covert ops agency where Josh now works asks Cal for help. Agency operatives and their families are being injured or killed, including Cal’s friends.

Cal is asked to investigate with Josh’s assistance. As the number of victims increase, they’re aware either of them could be the next target for the killer. Josh wants Cal to back away from the investigation in case he gets hurt, but Cal refuses, putting a strain on their relationship.

Then they discover the motorbike incident wasn’t an accident. Who tried to kill him, and why?



Author Bio

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot, and has become an expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. She had an Aha moment and put pen to paper that same day. Sue may be late to the party, but she's made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Come over and talk to Sue at:
sue@suebrownstories.com
http://www.suebrownstories.com/
http://www.facebook.com/suebrownstories
http://twitter.com/suebrownstories
http://suebrownsstories.blogspot.com/


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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Random Review: Anchored in Stone by Meraki P. Lyhne #Review #Giveaway




Author: Meraki P. Lyhne
Book: Anchored in Stone
Series: Chronicles of an Earned #1
Self Published
Publication date: November 8, 2015
Length: 361 pages


Reviewed by Meredith


Synopsis

The easiest heist in Alex Rhoden’s career is also the most dangerous of all.

As a child, Alex Rhoden’s talent as a thief was recognized by a rich art collector. He has since then been trained to become one of the best art thieves in the world. While on what should have been the easiest heist of his career, Alex finds himself running with the artifact in his possession, followed by an unknown adversary. But they are not the only ones interested in the artifact—so is an ancient race of demigods called Earned. Cornered and out of options, Alex has to make a difficult decision that will turn his life upside down no matter what he chooses.

The young demigod Kaleb is reborn into servitude, but he is a freak amongst his own kind—the forbidden unity between an Earned and a witch. Other than finding himself, learning to control his powers, and balance high school as a senior, Kaleb must earn the trust of his pack and family. But Alex is in danger, and the young demigod struggles to keep up.



Buy Links



Review


Anchored in Stone is book one in Meraki P Lyhne’s Chronicles of an Earned. This is a complicated story that you need to allow yourself to get swept away in. It’s part fantasy, part religious, a lot mysterious, and filled with endless wonder.

I needed to stop and breathe at times just from all the building. When a series starts we are meeting the characters in play. Yes, this series is clearly following a path. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but you don’t get your endgame either. There’s a lot of information to take in. It’s in multiple POV’s but it’s not head hoppy and it’s not confusing. We jump in to Alex’s head as well as Kaleb, Edward, Dominic, and I think Pritchard’s. 

We are learning about a pack called the Earned. No, not pack as in shifters. They are NOT shifters. They are immortals, each with an incredible purpose. One is Revenge, he cleans layers of souls. It’s like what some may deem as Hell but after the layers of the bad  is removed he is released. There’s Seduction, Well Being, and so many more. They work, sort of, for mankind. It’s too hard to explain but you need to read it to understand.

Alex, who’s a master thief gets swept up in things and finds himself in a world he never imagined. Alex breaks my heart in a lot of ways. His past, why he’s where he is, all he’s lost, and the fear that practically consumes him. 

This book is gripping, and informative, and the creativity is breathtaking. This author is known for his world building and unique twist on fantasy. I highly recommend you read this intriguing and magical story and begin the crazy ride!




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Contest ends in a few days so don't miss it!

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