"Let the mayhem begin", the final sentence of the boob blurb, is a perfect summary of this story. In the best way, it describes the hilarious mishaps...more"Let the mayhem begin", the final sentence of the boob blurb, is a perfect summary of this story. In the best way, it describes the hilarious mishaps two of Cupid's most clumsy helpers happen to create when they bungle up (yet another) Valentine's Day assignment.
Michael is a cynic who hates Valentine's Day. No wonder, with a boss who makes him keep track of a whole "stable" of lovers and a non-existent social life since the last ex abandoned him. I really felt for him. Luckily, he runs into Shane and that seems to quickly develop into a turning point in terms of romance. Unfortunately, the accident created by the unlucky love imps becomes a real nuisance and interferes with what could have become a perfectly romantic ending to the evening.
Shane hasn't been very lucky in love matters either. But he knows what he likes, and Michael is it. He goes after him when the opportunity offers itself, and not even the need to stop the mayhem following the love imps' mishap can stop him on focusing on what is important. Well, mostly.
If you like humorous takes of Valentine's Day that still end in romantic bliss, if you enjoy just a touch of the supernatural, and if you're looking for a hot read that will make you smile, you will probably like this short story. (less)
What starts as an unbreakable, or so they think, friendship between two ten-year-old boys in 18th century Japan, develops into one of the most hauntin...moreWhat starts as an unbreakable, or so they think, friendship between two ten-year-old boys in 18th century Japan, develops into one of the most hauntingly beautiful love stories I have read in a while. Torn apart by fate, and parents who have their best interests at heart without understanding the bond between them, Hirata has to watch as they take his friend Sho, who has been blinded by illness, away to be trained by a member of the Guild for the Blind.
Hirata is destined to become a samurai, his future is secure, but all he cares about is finding Sho. He is finally granted that right when he turns seventeen, and sets off to find him. His determination is inspirational, his need to find the friends who is the other half of his heart palpable. Ten years later, he needs a rest, but isn’t ready to give up. He has a fleeting thought of letting Sho find him and within hours what he has longed for becomes truth. He sees Sho in the street and believes his troubles are over.
There is only one problem: Sho doesn't recognize him and refuses to admit they know each other. The heartache Hirata feels made me cry in sympathy, and his struggle to find out what is going on robbed me of the rest of my breath and I moved to the edge of my seat as their story unfolded before my eyes. It is a story not just about deep friendship and love, but about fate and growing up – mentally and emotionally.
If you like tension-filled stories full of noble and honorable characters, if you enjoy reading about a man who loves deeply and will do anything to keep his promise to always love his friend, and if you're looking for a read full of passion that will leave you breathless with suspense, then you will probably like this book as much as I did.
It has always seemed to me that dabbling in spells and magic when you have no idea what you're doing is a bad idea. This story is about a man who trie...moreIt has always seemed to me that dabbling in spells and magic when you have no idea what you're doing is a bad idea. This story is about a man who tries just that, only to find out that he is in deep trouble, to the point where his life is endangered. The Steampunk setting adds a nice historical flair to the story while it makes the threat of the incubus he summons even more "real".
Elderoy thinks he has the perfect solution to his problems: recently dumped by his boyfriend, he thinks summoning an incubus for some "delights of the flesh" is just what he needs to alleviate his horniness. He is so sure he can banish the creature back to hell after a night of debauchery, but his insecurity in casting the spell in the first place warned me there might be a problem.
The incubus, of course, is much more powerful than Elderoy had suspected, and manages to prevent him from casting the binding spell that would have given him control. Instead, the beast begins to drain Elderoy's life force by making him come against his will. Again and again, to the point where he faints. Help comes from an unexpected quarter, but breaking the hold of an incubus is not easy.
If you like stories about men who get in over heir heads and won't admit they need help, if you enjoy reading about the magical, occult, and creatures of hell, and if you're looking for a read that is just a little otherworldly, you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
I love stories about reunions and second chances, and this is a particularly tough one. Seven years have passed since Max put his career above his lov...moreI love stories about reunions and second chances, and this is a particularly tough one. Seven years have passed since Max put his career above his lover's idea of a committed relationship, and Darius has never gotten over it. Neither of them have been able to move on, both have been miserable, and even though Max is willing to do whatever it takes, Darius doesn't trust easily anymore.
Darius has managed to survive, but he isn't happy. His career as maitre d' of an upscale restaurant is going well, but he's lonely. When Max suddenly reappears in his life, at the restaurant to film a show, Darius realizes he still loves him. The one thing he isn’t ready to do is trust him again and give him another opportunity to break his heart.
Max has never stopped loving Darius, and he is more than ready to grab the second chance fate seems to have given them and try again. He's ready to do anything, and since Darius doesn’t make it easy for him, it turns out to be quite the undertaking. Thank God his feelings are so strong. The fact he's stubborn also comes in handy!
If you like stories about men with a history figuring out if and how they can have another go at a meaningful relationship, if you enjoy reading about professionals trying to fit a bit of a personal life into their busy lives, and if you're ;looking for a read with a slow burning romantic tension that just grows and grows until the final culmination, then you will probably like this short book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
Some of A.J.'s books are just plain fun, with their unusual combination of characters, strange happenings, and fascinating amount of details about som...moreSome of A.J.'s books are just plain fun, with their unusual combination of characters, strange happenings, and fascinating amount of details about some fairly unknown profession or situation. Mr. Wolfe is a great example of this, and if you've ever wanted to know what a costume archivist goes through, this is the book for you. Of course, the fact that he's also a werewolf and secretly married to a vampire, makes the whole situation even more entertaining, but I am getting ahead of myself.
Mr. Wolfe is a very exacting person, who takes great pride in his work. The image of a werewolf taking such painstaking care of artists' costumes made me grin, and some of his working methods were outrageously funny. He even required maple syrup – the real, Canadian kind, no cheap imitation stuff - to pull off the miracles of restoration he is so well known for. The suspense as to what he needs it for doesn't last long, and the solution had me grinning.
Ambrosio, Mr. Wolfe's right-hand man, is a hunk and an enigma. He is also very good at his job, and Mr. Wolfe makes it very clear that he'd never work without him by his side. The secret between them is obvious, but you'll have to read the story for yourself to find out what it is exactly that makes them such good cooperators. The revelation of who he is was well done, and added yet another layer to this well-crafted tale.
If you like stores about the supernatural that are somewhat unusual, if you think you'd enjoy a detailed tale that gives you new perspective on costume preservation, and if you're looking for a story with man characters who are deeply in love and a great set of secondary characters to complete the picture, the you will probably enjoy this book. I certainly did!
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
Cute short story about the two men from the series 'Masked', one that stands alone quite well. It's a good introduction to the characters if you are n...moreCute short story about the two men from the series 'Masked', one that stands alone quite well. It's a good introduction to the characters if you are new to the series, and a nice way to reconnect if you've read the other books. Thor and Bobby have been together for a while as Dom and sub, and are visiting Bobby's very conservative parents for Thanksgiving. The dynamic between the more disapproving father and both men is interesting, to put it carefully, as they barely manage to remain civil.
Thor is basically being 'blamed' for turning Bobby gay. Bobby's father is truly unhappy about Bobby's choice, but Thor holds up his end of the discussion really well. Not that any of his reasons or arguments will get through to the father, but Thor doesn’t expect that. The only question, for him, is whether to stay or if leaving is going to be better for Bobby in terms of having some family time.
Bobby wants Thor to stay, he clearly needs him around and loves him a lot. The little impromptu play in the woods as they take a walk only confirms that – for both of them. It is as if they're grounding themselves again, reminding themselves of what they mean to each other. The final argument that convinces Thor, is somewhat unexpected, but made me smile. It is often the little things that can make a big difference.
If you like stories about men who know their place in the world but need to convince others to accept them, if you enjoy reading about some naughty activities out in the woods, and if you're looking for a hot read with lots of love between a Dom and his sub, then you will probably enjoy. (less)
Car and truck racing is a tough business. The tension is high, men are trying to prove themselves, and yet, no driver can make it without a great team...moreCar and truck racing is a tough business. The tension is high, men are trying to prove themselves, and yet, no driver can make it without a great team to support him. And when the crew chief in charge of the team and the driver don’t get along? Everything falls apart. For Adam, the crew chief in this story, and Will, a returning driver, it has fallen apart before, for very personal reasons. Now they get their second chance.
Adam likes to run his job just so, and when things got too hot and out of control three years ago, he walked away from Will. Part of him has always regretted that, but his feelings scared him to death. Now that Will is back, and their boss demands they get along, Adam has to find a way to deal with everything that happened before or risk his job. Problem is, Will is as hot as ever, and Adam is still scared, but for some reason he desperately wants to submit to Will in the bedroom.
Will has never understood why Adam left him, but he is determined to find out. Being added to the old team because another driver walked is his chance to save his career, but, more importantly, he wants a second chance with Adam. He knows he is good for his ex-lover, he just needs to figure out what made the man leave, then fix it.
If you like stories about tough men who struggle with who they are and what they need in bed, if you enjoy reading about the exciting world of car and truck racing, and if you're looking for a hot read with some very kinky play, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Resplendence Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
Continuing with two characters mentioned in the previous book, this story developed in a somewhat unexpected direction. Which is exactly why I liked i...moreContinuing with two characters mentioned in the previous book, this story developed in a somewhat unexpected direction. Which is exactly why I liked it a lot! But more than explaining what was going on with Acerith in the previous book, this story also introduces his species, the Venians, in more detail and they have some fascinating cultural and biological traits which come in very handy in this book. Jeremy, you might remember, is the guy whom Camden saw running just before he was stolen by the slave traders; as expected, he also would have died in the explosion but was "saved" to be auctioned off as a slave instead.
Jeremy's new master is not a benevolent alien at all. In fact, he is callous and cruel, and Jeremy pretty much expects to die at some point soon, since he refuses to submit to the being he calls "the Pig". Jeremy is also very selfless: when a baby needs rescuing, he doesn’t hesitate and run. As he is being hunted and eventually runs into Acerith, he discovers some really interesting things about himself, how he sees the world, and what special abilities the baby seems to have.
Acerith was a bit of a mysterious figure in the previous book, and we finally find out more about his history (pretty grim – his father is out to kill him), and his species. He has some mental abilities that come in very handy, but most fascinating were some of the physical changes he goes through in order to be able to help taking care of the baby. He struggles with them at first, unsure what it means for him as a man, but that only makes the whole situation more interesting.
Firmly in the genderbending arena, this book will not be for everyone. I think it is a fascinating look at how we see the roles that parents play and how much we link them to gender. This story proves there is no real need for this way of thinking, and while I didn’t like the terminology used in all cases, the main point of the story is very clear. No matter what gender they are, when becoming parents, these characters take on the characteristics most needed to ensure their baby has a good chance of survival. How I wish humans on Earth could all see this the same way!
If you like stories about unusual aliens, if you enjoy stories about men who face death and in that process learn to pull together, and if you're looking for a hot story with some fascinating gender bending and a challenge to traditional role models, you will probably like this story as much as I did. (less)
As opening volumes for a series go (even if this one isn't declared to be part of a series), this book is a great start. You have an omega who needs s...moreAs opening volumes for a series go (even if this one isn't declared to be part of a series), this book is a great start. You have an omega who needs saving, a guy who is turned into an alpha wolf shifter because he defends himself against an attack, and yet he has a dark secret on top of that. There is also a whole range of great secondary characters, some of whom I really hope will get their own stories.
Salvador is an alpha, I suspect, even before he absorbs his attacker's alpha power. The man is just too determined and commanding not to be. He accepts his new fate with amazing ease, which may partly be due to Davi's calming influence. The other part isn’t explained until much later, and I thought it was super-cool. Salvador takes charge, tells people what to expect, and protects his new mate by giving him the freedom to finally become who he wants to be. The discussions between the two are fun and they very clearly love each other.
Davi hasn't had an easy life, but he is definitely a survivor. He's made the best of what he had and only very gradually believes things have really changed. Salvador is a revelation to him, and he spreads his wings and becomes a real partner in the alpha's life. Once he has found his self-confidence, watch out world!
If you like shifter stories, this is one with a slightly different mythology. If you enjoy a physically stronger male taking charge only to find out the seemingly weaker partner has a lot to contribute as well, give this one a try. And if you're looking for a hot read with lots of bedroom action, you will probably like this novella. I certainly hope it's the beginning to a new series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
When two men, friends and co-workers who have known each other for years, are suddenly forced to face the love they've felt for each other, but have a...moreWhen two men, friends and co-workers who have known each other for years, are suddenly forced to face the love they've felt for each other, but have always hidden, things could get ugly. Or they could get very, very right. This story is about two such men, and kept me in suspense as to which way they would go until the very end. With enough emotional ups and downs to qualify for roller coaster status, this is a slightly angsty, but very entertaining read.
Shannon is a very successful businessman, now a billionaire with his own company, but at heart he is a programmer. He focuses on facts, and relationships and emotions aren't really his strength. The one secret he has kept for years, ever since he met Noah in college, is his love for the man who is now his assistant. Shannon never thought he was good enough for Noah, but the invitation to an awards ceremony requiring a "plus one" galvanizes him into action. He figures it will be the start to more, but cannot figure out how to get his proposal right.
Noah has loved Shannon for years, but knows he isn’t good enough for the successful businessman, nor the best friend he admires. A gambling addiction has almost destroyed him, and he doesn’t want Shannon to discover or be touched by it. As for the proposal to "play partner" for the award ceremony? It hurts that Shannon only wants to pretend, but Noah can’t leave him hanging since Shannon's evil ex is lurking in the proverbial bushes to destroy them both.
This is a story filled with passion, angst, and lots of attempts to cover up things each man doesn’t want the other to know. While there is a resolution at the end, be ready for it to be somewhat abrupt. Yes, there is a happy ending for the two men, but there's also enough material to make me hope for a sequel. The subject matter of all the secret business shenanigans as well as Shannon and his ex's dealings would certainly offer more than enough material for a novella or even a novel!
If you like stories about emotionally repressed men, if you enjoy reading about men who carry major secrets as well as huge torches for each other, and if you're looking for a somewhat angsty, hot read, you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
One of the perks of being a billionaire, or so I imagine, is owning a plane. Some staff is needed to run it and this story is about a flight-attendant...moreOne of the perks of being a billionaire, or so I imagine, is owning a plane. Some staff is needed to run it and this story is about a flight-attendant replacing a friend at the last minute, with interesting consequences for both him and the billionaire who has just recently acquired a new plane.
Logan is all about hard work, but he's going to take some time off. He's slightly annoyed that the usual flight attendant has to be replaced, but when he lays eyes on Kevin, those potential objections are quickly forgotten. Not even Kevin dumping a cold drink in his lap can dim his enthusiasm, on the contrary, it gives him an excuse to change pants and underwear…
Kevin is late for his assignment with Logan (the alarm didn’t go of in time), terribly nervous about impressing his new boss, and when a sudden air turbulence makes him spill the drink he was about to serve, he thinks it's all over. Nothing could be further from the truth! The affair that follows is hot and heavy, and even though Kevin knows they come from different worlds, he is determined to enjoy himself. Until Logan gets a phone call and everything comes crashing down both of them.
With a lot of amusing incidents, some very passionate lovemaking, and a great setting, this story is wonderfully entertaining. If you like exotic, fairy tale like stories about the ultra rich, if you enjoy reading about two men who fall for each other before they've introduced themselves, and if you're looking for a fun, hot read then you will probably like this short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. (less)
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