Custom Toys Made to Order

Sexually Awkward #1

by Gabrielle Evans

[Siren Everlasting Classic Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, vampires, shape-shifters, sex toys, HEA] The closest Atticus Drake has ever come to a sexual experience is designing toys for kinky paranormals. Shy and awkward, his forays into physical relationships have never gone past first base. So, when he finds himself mated to the crown prince of the entire vampire race, he's pretty sure it's fate's cruel joke. Prince Salem Constantine is running out of time. With his one hundredth birthday quickly approaching, he needs to choose a consort if he hopes to become king. Atticus is definitely the mate he's been waiting for, but there's one problem. Atticus isn't a vampire. The mandates are clear, and Salem needs not only a consort, but a vampire consort. Atticus refuses to turn, and Salem has no intentions of giving up the sexy panther. Can the two find a solution before time runs out? Or will they be forced apart because of the laws governing Salem's world? ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2012

About the author

Gabrielle Evans grew up in a small town in southern Oklahoma. We’re talking one red light that may or may not work depending on the day of the week. She married her high school sweetheart and the rest is pretty much history. They have two very active boys and one high-strung wiener dog that keeps her constantly on the go. For now, Gabrielle parks her car in north-central Texas, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Come chat with me on my new Yahoo Group!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gabriel...

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

(1)erotic romance author

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to round this one up to 3 stars, even though I shouldn't. I really shouldn't.

The plot was sort of a hot mess all around: power-hungry uncle, lots of paranormal creatures running around, no world building, and melodrama central (murder! kidnapping! BFF turned cray-cray! another BFF high on cat nip!).

BUT. We got serious cuteness and mates and MINE MINE MINE. Vampire and panther shifter get it on, y'all.



That's all.

2.5 stars rounded up because (valid & logical ) reasons.

[Elisa Rolle]

I picked this title since I wanted to try something by this author, but truth be told I wasn’t expecting much; so it was a more than pleasant surprise to read a thoroughly enjoyable funny romance, sweet but also sexy.

The main theme of this series, of which Custom Toys Made to Order is the first book, is to pair sexually awkward young men with more experienced partner; a group of six friends, Atticus Drake, Thaddeus Young, Nigel Durbin, Brenner West, Cedric Barrows, and Dorian Elder (so I suppose there will be at least 6 books) own and operate Fantasy Creations, a company producing custom made sex toys for paranormal creatures. The strange thing is that all of them are virgins, nerds who have never had a chance to “test” the toys they produce.

Atticus “Atty” Drake meets his mate, vampire prince Salem Constantine and everything seems perfect, if not for the fact that Salem has to marry in less than a month and his consort has to be a vampire. Turning a shapeshifter into a vampire is a cruel thing, an act that can push the newly made vampire into suicide. There is a bit of drama due to this subplot but this is basically a sweet and sexy romance; Atty’s awkwardness is endearing, when his feline comes out he seems more a domestic pet than a wild animal, but nevertheless Salem loves that hidden side of his mate.

I also liked that the play role of both main characters were not rigid; sure Salem is the more experienced partner, and probably the dominant one, but he is not the usual obsolete Alpha male, he is able to be “light” and funny, and to conquer Atty more with tenderness than dominance.

If you enjoy the more lighter paranormal romances, give this author a chance, I bet you will not be disappointed.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1622411897/?...

[Phaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

2012 Review:

Another paranormal series. No male pregnancies so far and since they basic troupe consists of cat shifters we might have a chance to avoid such.

Atty and Salem were both adorable. Together as well as by themselves. I really enjoyed this in my mushy ways. Okay, the problems presented to them by the plot made me uneasy but who cares. That’s just me being twitchy. In the end this thing just made me happy.

This first book in the series already worked heavily on setting up future protagonists, though. This sucks mostly because I only have the first three books at this point. I so prefer to read series in one go, especially the interconnected ones.

Funny thing? While reading this I kept thinking I was reading Scarlet Hyacinth. I wonder what’s up with that. I sometimes mix authors up but this came as a bit of a surprise. Huh.

[Pamela Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book was too tempting to pass up.

I quite enjoyed this story. It is a light romance, so I wasn't expecting much.

Atticus and his friends were quite adorable. I loved how protective Atticus' friends are of him and it's nice to see the friendship doesn't take a back seat to his relationship with Salem. Yes, in the heat of a passionate romance, it might slip by the side but not for long.

Salem is your standard alpha hero and while he performs his role admirably, he's not the real star of this story.

Light reading, good for a quick bite. Don't expect more.

[Kukko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and fun MM romance between the sexually promiscuous nightclub owner and vampire prince (Salem), and a sexually inexperienced panther shifter (Atty) who creates sex toys for a living.

The sex - when they eventually got to it - was super hot! I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the characters had been better defined and the story could have used some refinement, to correct inconsistencies.

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little shifter story that managed to make a lot of the genre's clichés palatable ... there were some consistency issues but overall it was a fun, fluffy read ... I would have liked to see more use of the toys in the story considering Atty's profession but the smex was hot none the less ... I don't know if I'll bother with the rest of the series tho' because I didn't love the characters enough to become heavily invested in them & I'm not driven to read more about them ...

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost missed out on reading this little gem. It was fast paced and fun. The beginning was especially fun, with Atty being a little bit of spaz...I liked it.

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm a shameless cover slut, and this cover did not appeal to me. Maybe that's why I hadn't read it yet. I'm glad that challenges brought me to this book. I enjoyed it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book was what made me want to read it.
Don't be confused though. Yes, they make 1 custom toy but this book is about that toys maker, Atty and his Vampire mate Salem.
This is a very quick enjoyable read which I really liked.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun start to a new series. I'd say that the characters are typical of this author, you know what you're gonna get, but they were fun to read about and look forward to more!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atticus and his friends own and run their own company that makes sex toys to order. One Friday, instead of going to their usual burger joint, they go to a club where Atticus gets drunk on one drink. He is attacked by werewolves and rescued by Prince Salem. Salem recognizes Atticus as his mate. It takes smelling Salem's blood for Atticus to realize the same thing. An evil uncle, vampire laws and plots delay their mating. Salem's father removes the most serious roadblock before he dies but the uncle tries to stop them and pays with his life. Salem and Atticus finalize their mating bond that very night.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Too ridiculous, lame and stupid.

[Claudia Reinbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Swag · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Now off to read the next book

[Lasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Custom Toys Made to Order is your typical paranormal mates meet and fall in love but with a delightful twist – one of the characters is sexually inexperienced. Atticus Drake makes custom made sex toys for other paranormals with a group of his closest friends. When a new order is placed by Prince Salem Constantine, Atticus is drawn to the sexy vampire, but when the two find out they are mates, complications arise. It seems that Salem must mate with a vampire or lose the throne to his evil uncle, and with only weeks to do this, Salem must convince Atticus to allow him to turn him or all could be lost.

I liked this more traditional romance trope of a virginal hero and his intended. Ms. Evans was able to convey the attraction and eventual love between the two men who had such differing personalities, but ultimately meshed. I was drawn into the mystery of this paranormal universe and the world building was engrossing. Also, I loved Atticus’ friends — who I am sure will have their own books with their own mates – and how they supported each other through tough times.

With a fun cast of characters, some interesting world building and smokin’ hot sex scenes between the two main protagonists, this series is off to a good start. I look forward to book two.

Dark Divas Reviews

[The Eighth · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I read the preview from Kobo in April. Bought the book earlier today and started reading it. I was in a slump with a fanfiction that I really want to read but the errors are glaringly obvious and are taking their toll on me. I want to finish it though.

Anyhow, I bought Chaser by Rick R. Reed and Custom Toys Made to Order because the preview was interesting enough and the title is catchy. Both were an attempt to cheer me up.

For now I give this book a two star rating because "It's okay". The rating may go up when I am finished reading it.

Currently I don't like the speech and mannerisms of the characters. At some parts they sound awesome and at others the behaviour clashes with the image of them that I have so far put together in my head. I like Atticus and Salem, I do, but some of their words and actions are making me squirm in a not good way.

I'm keeping an open mind, but as of now I don't think I will continue the series.

*** Update ***

Okay I've finished the book and I'm upping my rating to a three. As I continued to read I enjoyed the characters more. I still had moments where behaviours seemed to clash with their character but I had a good time reading this.

In the end Ms. Evans tied everything up nicely. . . Except, for ninja kitty which I'm assuming is her next book.

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This looks like a fun series, with the first book kicking off the concept of sex toy makers who lack real-life experience - and doing it well. If this volume is anything to go by, though, that lack of experience does not last long. Set in a paranormal environment where mate recognition is immediate, the only question is really 'when' that will change. 'If' is never an option.

Atticus is the quasi leader of a group of friends who started a company making exclusive sex toys for paranormals. He really has no clue what he is doing, is constantyly afraid of messing things up and is too adorabl for words.

Salem is a very experienced vampire prince who takes the lead without question. He has a problem with the deadline of his birthday coming up, but, he is a loyal kind of guy and decides to stand by his mate, no matter what.

If you like paranormal stories where vampires and shifters mix freely, if the 'experienced/dominant' versus 'new-to-it-all/submissive' dynamic interests you, and if you enjoy a bit of humor mixed in with a tale about villains trying to gain power, you will probably like this book.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up because it's better than most books in shifter/vampire romance series.

Note: There is a near rape scene that might be a trigger for some people.

They're supposed to be in a split level yet whole book describes a ranch style house.
Even a shifter would still be drunk after 12 shots.
No instalove, yea!
Good editing except part about house.
Quote: "Did that mean he was put off by the way Atticus spoke? While it seemed silly and preposterous to him to judge someone based on their communication skills, it could be that other men thought him a snob because of his astute grasp of correct grammar." Oh my god it's me.
Changes in POV mid scene.
Like that Atticus can physically compete with big guy in a fight.
Really like that Salem isn't a brooding vamp but a happy guy.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. I ADORED Atty and his friends. Absolutely adored them. So much so, I want to join in and be part of their family as well.

I loved how Atty was a virgin and ACTED like one. I was getting tired of all of these stories that have virgins in them and then once they meet their mates it's like they forgot they've never had sex before. No, Atty and Salem take their time (well 3 days, but still, that's forever in the paranormal world) and it was really nice to see.

Ninja Kitty ;)

Overall, I really liked Salem and Atty. Not sure if I will be moving on to the rest of this series though, since not all of them are written yet and I have a feeling I will want more.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a delightful beginning to a new series. I completely fell for Atticus and his five friends - they own a sex toy company but none of them have any practical experience! What a great premise. Nerdy guys designing sex toys!!
Salem is the typical hot vampire lusting after his newfound mate. It doesn't take long before Atty has experience! Of course there's a nice bad guy angle with betrayal and hatred. All this combines to make a fun, not too serious romance!
Looking forward to more.

[Calila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't expect much going into this, but I really ended up enjoying it. LOVE the awkwardness of the first sex scenes, and Atty's embarrassment, so true to life and you never get to see it. Salem was great. I think the way the angst was resolved was a little too easy, but that's not a big issue. My heart broke for Jarrett, I hope he gets a HEA eventually. I'll get to the rest of the series eventually.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting a whole lot in terms of an in-depth story and that's a good thing. It was your typical Siren romance, a bit shallow, kind of ridiculous but this one was pretty entertaining. It's the beginning of a new series about a group of sex toy makers who are awkward and geeky and really adorable. In this one we had Atticus, a panther shifter, and Salem, the vampire Prince. Was it great? No but it was an easy read and dare I say it...enjoyable.

[Gieliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Atty's circle of friends are so fluffy! Almost literally fluffy since they're all cats. Well, yeah, mostly big cats but still. Atty and Salem are adorable together. Tho I think the solution at the end to the whole consort thing is too neatly tied. This is a nice, short and fun read.

[Noughty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was one of the best G. Evans works. It was well written, fluent, no logic, plot mistakes. Characters were believable. So a nice and relaxing read. Looking forward to more of these series. Hope other parts are as good.

[Tj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. I really liked the concept of virgins making sex toys;) There could have been a more complex plot but I enjoyed the story. One of my light reads for "rainy" days.

[Marsha Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute and sweet and sexy and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series...

[blub · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good read. I love stories with nerds/dorks or virginal characters since they have a lot of endearing traits.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Alarik · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read, Truely enjoying the series.