PtP - Backstage Antics (12)

[MyzanM]

Eugenia wrote: "So..... hedgehog = not sexy?"

I would probably say Hedgehog= not sexy. At least not this one..

Actually, there was not that much of hedgehog in the actual story and I couldn't really see Avery as a hedgehog because he was not acting like I thought a hedgehog would. But that was probably mostly in my mind. I sort of thought about him being more like I would think a Siamese cat would be; slender, superior, bratty and self centered.

[Eugenia]

MyzanM wrote: "Eugenia wrote: "So..... hedgehog = not sexy?"

I would probably say Hedgehog= not sexy. At least not this one..

Actually, there was not that much of hedgehog in the actual story and I couldn't rea..."

😉

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 6
Option 2

Book: Omega Mine: Search for a Soul Mate by Halsey Harlow
Pages: 147
Team Member: Michaelle - 4 Stars read on June 12, 2018

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Jane (PS) wrote: You totally confused me! This book is your week 4 book ack to your tracking posts. Could you please amend your post Mich? Thanks :)"

Sorry Jane. Yeah, it's for week 4...everything else was correct though - I don't know why I entered it like that when it's under my tracking as week 4...and week 3 was about Magic...which Handyman is NOT. LOL.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Week 6:

Option 1 ~ Choose 1 from 100 of oldest shelved on TBR.

Instructions

Or, Option 2 ~ Key date: 11 April 2018

[Eugenia]

Week 6
Option 2

The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
350pp/GR
Teammate: Danielle, 4 Stars, Read Aug. 4, 2018

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I gotta ask, because it was mentioned on a review by someone on my feed: Eugenia, do YOU see a stylized wolf in the image created for that cover?

[Eugenia]

⚣❣☙ Michaelle ❧❣⚣ wrote: "I gotta ask, because it was mentioned on a review by someone on my feed: Eugenia, do YOU see a stylized wolf in the image created for that cover?"

Kinda, but it looks more like a bear to me. lol

[Eugenia]

If i look at the thumbnail, it looks like a wolf head above the word "wolf" in the title. When I enlarge the cover, the paw prints look like a nose and the top darker areas could be eyes. Ears, though seem smallish in this perspective so: bear big pix. Wolf: thumbnail.

Conclusion: Who the fuck knows.

[Fran, Moderator]

Selection Post
Week 6- Option 1

Just What the Doctor Ordered
Pages- 112
How it fits- #86 on first page of tbr- added on August 8, 2011.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Eugenia wrote: "If i look at the thumbnail, it looks like a wolf head above the word "wolf" in the title. When I enlarge the cover, the paw prints look like a nose and the top darker areas could be eyes. Ears, tho..."

I don't see it all so you have better eyesight or a better imagination than me.

[MyzanM]

Selection Post - Week 6
Option 2


Hell for the Company by Angel Martinez
Pages: 103 /GR
Teammate: Eugenia, 4 stars, read April 15, 2018

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection Post
Week 6
Option 1

Victorious Star by Morgan Hawke
Pages: 471
How It Fits: #2 on TBR top 100, added 10/26/15

[Eugenia]

Week 6
Option 2

The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
350pp/GR
Teammate: Danielle, 4 Stars, Read Aug. 4, 2018

3⭐️⭐️⭐️
Different from your standard shifter romances......

And different is a good thing in this sub-genre. Unfortunately, it's novelty wasn't enough to make up for a lot of deficiencies in this book.

Positives:
Shifting wasn't the be-all and end all. In fact, there is only one on-page shift.

The werewolf culture world building was slow to reveal itself. For me, this was a pleasure since I wasn't buried in an info-dump.

There was some UST.

The book tried to tackle bigotry.

Now for my not so favorite parts:
The MC, Copper, whose POV we experience is a bigot. At times intentionally, at others as a matter of course. It find it hard to endear myself to this character. I tried, I really did, because he had moments were he seemed like a rational, open minded individual, but then he would do or say or think something to destroy any goodwill he created.

Copper was also very prickly. Add his bigotry, yes due to ignorance and a weak will, to his rudeness and I have a less likeable character. I'm not sure what the author was trying do here. Create a very flawed individual so he could later be redeemed? LeAve the reader with mixed feelings? Try to bring out my inner bigot? What ever the purpose Adhara I intended, it didn't work for me. Sorry, Charlie.

Another thing that bothered me...stupid police work. They missed OBVIOUS CLUES. I guessed the unsubstantiated from the get go. This made the fumbles all the more annoying.

The second MC, Park the werewolf interested me. But I learned next to nothing about him. At all. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Give me more than tall, dark, and mysterious.

No heat until 65%. We had two scenes. Both were good, but could have been more explicit and longer.

I had high expectations from this book. I like mysteries. I like werewolves. I like police procedural. I like small towns. I think I'd like Maine if I ever visited. And I really liked the fact that the focus here wasn't on shifting, but on a series of werewolf and human disappearances and murders. I just didn't like how it came across in this book.

Will I read the next one? Maybe. If it's free.

[MyzanM]

Selection Post - Week 6 Change of book!
Option 2


Long Shadows by Kate Sherwood
Pages: 184/GR
Teammate: Danielle, 4 stars, read May 15, 2018

[MyzanM]

Completion Post - Week 6
Option 2


Long Shadows by Kate Sherwood
Pages: 184/GR
Teammate: Danielle, 4 stars, read May 15, 2018
Date read: 10/15
Rating: 3
Review: The mystery was sort of predictable, but still good. The relationship stuff was sometimes brilliant sometimes clunky. I wish there had been a bit more of a conclusion on that part of the story. But not much more. I kind of like that neither Jericho or Wade changed that much when they got together again. And that they actually didn't get together... sort of. But I wouldn't have minded a hot scene or two...

[Fran, Moderator]

Completion Post- Week 6
Option 1

Just What the Doctor Ordered
Rating - 3* (barely)
Review- I didn't love this one. It was on the shorter side but seemed very long, lol. I didn't like Curt and I actually didn't like Lee much either. They were happy together, so that's good. But when Lee's mom comes for a visit tensions run high. I just thought Curt was rude. And kind of childish. Lee seemed distant and completely oblivious to Curt's feelings. Oh well. It's off my tbr so that's a good thing :)

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Completion Post - Week 6
Option 2

Omega Mine: Search for a Soul Mate
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: This was an interesting and new take on the whole Alpha and Omega story. It's set up to be a lot like the show The Bachelor (which I detest) so I wasn't all that excited about this book but luckily for me it didn't derive a lot of drama from that aspect nor did it have the Alpha going on a whole bunch of dates although there were a few. Hank's background is interesting and I don't want to say too much about it but it has a lot to do with his issues in the present. There is a scene where Hank is VERY attracted to a female contestant but this book doesn't turn into an M/F/M and the attraction is "explained" in an interesting way that again has a lot to do with Hank's background. Overall, I found this one interesting and I would definitely read another book set in this world.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 7
Option 2

Book: Spencer Cohen, Book One by N.R. Walker
Pages: 155
Team Member: Eugenia, 4 Stars, Read on Sep 5, 2018

[Fran, Moderator]

Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Week 7
Option 2

Book: Spencer Cohen, Book One by N.R. Walker
Pages: 155
Team Member: Eugenia, 4 Stars, Read on Sep 5, 2018"

I really liked that one Danielle!

[Logan]

Whoops! Totally posted this on the wrong thread. *facepalm* Thanks Jane for catching that!

Week 6 Selection Post


Pages: 346
Date Shelved: 5/3/2013
How it fits: In my first 100 to-read books

[Fran, Moderator]

Selection Post
Week 7- Option 2


Mistletoe at Midnight

Pages- 100
Team Member- Danielle Gypsy Soul- read 9/17/18- rated 4*
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection Post
Option 1
Week 7 ~ Writer: Dinner for One by Meg Harding, 200pgs/GR.

# 35 on Gay Romance Featuring Writers/etc.

[Eugenia]

Still trying to pick something for this one. I want to read His Royal Secret but I’m feeling cheap...why don’t I have a problem buying a mocha but hesitate to buy a book for the same price? Idiotic and perplexing!

[MyzanM]

Selection Post
Week 7 ~ Writer:
The Billionaire's Boyfriend by Geoffrey Knight, 109pgs/GR.
How it fits: #17 on the Gay Romance featuring Writers/Authors/Journalists list

[Eugenia]

Selection Post
Week 7: Writers
Option 1

Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert
336pp/GR
How it Fits: #45 on Gay Romance feat. writers/authors//journalists

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Completion Post
Week 6
Option 1

Victorious Star by Morgan Hawke
Pages: 471
How It Fits: #2 on TBR top 100, added 10/26/15

Re-Read Review: 3.2 Stars

Yeah, I remembered pretty quickly why I didn't rate this one higher once I started reading it again; I absolutely hate the whole mind and mouth say no, but body says yes trope. I think it helps that we're in the FMC's head the whole time, so we know that she is against the whole forced sex/domination thing on principle, but can't ignore what her body wants...so it's a little less rapey than if we don't have her POV as depending on the MMCs' PsOV would make it a lot rapey.

The insta-love was strong with this one as well, and nothing about the story seemed to warrant that connection between Victoria and the guys. I DID love her dedication to the Ship's Sentience, recognizing his existence and war record (as well as her determination to save all the ships she's been assigned to when incompetence would have the crew abandon them to pirates/privateers).

The rest of the story was really really good (well, other than that bit of having to "perform" for the stationmaster, letting him "ride" her thoughts and emotions - which, why was this necessary? Was there no other way to bribe him for the access codes they needed?), which is why it's still in the 3+Star range. I am definitely going to go read the prequel (again?) because there was far too little revealed of how Seht & Ravnos get to this point of the story, and I want to hear their voices & feel the connection that is plainly there to see.


Original Review:

Another one I need to re-read as I can't remember why I rated it 3 stars. I don't even have a "read" date entered. I mean, I know I read it, and even without the blurb I recognize the story...but can't for life of me remember what didn't appeal to me. It's SciFi AND MMF; that's pretty much my favorite combo.

[Logan]

Selection Post
Week 7 Option 1


Pages: 370
How it fits: #5 on the Hero/heroine is a writer Historical Romance list

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Completion Post
Option 1
Week 7 ~ Writer: Dinner for One by Meg Harding, 200pgs/GR.

# 35 on Gay Romance Featuring Writers/etc.
4 Stars

Usually I am not a fan of books with excessive miscommunication issues or needless obfuscation...so it very much surprised me how much I liked this one. The whole romance/drama is pretty much built on the omission of important information, and yet it wasn't irritating. I knew when the advice was given by James' family members to just not tell Bastien that he was the tough food critic that kind of panned Bastien's restaurant that it was going to blow up in his face, and still I think I'd have done the same thing.

And I so very much loved James' way of apologizing, plus Bastien's notes were just adorable. I'm not a "foodie" so the repeated instances of searching for recipes, looking at images on Pinterest/Instagram, shopping for ingredients, food prep & eventual cooking kind of grated on me a bit (I like to cook, not read about other people cooking). But I kind of skimmed those.

I do have to say that this sweet romance was also highly erotic. I wasn't expecting the kinky scene with the beads (!) but I am not complaining...it was really hot. So, yeah, I'll probably give the other titles in this series a whirl, probably skipping the food-details...

[Eugenia]

COMPLETION Post
Week 7: Writers
Option 1

Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert
336pp/GR
How it Fits: #45 on Gay Romance feat. writers/authors//journalists

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yay!!! 👏👏👏👏 I liked this book SO MUCH BETTER than the last book in the series!! Why?

Mainly, because this book had action. Military SEAL action. No kids, no babysitters, no nothing other than a journalist embedded with a team. A team training and carrying out their mission. Ensuing problems with journalist and mission. Attraction. Ethics. And most of all, love.

What trumps everything when you come down to it? Is leaving a legacy more important than fully living your life? Living your life for yourself?

This was what the book tackled and did it in a competent way. Was it perfect? No. We’re there things that I didn’t like? Yes (Spencer and his book first mentality; richer UST—I wanted to lick the want off the floor, BUT that’s not what I got). Still this was a solid 4 star read with a very solid HEA with a hunky silver fox and a braver than hell SEAL.

ONE OF MY FAVORITES IN THE SERIES 😉!

Also....listened to the audiobook version narrated by Greg Bordeaux and it was pretty solid.

[Fran, Moderator]

Completion Post
Week 7- Option 2

Mistletoe at Midnight
Rating- 4*
Review- I loved it! Owen and Caleb....sigh. This was a second chances story that had me tearing up. First love, sneaky family intervention, sappy holiday goodness. I wish it were longer. I really enjoyed Owen’s brother and would have liked to read more about his side story. Owen’s mom was a riot- an embarrassing, meddling good time.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Completion Post
Week 7 - Option 2

Spencer Cohen, Book One
Rating: ★★★★
Review: This was fun and cute and humorous and highly entertaining. Usually I like a bit more sexy times in my books as this one really didn't have any but it fit this story. Lots of chemistry and tons of UST. I enjoyed the humor and the relationship between the MCs. Definitely looking forward to what happens next between these guys!

[Eugenia]

Danielle Gypsy Soul wrote: "Completion Post
Week 7 - Option 2

Spencer Cohen, Book One
Rating: ★★★★
Review: This was fun and cute and humorous and highly entertainin..."

You’re so right about no really missing the sexy times in this one! So happy you liked it!!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Logan wrote: "Whoops! Totally posted this on the wrong thread. *facepalm* Thanks Jane for catching that!

Week 6 Selection Post


Pages: 346
How it fits: In my first 100 to-re..."

No probs Logan :)

Could you also please add the date you put it on your shelves? I need that in the post for option 1 :D

[MyzanM]

Completion Post
Week 7 ~ Writer:
The Billionaire's Boyfriend by Geoffrey Knight, 109pgs/GR.
How it fits: #17 on the Gay Romance featuring Writers/Authors/Journalists list
Date read: 10/26
Rating: 3
Review: Not a bad story. It started good with a few funny scenes and a lot of sweetness. Unfortunately, it soon struggled under too many "funny" scenes with overly quirky characters that actually was anything but funny. The sweetness turned into a saccharine drenched mess of insta-love... Well, let's just say it wasn't as good as the beginning hinted, but still somewhat enjoyable.

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Week 8

Option 1: MC who plays or writes music (Required List Choice)

Option 2:
Key date: 25 April 2018

[Eugenia]

Ha! I just added some books this morning before the call to the remaining lists!!

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Week 8 - Selection Post - Option 1


Book: Your Fallen Star by Raleigh Ruebins
Pages: 272/GR
How it Fits: #132 on M/M with Musician MCs

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Selection Post
Week 8: MC who plays or writes music
Option 1

Smoky Mountain Dreams by Leta Blake
Pages: 434/GR
How it Fits: #102 on MM with Musician MCs

[MyzanM]

Selection Post
Week 8: MC who plays or writes music
Option 1

Every Move He Makes by Barbara Elsborg
Pages: 392/GR
How it fits: #121 on M/M with Musician MC's

[Fran, Moderator]

Selection Post
Week 8- Option 2

Hot Mall Santa
Pages- 130
How it fits- Danielle Gypsy Soul read it on 9/20/18 and rated it 3 *
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Eugenia]

SELECTION POST
WEEK 8: Musician MC
Option 1

Riven by Roan Parrish
235pp/GR
How it fits: #50 on MM with Musician MC
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

Oh, that one was so good Eugenia. It hit all the right "notes" for me, and what I was looking to read when I got my hands on it!

[Eugenia]

Heheh! 🎶🎵💕

[Fran, Moderator]

Completion Post
Week 8- Option 2

Hot Mall Santa
Rating- 3*
Review- This one had potential but fell a little short. The idea of the super hot Santa in the mall was a cute one. Randall was an interesting character but the book was written from Tom’s perspective. And I was more interested in Randall. They had some fun, sexy times together, but something was missing from their relationship for me. Overall, a cute holiday story that made me smile.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Completion Post
Week 8 - Option 1


Your Fallen Star
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: This book was a bit sappy and some super sweet moments but overall I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the age gap between Leo and Jamie and I liked both MCs. I felt for Leo and really wanted him to find his purpose again. There is just enough angst to make this interesting and a happy ending I really enjoyed. I will definitely check out the books about the rest of the former band mates.

[Eugenia]

COMPLETION POST
WEEK 8: Musician MC
Option 1

Riven by Roan Parrish
235pp/GR
How it fits: #50 on MM with Musician MC
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...

🙌🙌 Wow!!!💖💖

4.5 Clamoring Stars!!!! I DEVOURED this book. I loved every singular, sexy, painful, and artful second of it!!!

We have a rock star who hates being famous and who fears no one loves him. We have a recovering addict who fears his love of music will sink him into drugs again. The two find each other and slowly begin the hard work of trusting themselves--loving each other is much easier.

The two were so beautiful together; they complemented each other not oh musically, but physically and emotionally. Roan's depiction of a recovering addict felt spot on. And the only angst we really see in this book is Caleb's fear of want and passion in his life since he equates desire with addiction.

These two men were HOT 😈😈💓💓 together and the scenes were plenty steamy and not rote.

Like my friend Michaelle said, this book hit just the right notes for me, minor chords with a major chord finale....that's an HEA/HFN, friends!!!

Highly recommended....And would I ever tear this up as an audiobook!!!

[Logan]

Can I use my second pass this week? I’m trying to get caught back up but none of my challenges want to play nicely with each other lol!

[⚣Michaelle⚣]

I'm Good with that...

[MyzanM]

Completion Post
Week 8: MC who plays or writes music
Option 1

Every Move He Makes by Barbara Elsborg
Pages: 392/GR
How it fits: #121 on M/M with Musician MC's
Date read: 10/27
Rating: 3
Review: I sometimes had a hard time with the main characters, Zak and Logan. It took quite a bit to warm up to them at all.
Zak was a bit too self centered and too childish. He did mature a bit through out the story. Logan was boring for being a secret MI6 agent.
The writing was good, and the plot some what confusing in the beginning.