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May 28th, 2012
 Badges by John Simpson
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, GLBT, M/M
Length: 220 pages
Summary:
Enter the world of men who wear badges and uniforms, everyday heroes who go home every night and dream the same dreams as every other man. They yearn for someone to love, someone to share their beds, a lover, or maybe even a partner for life. Follow these men in a collection of stories about what can happen when sparks fly between perfect strangers and old friends. Fraternization has never been so hot.
Stories included:
The Last Place
Medic One
Officers in Need
Peach Fuzz and Whiskers
Military Service
Uniform Hardness
Borders of Love
The SAC
Age Is But a Number
Marshal Service
Secrets
Blackraven’s Review:
Badges by John Simpson is a series of well-written short stories about men who are either police officers, Secret Service agents, military personnel, or FBI agents. Mr. Simpson uses his vast experience in all of these fields to provide the reader with a series of short stories that are not only entertaining, but also believable in regards to the dialogue and how the events of each situation unfolded.
 Although there were eleven stories in all, there were a few that I enjoyed the most because the characters were mentioned more than once. For example, Brian and Sean quickly found a place in my heart because Mr. Simpson followed up with these characters and allowed their story to play out. I would have loved a book that just focused on their budding relationship. I also enjoyed the last story in the book because it related back to Mr. Simpson’s Condor series and now I want more. I want to know what will happen between Kurt and Phil. In addition, I’d also love to know more about John and Bob as their story really resonated with me. I guess what made the stories about these three sets of characters so appealing is that their stories had more than a one-night wham-bam-thank-you-man feeling. In essence, there was more depth and the characters seemed more fleshed out and three-dimensional. I’m not saying that the other characters weren’t entertaining, I just feel as though these three sets of characters stood out and made me want to know more about them.
Mr. Simpson has crafted an entertaining read where all of the characters are engaging and likable. In addition, the sex is smoking hot and will definitely set you e-reader on fire, as well as several potent body parts. The dialogue is believable and the transition from one story to the next is smooth. If you’re looking for some light reading that’ll put a smile on your face and get you in the mood to get it on with your significant other, then Badges is definitely the book to read. I was engrossed in this captivating set of stories from beginning to end and read it all in one sitting. I’ll definitely have to checkout more books by John Simpson.
Rated 4 Ravens by Blackraven!
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Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, John Simpson, m/m, Raven Divas, The Blackraven | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2012
 A Helping of Love by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
The Taste of Love Stories
If Peter Christopoulos has learned one thing from his last three years in a wheelchair, it’s that people have a hard time seeing past the hardware. When he asks out Russ Baker after giving him a quote on equipment for a new Greek restaurant, he’s disappointed but not surprised to be turned down.
Russ has been covering for his abusive boyfriend for so long it’s almost automatic, but with a little help from his friends, he finds the courage to break it off. To his surprise, Peter is still interested, and soon they’re falling hard and fast. But then their world is thrown into turmoil: Peter finds an old letter indicating he has a half sister he’s never met, and Russ’s past interferes when his ex makes it clear he’ll do anything to get him back.
Lea’s Review:
A Helping of Love is the story of two wonderful men who have each been dealt some tough blows over the past few years and are in the process of doing all they can to settle the past and move on.
Russ has been successful in learning the ropes and demonstrating his dedication to the owners of a restaurant business and now he is slated to become the manager of a new restaurant that will be opening soon. But while his professional life is taking off, in his personal life he feels hopelessly trapped in a loveless, toxic and physically abusive situation.
The second protagonist, Peter, has had three years of learning to accept that his life will be in a wheelchair. He has worked extremely hard and learned to not only live independently, but has found meaningful employment, drives a car and stays physically fit and active. He has made both physical and mental adjustments for the things he can control but what he cannot control are the perceptions and preconceived notions others have about a person in a wheelchair.
 As you can tell from my avatar, I am in a wheelchair. I will admit that I had an internal struggle with whether or not to read this book. I have an aversion to books that present people in wheelchairs as weak or wimpy, or have characters in a wheelchair who are accepting of a condescending attitude from others. And now I’m sorry that I delayed reading this; I should have trusted this author. Either Andrew Grey has personal experience with wheelchair usage or has a good friend in a wheelchair because he is right on target with his descriptions of wheelchair life. From the difficulties of getting through bad weather, the calls that must be made ahead to be sure a destination is wheelchair accessible, to the wild, magical feeling that goes with speeding as fast as possible in ones chair, Mr. Grey simply nails it.
While at its core A Helping of Love is a love story, the peeling away of the layers of the past, with some situations that were known and some that were surprising and even shocking, adds excitement and substance to this story. The friendship and quiet understanding of friends and relatives who truly want the best for the characters is heartwarming and moving.
The message behind A Helping of Love is extremely positive as characters learn to hold onto those things from the past that are worth keeping and reach out to grab hold of the joy right in front of them. I really think anyone who enjoys male/male romance will enjoy this book.
Rated 5 Ravens by Lea !
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Posted in 5 Ravens, A Helping of Love, Andrew Grey, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Lea, m/m, Raven Divas | No Comments »
May 4th, 2012
 Artistic Pursuits by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
Frank Jennings is an FBI agent looking for redemption. Leslie Carlton is an Interpol agent looking for a thief. Attraction flares from the moment they meet on a case searching for a stolen triptych of unique Tiffany windows, but after a single night of stunning passion, Leslie is called back to London to continue his search there.
When the case heats up again, Leslie returns to the States—and to Frank—but their investigation is complicated by their tumultuous feelings. Is it possible for two dedicated detectives to pursue each other while they’re tracking down stolen art and the unscrupulous man who steals it?
Barb Manning’s Review:
Andrew Grey’s Artistic Pursuits is a gay romance between FBI Detective Frank Jennings and Interpol Agent Leslie Carlton. The two men come together in the aftermath of a high stakes art theft of three fabulous Tiffany windows. Their attraction is powerful and immediate. While they’re chasing down leads and rounding up suspects, Frank and Les find themselves dealing with strong and unprofessional feelings for one another.
 Andrew Grey weaves a taught tale; managing to keep the heist front and center of Artistic Pursuits while never losing focus on the budding relationship between Frank and Les. He deals with the mechanics of working on high-profile crimes, as well as the politics involved with much skill. The pacing in Artistic Pursuits is fast, but smooth.
Frank and Les move on the stage with purpose, both demonstrating skill as investigators pursuing their nemesis. It’s entertaining to watch them plot strategy over the case and maneuver through the pitfalls of a new romance.
Artistic Pursuits is part of a series, but it stands alone with rich characterization. Andrew Grey is a good storyteller and Artistic Pursuits is a good story. The scenes between Frank and Les are genuine, as well as the interchanges between Frank and his co-workers. This is definitely worth 4 ravens.
Rated 4 Ravens by Barb Manning!
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Posted in 4 Ravens, Andrew Grey, Artistic Pursuits, Author Review, Barb Manning, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, m/m, Raven Divas | 2 Comments »
May 4th, 2012
 Chase in Shadow by Amy Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: 320 pages
Summary:
Chase Summers: Golden boy. Beautiful girlfriend, good friends, and a promising future. Nobody knows the real Chase.
Chase Summers has a razor blade to his wrist and the smell of his lover’s goodbye clinging to his skin. He has a door in his heart so frightening he’d rather die than open it, and the lies he’s used to block it shut are thinning with every forbidden touch. Chase has spent his entire life unraveling, and his decision to set his sexuality free in secret has only torn his mind apart faster.
Chase has one chance for true love and salvation. He may have met Tommy Halloran in the world of gay-for-pay—where the number of lovers doesn’t matter as long as the come-shot’s good—but if he wants the healing that Tommy’s love has to offer, he’ll need the courage to leave the shadows for the sunlight. That may be too much to ask from a man who’s spent his entire life hiding his true self. Chase knows all too well that the only things thriving in a heart’s darkness are the bitter personal demons that love to watch us bleed.
Barb Manning’s Review:
Amy Lane’s Chase in Shadow is a poignant and painful romance between Chase Summers, a young engineer-in-training and Tommy Halloren, a veterinarian wannabe. Both young men carry some serious emotional baggage that they need deal with if they want a future together, if they are even going to have a future.
At the same time Chase and Tommy are working through their emotional angst, they also need to handle their gay-for-pay side jobs. They’re having sex with multiple partners disconnected from any real emotions.
Chase has a life built upon a scaffolding of lies and half-truths. He reaches out to Tommy in a move that could save him, if only he’s willing to face the fallacies in his life. Tommy, on the other hand, has some serious body image issues he has to overcome.
Ms. Lane is a master at creating strong, but flawed characters. She paints emotional scenes that make lasting impressions. Her books are always rich with characters who step from the page and tell their story. Ms. Lane does not fumble with the awkward moments even when they’re uncomfortable to witness.
Chase in Shadow is no exception. Chase has some very painful experiences in his young life. Even so, he’s barely of legal, and already he has a successful girlfriend and is saving for a house in the suburbs. He’s planning for the future, but is it the one he really wants. Chase in Shadow asks some serious questions about family and friendships, love and hate, lies and truth. Chase and Tommy are two young men very much worth getting to know.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Barb Manning!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Amy Lane, Author Review, Barb Manning, Chase in Shadow, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, m/m, Raven Divas | 2 Comments »
March 21st, 2012
 Lost Treasure by Kate Sherwood
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
When Kyle Champlain’s grandmother, Molly, passes away, he returns to Wetlake, Canada, to settle her estate. Kyle spent his summers in Wetlake as a child, and now he has the chance to renew his acquaintance with some old friends, including Ryan Summers, before going home to Chicago. But when Kyle tries to pressure Ryan into a business decision, their renewed friendship—and any possible attraction–is almost immediately on the rocks.
As Kyle begins to deliver the personalized bequests from Molly’s will, he meets an odd assortment of people from all walks of life and realizes he has a lot to learn about living and love. But he’ll have to fight his parents, suspicious beneficiaries, and Ryan’s fears if he plans to stay in Wetlake.
Taz’s Review:
Lost Treasure by Kate Sherwood is a wonderful tale about two men who were once the best of friends, but whose lives took them in different directions. As often happens, the innocence and purity of our emotions and experiences as children and young adults is lost once life and responsibility take hold and turns us into yet another cog in the machine.
The story opens with our hero, Kyle, returning to his grandmother’s home after her death to take care of her estate. In returning to the place which held his childhood and innocence, Kyle was faced once again with the person he had been; the one he had somehow lost along the way. A successful businessman living in Chicago, returning to Canada opens doors he’d long since closed.
But there is one person who opens a door which he’d closed without realizing it. Ryan Summers, his childhood friend, now a simple man who lives on the property of Kyle’s late grandmother, is the sole obstacle blocking Kyle from completing his business and returning home to his fast-paced, lonely life. At first resistant to old feelings awakening within him, Kyle does everything in his power to push Ryan away.
But as time passes, Ryan awakens something in Kyle which had gone dormant years ago. As Kyle and Ryan rekindle the excitement and romance of their youth, Kyle is forced to reconcile the events which had drawn him away from his grandmother and from the life he’d lived in the quaint and homey town.
 As in any romance, the couple hit their ups and downs. Secondary characters come into the picture. Some teaching lessons, others serving as obstacles to the ultimate happiness we so dearly want our protagonists to find. But through it all, Ms. Sherwood remains focused on the emotions and the development of the two characters as they struggle with the things in life which really matter: love, trust, and happiness.
As Lost Treasure ratchets up to its climax and then settles into its satisfying conclusion, I found myself fulfilled, happy to have taken this journey with two likeable and relatable characters.
Rated 4 Ravens by Taz!
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Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Lost Treasure, m/m, Raven Divas, Taz | No Comments »
March 15th, 2012
 Cop Out by K.C Burn
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
Detective Kurt O’Donnell is used to digging up other people’s secrets, but when he discovers his slain partner was married to another man, it shakes him. Determined to do the right thing, Kurt offers the mourning Davy his assistance. Helping Davy through his grief helps Kurt deal with the guilt that his partner didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth, and somewhere along the way Davy stops being an obligation and becomes a friend, the closest friend Kurt has ever had.
His growing attraction to Davy complicates matters, leaving Kurt struggling to reevaluate his sexuality. Then a sensual encounter neither man is ready for confuses them further. To be with Davy, Kurt must face the prospect of coming out, but his job and his relationship with his Catholic family are on the line. Can he risk destroying his life for the uncertain possibility of a relationship with a newly widowed man?
Layne’s Review:
I fell head over heels for Kurt and Davy in K.C. Burn’s Cop Out. Their story is nowhere near easy, nor is it anything close to simple, but it works.
Detective Kurt O’ Donnell is devastated when his partner dies. One doesn’t have to imagine the blow he feels when he finds out the man he considered his friend didn’t trust him enough to tell Kurt about his lover of ten years. A male lover. K.C. Burn lays out those feelings of hurt and betrayal beautifully and we watch Kurt doubt what he thought he knew about the relationship he’d cultivated with the man who was his partner. The partner who was supposed to watch his back. To do that, you had to trust each other implicitly. Kurt realizes his partner never trusted him.
He also realizes Davy has been isolated, his entire life devoted to and controlled by the now dead partner. Kurt reaches out a helping hand to Davy and persists even when Davy lashes out and pushes him away.
The process is slow and painstaking, but the two men finally settle into an unspoken friendship.
 A friendship Kurt soon comes to see means more than anything else. He develops feelings for Davy, a shocking revelation because though he’s no playboy and has always been unlucky in the dating arena, he’s always considered himself straight.
Kurt’s inner struggle is heartbreaking to watch. He has to reevaluate everything in his life. He’s surrounded by a huge family and he fears alienating them with a confession regardomg his sexuality.
There’s not a lot of love scenes in Cop Out. K.C. Burn concentrates on the emotional journey—rightly so—of these two men as they go from grudging acceptance and necessity, to friendship and respect, to warmth and finally love. The first time Kurt and Davy come together is breathtakingly angry and beautiful, though I couldn’t buy Davy as the aggressor. Not at all.
K.C. Burn did a wonderful job with this story and I really enjoyed Cop Out.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Layne !
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March 14th, 2012
 All Bets Are Off by Marguerite Labbe
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 280 pages
Summary:
It only takes one night with Ash Gallagher to make Eli Hollister think he’s finally met the right man at the right time. Good thing he doesn’t bet on it, because Ash turns out to be a student in Eli’s class at the local college. Eli can’t deny he’s attracted, but now it’s complicated. He’s already in enough trouble with the department head, a man who would like to see Eli denied his tenure and fired.
Ash is looking forward to taking his life in a new direction. After serving one active-duty stint in the Marine Corps and another in the Reserves, he’s ready to put his military life behind him. The last new experience he’d planned for this semester was to fall in lust with his English professor, but the more Eli resists, the more Ash is determined to have him. Then he discovers Eli’s playing for keeps, and Ash is only interested in a fling… or is he? Between these two, when it comes to life and love, all bets are off.
Layne’s Review:
In All Bets Are Off, Marguerite Labbe gives us an engrossing story of love and friendship.
Eli, the professor, is liked by everyone, students and community folk alike. That is, everyone, but the stodgy department head out to discredit him at every turn. Still, Eli doesn’t put much stock in the man. He finds himself attracted to the new guy in town and the two hit it off. But before things can progress beyond the kissing and touching phase, Eli’s would-be lover falls asleep on him.
The next day brings the start of the new college semester and the true identity of Eli’s crush. Ash, Eli’s new student.
I have to say, I kinda saw this twist coming, but I was still engaged with the two men. I especially loved the easy banter between them which belied the thick sexual tension.
Eli uses the professor-student thing to keep Ash at arm’s length. Even though Ash knows what he wants, he goes along with Eli’s boundaries, but in no way does he make it easy. The friendship they settle into is endearing and it’s wonderful to see them grow and come to trust each other. The men have to keep what they feel for each other under wraps, but they make the best of it and I enjoyed the ride they embarked on.
Around the developing love story is a nice little mystery and the supporting cast gave All Bets Are Off an added spice. The pace dragged a bit at times and Eli’s determination to stick to his principles, though admirable and understandable, grated now and then.
While Marguerite Labbe kept the end of All Bets Are Off a bit open ended, I was still quite satisfied with the story.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Layne!
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Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, All Bets Are Off, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Layne, m/m, Marguerite Labbe, Raven Divas | No Comments »
March 7th, 2012
 Foundation of Love by Scotty Cade and Z.B. Marshall
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M
Length: 230 Pages
Summary:
Years ago, Wes Stanhope fled his hometown of Charleston to escape the constraints of society and his controlling father, Colonel Robert Lee Stanhope IV. After completing medical school and building a successful practice in pediatric oncology in Seattle, Wes is called home for his mother’s funeral and presented with an opportunity to build and run a children’s hospital—his mother’s legacy—a choice he ultimately makes despite his misgivings about his father’s role as chairman of the hospital’s board of directors.
When Wes begins to build his team, he is introduced to a young, handsome black architect named Tyler Williams. Sparks begin to fly between the two men, and although Wes doesn’t identify as gay, denying his attraction to Ty becomes impossible. But Ty won’t be a dirty secret: if Wes wants to build a relationship, he’ll have to come out, brave his father’s racism and homophobia, and risk his chance to continue as the hospital’s CEO and realize his mother’s dream.
Naunet’s Review:
Foundation of Love by Scotty Cade and Z.B. Marshall is a sweet love story about friends and family.
I found the story touching because of the struggles that tugs at one’s heart especially when trying to please others while sacrificing who you are or what you need. Love is a precious gift one can give to another. It is the foundation that supports and keeps the other key characteristics developing positive personalities that are honest and true.
Scotty Cade and Z.B. Marshall do an exceptional job of building the characters mood, a picturesque settings, the plot and resolution.
Dr. Wes Stanhope is a handsome, tall blonde with a well toned body who is a respected pediatric oncologist and head of the department in Settle Washington Medical Center. One of the first things that crossed my mind as the book opens is why does Wes live so far from his birthplace and parents in Charleston, South Carolina. As the story develops this distance is clarified and justified as far as I am concerned.
Colonel Robert Lee Stanhope IV is a powerful businessman who comes from old money in Charleston. He is known as a strong overbearing, opinionated stiff old-fashion man. His relationship with his only child Wes has always been a distant one. The aloofness from the Colonel is enough to make the average person hesitant to communicate or attempt to build a relationship. It amazes me how his wife, Betsy stayed with him for so long. Perhaps Betsy stayed because of the stigma of divorce in their social circle and family traditions. Elizabeth Pettigrew Standhope’s family has a long rich bloodline.
Wes’ s mother, Elizabeth Pettigrew Standhope, is the bridge that struggles under the weight of her husband’s standoffish attitude towards his only son. She and Wes are warm and loving enjoying each other’s company. Wes’ mother expresses to him on a Seattle visit that she wants to have a children’s medical facility built in Charleston. She has created a foundation for this venture and he is to head its development from design, construction, and operation, as well as become it’s CEO. Wes is reluctant to commit to her suggestion or wish because he is rooted in Seattle, loves his position at the medical center, and does not want to come home. However, Wes has a few close friends that are instrumental in his brilliant endeavor to build a state of the arts children’s hospital in Charleston.
Unfortunately, shortly after Ms. Standhope’s ( Betsy’s) visit to see her only son, she passes away. With this heartbreaking event, Wes gives his sweet mother’s final wish some serious consideration.
Brad and Mac are friends of Wes from Alaska and their skills and expertise would be beneficial in bringing Betsy’s final wish a reality. Brad and Mac are lovers and their affection for each other is so special, sensitive and dreamy that many may envy.
Alicia Lawford is also from the same social circle of old money and status as the Standhope family. She is the daughter of Ernest Lawford who owns the most prestigious law firms in Charleston. Alicia and Wes grew up as friends and Alicia has maintained a crush on Wes that goes back many years.
All of Wes Standhold’s talented friends are willing to come together to build Betsy’s dream. In the process of developing the children’s hospital, Wes meets Ty, who is a gifted architect and hunk of chocolate that is melt in your mouth delicious.
I liked all of the characters in Foundation of Love because they are easy to relate to and are as comfortable as a pair of your favorite slippers. The dialogue is very easy and relaxed making it realistic, as well. I felt a sense of comradery with all of them. The love they share is so warm and tender.
 Of course where there is a new loving relationship comes some pain. Ty and Alicia are hurt by Wes’ behavior when he realizes that Ty is the only person he has ever felt connected to in his adult life. Wes does not realize he is gay until Ty enters his life. As the world turns Wes, Ty and Alicia experience a great deal of drama and pain as Wes accepts his mate, Ty.
The sensuous moments shared by Ty and Wes are so romantic that it touched my heart. It was very gentle, yet powerful and when combined with their acceptance of each other’s personalities made Foundation of Love a gentle heartwarming story. Foundations of Love is a fast delightful read that kept me engrossed until the very end because I was so wrapped up in the lives and personalities of the characters and their emotions as they dealt with conflicts.
Mr. Cade and Ms. Marshall are authors that blend together to the point that Foundation of Love is so well written that it flows seamlessly together. The interracial aspects of the novel are not a major deal in the story and that is refreshing. I will look for other books by these two talented writers.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Naunet!
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Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, Foundation of Love, GLBT, m/m, Naunet, Raven Divas, Scotty Cade, Z.B. Marshall | No Comments »
February 9th, 2012
 An Unsettled Range by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
The last thing Liam Southard expects when he flees his abusive father is to be taken in by a couple of gay ranchers. Soon he has a new job and a new perspective on his sexuality, and his life starts to turn around. Then someone pulls a gun on him.
In Troy Gardener’s defense, the gun thing was a mistake. Between his marriage falling apart and living in his uncle’s isolated hunting cabin, he’s been a little edgy. He wants to make it up to Liam, and once he discovers how much they have in common, he wants even more. But with Liam’s father popping in unexpectedly and a mining company threatening the ranch’s water supply, the only guarantee is that life is never going to be boring.
Mrs. C’s Review:
Andrew Grey’s An Unsettled Range very effectively reminded me why I love this series. Mr. Grey never avoids the difficult topics, yet deals with them sensitively and always finds decency and kindness in his lead characters.
Sometimes we who live a middle class life forget how close to the edge we really are since the safety nets aren’t set to pick up all of the misfortunates in all places. Liam, kicked out and maligned by his abusive father to the point that finding another job is impossible, begins walking across the country. Initially he is trying to find work but soon his trek becomes more basic than that as he begins to starve, suffer from exposure, and then thirst. His rescue calls out to me to be more sensitive to the homeless. You never know what may have brought someone to this state of affairs.
 Troy is either bi or a deeply closeted gay man who finally realizes that the lie he is living with his wife and daughter is damaging them as much as it is Troy. He has one of the most difficult decisions to make: continue to hurt everyone with the lie or rip the scab off and cause terrible pain to his wife and daughter by leaving them. Short term it’s a no-win situation, but can it become a positive act in the long run?
Both men must learn to live with themselves first, then with each other, and finally with those they’ve either harmed or were harmed by. An Unsettled Range is a very emotional book and you have to see the HEA at the end as a miracle.
I always enjoy Mr. Grey’s style of writing, the topics he chooses to write about, and most of all his characters. Wise old Jefferson, animal-loving Wally, Dakota who is finally living his dream of becoming a doctor, and all of the other major and minor characters who interact with new characters make each book a voyage of discovery and a pleasure to read.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Mrs. C.!
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Posted in 5 Ravens, An Unsettled Range, Andrew Grey, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, m/m, Mrs. C., Raven Divas, Recommended Read | No Comments »
December 29th, 2011
 Love Means Healing by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 68 pages
Summary:
Seven months ago, Len Parker lost his partner of more than twenty years, and he isn’t sure how to feel about his blossoming attraction to Chris, one of his farmhands. Hesitant and still hurt, Len remains aloof and distant until he’s goaded into teaching Chris to ride.
Fresh out of a thirty-year career with the Marines, Chris can explore his sexuality openly for the first time in his life, but what he needs more than anything is peace. He’s convinced Len doesn’t like him until he digs a little deeper, and then, armed with hope, Chris sets out to prove that love can provide the healing he and Len so desperately need.
Mrs. C’s Review:
Andrew Grey’s short story Love Means…Healing is a sweet fill-in of the Farm series, and that is one of my all-time favorite series. Chronologically it doesn’t follow Love Means…No Fear but rather is episode 1.5, falling between Love Means…No Shame and Love Means…Courage.
It was wonderful to learn more about how Chris and Len got together and how Geoff reacted to Len finding love again after the death of Geoff’s father and Len’s beloved partner Cliff. Love Means…Healing takes place less than a year after Cliff’s heartbreaking death and Len is uncomfortable developing feelings for Chris, as if it means a betrayal of Cliff. Although Len feels it is too soon to move on with his life with another man, Chris is willing to take it slow and use gentle persuasion to bring Len out of his deep grief.
It was sweet, like looking at old home movies, to see Joey young and still growing up. Geoff and Eli are still at the honeymoon stage of their relationship and that is also a charming revisit. I have to admit that the Chris in Love Means…Healing was not the same Chris in Love Means…Courage, but that is absolutely reasonable as he is just out of the Marines and trying to find his way in a civilian world as well as his budding attraction for a man who doesn’t seem ready to love him. I particularly enjoyed the scenes of Len trying to teach the tough ex-Marine to ride a horse. Laugh out loud brilliantly humorous.
We learn a little about Chris’ experiences in the Marines and how years of disregarding his own needs as a man have shaped him into the person he is when he meets Len and the other farm residents. I would have loved a story about Cliff while he was still in the Marines, but this book is Len’s story and as such it is beautifully told.
I recommend Love Means…Healing to all fans of Mr. Grey’s Farm series, to those who enjoy a gentle, charming M/M romance, and to anyone who likes a bit of Christmas cheer tucked into a really good book.
Rated 5 Ravens by Mrs. C!
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November 14th, 2011
 Sand and Water by Shae Connor
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Length: 250 pages
Summary:
Widower John McConnell gets along fine raising his daughter on Georgia’s Tybee Island, though he wouldn’t exactly say he’s happy. Haunted by the memory of his dead wife, John hasn’t considered dating again until he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It isn’t long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real, but how will he know he’s ready to move on?
As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John’s help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
Layne’s Review:
Shae Connor’s Sand and Water is a slow moving love story between two men weighted down with emotional baggage.
Bisexual widower John is left to raise his daughter alone after his wife dies in childbirth. When we first meet John, he appears to have it all together, he’s found the perfect balance between work and daddy duties, but we find out that wasn’t always the case. John is a simply nice guy who’s made mistakes, learned from them, and moved on with his life. His relationship with his daughter is very precious to him and it’s protrayed as such
Many times during Sand and Water the pacing dragged, and the everyday activities of John taking care of his daughter became mundane. I didn’t think the reader needed to know every single step of John and his daughter’s day.
Bryan is laid back and seems easy-going enough, but he hides a violent and painful secret that needed to be dealt with if he and John had any chance of working. Watching Bryan deal with his past and the hurt and fallout from it was the only tangible bit of emotion that really got to me and moistened my eyes.
Shae Connor took her time with Sand and Water, time I didn’t think the story needed. I found my eyes glazing over a time or two, but when we finally got to the love scenes I perked right back up. Hot sex can do that. Sand and Water is simply the story of two strangers meeting and learning each other as they fell in love.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Layne!
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Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Layne, m/m, Raven Divas, Sand and Water, Shae Connor | No Comments »
November 11th, 2011
 Chasing Seth by J.R. Loveless
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT, Western
Length: 220 pages
Summary:
Veterinarian Seth Davies comes to Senaka, Wyoming, looking for peace and anonymity, trying to escape his past. He’s always been a target for trouble and pain, and Seth has had more than his share of both. Kasey Whitedove takes one look at Seth and assumes the worst. No white man could love animals the way the mostly Cheyenne population expects, and Kasey makes Seth’s first days in Senaka more than unpleasant.
Then an accident puts Kasey in the uncomfortable position of eating crow—and helplessly desiring Seth—despite the danger of Kasey’s life as a werewolf and Seth’s stressful secrets. Chasing Seth down and keeping him safe from his past has just become Kasey’s most important job.
Layne’s Review:
In J.R. Loveless’ Chasing Seth, veterinarian Seth has been through a painful period in his life and he’s come to a new town to hide out, to heal his wounds and animals with his special gift.
I liked Seth instantly. He’s a great guy with a backbone, someone who’s seen and experienced some things he wishes he hadn’t. His initial meeting with Sheriff Kasey Whitedove is a disaster.
Kasey’s instant attitude towards Seth, hate and prejudice of the ‘white man’, seemed dated and uncalled for. I didn’t quite understand how he got to be so cold and callous about something like that. All the hate disappears however once he discovers Seth is his mate. He sets about trying to win Seth’s heart and to convince the others that they belong together as mates. It was great to see him work for Seth’s affection.
J.R. Loveless’ talent gets bogged down by the stereotypical arcs in m/m shifter romance. The constant head hopping into minor characters POV was also irritating and unnecessary.
Kasey’s dominant nature worked for me, but Seth was no spineless wimp. He could and did put his foot down a time or two. Some of the dialog in Chasing Seth didn’t work either, some flowery, others stilted. I also didn’t get why Seth was crying at the drop of a hat or why Kasey cried during sex.
Chasing Seth has great love scenes that are hot and intense. The main characters showed awesome chemistry in the bedroom and that kept me sufficiently satisfied.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Layne!
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Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Chasing Seth, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, J.R. Loveless, Layne, m/m, Paranormal Romance, Raven Divas | No Comments »
November 9th, 2011
 Legal Artistry by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Length: 230 pages
Summary:
Years ago, Dieter Krumpf’s grandmother died and left him everything, including a photo album containing pictures of the art collection she left behind when her family fled the Nazis. Now, Dieter is calling on the services of a lawyer, Gerald Young, to determine whether his family’s legacy might be returned to him.
Gerald doesn’t hold out much hope that the paintings will be returned, but Dieter’s earnestness speaks to him and he agrees to help. At first he concludes that while Dieter has a case, suing in Austria isn’t practical. But Gerald is a good lawyer, and as his feelings for Dieter develop, so does his determination to win the case. Together, Gerald and Dieter navigate research, hearings, and a dysfunctional family in the pursuit of fine art—and discover the art of love along the way.
Mrs. C.’s Review:
I love the Bottled Up series, by Andrew Grey, and Legal Artistry is one of my favorites. The characters, both those we’ve known in other books in the series, and those who are new in this book, are always well developed and likeable. Even the villain of the piece is not without his merits.
Mr. Grey must be an art and antiquities collector, or he has done his homework very well, because the plot around the value of collectables and art is so well-grounded in reality. The theme here is about art that was confiscated by the Nazis before and during WWII, and is now housed in an Austrian museum. To whom does it belong, 70 years later, the original family or the museum and thereby the Austrian government? Again, Mr. Grey has researched carefully to put together a story about the legal investigation and court case regarding ownership of paintings that one of our heroes, Dieter, claims to own because it is a painting of and commissioned by, his great-grandmother. His attorney, who becomes his lover, isn’t at all sure they can win the case but he will give it his best shot. In that, the plot seems so realistic because these international court battles are never cut and dried with one party clearly the winner. In fact, at the end of the book the case is still in jeopardy due to the appeals process.
Dieter is a virgin so Gerald takes a slow approach to seducing him. Dieter is eager to fall into bed with Gerald, but as Gerald suspects, also very nervous about taking his first lover. Their love-making as it is described is both spicy and sweet.
While the plot is not entirely resolved by the end of the book, the relationship between Dieter and Gerald is a bullseye HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed Legal Artistry and will continue to consider Mr. Grey’s work an auto-buy.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read if applicable by Mrs. C.!
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Posted in 5 Ravens, Andrew Grey, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Legal Artistry, m/m, Mrs. C., Raven Divas, Recommended Read | No Comments »
October 17th, 2011
 Strays by Elizabeth Noble
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Sci-Fi, Erotic Romance
Length: 96 pages
Summary:
Kyle Anderson grew up with the lie that he was one of the last humans born. Then Kyle’s quiet, lonely life as a research assistant and student is shattered when he discovers the government has been lying to the world for more than twenty years. Now on the run from authorities who would kill for his silence, Kyle is taken in by Daniel Shanks, a member of a militia group dedicated to discovering the truth.
Daniel has seen death and violence in this new, radically changed society, and the closer he gets to Kyle, the harder his fears ride him. They will need to stop listening to the lies told by the government and start facing the lies they’ve been telling themselves, because the only place strays like them may be safe in this uncertain world is in each other’s hearts.
Layne’s Review:
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Elizabeth Noble’s Strays has its moments. I liked the characters of Kyle and Daniel, really dug their love story, but the world built around them was a bit vague.
Kyle is working for the government until he uncovers a secret and is marked for death. He escapes the harrowing ordeal and is rescued by Daniel who it seems has had his share of bad luck. Daniel’s a member of the Freedom Militia who’s raging against the Powers that Be.
Despite his better judgement, Daniel takes the sweet unassuming Kyle into his home, and soon enough into his heart.
Strays didn’t really have any surprises, but I enjoyed the relationship between the two men. Daniels’ hard and jaded and Kyle—for all he’s been through—isn’t. It was great to watch them come together and I liked that that part of the story wasn’t rushed, despite the length of Strays.
Elizabeth Noble could’ve done a better job of fleshing out the world she created here. I never really got a sense of the urgency she tried hard to inject into the story. Still, I liked Strays and wouldn’t mind seeing these characters again.
Rated 3 1/2 Ravens by Layne!
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Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Dreamspinner Press, Elizabeth Noble, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Layne, m/m, Raven Divas, Strays | 1 Comment »
October 14th, 2011
 Under the Skin by Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, GLBT, Erotic, Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
Police detective Patrick Flaherty has no illusions about Russian mobster Alexei Boczar, but that doesn’t stop his fascination with the bodyguard to one of the most ruthless families in Chicago’s growing Eastern European crime community. From the moment Patrick meets Alexei’s eyes over the body of another Russian mobster, Alexei is a thorn in Patrick’s side, refusing to cooperate with the police and turning all of Patrick’s questions back on him. Alexei’s hard-as-nails persona whets Patrick’s professional determination to get the information he’s sure the gangster is hiding, while personally Patrick just wants to get his hands on Alexei’s hard body.
The tattoos marking Alexei’s skin tell the story of his criminal past, but the more Patrick learns about Alexei, the more he wants to know, until he finds himself over his head in a relationship that might cost him his job and could well cost Alexei his life. Alexei is equally fascinated by Patrick’s willingness to overlook his past and even his present associations, but he has secrets of his own that could drive a wedge between them forever.
Layne’s Review:
It took a minute to get used to the whiplash head hopping in Under The Skin, but once I did, I loved it. Authors Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna gives a great ‘Good guy cop, bad tattooed guy’ story, complete with intense love scenes and great chemistry.
That’s just the first chapter.
I loved Patrick first, because he’s the easiest to figure out, to understand. He’s a cop, doing his job the best way he can to clean up Chicago from the Russian mafia, but he’s also drawn to one of those men immersed deeply in the criminal underworld.
Great dialog and flawed characters. Nicki Bennett and Ariel Tachna deliver with intense, leap-off-the-pages sex. I enjoyed it, devoured it really. The plot was well written, conflicts heart-wrenching and seemingly insurmountable. I liked that I couldn’t pin down Alexei until almost the very end. He could be good and soft when he’s with Patrick, but he is a member of the Russian mafia. That in itself made him a very bad person.
These two men were strong willed and very passionate. I found myself anticipating their scenes together. Their tangible need for each other was pure palpable heat. The sex wasn’t too much, but I’ve always preferred a good sex to story ratio. Ms. Bennett and Ms. Tachna deliver exactly what I like in Under The Skin. The end was so sweet, so satisfying; it brought a big smile to my face.
The two strong men from Under The Skin stayed with me long after I’d finished reading and that, I think, is the biggest impact. I’ll be reading this story again and again.
Rated 4 1/2 Ravens by Layne!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Ariel Tachna, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic Romance, Gay, GLBT, Layne, m/m, Mystery/Suspense, Nicki Bennett, Raven Divas, Under the Skin | No Comments »
October 6th, 2011
 The Godfather’s Lover by Ann T. Ryan
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, Mystery/Suspense, Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 98 pages
Summary:
Jarod Greene doesn’t know anything about love, but that didn’t stop him from taking an IT intern from the FBI up against the wall in a moment of confusion and passion. It certainly didn’t keep him from asking the wide-eyed intern to be his kept lover. And it’s not like Chris Wilkinson’s job or life was going anywhere. Why wouldn’t he want to be the kept man of the most powerful mob boss in Los Angeles? But Chris Wilkinson is more than he appears, and so is Jarod Greene.
In the City of Angels, where every foundation is cemented in lies, two men whose first words to each other were false are about to find out how far they’ll go to discover the truth—because nothing true comes without a price to be paid in blood, and that’s especially true if you’re the Godfather’s lover.
Layne’s Review:
In Ann T. Ryan’s, The Godfather’s Lover, Chris is an undercover FBI agent who’s set his sights on bringing down Jarod, a mob boss. Jarod is quite removed from the other gangster’s I’ve read and heard about. He’s actually a nice guy and pretty soon Chris is discovering the same thing, which makes it hard to for him to choose between the man he’s deceiving and his job.
The Godfather’s Lover begins with a prologue, and at the end of the story I had to wonder if it was necessary. These two men had really bad childhoods and one can’t help but root for them to finally find happiness. I rooted for them.
I really liked the scene when Jarod and Chris meet for the first time. Ann T. Ryan wrote that exceptionally well and the need and desperation came through perfectly. Still I don’t see how someone as careful as Jarod would be so naïve. The love scenes throughout this read came and went in a flash, blink and you missed them.
With many books with this particular premise, the bad guy is redeemed in the end. Changed somehow. This isn’t the case here and I really liked that. When Chris finally makes his choice, his actions didn’t ring true for me, but I enjoyed the quick read.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Layne!
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September 27th, 2011
 Papi by J.P. Barnaby
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, Erotic, Contemporary, Bittersweet Dreams
Length: 27 pages
Summary:
Kyle Lang just got out of a marriage that lasted too goddamned long. He knew when he married her that he shouldn’t have. For the last few years, he’s been haunted by daydreams of the perfect feel of another man’s skin. The problem is, the bar scene isn’t working so well for him. When Kyle picks up Jesse, an eighteen-year-old illegal who turns tricks for cash, he finally finds something to scratch that desperate itch. For Jesse, who is only gay-for-pay to support his sister, it’s the first time he’s ever been aroused by another man’s touch. The consequences will change his whole world.
A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
Barb Manning’s Review:
Papi is a very short story that has the potential to be a very fine tale. Papi involves two characters primarily, Kyle Lang, a recent divorcee and Jesse, a young and vulnerable street hooker. Papi is part of the Bittersweet Dreams collection, so the resolution is a given.
Kyle and Jesse are unexpectedly engaging and tender in their sexual encounter. Tenderness in an exchange between a hooker and a customer is startling, particularly when juxtaposed with the seedy, dirtiness of the hotel where it takes place. Barnaby provides glimpses into the lives of these two men, but the details barely scratch the surface.
Hopefully, this is the opening salvo in an upcoming novel, since it would be very interesting to find out how the two men came to this point in their lives. Papi gets 3 Ravens for the quality of the writing, but story disappoints with its ending.
Rated 3 Ravens by Barb Manning!
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Although there were eleven stories in all, there were a few that I enjoyed the most because the characters were mentioned more than once. For example, Brian and Sean quickly found a place in my heart because Mr. Simpson followed up with these characters and allowed their story to play out. I would have loved a book that just focused on their budding relationship. I also enjoyed the last story in the book because it related back to Mr. Simpson’s Condor series and now I want more. I want to know what will happen between Kurt and Phil. In addition, I’d also love to know more about John and Bob as their story really resonated with me. I guess what made the stories about these three sets of characters so appealing is that their stories had more than a one-night wham-bam-thank-you-man feeling. In essence, there was more depth and the characters seemed more fleshed out and three-dimensional. I’m not saying that the other characters weren’t entertaining, I just feel as though these three sets of characters stood out and made me want to know more about them.
