Category Archives: 4.5 Stars

Filed under 4.5 Stars, M/M, Renee, Review

Tagged as M/M, Paranormal, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | August 15, 2016 · 7:00 pm

4.5 Stars for Dyre: A Knight of Spirit and Shadows (Dyre #2) by Rachel E. Bailey #FF #SciFi @Rachel_E_Bailey

Title: Dyre: A Knight of Spirit and Shadows (Dyre #2)
Author Name & Publisher: Rachel E. Bailey (Bold Strokes Books)
Publication Date & Length: August 16, 2016 – 192 pgs

Synopsis

Jennifer “Des” Desiderio is a werewolf on a mission…a mission to retrieve her queen, Ruby, who was abducted on Des’s watch.

But it’s not as simple as following her nose, fighting the good fight, and saving the day. Des must first team up with her rival for Ruby’s affections, Thierry LaFours, to track the kidnappers to and through Paris. With the help of a tarot card-reading werewolf named Nicolae, and Des’s new found ability to go dream-walking, they manage to close in on the kidnappers. But to save her queen, Des must once more play the champion and battle not only for her and Ruby’s lives, but for all the North American Packs and their entire way of life.

Review

There may be a few spoilers in here so read at your own risk.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from book two in this series, but I can honestly say I’m glad I picked it up. I remember most of the plot from book one, and what I didn’t remember this book jarred out of the steel trap, so reading it felt much like a continuation of the first one regardless of the time between. I don’t, however, quite remember the pacing of the first book. This book starts fast, and keeps that pace throughout. This is a good thing – things are happening that are time-sensitive and the pace keeps the story moving and the reader turning pages. A couple of things kept this from being a full 5-star read for me. I know the pace was fast, but some things seemed rushed that I wish Bailey had spent a little more time on. I feel a little cheated by the final battle; I didn’t expect a Dyre to run like a coward, so that seemed a little out of character. Although the cheating was definitely in character. I felt like Ruby needed some sort of resolution for her nightmares. If this is PTSD, the solution doesn’t have to magically clear anything up, but I felt like we were waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that isn’t a good way to end a book. Also, Thierry’s death felt a bit like a cop out, like instead of having to deal with him in the future, he was killed in order to make things easier for Ruby and Des to be together. None of these things kept me from thoroughly enjoying the book. If you’ve read the first one, you’ll definitely like this one. If you haven’t read the first one… why not? Go read it first!

AmyP

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Filed under 4.5 Stars, Amy P, F/F, New Release, Review

Tagged as F/F, romance, science fiction

by inkedrainbowreviews | · 4:00 pm

5 Star and 4.5 Star Reviews for First Position by Melissa Brayden #FF #Romance @MelissaBrayden

Title: First Position
Author Name & Publisher: Melissa Brayden (Bold Strokes Books)
Publication Date & Length: August 16, 2016 – 264 pgs

Anastasia Mikhelson is the rising star of the New York City Ballet. She’s sacrificed creature comforts, a social life, as well as her own physical well-being for perfection in dance. Even her reputation as The Ice Queen doesn’t faze her. Though Ana’s at the peak of her career, competition from a new and noteworthy dancer puts all she’s worked for in jeopardy.

While Natalie Frederico has shown herself to be a prodigy when it comes to ballet, she much prefers modern dance and living on her own terms. Life is too short for anything else. However, when the opportunity to dance with the New York City Ballet is thrust upon her, it’s not like she could say no. Dealing with the company’s uptight lead is another story, however. When the two are forced to work side-by-side, sparks begin to fly onstage and off.

finds it hard to relax and make friends. When free spirit Natalie joins the company she finds herself drawn to her and slowly begins to open up and embrace friendship. Although they are complete opposites and annoy the hell out of each other, their attraction is so strong. I loved the growing relationship between them as it brought out a different side of Ana especially. Her career was everything to her but she was so buttoned up until Natalie came along. Unforeseen circumstances force Ana to read-evaluate and her struggles were difficult for both of them. Ultimately it was a beautiful love story, with moments of real tenderness and a lot of heat. I found the ballet life really interesting and the NY setting was an exciting background to it all.
Kitty Kat

There’s definitely something about Melissa Brayden’s books that I enjoy. This one started a bit slow, and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get into it. That worry disappeared around the third chapter. I was a bit worried that this book would be a big struggle between the two main characters for one position, but the turn that took was actually rather enjoyable. It created an atmosphere that engendered cooperation and support between Ana and Natalie, allowing them to grow closer. I also love those stories about a character who is emotionally isolated, who is then drawn out of her shell by our other heroine. It’s like something in Natalie allows Ana to loosen up and reach outside her comfort zone. At the same time, something about Ana pushes Natalie into growing up and realizing that she has responsibilities. Watching her move from shallow party girl who doesn’t want to sell out to someone who stays because she’s made a commitment is a wonderful story arc. The other part of the story is what happens after someone who has made their life out of their passion no longer has the ability to engage in that passion. The career-ending injury that occurs may not have been what was expected, but it’s no less devastating. The events after leave both women devastated and unsure how to move forward. It was wonderful to see how they got back to each other. I also really enjoyed seeing some of the characters from previous books; it was nice to see old friends. If you’ve liked previous Melissa Brayden books, this will be another hit for you.

AmyP

Filed under 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Amy P, F/F, Kitty Kat, New Release, Review

Tagged as F/F, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | · 11:00 am

4.5 Star and TWO 4 Star Reviews for Piece of Cake: The Wedding (Wedding Novellas) by Gun Brooke #FF #Romance

Title: Piece of Cake: The Wedding (Wedding Novellas)
Author Name & Publisher: Gun Brooke (Bold Strokes Books)
Publication Date: August 1, 2016

Kendal Moore knows she’s being used shamelessly by her boss, Holly McAllister. What’s more, Kendal has willingly agreed to it. Holly needs a wife to remain in the US despite an expired visa. Now it’s their wedding day. Kendal is about to marry the woman she secretly loves, but she is afraid. What if she fails Holly by getting last-minute cold feet?
Holly McAllister tries to keep up her usual stern demeanor. If she doesn’t marry, all she’s worked for is lost. She is surprised that the only person she can imagine marrying is her assistant, Kendal, whose loyalty she always relied on. Now Holly’s heart and conscience insist she must talk to Kendal and call off the wedding. She can’t take advantage of the woman she’s grown to love. Kendal deserves more.

This is such a sweet short. Holly and Kendal struggle with their situation because both are afraid to expose the feelings they each have for the other. At the 11th hour, both women are having second thoughts, not because they can’t stomach the idea of being together, but because they’re afraid that the other will have sacrificed too much and come to resent the other. And they each care too much for that to happen. Even so, most of the story the two are dancing around any type of admittance of how they really feel. It almost feels like an entire courting ritual in the space of a few hours. I liked how each genuinely had feelings for the other. Also, I really enjoyed the interracial aspect of the relationship, because it was dealt with so matter-of-factly. And also Brooke used such a deft touch letting us know about it that we got the picture without the type of heavy-handed repeated descriptors reminding us that Kendal was black every time Holly looked at her. It felt like it was mentioned because it was notable, but then, having let us know, we were allowed to relax in to their relationship without having to constantly be reminded. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it was treated like it was just a normal thing, and that was wonderful to read. I did knock off a half a star, simply because like most short stories that I enjoy, I would’ve liked more. I would have loved to have gotten more of their story before the wedding, and mostly because I liked Holly and Kendal so much I didn’t want to let them go. I believe this was written and included in an anthology centering around a wedding theme, and if so, I’d definitely go looking for the anthology based just on how good this story was.

Amy P

Gun Brooke has written a lovely novella of hidden love between two women about to marry. Kendal and Holly are marrying to keep Holly in the country and are insisting it’s a marriage of convenience. On the day of their wedding we find out their true feelings for each other are romantic and sexy and intensely loving. I enjoyed this story as it was just the kind of mushy romance I love.
Kitty Kat

I enjoyed getting to know Holly and Kendal! I love the idea of the boss and the assistant. This little story was a great break in my day.

Well written, entertaining, and sweet! Would have loved a full novel with these ladies, but loved to meet them just the same. My only issues with the story was not getting to know the characters more; however, that is the downfall of a shorter work and was to be expected. All-in-all, it was a sweet story that was well worth the read!

Tori

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Filed under 4 Star, 4.5 Stars, Amy P, F/F, Kitty Kat, New Release, Review, Tori

Tagged as F/F, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | · 8:00 am

4.5 Stars and 5 Stars for Too Good To Be True (1Night Stand #5 – Standalone) by Deanna Wadsworth (AUTHOR INTERVIEW) #MM #Romance @DeannaWadsworth

Title: Too Good To Be True (1Night Stand – Standalone)
Author Name & Publisher: Deanna Wadsworth
Publication Date & Length: June 17, 2016 – 36,000 Words

Disgraced former FBI agent Tim Burkhart desperately wants to reclaim his life and find happiness. Relocating his fledgling private security company to Miami—where his ex-wife moved their two daughters—hopefully is a start. When he’s hired to provide protection for an antiques dealer on his way to Scotland to sell a priceless ancient dirk, Tim believes the break he’s been waiting for has finally arrived. Maybe now he can make enough money to hire a lawyer and get shared parenting of his little girls.

Elliot James runs the antique shop he inherited after his grandfather’s death. Lonely and swimming in debt, he longs for a way to turn his life around but keeps making one mistake after another. Then he finds the ancient dirk tucked away among junk as he’s cleaning out his grandfather’s home. Placing it up for sale, he is thrilled when an out of country buyer purchases the priceless antique. The buyer wants the dirk immediately and sends Tim to ensure Elliot safely delivers it on time.

The moment Tim and Elliot meet, however, everything falls apart. Between break-ins, shoot-outs, stalkers, totaled cars, and the cops, it seems Tim and Elliot will never get to Scotland by the deadline. Despite all the obstacles, an unexpected attraction pulls them together, offering each man a glimmer of hope. But if they don’t deliver the dirk on time, they won’t get paid and neither of them will be able to pick up the pieces of their lives.

Will they complete this job and find a happily ever after, or is all of this really too good to be true?

This book was great, everything from the characters to the plot. I’ve read a few books in this series and this one ranks at the top as one of my favorites. There was excitement and pleasure all rolled up into one excellent book. The author’s writing style made it a very easy read and as it wasn’t a full length novel it was over before I wanted it to be. This book had mystery and excitement in it and it was a great pleasure to see the MC’s, Tim and Elliot, navigate the twists and turns of the plot and most of all their relationship. Ms. Wadsworth was able to bring these two men to life for me and as I read her words I was able to feel the love and acceptance they needed to really embark on a relationship.

Lynn

These two men could not find more trouble if they was to go looking for it!!! This book is a book full of excitement.

Elliott not Tim either one has had it easy in the past. Both come from very different backgrounds but one thing they have in common is they both constantly look down on themselves. I believe that the only reason they both feel that they are not good enough is because of the people they have encountered in their past and the negative influence they had on each of them.

Once these two men meet it seems as if they have a never ending amount of trouble that follows them from Tims ex who has turned stocker.

Through all the trouble these two men seem to come together and find the one thing they both have been looking for… Love and acceptance from each other. This in turn makes them both more secure in their own skin I think.

I enjoyed reading this book and going through all the excitement that both of these men did not know they would encounter once they met. I also enjoyed watching them both open up and blossom into the people they was both meant to be. If ever there is two men that made the other stronger and better because of it, it is definitely these two.

Great read and enjoyed every minute of it.

Tosha

Staring down the sights of his Colt 1911 and into the panicked eyes of the young man, Tim said, “Keep your hands where I can see ’em. I want to know where Mr. James is and why you’re in his store.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Tim saw a flash of metal. Instinctively he dropped to the floor. The sharp crack of a bullet shot through the store, shattering something on his left.

The guy behind the counter made a run for the door.

Tim rolled behind the armoire, gritting his teeth when the door slammed shut and the first guy got away. Careful to stay out of sight, Tim assessed the shooter who’d come from the back room. He looked as young and inexperienced as the one who’d run. Tim recognized the weapon in his hand—a 9mm semi-automatic Beretta. Though Tim’s .45 could out-shoot the little pea-shooter at the range, he had no interest in finding out who was the better shot in real life.

“¿Adónde vas? ¡Esperame!” the shooter yelled to his retreating friend.

Wait for me. Tim knew enough Spanish. The guy planned to make a run for it, too. He clambered to his feet. Before he could tackle and subdue him, the kid aimed his Beretta in the general direction of the armoire and fired off a volley of shots.

“Shit!” Tim dove behind a stack of rugs to dodge the bullets.

The gun went silent.

Tim rolled fast onto his back, his 1911 aimed, only to watch the kid flying out the door behind his friend. The door bounced a few times until it closed, the bells clanging.

“Shit! Shit!”

The scraping sounds in the back room, louder than before, drew his attention once more.

As fast as he could, he crept around the counter, his heart pounding. Both hands on his gun, trigger finger resting on the frame and trigger guard, he took a quick peek into the room, ducking back before a possible third perp could make him.

In less than a heartbeat, his brain registered what he’d seen. He exhaled. Keeping his gun lowered but at-the- ready, he entered.

In the center of what looked like a storage room sat the man Tim had been hired to escort to Scotland. He’d been gagged and duct-taped to a chair.

Elliot James.

“Is anyone else here?” Tim murmured.

Mr. James shook his head wildly.

With a relieved sigh, he rushed over to the man and yanked the gag out. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He gasped for air. “I’m fine.”

“Were there only two?” he clarified, eyes still peeled for danger.

“Yeah,” he managed, his face flushed and startling green eyes wide. Sandy-brown curls fell across the brow of a very frightened but very beautiful man. He took a few slow, ragged breaths, obviously trying to calm himself. “Just the two of them.”

Tim took a steadying breath of his own and slowly released the hammer on his Colt and flipped the safety up, never taking his gaze off Mr. James. “What happened?” He holstered the weapon then tore the duct tape from the man’s wrist.

“Aarrghh!” Mr. James jumped, the chair bouncing.

Tim winced when he noticed the arm hairs stuck to the tape in his hand. “Sorry ’bout that.” He paused over the other strip. “This one’s gonna hurt, too.”

Mr. James pursed his lips and nodded bravely. He let out a tiny hiss when Tim freed his second arm.

That one didn’t take as much hair because a silver bracelet had protected most of the skin. Obviously, those punks had been amateurs in restraining.

“Sorry,” Tim said again.

Rubbing his wrists, he let out a breathy laugh. “It’s okay. Thank you for saving my life.”

“I believe that’s what I was paid for. I’m Tim Burkhart, your private security detail.”

Mr. James’s smile made his heart flutter. No, probably just the adrenaline. Tim didn’t get butterflies.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Burkhart.”

“Call me Tim.” He stood and withdrew his phone. He gestured toward his bound legs. “You okay to get those? I gotta call the cops.”

“No!”

Tim almost dropped his phone when Mr. James shouted. He gaped at the man. “What do you mean no?”

Prying tape off of his khaki pants, the man paused. Those big green eyes grew even wider. “You can’t call the cops. My whole life depends on it!”

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Filed under 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Author Interview, Lynn, M/M, New Release, Review, Tosha

Tagged as M/M, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | August 14, 2016 · 6:00 pm

5 Star, 4.5 Star and 4 Star Reviews for Far from Home (Belladonna Ink #1) by Lorelie Brown #FF #Romance @LorelieBrown

Title: Far from Home (Belladonna Ink #1)
Author Name & Publisher: Lorelie Brown (Riptide Publishing)
Publication Date & Length: August 1, 2016 – 208 pgs

My name is Rachel. I’m straight . . . I think. I also have a mountain of student loans and a smart mouth. I wasn’t serious when I told Pari Sadashiv I’d marry her. It was only party banter! Except Pari needs a green card, and she’s willing to give me a breather from drowning in debt.

My off-the-cuff idea might not be so terrible. We get along as friends. She’s really romantically cautious, which I find heartbreaking. She deserves someone to laugh with. She’s kind. And calm. And gorgeous. A couple of years with her actually sounds pretty good. If some of Pari’s kindness and calmness rubs off on me, that’d be a bonus, because I’m a mess — anorexia is not a pretty word — and my little ways of keeping control of myself, of the world, aren’t working anymore.

And, if I slip up, Pari will see my cracks. Then I’ll crack. Which means I gotta get out, quick, before I fall in love with my wife.

When Rachel offers to marry Pari to let her stay in the country and eventually become a citizen she could never imagine just how
much it would change her life. It starts off as a practical arrangement but becomes so much more. Rachel’s struggles with anorexia and Pari’s difficulty trusting after a heartbreak make the book all the more interesting. The attraction was obvious from the start but seeing it grow into something beautiful and strong was wonderful. We see it all from Rachel’s point of view but the author managed to encompass the emotions of both women so well. The love scenes were extremely sexy and the love between them was so true. This was a really great read and I found myself wallowing in the romance of it all. Five stars!

Kitty Kat

This book kept me thinking about it long after I finished the last page. Rachel, our pov, is anorexic, and that is a big part of this story. I found it extremely interesting to get a look at the way Rachel looks at herself, and how different it is from how she views others. In fact, there were many things that caught my attention in this book and drew me in further. After straight Rachel figures out that she’s very much in lust with her fiance, and quite possible in love, I loved the conversation with Nikki and her girlfriend in the tattoo shop. A lot of that conversation resonated for me. I really liked the relationship between Pari and Rachel, and how it slowly changed. Pari made me fall a little in love with her and her mother as well. I’m glad Brown included so much of Pari’s culture in the story, but I would have loved a bit more explanation of some of the parts of the ceremony Pari wanted to cut out. And again, I loved how Pari’s parents were slowly won over by Rachel, but we still got such a real reaction from some of Pari’s other relatives. In all, there was a lot in this story that I loved. A couple of things kept me from giving it a full five stars. First, Rachel’s collapse came as a total surprise to me. I feel like I didn’t get enough of a lead up of her slipping back into her unhealthy habits. I get that she was spending an excessive amount of time at the gym, but I don’t know how long her workouts were before the stress of the wedding hit, so I didn’t get that it was becoming worse. Also, I saw all the habits and rituals she had surrounding food and how she ate it, but again, I didn’t get the sense that she’d stopped eating before she had her break down. Unless she was lying to herself as well, which could be possible, then I would have expected more signs that she was slipping back into her sickness. I loved that final scene before the epilogue though. And the epilogue itself, which holds another surprise simply in how long it took to get back to where they’d been, was a perfect way to end the story. I definitely recommend this book.

Amy P

Rachel and Pari devise a plan that will keep Pari in the US and help Rachel pay off some of her college debt. What could go wrong? Well, how about Rachel believing she is straight, Pari’s mother showing up, and both women falling in love with one another.

Far from Home is a lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I was worried this would be another of the same in a long line of didn’t-realize-I-liked-girls-until-you books. There is nothing wrong with many of those books; however, they are very cliched and don’t really stand out. That was no the case with this book. It put its own spin on the classic tale and we get to meet some great people along the way. I also enjoyed getting to meet Pari’s mother; she was well developed and in general, a lovely woman.

I loved getting to know both ladies; it was enjoyable to watch their love story unfold. I am glad that Rachel has Pari to love and support her through her recovery. Well done!

Tori

Filed under 4 Star, 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Amy P, F/F, Kitty Kat, New Release, Review, Tori

Tagged as F/F, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | · 4:00 pm

5 Star, 4.5 Star, 4 Star Reviews for Prom and Other Hazards by Jamie Sullivan #YoungAdult #FF @Poor_Medea

Title: Prom and Other Hazards
Author Name & Publisher: Jamie Sullivan (Less Than Three Press)
Publication Date & Length: June 29, 2016 – 36 pgs

Frankly, prom is a ridiculous concept. People at school treat it like its a test run for a wedding, complete with ‘promposals’. That’s not even mentioning the dresses, which look like Disney vomited tulle and sparkles onto the nearest mannequin. Sam wants nothing to do with it.

Except for the tiny fact that she’s been in love with her best friend Tash since they were ten years old, and Tash dreams of a perfect, romantic prom. Sam had given up hope, until she spotted The Suit in a shop window. Sleek, androgynous, and flat out cool—but also way out of Sam’s price range.

But if she can earn the money for the suit, then surely the suit is all she needs to finally admit how she feels and see they both enjoy the perfect prom.

This is a really cute, sweet story. It’s mainly pretty fluffy, just a nice little story about a girl finding the right way to ask her best friend out and give her the most magical prom night ever.

Although the premise isn’t anything really new, it’s the writing style which made me love this story. It’s funny and smart and features an excellent main character. Sam is a delightful narrator, and it’s easy to see why the girls like each other so much. They’re a perfect pair.

There’s really no angst or drama to be found. The side characters are fun, even Tash’s “date of convenience,” who ends up being a bit of a surprise. Kieran, the tux shop employee, is a fun replacement for the typical fairy godmother. Even the girls’ classmates are a nice bunch, if a bit idealistic.

If you’re looking for a fun, sweet book that will make you smile and say, “aww,” this is the one for you. Very cute!

5 stars

~AmyM

I enjoyed this sweet story of teenager Sam and her secret love for best friend Tash. As she makes plans for prom night she is a mix of hope and fear and I felt that along with her. It is well written and kept my attention, as Sam was a likeable character dealing with a universal dilemma. Should she come out to her friend and confess her feelings thus risking their existing friendship? This lovely romance was the perfect way to while away an afternoon, dreaming of happy ever afters.

Kitty Kat

This was quite a fun and sweet short story. We meet Sam, who has loved Tash since she can remember, and Tash, who may or may not have any idea of Sam’s true feelings. What is certain, is that like many young adults, both have a hard time admitting what they feel for the other. Sam knows Tash dreams of a perfectly romantic Prom, and she wants to give Tash exactly what she wants. But more than finding her way to Tash, this story is about Sam finding herself, finding who she is and becoming comfortable with the person she finds. The catalyst is the Suit. Not only does the Suit finally make Sam work towards being with Tash, but it also becomes the way for Sam to finally accept who she is. The result is a story that satisfies.

Amy P

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Filed under 4 Star, 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Amy, Amy P, Bisexual, F/F, Kitty Kat, New Release, Review

Tagged as Bisexual, F/F, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | August 12, 2016 · 12:00 pm

5 Star and 4.5 Star Reviews for Damaged by Noah Willoughby #MM #Romance @NoahWilloughby

Title: Damaged
Author Name: Noah Willoughby
Publication Date & Length: June 27, 2016 – 74 pgs

Nobody is invincible…

On a seemingly ordinary night, Tom Otso’s life changes forever when he is ambushed, attacked and left for dead. Though he survives the ordeal, Tom finds out at the hospital that the gravity of his injuries has left him permanently disabled.

Eric Kontio is a physical therapist who is assigned to Tom’s case to help rehabilitate and adapt Tom to his new way of living. In helping people for over 20 years, Eric has never met anyone with such an incredible spirit and positive attitude as Tom. Eric becomes infatuated with him and marvels at his incredible progress.

Being together every day, the two men grow closer as friends, but things become complicated by Tom’s jealous and moody boyfriend, Adrian, and Eric’s professionalism being doubted by his superior. When the true feelings of both men come to the surface, so do their painful pasts which could make or break their relationship.

This book in my opinion is a powerful story That is full of regret for past mistakes, fear for the future, acceptance of the bad that has happened, and finally hope for the future.

Tom is viciously attacked outside of a gay club. So much so that it changes his life forever. In some good ways and in some bad ways. Because of the attack Tom is now paralyzed from the waist down. He has to learn how to cope with the life changing events. And the person in charge of helping him with his recovery is Eric.

Tom and Eric both become friends. There is a level of attraction between the two but neither act on it because Tom who has a boyfriend.

That changes several months after Tom is finally released from the hospital and rehab. Tom and Adrian break up and Eric tracks down Tom again. From that point the two grow closer but there are still secrets that neither have shared with the other and those secrets will either tear them apart or will help them to grow closer. The question is which will they chose???

This book is a powerful book because it is an example of how bad things can turn out when bullies go too far. It also shows that when someone is strong not only mentally but physically they can move past a disability and still live a normal life just like everyone else.

I truly enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more by Noah Willoughby in the future.

Tosha

This book was intense and moving and the author did an excellent job of bring together the perfect amount of emotion and feeling. This was a book about learning to live again (not just because of a disability) but also a book about rediscovery. This author was able to do this in spades. I had an immediate connection with Tom but it took me a while to warm up to Eric, but once I did there was no going back. The characterization in this book was excellent and I was immediately drawn into the story and did not want to put it down. Excellent job!!

Lynn

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Filed under 4.5 Stars, 5 Star, Lynn, M/M, New Release, Review, Tosha

Tagged as M/M, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | August 11, 2016 · 12:00 pm

4.5 Stars for Cherish the Land (Land Downs #5) by Ariel Tachna #MM #Cowboy @dreamspinners

Title: Cherish the Land (Land Downs #5)
Author Name & Publisher: Ariel Tachna
Publication Date & Length: June 8, 2015 – 220 pgs

Synopsis

Seth Simms never wanted to be a cowboy, although to listen to his best friend, Jason Thompson, tell it, he isn’t one. He just happens to have lucked out in coming to live on Lang Downs with his brother ten years ago. He found enough stability to finish high school and go off to university, but he never really believed Lang Downs would be the same haven for him that it had become for so many others. He’s too messed up in the head. No one would accept someone with his issues.

All his life, Jason has had one goal: to come home to Lang Downs as resident veterinarian when they need his skills and jackaroo when they don’t. And it means he gets to spend time with Seth during his occasional visits, even though his dream of going from friends to lovers is hopeless since Seth is straight.

When Seth unexpectedly comes home to stay, Jason takes it as the boon it is. But juggling a relationship with another jackaroo and his friendship with Seth isn’t easy, and that’s before Jason realizes how deep Seth’s issues run and how dangerously Seth chooses to cope with them.

Review

**AUDIOBOOK REVIEW**

I have to say that while I really enjoyed the two men and the way their story came together, I didn’t particularly like how much of the Taylor’s story we got. I understand that it was necessary, but sometimes I just couldn’t wait for their part of the story to be over so we could get to our boys.. well, the men they’d grown into.

I loved that we’d seen these boys together in the previous books and as they grew up and then we got to follow along as they got their happy ending. This was a nice conclusion to the series as we got to see everything all wrapped up with a pretty bow and everyone was happy.

I can say that I am a fan of Ariel Tachna after reading this series. She has such a wonderful way of writing romance that also has a hefty dose of reality and work thrown in. The characters are all different and have their own issues to deal with and they do so in their own unique way.

The narrator did an EXCELLENT job with the book and I know I will be looking for more books narrated by William James in the future.

Renee

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Filed under 4.5 Stars, M/M, Renee, Review

Tagged as Australia, Cowboys, M/M, Outback, romance

by inkedrainbowreviews | August 9, 2016 · 8:00 am

4.5 Stars for Unconventional in Kansas City Anthology by Carol Lynne, T.A. Chase, Stephani Hecht, Jambrea Jo Jones, Devon Rhodes #MM #Romance @PridePublishing

Title: Unconventional in Kansas City Anthology
Author Name & Publisher: Carol Lynne, T.A. Chase, Stephani Hecht, Jambrea Jo Jones, Devon Rhodes (Pride Publishing)
Publication Date & Length: August 16, 2016 – 219 pgs

Synopsis

‘Kiss Me, Cowboy’ by Carol Lynne
It isn’t easy to cling to teenage promises when you become one of the forgotten.

For Eli Barron, Jesse Clooney has always been the one. From their first day of kindergarten through their high school graduation, the pair were inseparable. So, when a situation arises that splits the two men apart, it’s up to Eli to keep the home fires burning as Jesse sets off to follow his dreams on the rodeo circuit. But how long can a man continue to stoke the fire before the flames die out?

‘New Vocations’ by T.A. Chase

Two men who believe in second chances meet and their lives are never the same again.

Layne Daly comes to participate in The American Royal. He’s there to show off the abilities of the retired thoroughbreds he adopts straight off the track. He wants people to know these animals can do so much more than race. He has three horses there to do exhibitions in reining, barrel racing and cutting. When his usual groom gets sick, he has to hire someone fast.

Carl Stewartson used to love coming to Kansas City for the rodeo. He’d ride broncs and hang out with his friends. But since his career-ending injury early in the year, Carl has been spinning his wheels, trying to find something to do with his life now that he couldn’t rodeo anymore. He runs into Layne and offers to help him with his horses.

Together, they have to deal with not only the stress of the event, but starting a new relationship. Second chances are what Layne does best and he’s more than willing to give Carl the opportunity.

‘Stallions and Ice’ by Stephani Hecht

Sometimes you have to climb a mountain to see the future.

While Brandon loves to go and watch his friend, Nichole, at The American Royal every year, there is no way that he is ever going to climb on a horse. His feet belong on the ground or the ice. As one the of the players of the local minor league team, the Wichita Thunder, all he dreams about is someday moving up to the major leagues. That is, until he meets Nichole’s brother, Brandon.

Brandon grew up in a family that has always been in the rodeo circuit. There was no question that he was ever going to be anything else…until he’s sidelined by seizures and can no longer ride. Then he meets Ethan and he begins to wonder, that maybe, just maybe, his life isn’t over.

Will decades of traditions tear the men apart? Or can they can overcome all their obstacles and be together?

‘Playing with Fire’ by Jambrea Jo Jones

Ranch cook against restaurateur—who does it better?

Hayden McGrath has the formal training and know how to run one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the city. This year he wants to prove his worth by entering the barbecue competition at The American Royal. It has nothing to do with a certain cowboy from the Flying P…

Amos Vasquez has been the ranch cook at the Flying P Retreat since it was an actual ranch. Now it’s a place tourists flock to so they can have a taste of his food. This year he is going to win the barbecue competition and nothing will stand in his way, not even a certain sexy redheaded restaurant owner who has caught his eye.

This will be the BBQ competition to beat all competitions at The American Royal.

‘Resuscitating Love’ by Devon Rhodes

If Hill keeps putting cowboys ahead of his marriage, even being a cardiologist won’t help David fix their broken hearts.

Hillard ‘Hill’ Pearson, the new events director of the American Royal, has worked hard to get to where he is. This is his first year as director, and the huge responsibility of the more visible position has taken over his life. Yes, he could be considered a workaholic, but he’s put fifteen years into the event he’s loved since he was a kid, and now is his chance to shine.

When David Weinstein finally convinced his long-time partner, Hill, to marry him, he thought it would bring them closer together. Instead, they’re not even to their first anniversary and their relationship is suffering. David’s finally at a stage in his medical career where he has regular hours, but can’t seem to connect with his husband when he’s free. Now, with the event that he’s sick of hearing about underway, he feels like he’s making all the effort with no return.

Can Hill and David resuscitate their love before David gives up on the promise of forever?

Review

Kiss Me, Cowboy by Carol Lynne – 4 Stars

This was a sweet story about two men who were best friends all their life who fell in love. Then Jesse left and Eli stayed to help his family after the death of Eli’s father. I almost thought the author wasn’t going to give these two men their HEA but she did. I immediately had a connection with Eli and Jesse and felt for them both in the struggle they dealt with to be together. A great story that centered on a rodeo event named The American Royal.

New Vocation by T.A. Chase – 4.5 Stars

I absolutely loved this story, but that didn’t surprise me as it was written by a favorite author of mine. T.A. Chase writes wonderful story that are well thought out and exciting. I immediately fell in love with Layne and Carl. It was also great to see Les and Randy make a cameo appearance.

Stallions and Ice by Stephani Hecht – 4 Stars

This was another great story in this anthology and I really loved Brandon and Ethan. I would consider this a HFN story as it never really had a full ending (which is why I only gave it 4 stars). But I loved how the author was able to bring two men together from two completely different backgrounds, especially when one of the characters is a hockey player (GO Red Wings). This author just hits the right spot in my reading about hockey players. No one does it better then Ms. Hecht whether its hockey or first responders.

Playing with Fire by Jambrea Jo Jones – 4 Stars

This story was another great one by a new author for me. This author took a different approach and had this two men facing off in the kitchen not the rodeo circuit but it was still centered on the America Royal. I loved how the author brought these two men back together and the whole story surrounding the epic cook off. Great job!

Resuscitating Love by Devon Rhodes – 4 Stars

This wasn’t a story about new love but about reviving a love of established partners. This was a great ending in a great series of stories about the American Royal rodeo event. I really love reading s these types of stories as it really just hit me start in the heart. I love reading about how two men are able to overcome their problems and get back on track.

Overall this was an excellent anthology and would recommend it to all my friends.

Lynn

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