Category Archives: Ariel

by | March 1, 2016 · 10:00 am

New Release: 4 and 3.5 Star Reviews for Wolf, Becoming by Rory Ni Coileain (AUTHOR INTERVIEW) #MM #Paranormal @RoryNi

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Title: Wolf, Becoming
Author Name & Publisher: Rory Ni Coileain (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: February 24, 2016 – 28, 871 Words

Synopsis

Volyk learns very young that he has to hide what he is—oboroten’, shape-shifter—after his father is killed and skinned by a hunter, and the pack that takes in his pregnant mother is hostile to his kind. When Volyk is ordered to fight the pack’s beta to prove his fitness, but instead obeys his hormones and tries to mount him, he’s declared an abomination and forced to flee.

Ilya, too, hides a secret. Being young and gay in modern Russia is dangerous, and he knows it. But the truth eventually gets out, and his brothers lure him into the forest to kill him. They’re stopped by Volyk, who hides the mortally wounded Ilya in his den. The only way to heal the human is to turn him into an oboroten’.

Unfortunately, Ilya’s gentle nature is ill suited to the life of a wolf. But when Volyk’s old pack returns, seeking to take away Volyk’s magickal den, Ilya will have to embrace – truly become – the wolf Volyk made him, to save both his mate’s life and his own.

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Review

FourStars

This was a good book, but different. The concept and the plot line is very original and unique.

The author takes the legend of the werewolf and puts in a bit of a twist. I love that. I don’t want to say too much to give away the surprise and the uniqueness of the story. Suffice it to say that this is a really good story.

The first half of the book, though, is a bit confusing. Each chapter is of a different time period and I had trouble weaving them together. There was no introduction or leading paragraph to connect them. So they felt jumbled. After the 50% or so mark, then it made more sense and the story improved greatly.

I do recommend this story. Especially for werewolf story lovers. This one is unique and a must read for the wolf shifter m/m story lover.

Ariel

ThreeandHalfStars

This was a new author for me and I really hate it when I don’t enjoy the book. It was very hard to read and I kept putting it down and struggling to get through it. It felt very chopped up and that made it hard to read. The story behind all it seemed to be very good and that is what kept me reading the book. I never really connected to either of the MC’s but like the story itself. The story did seem to kind of end rather abruptly and would have liked to see an epilogue.

Lynn

Excerpt

And the angel said unto them, be not afraid…

Ilya was not afraid. Enraptured, yes. Entranced. But not afraid. He had been ready for death when he closed his eyes in the wolf’s embrace. Instead, he was whole, and awake, and in the arms of a man more handsome than any angel. Volyk’s long thick hair was the brown and gray of the wolf’s pelt, his cheekbones angular, his lips full. And his eyes were the same beautiful fiery amber as the wolf’s.

Maybe he had only dreamed the wolf. Or maybe he was still dreaming. Surely he had done nothing in his life to earn the gift this moment would be if it were real.

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by | February 28, 2016 · 6:00 pm

TWO 3 Star Reviews for Red River (Pack #2) by Cardeno C. #MM #Shapeshifters @CardenoC

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Title: Red River (Pack #2)
Author Name & Publisher: Cardeno C. (The Romance Authors)
Publication Date & Length: January 29, 2016 – 122 pgs

Synopsis

Two Alpha shifters join together to lead their pack and build a family.

Commitment, loyalty, and strength aren’t enough to make Wesley Stone’s birth pack accept an Alpha with a physical imperfection, even if it’s a meaningless mark. Putting the safety of his pack above his own wellbeing, Wesley trades himself for another Alpha and agrees to mate with a stranger in a mysterious, insular pack.

Alphas from Jobe Root’s family have led the Red River pack from the first day shifters walked the earth. Now the time has come for Jobe to fulfill his destiny, but to do that, he needs his mate by his side. Spiritual, easygoing Jobe reveres Mother Nature and trusts in fate, yet he can’t help being nervous about how his mate will react to his new life in Red River, his new life with Jobe.

Two Alphas with contrasting personalities, different upbringings, and divergent beliefs come together for the good of their packs. But to stay together, Wesley and Jobe must see beyond the surface and embrace every facet of themselves and their union.

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Review

ThreeStar

This was a good story. One I haven’t read before. One alpha being traded for another to mate with the Alpha of the other pack.

I felt sorry for Wesley, the first main character we’re introduced to. He was destined to be the alpha of his pack and he was trained to be one by his uncle, but everyone in the pack just didn’t trust him and sort of ostracized him because of a birthmark. The poor guy tried so hard. I really felt for him.

Jobe, the other main character we’re introduced to about 55% into the book, reminds me of a hippie. He’s all about Mother Nature and connecting with the earth and other New Age hippie type stuff. He’s a different character. I haven’t read one like him before, so that was kind of refreshing. When Wesley saw Jobe, opposites do attract.

The only criticism I have for this book is it was too wordy; not enough dialogue. I really wanted the characters to interact more.

I do recommend this book for werewolf shifter lovers who also want a hippie character. You will love this.

Ariel

ThreeStar

I love mizz C.C so I dive on in to her latest shifter book. Wesley is an alpha, but his pack refuses to accept him because he has a scar…ok. So he’s told that he can lead a different pack who happens to be looking for an alpha to mate with their current alpha. He hates the idea, but leaves to prevent any violence.
Jobe, is the alpha of the pack that Wesley travels to. Apparently they met before, but Wesley doesn’t remember this til later even though Jobe is already aware. I want to say that I liked this story, that I liked these characters…but sadly, I wasn’t really into them. Here’s why.
Too much info.
What I mean by that is…there’s a lot of talking about Jobe’s pack and history. Don’t get me wrong, I like reading about an authors buildup of their fantasy world, but in this case, it eclipsed Jobe and Wesley’s relationship for me. I usually get a lot of romance from Cardeno C, that’s why I love this author, but the romance was second stage. I didn’t hate this book, but it left me feeling confused and disappointed.
With that said, I’ll still be on the look out for C.C’s next book cause this gal (me), cannot stay away. lol
Cookie

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by | February 27, 2016 · 2:00 pm

4 Star, 3.5 Star and 3 Star Reviews for Hoofbeats by A.J. Marcus and Nicole Godfrey #MM #Shifter @aj_marcus

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Title: Hoofbeats
Author Name & Publisher: A.J. Marcus & Nicole Godfrey (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: February 12, 2016 – 200 pgs

Synopsis

After a run of bad luck, gifted horse trainer Cole Frasier thinks he’s lost his touch. When he’s offered three times his normal rate to gentle a stallion, he needs the money badly enough he jumps at the opportunity, even if his boss is of questionable morality.

Once he meets Midnight Blood, he knows there’s something special about the horse, but he doesn’t know how special until he begins sharing dreams with the magnificent steed.

Derek Dancing Hawk is a horse shifter trapped in his horse form due to guilt over losing the wild herd he was guarding. When he meets Cole, as Midnight Blood, he wants to find a way to be human again. During a fight between Cole and the ranch foreman, he manages to shift and save Cole, but his transformation from horse to human is captured on camera. This not only gives Cole’s boss blackmail material, but also creates the need to warn the horse shifter council of the threat to their anonymity. The existence of shifters is a closely guarded secret, one they will go to great lengths to keep.

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Review

FourStars
A romance between a trainer and his horse. I’ve never read a book like this.  Quite a unique concept and story.

This was a good and different story. It kept you on the edge of your seat because you never knew what was going to happen around the next corner.

I’m glad that the romance part of the story happened early on and, of course, lasted throughout the book. I’ve read many a story where the romance happened half way or even three quarters through the book. So I appreciate this.

The only part I didn’t like, which is just a few and their minor, is I didn’t like the concept of them being prisoners for so long. Also, I wish they would have gotten freed a little sooner than at the end.

The story is about how does Cole and Derek get freed from Mr. Lopez’s clutches. I’m glad that the story answers that question in a good and thorough way. We are also introduced to The Circle which is hinted at within the story. We also get a hint at who is Mrs. Lopez, really. The author, though, lets you draw your own conclusions.

I do recommend this story. Especially if you are a horse lover you will absolutely love it. I’m not really a horse lover, but I’m a shifter story lover. The story, as I mentioned in the beginning, is unique and different in its own way. I love that and I loved the mystery and how the author ties everything together and brings about a nice happy ending with good conclusions.

Ariel

ThreeandHalfStars

Cole is a rough, sweet, gifted horse whisperer.  I really enjoyed his character.  He was sweet, but tough, kind but harsh when he needed to be.  I do wish that we knew more about his past – other than a terrible event, we don’t really know much about him.  I do like how he was so protective of Derek – curious about him in a way that nobody else was.

The antagonist in this book was great.  You knew that hating him was OK.  Lopez made for a great bad guy – you knew he was crooked, mean, crazy and he was easy to hate.  Then you had Joe.  He was just mean.  I enjoyed hating him too.

Then you have Derek and his whole shifter identity.  I liked that he was 2 different characters – they were distinct and yet, the same.  His view of the world, of Cole was beautiful.  I also really enjoyed his grandma.  And, while I was impressed with his ability to “show”, I liked him as Derek more.  The man was compassionate, soulful and loving.

Unfortunately, for me, this book was kind of truncated.  I didn’t really like the flow – it was somewhat strange.  Despite the loving the characters, the story itself was somewhat lacking.  However, if you like a quick shifter read without a lot of development and some strange character interjection, then this would be an easy read.

AvidReader

ThreeStar

I really enjoyed the premise behind this new shifter story. Like many good shifter stories, the authors draw on Native American legends for inspirations and here the attention to detail is brilliant.

Cole and Derek are an interesting pairing. I loved the idea of the horse whisperer and the horse shifter together. With Derek stuck in horse form for the first part of the book, I found the dream and fantasies a little bit uncomfortable but the men together are very sweet.

But while I loved the ideas, I struggled with the execution of this story. Without spoiling the story, I found the villain too obvious, the conflict artificially constructed and I felt there was far too much OTT drama for me to fully believe in the story.

But the authors end this with the possibility and potential for more stories to follow. With such good world-building, I look forward to sequels with more nuanced plots and more subtle character development in the future.

Sarah

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by | February 24, 2016 · 10:00 am

One 5 Star, TWO 4 Star and One 3.5 Star Reviews for Out of the Past: The King of Pentacles by Sean Michael #MM #Romance

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Title: Out of the Past: The King of Pentacles
Author Name & Publisher: Sean Michael (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: January 20, 2016 – 70 pgs

Synopsis

Steven thinks Andy has been dead for years, the victim of a car accident. Andy thinks Steven abandoned him back when he was in a terrible wreck, leaving him alone during his long recovery. When they two of them experience a chance meeting in a bar, it’s like the dead have come back to life, and like the past has come back to haunt them. While society mover and shaker Steven has never stopped loving Andy, carpenter Andy has learned to hate his ex-lover, thinking the worst. Steven tracks Andy down, both of them realizing they’ve been the victim of lies and deceit. Can Andy learn to love Steven again, or is it too late for the pair to start over?

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Review

FiveStars

Oh man, this book gave me the feels. I can’t imagine what Steven went through losing the love of his life and then not being able to move on. Then to find out the guy is still alive, I would probably die of shock. When Andy sees Steven in the bar he knew that Steven was alive and well, he just thought Steven left him so he has hated him ever since the accident. What these two guys went through for ten years was something else, I can’t even imagine. You could tell the love was still there from the very start and you couldn’t help but cheer them on and hope they worked things out. This book had so much heart and I loved it.

Angie

FourStars

This was a quick read, only 53 pages, but I’m constantly amazed what some authors can do with a short story. Sean Michael is one of those. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a full length novel or a short story Sean Michael can write it. I loved that Steven and Andy found their way back together and loved the HOT sex between them. I absolutely love the scene between Steven, Andy and Steven’s parents and absolutely loved the ending. Great job, my hats off to a really great author.

Lynn

FourStars

This was a good book. I loved the plot and storyline. Lovers who parted due to a tragic accident meet 10 years later and through persuasion by one get back together again. Sean Michael is one of my favorite authors and he never disappoints.

This was a great little book that can easily be read in one sitting. It has a lot ofsteam but also a great storyline. The power of love conquers all. It breaks through barriers and insecurities and brings life to the dead.

I also loved how Steven stood up to his parents for his love of Andy and they rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after.

I do recommend this book. It has all the ingredients of a great story.

Ariel

ThreeandHalfStars

This book was somewhat bitter sweet for me.  It was a fast moving, reconnection that was almost too fast.  While I can understand that thecharacters knew each other previously, there had been several years that had passed.  I think I would have liked the story more had they taken more time to learn each other again.

That being said, they had amazing chemistry and their encounters were steamy, gently and probably like riding a bike.

I wish that there had been more to the story when it came to the family aspect – it felt too clean and cut off for me.  Really, there was no drama in the story, only the hint that there would be drama.

Too clean of a story – but it was a sweet second chance romance and for thelength of the story, it was OK.

AvidReader

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by | February 21, 2016 · 6:00 pm

PRE RELEASE REVIEWS: TWO 3 Star Reviews for How Not to Summon Your True Love by Sasha L. Miller #MM #Romance @nikerymis

Cover

Title: How Not to Summon Your True Love
Author Name & Publisher: Sasha L. Miller (Less Than Three Press)
Publication Date & Length: March 16, 2016 – 144 pgs

Synopsis

Though it doesn’t really come as a surprise, Cy is still crushed when he’s dumped. His relationship with Alex had lasted longer than all previous attempts, and started promising when Alex had proclaimed he was perfectly okay with Cy being asexual.

On impulse, convinced no one will ever really see him as worthy relationship material, Cy turns to a book that belonged to his late mother, a grimoire of magic spells that obviously won’t work. It’s a stupid idea, and even if magic was real there’s no way a true love summoning spell would work for him.

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Review

ThreeStar

This was a good book. This is the type of book that you can read on a nice summer day where the temperature is just perfect, there’s a nice breeze blowing and you’re sitting outside sipping sweet tea.

The book starts out strong and grabs me. I immediately get a feel for Cy. I share his pain and want to share his pizza. When Dig pops into the scene I’m at first unsure about him, but then as the story progresses I grow to like him and trust him as Cy does.

As their road trip unfolds, the story slows down a little. The road trip becomes a little bit boring and I’m wanting more action. I was hoping for something to happen on the road trip, but alas, it doesn’t. The relationship between Cy and Dig grows, though.

When they get to their destination, I feel, the story takes a turn. An unexpected turn that makes me disappointed. The ending was ok, but I was hoping for something more. It felt incomplete. I was wanting them to at least have their first kiss and maybe for Dig to move in with Cy.

I do recommend this book, though. It was entertaining and, as I said in my first paragraph, a perfect book to read on a lazy summer afternoon.

Ariel

ThreeStar

This book starts of so good but about half way through it dragged a little for me and honestly I really had the hardest time finishing this…

Cy is crushed when he is dumped by his boyfriend so he accidently says a spell which summons a man to him. This starts a chain of events that cause Cy and the man he summons to go on a road trip.
There was some very interesting moments while Cy learns more about himself in this book but there was really very little romance at all and I just felt like the second half dragged so much for me that I unfortunately lost interest in these characters.

So I am sad to say this novella was just not for me….

Kara

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by | February 18, 2016 · 6:00 pm

4 Star Review for Benoit’s Surprise Christmas by Catherine Lievens #M/M #Romance @authorCLievens

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Title: Benoit’s Surprise Christmas
Author Name & Publisher: Catherine Lievens (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: January 20th 2016- 50 pages

Synopsis

Belgium expat Benoit Girault has only worked in the administrative department of Toys for All in Milwaukee for a few short months, but it’s long enough for him to miss everyone back home and to fall for coworker Jake Manning—not that Jake ever notices him. Or so Benoit thinks.

Jake notices Benoit all right, but he doesn’t want to risk mixing business with pleasure, not when it could create problems in the office. So when Jake’s friend and boss, Randall, tells him to team up with Benoit to organize a Saint Nicholas party, he’s less than thrilled. But as they work together and Jake nurses Benoit through an illness, he realizes some people might be worth risking it all for.

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Review

FourStars

This was a good book. Very sweet. Foreigner in a job, in America, gets to work with his crush and they become friends then boyfriends. Great plot line.

The main characters were solid real characters. One is very sweet and shy, but has just the right amount of assertiveness not to be run over. The other is insecure and buff and sweet all at the same time. A great mix.

I loved the ending. That was so sweet and family oriented. I don’t want to give away the ending, but trust me, it was really good.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a sweet romance with characters that are real and who loves a nice happy ending.

Ariel

Excerpt

“YOU WANT me to do what?”

Jake’s boss smiled at him as if he were asking nothing much—the bastard. Randall knew exactly what he was doing, just like he knew Jake would react like he did. He hated parties, and everyone in the office knew it.

“Organize a party for the new clients.”

“Janet usually organizes the parties.”

“She’s busy with another contract. The Belgian clients are yours, Jake. It seems obvious to me that you should be the one in charge of this.”

“But I don’t know anything about the saint you’re talking about.”

“You have enough time to learn something about him and about the Belgian traditions that go with it.”

“You can’t do this to me, Randall. Please. I’m already busy with this new contract. I don’t have time to organize a party.”

“The clients were delighted when I told them there would be a party.”

Jake gaped at his boss. “You told them?”

“Of course. When Mr. Leblanc said he was bringing his wife and son along, I just knew we had to do something for the kid.”

“Someone could take him to the zoo,” Jake muttered.

“Jake, we’re a toy company. Why would we take a kid to the zoo?”

“It’s not like we actually have the toys in this office. That’s what the stores are for.”

Randall set his jaw and narrowed his eyes. He obviously wasn’t going to be swayed by Jake’s protests. But what about pleading? “Randall, I just don’t have the time to do everything on my own, especially if you want a kiddie party.”

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by | · 12:00 pm

5 Star Review for Leading Me Home (Harrington Hills #1) by Megan Linden #MM #Shifter @Megan_Linden

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Title: Leading Me Home (Harrington Hills #1)
Author Name & Publisher: Megan Linden (Pride Publishing)
Publication Date & Length: February 16, 2016 – 88 pgs

Synopsis

Pretending to date the guy he has a crush on? Kevin’s sure he’s heading for a disaster. A broken heart, at least.

Kevin has been a lone wolf almost his entire life and he’s comfortable with that. Now that he no longer works for the guy he hated, Kevin has only one problem—his crush on his neighbor and best friend.

Taylor is the Alpha’s Son, the heir to the Harrington Pack. He left his hometown and moved to San Francisco as a rite of passage, but it was always temporary, since his place is in Harrington Hills with his pack. Now Taylor is heading back home for a wedding and since his mother is threatening to set him up if he comes alone, he needs a date. Asking Kevin to be his pretend boyfriend sounds like a perfect solution.

What happens when they arrive in Harrington Hills and learn to see each other in a different light? With their relationship changing, can they drop the act and realize that what they have is real?

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Review

FiveStars

I really loved this story. The plot I’ve read before:  best friends become lovers become boyfriends. This time the author through in a werewolf twist and not just a werewolf but the son of an alpha. I loved her spin on things.

Best friends, Kevin and Taylor, come up with a scheme to fool Taylor’s parents into thinking that Kevin is his boyfriend when they’re just friends. Kevin, though, really likes Taylor and would like to be more than friends. They take a trip back to Taylors hometown and pack to attend a wedding. It’s a wonderful story and the author let’s us into Taylor and Kevin’s thoughts and feelings.

My favorite part was when Kevin’s feelings get hurt by Taylor because Taylor did not do what Kevin expected. I loved that bit of angst. I wish it would have dragged out more. Would have made for a more interesting read.

The only other little bit of criticism and suggestion I would make is I wish there was a little bit more drama in the story. It would have spiced up the story a bit more.

I highly recommend this book. If you love a good werewolf romance then I guarantee you will like this.

Ariel

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by | February 16, 2016 · 8:00 pm

4.5 and 3 Star Reviews for 12 Courses (Delectable #6) by E.M. Lynley #MM #Romance @emlynley

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Title: 12 Courses (Delectable #6)
Author Name & Publisher: E.M. Lynley (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: December 23, 2015 – 117 pgs

Synopsis

Thom Kennedy Leyton returns to San Francisco to take up the reins of Graze, one of the city’s best restaurants, years after he lost his job when his innovative new set of recipes was stolen. Thom’s loss of self-esteem eventually caused his boyfriend, Blake Warner, to end their relationship, sending Thom into a deep depression.

Now, cured of fifty excess pounds and any attraction to Blake, Thom’s back in town. Blake catches him off guard when he visits Graze several days in a row, and Thom lets himself get caught up in Blake’s allure, despite knowing better.

Thom juggles a renewed relationship with Blake, a Christmas visit from his parents, and an important holiday menu based on a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. When an old acquaintance reveals that Blake knows more about the theft of the recipes than he lets on, Thom doesn’t know whom to trust. But the truth isn’t quite that simple, and Thom won’t be able to decide if Blake deserves a place in his life until he learns exactly what happened years ago.

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Review

FourandHalfStars

EM Lynley has done it again. I love her Delectable series and this story story novella was stellar. I did take ½ star away because I didn’t like the ending. In this story we had Thom who lost his first chef position when accused of stealing recipes when it was opposite. Blake was his boyfriend and was involved in the theft (in a way) you’ll have to read the book to see what happens. For someone who’s not a chef Ms. Lynley really comes up with some great recipes. I loved hearing about all the great recipes and how Thom was able to salvage his reputation. This was an excellent story centered around Christmas.

Lynn

ThreeStar

Romance between two chefs. This is what lured me to read this book. I’m a cook myself and I love to read cookbooks and try recipes. This book, though, seems like it’s for a serious foodie, which I am not.

I love the characters. Thom I could really relate to. His story starts out at a famous cooking school where he’s 50 pounds overweight, but he’s brilliant in the kitchen and has terrific recipe ideas. I love this character and his ambition and drive to succeed coupled with his self-esteem issues. Blake, the other main character, who is the romantic interest of Thom, is good, but it felt like his character was not fully developed.

The first half of the book is all about Thom at the restaurant in his kitchen. It’s about his kitchen staff and the meals he’s preparing and the holiday menu he’s developing. This was a bit boring and the story just dragged. The latter half of the book it picks up but is still lagging. The highlight was when Thom found out what Blake did. The ending also felt incomplete. When I turned the page to read more I was surprised that that was it.

The concept and the plot I feel was good, I just wish there was more interaction between the main characters and that there was more of a storyline. That their relationship could have been more developed. It seems like he had more interaction with his parents then with his love interest.

I do recommend this book for the serious foodie. I believe they will enjoy it.

Ariel

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by | February 15, 2016 · 8:00 am

New Release: 4 Stars for Anchored in Stone (Chronicles of an Earned #1) by Meraki P. Lyhne (AUTHOR INTERVIEW) #MM #Paranormal @MerakiPLyhne

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Title: Anchored in Stone (Chronicles of an Earned #1)
Author Name & Publisher: Meraki P. Lyhne (EXtasy Books)
Publication Date & Length: November 1, 2015 – 372 pgs

Synopsis

The easiest heist in Alex Rhoden’s career is also the most dangerous of all.

As a child, Alex Rhoden’s talent as a thief was recognized by a rich art collector. He has since then been schooled and trained to become one of the best art thieves in the world. While on the easiest heist of his career he finds himself running with the artefact in his possession, followed by an unknown adversary. But they are not the only ones interested in the artefact—so is an ancient race of demigods called Earned. Cornered and out of options, Alex has to make a difficult decision that will turn his life upside down no matter what he chooses.

The young demigod, Kaleb, is reborn into servitude, but he is a freak amongst his own kind—the forbidden unity between an Earned and a witch. Other than finding himself, learning to control his powers, and balance high school as a senior, Kaleb must earn the trust of his pack and family. But Alex is in danger and the young demigod struggles to keep up.

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Review

FourStars

I loved this book. Even though it was a fantasy book about demigods it was not so far-fetched as to be almost science fiction. It was very believable and understandable after the 25% mark.

The first 25% of the book I was easily able to understand the story about Alex. The story of the Earned, though, I had trouble understanding until after reading 25% of the book. The first 25% was very confusing.

After the 25% mark the story got so much better. Really fantastical better. I was really able to get into it and it really grabbed me. The individual stories of Kaleb and Alex we’re both awesome. The ending of each chapter was perfect and there were no cliffhangers.

The only other minor problem that I saw in this book was some of the sentences are not worded correctly. For instance, 68% into the book the sentence says:

“Okay, but watch your language, Dad’s gonna pin that in some blonde bombshell who likes Phil had lowered his voice and was in mouth of yours on me!”

Overall, I really liked the book and the story, the plot, the characters, everything. It was easy to overlook the minor problems and enjoy the book. If you like fantasy books that are not too far out there and believable then you will like this book. I do highly recommend it.

~Ariel

Excerpt

Alex made his way down the corridors, watching out for the guard. This one he found leafing through a magazine with his feet up and his back turned to the staircase. Alex stopped, breathed in deeply, and let it out slowly, reminding himself that a fat guard’s dumb luck was what caught his cat burglar mentor. No matter how carefully one builds a card house, a gust of wind can bring it all down.

So Alex took his time and focused all his expertise on getting past this guard as if he were from the agency itself. Finally in the basement, he made his way to the crate, pushed it open, and sought out the stone first. He found it and put it in a bag, which he in turn put in his thigh pocket, before stuffing another bag with whatever his pricey education had told him was worth the most on the black market.

Happy with his find, he turned, but something seemed to have a hold on the pocket with the stone in. He turned and found himself face to face with a big, mean-looking ghost. He gasped and clasped his left hand over his mouth to catch the scream he couldn’t stop, and clutched the stone with his right.

And then he ran. He didn’t even care if the guard saw him. He made it past the guard, who was nowhere in sight, and exited through the service entrance.

Alex didn’t stop until his body threatened to vomit out his heart. He stopped and by sheer exhaustion, his body chose to empty his stomach anyway. He took the stone out and stared at it. It felt almost as if fine electricity danced between it and where it touched his skin.

“What the hell did you have me steal, Mr. Henry?”

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by | February 14, 2016 · 2:00 pm

4.5, 4 and 3 Star Reviews for Devin December by Kate McMurray #MM #Holiday

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Title: Devin December
Author Name & Publisher: Kate McMurray (Dreamspinner Press)
Publication Date & Length: December 23, 2015 – 102 pgs

Synopsis

A freak blizzard strands flight attendant Andy Weston at LaGuardia Airport on Thanksgiving. Tabloid reports about Hollywood It couple, Devin Delaney and Cristina Marino, breaking up in spectacular fashion keep Andy sane. And then Devin Delaney himself turns up at the gate Andy is working. Against all odds—and because there’s nothing else to do—Andy and Devin begin to talk, immediately connect, and, after Devin confesses the real reason he broke up with Cristina, have a magical night together snowed in at the airport. But the magic ends when Devin boards his flight home the next morning, and Andy assumes it’s over.

Then Devin turns up on his doorstep. Andy is game for a clandestine affair at first—who could turn down one of the hottest men on the planet? But he soon grows tired of being shoved in Devin’s closet. As Christmas approaches, it’s clear that this will never work unless Devin is willing to make some big changes. Devin has a holiday surprise in store—but will it be enough?

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Review

FourandHalfStars

This book was the typical type of book were one of the men is in the closet and one is out and proud. What made it different was the story behind it and how Devin came to realize that if he wanted a relationship with Andy he had to come clean about who he was. Let me say I wasn’t going to give this story a 4.5 stars rating until I discovered that the author had put an epilogue on her website. The epilogue made the whole story complete. I don’t know what Ms. McMurray was thinking about when she wrote a story that just abruptly ends but it was a good that she posted the finish of story the way she did. Great job Kate, I always loved your stories and will continue to read.

LynnFourStars

Hmmm, where to start?  Devin and Andy are adorable.  Their relationship begins kind of in a whirlwind – they are stuck at the airport, during a holiday.  To pass the time, they chat, make out, and try to fight their attraction.

What I loved about this story was that you got to see both sides of the relationship.  It was well thought out, methodical and did not have a rushed feel to it.  I really loved how Andy’s personality allowed him to shine in this story.  Devin was the “famous” person, but I felt that Andy had much more presence.

Despite their hidden relationship – I felt that they spoke a lot, were really open and their communication was key to their relationship.

Overall, this was a sweet story about finding and being your true self.  Allowing love to conquer.

AvidReader

ThreeStar

Love in a blizzard, in an airport, between a femme flight attendant and a hot famous actor. The concept is good, but the airport part went too long. It lasted about 50% of the book, so I found it lagging, and, regretfully, boring.

After the airport, it got much better. The growing relationship between the actor and the flight attendant was wonderful. I loved the attendant’s personality and his ability to speak his mind. The ending was great with a wonderful happy ending. It seemed to me, though, incomplete. I wish the author would have completed it.

Overall, it was a good book. If you press through the first half you get the reward of the last half which is really good.

Ariel

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