Pants Off Reviews

Another Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno

2012-03-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Another Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
Buy Book

Novella: 143pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
In Dumb Jock, Jeff and Brett fall in love, but their relationship is not without challenges. Brett’s a football star, and Jeff is the classic nerd. Their coming of age and coming out story is set in the 1980s, and they face many obstacles. Yet their love for each other is strong, and they finally get their happy ending.

Now, almost three decades later, their children are teenagers. Adam, their fifteen year old son, is the star pitcher of his high school baseball team. He has grown up with two dads, in a loving, non-judgmental environment. Yet Adam has challenges of his own. He’s failing two of his classes at school, and he’s been suspended for fighting. He resents being labeled and insists that just because he has two dads, it doesn’t mean that he is himself gay.

When he is forced to accept help from another student in his algebra class, Adam starts to have feelings that cause him to question his very identity. He’s got to decide whether to follow his heart or to maintain the image he’s worked so hard to portray. Will he have the courage to take a stand for what he knows is right, or will he end up being just another dumb jock?

Review:
Jeff always makes my heart feel super happy. I loved Dumb Jock, which had me smiling, cheering, and crying, and he does it again with the sequel. This one focuses on the children of Jeff and Brett from the first book. Their son Adam is ball player, he’s popular but he still deals with prejudices when people find out he has two fathers. He defends his sexuality the only way he knows how to, with a fist to the accusers face.

Adam is also embarrassed of his father Jeff, who he feels is to feminine and emotional and he goes out of his way top prove he’s nothing like that. He’s like his dad Brett, all masculine and into sports. When the school bully starts calling him names, Adam gives him a fist to the face and finds himself suspended for a week, with appointments to attend anger management. His grades are also lacking and he needs a tutor, and it’s someone he is not too excited to work with.

Then comes Trevor, Adam’s tutor and he’s making him feel beautiful amazing things. Adam has never considered himself gay, and maybe he’s not, but all he knows is that he really likes Trevor and he doesn’t need to put a label on his feelings. The boys begin a slow relationship, and it’s both new and exciting for them. Though when it comes to Trevor, there is a lot he isn’t saying and it could cost him his life.

I really enjoyed this story, it hade me grinning like a loon. The author really has a talent in writing young characters. All that unnecessary angst, and the growing passion young adults feel towards each other. I loved Trevor, because I have a thing for guys in glasses and of the nerdy variety. I liked Adam, he reminds me of his father Brett, but less arrogant ^_^.

Overall, an awesome sequel and Jeff always puts a smile on my face and I have yet to be completely disappointed with one his books. Sometimes love is all you need, and the author knows how to write a good love story.

4 1/2 Pants Off

Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno

2012-03-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
Buy Book

Novel: 198pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Dumb Jock is a touching, coming-of-age story about a reserved, self-conscious, teenage boy growing up in a small northern-Michigan town. Jeff Irwin is short for his age, timid and studious, never yet having dared to take any chances for fear of ultimate rejection or failure. He is a bit of a social outcast and lives quietly in the shadows of the popular kids at his school.

Afforded the opportunity to assist the town's high school football hero Brett Willson, Jeff embarks upon the challenge of educating the world's dumbest jock. The ensuing relationship that develops between the two young men proves far more challenging, however, than any tutoring session. Their budding friendship helps bring Jeff out of his shell and reveals a much deeper side of the dumb jock.

Tragedies befall the ill-suited young couple, and the losses they endure are unthinkable. In the end, however, they must decide whether to be true to their identities or return to the previously held conformity of their comfortable stereotypes.

Review:
Dumb Jock is a coming of age story set in the 80’s and that is like Jurassic years to the gay movement. I cannot fathom how hard it must have been to be a homosexual person, when you are surrounded by bigoted minds, and hateful words. This story made me cry, and not the silent tears streaming down my face, but the headache induced tears that made my heart break. It was just a beautiful story of a young boy finding his place in the world through love, heartache an intense tragedy.

Jeff Irwin is the boy you never see, he is small, studious and quiet, and at fourteen, that description can sound all kinds of hellish. Well Jeff stays away from bigger crowds and keeps to his very small group of friends. His very small world becomes huge, when he is blackmailed into tutoring Brett Willson; secretly Jeff is excited because he worships Brett, and not that type of worship. They type where you nerdy Jeff wants to be like jock Brett. There is a lot of preconceived notions between the two, Jeff was expecting a dumb insensitive jock and he gets the complete opposite, this is a little life lesson of never judge a book by its cover.

What begin's is a genuine ,and a love that will test everything they have ever known. To say this relationship is not easy, when the very basis of what they are is degraded everyday. Brett does not fit that mould because he is a man’s man. There is no way the star football player could like boys, but the small boy who seems effeminate is definitely gay. Just proves the type of close-minded world we live in. Their meetings and embraces happen behind closed doors, even their very friendship had to remain a secret. With all this love, tragedy makes its way into their lives, and this is the reason why this story feels so very real. It is a pause between, this can happen, this does happen.

The relationship between Brett and Jeff is very sweet. Their kisses and feeling towards each other feels like that of teenagers. They do have sex and the reader will know this, but it’s not uncomfortable because it is not detailed sex, you just know that they did it. I was perfectly fine with this; it just seemed to blend it with the story. They are teenage boys gimme a break, I would have been surprised if there was no sex. I liked both characters but Jeff more so he was no push over.

This book brings up a devastating topic, gay teenage suicide and this is what mad me cry. As a mother, it pains me to see our children kill themselves because of their sexuality. So many things wrong with the world and sexual orientation should not be an issue. Children should not feel less than they are because they happen to like the same sex, I just think it plain fuckin sucks. This book manages to bring many issues in to light, homosexuality and the church, and I dislike people spewing hate in the name of God. God is love, and some of us have seem to forgotten that part.

My main dislike is the usage of the word f*g in this book, I plain just hate that word. I do not like when they call themselves that and I really do not like when it is used to hurt. It the most unnecessary, part of the book.

Overall, a very sweet and touching read filled with wonderful characters, and a realistic view of others who spew hate because they just do not understand. Dumb Jock is a great coming of age novel that should not be missed. Do not be deterred for the fact that there are young boys having sex. It is not explicit and the book is so much more than that. I guess this book readers will have a many different opinions, I for one found it deeply emotional and the sex, and that Jeff was somewhat submissive too Brett was just the side issue. I think I understand what the author was trying to convey, life is a bitch and bad things do happen, but throughout all of it you have to remain yourself. The ending might seem unrealistic, but in a perfect world you can hope all things end this way. Where gay boys can stand in front of a crowd and declare themselves in love, and to hell with everyone else. This is what I took away from this book.

SideNote- Really enjoyed the songs Jeff, made it so super sweet and I even recognized a few of them.

4 Pants Off

And The Winner Is...

2012-03-06T14:43:00.001-05:00

*Jayhjay won the Giveaway with Anne Brooke. An email is on the way to you, 48hrs to reply or another winner gets chosen.*

Thanks for participating guys, and I hope you stop by again.

Waiting On a Pants Losing: March Pants Droppers

2012-03-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

Tons of books are being released in March, and I am about to list the ones I am looking forward to. Its going to be a crazy pants losing month. Though I never read releases as soon as they are out (too much to freaking read) I do get excited about them. Let me tell you folks I am all kinds of excited. ALL KINDS! Here's what makes my list for March Pants Droppers.

Sounds of Love by Susan Laine
Dreamspinner Press

Release Date- March 19th 2012

Excitability: 4/5 (Feck! How pretty is the black hair boy?)

Blurb:
What does love sound like? If you hear it, will you heed its call?

Police officer Jordan Waters is recovering from a shooting by moving to a new apartment in a new town and taking a new job. In other words, he’s lonely. His first instinct is to relieve his anxiety through uncomplicated sex—until he meets a man so far out of his league and experience that he stumbles for the first time.

Police volunteer Sebastian Sumner may be deaf, but his spirit, openness, and sense of humor give him the strength to get through anything—even the emotional defenses of Jordan Waters. But it’s his own family history that poses the biggest challenge. Can he learn to trust Jordan with his heart, or will his upbringing blind him to the sounds of love?

Dark Soul #5 by Aleksandr Voinov

Riptide Publishing

Release Date: March 19th 2012

Excitability: 5/5 (More Silvio)

Blurb:

In “Dark Hunter I,” Stefano Marino must face his most dangerous enemy yet: US Attorney Sebastiano Beccaria, who’s seeking the total annihilation of the Marino clan in the hopes of purging his own dark past.

In “Dark Frost,” a traitor in the organization makes his move, hiring Silvio to kill Stefano. Meanwhile, Silvio struggles to find his place in the Marino home as Donata learns the truth about Stefano’s affair.

The game is up in “Dark Hunter II.” Sebastiano Beccaria confronts Stefano with evidence that will undermine his power and put his life at risk. Stefano faces a bitter choice: fight and risk it all, or flee and protect himself and those he loves. Also, there’s a puppy.

In “Dark Lie,” Stefano makes the only choice he can. With the mutiny brewing and his marriage hanging in the balance, he agrees to leave the life of organized crime. Beccaria has won, but the victory came at high price—for everyone involved.

In “Dark Heart”, Stefano and Donata have gone to ground in Paris. When a ghost from the past tracks him down, he knows he won’t survive the day if he can’t find a way to make peace with all he left behind.

Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham

Carina Press

Release Date: March 19th 2012

Excitability: 4/5

Blurb:

Mark Apolostolos should be able to have any man he wants. Handsome and smart, he's also cripplingly shy, especially around attractive men. Tired of waking up alone, he's desperate to conquer his insecurities and have a real, meaningful relationship.

He gets his first opportunity when he tags along to his sister-in-law's dance class and lays eyes on the sexy instructor. Seth Miller has a way of moving that takes his breath away. It isn't long before sparks fly and they share a steamy kiss, but Seth wants much more than just a casual encounter.

If Mark wants a real relationship with Seth he'll have to come to terms with his sexuality—but will it be enough to break through the walls he's built up around his heart?

Spell Cat by Tara Laine

Loose-Id

Release Date: March 20th 2012

Excitability: 3.5/5 (Its all about that cover)

Blurb:

When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But sadly, Killian walks away because he doesn’t do physics professors. In fact, he doesn’t do humans, because Killian is the most powerful male witch in 10 generations and, though gay, he’s expected to save his declining race by reproducing. Sex with humans depletes his power he’s been taught. Then why can young human, Jimmy Janx, dissolve spoons with a thought? Somebody’s a lying witch. With his powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.

Of Dark and Bright (Dark Horse #3) by Kate Sherwood

Dreamspinner Press

Release Date: March 26th 2012

Excitabilty: 5/5 (Dan, Evan, and Jeff are back)

Blurb:

Sequel to Out of the Darkness

Jeff, Evan, and Dan have been living happily together for the last two years. They still have problems, especially between Evan and Dan, but they’re mostly able to convert the interpersonal disagreements to sexual tension—and then resolve it—so nobody’s complaining.

Then Dan’s long-lost sister shows up seven months pregnant and on the run from the law, and the situation goes from complicated to overwhelming. Jeff and Evan want to help, but with Evan fearful of his own sister’s safety and Jeff struggling to keep his health issues under wraps, they’re a little distracted. As Dan's sister struggles with her past, Evan's seems intent on gambling with her future. With emotions and family ties pulling them in different directions, the threesome have to hold together—or the people they love may tear them apart.

Frat Boy and Toppy by Anne Tenino

Riptide Publishing

Release Date: March 26th 2012

Excitabilty: 4/5

Blurb:

Brad is great at meeting other people’s expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother’s hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. He hasn’t quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn’t seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice.

Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad’s been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely—hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more—dare he admit the “L” word?—Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn’t feel the same. Unless, of course, he does. After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

*So those books are what's causing an excitement in my pants. Check them out, and if you like be sure to buy them on their release date.* Keep It Sexy Folks!

Menage Mondays: What We Deserve by Kerry Freeman

2012-03-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

What We Deserve by Kerry Freeman
Loose-Id

Novella: 138pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Years after Sean’s heart was broken by his first love Jamie, he is ready to try his hand at love again with Tyler, his handsome, perfect-geek-for-him boyfriend. But when Jamie returns home after twelve years in the Army, Sean finds himself unable to choose between his passion for Tyler and his still smoldering desire for Jamie.

But if Jamie and Tyler get along, maybe he won’t have to choose after all.

Thoughts:
We meet Sean who tells his story of how he fell in love with his best friend Jaime at 12, and how his feelings have grown now that he’s 18. Watching Jaime graduating from college fills Sean with pride, and when Jaime invites him to a college party Sean is happy to be hanging with the man he loves. He could never tell him how he feels, because he fears rejection but Jaime surprises him with a love confession of his own. He is also in love with Sean, and now he can do something about it. They make love for the first time, Sean being a virgin, is happy Jaime is his first. He believes he finally has the man he loves, until the next morning when he finds out Jaime is gone.

Twelve years later Sean is successful and fully out, and has a boyfriend Tyler who he adores and his life is good. He still bares the pain of Jaime’s rejection and betrayal, and is happy if he never sees him again. Until his parents tell him, that Jaime has left the army and is returning home. It’s hard to avoid someone when your parents are close friends, and Sean can’t avoid Jaime forever. Things get complicated when Jaime says he has returned for Sean, and he has loved him for all the years. In that moment, Sean is the boy who loved his best-friend and those feeling are hard to turn off.

So Sean has his boyfriend Tyler, and the lover who left him behind and now wants to be with him. Though Jaime accepts Sean is in a relationship, he is happy as friends and would be happy to remain so. However, the chemistry is strong between the men when they go clubbing. Sean and Tyler likes when Jaime watches them together, and there seems to be brewing chemistry between Tyler and Jaime.

I really enjoyed this one, it had me smiling from ear to ear, and the chemistry between the men was hot. The ménage was handled quite well, though it moved a bit quickly, I believed in their love. I liked Jaime, though he did pull a big douche move by deflowering and leaving Sean, he makes up for it (cus he so sweet). I liked Tyler; he’s a little firecracker and creates a nice balance in the relationship.

The guys do deal with some family drama, but it’s all dealt with a happy ending. Who doesn’t want accepting parents, because if your child is happy, isn’t that what matters the most? I think that’s why I like this book so much; it made my heart feel super happy. It’s not original when it comes to the whole ménage trope, but it was fun and I liked the characters a lot. Plus, I am somewhat bias. It’s hard to hate 3 guys fucking (surprisingly I have hated it). It was a 3.5 rating but I bumped it up because it had me smiling all freaking day. Its sweetness kinda stays with you for a bit.


4 Pants Off

Always Remember:"3 is never a crowd and one more is always invited"

What's Happening This Week!

2012-03-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Its another week folks, and its freaking March. I am hoping this month brings awesmazing things for everyone. I had a successful Author Week with Anne Brooke. So happy we got to hang, and I got to enjoy all her wonderful stories. If you missed her Interview, you can still go check it out and even win a book from her backlist (its quite a backlist) Ends March 6th 12:00am.

This week I won't be posting as much, since I am in prep for Interracial Love Week for the following week. I am sooooo Excited! Its gonna be great. So my friends, here's whats causing a pants losing this week.

Be sure to check out Mr Sexy there in his boxers, on the right side of the blog. This is a serial of stories being told by some of the hottest writers in M/M genre over on the M/M Goodreads group. Pants Off will be a sponsor to some of the episodes, and there will be guest posts by some of the fantabulous authors. So go check out Boxer Falls, and fall in love with the drama.

Monday- Its Menage Monday, and I am reviewing What We Deserve by Kerry Freeman. How cute was this book.

Tuesday- Its Waiting On a Pants Losing, where I share the books I am anticipating. I am talking about all the releases in March I am looking forward to. Its a good month of releases.

Thursday- A review for Another Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno. This was one cute story, loved it as much as the first.

That's its for me until next week, when the I bring the awesome. So be here and be ready to feel the love.

*Have an awesome week folks ^_^*

Author Week: Dating the Delaneys by Anne Brooke

2012-03-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Dating The Delaneys by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Story: 42pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Liam and the sexy Delaney twins embark on their dating experiment with gusto. Their first encounter at the local cinema proves explosive, but Liam still wants more from them than just hot sex. Luckily so, it appears, do the Delaneys.

With this in mind, the twins whisk him away one weekend for a late-summer picnic in the countryside. Once there, Liam is delighted to see the lengths the Delaneys have gone to in order to provide a romantic dating experience. As their date comes to a climax, however, the twins have a startling proposal.

Is Liam really ready for what they have in mind?

Review:
I think this is my fave story in the series. It was funny, sexy, and great to see the guys to try on work on the relationship. If you have no idea, what The Delaneys and Liam are all about? I suggest you check out my reviews for all the books in the series so far. These three know how to have a good time.

I am quite perplexed by Liam, I’m trying to figure out if he’s always been submissive or does he feel he needs to be submissive to Mark and Johnny? I am slightly disappointed in him, though he stills says what he’s feeling I am not sure if I like what he’s becoming. He’s still freaking hilarious!

Mark and Johnny (the twins), they do this whole good cop/bad cop routine that has Liam wrapped around their fingers. I do enjoy how they are trying to be more for Liam, and taking the steps to make their relationship more than sex. Though Mark is still a bit sketchy in my book (he really needs to take a chill pill).

Overall, really liked this one. The sex is hot, and the story is developing quite nicely. The ending had me laughing out loud, and Anne’s humour always shines through. If you are searching for some fun sexy time to read, then this little series is for you.

4 Pants Off

Author Week: For One Night Only by Anne Brooke

2012-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

For One Night Only by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure
Short Story: 10k words
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Jake Morrison's position as Dom has been deeply shaken by his unwitting role in the recent death of his sub. When he's allowed back into Langley's Pleasure House after a six-month ban, he longs to make amends in any way possible.

Club-owner Langley's surprising request for an unexpected encounter, however, tests Jake's sense of purpose to the core. He's willing to learn, but the lesson might not be one he expects...

Review:
Jake Morrison is back on the BDSM scene, after being away from it for quite awhile. He lost a sub to suicide, and as a Dom, he should have been aware of what was going on with him outside of the scenes they shared (or so everyone else thinks). Suspended from the club Langley’s Pleasure House during the time, Jake is finally allowed back though the welcome might not be warm.

When the club owner Langley approaches him, Jake is afraid because he knows he will have to talk about the past and the night leading up to his sub’s death. What he never expected is the offer Langley makes, an offer to redeem himself as a Dom and to begin the steps to heal.

I just keep getting surprised by everything I read by Anne Brooke. They are like snowflakes; no two is ever the same. I enjoyed this story, but its one of those where it’s just too intense to be solved in a few pages (so thank the lord there is a sequel). I am trying to understand why Jake is being blamed for the death of his submissive. I guess he had some responsibility, but the sub did not die during a scene. Therefore, I am having a hard time accepting it.

Overall, I liked it because Anne Brooke is one awesome writer and you can just feel each characters emotions coming off the pages. There is nothing romantic about this one, its all about the control, and the intensity. So if that’s your cuppa? For One Night Only is story for you.

3 1/2 Pants Off

Author Week: Give and Take by Anne Brooke

2012-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Give and Take by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Story: 7k words

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
David has spent two years grieving for the loss of his partner to cancer. When he decides to move on, he visits a gay bar for the sole purpose of hooking up with someone—in spite of his concerns that as he’s in his mid-forties, he might be too old. There he meets Jeff, a young barman, and after dancing and making out with other men, he realizes that Jeff is in fact the one he wants to take home most of all.

During his explosive evening with Jeff, David discovers a side of himself that he never knew existed. But, when the morning comes, can he persuade Jeff that their relationship may develop into more than a simple one-night stand?

Review:
David is ready to go out and greet the world again, after losing his partner of many years to cancer. He wants to get back to dating, and maybe finding a hook-up for a night after being so long without. He decided to visit a gay bar, but he’s also afraid that he might not be what anyone wants. He is older, has no idea how to begin, and he might be sporting the deer in headlights look.

His night in the bar begins slowly, but he finally breaks a little free to flirt and dance and do a bit of making out. However, it seems he always keeps coming back to the cute bartender. He has no idea how to approach him and ask him to go home, but David finds his courage because it’s like this ‘if you never try, then you’ll never know’.

The bartender Jeff accepts his invitation for a night of play, but David is feeling like he might be in over his head. He might not be completely ready to move on, and being alone with Jeff is bringing on feelings of trepidation. Well not to worry, Jeff knows just what to do and gives David the night he’s been looking for.

This was a nice short, light BDSM story. I liked that David got to give up his control, because he spent so much time being the decision maker for most things in his life. The night with Jeff, he was man just along for the ride. The author possesses a skill to tell an entire life story with just a few pages, and only leaving you with the feeling of just wanting more. I wanted more, just to see beyond the night that David and Jeff share.

I never know what to expect when I go and read an Anne Brooke story. It’s often funny, mysterious, or a wide range of dark (like a box of chocolates, you just never know what you gonna get). I can say though, it’s always a good experience.

3 1/2 Pants Off

Interview & Giveaway: Anne Brooke (Featured Author)

2012-02-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to welcome Anne Brooke to the blog. As our author of the week, and interview seems fitting. So I am sitting down with Anne, and we are chatting it up.

Hi Anne and welcome to Pants Off, it's great to have you here.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing?
Hello, great to be here! I’m a slightly insane redhead, I live in the UK and I work part-time as a PA in my local University. I’ve written poetry for years, but only started to write fiction in Y2K when I ran out of rhymes. The poetry did come back in the end, but the rhymes are fewer. I love theatre-going and all chocolate except Ferrero Rocher (can’t stand them, for some reason …), so I’m not sure I could live in a world without chocolate or plays.

* I also dislike Ferrero Rocher. Like seriously, it's not that good*

Was gay romance something you always wanted to write? Or did you develop an interest over time?
Oh yes, I’ve had the voice of a gay man – or more likely several gay men – in my head from a very early age so writing from the male viewpoint always seemed to be the most natural way to do it. If I write from the female point of view, I have to really concentrate, or alternatively the voice becomes lesbian or bisexual, which somehow makes it easier.

I've read a few of your stories now, and each of them are very unique. Some are fun eg 'The Delaneys'. Some are filled with angst and the tortured hero like in 'The Heart's Greater Silence'. Can you share with me about where your inspiration comes from? How your stories get their start?
Some of my stories are inspired by particular invitations from publishers, for instance my upcoming gay short Where You Hurt The Most will be part of the Riptide Publishing Love For Sale anthology. Others are stories I might start dreaming about and then have to write them down when I wake up just to see what happens next (yes, I’m a seat-of-my-pantser and never a planner!).

At other times, I might look and see what kind of submission themes publishers are interested in and then try to write one of those. The story itself might not get submitted to the publisher in question if I’m still working on it when the deadline passes, but I can always try other markets once the story is ready. You never know your luck! Other great sources of inspiration are news programmes, magazine articles and even things people say – people have such fascinating lives that they always give me something to think about.

I see that you love poetry. Has one of your poems ever been the inspiration behind one of your stories, or vice versa?

I’m not sure! It’s funny how my fiction and poetry writing tend to run in parallel and don’t meet that often. Though, now I think of it, very occasionally I’ll find myself writing a poem from a character’s viewpoint, and readers do say that there’s a sense of the poetic about my more literary fiction – so perhaps they influence each other more than I realise. In some ways, it’s more of a personal preference, as I’d really miss one genre if I had to give it up for any reason – practising the two together seems to make sense, for me anyway.

Is it hard to write all that hot and sexy man love in your books?
Absolutely. It’s a real trauma and you can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is, tee hee. Still, someone’s got to do the tough jobs, and it may as well be me! Seriously though, I must admit I enjoy writing the sex scenes and the scenes of violence (if any) best of all – which probably says something really worrying about me, but let’s not go there … It’s the scenes in between those that can be tricky.

So fresh from the release of The Heart’s Greater Silence. Can you share with us your future plans in writing?

At the moment, I’m just about to enter the editing phase for Where You Hurt The Most with Riptide. I’m also writing the fifth of the Delaneys Series for Amber Allure, which is called The Delaneys At Home. And I’m slowly getting my thinking cap on for a sequel to gay BDSM story For One Night Only. In the middle of all that, I’m continuing to work on my gay novella, The Taming of The Hawk – but that’s very slow progress, I have to say.

Will we ever get to read a novel from you?

Actually, I currently have two gay novels, both dark-themed thrillers, available. A Dangerous Man is published by Cheyenne Publishing and Bristlecone Pine Press, and The Bones of Summer is available from Dreamspinner Press. I’ve also written a gay romantic comedy, The Hit List (Amber Allure), a romantic comedy based in a gay nightclub, Pink Champagne and Apple Juice (Bristlecone Pine Press), and a bisexual thriller, Thorn in The Flesh (Bristlecone Pine Press). You can find details of all these books at my Gay Reads site. In addition, I’ve also written a fantasy trilogy with a gay scribe as my main character, and the first of these, The Gifting, is available from Bluewood Publishing. The second and third of the series are due out later this year or in 2013, and more details of these can be found at The Gathandrian Trilogy site.

*My research clearly sucks, judging by the question ^_^*

Mark from The Heart’s Greater Silence. Will he ever have his own book?
Not sure he’ll ever get a whole novel, but there may well be a sequel somewhere in the offing. But I’m afraid there are other stories to tell before I can get there – though you never know …

The gay Twilight, would you write it?
I wish I could! But I’m not sure I’d have the energy!

* I am starting to lose hope*

Pants, is it better to write with them on or off? (for research purposes only)
Ooh, I couldn’t possibly say – it’s entirely up to the writer in question, but I happen to think that French knickers are the best invention ever! Say no more...

If readers want to contact you or learn more about your books. Where can they find you?

I have a main website, and one at Gay Reads UK. You can find me on Facebook and Twitter, and I also have a Facebook Fan Page. All visitors are very welcome indeed.

Thank You Anne for being here today. It was lovely having you and chatting it up!

Thank you for inviting me – I’ve really enjoyed being here today! As a special treat, anyone leaving a comment on this post together with their email details will be entered into a competition to win ONE free ebook from my backlist – good luck, all!

So Yes There is a giveaway! Contest runs until March 6th 12:00AM EST Just leave a Comment with your email.

- must be 18 or older
- leave email address with your comment
- you have 48hrs to reply to email or another winner will be chosen (make sure my email doesn't become spam)
- winner will be chosen by random.org/rafflecopter

Author Week: The Art Of The Delaneys by Anne Brooke

2012-02-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Art of the Delaneys (Delaneys #3) by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Story: 46pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Liam is determined to prove to the Delaney twins that he’s more than just a good bed-partner for them. His chance to show them what he’s worth comes unexpectedly soon when his boss at the art gallery, Melissa, is asked by the Delaneys to take part in an art scam, and Liam agrees to help her.

When the Delaneys turn up with their henchmen on the night of the scam, Melissa and Liam are startled to discover that it will involve a painting by one of their best artists. Can Liam make sure the gallery doesn't get too seriously involved and keep the Delaneys satisfied, in the only way he knows how, at the same time?

Review:
Art of the Delaneys finally gives us some insight into the Delaneys dodgy business and a development in the relationship between the twins and Liam. It was great to see some sort of progression in the plot, offered up with hot sex.

Liam works at an art gallery, and his boss notices that he seems pretty out of it. A talk in the office has Liam expressing how he feels about the twins and where he wants the relationship to go. He also wants o impress them, and his boss gives him the opportunity to do so. It’s all about the shady art deal, and will Liam have the skills to impress them, and come out unscathed from his first taste of crime.

So some new developments in the relationship, and I am excited about things to come. I just have some small peeves. I love Liam’s voice, he is snarky and funny but I feel he’s becoming just too submissive. I hardly recognize him from the first book. Mark is also becoming too much with the ‘I am in charge’ crap. He’s really starting to grind my gears *hard*, I want a softer side from him.

Overall, another great addition to the series. The tone is light and sexy funny and it’s just a great way to spend a few minutes. The sex is hot, and I am just loving how it’s becoming more spicy. As I always say “3 is never a crowd”.

SideNote- I recommend you read this series from the beginning, if you’re a fan of ménage fun.

4 Pants Off

Author Week: Entertaining the Delaneys by Anne Brooke

2012-02-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Entertaining The Delaneys (The Delaney #2) by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Stort: 41pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Since his initial encounter with the Delaney twins, Liam's thoughts have turned back to them time and time again, and he can't help hoping for another meeting. His chance happens one night when Mark Delaney rings and tells him to get into the car waiting outside. Liam does so at once, eager to see the twins again.

Once at the Delaney estate, Liam is at first overawed by the grandeur and style of his surroundings, the lush gardens replete with nude statues and the opulence of the residence itself, but seeing Mark, together with Johnny, focuses his mind on the entertainment to come. And it looks as if entertainment is certainly what's in store. A business associate of the Delaneys, Mr. Buchanan, has agreed a deal with the twins, and part of that deal is Liam himself!

How will the evening end, and will Liam be able to handle the salacious challenges thrown at him this time?

Review:
I have two words to describe this series so far ‘Sexy Fun’. It’s like the best sexiest fun ever. It has two of my favourite things in the M/M genre, twins and a ménage. Though the twins aren't getting all up close and personal, it is still one hell of a freaking good time.

Liam is back with his crazy, and he cannot wait to see the Delaneys again. He is anticipating when they will call on him and he doesn’t have to wait long, because he is invited to their mansion for a little playtime. Liam is freaking out, because he doesn’t know how everything will go down on their turf.

It seems Liam must be the entertainment for the twin, and one of their business partners. That’s not too bad, because Liam is great at putting on a show, and what a show it is. Liam also expresses the things he wants, and proves he’s not just a body. He doesn’t mind being used, but it only has to be by the Delaneys. The Delaneys personality also starts to emerge in this story, and instead of being one entity they become Johnny and Mark.

The story is extended sex scene, but we learn a lot in this sex scene. There is so much that is explored and it has me anticipating the things to come. I want to know Mark more, the domineering and the one in control. Johnny the buffer between Liam and Mark, and he is incredibly sweet. I also want to know the story between Mark and Johnny. There has to be a story, their relationship is brotherly, yet it’s a bit more than that.

Once again, Anne proves her mastery at writing stories, and hot man loving. I want to know more about Liam and his two lovers. Will there be a relationship? On the other hand, will he just be a fuck they call, when he is needed? I am just anticipating more serious pants losing and murky waters ahead.

4 Pants Off

Author Week: The Delaneys & Me by Anne Brooke

2012-02-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Delaneys & Me (The Delaneys #1) by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Story: 35pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
When Liam makes a scene in the middle of a restaurant after his boyfriend, Brandon, dumps him, he knows Brandon’s cousins, the Delaney twins, will be after him. The Delaneys head up the local gangster scene and are not to be messed with. Liam knows their retribution is imminent, especially since, in the heat of the moment, he threatened to take what he knows (and, really, he doesn’t know much) to the police.

It’s a recipe for disaster.

But when the Delaneys confront Liam, they give him a choice between being shot or having sex with both of them, and Liam senses that his evening might turn out to be rather more interesting than originally expected...

Review:
This was one fantastic short, and I am not surprised because the author sure knows how to write them. It has filled with wit, drama, and a whole lot of sexy. The Dalaneys & Me is a whole lot of awesomeness packed into 35 pages.

Liam is making a scene and it could cost him his life, but he doesn't care because his boyfriend Brandon is dumping him in the middle of a restaurant. Liam knows better than to cause a scene and embarrass Brandon, because he is the cousin to the Delaney twins. The twins take family seriously and Liam just seriously ofenced (I am so sure that is not a word, but it's my word). You see folks, the Delaneys are major crime bosses and Liam is about to have his kneecaps broken.

Liam knows they are going to get him and it's only a matter of time before they dish out his punishment. What he never expects is the offer to sleep with both of them, and how can he say no when the other option is being shot (not to die only to maim). Yep, the choice is easy. It's super sexy twin sandwich time.

I really liked this one, though I was expecting some kind of twincest (yes I like that sorta stuff) but rest assured there is no hot twin hook-up. However, I get the feeling that the brothers feelings runs deeper than brotherly love. I am really excited to see what Liam and the bros get up to, and with three more books in the series to go. It's gonna be one heck of a good time!

4 Pants Off

What's Happening This Week: Author Week

2012-02-26T11:44:00.000-05:00

Howdy folks!I can't believe another week is beginning, where does the time go? I want February to be over, because it hasn't been the greatest month for me, but I am hoping March brings good things.

I have a crazy awesome week planned. It's Author Week on Pants Off, and I am reading/reviewing books by the awesome Anne Brooke. Also, Anne will be stooping by for an interview and giveaway. So its gonna be fun, so be sure to stop by and get in on the fun. So here's whats causing a pants losing this week.

Monday- Review for The Delaneys & Me. I really liked this short, so funny and sexy time.

Tuesday- Review of Entertaining the Delaneys & The Art of the Delaneys. These three men sure know how to have a good time.

Wednesday- Anne Brook is stopping by for an interview and giveaway. So stop by and see what Anne has to say.

Thursday- Review for Give and Take. I liked this short, about a man starting to get out in the world again after losing his partner to cancer.

Friday- I review, for One Night Only. I really wished this one was longer.

Saturday- Dating the Delaneys. It must be so tough to date, the sexy crime twin.

Check out my review for The Heart's Greater Silence

So stop by and check out Author Week, I hope it's the beginning of many author weeks to come.

Have a Fab week folks ^_^

SHORTS by Arthur Wooten

2012-02-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

Arthur Wooten's Shorts
Galaxias Productions

Short Novella: 74pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
ARTHUR WOOTEN'S SHORTS
A Stroke Of Luck: a short story

Chip Lowell is a sexy, spicy and self-confident celebrity chef who is just about to debut his first television cooking show. But in the blink of an eye, a life-altering incident forces him to change his menu and reevaluate himself and the people in his life.

The "Dear Henry" Letters

For two years Arthur was the humorist for the London magazine, reFRESH. In each issue of this gay publication he wrote a letter to his exasperating and fictional lover, Henry, explaining the never-ending reasons why they must end their relationship.

But as we all know, sometimes breaking up is really hard to do.

Review:
I was never expecting the amount of awesomeness in this short little book. It’s the most laughs I have had since the year started. I am so happy; I took the chance and decided to review this book. These Shorts will have you in stitches.

The first story, A Stroke of Luck was a sweet look at having a second chance at life. Chip Lowell is in the prime of his life; he is a top chef and has boy toys of all ages to play with. He has no one significant person in his life, he's an in and out type of guy. The men he sleeps with they know the deal, and Chip knows he’s a catch. With a new cooking show in the upcoming, life can’t be more fabulous for Chip, until the most unaccepted incident befalls him.

Chip has suffered a stroke, and it comes as shock because he has never been sick a day in his life. He ultimately suffers alone, and in the midst of it all, he realizes that he had no true friends. With the help of Allie his nurse, Chip is able to make it through his days in the hospital. When its time to leave the hospital, he needs in home care and he takes the one person he has come to depend on, Allie. It seems Chip has been dealt a good hand, because he gets to start over and found someone in the process.

I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s a case of anything can happen, and you never know when it will.

Dear Henry

This is where the awesome comes in. A series of letters written over a few years by Arthur, breaking up with a fictional boyfriend (refer to blurb). These letters cover kink, all the things that can go wrong in a relationship and the fact sometimes we just keep going back to douche bag boyfriends.

A laugh riot of epic proportions, Henry had me in stitches. I think if he were real… I would have really liked to be his friend. The author has an uncanny skill of writing humour, and just a way with words. The letters are the highlight of the book, and for that reason alone, you should go check it out.

"I should have written sooner to thank you for my birthday present but truth be told you had the wrong day and the wrong month. And you sent it to the wrong address. You’re an ass." Are You an Inny or an Outy-Dear Henry Letters

I will be reading this one again, because I just have to experience the letters over and over again. I am still cracking up.

4 Pants Off

And The Winners Are!!

2012-02-23T13:27:00.001-05:00

*Mimi & Natasha won the Naughty Blog Hop. Emails have been sent, you have 48hrs to reply or another winner gets chosen.*

Thanks for participating guys, and I hope you stop by again.

Few Are Chosen by Storm Grant

2012-02-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Few Are Chosen by Storm Grant
Riptide Publishing

Short Story: 46pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Sparks fly between virgin teenage demon hunters when the Chosen One turns out to be the Chosen . . . Two?

Apprentice warrior Blake St. Blake is the Chosen One, raised by an ancient order to defend the world against evil. Well, maybe not the whole world, but at least his neighborhood in downtown Detroit. When a dreaded reflux demon is sighted in a local cemetery, Blake is sent off to his very first battle, armed with his sword, his super-senses, his black leather duster, and a few well-rehearsed one-liners.

But another Chosen One gets in Blake’s way—an apprentice wizard named Shadow. While the boys argue about who’s the more chosen of the two, the demon escapes.

Blake wants to be angry, but it turns out he and Shadow have a lot in common. Besides, Shadow’s pretty cute, and Blake can’t help but think that the wizard’s skills (and hands and lips and other bits) might make the perfect complement to his. Blake and Shadow are brave enough to challenge the reflux demon in a second battle, but will they have the courage to tell each other how they feel?

Review:
With a name like Blake St. Blake, how the hell can I not love this cute and funny story. Blake the demon slayer out on his first mission to rid the world of evil, with his well practiced lines and sword skills (not that sword, get your mind out of the gutter). He is also the chosen one, destined to save the world, but first he has to figure out this whole demon-slaying thing.

When an acid spitting demon shows up at the cemetery, he is patrolling. Blake is ready to put his skills to the test. Just when he is ready to do a showdown, another demon slayer jumps out wielding an awesmazing glowing stick and possesses power Blake only wish he had. It kinda pisses him off but he can’t help noticing that Mr Glowing Stick is a hottie.

What Blake later learns is that he is not the only chosen, he is one of the chosen ones (talk about feeling less important) and glowing stick boy is called Shadow. It seems Blake and Shadow have a lot in common, and a mutual attraction might be one of them.

This little short was super hilarious, because Blake is super hilarious. He was trying so hard to be all tough demon slayer, but in the end, he is just a kid learning the ropes. Blake and Shadow are a pants losing waiting happen, their fumbling into the sexual domain was just super sweet. I do declare they will be one kick ass team.

Let me just say that this story has the potential to be one great series. I want to see Blake and Shadow again as they grow into their demon ass kicking ways. I want to see their mistakes and triumphs and I just know it will be one great hell of a time. These boys will make you smile, and Blake St. Blake is one heck of a scene-stealer.

‘I proclaim thee worthy to be read’

4 Pants Off

You, Me & Yaoi: Cut #4

2012-02-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Weekend Lovers

By: Kiriko Fuwa

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb: Koutaro is a carefree young temp worker, while Asahi is seven years older and an elite salaryman. Due to Asahi's busy schedule, the two men can only be together for two weekends every month. When Koutarou accidentally breaks Asahi's glasses, the incident reveals Asahi's vulnerable side, and he realizes that the glasses are something his lover needs "so much that he can't live on normally without them"; now Koutarou wishes he could be that important to Asahi...

Buy Manga Here

3 1/2 Pants Off

Thoughts: I really wanted to give this one more than 3.5. However, in the end most of the stories were just ‘Meh’.

The first three stories: Weekend Lovers, Selfish Weekend, and Selfish Weekend Extra. Focuses on the same couple, a temp worker (Koutarou) and top business salary man (Asahi). They both have different work schedules, so sometimes they can only meet up on the weekend. When Asahi ask Koutarou to bring dinner for him one night. Koutarou finds out that his lover hasn’t been keeping late hours by himself and maybe their relationship isn’t as strong as he thought.

I liked this story, but I didn’t really love it.

Fragments of Glass and Dark Water, is a somewhat dark one-shot. It deals with two men who work at a video rental store. Oikawa-san the store manager is having some serious erotic fantasies about his employer Yuuji. Yuuji is completely unaware of his boss’s feelings. Until one night in the video store, all becomes clear.

I was mildly surprised by this one O_O.

Cage gives us a little blackmail and payment in sex. When an employer catches his boss cozying it up with another employer. He decides he wants a little nookie for him to keep his silence.

This one was ok. Nothing really impressive.

Right of Passage, Road to Love, is definitely my fave in the entire book. It is also a little outrageous and so funny. I freaking wished it were longer. I am a huge fan of school life yaoi.

Servant and Service, has some cross-dressing and a butler. Really cute and sweet story.

Overall, an all right amount of stories. The boy love was medium, and the upside of this is that it’s only $6 bucks on the retailer site. Can you say Deal!!!

Image from the story Cage

Dark Soul #3 by Aleksandr Voinov

2012-02-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Dark Soul Vol.3 by Aleksandr Voinov
Riptide Publishing

Short Novella: 84pages

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:
In "Dark Lady I," as Silvio Spadaro plans to take on the Russian hit squad that kidnapped his boss, he decides the best way to deal with four extremely dangerous men is to become an even more dangerous woman.

In “Dark Lady II,” Stefano discovers yet another disturbing – and arousing – truth about Silvio and how easily Silvio uses a man’s weakness for his own ends.

“Dark Brother” brings another player to Stefano Marino’s household. Franco Spadaro has just been released from the French Foreign Legion and is catching up with his little brother. In the middle of a war, a skilled sniper comes in right on time – but two Spadaros might be more than Stefano can handle.

Review:
I don't think I want to make an attempt at writing an intelligent review, because I doubt it would express my serious feelings for this book. If you remember, I gushed about Vol.1, Vol.2, and I doubt I managed to express the awesomeness that is this series. I am just going to tell you why you need pick up every volume of this series and not wait a damn minute longer.

"It’s simply the best, better than all the rest".

Yeh it's a song but it works. This volume was a little different from the first two, because it has three stories instead of two. That means triple the power in overall pants losing.

In Dark Lady, we have the very sexy Silvio still hell bent on making the Russians pay for his hurting his boss and potential lover Stefano (read vol.2). And as the blurb says, he goes in all-hardcore as a woman. Silvio is sex on legs in a suit, biker gear, so just imagine the walking wet dream he is as a woman.

"If it’s worth it, let me work it. I put my thing down flip and reverse it. It doesn't matter if I have a penis"

Not actual words from the song, but you get my point. He rocks the Russian's world and then proceeds to take them out of it. Like a boss!

Dark Lady II, Silvio and Stefano get up close and personal. The men share a sexy erotic interlude, that had my iPad overheating and my pants doing the "bye bye bye" dance.

Now the third story was a total surprise, and it brought the heart failure. Dark Brother introduces us to Silvio's brother Franco, which had me thinking 'oh hell naw' I can't possibly handle two Spadaro brothers. No need to worry because Silvio is like a fingerprint, there's only one of him. This story manages to push the series in another direction, and it's a direction I like. Dark Brother brought the brotherly love, and I don't mean the baseball playing kind.

Just when I think I have cracked the code that is the Dark Soul series, Mr Voinov karate chops me in the face with a 'you don't know shit'. I feel like I am right on the edge of knowing, but somehow it isn't enough. If that isn't superb writing, then point me in the direction of what is.

This series might be about the mob, and crime and violence and all that, but it's driving force is Silvio. This phantom of sex on legs, and an insatiable appetite for fucking. Yet, I found myself sad for him, because I feel there is more to him than 'he is what he is'. Silvio just isn't that easy. He might be this sexual carnivore, but sometimes I felt like I was reading about a lost little boy (I could just be cracked in the head).

Overall, it's great! If you're a reader, that likes the darker side of things and enjoys a story that pushes the boundaries. Then this series is for you. I cannot rave about it enough.


5 Pants Off

Protection by S.A Reid

2012-02-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Protection by S.A Reid
Self-Published

Short Novella: 103pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
When Gabriel MacKenna enters Wentworth Prison in 1931, he promises himself two things: never to be buggered and never to turn prison queer. Tough, smart, and ruthless in a fight, he quickly makes a name for himself inside. But Gabriel, saved from the noose by a social crusader, is serving two life sentences. And life is a very long time to endure Wentworth with no comforts but prison food, card games and cigarettes. To survive endless days without the touch of another human being...

Five years after Gabriel’s incarceration, Joey Cooper arrives at Wentworth. Every convict claims imprisonment through a miscarriage of justice, but Joey is truly blameless. Trained at Oxford as a physician, the young doctor is innocent of prison culture and too handsome for his own good. Facing eighteen years behind Wentworth’s towering gates, Joey cannot hope to survive without protection. And protection is just what Gabriel MacKenna offers. At a price...

Review:
S.A Reid is definitely a fave author of mine, and this heartbreaking tale makes her an author to watch out for. Something Different was the first book I read by this author and I loved it so much. Protection is another winner, though both books are as different as night and day.

Gabriel Mackenna is serving two life sentences, with no chance of parole. He knows he will live and die in prison. He decides he's going to rule his permanent home, because he refuses to become bitch to any man. He is both respected and liked by guards and inmates, and they know you don't mess with anything that Mackenna owns.

When new inmates arrive, Joseph Cooper is a part of the new arrivals. He is completely unaware of the effect he's having on the men, especially that of Gabe Mackenna. He is completely unaware of the things about to befall him.

When the men meet for the first time, it's no sunshine and rainbows. Gabe is violent and evil and Joseph suffers in a way no man should. He becomes victim to a man, who protects victims. All this happens because of Gabe’s anger towards himself for feeling something for Joseph, something he said he would never feel for another man.

The story progresses by showing the relationship between Gabe and Joey. Though not an easy start, it does become a genuine relationship. I am just all sorts of impressed by the realism in this story. Everything is believable, and nothing ever becomes too over the top. Though it depicts the harsh times of prison life, there is an undertone of lightness in the writing, and found myself smiling and wanting the best possible outcome for the lovers.

I loved Gabe, which is unbelievable because he isn’t the most likable person in the beginning. I fell in love with him, and I am just so happy he had Joey and they had each other (cries). It was beautiful and let me just throw this out there *some kind of seriously hot*.

Overall, I loved this book! The story will not be for everyone because it doesn't have a HEA, but why avoid a great book to avoid disappointment and sadness (it would be your loss). The writing is excellent, and the story beautiful and it's what I think jail life would have been in the 1930s. I wrote this review without giving away spoilers, and now it's up to you to experience Protection, you will cry the saddest/happiest tears (though that just might be all me).

What's Happening This Week!

2012-02-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

Its been awhile since I did a What's Happening post, due to the fact that I had some computer problems. Well, I am back and hoping my laptop doesn't give out again. So this week is big, basically because I have some wonderful reviews from some awesmazing books. I buckled down and decided I was gonna get some serious reading and reviews done, and man do I feel all productive. I got stuff done like a boss ^_~. So here's whats causing a pants losing this week!

Monday- I have a review for Protection by S.A Reid. I wanted to write this review without giving too much away, and giving you enough to get you interested. I think I did a good job. I absolutely loved this book!

Tuesday- Review for Dark Soul Vol.3 by Aleksandr Voinov. This one is awesmazing and a pants Scorcher!!!

Wednesday- Time for You, Me & Yaoi! I love my Yaoi and I love to share it.

Thursday- Review for Few are Chosen by Storm Grant.

Friday- Review for Arthur Wooten's 'Shorts'. I have a signed copy of this book 'I like signed books' ^_^

I told you, I got things done like a boss!

*Remember to enter the Naught Blog Hop giveaway to win some great prizes. Go get your winning on HERE *

Hot Hands by Erica Pike

2012-02-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hot Hands by Erica Pike
No Boundaries Press

Short Story: 28pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
For weeks, college student Casper has been the victim of sail-by goosing and groping. The problem is that Casper would very much like to get more than groped by those wonderful, big, hot hands. With a journal full of clues, he sets out to discover who his mystery groper is. However, he may be in serious trouble once he discovers the ominous identity, and it’s not because of the light bondage the groper seems to prefer.

Hot Hands is the first of five in a series of short stories. Each story is independent of the others and each covers a deep issue. Hot Hands focuses on the effects of high school bullying for being gay.

Review:
Erica Pike is becoming a new fave author of mine. I love her writing style, and the stories she writes with such awesmazing characters. After reading A Life Without You, I knew that I couldn't hold off on reading Hot Hands. It's such a darn shame it wasn't longer, because those few pages made my heart feel super happy.

Some stranger is groping Casper, and he is on a mission to find the culprit. The mission is harder than he imagined because it could be anybody, when so many students surround him. Casper is in college, leaving his hometown to escape the memories of being bullied and is trying to make fresh new happy memories. So who could be taking advantage of him again? Moreover, why do the hands groping him feel so good, and is making him want things he is afraid to have.

So Casper is out to catch his 'Hot Hands', but his avid sexy feeler upper wants his identity to remain a secret. The idea is but frightening and thrilling for Casper but he is willing to trust and take a chance because being groped as never felt so good. When Casper finally gets intimate with Hot Hands he picks up on some clues, and the truth might just destroy him. Because sometimes the past catches up with you.

Hot Hands offers up such a great little read, the author took chances and I really liked that. The story touches on the serious subject of bullying, and can the victim and the bully as adults form some kind of relationship. It's a hard hitting, sexy romp of a read.

I would love to read about Casper and his 'Hot Hands'. I would really like to get to them better and they have so much to overcome.

4 Pants off

Interracial Love Week

2012-02-15T17:55:00.001-05:00

So it's just a few more weeks until IRL, and I am just sick with anticipation and excitement. This is so super important to me, that I am treating it like a baby, and planning the shit out of it.

The interracial trope is one of my all time faves, and not because its hellaciously hot but also because its incredibly beautiful. I have my own personal stories when it comes to this topic, and I will share it in a post during IRL week. Lets just say I was living in a dreamland where I thought the color of my skin didn't matter when it came to liking a boy, until one day in high school I was cut down to size (one of my worst days ever). I will also share about the people in my life that have been affected.

Its not all about the sad and struggles here folks, this week is a celebration of the awesomeness that is interracial love. I have looked at many books with interracial lead characters, and most of the stories does not focus on the race aspect of it all. In my heart that makes me happy, because love shouldn't be about what ethnicity you are, and how dark or light your skin color might be. It should just be about love, just like it should be for everything!

So I am giving a sneak peek of some of the books I will be reading and reviewing, and who knows might also be giving ^__~

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Lynn Lorenz

Foundation of Love by Scotty Cade

Rushing Towards Perfection by Mya

Plus so much freaking more! Jesu, I am freaking excited.

*Authors if you would like your books featured to be reviewed and/as/or giveaway? Please feel free to contact me and lets get it done. Any recommendations or requests are always welcome, so let me know.*

Stay Tuned Folks!!

Naughty After Dark Hop

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Keeping It Naughty

Thanks to Close Encounters with the Night Kind for hosting this blog along with her co-host Natasha Blackthorne. So I am being naughty and giving away prizes, it's easy to enter and here is how you do it.

Must be 18 or older
The Giveaway is International
Be sure to check out all the other participants for great prizes (Go Here)
Enter all your info in the Rafflecopter widget

Prize #1: $10 Amazon Gift Card

Prize#2: Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan (kindle copy). This is the naughtiest book I have read so far this year. It's a M/M novel with BDSM content and all the kink you can think of. I loved it so much and I hope the winner does too!

There will be 2 winners. One gets the gift card and the other gets the book. Have fun hopping and Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pack Of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn

2012-02-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Pack of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn
Ravenous Romance

Novel: 185pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
When Jack is attacked by a powerful werewolf one moonlit night, his world is forever changed.

Marcus is that wolf, the strong leader of his pack, who never imagined a mere mortal could ever escape him, much less ever become one of his kind. And yet, as time passes, he can't deny the handsome human is slowly beginning to change.

No longer the civilized architect he used to be, Jack feels a new power coalescing inside of him. He barely even recognizes himself as he becomes more sexual, more impulsive, more wild in every way.

But as the bite transforms him, it also binds he and his attacker together forever. The two share a powerful unbreakable link, no matter how forcefully they may each try to deny it. Marcus is already hiding secrets from the other wolves, and his position as Alpha is threatened. Could Jack be the new ally Marcus needs to set things right, or will their desire for one another draw them away from all they know and alter the course of their lives forever?

Review:

I am just going to say “wow” for this book. I found it quite refreshing, veering away from the typical werewolf novels, this one was original, and without the sappy I found my mate, lets get together and have wild sex. Don’t get me wrong I love those kinds, but this book was just so animalistic, raw and without the typical HEA (happy ever after). If for only one reason, you read this book, read it for its originality and well-written characters.

Marcus is the alpha of his wolf pack, but truth be told he is not very respected, the pack feels another pack member should be leader because of his birthright, but due to family politics/prejudices Marcus became leader of the pack. One thing making leading difficult is his desire for other men, this is considered wrong among wolves and they believe only male/female is allowed. Marcus has to hide away in secret and get his kicks; his inner struggle to contain that part of himself during the moon call is just vivid and so intense.

The first scenes in the book provide a clear look into what it is to be a wolf, this is no Little Red Riding Hood shit, these are animals camouflaged in human looking form. Their thinking is purely animal based, human are snacks and they make no apology for what they are. With the full moon high in the sky, Marcus becomes his wolf form and goes a hunting, leaving the pack behind and venturing off on his own, he is then hit by a car and with this incident his life becomes chaos in motion.

Jack Devereaux is driving home from a party with his friend Ivy, when suddenly they hit something. Hoping and praying that he did not just hit a person Jack goes to investigate. With the road surrounded by darkness, Jack is unclear of what exactly he just hit until he is attacked by what looks like an abnormally large wolf. The thing of his curiosity just became his nightmare when he is mauled to an inch of his life until his rescued and rushed to hospital by Ivy. What happens next is unclear to Jack, but all he remembers is vivid sexual dreams about a man he has never met, he shares the same eyes as the wolf who almost killed him.

The book then becomes intense; Jack’s wounds healed miraculously, he is feeling very energetic for a man who almost died, and he just woke up naked under a tree covered in blood. Jack cannot understand the changes going on with him, but he knows one thing for sure his life will never be the same again. Thus, enters the wolf pack and the threats, and the man of his dreams. Now it becomes a race to stay alive, when he is betrayed in the worst way by someone he thought was a friend, and a fight to keep the man he is slowly becoming to love. Marcus will have to make sacrifices and put his pack leadership on the line.

The story is told in first person by both Jack and Marcus, both POVs done in alternating chapters, and you get a strong sense of who they are as characters. It is great to see Jack evolve from this very scared human, to a vicious wolf. The progression of emotions were written wonderfully, there is nothing sappy about Marcus and Jack’s relationship, it is raw and dirty sexy good.

I had one small issue with the book, and that it became overly descriptive at times. I rolled my eyes a few time at Jack and Marcus’s internal dialogue, I was like I get it, they feel like animals. It was not a huge problem, just bothered me a few times. With saying that, Vaughn is a very good writer, she keeps you interested with a rhythmic flow of words. Another word of caution for those who strictly love M/M books without the presence of male/female relations, this book is not one of them. It does a have a few m/f scenes, it does not overshadow the relationship between the men, just letting you know.

Overall, I really liked this book; the sex was dirty gritty and super hot. The plot while not mind bending is still good. What makes this book truly notable are its characters and their wolf instincts. Though there is no solid HEA, I am hoping for a sequel, because I want more of these characters, and there is no way in hell a book can end like that. I definitely recommend it, for all paranormal fans who like action and grit with a little romance.

Fave Scene: The coffee shop in the storage closet. I died all kinds of death when I read that scene. It was so hot, and to see Jack take over like that. Oh yes it was good!!!

4 Pants Off

Previously Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews

A Life Without You by Erica Pike

2012-02-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

A Life Without You by Erica Pike

MLR Press

Novel: 236pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:

Jesse's like a bar of soap: the tighter Adam holds on, the faster Jesse slips away. Or that's how it feels to Adam. It doesn't help that Jesse has a girlfriend back home and claims to be straight, but there's no way with all the sparks and physical intimacy flying between the two roommates.

When Adam believes he has reached his ultimate happiness, the bedroom walls come crashing down with a visit from Jesse's girlfriend.

Now Jesse has to decide if he can come to terms with his sexuality, while Adam has to learn to accept that Jesse might never be able to crawl out of the closet.

Review:

Books fall under three catergories for me, the ones I can't wait to read to cause a pants losing, the books I anticipate reading, and the others where the blurb sounds interesting and it gets added to the pile. A Life Without You is one of those where the blurb sounded interesting and I decided to give it a try, well folks I'm glad I said yes to reviewing it because I freaking loved it. It's one of those where I wanna run naked through some fields singing " the hills are a live with the sound of ~~music~~ *awesome*". This book caused a pants losing of epic proportions and I'm so in love with the story.

Adam is in love with his roommate Jesse, but he doesn't want to tell him he's gay because he already lost a roommate because of his sexuality. The only thing thats different is that if Jesse left him it would hurt more than anything else. When a friend dares Jesse to kiss Adam all his secrets come out, and it puts a strain on their friendship. The kiss he shared with Jesse was life changing and he knows that he is in serious love with is friend. If only Jesse will admit that he also wants Adam, judging by the hard piece of length in his pants.

The story unfolds with the boys growing attraction, and the sexual chemistry they share. All isn't well in their room, because Jesse has a girlfriend and he refuses to let her go. Adam is willing to take anything he has to offer, even it kills him to be the fuck buddy, knowing that nothing more will ever come of their relationship.

Jesse is character I love but sort of hate. He has a girlfriend whom he is cheating on, and he has Adam on the side. He wants the security of being the straight boy, but he also wants the chemistry and the love he has for Adam. Then he pulls a douche move by forbidding Adam to be with anyone else, while he cuddles and eventually has sex with the girlfriend. He seems like such a bastard but yet my heart goes out to him, I can just imagine his inner turmoil being faced with the possibility of being gay or just gay for Adam.

Adam I really liked but also found him very passive at times. I understand love and finding your soulmate but he just took way too much crap from Jesse, and because of that he got the shitty end of the stick; just a few too many times. I did love the boys together, talk about sexy as hell and so utterly sweet. It was great to see how they got from point A, to point B.

Overall, Erica Pike has written a fantabulous book and I am so in love with the story. I was all smiles from the beginning to the end, it kept me enthralled and jumping out of my pants. The author is going down as a must read for me, if she keeps writing about beautiful boys such as Jesse and Adam. A Life Without You will also keep you interested with awesmazing supporting characters, and I want more of these fun and sexy boys. All that eyeliner and leather had me hyperventilating over my iPad, and wanting all of them to get together in a serious orgy of limbs and holes (gawd it would have been sexy). I Love This Book!

4 1/2 Pants Of

A Year of Firsts- first book by author Erika Pike

Coming Soon!!

2012-02-11T17:30:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to update you guys on all the fun things cumming up this month and next month on Pants Off. It's gonna be an awesmazing amount of fun with giveaways, theme week and my very first Author Week. So here is a preview and I hope to see you guys for all the fantabulous events.

Naughty Blog Hop!

Naughty After Dark blog hop is going down here on Pants Off. Be sure to stop by and win something naughty and get the info on where to get other naughty prizes.

Author Week!

My very first Author Week is coming up for February 27th- March 3rd. The featured author is Anne Brooke, and she will be stopping by for an interview and an awesmazing giveaway. So don't miss this one folks.

Interracial Love Week!

This one is my baby folks, and I am just all kinds of excited. This means so much to me, and I will be doing a post as to why. So I am spending a week featuring books with interracial couples, a bit of multiculturalism (I have some work ahead) and just the diversity that can be found in M/M. The world is made up of many races and I really enjoy reading about it *plus it's like super hot*.

*Any recommendations or ideas you would like to include in IRL week, please feel free to comment or email me. Authors if you want your book as a part of IRL week, as a giveaway or as reviewed book feel free to contact me. I want epic things for this 'EPIC'! Will have another post up closer to the IRL week.*

Academic Pursuits by Lou Harper

2012-02-10T17:25:00.001-05:00

Academic Pursuits by Lou Harper

Amber Allure

Novella: 101pages

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:

Jamie Brennan is putting “cad” back into academia!

The son of a well-to-do family and blessed with both dark good looks and buckets of confidence, Jamie lives for the chase. He has a well-deserved reputation around college as a seducer of straight frat boys. No man is off-limits to Jamie—he’s happy to help fellow gay students out of the closet, too. He even has lustful designs on his oblivious English professor, so it’s no surprise that his amorous pursuits often land him in sticky situations.

There's just one flaw in Jamie's perfect world—Roger Hunt. The hunky grad student, who dresses more like a lumberjack than the talented artist he is, gives Jamie hostile looks every time their paths cross. Jamie tries to ignore Roger, but they can't seem to stop running into each other, and Jamie's beginning to wonder if it’s more than chance that continues to steer them down the same halls...

Review:

Jaime is a 22 year old college student. He is smart, good looking, and is all about a good time. He has a reputation around campus as being a seducer of straights, he loves the thrill it gives him when he' s blowing some jock in the washroom. No feelings are hurt because hes giving them a new experience and a good time without all the complications of a relationship.

His charms are completely lost on Roger Hunt, the lumberjack looking hottie. Roger doesn't seem really impressed with his playboy attitude or his good looks. Though Jaime is attracted to Roger it seems the attraction might be just one sided because if Roger's scowl is an indication, it's saying 'nope I'm not looking for a good time'.

I can't really call this one a romance, because Jaime doesn't get with Roger until very late in the book. It does centre around their growing relationship, but this book is pretty much the Jaime show and the men in his life until he finally gets with Roger. I am not sure I like Jaime very much and it has nothing to do with him being a little slutty, I just could not bring myself to love him. Ultimately Jaime is a nice guy, who sometimes goes over board with the whole seduction thing but in the end he always ends up alone.

We follow him through many hook-ups with the straight boys, the gay boys, and the closet cases. While he sprouts philosophical ideas on sexuality which I found to be the most enjoyable part of the book. When he goes off on a tangent with his cousin Jo, explaining to her the finesse on he lands his conquest and that it's all a little experimenting on their part and in no way does it make them gay. I don't read many books that explain that it's a lot more than sex that makes a gay man, and just because you like something in your ass now and again doesn't mean a damn thing.

Overall, I liked the story but something was missing for me. In all honesty I think it has a lot to do with Jaime because I don't really like him all that much. His narrative is humorous but at often times seemed overly obnoxious. I do enjoy Lou Harpers writing style it's crisp and fun, I just had a real hard time connecting to the story and the characters.

3 1/2 Pants Off

The Value of Rain by Brandon Shire

2012-02-07T02:45:00.000-05:00

The Value of Rain by Brandon Shire

The Practical Group

Novel: 171pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:

Charles is 14, and after being discovered with his first love he is forced into a mental hospital to cure his sexuality . For the next ten years he endures mental and physical torture as part of that treatment and when he is finally free, he begins a relentless quest for vengeance against the woman who abetted his commitment, his mother Charlotte.

The Value of Rain chronicles Charles’ journey from hate to the unexpected beginning of redemption, and reveals the destructive nature of families, secrets and revenge.Half the proceeds from this book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.

Review:

What a roller coaster of emotions this book was for me, The Value of Rain is so far out of my reading zone you have no idea. Yet, I was interested in giving it a chance based on all the raves reviews. I have to say I was far from disappointed, and I am glad I gave it a chance.

Charles is fourteen and in love with a boy who makes his days better, he is the sunshine within his dark and gloomy life. This love leads the boys into a sexual relationship and later they are caught together. The events that unfold is tragic, horrendous, and will leave you positively heart broken. Charles is institutionalized by his mother and uncle, and left in a mental hospital to undergo 'treatment' to remove his homosexuality.

It's hard to imagine a mother doing that to her own child, but Charlotte is no mother. The years of suffering and heartache leaves Charles to plot revenge against those that took away his life and the love he had for a boy. With the help of a doctor and a father he never knew, Charles is given the opportunity to heal and move forward; but his mind is stuck in the past and he wants to see the end of his mother. Though Charlotte is dying, Charles is just unable to forgive and find some peace.

The author writes an incredible tale of the most vicious circumstance that could ever befall a child. At times I felt the circumstances was a bit too extreme and extravagant, but it paints the picture that our children do suffer. Whether it be for their sexuality or the fact that they have parents who should never have given birth to children. It is sometimes a cruel world for the young, and they fall victim to people who hurt and abuse them. Which makes the reading experience for The Value of Rain that much stronger.

Charles is a complex and frustrating character and he really pisses me off. I understood his need for revenge and hurting the person who hurt him, but he should have realized that there was no way to hurt a woman who willingly gave up a son. He's also offered so much love but never accepts it, but I understand he is a giver of love but not one who accepts it (you will understand exactly what I mean when you read the book). He frustrates the crap out of me, but yet I am sympathetic towards him. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't be very forgiving either.

Overall, this book is a series of twists and scenes, that are harsh in its realism but fulfilling because of that. Its like a story written for the forgotten boys/girls and the cruelties they face with no one to care for them. It's a lot more than gay fiction, it's a great freaking read. Charles, and every character from this book will leave you spellbound and then break your heart, it's just that intense. Though Charles was a pawn in the game of adults and was left suffer, he still possesses the capability to love. I think it's for that reason why I like this book so much.
I would love to read about Charles again, the ending left too much to the imagination.

SideNote- Half the proceeds from the purchase of this book goes to LGBT charities combatting homelessness. That my friends is a very good thing, so give some support.

Kidnapped by Megan Derr

2012-02-02T17:34:00.000-05:00

Kidnapped by Megan Derr
Less Than Three Press

Novel: 197pages

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Infinitum Government Code 3.18.21.512: Genetic Experimentation Shall Be Strictly Forbidden

No job is more arduous than that of Rehab Guard—those appointed to guard the many and varied prisoners within the Infinitum Government, the ruling power of a vast interplanetary alliance. To be a Rehab Guard requires very specific qualifications and years of specialized training. It is brutal, dangerous, and often thankless job—and there is nowhere else Sean would rather be. It keeps him safe, his deadly secret safely buried, and gives him a life as close to normal as he will ever come.

Until the day new prisoner arrives, a genetically-engineered Draconis with the ability to ‘match’ to a suitable magics-capable individual and boost his power. Convicted of murder, he is sentenced to Rehab for life, and no one has ever escaped from Rehab. But no one counted on the prisoner matching with Sean, who as a human should not be capable of magics…

Review:
I don’t read much ScienceFiction in the M/M genre, not because there is a lack of it; but because it’snever my first choice when it comes to reading. When I started Kidnapped I had no idea what to expect. The blurb had me thinking of a different plot in my head.I thought it was gonna be about a man who falls in love with his captor, becausethey have a bond and that bond cannot be denied. I have to say that Ms Derrblew all my fancy dreaming out of the water *and fancy dreaming it was*.

Kidnapped is the first bookin a series that I find highly complex, and I think that has to do with all theinformation in the story. Though it was really slow for me in the beginning,and there was a substantial amount of info pile-up (though that could just be all me). It picked up quite nicely.

Sean is a Rehab guard apartof the Infinitum Government (there powers know no bounds). To be a rehab guardyou have to be the best of the best because they deal with the most dangerousof beings. Being rehab is all Sean loves, and with one prisoner all that comescrumbling. It seems the new prisoner is a Draconis being brought in on murdercharges, and the shit is about to hit the proverbial fan because Sean is his match.

What is a Draconis you ask?Well they are genetically engineered species whose sole purpose was to givepower to who they matched with. So now Sean and his match share some prettyamazing magic, teleportation and healing. Now Sean and his Draconis Mendel arefugitives who are on mission to save the Draconis race (if I talk about that this review will never end).

This story contains manycharacters with so many different plot lines. As I said really slow for me inthe beginning, but it picks up with mystery and entertaining characters. It’slike a plethora of information which at often times was somewhat overwhelming,but the author keeps it flowing well and every scene developed to its full potential.

What I really liked is thatbeing matched/bonded doesn’t mean that a romantic relationship will be formed. Thisis somewhat unusual because whenever bonds are formed in books, it always leadto sex and happy ever after, well not here. There is sex, but it’s a developmentstory so all that lovey dovey played a huge second.

Overall, I really liked it. Ilook forward to reading the second book because all the Draconis drama is farfrom over.There is also a very pretty villain who is quite crazy but so very pretty. I am super interested and will be reading the sequel Meant to Be.

3 1/2 Pants Off

And The Winner Is.....

2012-02-01T12:10:00.003-05:00

Majken

*Majken has won a book from Josephine Myles backlist by commenting on her interview. An email is on the way to you. You have 48hrs to reply or the prize will go to someone else.*

Thanks to all those who entered and commented, and thanks to Jo for offering up this awesome giveaway!!!

Waiting On a Pants Losing: Jan 29th to Feb 6th

2012-01-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

Well folks I couldn't help myself and bought more books (its a crazy obsession). So here's some of my recent purchases and books that are being released this week that I am looking forward to, and will cause a pants losing in the future.

My Recent Purchases

1) 18% Gray by Anne Tenino *I have heard some great things about this one, so I went ahead and bought it*

2) Ex Equals by L.A Witt *I have a few books from the Hot College Daze series, so I thought 'why the hell not' plus I sorta like L.A Witt*

3) More by Sloan Parker *I love M/M/M and this one sounds and looks like it will be awesmazing*

4) Ink by Isabelle Rowan *I am a cover whore, so it wasn't even a question if I should buy it or not*

5) Tono by Mickie B Ashling * Loved the first book Loving Edits, so I am really excited to read Tono*

This Week Releases

Cinder by Marie Sexton

February 4th, 2012

This sounds like a story I really wanna read, plus its Marie Sexton. That's like guaranteed awesomeness!

Taking the Dare by Lee Brazil

February 3rd, 2012

So if you didn't know already I loved book one and two in this series, they were just amazing. With book 2 being my favourite, because of the hot twincest and menage *yep, its as hot as it sounds*.

A Spell of Passion or Fear by T.C Mill

February 1st, 2012

I have not a clue about this author, but as a self proclaimed cover slut. I could not let this book pass *I love that cover*. It also sounds intriguing and other stuff.

So there it is folks, the books I am looking forward to being released this week. There is tons more out there, so let me know what will be causing a pants losing for you this week.

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan
Loose-Id

Novel: 153pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:

Roe Davis is a man who works hard, keeps to himself, and never mixes business with pleasure — until he takes a weekend away from his new job at Nowhere Ranch and runs into the owner at the only gay bar for two hundred miles. Getting involved with the boss is a bad idea, but Travis Loving is hard to say no to, especially when it turns out their kinks line up like a pair of custom-cut rails. As Loving points out, so long as this is sex on the side, no interfering with the job, they could make it work.

The truth is, there’s good reason Roe never settles down and always spends his birthdays and holidays celebrating alone. Shut out in the cold by his family years ago, Roe survived by declaring he didn’t need a home. As his affair with Loving grows into more than just sex, Roe finds out what happens when he stays put a little bit too long: the past always catches up with you. Eventually, even a loner gets lonely, and home will grow up through whatever cracks you leave open for it — even in a place called Nowhere.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices, strong BDSM theme and elements, fetish play.

Review
For all that is sweet and holy, I was not expecting Nowhere Ranch to be so awesmazing. I imagined cowboys, hay lifting, and all that fun stuff, but it’s what our main characters did behind closed doors that make this book shine. I gotta tell you folks my pants abandoned ship 25 pages into the book and did not return. I have ceased to go looking for them. Can I get a ‘hawt, hawt’, and a ‘bloody fucking shit’ because you will be saying both those phrases when you read this book.

Roe Davis is just a man who works hard, and lives for himself. He’s been alone for quite sometime, and that’s the way he likes it. Moving from one ranch to another is his way, because he won’t settle. A quick hook-up here and there, but nothing long lasting. Working at Nowhere Ranch it seems perfect, until he goes into town to get laid and run into his boss. Well Roe doesn’t mix business and pleasure but with his boss Travis Loving, Roe might find all that he’s been looking for.

Though Travis plays an important role in the story, it’s Roe that steals the show. It’s as if he said ‘hey Darien do you wanna see what I do each day in and out of the bedroom?’. It was the most intimate thing I have ever read. Roe’s fears, sadness, and love became apart of me. It’s as if Heidi Cullinan gifted me with watching Roe grow, and grow he did. I felt like an absolute voyeur throughout the book, and that my friend is due to some awesmazing writing.

What Roe and Travis get up to is not for the faint of heart. Say what you want but it takes skill to write a BDSM novel, because with BDSM it’s more than sex. It becomes trust, and showing that one person all the things you will never share with anyone else. Roe is this complex character, sexual yet shy, confident yet without confidence, and he fascinates me. Travis is simply beautiful and just such a realistic character. Not all about the hard tone abs, and the stamina of young men, he is just a kind man that likes to play dirty (oh yeh).

Overall, this book is a fantastic read and fantastically sexy. There is so much to say but I don’t wanna ruin this for you. I can say that this book has the best female character I have ever read in M/M, *Haley I heart you*. This was fantastic and I just effing love it, that is all.

4 1/2 Pants Off

Menage Mondays: Breaking Clay by Eden Cole

2012-01-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, and its time for Menage Monday. Though I wouldn't recommend placing this story at the top of any list. It was just all over the place and the editing quite frankly just sucked (and not in the good way).

Breaking Clay by Eden Cole

Sugar/Spice Press

Short Novella: 64pages

Rating: 2.25 out of 5

Blurb: When Clay is injured after falling off the bull he’d been riding, sexy bartenders Bo and Trace take him into their home until he’s back on his feet. These are the two men Clay tried to pick up when he first arrived in the small town of Deadwater, Texas. He figures it’s is the perfect opportunity to have a quick fling before he’s back on the road. But Bo sees the dominate cowboy in Clay, and he won’t just hand over Trace to him. Not until Clay let’s Bo break him in.

Bo and Clay fight constantly, both pig-headed, both trying to the big man in control. Trace is caught in the middle offering Clay kisses to heal is wounded pride and hoping he and Bo can reach some compromise. Until then he’ll seduce them both in his own way. Bo is determined to break down Clay’s resistance no matter what he has to do.

Thoughts: I don’t even know what to say about this one. I was crazy ready to lose my pants to this book, with a title like ‘Breaking Clay’ who wouldn’t be. Well Clay should have been left whole and complete. I guess the idea behind having a man bend at your will is sexy as hell. This book just went about it all wrong.

So Clay is in the rodeo and it has stopped at a town called Deadwater in Texas (jeez why must Texas town names sound so ominous). He unwinds at a bar and tries to pick up the bartender cus his gaydar is going off. Only to he gets denied because Mr. sexy bartender has a very sexy boyfriend. Clay knows when to back off and so he does, but he can’t deny that the couple was hot.

As a bull rider, Clay’s job is highly dangerous and that danger catches up to him when he is injured during a competition. With no family or friends its Trace and Bo the couple from the bar to his rescue. Clay is thinking that finally, he can get into Trace’s pants injured and all but there’s a catch, Bo has to break him in.

Is Clay some kind of horse or saddle or something? I don’t know about you but I am deeply offenced (is that even a word =_= ) Bo is overbearing and kinda of annoying. He’s Mr. know it all, as if he has some psychic powers when it comes to Clay. I can’t even begin call this a ménage relationship, cus it just seems like sex to me.

The editing is a serious problem, and if I noticed editing then ‘publisher we have a problem’. I don’t really make a big deal about editing and all that because I am no editing expert, but I swore at one point Bo was literally giving himself a blow-job *I was surprised that he was also a gymnast*. That happened so many times through out the story with the mix-up of characters names. It really throws you out of the story and it seems so minor but it just happened too excessively for me to let it slide.

Overall, I am disappointed in this story, and I am not impressed with the ménage relationship of it all. It was really hard to like the characters, and I feel like I hardly know them. I think 64pages is just way too short to give a man an injury, have him move in with two complete strangers and try to forge a lasting trias relationship.

2 1/2 Pants Off

Always Remember:"3 is never a crowd and one more is always invited"

A Year Of Firsts- First book by author Eden Cole

What's Happening This Week!!

2012-01-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

Howdy folks, I hope you guys had a fantabulous week. It was crazy fun here at Pants Off, we had the Shameless Blog Hop and what a great success that was. I have some new followers and I hope to hear from you guys and get you over to the M/M side (so much fun to be had). So welcome and lets have lots of fun!

This week is a reviewing week, I think I must have only put out one review last week. So this week I am catching up, so without further rambling. Here's whats causing a pants losing this week.

Monday- It's 'Menage Monday' and this little short story was a full blown mess. I was super excited about this one causing a pants losing and it did, but the story had too many problems.

Tuesday- I am talking about my recent purchases (yeh I bought more books) and what reads I am looking forward to in February.

Also hitting you up with a review for Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan which was pure awesmazingness.

Wednesday- A review for Kidnapped by Megan Derr. I am still trying to wrap my brain around this one @__@.

Thursday- Review for Marked by Joely Skye just cause I am in the mood for some PNR.

Friday- I think I forgot all about this post last week. So now I am posting my fave online fics or fanfics. Some of them are truly great.

If I feel like posting something else I will (me spontaneous).

Announcements

Check out my interview with Josephine Myles, and comment and you can win a book from her backlist (her stuff is awesome) Here. Wednesday February 1st at 12:00AM contest ends.

Also don't forget to vote for the author of the week. Poll can be found on the left side of the blog.

Winners!!!!!!

2012-01-28T01:24:00.000-05:00

The Shameless Giveaway Hop has been fantabulous and I am happy I was apart of it (I am so doing it again). Now its time to choose the lucky winners. *Drum Roll Please* and the winners are...

Elizabeth K

Andrea I

*The emails have been sent, so look out for them and make sure they don't become spam. If no reply in 48hrs another winner is chosen*

'Thanks to the wonderful Megan Derr and Blaine D. Arden for being apart of the giveaway. I really appreciate it'.

Didn't win this time around, well you get another chance to be apart of a wonderful give away. Check out my interview with Josephine Myles and comment and get a chance at her backlist HERE

Tailor Made by Josephine Myles

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Tailor Made by Josephine Myles
Amber Allure

Novella: 103pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
When Mr. Wrong measures up just right!

College tart Felix McAvoy is used to causing a stir with his conceptual art pranks, but for his final show he's planning something even more outrageous. In a last ditch attempt to seduce his jaded tutor, Felix plans to wear the canvas in a subversive display. However, if he's going to do this right he'll need a tailor-made canvas suit. Fortunately, he knows just the tailor to turn to for the favour—and Felix isn't shy about offering favours of a very different kind in return.

First year fashion student Andrew Wheeler knows Felix by reputation only—and plans to keep things that way. Andrew's determined to save himself for the man of his dreams, and Felix couldn't be more different from his ideal Mr. Right. There's only one use Andrew will contemplate for Felix's body: a model for his end of year project. Trouble is, it's going to involve a lot of close contact with a nearly naked Felix, and Andrew's never had temptation quite so close at hand...

Review:
I love this author’s work! She is able to bring two men who are as different as night and day together and make beautiful sweet man love. So is the case with Tailor Made, we have the fantabulous tart Felix and the virginal and shy Andrew. What both men have in common is that they attend the same art school and they are both set in their ways when it comes to how they live their life.

Felix is a manslut and he just does not care, he doesn’t pretend to be something he is not. He has been lusting after his art professor for quite sometime, and he has a plan to finally get him and he’s gonna need the help of fashion student Andrew to do it. What he doesn’t expect is that Andrew is not easily persuaded by sex; but where there’s will there is always a way. So shameful flirt Felix goes in hard (and I do mean hard).

In this case, opposites do attract and the boys find themselves needing each other. Yes, there is want and the uncontrollable lust but there is also the friendship that has been formed and the easy acceptance of each other. Andrew the virgin and Felix who is Mr Experience together is just right.

I loved how smiley this story made me, Felix is outrageous and you can’t help loving him. I find I like them when their super slutty, it makes when they find love all that much sweeter. Andrew is shy but he’s far from tame, he had some incredibly sexy moments. I can honestly say that when the bad meets the good, they f*ck amazingly (my cheekiness for the day). If you are looking for a light and fun read, then look no further this story is it.

4 Pants Off

SideNote- I would pay good money to see Felix in a dress!

Check out my interview with Josephine Myles and comment and win a book from her backlist.

Interview & Giveaway: Josephine Myles

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

I am super excited to welcome the awesmazing Josephine Myles to the blog. Its also a spectacular moment for the blog... because it is my very first author interview *YAY*. So Jo is here chatting it up, and answering my questions. Also Jo has brought a give away to one lucky commenter 'Winner's Choice'!!

Hi Jo and welcome to the Pants Off, it’s great to have you here.
Hi Darien, thanks for inviting me over!

Tell us a bit about yourself, and how long you've been writing?

As for me? Well, I’m a scatty, tea-addicted Brit who spends far too much time daydreaming. I live in a small town in rural Somerset, England, with my cheeky six-year-old daughter and long-suffering husband. I used to be a real wild child, but these days I get my kicks writing smutty stories and knitting socks.

I suppose I’d have to say I’ve been writing all my life, although I took a long break after studying Creative Writing (among other subjects) at university. I became scared of the strange things my muse was throwing at me—not only was much of it way beyond my experience, but I knew I’d end up writing explicit sex scenes and I just wasn’t sure if I could handle anyone else reading those.

Fast forward to the summer of 2009 when, frustrated beyond belief by one of my favourite TV characters being killed off (Ianto in Torchwood), I discovered the weird and wonderful world of slash fanfiction. I started writing a story to bring Ianto back to life, then realized how much I loved writing just for the fun of it. I submitted my first original short story in January 2010, and I haven’t looked back.

Was gay fiction something you always wanted to write? Or did you develop an interest over time?
I’d always been fascinated by homoeroticism and gay romance, even before the m/m genre existed. I can clearly remember the first time I read Maurice by E.M. Forster (I was seventeen) – it felt so utterly right to me. I ended up writing my A-level English Literature paper about it.

There are all kinds of ideas for gay stories back in my notebooks from university. I just never knew there was any kind of market for women writing about gay men. I
also wasn’t sure if it was something I should write—especially explicitly sexual scenes between two men.

I have read both Barging In & Boats in the Night, and if you could just tell us a bit about what inspired you to write both stories?
Barging In was always intended to be a class romance on the canal, but I liked the idea of playing with expectations by having the boater as someone who’d started as upper-middle class, and the professional writer with a working class background. Beyond that, the driving inspirational image in my head was of a sexy man chopping wood by the canal.

Boats in the Night sprung from an idea for an erotic short story with a canalside house owner getting it on with a boater who stops at the end of his garden. However, the set-up seemed ripe with possibilities so I gave it a go as a novella. I liked the idea of contrasting a character like Giles who was utterly rooted in one spot, with someone footloose and fancy free. My inspirational image for the story was a dreadlocked man juggling fire.

Barging In and Boats in the Night deal with the narrowboat lifestyle. Is that something you have experienced? And was there a half-naked hottie involved?
I did indeed live on a narrowboat for two years, cruising up and down the Kennet and Avon canal near Bath. One of my favourite canal-side sights was of the boater men stripping down to work on their engines or chop wood. They were always tanned, toned and tattooed – you got some great eye-candy along there!

Sadly, no matter how I attempted to persuade him, my husband would always chop wood with a T-shirt on :(

There is always diversity in stories I have read by you, where people of different ethnicity and social background fall in love. Is that something you feel strongly about? Where love knows no color or creed?
Absolutely! I love to see what happens when throwing together two characters who are strongly attracted to each other, but who come from different worlds. The opportunity for conflict is rife, but so is the chance to show that despite our
differences in upbringing, we all share a common humanity and can find so many ways to connect.

I also think in some ways it’s a reaction to growing up in a very middle-class, white town. I always craved more diversity around me, even as a small child. I used to daydream about living in the inner city above a bustling street market!

Is it hard to write all that hot and sexy man love in your books?

Yes and no. Yes because the sex scenes always take me longer to write than the other bits. You have to be extra careful with your pronouns, and you have to watch for repetition as there are a limited number of words available to describe the mechanics of what’s going on.

But no, because they are without a doubt the bits I look forward to writing the most. I love to get the characters to that place where they’re overwhelmed by sensation and utterly vulnerable. Sex scenes are rich with possibilities for strong emotions and revelatory experiences. I always try to make them about more than simply the smexing – they’re there to further the plot and show important details about the characters and how they relate to each other.

That’s what I tell myself, anyway. It’s entirely possible that I’m just a perv looking to justify my peculiar obsession!

*Well then I guess we're all a bit pervy*

So you have a new release out. Can you tell us a bit about it, and your future plans in writing?
I have a new novella out called Tailor Made. It’s an erotic romantic comedy involving two students at an arts college. Tarty artist Felix seeks out virginal fashion student Andrew to help him with one of his projects, and ends up offering his body in exchange – both as a model and more! Neither of them expect to fall for each other as Felix is convinced he’s in love with his stern tutor, whereas Andrew has an image of a Mr. Right in his head that he’s been holding out for.

I also have a few shorts coming out this next month, but I’m most excited about my next novel, to be released by Samhain in April. Handle with Care is narrated by Ben, a virtually housebound recluse whose life is ruled by his dialysis regime. He falls for the punky delivery guy who brings him his porn DVDs, but the age gap and his ill health means Ben can’t imagine him and Ollie ever being more than a fantasy. Ollie feels differently, however...

As for what I’m working on next? That’s an m/m/m bawdy comedy which I really need to get back to writing if I’m going to get it finished in time...

This question is mostly for me ^_^

One of my favorite movies is Guess Who's Coming to Dinner starring Sidney Poitier. A young white girl brings home a very black fiancé and presents him to her parents (she shocks their pants off).

My question is... Would you consider ever writing a M/M story that follows a similar pattern?

I can see that making a great short story in its own right. I played with that sort of scene in Barging In when Robin brings Dan to lunch with his family, but doing it with race and/or sexuality as the shocking factor would be interesting. I’ll add it to the pile of ideas – thanks Darien!

The gay Twilight, would you write it? * Anticipating Answer*
In a word: no! Actually, I’ve never seen Twilight but I have no particular yen to write a vampire story. If I ever did, it would probably end up as either a screwball comedy or something packed with angsty, steamy sex like Jordan Castillo Price’s fabulous Channeling Morpheus series. From what I understand, Twilight is a rather chaste affair.

Shoot, I was hoping you would have said yes.

Pants, is it better to write with them on or off? (for research purposes only ^_~ )

Well, seeing as how “pants” means underpants over here, I’d have to say... maybe! I write best when I’m comfortable, so usually that means wearing a skirt, although I do have a lovely new pair of jeans I’m wearing now. What I don’t do is slob around in my pjs or a pair of jogging bottoms all day. I have standards, dammit!

Thanks for being here Jo and answering my question, it was awesmazing have you here.

You can find Josephine on her website and blog josephinemyles.com where you can check out her books and other goodies *free reads*.

Jo has brought a giveaway for you lucky readers. It's a Winner's Choice affair, so the power lies with you. Go ahead and check out Miss Myles website if you are unfamiliar with her work, or check out reviews here on Pants Off. Contest runs until Wendesday, Feburary 1st at 12:00AM EST!

- must be 18 or older
- leave email address with your comment
- you have 48hrs to reply to email or another winner will be chosen (make sure my email doesn't become spam)
- winner will be chosen by random.org/rafflecopter

You, Me & Yaoi: Cut #3

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Affair

By: Shiuko Kano

Rating: 3 out of 5

Blurb: Affair is a collection of short stories from a manga-ka whose men ooze testosterone. Shuiko Kano has never been shy about portraying real adult relationships and while Affair is a bit more subtle than her usual fair, it is by no means an exception.

Yoshiyuki and Haruomi, teammates on a high school baseball team, discover their feelings for each other years after their golden days. Will a chance reunion blossom into an unexpected love? Kyouichi and Hijiri find out that there are things thicker than blood ties in the world of the yakuza. Will these two yakuza sons discover that they have more in common than underworld business dealings? Takei and Hirose put their luck to the test in a mahjong game that will decide that fate of their jobs. But is there more than just money on the line? Yagi's driver's education teacher, Tamiya, seems to have more on his mind than just the usual student-teacher relationship... Is Yagi above showing a little skin to pass his test?

Buy Manga here

3 1/2 Pants Off

Thoughts: This manga is a series of one-shots (short stories), and I tend to hate one-shots not because they suck but because sometimes they are so good they need a freaking book to themselves. So is the case with this manga, too much angst and not enough story to make it work. Short stories should be fun, sweet, and smutty and things get solved. When there’s an intense story line, everything just feels too rushed and makes no freaking sense.

The first story Affair that is my favourite in the whole manga, deals with high school lovers who reunite after quite sometime. This story also contains my biggest peeve. Things usually get over looked in yaoi very easily, like cheating and overall douche bagginess. I can’t let this slide though, if there is sex going on in my bed then it better me who’s having it. That deserves a drop kick of epic proportions.

My Dear Mad Dog is the story that should have been longer. There is just too much going on, all that angst and not enough pages for it. It does have my fave drawing in the whole entire book. Believe it took a lot for them to get there (check the end of post).

One Lucky Guy and Love Machine are sweet and fluffy goodness, with some slight angst and all the boy drama you can think of. The sex isn’t overly explicit; you see what you need to.

Overall, I liked it and loved the epilogue at the end that’s a short follow up to the first story. The art is good, and Kano draws some beautiful males.

I Love This!!

Author Week

2012-01-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

So I have my five authors that I have read for the very first time this year. Since I am so indecisive I need your help to pick the Author of the Week.

I have put a poll up on the left side of the blog and if you could vote it would be really helpful ^_^. How awesome will it be to read one author for the week and there might/kinda/will be a giveaway (cryptic).

So Vote!!

Thank You

Waiting On A Pants Losing

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you guys but I have a huge TBR, and it makes things crazy because I can never pick a book to read. I have a shelf that I like to call ‘Can’t Wait to Read and Lose My Pants’, this is the shelf with books that are waiting to just get my pants off. It makes things a little simpler because that list is top priority.

So January has had some awesome releases, with books by some really great authors. I am letting you know my top picks that I can’t wait to read. I have two books from my ‘can’t wait to read and cause a pants losing’ shelf. Also a list of books I just recently purchased (as if I need any freaking more).

My Most Anticipated Pants Losing

Blacker Than Black

When I think of what awesomeness is made of, this book comes to my mind. I am just dying to read it and praying to the book gods that I love it. This one sounds and looks dangerously intense, and its a new release (check it out)!!!

My Top Pick January Releases!!!

1) Blind Space by Marie Sexton

2) The Given & The Taken by L.A Witt

3) In The Red by Kari Gregg

Those are three books that were released in January that I will be reading sometime (hopefully soon).

Can't Wait to Read and Lose My Pants

Warrior's Cross has been on my TBR foreverr.... and I am thinking its about damn effing time I read it.

Cinder is the sequel to Cake (which I freaking love ) and I am not jumping ahead by saying that this one will be a guaranteed pants losing for me.

My Recent Purchases

1) Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan

2) Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon

3) Bound by Honor by SE Jakes

4) Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan

I am off to do some serious reading now! Let me know what books will be causing a pants losing for you? Cheers folks.

The Stuff Jayden Says!!

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-05:00

My son Jayden is five and will be turning six in June. He is somewhat of a character and he says the funniest things (at least to me). I think that’s the case with all kids, they just say crazy stuff and have you thinking ‘where the hell did you come up with that’. This is the case with Jayden. I often wonder at times what he is thinking and how is brain is working, but its hard to understand that of a young boy.

I don’t want to say that I am different kind of parent, because each parent has their own style. I do try to let him keep his individualism, and I am not afraid to talk to him. If he asks a question, I try to find the best possible way to explain it so he understands. Believe me folks he asks the craziest questions, sometimes they are just too outrageous and I lose myself for a moment.

So I thought I would share how we interact sometimes, and those moments are my best moments. He makes me laugh like no other.

Jayden on the Movie Skyline!

I don’t know if any of you folks have ever watched the movie Skyline? It’s a sci-fi end of days kind of flick. Jayden is obsessed with those kinds of films. Things blowing up, the world ending and destruction all over the land. So I was a little surprised when he refused to watch Skyline. Here is why….

Jayden “Mommy? I can’t watch this”

Me “why Jayden?”

Jayden “Its like Cloverfield and War of the Worlds!”

Me O_o

Jayden “ The alien has three legs like War of the Worlds and it has long hand things like Cloverfield”

I am up to this point really enjoying Skyline (surprising even to me)

Me “ Fine! You don’t have to watch it”

Jayden “ Mommy, you shouldn’t watch it any more either because Jesus can’t like this movie”

Me ??????

I laughed so hard because his little face was so serious. So you heard it here folks, don’t watch Skyline because my son says Jesus can’t like that movie.

Jayden on Ipod Messaging

Me “Jayden who are you trying to message”

Jayden “ A Tsunami”

“I don’t think you can do that”

Jayden “I don’t know about you but I can”

This is the movie that Jesus can't like!

Chinese New Year & Asian Hotties!!

2012-01-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Year of the Dragon

Happy Chinese New Year folks, and I hope you all are having a good Monday. I know Mondays blow, because its back to work and school and all that non-fun stuff. I am hoping I can put a smile on your face and bring the fun with a list of my favourite books featuring Asian characters.

I am kind of obsessed with Asian cultures, its all so fascinating and diverse. I think they are a beautiful people, rich with history and customs. So like they would say "Kung Hei Fat Choi" wishing you peace and prosperity and lots of Chinese food.

Drawn Together

I have told this story before, but Drawn Together was the very first M/M book I read and I was hooked after that. This book features Yamane a Japanese manga artist who meets and falls in loves with Rory, a good ole boy from the south.

I love thats its an interracial love story, thats always gets me. Plus the writing is fun and crisp, because Z.A Maxfield is one of the best. A fan of M/M already or never read one before I recommend DT. Its freaking awesome.

No Good Deed

This book features one of my favourite characters of all time. Daniel is Chinese cop in a small town, he's bi-sexual, suicidal, and hilarious. There is a lot of angst in this book, and it deals with some very hard hitting issues.

No Good Deed is a nice choice for those new to the M/M genre the plot is intense but the relationship between the men is a slow progression. Seriously though, Daniel is fecking awesmazing and its another interracial love.

Yakuza Pride

Yakuza Pride is awesome and sexy as feck. All illegalities and hot man love. This one contains some beautiful descriptions of tats that have me losing my pants. An interracial love that comes with some serious problems. It rocks my socks!

ePistols at Dawn

This book has the very sexy Jae-sun, he's only half Asian but the sexy is still there. The long hair and beautiful skin (yum,yum) and all that fuuny. This books is a winner.

Now folks its time for the sexy. I can't believe at one point in my life I thought Asian men weren't attractive (what crack was I smoking). I have realized my mistakes and I feel horrible for it (there's a story). So folks I leave you with a collage of hottness, that will cause fireworks in your pants.

Happy Chinese New Year

What's Happening This Week

2012-01-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

I think this week is gonna be my craziest week yet. By crazy I mean I actually did some planning and stuff. Though, before I begin with my ranting and raving. I wanna give a big shout out to my new followers *SHOUT*, thanks for being a part of Pants Off and I hope to keep you interested.

So this week I am bringing back the old and introducing the new and all that jazz. I want Pants Off to be a blog that evolves and not just reviews books, because let me tell you a secret *whispering* "sometimes I don't wanna review". Yes take that world and go! I want to do other things on here and I want you to lose your pants to all kinds of various dirty things. So my friends here's whats causing a pants losing this week.

Monday- It's Chinese New Year and for those who might know this and for others who don't. I freaking love Asians, need the proof Check Here. So in honour of this celebration I am talking about my fave Asian characters and books and all the things I love about Asians.

I am gonna do a little post called 'Jayden Says' because my son says the craziest things. He's five and he is an original, there is no one like him and he makes me laugh like no other. So I will be sharing the funiest things he said during the previous week ( they are freaking hilarious)

Tuesday- I am listing the upcuming books that I really want to read, or books that has just captured my interest or is placed on my Can't Wait to Read and Lose My Pants TBR.

I discuseed Author Week here and now I have all five authors and I will be placing up the poll up, and I need your help. So vote guys and help me pick my first author of the week.

Wednesday- It's Yaoi Time!! You, Me & Yaoi book is Affair by Shiuko Kano.

Thursday- I have an Author interview folks. My very first and its fantstic and I will keep the author as a surprise so stop by.

Friday- I am bringing it back! Fan-fiction Friday (older posts).

Review- Tailor Made by Josephine Myles ( my author crush)


Because Lee Joon makes me wanna break down in beautiful tears.

Have a happy and safe week folks! Don't forget to enter the for the Shamless Blog Hop prizes here! Keep it dirty folks ^_^

Something Different by S.A Reid

2012-01-20T21:39:00.000-05:00

Something Different by S.A Reid
Self-Published

Novella: 33,000 words

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Tired of his life's endless grind, family man Michael Maguire allows himself one night of deviation. Desperate for something different, he seeks a prostitute in notorious Brixton Park. But Michael, searching for a girl out of PRETTY WOMAN, instead finds blue-eyed, beautiful James Campbell.

Tempted and stirred in ways he never imagined, Michael embarks on a sexual adventure with a rent boy from London's infamous Bethnal Green. And what begins as a purely sexual exchange gradually transforms into something else, as James finds himself in desperate circumstances and Michael is moved to help. Drawn increasingly to James, Michael finds himself facing up to the iniquities in his daily life. And finally he must deal with a horror that threatens to explode Michael's safe, conventional existence.

Review:
Michael is tired of his boring life, his easily predictable life. He hardly gets along with his wife; she just spends her time bossing him around. He never does anything out of the norm, until he decides that he’s going to find a prostitute. Michael has never cheated on his wife before but there is something inside of him wanting to rebel. A conversation with a friend leads him to the decision that’s he’s heading to Brixton Park and getting some lady goods.

In Michael’s mind, he’s picturing the movie Pretty Woman, until realization hits. He might just be going into something he’s clearly not ready for, while contemplating his next move on a park bench he’s approached by a young man. Clearly, a man wasn’t a part of his plan but Michael can’t deny he finds the boy beautiful. A little flirting with James and they head to a hotel for a little play (and yeh Michael is not gay) or so he thinks.

James is a prostitute of circumstance. He gets no enjoyment from it; he fakes his way through it all. He thinks Michael will be sucker to con, sweet talk him and take his money. Alternatively, that’s the way he wanted it to go but Michael sees him. Calls him out on all his fake and expects nothing from him. They are an odd pair, and something deeper feelings develop surpassing what it was before. A man and his trick.

The story is hardly a Cinderella tale. James is a broken young man, sexually abused as a child and it has led him down some dark roads. He feels worthless and he hates himself. The only things he feels he is good at is being on his back and sometimes he even sucks at that. Michael is sweet and naïve character, but I find him sweet and just so darn optimistic.

Yes, there is cheating, and some highly questionable scenes but I still really liked this book. The writing is fun and the author took some chances, which really worked with the overall tone of the story. I listed this book as one of my faves for 2012 so far, and it’s because it's just freaking fun. Some readers might not agree with the content, but I can understand it. Some folks are victims of their circumstance, sometimes there are loveless marriages, and sometimes you gotta risk it all for love. I am now a fan of S.A Reid and I look forward to her other books.

4 Pants Off

SideNote- Devoured this book in a matter of a few hours!

A Year Of Firsts- First book by author S.A Reid

*book provided by author*

Giveaway: Shameless Giveaway Hop

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shamelessly Giving Away Stuff

Thanks to Brie over at (Romance Around the Corner), Jen over at (Red Hot Books) and Michelle at Michelle's Book Blog for hosting the hop. So... I am shamelessly giving away stuff, it's easy to enter and here is how you do it.

1) Must be 18 or older

2) The Giveaway is International

3) Be sure to check out all the other participants for great prizes (Go Here)

4) Enter all your info in the linky below

Prize #1: PDF Copy of The Forester
(It's Menage Hot)

Prize #2: An ecopy of a book by the Auhtor (winner's Choice)
*Do you see the big hint I am giving*


Prize #3: $15 Amazon Gift Card *There will be 2 winners! 1st Prize is the $15 Gift Card, and and 2nd Prize is for the books.* *My Dude: The Gorgeous Andrej Pejic*

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC: The Heart's Greater Silence by Anne Brooke

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Heart's Greater Silence by Anne Brooke
Riptide Publishing

Short Story: 31pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Mark isn’t sure he believes in love, especially when he’s torn between two very different men: his reliable boyfriend, Craig, and his illicit lover and priest, Richard.

Mark knows what he should do, but he can’t bring himself to give Richard up. The sex with Richard is unlike anything he’s ever known with Craig, and he hungers for it as much as—if not more than—the truer intimacy he finds in his boyfriend’s arms.

When Craig discovers his betrayal, Mark is forced to look at his life more closely, but the path to self-knowledge is never an easy one. Richard seeks the way back to God, but Mark finds no solace there. Can he ever discover the truth of his own soul, or is he too afraid of what he will—or won’t—find inside his heart?

Review:
Mark has just been dumped by his boyfriend to be expected when he was caught cheating. Mark is broken and sad because he loves his boyfriend Craig, and he’s hoping that they can just move on from it. He’s been having the best of both worlds, the love and security of Craig and the hot carnal lust of Richard the man he’s been having an affair with. When both his worlds collide, he’s left in shock but he can’t deny that he wants both.

With Richard, the sex is hot and nobody does it better. With Craig, he has someone to do boyfriend things with, and most importantly, he can present him to the world. Richard is a man of god, and Mark will always be his piece on the side both figuratively and in actuality. When you’re caught between two men, the outcome is never positive.

It’s easy to call Mark a cheating bastard and say he got what he deserved. I honestly feel very sad for him. He’s in love with the idea of loving Craig, because its safe and he’s dependable. Though it’s Richard, I feel he really wants, but he’s grown accustomed to the situation. He’s his dirty little secret, his quick f*ck outside when the weathers nice. When it all ends, he puts on his collar and goes back to what he loves the most, being a priest. I feel that Mark both accepts it and loathes it and so he found someone who created a balance for him. It’s a sad situation for all three men, but I feel it's sadder for Mark. Richard will ask for forgiveness from his god and move on, and Craig might find solace and love from his family and friends. Mr Mark though is left with nothing.

My first time reading anything by Anne Brooke and folks it won't be my last. I always talk about short stories being worthy of novel praises and this story is one of them. Anne Brooke is an excellent writer with a gift to portray emotions on pages. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want, and we leave behind the things that we need. That being ruled by lust and desires can be nice but when the desire is sated, all that is left is emptiness. This story with a just a few pages was able to share that with me the reader, and if that isn't excellent writing? I don't what is!

I hope to read about Mark again because I feel that he deserves his happy ending, finding that one person whom he both wants and needs.

4 1/2 Pants Off

A Year of Firsts- First book by author Anne Brooke

*book provided by publisher*

Dark Soul #2 by Aleksandr Voinov

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Dark Soul Vol.2 by Aleksandr Voinov
Riptide Publishing

Short Novella: 55pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
The second volume in the Dark Soul series features the stories "Dark Whisper" and "Dark Night."

In "Dark Whisper," Gianbattista may have broken Silvio's heart and sent him off to the States, but he's still just a phone call away. When Silvio returns from a sex shop with a bag full of goodies, Gianbattista can't resist topping his boy one more time, even if they are 4,000 miles apart.

In "Dark Night," the Russian problem comes back to haunt Stefano, and when a dark encounter leaves him bloody and broken, Silvio knows just the right way to ease his pain.

Review:
This series picks up right after Silvio is sent away from his lover Gianbattista to help Stefano handle the Russian being on his turf. Silvio is not pleased with the decision but he knows his time with Gianbattista has ended.

Once again, we have two shorts in this book. The first being Dark Whisper which is all about Silvio and a phone call. Silvio gets a call from Battista, and although its hurts to hear from the man who sent him away Silvio appreciates the call. When Battatista brings up some purchases made on his credit card from a place called the Pleasure Dom, the phone call leads to Battastist and Silvio playing Dom and boy for the last time. It becomes and intensely erotic telephone call.

This story is all about the phone call and Silvio, though I have yet to know about this deeply sexual man. I enjoyed that it was hot but I cannot bring myself to love it. I feel that Battista is in the past though his impact on Silvio cannot replaced, its over and I wanted it to stay that way. I can’t complain because I got me some Silvio, and that man knows how to play. Whether it’s over the phone or in a hot tub, he plays hard.

In Dark Night, it picks up with Stefano. He is on the town with his wife, sharing a meal and just enjoying life. While he might be boning for Silvio, Stefano actually cares very deeply for his wife and wants her happy. While on their way home, their car is hit, the driver is killed, and Stefano’s guard injured. It’s the Russians and they want Stefano to give up his territory.

He is threatened and beaten up badly, and it that moment you realize he isn’t invincible. Just a man with a hard job, and works with hard people. Left broken and beaten, Stefano finds his way to a hotel and is found by Silvio.

The second story really came through for me; it was a glimpse into the softer side of both men. Stefano is clearly suffering and I think that with Silvio he can show his pain. Though my man Silv has carnal delights on the brain Stefano is just in too much pain to deliver. If the tables were turned, I believe Silv would be enjoying it, Stefano not so much.

Overall, I enjoyed the second volume in this tumultuous series of pain and mafia lifestyle. Though we got to see different sides of the men, I feel like we are a far cry from truly knowing them. Mr Voinov writes like no other, hard-hitting and unapologetic. I believe this whole series will be the death of me (get ready for my obituary).

4 1/2 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*book provided by publisher*

And Call Me in the Morning by Willa Okati

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

And Call Me in the Morning by Willa Okati
Loose-Id

Novel: 151pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Take two, and call me in the morning.

Eli and Zane. Colleagues at work and close friends, though on the surface it's an unexpected friendship between an odd couple. While Zane took the "high school to college to med school" track, medicine is Eli's second career and the best choice he ever made. He has work that he loves, an extended second family of colleagues and friends, and Zane.

So why does everyone make such a big deal about the pair of them?

Yes, they spend a lot of time together. It doesn't mean they're a real couple. When teased about it one too many times by their colleagues, Zane challenges Eli to set the record straight with a kiss to prove there's absolutely no chemistry between them.

Neither expected a spark to ignite between them. More than a spark. Desire. Passion.

Zane wants to try getting up close and personal again to see if it was a one-time fluke or something more. Eli thinks he's too old to jump the fence now, but he can't say no to Zane and he doesn't want to.

Truth be told, Eli's not so sure they can set the record straight after all.

Short Review:
I enjoyed this one so much. It has one of my favourite tropes of friends to lovers, and it was just so wonderful. The reason this book is awesmazing is because the characters are older and so sweet.

Eli and Zane are best friends and always together. Everyone sees them as a package deal and a little more than friends. Eli is getting annoyed of having to explain their relationship to colleagues, why can’t they understand that Zane is just his friend. When a little brunch with friends go crazy, Zane decides to test theory with a little kiss. Eli is reluctant but willing to prove that there is no spark and no attraction between them.

That gets blown out of the water, when the kiss lights their pants on fire and it seems that their friends might have been right after all. They both decide to do a little exploring, Eli is terrified and Zane is the more willing partner. It’s a friendship after all, and Eli has no greater friend than Zane and it seems the love he has for him will become so much more.

As I said, a real fan of friends to lovers plot, it makes my heart feel super happy. I loved Eli/Zane together and the discovering of how awesome things are between them. It was such a treat to read about older characters that are close in age, it’s not something I get to experience often *I Like It* older men are hot. It had the right amount of angst and drama to keep the reader interested.

I really enjoyed this one and Will Okati is now on my to read author list.


4 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

A Year Of Firsts- First book by author Willa Okati

Menage Mondays: Room at the Top by Alexa Snow & Jane Davitt

2012-01-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and happy Monday, welcome to the long over due installment of Menage Monday. Its been awhile since I had a book for you all but all that will change from now on. I am plan to keep it going bi-weekly, so watch out for it.

This book started off very slow for me in the beginning, and it felt like it was dragging. I think its because our main MCs weren't doing the three man love. It took a really long time to pick up, but in the end it tunred out to be a good read.

Room At The Top

Loose-Id

Novel: 267pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Burb: Austin and Jay want a dom in their lives, but not a third person in their bed. When their dom moves away, replacing him turns out to be trickier than they’d thought and the two of them are getting desperate. Enter Liam, a friend of their former dom, deliciously sexy and stern, ready to spank them into shape – and straight.

It’s all going so well, but can Liam separate his growing attraction to his two young subs from what they do during their sessions? And can Austin and Jay handle the discovery that Liam means more to them than he was ever supposed to?

With Austin’s younger sister April ready to do anything she can to make life difficult for the three men, is it going to be possible for Austin and Jay to prove to Liam that there’s room in their life – and their bed – for him?

Thoughts: It took me awhile to get into this book. I thought it was moving a bit too slow, and going on about a lot of mundane things. In the long run it all came together perfectly.

I loved the relationship between Jay and Austin; they are so very in love. Their problem is that they are both submissive and in a relationship, they need a Dom and not a third. I think that is the most intriguing part of the book, how can it be called a ménage when there are only two people involved in the relationship.

When it comes to writing BDSM, Alexa Snow and Jane Davitt are pros. It’s really authentic and it’s more than sex. Its offers the trust that should be found in a D/s relationship, the intimacy without all the sex. I really enjoyed the slow progression of the relationship, Liam is one special Dom, he had his moments of idiocy but he came through in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this one and I would love to read about these guys again. The kink is high top in this one, so get ready for some serious spanking. I recommend this one folks.

SideNote- Get ready for the most annnoying and bitchy sister you will ever read in a book (she was effing pointless).

4 Pants Off

Always Remember:"3 is never a crowd and one more is always invited"

Whats Happening This Week!

2012-01-15T11:00:00.004-05:00

Where is the time going? Soon it will be Summer and then Christmas again. Isn't it supposed to be the end of the world *pfft*. Well if it is lets just keep reading all the M/M loving we can. So here's what causing a pants losing this week.

Monday- Its a little something I like to call 'Menage Monday'. I know its been awhile but I have a book to share and its kinky fun.

Tuesday- A short review for 'And Call Me in the Morning' by Willa Okati. I thought this was super cute. Another author first!

Wednesday- I take on a review for 'Dark Soul Vol.2' by Aleksandr Voinov. Another review that's gonna be tough to write.

Thursday- Review for Anne Brooke's 'The Heart's Greater Silence'. I think this one will be intense and stuff, packed into 31 pages.

Friday- A review for 'Something Different' by S.A Reid.

Also on Friday, its the launch of the Shameless Giveaway Hop. With over 90 blogs participating there is a prize out there for anyone. So stop by on Friday to win a little something here on Pants Off. Will post linky that that leads to all the other blogs as soon as it's live.

That's all folks! Have a happy and safe week my pants losing peeps.

Coming Soon: Author Week

2012-01-14T18:51:00.001-05:00

So I am guessing everyone knows the process of author week. You feature one author over the period of a week. Very simple and uncomplicated, but for this Author Week I am going to need your help.

There's been a lot of firsts here on Pants Off, and I want my first Author Week to be about an author I have read for the very first time this year. So I will have a list of five authors and I will be putting them in a poll. I want you to help me pick who gets featured for a whole week.

So its pretty much a simple thing, five authors you help me choose one, because I can hardly make decisions (I am so indecisive).

Authors I have so far:

Cat Grant

KyAnn Waters

KC Burn
Willa Okati

Just one more to go and I will put up an official poll for voting. I also feel a giveaway coming on \o/ GIVEAWAY\o/

Stay tuned my Pants Off losing peeps!!!!

Cop Out by KC Burn

2012-01-13T10:00:00.006-05:00

Cop Out by KC Burn
Dreamspinner Press

Novel: 176pages

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
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?

Short Review:
Kurt O’Donnell is a cop struggling from the lost of his partner. Suffering injuries of his own he trying to come to grips with the death of a man he thought of as a friend. While attending his funeral it seems that his detective skills aren’t as good as they thought because the man he thought he knew for over three years has been keeping a really big secret.

Its seems the big secret was Davy, his partner’s lover for over ten years and Kurt hand no clue about the relationship. He’s feeling somewhat betrayed, and a pull to the widowed man with the big eyes. So Kurt sort of forces himself into Davy’s life. He never expected to find friendship with the shy man, or be fighting an attraction he never expected.

I am mildly surprised by the turn the story took, but it’s a good surprise. I loved that it wasn’t an insta-love type of book it really would have ruined the overall tone of the story. Cop Out takes a real slow progression of the relationship, somewhat dragging but still entertaining. I felt that Kurt struggles with being attracted to a man were sound. Davy is somewhat hard to understand, and I am still trying to figure him out.

Leading up to the ending is where the book fizzled for me; I think the distance between the men was too long, which made the ending seem too rushed. Plus the injured cop at the end is too predictable, and I wished the author had found another way to bring the lovers together.

Overall, I liked the book and I would really like to read a short in the future about Kurt and Davy.

3 1/2 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

A Year of Firsts- First book by author K.C Burn

Dark Soul by Aleksandr Voinov

2012-01-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

Dark Soul (Vol.#1) by Aleksandr Voinov
Riptide Publishing

Short Novella: 76pages

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:
Stefano Marino is a made man, a happily married west coast mafia boss who travels east to await the death of a family patriarch. All the old hands have gathered—of course sharks will circle when there’s blood in the water—but it’s a new hand that draws Stefano’s eye.

Silvio “the Barracuda” Spadaro is protetto and heir to retired consigliere Gianbattista Falchi, and a made man in his own right. Among his underworld family, being gay is a capital crime, but the hypersexual—and pansexual—young killer has never much cared for rules. The only orders he follows are Battista’s, whether on the killing field or on his knees, eagerly submissive at Battista’s feet.

But Silvio has needs Battista can’t fill, and he’s cast his black-eyed gaze on Stefano. A fake break-in, an even faker attack, and Silvio is exactly where he wants to be: strung up at Stefano’s mercy, driving the older Mafioso toward urges he’s spent his whole life repressing. Stefano resists, but when the Russian mob invades his territory and forces him to seek aid, Gianbattista’s price brings Stefano face to face once more with Silvio—and his darkest desires.

Review:
I find it a lot harder to write a review for a book that I really love, an easier to write for those that I just like. I am in quite a predicament, because I have stronger feelings than love for this book (if that’s even possible). Counterpunch was my first book by the author and I thought ‘there is no way freaking way his stuff can get anymore awesmazing’. I can eat my freaking words, because Dark Soul is incredible, viciously sexy, and absolutely mind blasting. Broken down into two stories, Dark Soul & Dark Secret I was left in complete awe and possibly ruined for other books.

In Dark Soul we meet Stefano Marino a west coast Mafioso who has travelled to the east coast to pay his respects to an old patriarch that’s about to die. It’s also where Stefano meets Silvio “the barracuda’’ for the first time. Stefano is unexpectedly drawn to the man with the cold eyes. It’s not exactly easy to ignore Silvio, when he exudes sex and danger. However, Stefano is struggling with the fact that he feels some desire for the man. When Silvio breaks into the room that Stefano is staying in and is caught. It pushes Stefano even further to the attraction he feels for the other man. To save face Stefano wants to humiliate and torture Silvio, but his plans back fires and leaves you with the question ‘Just why did Silvio break into his room?’.

Dark Secret picks up a few weeks after the first story and Stefano travels to Italy meet with Gianbattista Falchi, the man responsible for Silvio and how he lives. Seems Stefano is having some troubles with the Russians trying to take over his turf. He knows that he will be indebted to Falchi and he knows that the price will be high. He’s also guaranteed to run into Silvio again, and is still coming to terms with what happened between them in the room. Stefano also learns the true nature of Falchi's relationship with Silvio.

The stories are told through Stefano’s point of view. The married man who clearly loves his wife but is drawn to the sultriness that is Silvio, in a business where it’s not good business to be attracted to a man. The stories might seem like its all about Silvio, but I am very aware of Stefano. It would take a special man to attract Silvio and clearly, Mr Marino is that man.

The writing is gripping and leaves you either panting like a dog or hanging on the edge of your seat. The author captivates with every word and it’s not hard to picture what’s being described. The characters are complex, they might seem one dimensional on the surface but as the book progresses there is a mystery to both men, and you just can’t wait to have their complete story. Stefano refers to Silvio as ‘faggot’, but after awhile I wondered if that word wasn’t meant for himself, you understand his torment in that word. Silvio is sex on legs and he is the most unforgettable character you will ever read, love him or hate him he is extraordinary.

Overall, I have strong feelings for this book and I have Silvio on the brain. I am guessing I should warn about the gunplay, breath play, and serious kink found in this book. I really don’t like warnings, because in the end Dark Soul is so much more than that. Voinov pushes the boundaries of conventional genre writing and introduces the variety that can be found in sexuality *to each is own*. I will now wait impatiently for the rest of the volumes and I highly recommend this series.

SideNote- That cover is gorgeous and is absolutely perfect for this (think Silvio dripping wet). Crap! just lost my pants.

5 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*book provided by publisher*

Barging In by Josephine Myles

2012-01-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

Barging In by Josephine Myles
Samhain Publishing

Novel: 267pages

Rating: 5 out of 5

Blurb:
When the boat's a rockin', don't come knockin'!

Out-and-proud travel writer Dan Taylor can't steer a boat to save his life, but that doesn't stop him from accepting an assignment to write up a narrowboat holiday. Instead of a change of pace from city life, though, the canal seems dull as ditchwater. Until he crashes into the boat of a half-naked, tattooed, pierced man whose rugged, penniless appearance is at odds with a posh accent.

Still smarting from past betrayal, Robin Hamilton’s “closet” is his narrowboat, his refuge from outrageous, provocative men like Dan. Yet he can’t seem to stop himself from rescuing the hopelessly out-of-place city boy from one scrape after another. Until he finds himself giving in to reluctant attraction, even considering a brief, harmless fling.

After all, in less than a week, Dan’s going back to his London diet of casual hook-ups and friends with benefits.

Determined not to fall in love, both men dive into one week of indulgence…only to find themselves drawn deep into an undertow of escalating intimacy and emotional intensity. Troubled waters neither of them expected…or wanted.

Review:
Where has Josephine Myles been all my life? It’s been such a joy to read a Myles book; I am in deep obsessing fan love. Her characters are always diverse; her writing filled with such beautiful description and the heat always singes a hair or two. I am all about the pants losing, but I think I might have lost my underwear with this one. Barging In is splendid and I am happy I read it.

Dan Taylor is on an assignment to write up an article on boating holidays. He has no idea how to handle a narrowboat even with the fifteen-minute tutorial he got from the boat rental place. Trying to avoid crushing other boats while steering, Dan eyes get caught on the sexy tattooed and pierced god chopping wood half naked. Dan is thinking that his work is about to become good with a little play.

Robin Hamilton life is his boat and Dan is about to f*ck that up. There is no way he will fall for the established slut, because that is exactly what Dan is. He makes no apologies about it, and Robin isn’t looking for someone like that. He has been down that road before and it only left him heartbroken. Well… Dan is hard to resist and Robin wants him in his bed, and besides the relationship wont be long-term because Dan will have to leave and head home eventually and what’s wrong with taking something/someone he wants?

Can I just say this book is a total surprise of freaking awesome! The relationship between both Dan and Robin is unexpectedly sexy and emotional filled. Both men a far from perfect but together they just fit perfectly. Dan believes he will never be a one-man type of guy, and Robin is an itch he has to scratch but slowly their days and night together become something more to him. Robin is afraid to love someone again, and so he hides behind a surly ‘I don’t give a crap attitude’ to keep potential mates at bay. Though Dan is getting under his skin and it’s hard to resist his outrageous flirt.

With a colourful back drop of boats and equally colourful supporting characters. Barging In is a wonderful book, and I am just in awe. There is always diversity offered up in a Josephine Myles book. That love is something that conquers all no matter what you look like and where you came from, what we perceive on the outside is never true once we look in. That’s one of the reasons why I love this book.

Lets get serious, Dan and Robin are to die for all that sexy had me losing my pants all over the place. I love Dan because he remained true to himself to the very end, that man is no pretender. I love Robin because he’s sex on a boat. He was surly in the beginning, but that man is an onion and Dan knows how to unravel all his layers. I love them together!

I can’t dislike any part of this book, even when they were both pulling douche moves it just went right with the story. I am sad it ended, and I would love to read about these guys again. I recommend a Josephine Myles book in a BIG WAY.


5 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*book provided by author*

You, Me & Yaoi: Cut #2

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Sleeping With Money (Yaoi Novel)

By: Barbara Katagiri

3.5 out of 5

Blurb: Tatsuro, a good-looking yakuza who turns every head, is looking for a benefactor to take on his debts. Seizing that opportunity is Sagami, president of a large bank. However, even with all the wealth and power he could imagine, Sagami only wants Tatsuro!

3 1/2 Pants Off

Thoughts:

Tatsuro is having a bad life, the Yakuza life style is on the down and outs. What’s a man to do when all he knows, is how to intimidate people out of their money. He has always known a poor life, and at one point the life of a gangster was good, now he gets no respect and he is broke ass.

Well Tatsuro is on a mission to get 8 million that someone owes his gang, but the person is an old man he met when he was younger. This person took him in and tried to lead him down the straight and narrow. This seems like the ultimate betrayal to go in and make demands to a man unable to pay up, plus it was someone who treated him kindly before.

Well T is in a dilemma, how is he gonna come up with 8 million? Well he gets drunk thinking about how he’s gonna come up with the money. While completely wasted he runs into an old friend from high school and tells him his problem.

In comes Sagami a wealthy business man who has always loved Tatsuro, his love is in trouble so he offers up the money. Well his loan comes with serious collateral. If Tatsuro can’t pay then he is going to have to sleep with Sagami. Tatsuro agrees and here begins the life of Sleeping With Money.

Tatsuro was hilarious, denying he loves having sex with Sagami to the end, even though he loves it. Plus he wears the most ridiculous suits known to man, just can’t let go of the Yakuza life. Sagami is your typical alpha male, he protects whats his, and sleeping with Tatsuro was never about the money, but T is so stubborn it had to be about something.

This was my first yaoi novel and it wont be my last, so funny and sexy like only yaoi can be. This had few illustrations, so its not a manga. A good read overall.

Striker by KyAnn Waters

2012-01-09T10:00:00.004-05:00

Striker by KyAnn Waters
Carina Press

Short Novella: 54pages

4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Sports writer Max Myers just discovered he lives next door to the hottest soccer player to hit the field. If he scores a coveted interview with the reclusive striker for the Denver Blaze, he could take himself from sports blogger to mainstream sports authority.

Riley Grayson has no interest in interviews or in outing his private life to the public. He wants to be known for the scoring he does on the field and not in the sack. But Max is a temptation he can't resist. Taking a chance, Riley and Max discover they have more in common than passion for soccer and hot sex between the sheets.

Just as they begin to trust each other outside the bedroom, Max is put in a no-win situation: write an article about Riley exposing accusations of drug use, or risk destroying his own credibility. If he does, he'll lose Riley. If he doesn't, he'll lose everything he's worked hard to achieve.

Review:
Max Myers is a sports writer with a bit of fame, and is hoping to make it big in a new city. He has a blog that is very popular, so he’s hoping that fame will take him to primetime. Moving can be a bitch, but when said bitch makes him neighbour to Riley Grayson the talent and popular Striker for the Denver Blazer. Max cannot complain because Riley is hot as hell and also getting an interview with him would pretty much make his career.

Riley Grayson is the popular soccer player, the fans love him and he is living the life. When Max moves in next door, the hiding of his sexuality comes in to play. Riley doesn’t need a reporter outing him but the flames are high when it comes to the heat between them, and Riley is willing to take a chance.

Riley and Max together is all kinds of hot. These two really burn up the pages and offer so much personality. This little story is worthy of novel praises, because it offers up some realistic angst with all that man love. I loved the whole soccer player meets sports writer, still within the same element but the contrast is super hot.

The writing is spot on; Ms Waters captures the sexy but also bring the emotions out of the pages. Though the storyline got somewhat predictable, I loved it any freaking way. I never expected it to be so awesome, and I am all kinds of happy it was. I don’t read many sports themed book, but if they are as good as this one then count me in.

SideNote- This book has one of the best ride them cowboy scenes ever. I’m surprised Max isn’t a full fledged jockey ^_~

4 1/2 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*Today is release day for Striker so be sure to add it to your TBR*

*Striker was provided by netgalley.com and Carina Press*

Whats Happening This Week!

2012-01-08T12:43:00.004-05:00

Pants Off Reviews

WOW! A week in January has come and gone, and its like damn 'where is the time going'. I have a lot planned for January, like my first ever author interview (which shall remain a secret) until I finalize it all ^_~. I have a badge up for Author Week and I will be giving more details to that one, and I will be needing your help. So look forward to January. Its a big slump time for most peeps, but not here on Pants Off. I am here to bring the joy, the sexy, and take your pants off (oh yeh). So my folks here's whats causing a pants losing this week!

Monday- A review for Striker by KyAnn Waters. I freaking enjoyed this one so much. It's also release day for Striker so be sure to order it or check it out.

Tuesday- Its Yaoi Time!!! You, Me & Yaoi has a new book up a Yaoi novel called Sleeping With Money.

Wednesday- I review Barging In by Josephine Myles. Can I say that I am in all types of love with this book and author *hint*.

Thursday- Review for Dark Soul Vol.1 by Aleksandr Voinov (pants just up & left me).

Friday- Review for Cop Out by K.C Burn. Another first here on Pants Off, its like so many authors so little time.

Also on Friday I will explain a bit more about Author Week and how it's gonna go down.

That's it for now folks. Have a happy and safe week with all types of sexy good fun ^_^

Talker by Amy Lane

2012-01-06T10:00:00.004-05:00

Talker (Talker #1) by Amy Lane
Dreamspinner Press

Short Novella: 96pages

4 out of 5

Blurb:
Tate "Talker" Walker has spent most of his life hiding his scars under a bright punk facade, and until he sat next to Brian Cooper on a bus, it worked. But Brian has spent his whole life being the invisible man, and he's used to looking below the surface. What he sees in Talker is a fragile and lovable human being.

Brian is outwardly straight, but Talker is desperate for love, and when Talker's behavior leads to some painful consequences, Brian is forced to come out of his closet—in dramatic fashion. He'll do anything to make sure Talker sees that he's the Prince Charming Talker has always needed.

Review:
I really enjoyed this short, but lovely story. It offers up great conflict and a character that is sure to break your heart. I was just blown away by the many messages offered in this story. It can be interpreted many ways by each individual reader, for it brought back memories of being close to someone who never saw through, she is my friend and that’s all there is. I wish; I had the guts Brian had to make Tate *Talker* finally see him.

Tate aka Talker is covered in tattoos from his face down to his arms, all people see is the punk persona, and that Talker is gay and never hides it. Even through all his “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, there is a boy who is hurting and no one can see that. He is far from shy and will talk your ears off, hence the nickname. Talker is alone even with his very friendly attitude that is until he meets Brian.

Brian is our third person narrator, and it’s through his POV that we come to understand Talker. He never expected to fall in love with the chatterbox who sat beside him on the bus. It takes awhile for him to figure it out, and help is offered up by the most unlikely person.

This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and it really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s sometimes hard to see true love when it’s staring you right in the face, and Talker makes some really bad decisions. He is so oblivious to Brian’s feelings.

The title is so clear; Tate is talker, not a listener or someone who pays attention. If only he had stopped to do both those things, and paid attention to Brian, things would have been easier. Therefore, Brian had to go and say “look at me, see me, listen to me”. It was quite intense, I never expected it to be and I was truly impressed.

There is still room to grow for both characters and would be excited to see them again.

*Read in 2011 first posted on Goodreads*

Modern Mythology by Penny K. Moss

2012-01-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

Modern Mythology by Penny K. Moss
Storm Moon Press

Short Novella: 16,000 words

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
After years of studying the art and magic of runecrafting, Käde has returned to her family in the Southern Circle in time for the long, dark winter when the sun disappears for two months. While there, she has a chance to catch up with Räivä, a childhood friend she has not seen for many years. Just as new feelings between the two women begin to bloom, an accident with her hunting party leaves Räivä lost somewhere in the blizzard. Käde knows she has little time to find Räivä, but it will take more than just runecraft to rescue her, and Käde fears she doesn't have the strength.

Review:

Kade has returned home after spending years learning the magic of Runecrafting. She has been away from her family for several years, and it’s surreal to be home and somewhat nerve-racking. Kade chosen path of runecrafting is not something the family can easily accept, but she has the talent with her rune stones.

Being home means she can see Raiva again, a girl within their community that she had a crush on in her school days. The schoolgirl crush she had has developed into something more and Kade fears that Raiva will not the feel the same. When the women finally meet each other for the first time in years, the tension is crackling and Kade gets her answer in the name of a kill and a kiss.

Troubles arise when Raiva’s family and hunting party is attacked and left for dead and Raiva goes missing during a blizzard. It’s up to Kade and her rune stones to bring Raiva back and along way the way learn the way of magic. Though she has been studying, Kade realizes that there is much left to learn.

I liked the story, though I found myself confused at certain points. I had to go back and read again to understand certain scenes. It was like reading a story within a story, I don’t know if it made the reading experience better or a lot more confusing, though I did enjoy Kade’s voice. She lets us know from the get go, that she has no talent in storytelling. I also loved that it was magic and Kade ability with runecrafting that saved the day (read and you will understand why).

Overall, I did enjoy reading this short. I loved the detailed descriptions that weren’t too overwhelming. I appreciated how the author mixed in the romantic with the tragic; it created a perfect balance. I am happy Kade got her happy ending.

A Year of Firsts- First ever F/F book and the author gave me a wonderful introduction to female loving, very beautifully done.

3 1/2 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*recieved from publisher*

Once A Marine by Cat Grant

2012-01-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

Once A Marine by Cat Grant
Riptide Publishing

Novel: 175pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
Discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, former Marine major Cole Hammond is struggling to find a new identity. But PTSD casts a pall on everything, and his hard-nosed, homophobic father can’t even bear to look him in the eye. To top it all off, he’s pretty sure he’s flunking out of law school.

Marc Sullivan is a kind, sensitive romance author-slash-waiter with a thing for men in uniform. Cole’s not wearing his anymore, but there’s no mistaking the warrior Marc meets in the diner one rainy afternoon. Cole’s sexy smile and Carolina drawl prove irresistible, but Marc’s played this game before, and he always loses. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and if there’s one thing Marc knows about such men, it’s that they all leave him in the end. It doesn’t help that Cole’s practically closeted in public, or that he refuses to seek treatment for his PTSD.

But like any good Marine, Cole’s willing to fight for what matters. And like the characters in Marc’s stories, he’s certain that if they try hard enough, together they can find their own happily ever after.

Review:
I really enjoyed this book, which came as a surprise because I had read some reviews that made the characters out to be horrible people. Maybe I read a different book but I really liked both Cole and Marc. They were just too freaking sweet for words.

Marc is an M/M romance writer (oh yeh) and waiter at a diner. He is just living a simple life making ends meet. Until in walks Mr sex on legs. Looking all edible and shite, Marc almost drops the tray of dishes he’s carrying because the mystery man is just that hot. Warning bells are going off all Marc’s senses are saying Marine and he hasn’t had the best of luck in love with them, they always end up leaving him. What’s a man to do when all that Marine swagger 'Oorah' makes him weak in the knees.

Cole Hammond has just been released from the Marines under DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell). Being a Marine was his everything but its been hell hiding who he is. So he’s now a civilian in law school, and for the first time living as a free man. After serving years in the marines, Cole has to deal with the after effects. The PTSD, the nightmares and all the anxiety that comes with it. He feels that in time he will be able to get over it, all he needs is his meds and all will be well (so he thinks).

Things between the guys start of on a rocky road, when Cole pulls a douche move. What a douche move it was! They do come together again but Marc is wary of Cole’s behaviour, but the chemistry is strong and he can’t deny it. Their budding relationship is sweet and though Marc sometimes annoyed me, he was perfect for Cole. I could understand Cole’s nervous behaviour, he was living as a gay man for the first time in years and thats no walk in the park. I found his character believable and made the story that much more interesting. Things do not remain all lovey dovey, when family issues pulls Cole from the relationship. Marc has to come to terms with his feeling and decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to make things work. Cole has to deal with his father prejudices, and the reality that his mother might be ill.

I only had one small issue with the story, and it is how Marc constantly compares Cole to his previous lovers. I understood it in the beginning, then after awhile it became tiresome and a little rude. I am surprised Cole wasn’t bothered by it, because I sure as hell was. Otherwise a stellar job by Cat Grant, really enjoyed Marc and Cole and look forward to other books by the author.

A Year of Firsts- First book of 2012, first book read by author Cat Grant.

4 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

Second Chances by Jeff Erno

2012-01-03T10:00:00.007-05:00

Second Chances by Jeff Erno

Camel Press

Novel: 251pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:

Harold Wainwright is dying. At seventy-nine, stricken with malignant cancer, the multi-billionaire insurance mogul realizes he has much to regret. In his youth he rejected his only true love and instead chose to advance his career and build his financial empire. Single-mindedly he focused upon achieving his own goals, looking out for number one, and acquiring a monetary fortune. Now he is alone, and all he has is his money…and his life is over.

Doctor Timothy Drayton has devoted his entire career to developing the technology to prolong human life. His entire focus has been upon creating a computer chip which can be implanted into the human brain, allowing human consciousness to be transferred from one human subject into the mind of another. Given optimum circumstances, he is confident that he can now preserve the consciousness of a dying patient into the mind of a donor subject with a surgically electronic implant.

Jesse Warren is eighteen years old, about to graduate from high school. He’s a track star, model student, and the typical all-American kid. One day while on his way to track practice, tragedy strikes, and Jesse is in a terrible accident, rendered comatose. When his family learns the horrifying news, they believe they’ve lost their son forever. Jesse Warren is pronounced “brain dead”.

When neurosurgeon and world-renowned brain specialist Dr. Timothy Drayton arrives, telling the Warren family that he has an advanced form of experimental treatment which can possibly save young Jesse and restore his consciousness, the Warrens are convinced that God has sent them a miracle. They are overjoyed the next morning when their son undergoes surgery and awakens as a new man. His memory loss, they are convinced, is amnesia due to his accident.

Jesse lives, and is given a second chance. Will his new life prove to be the impetus for significant change, or will the old Harold Wainwright emerge to make the same mistakes a second time around? Most of us are given but one chance to make the right choices, but imagine if… there were such things as Second Chances.

Review:

This story has a very interesting concept. Imagine being given the opportunity to have a second chance at life. That’s what’s been offered to billionaire Harold Wainwright who is dying of cancer. The offer sounds too good to be true, but also too intriguing to pass up. Looking back at his life, he feels a lot of regret. Yes, he made a ton of money but money means nothing when you’re dead. He gave up his lover all for the pursuit of happiness. Pushed away those closer to him so that in his dying days, all he has is a house full of servants and an internal clock counting down the days until his last breath. So a second chance does sound good, but at what cost.

The Rebirthing Project was supposed to be about something good, giving those who deserved it a second chance at life. Not about peddling money from a rich A-hole billionaire, but Dr Drayton needs the money to continue his research. So he tosses pride out he window and offers the chance to Wainwright. Who would decline something so beautifully unbelievable, and with money being a no issue the deal is had good as done.

Young Jesse is at the top of his game, superstar at school and loved by all. Until he gets up close and personal with a truck which leaves him a completely brain dead, and the perfect donor for Harold Wainwright. The chance at a new life in a new body. Jesse forever gone and Harold now in his place inhabiting his body. For Jesse’s parents and friends all that will matter is that he awake and alive. Yet Jesse is gone, and his consciousness/soul replaced with that of Harold Wainwright.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the Harold now Jesse has to experience life anew. He was able to recognize the mistakes he made before, and made attempts to change it. Getting a second chance at love also sweetens the deal. There is so much contained within this novel, it would be crazy to give everything away, but there is a bit of mysterious intrigue going on and it makes the story come alive. The idea of being able to place someone’s consciousness into a new body is intriguing enough on its own. I think it was expressed well in the writing.

Jeff has a gift in writing about young lovers. The sweetness of the first time, yet he manages to mix in the heartache so effortlessly. I was surprised by Second Chances, and I fell in love with Jesse and Phillip (Jesse’s lover and best-friend) they were so sweet. This is quite unlike anything I have read of Mr Erno before and I can honestly say that I really like it. It still embodies all that we love about his writing.

I say... you give Second Chances a chance to capture your heart and fall in love. There is mystery, a cunning doctor and a bittersweet romance.

SideNote- That blurb is too freaking long!

4 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*received from author/publisher*