Review: Wake Me Up Inside by Cardeno C

Wake Me Up Inside (Mates #1) by Cardeno C
Novel: 74,755
Amazon, All Romance

3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:

A Mates Series Story  A powerful Alpha wolf shifter and a strong-willed human overcome traditions ingrained over generations and uncover long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny as true mates.   

Regarded as the strongest wolf shifter in generations, Alpha Zev Hassick is surprised and confused by his attraction to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. A male shifter has to mate with a female shifter to keep his humanity, so shifters can't be gay. Yet, everything inside Zev tells him Jonah is his true mate.   

Maintaining a relationship with the man he has loved since childhood isn’t easy for Jonah Marvel, but he won’t let distance or Zev’s odd family get in their way. When unexplained ailments begin to plague Jonah, he needs to save his own life and sanity in order to have a future with Zev.  

 Zev and Jonah know they're destined for each other, but they must overcome traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny. 

 
Review

I haven't read much Cardeno C but the author is quickly growing on me. While the formula isn't always perfect for me in the writing. There is something endearing and engaging about the characters that pull me right in, and this Mates series is pulling me right in. I'm a big fan of shifter books with mates. This overwhelming need to bone and possessiveness that comes with it. It makes me happy to ditch my pants, and leaves me with a girl boner. 

Zev Hassick is being groomed to be the next Alpha. He comes from a line of proud wolves whose lead their people with a firm hand and strong traditions. From a small boy it was clear that Zev would be powerful and make a very strong Alpha. His first series of shifts leads Zev to a human boy with an amazing scent and the two begin an unlikely friendship that carries them through the years. Zev knows he shouldn't become attach to humans but there is something about the boy he knows as Jonah and he will do anything to get close to him. So he does what any young boy would do to get his way. A little bit of manipulation with his parents and he gets to spend time with Jonah who is his best friend when he's both man and wolf. 

Zev can't quite figure out his feelings for Jonah, and deep down this feels like more than friendship. It feels important, it feels vital, and that scares him. So when a little rough playing leads to an awakening in both body and mind Zev realizes he's found his true mate. Which is crazy as feck cuz Jonah is a man, he's a man and somethings not adding up. But finding a true mate is a gift and Zev accepts it for what it is. Jonah is his, and he must claim him. Easier said than done. Shifter/human relationships is a big no, and alphas are meant to mate only with females and the last time he checked Jonah was all male. Thus begins a long distance relationship and two men almost perishing for keeping it in their pants for a long time. Doesn't mean they can't have a little fun to ease them over. 

Alright, so this started off real strong from me and along the way I created expectations. I didn't call anything on the relationship. I was expecting angst and pining but overall it was actually very sweet. Not like anything is wrong with sweet but I really wanted angst. Zev is…he's big, he's kind, and not a horrible character (man is super naïve though). Like I'm talking “what is this butt sex” between males naive. Jonah is Jonah. There's nothing really standout about him and in all honesty he's a very forgettable character to me.  

The story would have done amazing with a little sizzle but the conflict was resolved quickly and overall quite predictable. Yet, I did really like it, and enjoyed Zev and Jonah together sometimes those two really brought the heat. While it did get a little draggy at the end I was never bored and remained intrigued. In all honesty I'm a sucker for the true mates shit and this had it in folds. I will say it ended quite abruptly and I never got the crazy that was supposed to come with the Alpha being mated to man, but in all honesty the book had run out of time. Anymore would have been too much. 

Overall a very cute story that had some high and very low points. Eye roll numerous was out in full swing for this one. Sometimes I was just like "slow your roll. You asses are being a bit to much". But I still freaking liked it and look forward to reading the others in the series.                                                           

Review: All Kinds of Tied Down by Mary Calmes

Reviewed by Sin
All Kinds of Tied Down (Marshals #1) by Mary Calmes
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 290pgs

4 Pants Off

Blurb: Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones has a reputation for being calm and collected under fire. These traits serve him well with his hotshot partner, Ian Doyle, the kind of guy who can start a fight in an empty room. In the past three years of their life-and-death job, they've gone from strangers to professional coworkers to devoted teammates and best friends. Miro’s cultivated blind faith in the man who has his back… faith and something more.

As a marshal and a soldier, Ian’s expected to lead. But the power and control that brings Ian success and fulfillment in the field isn't working anywhere else. Ian’s always resisted all kinds of tied down, but having no home—and no one to come home to—is slowly eating him up inside. Over time, Ian has grudgingly accepted that going anywhere without his partner simply doesn't work. Now Miro just has to convince him that getting tangled up in heartstrings isn't being tied down at all.

Review

This is an action-packed and unpredictable story. The MCs are US Marshalls who have to chase down suspects, secure witnesses, dodge bullets and grenades, and jump off balconies. The story starts off with Miro and Ian already being devoted teammates and best friends. We don't get to see the transitions from strangers to friends like it says in the blurb, but they still need to make the leap from friends to lovers. After many dangerous situations on the job, Miro and Ian gradually realize they are "the one" for each other and they're practically an old, bickering couple anyway.

Ian is an US Marshall whose mindset is "shoot first, ask questions later" and with a mantra of "screw the pain." Ian has almost no interpersonal skills. Throughout the story, he pisses off other law enforcement officers, his girlfriend, and his boss constantly. This demonstrates that he cannot survive in society without Miro to mend his broken bridges. Despite the many dangerous situations he gets into, he gets off with hardly a scratch while Miro, the more rational partner, seems to get injured every time. I find that contradictory but that doesn't distract me from the story too much. Even by the end of the story, Ian has too many secrets and I don't completely understand him.

In my opinion, Miro lets Ian get away with too much. He lets Ian eat his food, walks Ian's dog, etc. At least in their hearts, they are each others number one person. That makes Miro's painful one-sided love worth it in the end. There is a lot of contrast between Miro and Ian. Miro is more rational, has better interpersonal skills, and is more fashion conscious. Miro wears his nice (and expensive) clothes to work that end up getting ruined after chasing suspects or escaping with witnesses. Miro is really the best match for Ian and he makes up for Ian's shortcomings but I don't really see it working the other way around. While Ian was called away to do a secret mission for the army, we get to see some of Miro's childhood and get to know why he works in law enforcement. This part of the story progresses slowly. I love reading the dialogues between Miro and Ian but when there is only Miro, the story seems off track and missing the excitement in the beginning of the story. 

They finally take their relationship to the next level when Miro takes a leap of faith and they end up together. Ian is difficult to live with and it takes a special person to get into his heart. We don't get to see his background story but he's quiet, intense, and needs reassurance of where he stands in Miro's heart.

I really love the dialogue between the MCs. It's fun and natural when Miro and Ian are bickering. I also love the side characters, each has a unique personality. The best side character is Chickie, the wolf-sized dog. It's everyone's dream dog that's super loyal, affectionate, protective and can scare off a would-be robber. Overall, this is a fun and action-packed story with lots of tension between the MCs. Highly recommended.

Review & Giveaway: Forever Fearless by Jeff Erno

Forever Fearless (Forever Vampire #2) by Jeff Erno
Ai Press
Novel: 215pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
The Forever Vampire saga continues…
In the aftermath of unspeakable slaughter, Robbie and Colt have escaped to the wilds of Alaska to face their immortal future. Things aren't so certain for their mortal enemies, Dylan and Issa, Matarian soldiers sworn to hunt them down and slaughter them.

Dylan is poised to begin his first vampire hunt and wants Issa as his partner, but Issa is far more concerned with finding his brother and tracking down the blond boy who nearly died on the battlefield. The entire cast from book one reunites in this thrilling continuation of their story, joined by a host of new faces--friends and foes--whose lives somehow weave together as they cross paths in their efforts to battle evil and attain their own happiness. Humans, Shifters, Daywalkers, and Purebloods confront each other with the guidance of three enigmatic sisters--one a Maenad, one a necromancer, and the other a human witch. Plot twists and surprises mark the paths of these diverse characters, forever fearless in their quest to cling to all they hold dear.

Review
I really liked the first book in this series, so I was very much excited for the second book cus the ending of the first book ripped my heart and I was like all the nopes. While the first book was so exciting and kept me engrossed the second dragged in a few parts and with a lot of characters getting some page time, this one really didn’t hit on my feels level.

This second book picks up right where the first left off, with Brendan and Richard dead and an all out war between vamps, wolves, and human seems imminent.  Robbie and Colt have to begin anew and Robbie a fresh new vampire, things are both good and bad. Colt has lost his father Richard and now he has to navigate life without his supports in place. Yet, having Robbie with him is making eternal life so much easier.

For others, their life is all about danger. Dylan and Issa are vampire hunters but with what Issa has seen he’s wondering if they aren’t just killing innocents. All he’s know about vampires being evil and soulless has been crushed because he’s see the love and caring they have for each other and there is just no way could things that are evil could love. He has to reconsider everything, and run from a Master vamp who is hell bent on making him a slave.

Throw in other POVs and just a train ride of events, and you have really nice adventure vampire story. While it does feel very all over the place, the characters are likeable and if you’re are a fan of the first then you most defi would want to read this one. Honestly, while I was expecting more I still liked the story and I am very much intrigued for a third book.

Overall, Forever Fearless is a fun read with young and interesting characters. I think a little tightening of the storyline would have done this book good, and filler characters could have been done without. Yet, I still liked and am looking forward to the third book (if there is a third book?). I say this every time, but I am such a fan of Jeff Erno I have yet to seriously dislike any of his books.

Review: Book #1 Forever Young

DarienMoya

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Giveaway

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Review: Trouble and the Wallflower by Kade Boehme

Trouble & The Wallflower by Kade Boehme
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 200pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Raised in near seclusion by an agoraphobic mother, Davy Cooper’s social skills are almost nonexistent. Now that his mother has died, he needs to make friends for the first time in his life. He catches Gavin Walker’s eye, but the sexy, confident, bad boy hipster intimidates shy Davy so much that he throws away Gavin’s number every time he offers it.

When Gavin defends Davy from a rude guy, Davy begins to warm to him. However, with his limited experience, he thinks he and Gavin are too different, and anything more than a casual acquaintance will end in complete disaster.


Review
This was my very first time reading the author, and I can't say I'm overly impressed but I did like it and I enjoyed the characters. However, I can say my feelings are mixed on how much I like it, like a blender of mixed feelings. On one hand it had moments of awesome and in other parts it felt flat. I feel like if this was tighter in both delivery and overall plot this book would have been great. It had the ingredients but the measurements weren't on par (omg what is with that description).

Davy Cooper's social life is surely lacking, which highly due to the fact that he was raised at home by an agoraphobic mom. To say that this new found freedom to talk and be around people is understatement but Davy can deal with all that. What he can't deal with is the sexy Gavin stopping in with his friends and making him feeling nervous, also a little nauseous, and inadequate. There is just no way in hell a guy like Gavin could be interested in awkward social pariah like himself so the only conclusion is that this over flirting is a joke and Davy isn't really finding it funny.

Davy decides to step out of his comfort zone once again and hit up a gay bar. He's done it before with no success but he's willing to give it another go. When Gavin arrives with his friends Davy decides to be bold even knowing that Gav is nothing but trouble, but sometimes you gotta take risks and all that. He gets proven right when Gav hits the dance floor with a sexy twink and it starts to look a little bit more than just dancing. Davy has now got his answer clear as day. Gav was just being flirty and having a little fun with the shy boy who was playing hard to get, seems he got tired of the chase.

Gavin likes to fuck and he makes no apologies, he's young and isn't in a relationship so he will have all the fun. Yet, he can't quite explain his attraction to the shy Davy. Gav knows that Davy could never be a random hook-up and yet he doesnt want to run and he needs Davy in his life. Too bad he's fucked up more than once and he wouldn't be surprised if Davy gave him no chances. Davy is the man he wants to take home and introduce to his grandpa and hang out with. Seems like Gavin might have turned over a new leaf aka he only wants to fuck this one guy (who knew?).

As I said, I really liked the characters and the story but it started to drag for me in the middle and close to the end. But first let’s talk about what I liked, I really enjoyed Davy and Gavin and together they worked for me. They created a nice balance for each other and it worked. Love that little twist when it came to them having sex, I thought it would have been an easy resolved issue but I loved that the author stuck to their characters and found ways of making them work. I swear I didn't miss the anal part of it, and it was great to see them function and not make it an impossible part of their relationship. Loved the friends and just their overall coming together.

What I didn't like, I don't want to give too much a way so let’s say the arrival of a certain woman and her stupidness. It felt contrived and I just think it took away from a story that had so much already going for it. It really felt pointless to me and with Gavin already dealing with so much, it became too much. As I said, a cleaner delivery would have made this a book I loved, with such an amazing trope, it did fall a little short. This being my first time reading the author, I'm very much gonna seek out his backlist.

DarienMoya

Short Review: The Heart of Frost by Charlie Cochet

Reviewed by Fehu
The Heart of Frost (North Pole City Tales #2) by Charlie Cochet
Dreamspinner Press
Novella: 120pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
At the North Pole, no one is more powerful and feared than the Prince of Frost. As general of the toy soldier army, Jack Frost has been working extra hard to put away the villainous Mouse King once and for all. If that isn’t taxing enough, Jack has to deal with the scandal and gossip brought on by news of his relationship with Rudy Rein Dear, captain of the Rein Dear Squadron, which hit headlines last holiday season. Lucky for Jack, his reputation has managed to deter any foolish attempts to stir up trouble. At least until now.

When someone sabotages Rudy’s plane during a test run a few weeks before Christmas, Jack is determined to find the culprit by any means necessary. The closer he gets to finding answers, the more difficulty he has not falling back to his icy ways. Has the Mouse King stepped up his game in order to throw Jack off his, or is someone a little closer to home behind the attempt on Rudy’s life? Either way, Jack has every intention of delivering a Christmas they won’t soon forget, even if it means losing the newfound warmth in his heart.

Short Review
Sweet Christmas story with somewhat unusual characters! Rudy is Jack Frost's lover and has been for quite a while. At the end of the last book they came out as a couple and not all in North Pole were happy about that development.

I very much loved the cover and the story sounded very intriguing and to some degree it was. I liked the supporting characters and Rudy and Jack. It's just that I like to be shown how things, relationships happened and here it was a bit fast forward in a flashback. The story had a lot of potential, but I just wasn't fully drawn into the plot or cared enough for the characters to want to see them again.

So while this was a nice, sugary Christmas story it lacked a certain something for me at least, it didn't make me care for the characters, since the characters were just not fleshed out enough, they felt a bit like some plastic action figures. There was a good screenfront, Jack tries to find out who had it in for his lover, but looses himself in the cold and his own revenge plans. Love conquers all and so Rudy manages to bring his lover back and warm his heart. Very cute, if you want something romantic, without a lot of drama or angst The Heart of Frost is a good choice.

Review: Cinnamon and Seduction by Ari McKay

Reviewed by Fehu
Cinnamon and Seduction (Recipe for Romance #4) by Ari McKay
Torquere Press
Novella: 138pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
After the success of his two Gourmet Network specials, outspoken Executive Chef Stephen Pierce is offered a sweetheart deal for his own regular show. Everyone believes Stephen has a lot of self-confidence, but he is aware of his own shortcomings and refuses to sign on unless his loyal PA, Robert Logan, agrees to stay with him. Stephen knows Robert is the one person who can keep him in line, but Stephen has always hidden his more personal interest, fearing that if he knew, Robert would be disgusted and leave him.

Robert has been in love with his boss for almost six years, but he’s begun to believe Stephen will never see him as more than an efficient assistant. Resigning himself to never having the man he truly wants, Robert begins to date other men, hoping that one of them will strike the same sparks for him that Stephen does without even knowing it.

Can the efforts of their friends finally get Stephen and Robert together, or will Stephen’s hidden insecurities keep them apart forever?

Review
Sweet, with some sprinkles of drama and some well meant meddling.

Robert was in love with his chef, the eccentric Executive Chef Stephen of a popular restaurant for years. He has helped his friends and coworkers to find their love and now wants someone special for himself. Stephen has quite a temper, but Robert can always calm him down and he doesn't want to do anything, which might compromise their relationship, even if that means giving up on the chance to be part of a network cooking show.

Stephen is not quite oblivious as all assume, but he is lot less secure in his own self worth and ability to attract Robert. He doesn't know if he wants to do the show, especially when he sees that his brother would take his partner with him, but it could mean Stephen might lose the only person he loves.

It's a sweet story, but I felt like I missed a lot of things since this was the first book, I've read. Robert is hired and then it's a fast forward to 6 years later. A lot of his feelings were a bit hard to believe because of it, since a good chunk of Stephen and Robert's interaction happened it that 6 year span, we as reader are told about, but are not shown. Same thing with Robert's dates, only 2 were shown, the reader was told about the other. The story is well written and it might be better if you read all the books and not just one out of context. I wanted to know how the other guys got together and who the partners were, that were mentioned.

A lot of the drama was about nothing, since Stephen and Robert both liked each other and was just too afraid or unsure of each other, but actually the interest was there on both sides and it was more waiting for one of them to make a move and tell the other. While you can read this one as a stand-alone, I think it's better to read the other books, since Robert had an important role of bringing the others couples together and at least in Ian's story there is more about him and Stephen.

Review: Love Rivals by Shayla Mist

Reviewed by Fehu
Love Rivals by Shayla Mist
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Aiden has a crush on Shawn, but there are two problems in the way of the happily ever after he knows they're meant to have. The first is Shawn's new boyfriend, Noah. The second is Jordan, Shawn's best friend and Aiden's long-standing rival for his affections. So how's a man to overcome such obstacles?

Not by accidentally sleeping with his rival. And not by going on the camping trip from hell, where Aiden swiftly loses track of what it is he really wants.



Review
Not quite what I expected, but still interesting, it just had a few twist I'm dubious about.

Aiden is interested in Shawn, but Shawn's best friend Jordan, also is in love with Shawn. Shawn is of course totally oblivious about the private war going on between Jordan and Aiden and decides that they must like each other and tries to help them along. A trip in the wilderness is becoming Aiden's personal hell, but of course he had to go, since Shawn asked him and Jordan would be there. He couldn't lose to Jordan. No one counted on Noah, as in Shawn's boyfriend Noah. Now the two rivals have to work together to win Shawn back or at least make Noah go away.

First of all I'd like to differentiate, that while I might not have liked all about the characters and their behavior, I still liked the book. Of course my not 100% liking the characters did take some of my enjoyment, but all in all I think this story was really promising and if given more time to develop, might have been better. The ending was a bit abrupt and all was wrapped up to quick and easy. I really liked the beginning and I can honestly say I wasn't bored with this story. It's nicely written and it was very easy to fall into the story and follow the characters. Truly aside from the characters moral code, my only problem with this book is that all things progress to quick. Jordan falls for Aiden pretty quick, considering he was in love with his best friend for a long time. I thought the plot and the premise were quite intriguing and for the most part the story delivered what it promised.

Characters are the heart of a story and for such a short story Aiden and Jordan, were quite well fleshed out. I had some problems with Aiden's behaviour towards Noah, especially when he drugged him with sleeping pills; I think there should have been another solution, since Aiden wasn't the evil guy in this story, but one of main protagonist. There wasn't enough time left for him to redeem himself after that.

All in all I thought the story showed a lot of promise: the writing and the dialogs were for the most part engaging and you could feel the tension between Aiden and Jordan. It was easy to get into the story and the characters did capture my attention in the beginning. A bit more page time would have been needed to pull this off, with a more satisfying conclusion. Still it was a nice read!

Review: The Gravemen by Melissa North

Reviewed by Fehu
The Gravemen by Melissa North
Less Than 3 Press
Novella: 153pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
THE BANAM-HIN: An elite guard of the royal palace and city, they are seldom seen beyond them. Asdelar is a Blade of marked skill, but also a man who lives loud—flirtatious, teasing, open and free with affection. Life is not meant to be dull, even for a Blade.

THE IMALT-WOR: The notorious strong arms of the king, they maintain his law across the land. They are highly disciplined, respected and feared. Hinego is as strict in his personal life as he is maintaining the king's law. He has no time or patience for careless wastrels.

Forced to work together to locate the king's missing niece, neither man sees the journey ending in anything but disaster.

Review
Sweet and entertaining fantasy novel and I found a new author that I'd like to see more stories from in the future.

Hinego is part of a police force at least the equivalent of it in this fantasy setting and he at least appeared quite capable and interested in doing his job and the mission the king sent him to fulfill. Unfortunately for him the partner he was forced to take with him was from the king’s elite army force and Asdelar didn't really prove himself until the end.

I thought it was somewhat strange that the king would only send two men, in the search for his favorite niece, but one of them was very good at his job. Even drunk Hinego managed to defeat 4 attackers, while Asdelar just lay there and watched. I'd like to say that he was much of help in other instances, but he really wasn't. Mostly he annoyed Hinego and flirted a lot. He wasn't a character that I really liked, but he actually did manage to show some skill at the end, I'd count that as character development.

What I liked to see was how these characters, who begun their journey on quite hostile terms, found their way to each other. Hinego slowly warmed up to Asdelar and it would have been fantastic if the story was longer and I could have seen them work on their relationship back in the city.

The beginning was quite promising, had all that fun hostility and good tension, it drew me in, but sadly the middle wasn't as good, but the pace and story picked up at the end and made up for it. What I would have liked to see is more world building, some more explanations to history and culture. The Blades and The Reds were introduced and that's it, I would have liked to know more, about the kingdom in general. Of course the story wasn't all that long, which might explain why there wasn't more world building. It took time for Hinego to understand his own feelings for Asdelar and actually let him in, there was a reason for his reluctance and I wish it wasn't just mentioned at the end.

Should You Read It? If you like character driven stories with a fantasy setting and don't mind slow burn. I enjoyed reading the story and I read through it in one session, so it is an easy, nice read, with good dialogs and well written. The characters are the heart of the story and I liked it a lot that they didn't fall into each other arms after the first chapter.

Review: A Knight to Remember by Anne Barwell

Reviewed by Fehu
A Knight to Remember by Anne Barwell
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 204pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
"The last of your line will be in the embrace of a dragon."

Aric, Crown Prince of Astria, has been brought up to believe that all dragons are evil. But when he speaks with one, he finds himself questioning those beliefs. The dragon tells him to find a sword in Sherwin Forest to save not only his kingdom but also his sister, Georgia, who must otherwise wed the prince of a neighboring kingdom.

At the start of his quest, Aric dons a disguise and meets Denys, an archer and herbalist who lives alone at the edge of the forest. Denys agrees to guide Aric into the forest, but then Georgia appears, revealing Aric’s true identity.

However, Aric learns he is not the only one keeping secrets. Denys has a few of his own that could change both of their lives forever.

Review:
Aric is the crown prince of a country, where magic is forbidden and the dragons were mostly killed by his family. There is a prophecy, the last male of his line and that would be Aric, would be embraced by the dragon. His great-grandfather thought that was threat enough to start a war with their dragon allies, now Aric isn't sure if that was the right decision, after meeting a dragon on his way home from visiting his aunt. The dragon seemed nice enough and wanted to help him and it's not like he has a lot of people, who would help him, even against his father’s wishes.

His sister has been promised in a marriage to a king who wants to overrun their kingdom with the help of wizards and of course no one believes Aric beside his sister. Their father is dead set on the marriage as a union of two kingdoms, he doesn’t that there is a plot and traitors in his own court who would like to see his son and him dead. After another fight Aric flees the castle in the hope to find a weapon against magic, like the dragon promised. Little does he know that he will awaken a dragon and find his own soul mate in the process.

Denys lived in the woods of a small village, not far from a magical forest that is said to be the home to the last dragons. When he meets a traveling stranger, he is lonely enough to offer help, since the villager think him to be a witch and usually avoid him. Aric intrigues him and so he offers his help as a guide to the dragons’ lands, to find the sword of legends that is said to be able to withstand magic.

A Knight to Remember is a nice fantasy adventure story, but it is a beginning of a story and I though the relationship between Aric and Denys could have happen more gradually. They are a bit quick to profess their love for each other. Otherwise it's an engaging story, with likable characters and room for development. The story flows nicely, but is somewhat fast paced and I hope some of the details to history will be revealed in the next book. I'd love to find out more about the dragons or the upcoming conflict and the kings reaction to his son's mate.

Should You Read It? It's easy to escape into the fantasy world of this story; the writing is good and the characters interesting. If you don't mind the fast pace and like fantasy with princes and dragons, then it's a good book for you.

Review: Soul Magic by Poppy Dennison

Reviewed by Fehu
Soul Magic (Triad #3) by Poppy Dennison
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 220pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Blood runs soul-deep. Cormac hasn’t been the same since the night the High Moon Pack was attacked. With his magic weakened, he’s consumed by a bloodlust he hasn’t felt since he first became a vampire. His need to replenish his power makes him a danger to his last remaining family member, and his hunger makes him careless. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Feeding from pack beta Liam Benson was supposed to slake his appetite, not leave him craving more.

Simon Osborne and Gray Townsend are trying to fight a being history says shouldn’t exist—one with all three types of magic. The pack must use all of their resources to combat the mysterious triad, even turning to the shady Council of Mages for help. While Cormac struggles to reconcile his past failures with his current desires, Simon must attempt the impossible: an alliance between mind, body, and soul.

Review:
This is the third and last book in an interesting paranormal trilogy was very much looking forward to reading or it. Simon and Gray are back and finally we find out about the attacker! Secondly Cormac and Liam are the new couple and I have wanted to read this one for a long time.

The story begins right where the last book ended and it helps a lot to understand and to fully appreciate this story if you read them all in one go.  I began the series after the first book came out and it’s been a while until this one so I did go back and it was nice to read the trilogy without months of waiting in between.

So let’s recap: Simon and Gray are attacked and the members of the were-council are unhappy with what they witness, namely Simon’s abilities to influence the pack with his magic. Mage-council reacts to the plea for help and finally sends a representative. But what has been troubling them all this time? It's Cormac who has the answer to this question or more precisely his past is catching up with him and some event in the past are now explained in a new light. All species have lived separated but it wasn't always the case and the Mage-council at least knows what happened to cause the division in shifters, mages and vampires. New information is brought to light, new alliances are formed, new romances and of course there is a showdown - Good vs. Evil.

Plot wise the final part of the trilogy didn't disappoint, but, I anticipated Cormac’s romance story and to tell the truth from the way it was written, I didn't buy it. Liam is a nice character, but his interest in Cormac seemed rather sudden. Plus Cormac himself is totally OOC (out of character) when he is going out to hunt. First he is dignified old vampire Dracula style and then he is the club slut, seems a bit strange to me. Also the romance part was short, after the entire wait for that pairing, it was somewhat anti climatic. Of course there was the need to finish the main plotline, but still I thought it was a bit rushed in the end. What I didn't like was the ending, not really, all are happy, but it's a big time leap and I didn't feel it was necessary in this case. Still the book in itself was a nice finish for this series.

Should You Read It? Only if you have read the first two books, then it's a must, but it's not a standalone and it would make a lot of sense to read just this one.

Review: Book #2 Body Magic

Review: Bennie's Wish by Xara Xanakas

Bennie's Wish by Xara X. Xanakas
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 74pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
For years, Ally Theodisius has suspected his “friends” have been humoring him to stay in his good graces—and his wallet—so when a No Pants Day breakfast ends in his humiliation, he finally takes a stand.

When model Bennie Arnold runs into Ally, his first impression is of a cute, adorably dimpled writer in dire need of a real friend. Bennie would be happy to fill the role. There’s just one little problem: he’s going commando, and it happens to be No Pants Day. If he has any hope of getting his wish, Bennie will have to use his best assets to convince Ally he’s the real deal.

Review:
Ally Theodisius is rich and wants to be a writer, but all his work keeps getting rejected. He can't understand why, when his friends are saying that his work is genius. Ally suspects that they might just be leading him on to keep on spending his money, and he could maybe go so far as ruling them out as friends. His entire life has consisted of people being kind to him because of what he could offer them, and he wonders why he even keeps around the leeches but in the end it beats being completely alone. It's No Pants Day and his so called friends are finding ways to spend his money again, and after reading some of his writing Ally is going to give his friends one more chance to prove some sort of sincerity and then take it from there.

Ally is a little apprehensive about not wearing pants because of his less than stellar body (his opinion and pointed out by his douchbag leeches) he decided to make it work. They hit up a local restaurant where Ally sees a beautiful man and is instantly smitten. But of course said man is out of league that is until he is approached by the beauty and he realizes that this man calling himself Bennie is nothing but a prostitute (or is he?) Ally is humiliated by how low his friend's are willing to stoop to get him laid, but he's taking it no more. As the saying goes "don't bite the hand that feeds you" and clearly Ally Theodisius has been bitten too many times.

This is another story that I wished was longer, Bennie and Ally are so super cute that I wanted them to have more pages. I liked and was frustrated by the whole prostitute situation. I could understand Ally believing the worst, because a good-looking guy like Bennie has never shown interest in him without money somehow being involved. I just wanted Bennie to shout "Hey I like you and those sexy dimples and I gots my own money" would that have been so hard? Don't even get me started on those sorry excuse for friends, I loathe them and wanted them to cry just a little (leech ass Mofos).

In the end it was a really cute story with likable characters so likable that they needed another 100pgs more. I hope I see them again because I am missing out sexy scene time because somehow I feel like they would set fire to the pages.

Geek Level: 2.5 out of 5. Ally is clearly geek but it doesn't really get set in the story until the very end. kudos for the celebrating of No Pants Day, but the icing on the cake was Towel Day ( Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). I feel like if it were longer it would have been a strong 4 geek wise.

Review: Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan

Reviewed by Fehu
Dirty Laundry (Tucker Spring #3) by Heidi Cullinan
Riptide Publishing
Novel: 265pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
The course of true love doesn’t always run clean. But sometimes getting dirty is half the fun.

Entomology grad student Adam Ellery meets Denver Rogers, a muscle-bound hunk of sexy, when Denver effortlessly dispatches the drunken frat boys harassing Adam at the Tucker Springs laundromat. Thanking him turns into flirting, and then, much to Adam’s delight, hot sex over the laundry table.

Though Denver’s job as a bouncer at a gay bar means he gets his pick of geek-sexy college twinks, he can’t get Adam out of his head. Adam seems to need the same rough play Denver does, and it’s damn hard to say no to such a perfect fit.

Trouble is, Adam isn’t just shy: he has obsessive compulsive disorder and clinical anxiety, conditions which have ruined past relationships. And while Denver might be able to bench-press a pile of grad students, he comes from a history of abuse and is terrified of getting his GED. Neither Denver nor Adam want to face their dirty laundry, but to stay together, they’re going to have to come clean.

This title is part of the Tucker Springs universe.

Review:
A geek and a bouncer meet in a Laundromat. It does sound like a joke...or the beginning of a porn movie, which is not far from what happened after the geeky grad-student; Adam is rescued by Denver, a gay bouncer from a nearby gay club, when Adam is harassed by some drunken frat boys.

Adam is working on his PhD in Entomology, so he gets geek points for the studying the subject and some more for choosing and being exited about hawk moth. I can honestly say I've learned more about the hawk moth from this book, than you'd imagine one could reading an m/m romance. Did you know that you could mistake the hawk moth for a humming bird in flight? No, me neither and I had to Google the moth. Well if he had to study bugs, moth isn't as bad as it gets, but studying any insects sounds very geeky, so that made it perfect for the geek week.

I liked the combo of a geek with a bouncer, not exactly innovative, but a nice contrast. What made the book quite unique was Adam's OCD and how it was handled here. OCD played a big part of this story and I liked the fact the Adam had weaknesses, had issues, it made him appear more fleshed out and real and that was also a bit of a distraction. A lot of the book deals with Adam's issues, like not being able to tolerate other people in his place or being in their place, his panic attacks, his angst and self-criticism. He appears in full colour and other characters dim in comparison, even Denver his lover, is not as fleshed out. Secondary characters like Louisa, a Trans* woman and even his bug study group or the ex-boyfriend Brad, pale in comparison to Adams characterisation, which is a shame, since I thought Louisa had a lot of potential, as did Oliver. The book wasn't short, over 200 pages so there was room for development and I think with less sex we could have a bit more geekiness and more detailed characters.

Still I enjoyed the romance and even all the issues for 3/4 of the book and it was going for more than 4 pants, but then something changed. I'm not big on BDSM and it was there from the beginning, but mostly in a lighter form. Actually this is one of the authors who writes that kink in a way that I can enjoy, it's usually not light. My problem here was the punishment and the mental health issues. Adam wanted to be punished after he had freaked out, punished for not  being able to handle his OCD and I'm sorry but that felt wrong with me. Denver has issues of his own; we find out that he has a learning disability and a lot of self-worth issues. They do make quite the pair, but they fit, just the punishments in regard with Adams OCD behaviour made me uneasy. Also the last quarter of the book feels a bit rushed, since all things happen pretty fast and they are building their own house already.

Geek Level: Well this book gets 2 geek points for study subject and choice of profession, sadly the geeky stuff was bugs and some of Adams appearance, and no other geeky trivia was mentioned!

Should You Read It? It depends, I enjoyed it, it's well written for one, some missing words aside. There is a plot and I think it deals with a common trope of geek/ muscle stud in an interesting way, adding some unique twist to the theme through the mental issues. For people who want an easy romance, the OCD might be a bit too much, since it really is a big part of the story, which made the plot more believable and added to it, at least in mine opinion, but I can see how people might find it too much for a m/m romance book. Also the BDSM part is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if one doesn't mind these two points, than this will be a good and intriguing book to discover!

Review: Honour by A.F. Henley

Reviewed by Fehu
Honour by A.F. Henley
Less Than 3 Press
Novella 
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Recently docked after a voyage abroad, Emmett wants only to find a warm bed and good food, for himself and the cabin boy he's taken into his care. Those plans are impeded, however, by an altercation in the streets—with a man he realizes too late is England's heir to the throne, Prince Andrewe.

When the encounter unexpectedly leads to a position in the royal household attending the prince, Emmett is not certain what to think. On one hand, it's a reliable income and ensures the safety of his charge. On the other, it's neither the life Emmett knows, nor an environment that he's comfortable in. Left to learn his lessons the hard way, Emmett spends his days contending with a spoiled, infuriating prince who leaves him in a constant tangle of emotions.

Then he begins to hear whispers of treason and must make a choice: defend Prince Andrewe, or betray him.

Review:
This is the second book from this author that I'm reading and I have to say, that there are improvements! The writing is more fluid, for one and the editing is better this time as well, which were some of my main complains with the last book. Also, I got through this book pretty fast, a good indicator that it's not a bad read and actually keeps the reader interested till the end. So what is it all about?

Well at the beginning there is Emmett, the son of a wealthy merchant, whose father owns a fleet of ships and does business with the royal family in England and it's precisely that business that brought them to the shores of England once more. Emmett meets the current prince, without recognising him, when he defends his young charge and is fascinated by the man, by their visit in the palace; Emmett is officially introduced to Prince Andrewe, who proceeds very fast to seduce Emmett. Soon Emmett's father tells him that the king would like for Emmett to stay in the castle as the princes First Gentleman (which is valet, minder, protector and well bedmate, at least in this book). From that moment Emmett’s life is changed and his and Andrewe's relationship is the focus of the story.

I really liked the Emmett I first met at the beginning of this book. He was outspoken, protective of his young charge, who serves as a cabin boy. He actually says that the royals are not better than anyone else, they didn't have to work hard like everyone else but reap all the rewards and just because of their blood. He sounds, in this aspect like a Democrat, when he meets the prince, whom he doesn't recognise and oppose at first, go Emmett! So imagine my surprise, when Emmett gets a new and different personality, after being introduced to the prince. Ok so he finds him  attractive and caution would probably serve one well in the presence of whimsical princes, like Andrewe, but still, I was wondering where that guy went, who told his charge that royals were not one iota better than the rest of humanity? I wanted that guy back, since it was he whom I liked and wanted to read more about, he was honest and brave and headstrong, sadly he didn't make an appearance, just maybe in some glimpses but mostly now there was this mostly timid impostor, who was doing everything to please the prince.

Emmett had actually the choice to decline the offer to stay at the palace and when he went enraged to the king (yes that was the old Emmett) I had thought he would decline or have at least some pride and tell the prince that he couldn't be bought, that he was a free man and make that stupid brat of a prince realise that he couldn't have everything. Sadly Emmett’s protest was at best superficial. Andrewe is a brat, who is bemoaning his fate that he is a prince and has to marry and produce children that he cannot do everything what he wants, I disliked his spoiled attitude quite a bit and I have come to dislike Emmett cow towing to him.

I had hoped he would just escape Andrewe on a ship and leave the plot and the prince behind, no I wasn't that lucky. He got fully involved in a plot to assassinate the royal family, after Andrewe isolated him from his friend and forbade him to see his father. I did mention that I strongly disliked Andrewe, yes well, him doing nothing, when Emmett was punished with 40 lashes and by the way that's could be deadly for a human, not that it was described here as such, but I thought I should mention it, since it was treated a minor injury and not something a person could die from, especially if not treated right and I haven't seen a healer there so really, how there was no infection is a mystery. Of course the fast healing was quite a miracle in my humble opinion, especially since this is not the first historical I've read and one usually don't get that fast after being whipped to the flesh. Oh did I mention that Emmett was punished after he saved the prince’s life? He also wanted to warn the king of a plot against them, not that the king gave him the chance!

Anyone who would expect Andrewe to be a good lover, apologize and care for Emmett would be quite disappointed; he didn't visit him at all!!!  The ending well I didn't think it was very satisfying, there is a wedding and that's as much as I will say about it, you will have to read the book to know more. What I missed was the court life in general; we meet the royal family but not the nobles and the court. I haven't seen the prince interact in the court or do any of his duties. I wanted to know how Emmett was introduced to the court, he couldn't have been all that popular, since he got the ear of the future monarch, did some courtiers plot against him, and was he opposed at court?? So yes, I missed some interactions with other people, besides Andrewe and his charge.

Should you read this? Hm, I got through the book pretty fast, so it's not boring and it's not sex - driven, which makes for a nice change. Also you can see that the plot is quite engaging and it certainly didn't leave me cold. If you don't mind the change in character, then this would make a good read.

Review: Bestiary Volume #4 (Take 1)

Reviewed by Fehu
I is for Imp by India Jackson
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Donavan is a lowly thief, scraping by picking pockets with the help of Oriax, an imp he once helped and who now is his companion on the streets. When they learn of a tournament that is to take place a few days away, they cannot resist the opportunity. But their hopes of easy gold are soon shattered by an unexpected and dangerous presence …




Review:
This one is for fans of fantasy with a medieval feeling! It's actually my favourite story in this bundle and it would have been nice if it were a bit longer, with some more background information about the knights.

First of all the story reminded me a bit of a fantasy game, the knight who fights for the king, an evil spirit haunting the castle, who turns out to be in the ruler. Now doesn't that sound a bit like something of Final Fantasy? And so the adventure begins with a thief, Donovan and his imp Oriax, though the thief doesn't exactly know that he has an imp, who perform on stage and while they distract the people with magical tricks, one of them can go and steal the money from their audience.

After they are robbed Donovan and Oriax agree to participate in the Jester tournament of the King, to their surprise they meet one of the holy Paladin Knights, and understandable Oriax is not happy about that meeting. With their tricks Donovan gets the position of the court Jester and it's not an offer he can refuse. What he doesn't know, is that there have been some problems in the castle and that something evil dwells in it, which is also the reason the Paladin was there, who is paying quite a lot of attention to Donovan, but it might not be for the reasons one would assume.

While I would love to have some more background in formation, the story itself is nicely paced. The characters are entertaining and the romance is very light. I enjoyed the fantasy game feeling of this one and if one wants to read a short,  well written fantasy, then this one is just the thing!

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Across Borders by Alex Powell
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story
2. 75 Pants Off

Blurb:
In an effort to help mend a long-standing rift between the Shui-long dragon clan and the Ceffyl Dŵr, Xin-jian reluctantly agrees to be the ambassador for the dragons and spend time amongst the Ceffyl Dŵr. The enemy he comes to know is nothing like he expected, however, especially Tiernan. But before he can truly begin to explore peace, he must stop those who will not give up the old hatreds.




Review:
Xin-jian is from a rare breed of dragons and the foster brother to the dragon princess Mai-hua. When the princess is attacked by Ceffyl Dŵr, their old enemy, he meets his match. Surprisingly Xin learns that the princess wanted to have peace talks and it's the presence of her brother, who followed her, that provoked the attack. Even more surprising is that the Ceffyl actually is not against peace between their two races, would even welcome it, at least that's what Xin and Mai-hua find out, when they visit the Ceffyl's lands. It's not after their meeting with the dragon Emperor that they find out why there is a conflict and why he doesn't wish for peace.

The beginning is quite promising, a battle, two enemy races facing each other sadly that doesn't last. I had hoped for enemies to lovers and this might be the case it term that the two races are enemies. Xin's mate fights against him in the beginning but they fall in love pretty quickly, so the enemy part is mostly superficial. The story is fast paced on the one hand, but I felt that it was progressing too fast, while not really allowing for character development. Mostly all falls into place and the evil Emperor is very predictable. Also I didn't really like the characters; they felt a bit flat to me.

Review: Vampirism And You! by Missouri Dalton

Reviewed by Fehu
Vampirism and You! by Missouri Dalton
Prizm Books
Novel: 199pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
Louis’ whole life was planned right to a bite on the neck at his seventeenth birthday. The British native has a whole lot of changes coming his way. There’s the cravings, the urges, the relocation to rural USA…it’s a lot for a teenager to handle. Throw in the possibility that he might not be as straight as he always thought and it’s a tangled mess as Louis tries to navigate his new life as a vampire.

Things aren’t going to be easy though, and his foster-vampire Duncan is determined to make Louis a fine upstanding example of vampirism—or else. Louis has his handbook though to explain well, some things. But not everything.

When a new vampire shows up in town, Louis thinks he’s finally found someone to confide in, except Eli has his own agenda and Louis is about to find out that being a vampire means more than drinking blood and causing mayhem—there are also dirty politics, dark secrets, and a whole lot of reading assignments.

Review:
Let's talk about book chemistry! With some stories I can get into the story from the first sentences and this was the case with this one, though I don't read a lot of vampire stories, Louis's bratty voice drew me in. I liked the references to modern shows and movies, like Twilight and Interview with a Vampire; they were all worked well into the story. So what is the story about?

The first person narrator is Louis, who has been rather less willingly turned into a vampire and now has to move away from his family, that is serving a vampire countess and move in with his new vampire guardian Duncan, to the USA. Now Louis have to learn how to be a proper vampire, there is a guide book (which is pretty funny) and adapt to a new live as a high school student, as if being a vampire wasn't enough of a challenge and his sadistic foster parent makes him participate in a drama club as a punishment, which wouldn't be so bad, if all his new classmates didn't smell like food to poor Louis. While Duncan is out of the house Louis meets Eli, another vampire and his blood brother, bitten by the same countess, who he later finds out is also a psycho killer, who doesn't stop from killing his own or drinking their blood unwillingly, even if that is forbidden. All is not well in the archaic vampire society and Louis and Duncan find out they are in the thick of things, they have strong allies but their enemy is the current Lord Dracula himself, if they want to have their revenge for the people they lost or change things in the vampire society, Louis will have to fight Dracula for his title.

I did mention that I did fall into the story quickly, the characters are well developed and I liked the sarcastic comments or the funny way the vampire guidebook was written (for the most part). The story is not fun and light like it appears in the beginning and it's not all about teenage angst or adapting to a new role/ way of life. There are some serious themes mentioned, like rape of a minor, which happened in the past, and is not graphic but it's still one of the darker parts of the story same as a mass murdering of humans, which is described, so this part of the book might not be for everyone’s taste.

Honestly I liked the first part, which was light-hearted quite a bit more and would have given the book a better rating had it stayed that way. The adventure and intrigue part progressed rather quickly and the arising challenges were solved too fast for my taste, especially after all the build up. I'm giving it more that 3 pants off for engaging characters, making me laugh and an interesting take on a vampire story.