Guest Post: Werewolf Evolution by Julie Lynn Hayes

“Goodness, what big eyes you have!” Little Red Riding Hood exclaimed.

 “The better to see you with, my dear,” said her grandmother.

Except we know it’s not really her grandmother, don’t we? It’s the Big Bad Wolf in disguise.

Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood was my first introduction to the wolf as more than an animal. This wolf walks and talks, he has very human emotions and he’ssneaky and crafty. Is he really a wolf, or is he more... perhaps the forerunner of the loup-garou? More commonly known as the werewolf, or wolf man?

Outside of fairy tales, I think my first encounter with wolf men came with the Lon Chaney, Jr. film. His werewolf was a scary dude, and very hairy. Not to mention he was a total beast. And I mean that literally. As a werewolf, no remnant of Larry Talbot’s humanity was evident once he changed. He acted on pure animal instinct, and people were scared spitless at the sight of him.

Wolf Man

There have been a number of films in this genre, with pretty much the same horrifying scenario of the man forced to turn into a hideous beast at the tug of the full moon, usually the result of a curse of some sort. Or the bite of another werewolf. There was nothing romantic about these creatures.

And then along came An American Werewolf in London, which took werewolves in a new direction, and revitalized the genre and breathed new life in it (with more than a touch of humor), leading to such films as Van Helsing and Underworld, among others.

Meanwhile, in the world of fiction, the werewolf underwent a more startling transformation. Romance writers created tortured souls that were also incredibly sexy, and gave a whole new meaning to the word. The first sexy werewolf I can remember was actually on TV. Quentin Collins, in the old soap opera Dark Shadows, was sexy David Selby. He’s the first werewolf I remember thinking was hot. Okay, there was Oliver Reed too, in Curse of the Werewolf, but he was also scary lol.

Quentin Collins

Werewolves are now a staple of paranormal romance writers, rivaling the vampire in popularity. At any given time, usually one of these creatures dominates the field as far as who’s the top of the polls. But werewolves have actually devolved into two camps – the werewolf and the shapeshifter – and these are not the same thing, not at all.

What’s the difference, you ask? The werewolf is a slave to the pull of the Full Moon. Come rain or shine, hell or high water, no matter where he is or what he’s doing, when it’s time, he’s going to change, and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it. But the shapeshifter controls his change, and he’s generally in command of his faculties when he does, so he has the advantage of the hapless werewolf.

What brought about this sudden surge in shapeshifters? I think it was laziness, personally, because some writers didn’t want to deal with having their heroes wait until the Full Moon – they wanted guys that could change at a moment’s notice. And they didn’t want to be confined to once a month. Technically speaking, shapeshifters are not werewolves by their very nature. Doesn’t make them wrong, just different.

Not only that, but suddenly there are shapeshifting men for every species of animal you can imagine, and maybe a few you never expected to see in a book (or outside of one lol) I remember reading something about treeshifters! Not your every day variety of shapeshifter, you have to admit.

Werewolf or shapeshifter – both are fun to read about and to write about. I think they’re here to stay. I know I enjoy writing about them.

 

Buy Link: When Will I See You Again

Blurb:
Raoul Marchand is the crown prince of Charisma, the infamous night club in Crescent Bay, renowned for its supernatural clientele. He has the pick of any and all men, but he cares for none. He uses them and throws them away again, and has done so for some twenty years, in the aftermath of a tragedy that robbed him of what he loved most in the world.

Alexx Jameson is an idealistic young would-be reporter with the Crescent Bay Chronicle. Presented with an opportunity to write a story on the Marchands, he eagerly grasps the chance to be a real reporter. His friend, Chronicle receptionist Miller Fenwick, suggests they go to Charisma to do a little research. Alexx isn’t sure that’s such a great idea. After all, he’s still under age, being only twenty. No problem, Miller can fix that! Added bonus, there’s a full moon tonight.

Excerpt

When Alexx first encounters Raoul, it isn’t exactly in the way he dreamed of, and he’s sure he made a terrible first impression. But Fate throws them together under unforeseen circumstances, and the attraction between them can’t be denied. Can Raoul let go of the past long enough to find his future with Alexx, or is he doomed to repeat past mistakes?

Alexx drew in his breath in dismay. This wasn’t going well. Even so, he could not stop staring at Raoul. His eyes met the other man’s. Raoul’s were very golden; he wasn’t aware such colors even existed in the spectrum of the human eye. But then again, he didn’t have any friends that were werewolves either. He wondered if this was a sign that perhaps this man was about to change, right here and now?

The thought was both exhilarating and frightening.

Alexx’s vision telescoped until he wasn’t aware of anything but this gorgeous man in front of him. Blood pounded in his ears and his mouth felt suddenly dry. Having lost all sense of the others in the room, he was surprised when he felt his chair yanked out from under him. Before he could fall, a hand grabbed the scruff of his neck, propelling him to his feet. He glanced at his companion; Miller was being subjected to the same surly treatment.

“You waste my time for this?” Raoul’s upper lip curled back in a snarl. Alexx found himself wildly attracted to him. “I have somewhere I need to be. Paolo, please show these gentlemen out.” Sarcastic much? He turned and reached for the door, but it opened before he touched it.

A shaggy blond with hazel eyes and a cheerful countenance stuck his head inside. “Hey Paolo—” He interrupted himself at the sight of the occupants of the room.

Alexx heard Miller’s sigh of relief, even as he too recognized the newcomer. He’d seen him around the Chronicle often enough, although he’d never really spoken to him. Foster Levine, son of the Chronicle’s owner—heir apparent and future newspaper magnate.

Alexx’s relief quickly changed to anxiety. What if Foster knew how old he really was? He couldn’t be sure one way or the other, but for the sake of argument, he had to assume he did. Would he out him to Raoul Marchand and his burly minion? Had they simply jumped from the frying pan to be scorched by the fire?


Author Bio:
Julie Lynn Hayes was reading at the age of two and writing by the age of nine and always wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Two marriages, five children, and more than forty years later, that is still her dream. She blames her younger daughters for introducing her to yaoi and the world of M/M love, a world which has captured her imagination and her heart and fueled her writing in ways she'd never dreamed of before. She especially loves stories of two men finding true love and happiness in one another's arms and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and two cats, loves books and movies, and hopes to be a world traveler some day. She enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch, knitting and needlepoint and loves to cook. While working a temporary day job, she continues to write her books and stories and reviews, which she posts in various places on the internet. Her family thinks she is a bit off, but she doesn't mind. Marching to the beat of one's own drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at Amber Quill Press, Dreamspinner Press, MuseitUp Publishing, Torquere Press, and eXtasy Books. She is also an editor at MuseitUp.

My links: 
Blog http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.com

Twitter @Shelley_runyon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.l.hayes.7?ref=tn_tnmn

My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442231.Julie_Lynn_Hayes

Email: tothewolf.max@gmail.com

Review: Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz
Amber Allure
Novella: 133pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Travis Conners is a firefighter who barely made it through high school. Why would Anthony Pappas, an adorable second grade teacher, be interested in him? Travis is willing to find out, if Anthony will give him a chance.

Being descended from a goddess, Anthony Pappas possesses a unique gift—he can tell when people are lying. Sounds good, until your boyfriends all end up lying to you. Anthony's tired of it. It's easier not to get involved than to have your heart broken time and time again.

When a little redheaded boy brings the men together, these two heroes will have to find the courage to take a leap of faith and follow their hearts...

Review
This tender story is about Travis Conners-a firefighter and Anthony Pappas-a schoolteacher. Both of these men came to each other with pasts that haunt them still.

Travis, as a child had problems learning in school. Therefore, he thinks that he’s not smart enough. Definitely not smart enough for Anthony. Anthony grew up being a descendant of goddess and his power of knowing when people lie to him has made him feel trapped. He’s had so many guys that he’s dated lie to him that he’s given up even looking for Mr. Right.

They meet when Travis shows up to Anthony’s class for Take You Dad To School Day. Travis is there for his nephew, whose father died in Afghanistan. As you can imagine, they have such an instant attraction to each other. They both need to just take a leap of faith in each other and work it out.

Now, this short story just gave me such a feeling of light heartedness. I smiled my way through this book. It was sweet and tender and I couldn’t get enough. These two guys were just so perfect for each other. Sweet as can be. I loved how they came together and then fought to stay together. I loved watching them work on their issues. Yes, it was a bit of insta-love, but being a descendant of a goddess, what do you expect?

I would recommend this book if you just wanted a sweet, gentle story that didn’t have any real angst or drama. With an HEA that you can’t wait to see these two guys get. You’ll enjoy watching these two fall in love.

4 Pants Off

Review: Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz
Amber Allure
Short Story
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Mark Madison accepts a position as tutor in New Orleans, he does so to run away from his past. Yet he never once believed the house on Coliseum Square would actually hold the key to his future.

Royal DuCote, the wealthy owner of the house and father to a son named Luc, is dark, sexy, and haunted. Ever since the death of his wife and Luc's mother, nothing has been the same. Luc refuses to speak or let Royal near him, and putting Luc in school is out of the question, so he hires a tutor for his son. But when he meets Mark Madison, he's instantly attracted to the younger man.

As tensions build between the Mark and Royal, Luc's affliction becomes a mystery Mark wants to solve. But will what Mark discovers destroy all that is left of the DuCote family?

Short Review
Mark Madison whom we meet as he’s travelling to New Orleans to start his life over with a new name and a new job as a tutor to young Luc DuCote. Royal DuCote is his new, handsome employer. When they meet, Mark is instantly smitten with the dark-haired man. What Mark doesn’t know is that Royal is just as smitten with him!!

As the story progresses, you find out what made Mark leave his home and change his name. Here at Coliseum Square, he can start anew. Luc, his young charge hasn’t spoken a word since his mother died two years prior. Herein lies the mystery…how did she die? Who killed her? Despite Mark’s many suspicions that Royal may have killed his wife. They still fall in love.

This sweet, tender novella was really just a nice, easy read. The mystery was handled well. The insta-love was there, but it didn’t really bother me. It was more sweet than anything. A nice, fun read.

3 Pants Off

What's Happening This Week!

Hello All! Hope you had a fantabulous week and isn't suffering from the cold weather. It was busy last week on POR and this week is another one jam packed with awesome reviews (I am so in love with my reviewers).

Also check out the post for A Book A Week Giveaway beginning next week on the 18th, where POR is giving a book a week away until December 30th so be sure to stop by and see if its a book you have on your wishlist.

Without further ado, here's whats causing a pants losing this week...

Reviews:

When Loves Takes Over & Chasing the Sun by Jacob Z. Flores (Elbie)
The Prisoner by Kol Anderson (Whuppsy)
Omorphi by C. Kennedy (DarienMoya)
Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz (Whuppsy)
Waiting for a Prince by K.C Wells (Fehu)
Forever Young by Jeff Erno (DarienMoya)
Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz (Whuppsy)
Special Needs by K.A Merikan (DarienMoya)

Have A Great Week!

Subject 13 by Ethan Stone

Subject 13 by Ethan Stone
Amber Allure

Novel

4 Pants off

Blurb:
Luke Kincaid's life is exploding all around him. First his lover leaves him to marry a woman, then childhood nightmares return with a vengeance.

Luke’s friendship with Ben Skinner and relationship with Kyle Morgan helps him heal his broken heart, but the nightmares, which are actually repressed memories, threaten to destroy the peace he has found.

Soon, Luke’s investigation into his past puts his life—and the lives of the people he cares about—in danger. But he refuses to give up, not even when he finds out he is connected to a massive government cover-up...

Review:
The books I end up liking always surprise me, and Subject 13 definitely did surprise me because I wasn’t really feeling it in the beginning. I did really enjoy it by the end there, though it did feel a bit rushed and all over the place.

Luke has just been dumped by his long time boyfriend for a woman. So he’s having a hard time wrapping his mind around why his lover Shane has ended things so suddenly and is getting married. Well he decides he wants to confront Shane on the day of his wedding. He’s left hurting a lot that day, but does rekindle an old friendship and gains a new one.

Luke is plagued by dreams he use to have as a young boy, there more intense and they are starting to feel like memories he repressed for many years. There seems to be more questions popping up than answers and Luke is determined to find out what happened to him before he was found in the dessert barely alive at the age of six. His investigation gets him caught up in an army cover up, and he might be putting those he care for in danger.

I really enjoyed reading this one. Kind of shocking since the whole army cover-up mystery wasn’t very strong or believable, and I’m not one hundred invested in Luke as a character. I did enjoy the best-friends to lover’s trope it gets me every time! I also enjoyed the little interracial love thrown in, while it didn’t last it sure was freaking hot as hell.

While found this story to be lacking compared to what I’ve read from the author before, it still had the honesty in the writing, which I think fans will appreciate. All the raunchy man love your heart can take, and the happy ending we all long for. I enjoyed the twist at the end, just when I thought it was over ‘bam’ I get hit with a surprise. Sequel I predict a sequel.

Overall, I liked it and look forward to reading more from Ethan Stone, his writing is sexy!

4 Pants Off

*Be sure to stop by tomorrow, because Ethan Stone will be here for an interview. Gosh he's a lot of fun*

OMFG This Book #3

I took on my TBR once again, and was happy with the two books I read. Totally in love with one of them, and the other was sweet but totally forgettable. I am super happy with the way its going, like I am finally getting to read what I spent money on.

In Hot Pursuit by Kate McMurray

Loose-Id

Novel: 164pgs

Rating: 4/5

Thoughts: In Hot Pursuit started off very slow for me, I was even making a face and just unimpressed with it. I think it could have been reading a few books in a row about one of the MC’s losing their previous partner. Then it just all changed and I found myself really liking the book, it became so super sweet and the cop/mystery part of it really kept me interested. I am so glad I stuck with it, I am just all kinds of impressed with Kate McMurray’s writing and I think I can finally do that interview with her. Since I finally read one of her books ^_~

4 Pants Off

 

Only in His Dreams by Shawn Lane

Amber Allure

Short Novella: 77pgs

Rating: 3/5

Thoughts: Another book about one of the MC’s dealing/getting over a dead lover. This one I didn’t quite enjoy, even the interracial part of it still couldn’t make me find it more than ‘Meh’. I liked Shawn Lane’s writing but just really had no connection with the characters and the ending just left me out. It’s a series after all so who knows, I might see them again.

3 Pants Off

OMFG! This Book #2

 Once again took on my TBR and this week was a good reading week. I read two books that have been on the TBR for a few years now, and I feel so happy I read them. I just anticipate the good reading that's coming! I can't wait to get into the meat of it all.

So here's the two books I read this week. Both were fun and light and had the hot man love flowing.

Duncan's World by T.A Chase

Amber Allure

Novella: 103pgs

Rating: 3.5/5

Thoughts: I really enjoyed reading this story, it was paced well and I feel like it delivered. Love the older man, younger guy trope, always makes me lose my pants. Also had some emotional elements, which touched a part of me. Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to more of Chase’s works.

3 1/2 Pants Off

 Under My Skin II by M.L Rhodes

Amber Allure

Novella: 127pgs

Rating: 4/5

Thoughts: I really liked the first book, and you can check out my review here. I liked this one too, the struggles were realistic, and it was still sexy as hell. Just didn’t enjoy the return of the ex that rather rubbed me the wrong way. Still digging the bookish nerd and the bad boy with the tats. Though ‘whose bad’ is pretty kick ass.

3 1/2 Pants Off

IRL Week: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Lynn Lorenz

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Lynn Lorenz
Amber Allure

Novella: 101pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Scott came to New Orleans the summer he fled the bigotry of a rural Louisiana town. Tony was born and raised in the City that Care Forgot and lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. Now, Scott lives in a homeless shelter and has a job at Tiffany’s Waffles ’n’ Wings, a 24-hour restaurant on the edge of the French Quarter, while Tony is squatting in an abandoned house.

When Tony, desperate for cash, decides to rob someone, along comes Scott. But in the dark alleyway, the younger man stirs something long dormant in Tony. He rescues Scott from being beaten by another thief, then grabs the money for himself and runs. Ashamed of his actions, however, Tony decides to return the money. He follows Scott to work, and the two fragile souls begin a tenuous relationship.

The men fill in what each is missing and what each desires in the other. Scott leaves the shelter to try living with Tony, finding a place to belong and someone who cares for him, and Tony, who has something to prove to himself, longs to be a better man for Scott.

Together, the two kindred spirits try to create a life together in a city on the edge of a comeback...

 
Review:
I am deeply in love with story. From what I have read of Lynn Lorenz, her characters are always so realistic. Its situations that any person could be going through. The struggle, the desperation, and the guilt that comes with feeling like you didn’t do enough. All that and more was apart of this story, and the romance just pushed it to a completely awesome kinda level.

Scott lives on the streets, and he’s had his fair share of tough times, experiences that no young person should have. Scott is strong though, and he tries to make it in a city destroyed but not ruined. The streets of New Orleans are dangerous, but there is a fierce pride in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Scott is living in a shelter he has a job, and he’s saving his money. So you see life isn’t keeping him down.

Tony lost everything in Katrina, his family and all the things he loved. He carries strong guilt, because he survived and his family did not. So why should he have anything. He’s done many things to make some money, and now he’s about to resort to robbery.

Scott and Tony meet for the first time, when a man jumps Scott to take his money. It is the very thing Tony was about to do, but changes his mind at the last minute. He comes to Scotts rescue, but hunger and surviving has him taking Scott’s money anyways. During the little crime gone badly, Scott and Tony are very aware of each other.

The chemistry between Scott and Tony is explosive, the contrast of their description electrifies. They pull you in, even though the relationship moves quickly, but ‘why the hell not’ they deserve all the happiness because they have been through so much.

The writing is amazing! Its like I was transported to streets of New Orleans, I could taste the food in my mouth and feel the chill on the deserted streets that Scott walked. I want to pack my bags and take a trip, it’s a place I’ve always been in love with, and Lynn makes me love it even more.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a love story, and it will make your heart feel super happy. I fell in love with Scott and Tony and you can too. I wish it were longer so I could have had more time basking in the awesomeness.

4 1/2 Pants Off

*Remember you can win this title from the IRL Week Giveaway*

IRL Week: Wanting by M L. Rhodes

Wanting by M L. Rhodes
Amber Allure

Short Novella: 64pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:
It started with one kiss. Which led to another. And another. And then to a mind-blowing night of intimacy Jeremy Reynolds can’t forget. He can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous, smart, compassionate man who tilted his world. Can’t stop seeing warm, sexy eyes gazing at him with breath-stealing intensity.

Jeremy tries to tell himself to let the incident go, move on, and chalk it up to a life experience. After all, what transpired between him and his best friend and roommate, Ben Cross, can never happen again. Ben is gay, and Jeremy...isn’t. At least he’s never thought he was before. But now he’s torn and confused and not sure what the night with Ben meant—for either of them. Already stressed about final exams before the holidays and his difficult family situation, Jeremy doesn’t know how to deal with the conflicting feelings he’s having. And the one person he’s always been able to talk to about everything, and who’s always been there for him, is the very person he’s been avoiding for the past week because he doesn’t know how to face him after waking up in his bed.

Afraid he might have already screwed up his and Ben’s friendship beyond repair, Jeremy is haunted even more by the backlash he could face if he admits to Ben, or even to himself, how much the night they spent together really meant to him.

And how much he still wants Ben even now...

Review:
This is a sweet love story, wrapped in sexy and then packaged in hellaciously hot. This one had me feeling rainbows and sunshine, and provided enough stormy clouds for me to truly appreciate the rainbow and sunshine.

After a drunken night, Jeremy hooks up with his best friend Ben, and he doesn’t know how to move on from it. He can’t get over the way Ben made him feel, but he’s not gay right? The thoughts of their night of passion have him going a bit crazy, and he’s finding it hard to focus. However with all his struggling feelings, he wants his best friend back, but he doesn’t know how to move forward from the night that they had sex.

Jeremy also has struggles with his family, and being from strong southern roots, he fears the retaliation of his family if he gets involved with a man and not just any man a black man. So the fears are strong, but he’s realizing that the feelings he has for Ben are stronger.

Ben is… I am in love with this blue-eyed choco-caramel. He’s always been in love with Jeremy, but he could accept that his best friend wasn’t into guys; until the night, they hook up. Now he fears he might have influenced Jeremy somehow and carries that guilt. Yet, he is willing to take scraps if that’s all Jeremy can offer him.

This was just such a sweet story, with two beautiful characters. I can see Ben so clearly in my mind, those blue eyes just hypnotic as shit. I once had a blue eyed black friend in junior high, and I was willing to rip my clothes off for him ^_~. So Jeremy never stood a chance when it came to Ben.

This novella made my heart feel super happy, and I obsessed with Ben. I realized that this is not first character by M.L that had me losing my pants, I am also quite taken with Dane from Bring The Heat. She writes these vividly hot characters, that you cannot help falling in love with. Wanting, had me wanting more. I really enjoyed reading this one.

SideNote- I love their roommate Al. He is funny and sweet and I just can’t wait to read his book.

4 Pants Off

Author Week: Dating the Delaneys by Anne Brooke

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

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

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

Author Week: The Art Of The Delaneys by Anne Brooke

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

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

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

 

Academic Pursuits by Lou Harper

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

Tailor Made by Josephine Myles

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.

No Good Deed

No Good Deed by Lynn Lorenz
Amber Quill Press

Novel: 265 pages

4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
They say no good deed goes unpunished. Two men are about to find out if that old saying is true...

Captain Daniel Chan works for the Riceland Police Department. It’s a small town in Texas and he’s the only Chinese American on the force. He considers himself bisexual, but when he meets Mark Montgomery, a gay man, he falls hard. But being with Mark means he’ll have to commit to being gay. Mark won’t have it any other way.

Mark’s a man with a terrible past and he’s in hiding from it and the man who tried to kill him so long ago. When he meets Dan, it’s a chance at healing old wounds and finding a new life. But it also means exposure, and that’s something Mark’s avoided for years. When he’s thrust onto center stage after a shooting, he turns to Dan for protection.

But even in a small town, things can get complicated. Political maneuvering, shady real estate deals, and men’s ambitions all collide, catching Dan and Mark in the middle. Will the forces they encounter destroy them and their newfound love, or will it bind them together?

Review:
I am in all kinds of love with this book. If Daniel Chan wasn't a gay man I would want him for my own, but hahahah he is bi-sexual, yeh I know...but this man is all kinds of awesome. I am now a huge fan of Lynn Lorenz she is a definate buy when purchasing my m/m loving. This book was surprisingly funny, angsty and just a sweet sexy fest. LOVED IT!!
 
Daniel Chan is the captain of a police force in a small town, he is also chinese and if that don't blow all out the water. He loves his job, he has great friends and only a few years until his retirement. One problem, no one in town knows about his sexual preferences, sometimes he likes the ladies other times he wants a man. No reason to go spreading this around until there was Mark and all his homosexual tendencies are coming out in full force and everyone seems to be noticing.

The meeting between Mark and Chan is no gumballs and lollipops, you see Mark was just caught in some serious business involving a dead man, a wounded police officer and Mark being arrested. To save the police force ass Chan has to some smooth talking and that comes easy because he wants Mark naked. The instant attraction has some road blocks, because both our heroes have wounded souls and a whole lot of healing is required.

I loved Chan's humour he makes being an asshole a true talent, but man is he sweet. His internal dialogue is hilarious, his dialogue with other characters is a laugh out loud kinda thing, and I did. He is a complex character with true worries and it proves the darkside that most cops without a doubt carry. Mark is a beautiful character, all the shit that man has been through he deserves his happy ending.

It was great to see a interrracial couple, I love when the people of the world come together and just love, and it makes for just hot good times. Though the sex did not come till later it was worth it, so sweet and beautiful. These men aren't perfect and they make mistakes. There are scenes involving a woman, but it works in this story line. An enjoyable story with well written characters. 

4 1/2 Pants Off

 Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off