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: Forever Young by Jeff Erno

Forever Young by Jeff Erno
Ai Press
Novel: 206pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
In less than a summer, shy and introverted Robbie Myers goes from eighteen and never been kissed to the passionate intensity of first love that could last forever. Literally…

Eighteen-year-old Robbie Myers has difficulty talking to people. Not only is he shy, but he seems to say the wrong thing every time he opens his mouth, especially to the mysterious, handsome stranger who shows up at his supermarket job, defends him from an aggressive colleague and then asks him on a date. He can't believe a hot, worldly badboy like seventeen-year-old Colt Abernathy is actually interested. Yet he can’t deny that the ardor burning in Colt’s dark eyes is just for him. In the space of one breath, Robbie is launched from his plan to attend community college while living at home with his mom and saving up for a car to the tender yet passionate exploration of intense first love. Little does Robbie know…

Brought across during the height of the Civil War, Colt has remained trapped in the body of a lonely seventeen year old. When he spots the slim, blond-haired, blue eyed young man, pushing a line of shopping carts across a parking lot, Colt knows instantly they’re destined for each other. There’s just one major problem: if he survives the impending battle between vampires and the Matarians - an army of brutal vampire slayers - he’s going to live forever. Robbie isn’t…

Review
I am a big fan of Jeff Erno if there are some of you who didn't know this. Its either I love the shit out of his books or I really like them but for Forever Young its falling somewhere in between, so it means I found it to be a very entertaining read.

Robbie is shy and a little awkward so he doesn't do well socially. He spends his time working in order to save for school and purchase a car not much going on in his social life. He is also magnet for bullies and sometime people take advantage of his kindness. While finishing up work and getting all the store carts organized Robbie meets Colt who has that bad boy sexy look. First, Colt is talking him like a person which is crazy and he seems very sincere. When Colt offers for them to hang out Robbie can't believe his luck and yet there’s no way it’s a date thing because while Robbie finds Colt crazy attractive there is just no way he would be interested, right? Anyways Robbie is all types of excited for his first ever date with a guy and sexy one at that, and can nobody hold him down.

The date goes bad fast because what Robbie doesn't know is that Colt is a vampire and unable to control his thirst. Lust mixed with hunger means "bye, bye, bye" ( I totally NSYNCed that) for  Robbie, good thing Colt's maker is aware and brings it all under control well barely because Robbie ends up fighting for his life. So, it’s like a bad idea for Colt and Robbie to be together, but you know young love, can't anybody hold them down. They're all in love and Colt knows he would never hurt his sweet and pure Rob ever again.

Throw in vampire hunters, stupid mistakes, and vampires hating on each other and you have an entertaining read. What I do like most about Jeff Erno's young adult titles is that they're believable vampires and all. Like yes they are young but his characters are never stupid, they might make stupid choices but they are never stupid. He's also good at writing intimacy between young people never too explicit and always just right because like get a clue 18yr olds have sex and I am alright with it in books when it comes from love and sometimes even if no love is involved.

Forever Young picks up there at the end which broke a piece of my heart, and while some things were predictable I still ain't mad it. I am looking forward to a sequel cus lots go down and so many questions need to be answered like what will become of our young vampire hunters? Plus wolves.

Should You Read It? For fans of Jeff Erno it’s a yes, for others if you want a light vampire read then this book might be for you. I really did enjoy this one and sometimes it surprises me the stuff I end up enjoying not because it’s such an amazing piece of work but because its just fun.

4 Pants Off

DarienMoya

Review: You Belong With Me by Jeff Erno

You Belong With Me by Jeff Erno
Harmony Ink Press
Novel: 164pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Wesley Harris is sixteen and openly gay, at least to his family and friends. Often bullied at school, he's shy and reserved. Wesley has a penchant for designing T-shirts, and he's a gifted artist. When Brad Johnson, one of the school's most admired jocks, moves in next door, the two boys begin to develop a friendship. It begins when they see each other through their bedroom windows and start exchanging notes with each other. Brad has a notebook upon which he writes messages which he holds up for Wesley to read, Wesley returns the gesture. 

This unique manner of communication leads them into a genuine friendship in which Brad confides in Wesley the issues with which he's struggling. His parents are divorcing, his girlfriend is cheating on him, and his father is critical of everything he does. Most significantly, Brad confesses to Wesley that he thinks he might be bisexual.

Review:
Wesley Harris is gay, and pretty much everyone knows it. His parents don't mind which is awesome, but it’s when he gets to school that the acceptance from home goes out the window. He gets bullied but Wes doesn't let it affect how he lives and enjoys school. So when jock superstar Brad Johnson moves in next door Wes can hardly believe his luck. Bonus is that their bedrooms are facing each other, so the boys communicate using a notebook and they strike up a friendship. Brad is more than Wesley expected, and suddenly he's falling hard but he knows that Brad will always be fantasy because one: he's straight, and two a guy like him would never be attracted to a skinny geeky kid like him.

They have a genuine friendship and Wes is able to be himself and share everything with Brad. Yes, his heart is still on the line but having Brad as a friend means more. When Brad shares that he might be bi-sexual, Wesley feels like he's on cloud nine. Their relationship starts to move in a direction that makes them both happy, and Wes is thinking maybe after all a guy like him can have the boy of his dreams. Until real life jumps in and Brad has family stuff to deal with, and his feelings for Wes could cost him everything. Wesley still has to deal with the bullies at school and maybe this time he really has had enough.

This is a Jeff Erno book pure and simple, the author is never afraid to hit you with a dose of reality and mixing in the happy ending we hope every young adult could have. As much as I enjoy this trope of nerdy awkward boy falling in love with superstar jock, I really want to see a switch up. The characters take on a classic example of characters we've seen before by the author. Regardless, I found Wes to be a strong character and enjoyed the change that happened with him, and it made me wish that others would stand up for themselves like this.

Once again the author does good for the sex part of the book, not explicit but very sweet interludes between two boys who genuinely care for each other. It always makes my heart feel super happy to read about young people falling in love, and the intimate moments mean something. Wesley and Brad are sweet together, and their little story will warm your heart.

Should You Read It? Yep, if you are a Jeff Erno fan like I am then you won't want to miss this one. As much as I enjoyed it, I really want in the future for there to be a switch up of characters. For once I want the nerdy boy to deem himself worthy from the get go, and maybe he can fall in love with a sexy nerd too. I love me some jock/nerd set-up but I am really in the need for something more.

4 Pants Off

Review: Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter by Jeff Erno

Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter (Dumb Jock #3) by Jeff Erno
Self-Published
Novella: 116pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Todd Hoffman, age sixteen, doesn't have an easy life. Not only does he live with his alcoholic mother in a rundown mobile home, but he's also a bit of a social outcast at school. He doesn't have the nice clothing, shoes, and car the other students have. He has only one really close friend, Shannon, but even she doesn't understand him completely. He knows he can never confide in her his deepest secret. He can't tell anyone, not even his favorite teacher.

But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories--gay stories--about another boy he's secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.

When the object of Todd's affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is becoming real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.

This is book three of the Dumb Jock series, and the story is linked to the previous books by featuring several common characters. Jeff and Brett are present as are Adam and Trevor. Book three is a continuation of the first two installments, but also serves as a standalone read.

Review:
This is old news, but I am a huge fan of Jeff Erno. His books always make me teary eyed and he's the author of one of my fave series ever (Puppy Love). I have really liked all the books in the Dumb Jock series and this one is no exception. I just somehow feel this time around that the jock/nerd thing has been played a bit too often. The dynamics of relationship just always feel like too much of the same (been there, read that) and I would just really like to see a change.

Todd life is less than stellar, he lives in a mobile home with his alcoholic mother and he doesn't quite fit in at school. With the help of his English teacher, Todd gets lost in the written word, and creates a world where he's adventurous and not a social outcast. When he wins an award for one of his essays, it means he has to stand up in front of the entire school and present it. Never being the centre attention, Todd is experiencing a freak out but speaking out comes in handy when he gets the attention of Galen superstar soccer player and the boy from the rich side of the tracks.

This was a cute short read, but as I said, felt like I read it already. Maybe I am just getting tired of the rich boy jock and poor boy geek trope but this one failed to move like the two previous books. Dumb Jock 3 does have moments of true emotions, but it pushed conflict when I felt like it didn't need any.

I am also not on board with Galen's feelings after his little confession about why he started dating Todd. Maybe it’s just me, but that would have pissed me off in epic ways, but of course Todd takes it all in stride (what annoyed me most about him). I understand the whole sensitive small in stature boy thing he had going on but I felt that he should have been a little upset with Galen.

If there is ever a Dumb Jock 4, I am hoping for a little a change. The whole nerd who is so poor needs a changeroo, and maybe this time the Jock can be a somewhat poor shy guy. While my misgivings seem a bit strong, I did enjoy the book. It’s perfect for an afternoon read, and will please fans of the series.

Should You Read It? If you are a fan, sure why not. If awesomer than life jocks float your boat, and you are a long time Jeff Erno fan (knock yourself out) then this short would do you good, and there is re-visits from old characters. But overall, I'm feeling SSDB (Same Shit Different Book).

3.5 Pants Off

Cocktails by Jeff Erno

Cocktails (The Men's Room #2) by Jeff Erno
Extasy Books

Short Novella: 85pgs

3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Rustin has his Associates Degree and leads a successful life as a retail store manager. He’s dissatisfied, though, and wants more. Afforded an opportunity to complete his education while working as a bartender at a trendy gay club in New Orleans, he leaves his Michigan home behind. He’s barely off the plane when he encounters Dutch, a Texas cowboy who is visiting the city on business. Will the connection they share that weekend lead to a lasting relationship, or are they destined to go their separate ways to pursue their own destinies?


Review:
Rustin has picked up, left his old life, and moved to New Orleans to work as a bartender and work on his Bachelor’s degree. After coming out to his family and hitting the road, Rustin is finally able to live the life he wants to. With Tommy and Deejay by his side (read previous book) the world is now is now Rustin’s oyster.

Dutch is a good ole cowboy, on his way to being married and is devoted to his family. So living his life as a gay man is out of the question. When his dear aunt dies Dutch has to make his way to New Orleans to settle her estate, and find a bit of fun on the side. What he never expected was to find everything he’s ever wanted in the city and lose his heart along the way.

This was one of those quick love thing, but I totally bought it. I think the highlight of this book for me was Deejay and Tommy, after the devastation of book 1 my heart finally feels super happy. I liked Dutch and Rustin as characters but I feel like I don’t really know them enough, but I am happy they have their happy ending.

Overall, I enjoyed this short little read. Got to visit the sexy little club again which is never a bad thing. Hot sex, mind blasting blowjobs, and let me not forget Kay Why Jelly *hahahha*. I enjoyed the coming out theme, not over dramatic and done in an easy sweet way. I am so looking forward to book three “who will it be now?”

3 1/2 Pants Off

Twinsational by Jeff Erno

Twinsational by Jeff Erno
Extasy Books

Novel:165pgs

Rating: 4/5

Blurb:
Tommy Cooper has just turned 21 and is getting his first exposure to the gay club scene when he meets Darren Maguire, a go-go dancer. Not only is Darren about the hottest guy that Tommy has ever seen, but he also has an identical twin brother named Michael who is also a dancer

Things quickly heat up for Tommy and Darren, but Michael doesn’t exactly approve. Michael is more serious and wishes his brother Darren would focus more on his education. When Michael meets the man of his dreams, however, he begins to understand the power of romance

Each of the twins becomes embroiled in relationships which are sure to affect their future, but in the party environment of a dance club, can any such relationship last? And what of the parade of hot guys that constantly come in and out of their lives? Only time will tell if Tommy has actually met the man of his dreams or if he’s simply allowed himself to be swept up by a passing sensation.

Review:
I am a such a fan girl for all of Jeff’s books. He is the creator of one of my fave series of all time. So when the review request for Twinsational came in, there was no way in hell I was going to say no. This exciting story possesses the quality that makes it a Jeff Erno novel, but it had a different feel from his previous books.

Tommy is shy, and somewhat nerdish. He gets a job at a club, which he feels is way out of league because it’s all filled with hotties. On his first day, he meets twin Darren and Michael, also having their first day as dancers at the club. Tommy is instantly attracted to both, but only one has him thinking he might be the one. Darren and Tommy begin a sexual relationship, much to Tommy’s surprise, because he can’t believe the hot as hell go go dancer is attracted to his bookish ole self.

Meanwhile Darren’s twin Michael is getting some undivided attention by a customer and Michael is enjoying the attention. His fan is handsome, good-looking, and seems to have money judging by the big bills he’s placing in his teeny tiny shorts. Michael is wondering if there can be something more, when theres no twinkling club lights and gyrating bodies.

While Darren and Michael are the focus, shedding light on their differences in both personality and relationships. However, I found this book to be the Tommy show and his discovery into sex and how sometimes love knocks you down. He gets lost in the intensity between him and Darren, and realizes that he might be invested but he can’t say the same for the sexy twin. Is it love? or could it all just be lust in disguise.

I have always had strong reactions to Jeff’s book, but this one takes the cake. I was utterly devastated at the end of it, and if weren’t reading it on my iPad things could have gotten ugly. I was thrown a curve ball I never saw coming and it broke my wee little heart. I broke down in serious tears, because I was like What.The.Bloody.Fecking.Feck! I know sometimes a little realism in books is a good thing, and you gotta go through trash to find your treasure and all that, but I was not impressed because I was invested in the characters who I thought would be a couple. Jeff sunk my ship, and then threw in a lifesaver *I don’t like the lifesaver*.

Overall, I really liked this one regardless of my strong feelings. It’s the books that make you feel that deserves all the praises and once again, Mr Erno provided another winner.

*grumbles* one that has me depressed and all sad =_=

4 Pants Off

Another Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno

Another Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
Buy Book

Novella: 143pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 1/2 Pants Off

Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno

Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
Buy Book

Novel: 198pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

4 Pants Off

 

Second Chances by Jeff Erno

Second Chances by Jeff Erno

Camel Press

Novel: 251pages

Rating: 4 out of 5

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

SideNote- That blurb is too freaking long! 

4 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

*received from author/publisher*

Puppy Love 3

Puppy Love 3: Reawakening (Puppy Love #3) by Jeff Erno
Fanny Press
Novel: 315pages
5 out of 5

Blurb:
Puppy Love is the story of Matt and Petey. Not only do they identify as a Dominant-submissive gay couple, but they also defy many of the stereotypes o...more Puppy Love is the story of Matt and Petey. Not only do they identify as a Dominant-submissive gay couple, but they also defy many of the stereotypes of this type of relationship. They rarely dress in leather; they don’t hang out at sex clubs, and they have little interest in many of the heavy BDSM sexual practices. There is no denying, however, that Matt is the Master and Petey is his pup. Reawakening, book three of the Puppy Love Trilogy, is the muchawaited conclusion to Matt and Petey’s story. After the tragedies of book two, more agony and ecstasy await Matt and Petey—a shooting, an unexpected pregnancy, a big gay wedding, and tons of passionate, kinky sex scenes. Will they find their happily-ever-after ending together, or will Petey’s reawakened independence lead him down another path entirely?

Review:
It is with a sad heart that I write this review but I am also very happy at the same time. My favourite couple’s story has come to an end, and what an ending it was. As I have mentioned before I was a little skeptical about reading the series, and I blame that on my preconceived notions of what a D/s relationship was really like. I have always had an aversion to someone telling another what to do and running his/her life. That was my single story of a D/s relationship. No one is more surprised than I am by how much in love I am with Petey, Matt, Alex and Drew. I now know that, any part of sexuality is never wrong as long as both partners are willing. Let me tell you this series will make you laugh, cry and have supreme bouts of anger at least that was my experience.

The third book in this wonderful series, and man was this one a joy ride. I am talking shocking moments, moments of laughter and oh so much love. We know that Petey and Matt met under bad circumstances, when Petey was getting beats by some punks, and Matt came to his rescue. After that meeting, a special relationship was developed and both provided what the other needed. The first two books we got to see how this relationship was progressing, and even though there were so many ups and downs both Petey and Matt remained true to their characters. Petey and his unwavering loyalty to Matt, and Matt and his very assholish ways. We had to watch Petey suffer and experience pain for his master to learn a lesson in humility. Even through all this, one thing remains clear; this is story about love, pure genuine,I would give up the world for you love.

After the ending of Puppy Love 2, we know that Matt and Petey had a situation that they needed to get through, the third book provides a clear look into this wonderful couple overcoming the odds and remaining a rock in each other’s lives. I can say that there is a happy ending, but there is also some jaw dropping moments and a big WHAT THE F*CK, at this very moment I still cannot understand why. I guess it is the talent of the author remaining true to his characters, or he really is one optimistic person. If I were in their position, I would not be so forgiving. We get to meet the parents and that was not as horrible as I expected, we get to see Matt struggle with his position as a Dom, not necessarily a struggle but his more stern ways are put to the test.

The friendships are just pure wonderful, for all the things that Alex, Matt Petey and Drew have been through you would think that they would hate each other. No way is that an issue, all four remain loyal to each other and I strongly believe without the presence of Alex and Drew there would be no Matt and his pup.  They are like the pieces to their puzzles they make them fit. I love Drew and he is just a brave and truly unique friend. Its time for my favourite part, the wonderful sex. Even though it is not in abundance, there are some breakthrough moments, like Matt giving oral, talk about knocking my socks off. I died all kinds of death when I read that and if I were a dude I would have been all kinds of hard. There is also a bit of pain in this book, and it includes a new friend of the paddle. I am talking red butt cheeks and crying, mmmmm delicious. Never thought I would be one to enjoy the pleasures of pain, then again never thought I would enjoy reading about a D/s relationship. This book was just all kinds of good y’all.

Told in first person, we get to experience all the pains and joy of our Petey pup. The book moves quite well as to be expected of Jeff, I will be a fan of the author for a while to come. I am just a huge fan of love conquers all and beautiful boys, and Puppy Love got beauty. I am very happy with how the series has ended and I am sure you will be also. I was a little scared at one point when I thought Matt was going soft, but he hits us with his I am so awesome and I realize no need to worry asshole for life and I love him (A lot). As you can probably tell it was worth five stars and more, might not be your cup of tea but it says this, when it comes to sexuality nothing is ever wrong when you are happy. I love my boys!

5 Pants Off

Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

Puppy Love 2

Puppy Love 2: Building a Family (Puppy Love #2) by Jeff Erno
Fanny Press

Novel

5 out of 5

Blurb:
Matt and Petey are a young gay couple in love. They're a Dom/sub couple. They're an Owner and his pup. In Puppy Love 2, the couple begin to build a life together. The close knit relationship they share with another D/s couple, Alex and Drew, begins to flourish. The four find their lives interwoven with each other, and ultimately the foursome become a family. The tragedies and struggles they go through are remarkable, and the emergence of Petey's sociopathic nemesis Ryan Connors only heightens the drama. Will Matt and Petey's love for one another be strong enough to weather the storms they are forced to face? Will Matt revert to his selfish habits of infidelity and womanizing? Will he demonstrate the maturity that is required to be a responsible Master to his pup? Will Petey ever realize that he has genuine worth, and will he find the confidence within himself to be the hero he was born to be?

Review:
So Puppy Love 2 picks up right where the first one left us, Petey and Matt have just enjoyed  a pleasure filled cruise and they are making there way back home. A quick get together with friends Alex and Drew they begin their journey home, Petey is on a love high and everything just seems perfect. Well this book is one surprise after another, and I will say this all the surprises makes this book a lot better than the first. There is character growth, a more exciting plot, a bigger than wow climax and the sex is hotter than ever.  It’s a tear jerker and you will experience every known emotion in the few hours it takes to read this book; because once you start, you won’t put it down.

As I said before this book started with a reunion of Petey, Matt, Drew and Alex. On the journey home they get caught in a huge pile-up, Petey becomes the hero of the day he is then rewarded by his master. This where your actions leads to consequences becomes apart of the book.  Without giving too much away there is a humiliation scene which is humiliating in a big way. It shows exactly the power Matt wields over Petey, and after it also proves the power Petey wields over Matt. This scene in my opinion is what causes Matt to go on a power trip, the rush of telling one what to do finally goes to his head and he pays for it in a big way.

 The level of maturity in the writing has improved drastically, and the characters have become more multi-dimensional and its freaking hard not to fall in love with them. With Petey he has grown up exponentially, he cries less and even gives a little back talk. He is even more aware of who is and you understand why he was meant to be a submissive and if you pay close attention you see the power he holds. He is a small boy with a big heart, and I was so sad through the second half of the book, because Petey has to suffer a bit to teach his bigger than the world ego master a lesson in humility.

What and who makes this book what it is, is the character of Matt; so much character growth. I have a love/hate relationship with Matt he makes many mistakes but manages to pull himself and everyone out of it. I like to call him the redeemer, he always manages to come back a little more shiny in my eyes. Matt gets a wake up call in a big way, there is something he continually says through out the series that “every action has consequences” and his actions leads to dire consequences. This golden boy gets thrown off his white horse, but it adds more dimension to his character. He becomes more human and you realize the depth of his caring for those around him and the love he has for Petey, and let me tell you he has mad love for his pup.

The writing is just smooth it moves from one crisis to another with wicked fluidity. The relationship dynamic between Petey and Matt is super sexy and sweet, the urgency of their love making was lava hot, and where the first book was them getting to know each other and creating a relationship. PL 2 they know each other very well and they both provide what the other needs to be happy in their relationship, and it’s the best D/s relationship out there. The supporting characters create a nice well rounded story, that fuels the fire and makes our heroes shine. The friendships are a lot stronger and they will be tested but everyone comes out on top. The final pages to this book is so explosive and filled with angst, it was just brilliant.

I could go on forever about how awesome this book is, I could go on about how hot and steamy the sex is ( take my word its effing hot). I could tell you that Petey and Matt are bloody awesome, but its up to you to discover this for yourself. I can say that there is no pee drinking so that’s a plus for people who were avoiding it for that reason. Jeff has done a splendid job on this book and I will forever be a big fan of Matt and his pup. I am very excited for Puppy Love 3 and I just know its gonna be awesome. One of my favourite gay series.

5 Pants Off

Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews

Bullied

Bullied by Jeff Erno
Dreamspinner Press

158 Pages

5 out of 5

No PL Scale

Blurb:
Every day, all over the country, teenagers struggle with the realities of bullying. Tormented, ridiculed, and beaten—simply for being who they are—these teens face alienation, humiliation, and even the explicit assertion that they have somehow brought this upon themselves, that they should just blend in. Bullied is a series of short stories exploring the world of these teens from several different viewpoints: the victim, the bully, the gay bystander, the straight friend, the concerned parent.

Closeted Bryan wonders why Christian Michaelson doesn't just try to blend in if he hates being bullied so much. Star athlete David isn't a homophobe—after all, he's not afraid of anything. Jonathan, a Christian fundamentalist, must weigh the Bible against peer pressure and what he knows is right when he discovers his childhood friend is gay. Bully victim Chase Devereaux finds an unexpected ally in a brave fellow student. A single mom struggles to accept the reality that her only son is gay. Two tough gay teens are forced to confront their own inner demons when tragedy befalls a classmate they failed to help. And overweight Kirby finds the strength of character to make a friend, which leads to a lifestyle change and a chance at love. Each character grows as an individual as he or she comes to terms with what it means to be a gay teenager in America.

Review:
This book played on every emotion, every single one of them. The strongest emotion I felt was anger; because there are so many young people going through these same issues that Jeff expresses so wonderfully in this book of short stories. He manages to capture everything in these stories, with an underlying of hope and most of all love. I cried through out reading the entire book, and I commend Jeff in sharing issues facing LGBT youth.

Jeff possesses a gift. A gift of connecting to the reader and making you feel for all his characters. I never cry for any other books as much as I do for a Jeff Erno book. In Bullied all seven of these wickedly emotional stories had me in tears, whether from sadness or from pure joy.

The Stories: Blending In, Chuckie, Saved, Different, Invisible, Shame, Kirby.  All these stories could have been a repetitive mess, but instead each story offers up a variety of content. Though the victims all seem familiar, in the end it’s a realistic view on what some people might think “a male should not be”. Because males are supposed to be tough, grow 6ft tall, and play extreme sports (gimme a break).
What makes this book truly special is the talent the author has to make each character believable.  From the bully, to the victim, or the mom trying to wrap her mind around her son being gay. It was like reading a story about real people, and their struggles. Though you might think. Man, this book sounds depressing. This book mostly is about friendship, love and the power to overcome all.

I have to say Kirby is my favourite story in the bunch. The fat kid who was bullied, by none other than someone who claims to be his best-friend. After being humiliated and made to feel horrible about himself. Kirby still came out on top. Loved it so much. My least favourite (not because it sucked) and the saddest (the reason) of them all is Different.  Different manages to touch on gay hierarchy, where another gay person feels that they are better than the other is. I guess if we are going to stop discrimination, we need to start on the inside. Different was very hard for me read, and though the ending is optimistic, still left an ache in my heart.

Overall, I recommend this read. One of these stories is guaranteed to resonate with its reader. You might really love one or you might love them all. I can honestly say this is one powerful book.

Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews

Puppy Love

Puppy Love (Puppy Love #1) by Jeff Erno
Fanny Press
Novel

4 out of 5

4/5 PL Scale

Blurb:
Matt is everything that Petey is not. He is self-confident and brave. Matt is tall and masculine and athletic. He is a natural-born leader. Puppy Love is their love story, their romance. It is both a coming-of-age and coming-out story, but sexual orientation is not the primary focus. Petey struggles with his identity both as a homosexual and as a submissive. What do you do when you love someone who is truly superior to yourself in every meaningful way? How do you feel, and what if these feelings are not what everyone tells you you're supposed to feel? We are taught that every individual is equal, but what if you know, through experience, that this is not the case? What if, in a society in which everyone is supposed to be a leader, you discover that your passion, your destiny, is to submit? In Puppy Love, Petey Drinkell discovers the true nature of power, its role in sexual relationships, and his own role in the power structure. Puppy Love is perhaps the world's first gay BDSM coming-of-age novel. This erotic epic is more than classic erotica; it also challenges the fundamental assumptions we make about human relationships and democracy.

Review:
What can I say that hasn’t been said before, this book will push your boundaries, leave you going “hmm” and the next second have you pissed as hell. I can say this is work of good writing, interesting characters and a storyline unlike any, I have had the privilege to read. I thought I would dislike this book and let me tell you how surprised I was that I actually loved it. The idea behind it I found original and that could be because of my interpretation. It was hilarious, sweet and down right exhausting at times; but you are never bored. A little over 500pages, I devoured it in one day.

Petey is small, Petey is weak and then Petey is bullied, Petey is rescued by someone he idolizes and possibly worships. The idol comes in the form of Matt Porter, he is the epitome of all that is man. He is beautiful, smart, athletic and rich. He is idolized by anyone he comes in contact with, he is awesomeness. With them both; you have the superior and the subordinate and it begins a relationship of a Dom and his submissive.

The plot is pretty much about two nineteen years old boys coming into their roles. They both recognized the roles that they will play in each other lives, and they both figure out how to progress from there. Petey knows he is supposed to be bowing at Matt’s feet, and Matt recognizes that its where Petey belongs. The road ahead isn’t  easy and you recognize the immaturity in both of them. I came the conclusion that the immaturity was written on purpose because it leaves them room to grow, they are so very imperfect and its that’s imperfection that makes them genuine.

The narration is told through Petey’s POV and he is believable as a submissive character, he tends to be a bit on the annoying side at times, but his personality never wavers.  His inner most thoughts are a true reflection of himself; he struggles with insecurities and he constantly questions the love of Matt. He never questions that he is supposed to be owned and I liked that. He knows he is property, accepts it and moves on from there. I felt there was a whole lot he need to be open about, but the author just never ventured down that road. Petey is believable as a character and also as a submissive.

Matt on the other hand is an asshole plain and simple, but you cant help but love him. Him as a Dom is like a big ego trip, he walks the walk of a man who rules and everyone around him takes notice. He rules with a firm hand but its also gentle, he knows exactly who he is and I just love it. He has swagger, he’s got style and he can be down right vicious. Matt owns his role and he is believable. There is the occasional mistake but his age makes up for that. Together they just work, I found myself finding the scenes with them together sexy sweet. A mixture of erotic, romantic and sometimes dirty. They were like two halves of a whole both able to give what the other needs and in then end creating a perfect balance in the relationship. Some of the scenes were a little out there, but I never got the feeling that it was for the purpose of shock value.

Overall a pretty out there read, some might say its sexual slavery or borderline abuse; but if you think that’s slavery obviously you have never taken a history class. For the purpose of abuse, doesn’t even fall in the same category. Petey wants to be owned, he needs to be owned and in the end every humiliation and order could have been stopped if that was what he wanted. I must warn you there is the exchange of the occasional bodily fluids (and I don‘t mean sperm), which I found disgusting the “only” set back for me. There was some spanking that I found hilarious, could be I am having a very perverse month, because this book was freaking funny.

So if you want a D/s story without all the whips, chains and leather then you might enjoy this one. If you dislike human ownership and someone telling another what to do and then calling it love, then you might wanna stay clear of this one. Then again I thought I would hate it, but I ended up loving it so sometimes one judgement can be off. The other characters in the book are pretty great in the background, but they fail to take the spotlight off of Matt and Petey. I am excited to see what Petey and Matt get up to in Puppy Love 2 because these two are purely entertainment.


Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews!