Guest Post & Giveaway: Can This Be Real by LE Franks

Mad Dogs and an Englishwoman named Sue…

What I’ve come to love about this community of authors—the ones writing gay romance, is that when we get together, there are no significant barriers between us. It might take a moment or two to rub away the shyness, but once that first step is taken and a connection is made…we run amuck.

If you looked for me today, you’d find me sitting perfectly relaxed at a lobby table in the Portland Courtyard with JP Barnaby, Sue Brown, and KC Wells all under an electric sign, all laptops unfurled, all fingers furiously typing. The ease of our association light years beyond that first fall foray into the unknown, even though KC was just a name on my social media feed up until a day ago.

But my first foray into the great unknown occurred at Gay Romance Literary Retreat in Albuquerque in 2012. It was October—one of the perfect months of desert living, and the Albuquerque Hard Rock Hotel was a jewel on the edge of town. I didn’t know anyone planning to attend and was a bit of a wallflower (stop laughing) and more than a little nervous by the prospect of meeting so many new people that I developed a two-prong strategy to cope:

1) Arrive early and meet people
2) Volunteer

Number two is self explanatory – giving yourself something to do by volunteering gives you something to do, an opportunity to meet like-minded people, and an anchor to cling to in the rough seas of the unknown.

It was a great experience, it was how I met Damon Suede and Heidi Cullen that year and able to dust off my old warehouse management skills for an evening. Number two works.

Number one was a little more controversial.

Strategy number one “Arrive Early” was actually an abbreviation for “Arrive Early So I Can Meet As Many GRL Attendees As Possible, As They Walk Through The Lobby” or simply the acronym: AESICMAMGAAPATWTTL.

I can hear the gulps from the collective wallflowers springing up across the country, from here. Yep. Former wallflower here, I went out of my way to walk up to anyone that looked remotely connected to GRL that first Tuesday. The first person that walked into my little web was Sue Brown. Have you met Sue Brown? Have you read any of Sue Brown’s stories?

It was a serious fangirl moment. I had a boob signed by her within five minutes. Seriously.

Stepping out of the box (in that example, waaaaaay out of the box) made a connection that will last a lifetime. I’m confident that will remain true. I brought her home with me after Tampa’s RainbowCon last week and she became part of the family in a very literal sense.

But Sue wasn’t the only connection I made that first GRL. There were so many kind and supportive authors, friendly bloggers, readers who shared a passion for the material that I can’t hope to list them all.

And on every subsequent convention or meet up, every chance encounter on social media, or in real life, these connections only become stronger. It may be a small community, but it’s a very strong one. Thank you Sue, we’ll definitely be missing you when you make your way back home. But you won’t be the only one.

Happy trails until we meet up again.

LE

Blurb:
Chef Christian De Guisse can't trust a man who doesn't love his food, while Detective Andrew Simmons won't let any man close who thinks he's broken---somewhere between these two points, love is possible, but only if they get real.

When Chef Christian De Guisse accidently outs Celebrity Chef Jordan Slayer during a fight in front of The Times entertainment reporter---it only gets Christian ex-boyfriend status and a one-way plane ticket to culinary exile in Oregon. But a fortuitous meeting with Detective Andrew Simmons at the Portland airport keeps Christian and his collection of exotic herbs out of the hands of Homeland Security, starting the chemistry simmering between them. Andy isn't much of a foodie and for a chef who communicates love through his cooking this may be one hurdle too high...until they're finally ready to get real.



Buy Links:
MLR Press: http://www.mlrbooks.com/Bookstore.php?bookid=LEF_CTBR

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00JXRCPDG

ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-canthisbereal-1489668-149.html?referrer=509531de39c1c

AUTHOR BIO: 

LE Franks lives in the SF Bay Area, surrounded by inspiration everywhere. After years of ignoring the voices in her head, LE is finally taking off the filters and giving the stories free rein. These days, she can be found frequently writing about sexy men who desperately need a happily ever.


LE writes M/M Romance in a unique mix of humor and drama with enough suspense to produce fast paced stories filled with emotion and passion and featuring characters that are quirky and complicated. LE’s men are living in the margins--they're in the middle of their journey, doing the best they can while searching for a connection to something bigger than themselves. With a little effort and a lot of luck they may actually find their happily-ever-afters.


Published by MLR, DreamSpinner, and WildeCity Presses.

Web: http://www.lefranks.com 
Twitter: @Boxtersushi 
Blog: LEFranks.wordpress.com 
FB: LE Franks

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Giveaway:

Rafflecopter giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Vamp by Rob Rosen

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Vamp by Rob Rosen
MLR Press
Novel: 233pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Fine, the coffin in the basement was a little unusual. Certainly no more so than the mansion itself, though, or, for that matter, the humpbacked manservant that came with it, or the mysterious death of its former owner. In fact, so starts a long list of all things unusual for our unlikely hero, Jack, and his newfound and strange family, his werewolf boyfriend, the pack eager to help him, and the ancient clan that wants him dead at all costs. Know this, however, in the end, this misfit group of characters will leave you howling in the crypt aisles!

Let your bat wings soar in this fangtastic misadventure of the superunnatural!


Review
This is the story of Jack and just how his life changes in totally unbelievable ways. He gets a call that he has a cousin who has recently passed and that he is the sole beneficiary of his estate. Jack goes to his new home and is met my Igor, his new manservant. He reads a letter that Boris left for him and he drinks a vial that was left for him. Once he does that, it’s on!!

He smells something that’s alluring to him and it drives him to leave his new home in search of the smell. He finds it in the most beautiful man he’s ever seen, Steven. Steven is actually a werewolf from another of Rob’s books, Queerwolf. In that book, Steven was the antagonist, in this book, he’s a good guy..Yeah!!

Just by drinking the vial and becoming a vampire, he now becomes the hunted. How unfortunate that his cousin, Boris didn’t tell him any information regarding who was killing off their family line. Hunted by whom and why a mystery and one  that Jack and Steven are determined to find out. While going through this adventure of his, he meets some Amazing people. A drag queen werewolf that personifies Barbra Streisand, a manservant with a hump and his extended family.

This book was filled with wonderfully snarky characters who kept you laughing and intrigued with what was going on in the story. If you like longstanding feuds between families, sarcasm and snarky and just plain good fun, this book is for you. The plot was fast moving and kept you entertained throughout the story. I love how they kept stepping up and figuring out who was after them and trying to counter-attack. I loved that even without all information given; these people kept their wits about them and worked as a team to save themselves.

This story was just a bit of everything. Romance, adventure, mystery and lots, and lots of campy good times. I laughed out loud a couple of times during this book. Mostly I snorted at the sarcastic comments. This book is one that you must read. If you’re looking something that will make you laugh and just be tickled in the very best way, this is the book for you.

3 pants Off

What's Happening This Week!!!

Hey folks, hope you guys had a splendid week. Just a few weeks until the Holidays and my Christmas tree is barren, my boys are probably trying to understand whats happening and why there aren't any presents. I suck at shopping this year and will most likely get caught in the rush and get annoyed and swear up and down that I'll never let it happen again. To those of you celebrating Christmas, did you get all/most of your shopping done? or are you like me and is completely behind?

Lots of awesome coming this week, both giveaways and reviews thanks to my awesome reviewers that is because once again I got stuck on STEREK fanfic and I can't walk away *sigh*. I am hell bent of finishing all the books I have to review before 2014 *fingers crossed*.

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


Reviews:
The Impetuous Afflictions of Jonathan Wolfe by Charlie Cochet (Whuppsy)
Flying Colors by Clare London (SinChan)
The Little Things by Jay Northcote (Whuppsy)
Bad Idea by Damon Suede (DarienMoya)
Baja Honey Moon by Roland Graeme (Whuppsy)
Fish and Ghost by Rhys Ford (DarienMoya)
Vamp by Rob Rosen (Whuppsy)
The Promise of Snow by Elizah J. Davis (DarienMoya)

Guest Post & Giveaways:

Boy Band Blog Tour

Lou Harper Giveaway ( Secrets and Ink)

Other Post:

A Book A Week Giveaway

~Have A Great Week~

Review: Prodigal Wolf by LE Franks & Sara York

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Prodigal Wolf (Wolves and Waves #1) by LE Franks & Sara York
MLR Press
Novel: 199pgs
2 Pants Off

Blurb:
Carlo has a problem, after years away he's finally returned to his South Carolina roots - but instead of peace and quiet all he's found are nosy wolves, romancing twinks, an out of control roommate threatening to expose them all, and a demanding Alpha who just won't go away.

All his Alpha wants is to show Carlo who he really is, and where he belongs. But Carlo Montefiore is a man fighting his instincts, memories, and responsibilities. His beachside home was supposed to provide sanctuary, but pack politics, unruly roommates, and human neighbors at risk of discovering that shifters exist, are making life anything but peaceful. Twinks Kevin and Grady have their own problems. Two college freshmen are no match for a couple of hot wolves who like to play chase. If they don't stop playing games they'll miss the biggest thing to happen in their young lives---love.


Review
Carlo Montefiore comes home to South Carolina after being gone for four years of college. The problem is that when he left, he felt betrayed from the one whom he cared about the most, Angelo. Carlo’s father had passed away and Angelo took the reins of the Pack when Carlo was too young to take the reins. Angelo gave the reign to Carlo when he had to go into the military. He comes back and sends Carlo off to college as that was Constantine’s, Carlos’ father’s wish. Carlo didn’t’ want to go and he left hurt and angry. During his four years of college, he didn’t come home or spend any time with the Pack members who went to see him.

His 25th birthday is approaching and it’s now time for him to take back control of the Pack and become the Alpha that he’s been born to be. The problem, Carlo is still upset about what happened and even though he’s come home, he wants nothing to do with the Pack Leadership even though a Montefiore has always been Pack Alpha.

I can’t really tell you much about the story because; this is just a big ol’ jumble. There were sooo many characters being thrown into this story that I couldn’t even tell you what really is going on. I get that the authors wanted to get you excited about the new series, Wolves and Waves, but really this fell way short.

I tried to understand Carlo. I mean, I could understand to a point where he was coming from, but there was so much that was implied and not given. Again, to get you excited about reading the series, but really it was so very vague that I couldn’t even fathom what’s going on in his head. There was so much miscommunication and outright evasions. Still brooding over the past and not making an effort to get answers or even talk about it. He runs and evades even speaking to Angelo.

I get where Angelo was coming from, he was fulfilling the request of the man whom he loved and respected. He knows that Carlo is his mate, but won’t force the issue. He just wants to do the right thing, by everyone. Angelo I liked as I understood him. He was a developed character.

There were Carlos’ roommates, Joey and Ted, Joey who grew up with Carlo and Ted who met Carlo in California. Ted who has secrets of his own, that again they were vague about. Ted and Joey, I understood and liked. Kevin and Grady, the human twinks on vacation in the house next door. I even understood their characters; I’m just not sure why they were there. They actually didn’t bring anything to the plot.

Now, I will say that this was a sexy read. Kevin, Grady, Ted, Joey, Kevin and even Carlo got in on some action. That was fun. I’m all about some good sex and good sex with a plot is a plus.

If you want a confusing book that will keep you off your game, this is the book for you. It ended in a cliffhanger that I hope will be answered in the following books. I hope that the author’s next venture in this series will focus more on main characters. I don’t mind getting to know more than the two main characters, but I’d like to be able to at least connect with them in some way. I didn’t feel connected to anyone really.

I am cautiously hoping that the next book and those following will be better. I hope that they develop the characters and bring more of what the plot is and not be so angsty. I’d like to see where they are going with this series. I am intrigued enough to even want to read the next book. I want to see what happens. I’m funny that way. I am ever hopeful that the authors can bring this together and give their fans what they want a great story where we can connect to the characters that we’re reading. That we want and HEA for the main characters, that they are more focused and less giving all over the place. That’s what readers want. I truly hope that they give that to us. I want that. I want to read the next book and be drawn into the story and be sad when it’s over. I didn’t feel much for this one just confused.

2 Pants Off

Review: Black Hurricane by Erica Pike

Black Hurricane (Boston Boys #3) by Erica Pike
MLR Press
Novel: 259pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Twenty-three year old Jasper Jones fell in love with Dean McQueen at fourteen, but after a disastrous relationship, Jazz would like nothing better than to see the rock star choke on his own vomit.

After a catastrophic reunion, Dean seems bent on destroying Jazz’s life. It all started when an impromptu bar performance ended up on YouTube and Jazz became an internet sensation overnight. The name “Jazdean” keeps popping up in headlines and the paparazzi stalk his every move. To make matters worse, Jazz is about to end up on the streets for the second time in his life.

In a desperate attempt to keep his home, Jazz signs a deal with Dean’s band, Black Hurricane, to perform at a couple of concerts. It feels like one of Dean’s feeble attempts to get Jazz back, but painted into a corner like he is, Jazz has no choice.

Note: Can be read as a standalone

Review
I am a huge fan of the Boston boys after reading A Life Without You by Erica Pike and that was the book that made me fall in love with the author. So yeh really excited to read Black Hurricane because Jazz has been an amazing sexy character throughout the series and I just was so ready for his HEA. While Black Hurricane is absurdly entertaining I was still disappointed with the overall story and I did not love it as much as I had hoped.

Jasper *Jazz* Jones is single, hot, and has an amazing group of friends. Yes, life is little challenging with making a steady income and keeping his home but he's willing to put in the hard work. When his friend Eric offers a serious amount of cash to take some pics Jasper jumps at the opportunity but he's regretting his decision because that would mean he gets to see Dean McQueen after many years. Dean is the leader of the wildly successful rock group Black hurricane he's also an asshole who broke Jazz's heart back in high-school. Sucks cus he's still sexy as fuck and Jazz just wants someone to ruin that smug face. Jazz his hoping that Dean doesn't recognize him and he doesn't but he's hell bent on getting Jazz into his bed. When Dean shows up at Jazz's place of work his cover his blown and Dean finds out exactly who he is.

Now it becomes a game of cat and mouse with Dean going after his prey and Jazz hell bent on never getting sucked back in. He knows staying away from Dean is the best course of action, too bad Dean can't take a hint and his financial dreams get answered when he's offered to join Black Hurricane on a few charity concerts. Old hurts and old love collides which causes tense filled rehearsals and a sexually charged atmosphere. Now Jazz must listen to his heart or walk away from Dean forever.

Alright, this book confused me in the very beginning. Like Jazz goes to take the pictures of Black Hurricane but comes off like he didn't know Dean was in the band all along and was all surprised then the story moves into like he did know it all along. Maybe I missed something but that was the impression I got. I'm also starting to find the characters a bit superficial which surprises judging from how the series started to where the characters are at now. A Life Without You had so much substance, the characters were so rich and I wanted to know everything about them. Now, I feel like I don't want to know them because I might end up disappointed. There clouded in parties, glitter, and fucking and that’s all I'm seeing.

Yet, the story was still very entertaining and while I'm all types of confused to what happened with such a promising series I am still kinda in love with them. I like Jazz as character but I used to love him and as for Dean he gets a bad rap in this book. I would have liked more from his POV because he's been through some things and it was just too much about poor ole Jazz.

Should You Read It? It’s still a yes for me, and while the last two books doesn't compare to the first in the series they are fun to read. So I still enjoy Erica Pike and I still am looking forward to the other characters story.

4 Pants Off

Review: Book #1 A Life Without You

Review: Book #2 Absolutely Eric

DarienMoya

What's Happening This Week!!

Hey folks, its me again and yes its been quite awhile. Since POR has picked up in reviewing power get ready for more reviews, posts, and overall awesome :D I hope you all are doing well, and enjoyed Halloween candy cus I know I certainly am (stealing my boys candy).

I can`t believe the holidays are upon and I feel like I haven't done nearly enough reading for 2013 for 2014 to be creeping up so quickly, where does the time go?

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

Reviews:

• Junk by Josephine Myles (DarienMoya)
• Bloody Love Spats by Valentina Heart (SinChan)
• Making it Personal by K.C Wells (Whuppsy)
• September's Tide by K.C Wells (Fehu)
• Black Hurricane by Erica Pike (DarienMoya)
• Drinker Class X by Sasha L. Miller (SinChan)
• Bullheaded by Catt Ford (DarienMoya)
• Absinthe by Julia Talbot (SinChan)
• A Secret Love by Douglas Black (Whuppsy)

Guest Post & Giveaways

None scheduled for this week!!

Have A Great Week!!!

Review: Foxe Tail by Haley Walsh

Foxe Tail (Skyler Foxe Mysteries #1) by Haley Walsh
MLR Press
Novel: 288pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Gay teacher Skyler Foxe thought teaching English Lit was murder. Wait till he falls into the real thing.

Skyler Foxe is a brand new English teacher in his hometown of Redlands, CA. He loves literature, loves his students, loves his friends, especially his best friend Detective Sidney Feldman. But he doesn't love keeping his orientation a secret, afraid of the backlash in this conservative county. But will murder thrust him into unwanted limelight? Who killed his principal's son outside a gay dance club? And what's the connection to James Polk High? Is the macho football coach or his mysterious and gorgeous new assistant coach involved? Can Skyler trust anyone at the high school when there seems to be conspiracies around every corner?

Review:
I was expecting to like Foxe Tail but man I didn’t expect to love it, and guys do I love it. For the first time in a long time I am tempted to read books in a series back to back (my schedule won’t allow it) but I am thinking of breaking all the rules and buying them all and reading it over wine.

Skyler Foxe has fulfilled his dream of being a teacher in the town he grew up. He got a job at his old high school (which is like a dream come true) so life couldn’t be more perfect. Too bad he’s gay and has to keep that part of his life a secret, and too bad there’s a flamboyant trick outside beating the shit out of his car with a baseball bat. If that doesn’t out him, then he’s one lucky SOB. Needing a little time to unwind (and perhaps a nice hard fuc…) you get my point. Skyler decides to hit the club with his best friend Sidney who happens to be detective. While getting some fresh air Skyler discovers the body of young man, and opens a whole can of worms.

Suddenly Skyler is caught in the midst of murder investigation, and he wants to figure out who that killer is. Because said murderer has made it personal by shooting at him and his friends. As much as Skyler thinks he’s some sort of Sherlock Holmes, he needs to realize that he’s more the Pink Panther type of guy, and should leave it all up to the professionals but Skyler isn’t known for his listening skills or being smart skills. Factor in the weirdness going on at the high school and he has crazy coming from both sides.

There is just so much to love about this book, just so freaking much. I think my top is Skyler’s friends the S.F.C (The Skyler Fuck Club) his previous lovers turned best-friends even the crazy car bashing trick. They all have so much personality and never once felt like character filler. The budding romance between two of Skylers students was so awesomely sweet. I think he really shined as a teacher/person with the handling of his students. Just so much happening, this means there is so much to love.

Foxe Tail can’t be called a romance yet, but hopefully that is where the series is leading in the future. Skyler is getting his slut on just a little too much; then again he’s young and hasn’t found the one person he wants to be with. For a teacher, he never seems to take his work home with him, dude clubs just a little too much. I believe those things sort of irked me but not enough for me to dislike his character.

Overall, I really loved reading this book. It was so entertaining, fun, and the writing is awesome. I can’t wait to read more.

Should You Read It? One word: YES, so freaking awesome and so much fun. I am totally surprised I didn’t come across this one on my own, there should be a lot of buzz about this series, cus it just became crack for my soul.

4.5 Pants Off

What's Happening This Week!!

Hello my friends, hope you had a fab week and the new year has been very good to you. The new year for me, means the countdown to Teen Wolf Season 3 (so obsessed) and I just can't wait.

You guys can check out my plans for 2013 and I gotta say I am really exciting about the things to come. I will be putting out an official post in search of artist so if any of you do fan-art, and like to draw beautiful guys together (get in on the action).


Here's what's causing a pants losing this week...


Reviews:
Bestiary Bundle #1 (Part 1) (Fehu)
Bestiary Bundle #1 (Part 2) (Fehu)
After the First Taste of Love by  Talon Rihai & Salome Wilde
Falling Into Place by Tia Fielding
The Actor and The Earl by Rebecca Cohen
Afflicted 2 by Brandon Shire
Foxe Tail by Haley Walsh

Other Posts:
Fanfiction Friday (A long time coming)
A Pants Off Call to artists


Guest Posts & Giveaways:
Excerpt & Giveaway- Kevin Klehr
Guest Post- Lily Grace

~Enjoy Your Week~

Absolutely Eric by Erica Pike

Absolutely Eric (Boston Boys #2) by Erica Pike
MLR Press

Novel: 261pgs

Rating:4/5

Blurb:
Eric Wesley is short and snazzy, hot and happy. Or that’s what he thought. After three years of living on the wild side he’s tired of being a playboy and wants to find love.

Eric, however, has never been in love before and doesn’t see that the guy who’s been gazing at him all summer might be Mr. Right. Boring-suit-guy Alexander Centauri isn’t only style-less and clumsy, but also terribly awkward. After a miserable date, Eric plants Alex on another guy’s lap and goes after Mr. Wrong…who looks so right.

When Eric realizes his mistake, it might be too late.

Review:
Could the real Eric please stand up? Because I am having a having a hard time connecting the most awesome character, I met in A Life Without You and the Eric that was in this book. Started off very Eric but then along the way I lost him, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I love these characters and they make me laugh I fear my rating would have been a lot lower.

Eric Wesley is the life of the party, he’s hot and he knows it. He doesn’t do boyfriends, he’s got plenty of sex friends to keep him entertained and life couldn’t be more awesome. Until a night of sexual fun with two of his closest friends leads Eric to the realization that maybe he’s ready for love. He definitely doesn’t want that love from Alex Centauri; the man would totally be his type if he wasn’t completely boring. He does feel sorry for him though, and goes on a pity date with Alex but he doesn’t plan to stay with him the whole night. When Eric gets a chance to leave Alex behind, he takes it and heads home with the sexy Latino. One of the first of Eric’s bad choices.

What then transpires throughout the book, I’m definitely not on board for most of them. I did enjoy Eric’s realization of Alex I found that to be the most honest part of him, after clone Eric came in. I am just in all types of =__= ‘where did the hell did Eric go?’. I am one for surprises in books cus predictability annoys me but these surprises went to Madagascar and stayed in Timbuktu. It all begins with Eric’s new boyfriend, the rush into relationship boyfriend that proves that Eric has no clue what a relationship is. There are some hard reading situations, but it fails to overshadow the stupid decisions made by Eric. I just cannot accept that was my Eric, I believed he loved himself too much to let all of the bad stuff happen but I must have been mistaken. On the other hand, maybe there’s a hidden meaning behind the transformation of his character that I am just not getting.

I really liked Alex, though I found him slight most of the time but he’s just so pure I really enjoyed him. I am surprised Eric got mixed signal cause I felt like Alex was wearing a neon sign when it came to his feelings. Alex and Eric together are super sweet and that’s really one of the saving factors for me and why I enjoyed reading.

Jesse and Adam do have some presence in the book, and offered up one of the best scenes. My heart almost gave out, oh god yes they are still so hot. Really enjoyed reading about all the boys again and I would give something to play a little ‘bottle extreme’ with them. Maybe not extreme, I will go with medium. Loved the friendships, and the fact that these guys stick together no matter what ‘it’s a beautiful thing’. Overall, with all my complaints I still really enjoyed it, though I fear it won’t go over well with some fans. I do enjoy that the author writes out of the ordinary, and Ms Pike still remains a must read author for me.

SideNote- I would talk about Eric's Latino boyfriend, but he doesn't deserve my typing time or my feelings.

4 Pants Off

A Life Without You by Erica Pike

A Life Without You by Erica Pike

MLR Press

Novel: 236pages

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb:

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 1/2 Pants Of

A Year of Firsts- first book by author Erika Pike

No Fear

No Fear (Conquest #2) by S.J Frost
MLR Books
Romance/Rockers
Novel

4 out of 5

4/5 PL Scale

Blurb:

After touring for more than a year with his band, Conquest, singer Jesse Alexander is ready to head home for a long rest with his partner, superstar vocalist, Evan Arden. When it’s time to hit the studio again, there’s competition from two new bands and tensions reach a breaking point that threaten not only Conquest’s future, but Jesse’s relationship with Evan. As he fac...moreAfter touring for more than a year with his band, Conquest, singer Jesse Alexander is ready to head home for a long rest with his partner, superstar vocalist, Evan Arden. When it’s time to hit the studio again, there’s competition from two new bands and tensions reach a breaking point that threaten not only Conquest’s future, but Jesse’s relationship with Evan. As he faces challenges unlike any he’s ever known, Jesse must somehow keep it together to duplicate Conquest’s success and reach his ultimate goal: showing NO FEAR and announcing his love of Evan publicly.

Review:
I enjoyed this second offering in the Conquest series, though a tad bit predictable and equally mushy. It was still a wonderful book about the sexiest rockstars eva. Evan and Jesse are back in big way, and it’s never a bad thing to visit them.

The relationship is established, but they still must keep it a secret from the public. They both struggle with hiding their love for each other, and its becoming harder for them, not to shout to the world that they are in love. It has the same feel as the first book, Evan and Jesse totally in love with each other. Others hating on that love and trying to bring them down.

A certain crush finally becomes known, involving the hater Trish. I just never really liked her and am so glad she is finally gone. I still don’t understand what it was exactly that made her fall in love with Jesse. Is it because he is a good singer, and really good looking? On the other hand, could it be that, he completely ignored you from the very beginning and you were hoping that Ur vagina would turn him straight? She just really irked me.

There is a serious conflict, and I thought it was dealt with quite lightly. The severity of the crime was no joke, and I was just hoping that the aggressors got more of an ass kicking. Or hope that they would drop the soap in prison. I think if you are going to, write something of that degree; the payout had better be good. I just wanted so much more; those bitches hurt my Jesse.

Overall, another fantastic instalment in the series. Jesse and Evan are fantastic, sexy, and downright sinful. Only once a month do I wish I was a man but these two would make me want to be one all the time. They are incredible, rocking out has never sounded and looked so good. The supporting characters are also back, some a lot better than others. Always a good time in the world of Conquest.

SideNote- Easy with the unnecessary drama.

4 Pants Off

Heart Song (Blood Mate 1) by Stormy Glenn
Siren Bookstrand
Paranormal/Shifters
Novella

3 out of 5

3/5 PL Scale

Blurb:
Ten years ago, Darren Hart was rescued from a fall by a gorgeous man that tells him an outlandish tale. Once he returns to civilization, his memories blur and he begins to believe the voice in his head is a figment of his imagination. Now, Darren is a successful veterinarian who believes he is just a bit crazy. After years of therapy and medications, he has learned to live with the sexy voice in his head. He even carries on conversations and occasionally fantasizes about the voice. When he's attacked, Darren doesn't know what to think but when the voice comes to rescue him in the form of the most gorgeous man he's ever met, Darren is positive he's lost his mind. On the run from a killer, Darren has to come to terms with the fact that the voice is real and has a name. Asher Stone is the alpha of a werewolf clan and claims that Darren is his alpha mate. Can Darren believe in Asher's promise that they were meant to be together or will an unknown assailant kill him before he realizes that being the alpha mate is what he desires most in the world?  

Short Review:
Heart Song was an ok read. Nothing new offered up in this werewolf drama, but still worth a look into.

I did enjoy the whole talking to a voice inside your head for ten years. After the first year, instead of thinking I was crazy. I would be saying, “This voice is real, cus its making way too much sense”.

The sex was hot, enough of a story to keep me interested and willing to check the rest of the series out. I cannot say I was blown away, but I can say I was entertained. The characters are likeable, but forgettable. I can’t even remember their names right now. Blame it on more memory or a bad character impression (lol).
 

3 Pants Off