Review: Scars and Secrets by Avril Ashton

Scars and Secrets ( Loose Ends Book 1) by Avril Ashton
Amazon
Novel: 281pgs

5+ Pants Off

Blurb: After an undercover assignment that changed his life forever, FBI agent Donovan Cintron is barely hanging on to sanity. His new mission is to forget, by any means necessary, so he tries his hardest. Pills. Booze. The warm bodies that never quite measure up to what he’d had. What he’d lost. It’s almost a relief when he learns his identity might be compromised—except he’s not the only one exposed. So is the husband he hasn’t stopped needing all these years later. He’d been aching to die, but for Levi Nieto, Donovan will live. To protect. To regret. To remember.

The realization that everything he loved was a farce sent Levi Nieto spinning out of control, and running away from the memories. Now Donovan is back in his life, still fully entrenched in darkness. Their physical connection is one thing, but the truth of who they are to each other remains trapped among the anger, violence and lies suffocating them. Fixing what’s broken will take more than each man exposing his scars. Secrets—and blood—must be spilled.

Review

I am just…. 

Like where do I begin? This book was just a pure banger and I didn’t want it to end. I know I’m getting an angst ridden read when it comes to Avril, but this had me choking on my own spit and had my heart racing, I haven’t felt them feels since “Watch Break me Break You” left me ruined. Scars and Secrets is a thirst trap, and I am thirsty. My throat is mad raw!!

Donovan Cintron has got a job to do but that job didn’t entail falling in love and building a family. The thing with keeping secrets is that eventually they come to light and leave a mess of hurt behind. That’s what happened with Van, his secrets lost him his husband and family. With everything he does clothed in danger it’s finally coming back to bite him in the ass and his husband and son are put in danger. It’s time for the prodigal husband to make a return and save his marriage and in the process save his own life. 

Levi Nieto found love and lost it. Lies and betrayals has shaped his life for the last seven years and he never thought he would be able to move on from that. Now his life, his sons life is in danger once again and it’s all because of the man he married. Donovan came into his life to build him up only to knock him down. Now he’s face to face with the man that left him wrecked and bodied, how can they move past all this hurt. Ones thing for sure, their passion is blazing fire and it seems not even distance could dim the flames. 

First of all, first off all…this f*cking book left me in tatters. That’s not to say I didn’t have a few problems but the pros far outweigh the cons and I feel like I been ruined for any other books I read this year. It’s like Miss Ashton goes into brain and write the things that make me lose my pants. Levi & Van are walking, talking porn advertisement. I read sex scenes with a slight disinterest because I’ve been doing this so long, so it takes a lot to get my motor running. Their heat left me deceased and just shooketh to the core. I like them together, I love them together but I feel like I hardly know them apart. Their surrounding overshadowed their story and I wanted to know how they fell in love. 

“Want you to feel me” Levi’s mouth was at his ear, breath harsh, loud, broken. “In your fucking chest. When I come inside that ass, you better taste it on your tongue”.  

The plot is one crazy twist after another filled with favourite characters from the authors other works. My heart was just in a happy place seeing characters that I know and love in one place coming together with a common goal and shaking sh*t up. A lot of interesting shockers here filled with Avril’s signature dramatic flair and I was all in for it. I swear I am just so in love with the freaking book its essence is dunked into my bones. 

What I’m having a hard time with, is Vans addiction being glossed over and it was a full blown addiction. He had some demons and I feel they weren’t addressed properly. Man needs rehab, therapy, and a cleanse. Alas, I’m still all for this regardless of its faults I’m still utterly in love and ain’t nobody can tell me otherwise. I give kudos to Avril regardless of writing, high marks for diversity alone. Her stories ain’t filled with cookie cutter white boys all over the place, and all these bad boy types is my aesthetic. Hats off to my Jamaican rude boyz!! 

Overall, this has been a pleasure to read and experience and I might be ruined for the rest of the year. Scars and Secrets is unapologetically Avril Ashton and I am looking forward to reading the series. I have to take them in small doses because I’m trying to live. I am a lifetime fan of this author. Big ups Avril, keep writing the mans dem!!

SideNote- Take caution going into this series if you haven’t read the other series (Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town). 

SideNote2- Walking around with a girl boner for the rest of the month.

Review: Old Loyalty, New Love by Mary Calmes

Reviewed by SinChan
Old Loyalty, New Love by Mary Calmes
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 246pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
When jackal shifter Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in the military escaping his father's prejudice before returning to civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very rich man. After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude. But Roman knows a lot more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate. 

Despite the decades Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt departure left the jackal shifters without an alpha heir. As a psychopath shifter staking claim as alpha draws Quade back home, and Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a choice he never anticipated. But doing so means he must leave Roman behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work together.

Review
Quade is a jackal shifter and works as a bodyguard for Roman. Just when they reveal the paranormal secret and bring their relationship to a new level, Quade's sister shows up at their door, asking for help. After Quade's banishment, a string of alphas took control of the pack and the latest one is a tyrant. Everyone thinks Quade is the rightful alpha and the pack needs his help now, but can Quade give up his new found love and help a pack who stood up and did nothing to prevent his banishment?

This story has two great MCs. Quade and Roman are both strong characters in different ways. Roman is heavily scarred from a car accident, but still shows his scarred face in public and refuses to allow that to slow him down. He's the head of his family's company and runs many community events. He's very resourceful and super rich, but doesn't seem to abuse his inheritance (too much). It's an interesting and different set up in the story that Roman figured out Quade's shifter identity without Quade revealing himself and kept his knowledge a secret. In this relationship, Roman is clearly the "clever one" and with a personality to handle Quade's alpha personality.

I think Quade is very self sacrificing. He left his pack even though he had every right to stay. He should hate everyone in the pack who didn't step up to defend him when he got kicked out, but he helps them in their time of need instead.

The best part of the book is the tug-of-war between Quade and Roman for control of their relationship and their witty dialogue. Quade is so protective of Roman, but Roman is the smarter one and knew when to set in and override Quade's decisions. The story also sidetracks into Quade's previous romances showing up. It's a great contrast to show how Quade's idea of love matures and provides more detail on shifter life and mentality. The one downside of the story is the character's ages. Roman is 27 and Quade is 46. Sometimes it doesn't feel like they are that old....

I love the side mystery with Roman's other bodyguards. They seem to be other types of shifters. And there might even be some predator-prey love relationship going on. I just think that Roman's father must have had a shifter radar.

The romance between Quade and Roman is delightful to read. The drama with Quade's pack, fighting the tyrant alpha, and Quade's ex boyfriend adds to the romance and cements their relationship through trials of hardship. The paranormal aspects of the story are well explained. Overall, this is a great paranormal romance book and definitely a recommended read.

5 Pants Off

Review: Reawakening by Amy Rae Durreson

Reviewed by Fehu
Reawakening by Amy Rae Durreson
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 260pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
For a thousand years, since their defeat of the Shadow at Eyr, the dragons have slept under the mountains. Now their king, Tarnamell, has woken. Driven mad by loneliness, he hurls himself south until he finds and tries to claim the Alagard Desert. Unfortunately, the desert already has a guardian spirit, and he doesn't want to share. Amused by the cocky little desert spirit, Tarn retreats, planning to return in human form.

When his caravan enters the desert, however, Alagard is missing. Rumors fly of a dark power, and soon Tarn’s caravan encounters the living dead and an amnesiac mage called Gard.

Forced to take refuge in the Court of the Shells, a legendary fortress in the heart of the desert, Tarn, Gard, and their allies decide to seek out the Shadow before it destroys the desert. But to confront the Shadow, Tarn needs to gather his strength. A dragon's power depends on the love and loyalty of his human hoard, but Tarn's original hoard has been dead for centuries. Before he can face his most ancient enemy, he must win the trust of new followers and the heart of a cynical desert spirit.

Review
Fantastic world building and interesting characters that will draw you into their story! I loved the story, yes but there are a lot of fantasy books that focus too much on world building and too long, and I loved that that was not the case here. Even the few flashbacks were well built into the plot and didn't distract from the actual story.

In the beginning we a have a lone dragon who wakes up after a long, centuries long sleep, a form of recovery after the last great battle for the world against demon lords and Shadows. One could empathize with him from the first moment, he is alone in a new strange world and realises that his hoard, all people he loved, his lover, have died. All of his brothers still sleep, but he is the king of all dragons, the first and his sleep was somehow interrupted.

The atmosphere of the book was a bit melancholy and when Tarnamell reaches the desert the feeling changes. A desert should be a lonely, desolate place, but Tarn sees it as something warm and full of love. Alagard, the spirit of the after him named desert, is less happy about a dragon in his place. When Tarn couldn't convince Alagard to join his horde, he leaves the desert and moves to human cities. Tarn isn't happy about what he sees, the world has changed a lot, but the world has not been kind to the weak, no benign lord protects them and there is no clan to look after them. In a city he meets a female warrior of on the Myrtilis orden and he is hired to protect a caravan on their way through Alagard. The desert they find is lost in pain, their spirit god captured by and old enemy of Tarn's - Shadow, who has awakened and now tries to pull the world into death and chaos once more. Now Tarn has to fight again and this time without the love of his hoard, his lover, his brothers and sisters or his old allies.

It's a well written story and I liked that the author understood how to draw in the reader. A lot was shown and the relationship between Alagard and Tarn progressed slowly and in a believable pace. The story moved swiftly, not too slow and not too fast, which made it easy to follow and there was no time to get bored or get lost in description. Also the characters are quiet and interesting cast a dragon lord, a desert spirit, female warriors and two merchant /spies with an interesting past. Tarn is very powerful, but he is portrayed quite vulnerable and a bit lost in a new time, you can’t help, but to fall in love with him and the story.

A good story leaves you wanting more and I would love to read new adventures of Tarn or the historian who writes at the end. Rafe is also an interesting character or the other dragons that might wake up. But you do not need to fear it is a finished story and it is satisfying happy end.
For fans of David Edding, at least the story reminded me a bit of the worlds and adventures he created, just with a male romance twist.

Highly recommended for fantasy lovers!

5 Pants Off

Review: Blue River by Theo Fenraven

Reviewed by SinChan
Blue River by Theo Fenraven
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 92pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
2nd Edition

Photography genius Ethan Mars is out and living the fast life in Los Angeles until a mysterious mist in Topanga Canyon sends him back in time. There he meets Quinn Parker, a farmer who has hidden his homosexuality from everyone, even Margaret, his fiancée. Falling in love is the last thing Ethan expects, and the last thing Quinn can allow—in 1863, being gay can get him killed. When Ethan is unexpectedly offered a way home, he faces an impossible decision: go back... or stay?

1st Edition published by MLR Press, 2011.

A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.

Review
This is the second edition of story first published for the "MLR Press Story A Day For the Holidays 2011" event.

The appearance of a "time travel" fog connects two different spaces and times. Ethan travels back in time through the fog to the 1800s and meets Quinn, who's in the closet. Quinn is engaged to a woman and the marriage is in 3 weeks because of societal expectations. Meeting Ethan has changed Quinn's outlook on life and love. Both men have to make choices and sacrifices on deciding what is "home."

The time traveling gives them a choice to either live in a gay-tolerant community in the 21st century or stay in the 1800s where the food tastes better. They both have families they don't want to leave behind but they also don't want to leave each other. That is the dilemma the characters face and this is well portrayed by the author from start to finish.

I love the humorous commentary about life in the 1800s and the luxurious amenities of the 21st century. It was fun to read about Ethan discovering the outhouse, bathing, killing and preparing a chicken for dinner. I really enjoy Ethan's voice in the story. At times, he's humorous but other times, he is bogged down with indecision and second-guesses on life. He asks himself some soul-searching questions to decide where is home and what is love. It's easy to connect with these characters and get a feel for life in the 1800s.

The HEA ending was great with just a hint of melancholy because decisions are tradeoffs. The book perfectly balances the realities of life with humor. This story is meaningful, honest, and showcases the good and bad of life. This is a memorable book for me and I highly recommend it.

5 Pants Off

Review: The Trouble with Tony by Eli Easton

Reviewed by Fehu
The Trouble with Tony (Sex in Seattle #1) by Eli Easton
Dreamspinner Press
Novella: 144pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
As part of the investigation into the murder of a young woman, Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco poses as a patient of Dr. Jack Halloran, the therapist who treated the victim at a Seattle sex clinic. This isn’t the first time Tony has gone undercover, but it’s the first time he’s wanted to go under cover with one of his suspects. He can’t help it—Jack Halloran is just the kind of steely-eyed hero Tony goes for. But he’ll have to prove Halloran’s innocence and keep the doctor from finding out about his ruse before he can play Romeo.

Dr. Halloran has his own issues, including a damaged right arm sustained in the line of duty as a combat surgeon in Iraq and the PTSD that followed. He’s confused to find himself attracted to a new patient, the big, funny Italian with the puppy-dog eyes, and Tony’s humor slips right past Jack’s defenses, making him feel things he thought long buried. But can the doctor and the P.I. find a path to romance despite the secrets between them?

Review
Charming and funny mystery romance! Tony charmed my pants off. Tony is a private investigator engaged by a dead woman's parents, who cannot believe their daughter could have committed suicide. Former policemen, Tony still has friends at the force and one of them has pointed out the suspicious doctor of a sex-clinic, the young woman visited before she died.

The doctor refused to disclose his patient’s files to the police and the husband was away on a conference, so he couldn't have done it. That's why Tony decided to investigate the good doctor himself; little does he know how that encounter will turn out! Tony is half a country away from his Italian family and still in the closet, but since he is pretty picky about his partners or a part of him is, he didn't think that matters much.

Doctor Halloran is a war veteran and after a war injury, unable to work as a surgeon anymore. A friend’s wife opened a sexual consultation clinic and has given him a chance, hiring him as a consultant. Before he went to war, Jack Halloran was open and never had a problem to find a partner, now years later, wounded and having nightmares about what he had lived through, Jack is having trouble to adjust to civilian live. When he meets Tony and after their progressing sessions, he is charmed by the funny, quirky guy, but his professional integrity does not allow him to take things further. While Tony tries to woe Doctor Halloran's on the one hand, he also tries to prove the guy is innocent and find the real murderer.

I loved the characters! Seriously Tony is sweet and funny, all those analogies for his picky dick made me laugh. It was cute to see him fumble his way through the therapy sessions and discover a new fixation for his picky member. While the mystery was not very difficult, I appreciated, that he took some time to find out how the murder was committed, because while the suspect was obvious, the motive and method was not.

There was a lot of good sexual tension going on between Tony and the good doctor and I liked that no one was a damsel in distress in this one. Jack didn't need saving, he proved that he could take care of himself and Tony developed an interesting medical kink. All in all it was a great and entertaining story, with some pretty good lines and fabulous characters. I couldn't put it down and was smiling a lot.

Should You Read It? If you don't mind humour and some medical kink in your romance mystery, you definitely should read this one. It makes for a great summer or beach read or just a comfort read when you need cheering up. Recommended.

4.5 Pants Off

Review: Intercession by Pepper Espinoza

Intercession by Pepper Espinoza
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 206pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
After fifty years of searching for his lost brother, vampire David Derringer attempts the unimaginable: he bends his knee in prayer. While he doesn’t believe, his mother’s faith was strong, and her final request—a request made the night she and David died—keeps David on the path to his younger brother, Danny, despite the many obstacles.

David doesn’t expect his prayer to be answered. He certainly doesn’t expect an angel to intercede on his behalf.

Jophiel is tasked not only with helping David find his brother but with saving David’s soul. It seems like an impossible assignment meant to punish him, especially when they must face the Brotherhood of St. Rocco, an organization dedicated to eradicating vampires.

But David has a chance to prove he’s not like other vampires when he meets Arthur, a young man with a secret and a death wish. Following a very steamy encounter, Arthur expects to be bitten. David never even drops his fangs. Which is a good thing, since Arthur might be the key to finding Danny before it’s too late.

Review:
My very first time reading Pepper Espinoza, and I do solemnly swear that it will not be my last. At first Intercession started off a little slowly and honestly I wasn't all into it, but in no time it picked up and I was hooked. I am talking sexiness of epic proportions and my new fave hot as hell vampire. It should become a new rule: angels should always fall in love and have sex with vampires, makes perfect sense to me.

David is vampire tormented, tormented by the promise he made to his dying mom and years spent searching for a younger brother out of reach. Yet, he is willing to do anything and that anything finds him in a church praying to god that most likely will not answer his soulless prayers. It’s just his luck when a monk decides to ruin his one on one time with god and try to put a stake in his heart, but David is feeling generous and he lets the monk live. It’s just proof that god doesn't answer a killer's prayer and so finding his brother is something he has to do on his own, but time is running out and every day the trail gets colder and his brother Daniel gets older. He needs a bit of a miracle right now, so when a man appears in his car saying he's an angel sent on a mission of god David is having a hard time believing it but he's willing to take scraps.

Jophiel an angel of the Lord can't believe he got stuck helping a vampire, a soulless evil creature of Satan. How can god demand that he help something without a soul? But it might be a way for Jophiel to redeem himself so he has no choice but to help the vampire David. Being in David's company Jophiel is realizing that there is more to the vampire, and he isn't just bent on killing and causing mayhem. He has a conscience and his deep caring for a sibling long lost sets him apart from the rest. If only he wasn't so attractive, and a key player in all the things that Jo should never have or feel. But he will help him find his brother with all the angel power within him.

Throw in the human Arthur, and the story takes a turn of mayhem, betrayal, and sexy good times. Three men brought together under dire circumstances but form an unbreakable friendship. I can't call this one a ménage relationship though there is ménage sex, but anything beyond that hasn't been established yet. David is the glue keeping them together and without him Arthur and Jophiel relationship seems uncertain. There is some twists and turns, all leading to an explosive ending which isn't HEA or HFN it’s more like WTF. So I now pray for a sequel, and might possibly resort to begging for more David, Jophiel, and Arthur.

I am talking about Vampire/Angel smexing and it sets my pants on firs. The writing is engaging, witty, and just spot on I am going into Pepper's backlist because she has created a fan in me. Intercession is a story about hope and finding love when you least expect it. I don't want to give much away, but that ending...maaaaaaaan it’s like whoa!

Should You Read It? YES!!! A fave read of mine, and I wish I could delete it from my head just to experience the feels of reading it for the first time. Awesome read!!!

4.5 Pants Off

Review: The Boys and the Bees by Mari Donne

The Boys and the Bees by Mari Donne
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 212pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
The only interesting thing about Why Yell, Iowa, is its name, so when Mark Johansen left for college, he didn’t plan to return. But his family has other ideas: his father manipulates him into a job he hates and his mother uses him as a patch for coping with his siblings’ problems.

When Mark runs into Jamie Novotny after a particularly bad day at work, he’s surprised to find the quirky kid he knew in high school has grown into a driven ecowarrior. But the shock of finding Jamie working in the local co-op pales compared to his astonishment when Jamie confesses he’s had a crush on Mark for years.

Their first night together leaves Mark happy but disoriented, but their second leaves him bereft. He's unable to find Jamie because he refuses to use cell phones, fearing their environmental impact. Mark’s usual stoicism splinters, and he can’t stop himself from tracking Jamie down. When their lives collide, Mark makes room in his heart and his house for Jamie—but what Jamie really wants is for Mark to man up.

Review:
Ever read a book you wish you could go back and unread so you can experience it for the first time again? That is how I feel about The Boys and the Bees; I loved every word of it and would not change a thing. I found it perfect and the message resonated strongly with me.

Mark Johansen lives in a small town called Why Yell, Iowa which is like pretty much a description of Mark's character. He's a gentle giant whom goes through life making the motions and living to help others. He has a job he doesn't love all because his parents told him to take it, he can't seem to make a connection to the opposite sex or even of that of a same sex relationship. He's just there helping with a slew of nieces/nephews and immature siblings. Mark finds himself at local co-op picking up groceries with plans of making himself a fabulous meal when he runs into Jaime. He remembers Jaime from high school as being out and proud, and 100% himself (a quality he always liked) since he's practically uncomfortable in his skin. Accidentally Mark leaves behind his wine, and Jaime brings it too him. Jaime admits he had a crush on Mark in high school, Mark invites him to stay for dinner and the sexy time commences. For the first time sex becomes something for Mark, he feels a connection to Jaime and wants too see more of him.

The book gives the slow progression to Jaime and Mark's relationship, and you get to know their characters in-depth. Both their lives are filled with this richness of family, but also with heartache that comes with it. Jaime must care for his ailing father, which puts a strain in their budding romance, and Mark must deal with the reality that he might lose his family for being gay.

Mark's family is a big part of the story and a strain to read because they are just a draining bunch, but is it’s with them I realized how strong Mark is. It boils down to the fact, that Mark does not need them, they need him. He seems like a pushover because of his selflessness but Mark can walk away and thrive, even with his coming out and facing their harsh dismissal (he was the glue).

Mark and Jaime together are so sweet; it makes my heart super happy. They are both so different but provide a wonderful balance for each other. Jaime the fanatic for the environment, and Mark who’s willing to put up with his crazy ways. I just loved the development of their relationship, the pacing and timing is so perfect that you will just believe in their love.

As I said, I really love this book and it will be going on re-read shelf (I wanna go read it again right now). It's a very romantic read, with some hard-hitting realistic elements (unaccepting parents and the religious crazies that fuel them) and unforgettable characters; Mark is going down as one of my faves. I loved his gentle ways, and he seems one dimensional on the surface, but you find out he’s brave and just loves with all his heart.

Should You Read It? Yes, do not even walk to get it run and get it. I am looking forward to more from this author, because The Boys and the Bees is really something special.

5 Pants Off

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

Review: The Gravedigger's Brawl by Abigail Roux

Reviewed by Fehu
The Gravediggers Brawl by Abigail Roux
Riptide Publishing
Novel: 250pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Dr. Wyatt Case is never happier than when he’s walking the halls of his history museum. Playing wingman for his best friend at Gravedigger’s Tavern throws him way out of his comfort zone, but not as much as the eccentric man behind the bar, Ash Lucroix.

Ash is everything Wyatt doesn’t understand: exuberant, quirky, and elbow deep in a Gaslight lifestyle that weaves history into everyday life. He coordinates his suspenders with his tongue rings. Within hours, Wyatt and Ash are hooked.

But strange things are afoot at Gravedigger’s, and after a knock to the head, Ash starts seeing things that can’t be explained by old appliances or faulty wiring. Soon everyone at Gravedigger’s is wondering if they’re seeing ghosts, or just going crazy. The answer to that question could end more than just Wyatt and Ash’s fragile relationship—it might also end their lives.

Review:
Just the right book to get into the mood for Halloween!  So let me ask you something...Are you afraid of ghosts? No, well Wyatt wasn't either, at least at the beginning...

Dr Wyatt Case works as curator of a history museum in Richmond and the most exiting things that happen to him, are his run ins with the board trustees. He loves his job, but recently the trustees have made it their goal to haunt him in his workplace so he is glad to escape when his best friend Nick, suggest visiting a new place: Gravedigger's Tavern.

At the tavern, Wyatt meets a very charming bartender, Ash and they couldn't be any more different, but here at least opposites attract. After Wyatt’s less than stellar behaviour in the aftermath of their encounter, he searches for an excuse to visit Ash. Gravediggers history is the excuse and its there where Wyatt finds inspiration for a new exhibition, to attract a younger crowed. What is more interesting than ghosts and haunted sites, right?

Meanwhile strange things happen at the Gravedigger’s Tavern, odd noises, music playing on its own, reflections of a man in the mirror and electricity acting up, but then again it’s an old building, with a lot of history, or that’s what they tell themselves. Especially Ash seems to be attracting the strange happenings and soon it follows him outside the bar.

At the same time, Wyatt is researching the taverns history and finds out about mysterious murders happening there and a lot of skeletons, which were literary buried in walls. It’s up to Wyatt, Noah and the Gravedigger’s crew to find some answers and get some help, and think fast, if they want to save Ash, because it turns out that even if you don’t believe in ghosts, they do believe in you!

The ghost story is spooky and while Wyatt’s and Ash’s relationship didn’t pull me in that much, the story did. I loved the descriptive writing and could see the places in my mind; the sense of place was really well done. The supporting characters were interesting and I think I would have loved to read more about Noah and Caleb’s relationship. Also, the history parts appealed to me.

This story has the right Halloween atmosphere, suspense, romance and horror and while the first copy I had went missing, at least my ereader proved itself immune to the books curse. Gravediggers Brawl kept me turning pages up to the very end.

5 Pants Off

Review: The Party Boy's Guide To Dating A Geek by Piper Vaughn & Xara Xanakas

The Party Boy's Guide To Dating A Geek (Clumsy Cupid Guidebook #1) by Piper Vaughn & Xara X. Xanakas
Less Than Three Press
Novel
5+ Pants Off

Blurb:
Ashley Byrne only wants one thing in life: to finish his tattoo apprenticeship and fulfill his dream of owning his own shop. In the meantime, he spends his nights partying, flirting, and having sex. After all, what else is there for him to worry about? Aside from his hair and his clothes, not much. He’s hot, and rest assured no one knows it better than him. He’s also used to getting what he wants—until he meets Felipe Navarro.

Fee Navarro has everything he needs: a great IT job, a nice apartment, and all the high-tech toys his geeky heart could ever want. He doesn’t do casual, and he knows guys like Ash are nothing but. Ash may burn hot for Fee, but Fee isn’t willing to take a chance on a vain, little party boy with too many tats and an oversized ego. He wants someone to share his life with, and he won’t settle for anything less. Too bad Ash has never been the type to give up easily. He has a plan, and he’s not stopping until he proves he’s more than just a pretty face—he’s someone worthy of winning Fee’s heart.

Review:
OMG my ass is just all kinds of love in love with this story just all kinds of love. It was sexy, funny, and just cotton candy sweet without the toothache. I was expecting to like this one but I was not expecting to love it, this one is a 5+ Pants Off.

Ash is the pretty party boy and he makes no apologies about it. He can get anyone he wants and knows he's above average when it comes to looks and all that. As a tattoo artist, he has dreams of opening a tattoo parlour with his best bud but until then he's gonna party the night away and also fuck it away. When he runs in to Fee while helping his brother's girlfriend move his initial reaction is geek and not interested. Suddenly he's getting all hot under the collar for Fee and decides to make a move because after all what geek is gonna turn him down.

Well, Fee turns him down and Ash is left in shock but he knows the man is interested so he goes on the offensive. I am talking the dating guide that shows you how to connect with your geek. Learn his lingo to ultimately get in his pants and win his heart. Ash is having a hard time of it and is making a fool of himself in the process. Maybe, Fee is not interested and who could blame him. He has past of dirty deeds longer than his arm and Fee looks like he would be in it for the long run. Ash is thinking maybe with Fee he could think about forever too.

I just loved the hell out of Ash. He is so funny and cute and really shined in the book. I enjoyed how he ultimately stopped trying so hard and went about being himself. Fee is now my new CLIF (character I'd love to fuck. I stole this from Amy Lane). He's all geeky but when you let him out of his cage, he sets the sheet and your pants on fire. Omo, I need a sexy nerd.

The build up of the relationship between the men was done very well. It started as friendship but developed in a very believable long lasting love. The sex is not frequent but when it does happened, GAWD I literally hyperventilated. I read so much sex that most of the time I don't really notice a difference. I noticed it here. Maybe it’s all to do with Fee's cool exterior but man.... Shit was hot. There relationship is also set in motion by supporting characters, characters I am very much looking forward to getting their own books (Ahem Jae) can never have too many sexy Korean characters.

Kudos to Piper Vaughn and Xara Xanakas for writing such an awesome book. I now dub you guys a Dynamic Duo, and your geeky ways knows no bounds. I now really want to go to a steampunk costume party, so I can drool all over the sexiness. I recommend this, and hope you fall in love with Ash and Fee as much as I did.

5+ Pants Off

Review: Love, Hypothetically by Anne Tenino

Love, Hypothetically (Theta Alpha Gamma) by Anne Tenino
Riptide Publishing
Novella: 120pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Paul's been called many things—graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke—but "forgiving" isn't one of them. When the new women's softball coach at Calapooya college specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul's forced to put aside his strict "no athletes" policy for the sake of his paycheck.

Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul’s high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one—the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor’s come out and retired from baseball, and now he’s looking for forgiveness and a second chance.

There’s no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn’t sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on.

Review:
Frat, Boy, and Toppy left me in stitches, and after the scene with the hairbrush, I wondered how Anne Tenino would top that. Love, Hypothetically is just as funny, sexy, and offers up the same amount of emotional story. Yes, it’s funny as feck but its darn god sweet, it made me all gooey inside and I devoured the whole book in about two hours. Paul was introduced in book one of the series and I am not gonna pretend. He was a colossal asshole, and he is still an asshole but of the most awesome kind.

Paul uses words to cut a person down to size; he's cynical and a bit dark. He also has this unusual hate for all things jock. He don’t want one, he don’t like them around, and mostly he doesn’t trust them. You see his hatred is a personal one, and his hurt is transferred to anyone who wears a jock strap and put their feet in runners. When the man who created his jock phobia comes, walking back in his life Paul hides behinds his sharp tongue and I don't give an eff attitude. How do you move on from your first love outing you and offering you up to the sharks. You do not. So nine years later Paul cannot forgive Trevor. Even if it is love, it’s hypothetical after all.

Can I just say that I am head over heels in love with Paul. He is so much fun and genuine in his bitterness. I never once found him annoying and understood his apprehension in jumping into a relationship with Trevor. Some say leave the past behind, but sometimes the past can shape a persons future. This rings true of Paul, he doesn’t have a trustful bone in his body and even keeps his friends from getting too close. Trevor is your typical male character; he's sweet, sexy, and is going a bit bald (wait, that isn’t typical at all). Together both he and Paul provide an entertaining and sexy read.

Love, Hypothetically is a quick fun filled read, and it felt like visiting old friends. It’s been awhile since I laughed with such joy from reading a book, and gems like these don’t come along often. I recommend you read this book for the high entertainment value and the stellar writing. I wish I had more eyes so I could read more Anne Tenino, obviously someone decided only two is enough, pffft. Recommended!!!

4.5 Pants Off

I don't recommend often but when I do, it's an Anne Tenino.

You, Me, & Yaoi: Yaoi Pushing & Recommendations

I started reading yaoi over three years ago, after the birth of my second son. I was home, he was sleeping a lot and my oldest was spending lots of time with his grandparents. I read the Twilight books at lightning speed, devoured the House of Night series (don’t freaking ask) and I just wanted something new. I have told this story before, but I will share it again.

I wanted to read M/M after reading about the of the chain chemistry between Vishous/Butch from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I wanted it bad! I got a few recs from some online friends, and I did a little search around by myself. Someone had mentioned Jet Mykles, and so I visited her website and she mentioned Yaoi. Googled that sucker and it was as if heaven opened up and let me in it’s arms of insanely awesmazing boy love. I could not believe I was blinded for so many years T_T I totally made up for it, by devouring and making my eyes happy. Yaoi was the shit and I was 100% addicted.

I found some good sites like Aarin Fantasy, and Mangafox, which provided me with all my yaoi needs. I spent a year reading as much as I could, and with no exaggeration I must have read close to a 1000 yaoi mangas *I freaking killed it*. So now, I had M/M and Yaoi together they created an addict and left me broke ass. I have never been happier.

So I wanna push my love of yaoi unto POR readers, yes suckers I said push. I am pusher, an enabler, unleashing the peer pressure. I am no expert, but I do have some favourites that have stuck with me, and I go back to re-read them again and again. If you haven’t read any yaoi before, then starting online would be your best bet that way you can’t lose. And if you love it, then…

My Recs!!!

Junjo Romantic by Nakamura Shungiku

One of my all time fave yaoi series. It's funny, sexy, and I just really want to be Misaki. If you aren't a fan of a 17 year old having sex with an older man then you shloud run from this one. There is dub-consent/non-consent, but it's a story that really evolves and in no time Misaki is 22 and him and Usagi have been together for years. Throw in family drama and jealousy, and you have the makings of a fun wild story. This was made into an anime series, which I also recommend. Just lots of fun.

Status: I believe the publisher for this series was shut down, so I don't think it's available for purchase. Do not worry you can read the series here. I have purchased up to Vol.12 and I am still broke.

Haru Wo Daiteita/Embracing Love by Youka Nitta

This one follows Iwaki and Kato in their over the top but very awesome love story. Both being famous actors and openly gay kind of speak true of the times right now. There were some skeptics, but people have embraced their love, and the series tells of their journey. Lots of ups and downs, but what makes this one stand out is the pure "balls to the walls" theme. Very explicit sex scenes that happen often, but they are so hot its porn art. Youka Nitta is an awesome artist, and I just love these guys so much.

Status: Another series unavailable for order, and very difficult to find online but you wouldn't be disappointed if you spent the time looking. I want to own these mangas so bad and will wait until they are available for re-release.

Update: Embracing Love will be available for purchase come August thanks to Sublime Manga. Are you freaking dead yet? cus I totally am. I am so freaking excited for this the world can't contain me.

Love Mode by Yuki Shimizu

Love Mode is old school but it's freaking awesome! Another one with young characters falling for an older man. It has a bit of everything, the unbelievable mixed with the "that could totally happen" and it's also very sweet. There's a lot of characters in this one but 4 main characters that you will come to know and love. All this revolving around an escort agency, it is all just made of awesome. I really just want to go read this one again.

Status: Yep, you guessed it unavailable for purchase. The good one are just out of order. Don't fret my pets you can read it online It is totally worth your time, and it's just so much fun.

The Prime Minister's Secret Diplomacy by Youka Nitta

Yep, Ms Nitta has made the list again, because she is made of awesome. I love the hell out of this manga and have been waiting for an update like a crack whore. This one is filled with twists and turns, and deep family betrayal, because one of the men is married to the other's sister O_O "oh yes" it's like that. Though you can say that Shiraishi had him first, he is still a very bad brother. It is both sexy and dangerous and you are on the edge trying to figure out how it's all gonna go down.

Status: Good news, you can buy this one and I did. It's frustrating because I want more but I don't know where to find it 'HELP'. Purchase at a most awesmazing price.

Love Pistols/Sex Pistols by Taroko Kotobuki

I love this for only one reason, MPREG. Yes, folks the men get pregnant and I love it, love it, love it. There is a whole lot of story in this series and a whole lot of characters, so you have to be paying serious attention. It's fun and wildly original and I just love the crap out of it. 

Status: Can be purchased but in digital form only for now, and is published by recent yaoi press SuBLime Manga. Purchase

Tea for Two by Yaya Sakuragi

Another all time fave, this one featuring a love between two high-school aged boys. Both are as different as night and day. The distinguished Hasune from a wealthy well known tea house family. The brash Tokumaru, whose clumsy and a big oaf but he steals the heart of Hasune instantly. It's really beautiful to see their relationship progress and you will root for them until the end. So Sweet!!

Status: Unavailable for purchase but you can read it online, so it's still a win.

Groupie by Youka Nitta

This story is a testament to variety that can be found in yaoi. This one has siblings together but it's not exactly a healthy relationship. It deals with what can happen when three people enter into a relationship blind. Feelings get hurt, and I was deeply heartbroken at the end of it. There is also gender pushing, one character dresses like a woman but doesn't want to be a woman. Another winner by the ever fab Ms Nitta, who always bring the pretty and a solid story.

Status: Can be read online.

U Don't Know Me by RAKUN

Awesome, fantastic, and sexy as hell are just a few of the words to describe this manga. It is one of my all time faves and I constantly find myself going to have a peek at it. Another one featuring high-school aged boys on their way to university. Get ready for Seyun, he is so super pretty and wears clothes to tease, There is a bit about family, and it just wraps up in a beautiful story about best-friends finally admitting to their love. 

Status: You can read it online but can be found for purchase.

Complex by Manda Ringo
First of all, don't let the cover fool you. I avoided this one like the plague because of the cover and it was a mistake. This might be the best manga I have ever read! I literally broke down in tears at the end of this one it was just so insanely good.

The book shows the life of two friends from age five until their old (up to 80 or so). Each chapter titled after their age, we experience all their ups and downs and man there are downs. It still does have that craziness of most yaoi but also with a realistic feel. Nothing is ever easy for the boys, and they have to fight for each other in the end. It really is quite breathtaking and the best yaoi I have ever read. I Kid You Not!!

Status: Incredibly hard to find but it would be worth the search.

I believe there is yaoi manga for everyone the hard part is getting through them all. I have read some crappy, others that were ok, and others that are just made of pure awesome. This list is just a tip of the iceberg for my faves, so I will be updating as time goes by. Been thinking about reading yaoi? Check out the websites and find something that is to your taste, it’s the most fun way to pass the time.

Warning: All of the above have been rated NSFW