Review: Cross and Crown by Abigail Roux

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Cross & Crown (Sidewinder #2) by Abigail Roux
Riptide Publishing
Novel: 225pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Nick O'Flaherty arrives at the scene of a double homicide to find he has a witness to the crime, he thinks it’s his lucky day. But when he realizes his witness is suffering from amnesia and can’t even remember his own name, Nick wishes he’d gone with his gut and put in for vacation time.

Then Nick’s boyfriend and former Recon teammate, Kelly Abbott, joins him in Boston, and Nick finds his hands a little too full as the case and his personal life collide. The witness he’s dubbed “JD” is being tailed by Julian Cross, a retired CIA hitman. To complicate matters further, JD forms an attachment to Nick that Nick struggles not to respond to as they search for the key to JD’s identity.

Trying to determine whether JD is friend or foe as they investigate the crime puts them on the trail of a much older mystery. When multiple attempts are made on their lives, Nick is forced to turn to old enemies and new allies to solve a centuries-old crime before he and Kelly get added to the history books.

Review
HOLY HANNAH !!! I so couldn’t wait to read this book. To see how Nick and Kelly were evolving in their relationship. This book was a thrill-ride that just wouldn’t quit!!! I’m a HUGE Ty and Zane fan, so these two guys had so much to live up too.  These Guys Knocked It Out Of The Park!!  

As we know from the C&R series, Nick is a detective in Boston and he’s been working desk duty after donating part of his liver for his father. So, you can believe that Nick is ready to hit the streets and get some action!! Nick is the kind of guy who you’d want on your side if things were going off the rails. He is strong, kind, caring and logical. Nick is always so focused on getting to the truth and the bottom of things, that he doesn’t let emotions get in the way. He makes a promise and you better believe that he’ll move heaven and earth to fulfill it.  Nick is such a wonderful character, he’s sexy, dangerous and so very Alpha. 

It’s such a pleasure to get to know more about him.  Kelly is such a great character.  He was the team medic and yet, he’s so much more than that.  He’s got this wonderful job as a counselor for a camp for children.  He’s a wonderful little stoner who seems so laid-back and yet, when it comes to his boys), he becomes rather dangerous. Nick is Kelly’s first relationship with a man and yet, these two just seem to click together. I don’t know if it’s because they’ve known each other for 15 years or not, Kelly is as in love with Nick and Nick is with Kelly. Kelly truly sees Nick in a way that no one else does.  He knows Nick and that allows him to be the very best partner to Nick. Kelly is fun loving, kind, generous and so focused on Nick and their relationship.  It’s really a pleasure to see Kelly open himself up to this love.  

The secondary characters in this book…So Great.  JD, which stands for John Doe, is either a witness or a suspect, is this great mixture of innocence and intelligence.  Hagen, Nick’s partner on the force really cares for him and they really work well as partners.  Julian…what can I say about Julian that we’ve not heard before?  Julian is witty, sarcastic, wicked smart and plain dangerous.   His deadpanned delivery of lines just makes me laugh.  Ty and Zane both make cameo appearances in this story, and we all know about them.  

There was lots of action in this story.  This was a thrill-ride from the first word on the page until the last. They mystery of JD, the Cross & Crown, helping Julian, it was AMAZING!! The gun fights, the chasing clues and Oh My Lanta, the first time that Kelly and Julian meet…WATCH OUT!!  I will say that there was lots of history being shown in this story, so get your thinking hat out!! Hehehe  

As we all know, Abi is a great writer who can blend adventure/suspense and mystery together and make you so invested in her characters and in her story that you fall under her spell and don’t want to get out.  Abi did the very same thing with this book.  She grabbed you and didn’t let go.  What fun this book was.  Abi blended the right amount of suspense/action and humor. My favorite quote was Kelly saying “Romantic, but are you sure this isn’t just a history nerdgasm you’re having right now?”  I giggled for a while after reading that. Nerdgasm.  As you know, Abi does really good hot sex and this book was no exception.  It was hot and yet, it was so intimate between the two of them. The sex doesn’t overwhelm the story, it just adds another layer to Nick and Kelly’s bond.  

I was glad that Nick and Ty spoke, but it was hard to read. Knowing that they aren’t as solid as they had been. However, it was good to see them again, as always. I do hope that Ty and Nick get back to being the way they were.  These guys have been through too much to allow their relationship to end.  
The relationship between Nick and Kelly is smooth and easy.  Not angst-filled in the way that you read about for some couples.  These two men come with their own issues and worries, and yet it’s really sweet to watch them handle being in a relationship.  I smile just thinking about them together.  

So, if you’re ready for another Adventure filled, Thrill-ride…this is the story for you!!  You get to go on such a fun journey and truly meet some Great Characters to fall in love with..this is for you!! So.. grab a drink, get comfy and get lost in a book that you’ll read again and again, many times. 

5 Pants Off

Review: Book 1 Shock & Awe

Review: To Say I Love You by Anna Martin

Reviewed by Whuppsy
To Say I love You (Another Way #3) by Anna Martin
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 224pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
After six years of romance and kink, Jesse Ross and Will Anderson have had their ups and downs and come through them stronger and happier. But when Jesse’s mother dies unexpectedly, Jesse is forced to return to his childhood home in Georgia to help his family cope. Will transfers from Seattle to his company’s Atlanta office, but love their way is out of the question while they’re staying in Jesse’s parents’ home. So Will buys a small house for them to fix up and find some privacy.

When their lives start to settle back into something like normality, Will and Jesse resume their recently neglected BDSM relationship. Along with the security of Jesse’s submission comes trouble, as a local man tries to lure a lonely, grieving Jesse away from Will, and one of Will’s coworkers causes tension between them. Both men are forced to reassess what really matters, and where their romance is heading.

Review
So, this is the 3rd book in the Another Way series and I’ve got to tell you, it was a pretty good read.  I’ve not read the other books, so this was a first read for me. 

Will and Jesse are already established couple.  They have gone through their ups and downs in their relationship and have come out the other side as a stronger couple. This story is truly a journey for both of these men.  They are dealing with being in a different environment than what they live in at home.  They are more dependent on each other and making it through this period of their lives.

This story starts off after the death of Jesse’s momma.  They’ve been in Georgia awhile now and Jesse isn’t ready yet to go home to Seattle.  He feels that he’s should stay there to be close to his father and sister.  Jesse also feels the need to find some semblance of balance back into his life.  They end up staying in Georgia for a bit and this is where our boys start to heal and deal.

Jesse is so off-balanced from the loss of his momma that he’s not really sure if he’s coming or going. He’s just not ready to say goodbye and leave.  Jesse is such a sweet character, he’s loving and loyal and kind and just a really good guy. He wants to be able to do the right thing for everyone and yet, he’s not really sure what that actually means. Will was a harder character for me to get a read on.  As the story is from Jesse’s POV, it was difficult to really get much of a feeling from him.  He seemed like a really good guy.  He loves Jesse, so very much.  That came through loud and clear.  He moved his life around to be able to support Jesse as he’s struggling.  He’s loyal and he loves Jesse without any reservations.  He’s a great guy.  I just found him to be aloof.  I couldn’t really put any one thought of how I feel about him.  

There was a fair bit of sex in this book.  It’s got lots of BDSM elements in here as well.  I assume if you’ve read the previous books, you know that their relationship was based on this from the very beginning.  However, that’s not all there is to their relationship.  They are a committed, loving couple.  The love that they have for each other was felt on every page of this book.  They are each other’s world. There was an instance of ménage in this story.  It was done so beautifully and tasteful, that I was really surprised and very happy at how it was written.  

There were a few characters in the story that were making a play for our MC’s, but it never went anywhere.  These two would never cheat or leave each other.  It was really nice to see that Will didn’t even notice that this character was interested in him.  He just thought that they were friends.  Jesse’s guy, the one that they had a threesome with, he was in a totally different mindset than Jesse.  Jesse was lonely and wanted a friend.  He thought that it was and when it came to a head, he let the guy down and let him know that it was only Will for him.  I think that it was really sweet the times that they made love to each other.  It showed that they are truly a couple that love each other deeply. 

The story was really good.  It flowed smoothly and I was never taken out of it by grammar errors, etc.  This was such a wonderful story of an ever-evolving relationship.  I really liked that they were an established couple and that they were staying that way.   I will say that I really enjoyed this book.  If you are indeed a fan of the series, I would say this is a great addition.  If like me, you’ve not read the previous books, this will make you want to go back and read about them from the very beginning.  They were wonderful together and I enjoyed their story. I’m intrigued to see how they got together in the beginning.

So, take the time to read this story and either fall in love with them for the first time, or fall further in love with these guys. This book had it all lots of Love, Sex and very low angst.  So, grab a drink, sit in a comfy chair and enjoy. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

4 Pants Off

Review: Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair by Amy Lane

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Blackbird Knitting in a Bunny's Lair (Granby Knitting #4) by Amy Lane
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 244pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb: After three years of waiting for “rabbit” Jeremy to commit to a life in Granby—and a life together—Aiden Rhodes was appalled when Jeremy sustained a nearly fatal beating to keep a friend out of harm's way. How could Aiden’s bunny put himself in danger like that?

Aiden needs to get over himself, because Jeremy has a long road to recovery, and he's going to need Aiden's promise of love every step of the way. Jeremy has new scars on his face and body to deal with, and his heart can’t afford any more wounds.

When their friend’s baby needs some special care, the two men find common ground to firm up their shaky union. With Aiden’s support and his boss’s inspiration, Jeremy comes up with a plan to make sure Ariadne's little blackbird comes into this world with everything she needs. While Jeremy grows into his new role as protector, Aiden needs to ease back on his protectiveness over his once-timid lover. Aiden may be a wolf in student's clothing and Jeremy may be a rabbit of a man, but that doesn’t mean they can’t walk the wilds of Granby together.

Review

This is this book is a continuation of the series, however, it’s mostly about Aiden and Jeremy. I have read lots of Amy Lane’s books before, but not this series, so I was very interested in coming into this series and seeing if I could fall for these characters. I should have known better. Once again Amy has delivered a wonderful book.

We pick up this book at Jeremy is sacrificing himself for Stanley. Well, part of it was for Johnny who saved his bacon 3 years ago and who is involved with Stanley and would be heartbroken if anything happened to him. Jeremy has finally decided to stop running and is standing still.

Jeremy is having to come to grips with the decision that he made in the sense that he no longer looks the same as before. He’s got this really great heart and he only wants to be seen as a good man. Yes, he’s made his mistakes, but he’s served his time as is trying to have a better life. Jeremy is so sweet and so giving and yet, he really doesn’t see how good of a man he truly has become. For some reason, Jeremy seems to think that his past is all that there is to him and he doesn’t see that those in his life know very well that that isn’t true. Jeremy just needs to see that for himself.

Aiden on the other hand is dealing with getting Jeremy back up and running. Letting go of the anger that he feels. How could Jeremy do that? Put his life in jeopardy like that? Aiden is having to really come to grips with what happened and just what Jeremy means to him. That he wanted Jeremy. That he waited until Jeremy was ready for him. Aiden is this great guy who has this family that loves him so much. He’s got this other family at the mill where he works that show him love and acceptance and guidance if needed. Aiden is so strong and so determined for Jeremy to know that he’s loved, both the good and bad sides of himself, equally.
 

The secondary characters are so wonderful. You get the feeling of such love and acceptance and understanding from them. Craw is this wonderful gruff man who does what he can for those in his life that he loves. I love that he’s got this really tender side to him. Ariadne has become Jeremy’s best friend. Ariadne and her husband, Rory are going to have a baby with a cleft palate and they will be in need. Even with all that is going on with them, there is love and acceptance there. Jeremy and Ari’s relationship blossoms and grows into such love and friendship, it was really sweet to watch.
 

This story had so much going on. Love. Not only romantic love, but the love of your family and also the family that you have created. Acceptance of the past and who you are now. I guess you can call that acceptance of self. I love the sense of community that this story had. I loved the way everyone came out to help Ari and Rory was beautiful. I love that Jeremy got the chance to seek and gain redemption. That commitment was needed and how Jeremy stepped up to the plate and decided to knock it out of the park.

Amy is a Master Storyteller. I have read her works and have never read a book that made me not fall in love with her characters. I’m in there with them and going on the journey right along side of them. There was actually no real angst in this story. Just Jeremy’s in regard to commitment, but other than that, angst-free. I’m not much of a knitter, but the way Amy described the knitting in this book, it just amazing!! I could actually see what the patterns were. AMAZING!!
 

This book was beautiful to read. I enjoyed the ride and I know that if you love Amy’s Granby Knitting Series, this is one that you’ll really love. Don’t wait, go and get this book and be prepared to be taken on a journey.

5 Pants Off

 

Review: Holding out For a Fairy Tale by A.J Thomas

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Holding Out for a Fairy Tale (Least Likely Partnership #2) by A.J Thomas
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 250pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
When his vicious cousin Alejandro makes a violent late-night visit, San Diego homicide detective Ray Delgado gets a brutal reminder of why he left his family behind. Alejandro wants Ray to find his sister, Sophia, who disappeared from the UC San Diego campus, before the FBI digs too deep into his business.

Special Agent Elliot Belkamp spent his entire life jumping from one place to another, but his new assignment assisting a FBI task force offers him a chance to settle down. When Elliot catches a missing person's case as his first assignment, the last person he expects to find poking around the victim’s dorm room is Ray, a one-time hookup he’s more inclined to punch in the face than kiss hello. After discovering Sophia's disappearance is linked to a massive computer-based theft that has two powerful crime families ready to declare war, Elliot focuses on his investigation and tries to ignore Ray. As the search for Sophia turns dangerous, Elliot and Ray discover that tackling organized crime might be easier than resisting the urge to tackle each other.

Review
I had read the first book, A Casual Weekend Thing and I really liked it.  I was really excited to read the second book in the series and I’m really glad that I did.

Ray Delgado is this really very smart, loves science fiction and computers and playing wonderful, elaborate jokes.  Ray is a great cop.  The analytical way that his brain works to
move pieces together is one of his endearing traits.  The other is his self-proclaimed nerdom.  Ray is loyal and kind and so very giving.  If he cares about you, you know that he’d be there in a hot minute if you needed him.  Ray is closeted at the moment. He doesn’t want his fellow cops to know that he’s bisexual, leaning towards gay.  Ray’s family is just so damn hard on him.  He’s on the other side of the law from his family and he’s done things that they can’t forgive him for. 

Elliot Belkamp is a special agent with the FBI who we also met in the first book.  Elliott is a much more complex character than you would have originally thought.  Elliot is a war veteran, martial artist besides being an up and coming special agent.  Elliot is open about his sexuality.  He doesn’t advertise, but he doesn’t deny it.  Elliot is such a great character.  He’s honest and open and so very kind.  He is also more dangerous than you’d think.  I like the fact that Elliot is so honest about what he’s thinking and feeling. It’s a nice foil for Ray’s behavior. Elliot strives so hard to do the right thing and do the very best job that he can.

There were some good secondary characters in this story.  The people from Ray’s job, they were such a great bunch of people.  They truly cared about him and did what they could to help him out during his time of need.  Elliot’s boss, who was more than a boss, but also a friend.  Special agent Hathaway, a co-worker of Elliot’s was more of a joke for the majority of this book.  You could tell that this character had some things going on and I actually surprised when I got further into the story about him. Carmen, Ray’s sister, well I thought she was just ok until the end of the story and then I didn’t like her at all.  Alejandro, Ray’s cousin, WOW!!  He was great!! 

I like the dangerous way he acted during the entire book.  He was one character that you didn’t have to worry about.  Well, if he didn’t want to kill you, that is.  Alejandro is dangerous and truly without a conscience.  He’s the kind of bad guy that you end up liking a bit.  I know that I did. Hayes and Doug make a brief appearance in the book and it was really good to see them again.  I love seeing them again and seeing how their relationship is going.  

There was a bit of sex in this story, but it never overwhelmed the story in the least.  The amount of sex truly was done in a way that expressed emotions between our MC’s.  It was never over the top and it only helped to move our story along.  Really tastefully done.

I will say that the mystery/suspense part of the story was so well done that I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was really happening and in doing so, didn’t see what was right in front of me.  Which is sad to say for someone like me who likes to know exactly who’s doing what and picking up the bad guy from the beginning.  I give mad props to AJ for making me work for it in the end.

I really liked this book and am looking forward to more books from this author in the future.  So, settle back in a comfy chair and get ready for a wonderful story that will have you entertained from the minute you start reading until the very last word is read.           

Review: The Art of Breathing by TJ Klune

Reviewed by Whuppsy
The Art of Breathing (Bear, Otter, and Kid #3) by TJ Klune
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 350 pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Tyson Thompson graduated high school at sixteen and left the town of Seafare, Oregon, bound for what he assumed would be bigger and better things. He soon found out the real world has teeth, and he returns to the coast with four years of failure, addiction, and a diagnosis of panic disorder trailing behind him. His brother, Bear, and his brother's husband, Otter, believe coming home is exactly what Tyson needs to find himself again. Surrounded by family in the Green Monstrosity, Tyson attempts to put the pieces of his broken life back together.

But shortly after he arrives home, Tyson comes face to face with inevitability in the form of his childhood friend and first love, Dominic Miller, who he hasn't seen since the day he left Seafare. As their paths cross, old wounds reopen, new secrets are revealed, and Tyson discovers there is more to his own story than he was told all those years ago.

In a sea of familiar faces, new friends, and the memories of a mother's devastating choice, Tyson will learn that in order to have any hope for a future, he must fight the ghosts of his past.

Review:
So, I’m such a fan of Tj’s books.  He can make you feel so much with his words.  He draws you in his stories and you fall into them and you can’t get out until the very end.  Even then, it’s never fully over for you, trust me. When I heard that the Kid’s story was coming out, I KNEW I had to read this book.  I knew that I was going to cry because I cry in ALL of his books.  Especially his Bear, Otter and the Kid Chronicles.  So, are you ready?  Well, let’s get into itThis is the Kid’s (Ty’s) story. It’s a story BOATK fan has been waiting for.  But, I really don’t think that we were expecting the level of gut-wrenching that we got. But, I will say that it was worth it and Tj stayed in the realm that he has created so well.

Ty’s life isn’t going as well as he thought it would. He’s coming back to Seafare after being put on academic probation because of the problems that he’s faced over the last couple of years.  Ty was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and those attacks take so much from him. He got addicted to drugs and had to battle his way back.  Ty has so much fear in his life that he just can’t see a way out.  But he’s trying to get his life in order.  I love the resilience that Ty shows in trying to figure out his life. 

Ty has been in love with Dominic since he was young.  He at first though it was just friendship, but it wasn’t until he got older that he realized that it was love.  Dom has always been just his.  Dom helped to keep things from being too scary.  He was Ty’s heart and that kept him beating along. 

Ty says it perfectly:” Bear may be my rock, but Dom is the force that moves me.”

 Their way to happiness isn’t going to easy, but this is Tj Klune, so we know that there will be bumps and bruises along the way.  It was a slow build to their HEA.  Tj is known for making his characters deal with the issues that plague them.  Ty had so much to work on.  Dealing with the abandonment of his mother when he was five.  Dealing with the fractured relationship that he has with Dom.  Trying to deal with his own feelings of insecurities.  

Ty’s voice was so different from Bear’s voice.  Ty is neurotic thoughts are the same and yet so different from Bear’s. Ty is a vegetarian, hippish, ecoterrorist that will make your heart hurt and yet, you just want the very best for him.  Ty is dealing with so much and yet, his love for his family, the family that has been created during our tenure of BOATK’s chronicles is unmatched.  I love to see how he deals with all of the crazy that is his family.  The love that they all share is beyond beautiful to see.

Dom is Ty’s other half.  Dom realized that Ty was his as well.  Even though he’s so much older than Ty and he wants him to stay, he lets Ty go.  To allow Ty to realize his dreams.  It’s wonderful to see Dom again and he’s such a wonderful man.  I always liked Dom.  He was so strong and silent and yet, he’s always shown such consideration for Ty.  How gentle and kind he was with Ty.  I just fell for this guy.  He’s all that and so much more in this story.  So much more.  I fell more in love with his character in this book.

The secondary characters in this book, WOW!!  I loved them so much!!  Creed, Anna and JJ, their son had me in stitches!!  Creed is ALWAYS great for a laugh.  He’s still the same after so many years.  I love that about him.  Corey/Kori, I truly loved this character.  I learned about bigenderism and it was something that is so real and really needs to be explored more. Sandy, Paul, Vince and Darren made appearances in this story and can I just say…I WANT WAY MORE OF THEM!!  I can’t wait for Sandy and Darren’s story!!  Vince was his truly adorkable self and I still just wanted to kiss his cheek and listen to his sweetness. Paul…what can you say about Paul?  Paul just had me rolling. I was laughing out loud

reading him.  If you’ve not read Tell Me It’s Real, you’re missing so much and you must RUN to read that book.  You’ll totally laugh and cry your way through that book. Otter, is still the protective Father/Brother for Ty.  He’s Bear’s other half.  His sane half.  I love that Otter is still the rock that he’s always been.  Bear…I’ve saved Bear for last.  I love his protectiveness.  His love for Ty is unparalleled. To see Bear and watch him Freak Out is quite possibly the best part of these books.  Bear is just a hoot to read about.  You’ll enjoy his crazy as much as ever, possibly even more.  I know that I did. 

I have to say that this book spanned more years than the previous books, but the way Tj did it and the reason why..it was perfect.  This book was perfect.  There were times when I thought my heart would fall out of my chest with the sadness and sorrow that I felt.  Yet, there was times that I laughed out loud and snorted.  Tj has ALWAYS given you wonderful books that draw you in and you go on the journey with the characters.  He hasn’t lost that touch in the least.  In fact, he keeps getting better with every book that he does.  He did with this book.  Know that you are about to go on Ty’s journey with him and feel everything that he does. You will cheer his triumphs and hurt for him in his sadness. 

So, sit down and grab some tissues and be prepared to go on an emotional ride and never want to get off.  

5 Pants Off

 

Review: Worth the Seeing Through by Lisa M. Owens

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Worth the Seeing Through (Love's Value #2) by Lisa M. Owens
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 260pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Police officer Connor Maclean has been on the job less than two months when a robbery call sends him to the art gallery of Guy Gustavsson, the man he fell in love with during one life-altering week in LA. He moved to Montana for Guy, even after the artist cut off contact. Now he discovers him injured and unconscious, along with a note indicating Guy was to meet someone named Jones about Guy’s painting of a former lover. But that’s hardly likely—for reasons only Connor knows.

Once he sees Guy again, Connor can’t stay away. He brings Guy to his home to recover. The relationship is rekindled. But Guy’s longing for his old love and new fears since the robbery trigger alcohol issues. When Jones makes a dangerous reappearance, Connor and Guy must focus on saving not just Guy’s life but their love and their hopes for a future worth the seeing through.

Review
This book ran the full gambit of emotions. You will feel everything that the characters felt and go on the roller coaster ride with these guys.

Connor Maclean is this police officer whose life was changed months ago when he met artist Guy Gustavsson in LA at a gallery showing his work. They had one week of intense sex and even after Guy left, they kept in contact. Connor felt that Guy was his future, so much so that he moved to Montana. Connor has this wonderful sense of being calm, cool and in control. He’s learned the hard way that being out of control never helps a situation. Connor is kind, generous and so very giving. He’s made some close friends who love and care about him. Connor has this strong sense of family and to Connor; Guy was the only one for him. Guy was the man of his dreams and he wanted the rest of his life to start with Guy and didn’t want to wait anymore.

Guy Gustavsson is this artist who is grew up thinking that he isn’t worthy of someone loving him, especially since his parents didn’t. He’s only had one semi-relationship with his best friend, Josh. When Josh moved on to someone else, Guy started to flounder. He met Connor and found someone that he really liked and connected to. Guy deals with his feelings of self-worth by drinking. Guy is this wonderful guy who gives his time, money and energy to helping kids. Guy is kind, generous and he loves hard. It’s just hard for him to figure out what he needs to do to make his life truly complete.

The secondary characters in this book were people that you’d want in your own life. They were truly just that amazing. Nate and Jenna, who became Connor’s family truly show that they love and care for him not only in word, but deed as well. Josh and Dane were characters from the first book and they make a wonderful return in this book. They both show patience and love not only to Guy, but to Connor as well. They stand together and stand tall for them both when things seemingly fall apart. Kelly is a great character as well; she is a single mother to 15 year old, Alex. She works hard to provide for her child and loves him with abandon. She’s a great mother and friend. Alex, this kid broke my heart. I felt so bad for him. He’s endured so much in such a short time and yet, he’s so lucky to have this family there to catch him and help him as he struggles.

This book had death, grief, alcohol abuse, family issues, love lost and love found. This book was filled with so much happening for our MC’s and those in their lives. It was hard to read about so much hurt in this book. There were times I wanted to put the book down a couple of times and try to make sense of it all, however, I kept going. I wanted to see how the author could bring this back to a happy ending. Lisa has such a beautiful way of interweaving so many threads together and then pulling it off beautifully. I am in such awe of this talent.

I will say that I was really wanted to like the characters of Connor and Guy. I found Connor to be just passive. . He annoyed me for most of this book because I felt that he was more the whiney character and not this strong guy that I had thought he would be. I found that he fell so hard for a guy who really didn’t treat him well at all. I wondered what the hell he saw in Guy because I didn’t see it at all. Connor just didn’t do it for me. I found his whiney, poor me attitude just tiring. Guy wasn’t much better in my opinion. I felt bad for what he went through, but he didn’t come off as likeable to me. His constant secret keeping and general poor attitude just about drove me crazy. I felt that his disregard for Connor was just ridiculous. The push/pull that Guy kept doing to Connor made me really dislike him more.

I really wanted to like the MC’s in this book, I just couldn’t. I really liked the secondary characters more. I empathized more with them then I did with the MC’s and that really bothered me as it wasn’t a story about the MC’s and they are the ones that I am supposed to be connecting with. The story had so many wonderful themes going on and so many wonderful characters, that it truly pains me to find that I really couldn’t care less for our MC’s.

3 Pants Off

Review: The Protector by Cooper West

Reviewed by Whuppsy
The Protector by Cooper West
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 250pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Guardsmen are always matched in a bonded pair. The Protector can shift into a weredog, and the human partner is his Handler. They are incredibly rare and highly valued, but people also fear them for their mystical abilities. No Protector in living memory has outlived his Handler—until Alex Taylor. 

Now a widower, Alex lives a lonely half-life and faces day after day of grief with no hope for happiness in the future. When he unexpectedly bonds with the young and vibrant Handler Marcus Stephanek, Alex is angry and unwilling to leave the memory of his former Handler behind. He pushes Marcus away and tries to distance himself from their bond. But then a mysterious villain who has been secretly shadowing Alex for years sets his plan in motion. Alex and Marcus must learn to trust their bond and love each other, or risk not only their own lives but the lives of those closest to them.

Review
I wanted to read this book as I thought that this book would add a new dimension to shifter books that I had previously read. It did, and it was a different kind of book.

Alex Taylor has been bonded before to Theo. Theo was special in that he didn’t specialize in any one direction for his career. He wanted to wait until he got bonded and took into consideration what his Protector, Alex wanted to do for a career. That made the bond between these two men so very special to Alex. The thing with being a Protector and Handler is that when the Handler dies, the Protector dies as well. That’s always happened, until Alex survived Theo’s death. Alex has been alone since Theo’s death 3 years ago. Alex has been researching since Theo’s death to see how he survived. Alex is so lonely, heartbroken and he’s grieving. There is so much that isn’t happening in his life, that it’s hard for him to really find a balance and go forward.

 Marcus Stephanek is a 26 year-old Handler that is un-bonded. It’s a source of huge embarrassment, shame and desperation for him. He knows what career choice he wants to do and all that he’s waiting for is his Protector. Marcus is quite frankly….AMAZING!! He’s got lots of degrees, he teaches at the Institute from which Handlers and Protectors are trained. Marcus finds his Protector in Alex and this isn’t what he expected. Alex is still in love and grieving for the loss of his Handler, Theo. How do you fight against the memory of a loved one who died? That seems to be Marcus’ greatest battle in gaining Alex’s love and trust.

This story had so many complex layers that I really liked. I liked the fact that Alex was trying to deal with the death of Theo. Trying to move forward and not finding a way to. The wanting of something that will complete your life and make everything turn into roses, and to have that something come true and still not be what you imagined it to be. How do you make a new life with someone you don’t want to? The mystery/suspense portion of the story was really well done. I knew who it was before they told you, he was a really scuzzy character, how could you not?

I will say that I was really tired of the back and forth that Alex had going on. I get that the love of his life passed away, I do. But he got hit with another bond that could be the very best thing that could happen to him and he kept throwing that away. It was really maddening to me.

This was a surprisingly good book. I really enjoyed the mystery/suspense aspect of it. This was a very character driven story and it flowed along really smoothly. You were never jarred out of the story. Overall, this was a good book and I’d say take the chance on a different kind of “mate bond”.

3 Pants Off

Review: Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C.

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C.
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 210pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Hollywood royalty Jeremy Jameson has lived a sheltered life with music as his sole focus and only friend. Before embarking on yet another international concert tour, he wanders into a bar in what he considers the middle of nowhere and meets a man who wins him over with his friendly smile and easy-going nature. Accountant slash bartender slash adventure-seeker Reg Moore has fun talking and drinking with The Jeremy Jameson and can’t say no when the supposedly straight rock star makes him a once in a lifetime offer: keep him company on his tour by playing the part of his boyfriend. 

Listening to music, traveling the world, and jumping off cliffs is fun. Falling in love is even better. But to stay with Jeremy after the stage lights dim, Reg will need to help him realize there’s nothing pretend about their relationship.

Review
So, let’s start out saying that I have read Cardeno C.’s books before and I’m a fan. So, I jumped at the chance to read her new book and BOY AM I GLAD THAT I DID!!

Jeremy Jameson is like any other child of Hollywood & Rock royalty; he’s been sheltered from the worst of the business until he had turned 18. He’s a Superstar Musician and he’s getting ready to go on tour again and he just needed to get away for awhile. Jeremy is the kind of person that wants to be so much better than his parents. Jeremy actually is really kind and so loving. It’s just that he’s used to not really trusting others. Jeremy doesn’t think that he’s worth falling in love with. As Jeremy has been told by his former lovers and what his childhood was like with his parents. So, he just assumes that he’s going to be alone for the rest of his life. He’s been told that he’s needy and that he’s high-maintenance. He’s not as bad as he’s been led to believe.

Reg Moore is this zen-like guy who is bartending in Munds Park, AZ where he still has family. Reg has had a career in Accounting and decided that it wasn’t for him, so bartending it is. He’s also this adventurer who loves doing new things. Exploring what this life has to offer. Reg is just the coolest guy that I’ve read about in a long time. He’s so zen-like and he’s so kind and so very generous and yet, his loyalty and his love are the two best qualities that he has, IMHO. Reg is so much fun and he’s just so sweet and I just love the way he finds his way to acceptance on things. I liked him A LOT!!

The secondary characters in this book were pretty good. I loved Jeremy’s manager, Bill, he was in parts funny and in others, and he gave hard truths. This is part and parcel of who he is. He made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I got who he was and I admired that he was so very honest about what he was saying and doing. Becky Parks was such a great character. She’s smarter than all get out and has this wonderful personality. She was such a cool woman and didn’t’ have designs to do anything other than her job. It was really nice to see.

This was such a character driven story. I liked that it was a slow burn book. That Jeremy and Reg took the time to be friends before they became lovers. It was sweet and sexy and it was just right. There wasn’t much angst in this story and It would have been so wrong to have it there. This book was just perfect the way it was. These two guys were so sweet together. I loved how they took their time falling in love with each other. They had a nice basis of friendship and allowed their feelings to grow from there.

This was a really nice feel good book and you will not be disappointed in reading this story. If you’re looking for something fun and sweet and just a bit sexy….this is the book for you.

4.5 Pants Off

Review: When Love Comes to Town by Jacob Z. Flores

Reviewed by Whuppsy
When Love Comes to Town (Provincetown #4) by Jacob Z. Flores
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 236pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
"Provincetown: Book Four"

Brody O Shea isn't looking for much, just a hot guy with a decent job, who is sane and doesn t have kids. The son of a former rock star, Brody has lived through the pain of bankruptcy and bad parenting, and he doesn't want to experience it again. As a reformed horndog, he wants the security and stability of a relationship. But almost every guy he meets seems satisfied with Mr. Right Now, and he wants to find Mr. Right now!

The only men Eric Vasquez chases are criminals. As a deputy and single father, he has no need for a relationship after his last one ended disastrously. He lives for and through Maddie, his nine-year-old daughter. Everything else is a needless distraction, but distraction is what Eric gets when he comes to Provincetown to attend the wedding between his cousin Van and the man of his dreams.

When Brody and Eric meet, what they want and what they find conflict. An ocean of expectations separates them. If they cannot move past their reservations to reach each other s shores, they might miss the boat when love comes to town."

Review
This sweet and touching story is the fourth book in the Provincetown series. Brody O’Shea is this wonderful character that made me laugh and also made me feel sad for his childhood. Brody is an only child and he’s learned the hard way that parenting isn’t an easy job. He hasn’t really done relationships in the past, as he’s never really seen healthy ones before moving to Provincetown. He has decided that he is going to meet Mr. Right and not Mr. Right Now. Brody also has a list of requirements that they should meet; and one of them is no kids. Brody isn’t a bad guy. He actually is a really good guy. He’s charming, funny and is really kind. I love that he’s an actor and works at a gym. Brody just has so many sweet qualities that I loved. Brody is such a old soul and has such wisdom.

Eric Vasquez is a wonderful man who married the love of his life and had a child together. Then the unthinkable happens and he’s now a single father. Erick has taken all that has happened and kept going on for his daughter. Now, 2 years after Charlie’s death, Eric and Maddie are on their way to Eric’s cousin, Van’s wedding. It’s a good distraction from what has become their life at home. Once there, they will meet new people and be able to see sights that they’ve not seen. For just a little bit, they will be somewhere that no one knows what they’ve been through and they can just be. Eric is this really nice guy. He loves his family very much. He’s had lots of sadness in his life and that holds sway to how he deals with some things in his life. He’s a great dad, a bit protective of his daughter, but who wouldn’t be after the loss of your husband and her father.

The secondary characters in this story were funny and charming. You get to see the guys from the previous books and you get to see how they are coming along in their relationships. Gary, Quinn, Tara and Irene show up as well. It was great to see these couples who have been a part of the series again. My favorite character had to be Maddie, Eric’s daughter. She was funny, sarcastic, and so very precocious. She had Poppa’s best interests at heart. She liked Brody and felt that those two would be good together. Maddie has a bearing that is far older than her age and yet, there is still so much that is childlike about her. Her sweetness and innocence comes through no matter what the situation is. She’s one of my favorite child characters that I’ve EVER read.

I really liked this book. I liked how Brody and Eric had issues that they needed to work through and the way in which they did it. I liked how they finally came clean with each other and I really liked where they did it. It was such a wonderful story of two men coming together and falling in love. I really liked the addition of one of the characters having a child. It made them becoming a family so much sweeter to me. There was virtually no angst in this book, which made this story even better for me.

This is a sweet, fluffy, happy read. If you want to read something that will make you smile and have that happy, everyone’s in love flutters in your tummy then this is definitely the book for you. This is the final book in the series and it was a great wrap up. If you read the series, you’ll enjoy the sweetness that is this book. If you’ve not read this series, now is the time to get them all and enjoy the boys of Provincetown!!

4 Pants Off

Review: Book #1 & 2

Review: Spirit by John Inman

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Spirit by John Inman
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 214pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jason Day, brilliant designer of video games, is not only a confirmed bachelor, but he’s as gay as a maypole. One wouldn’t think being saddled with his precocious four-year-old nephew for four weeks would be enough to throw him off-kilter. 

Wrong. Timmy, Jason’s nephew, is a true handful. 

But just when Timmy and Uncle Jason begin to bond, and Jason feels he’s getting a grip on this babysitting business once and for all, he’s thrown for a loop by a couple of visitors—one from Tucson, the other from beyond the grave. 

I’m sorry. Say what? 

Toss a murder, a hot young stud, an unexpected love affair, and a spooky-ass ghost with a weird sense of humor into Jason’s summer plans, and you’ve got the makings for one hell of a ride.

Review
This story had so many things going on and it was Wonderful!!

Jason has taken on the responsibility for his nephew Timmy for 4 weeks while his sister and her boyfriend take a vacation to the east coast. Jason had no idea what he was getting into!!

Jason is this wonderfully flaky man. He’s got such loyalty and honor. He’s this single gay man who works from home designing video games. Jason is funny, smart and an all-around good guy. He is this guy who has bought his sister’s house after her husband disappeared years ago. He’s loved this house and is happy to buy it and make it his own. Jason makes me laugh as he has this wonderful sense of humor and he is just flamboyant enough in his ways that just makes him so very endearing. I love listening to him and know that he’s going to make me laugh.

Sam is the other MC in this book. His brother, Paul married Jason’s sister, Sally and had Timmy. Sam is in San Diego to see Timmy and find out what has really happened to Paul. Sally has cut off all communication with Paul’s family. He’s this young man who is an engineer and was in the Navy. He’s got all the wonderful sense of honor and loyalty for family. He loved his brother and he knows that something bad has had to happen for him to leave and not have ANY contact with his family. Sam comes and meets his nephew and meets Jason again for the second time, yet this time is so very different. He’s a grown man with needs that Jason seems to fill.

The secondary characters of Timmy and the resident ghost were just great!! Timmy was this great character. He was not only this wonderfully vibrant child; he was also this smartass child who was on point with his sarcasm. He was not only one of the catalysts in this story, but he was this sweet, innocent child who was wronged in the loss of his father. His mother, Sally and Jack, her boyfriend were these characters that had some screen time and yet, whenever, they were on screen there was always something going on. They just weren’t the nicest of people and you could feel that. The ghost in Jason’s house was the wonderfully big presence. The ghost showed itself to Timmy and to Jason and Sam in ways that scared Jason and Sam, but was always so very gentle with Timmy.

This story had so much happening, the bonding relationship between Jason and Timmy. The romance between Jason and Sam, the ghost and the presence it had in the house. The mystery of who the ghost was and why it reacted the way it did. Not only did this story have a great romance and a mystery to solve (how very Scooby Doo of me). The humor that Timmy, Sam and Jason had working in this story was just the best. I loved the dry, sarcastic humor. I loved that there was lots of smartass comments thrown back and forth. That it was taken in the spirit (great reference of the title, if I do say so) in which it meant. I loved that these three worked not only as a team but worked on becoming a family.

This is one of John’s greatest works and I love all of his books. He’s always got such humor and he can really allow a story to unfold. I enjoy taking the time to read and experience his wonderful body of work and this book is no exception. The story flowed smoothly along and you were never taken out of what was going on in the story. You were on this journey with Jason, Sam and Timmy and you wanted to solve the mystery just as much as they did. You wanted them to have their HEA.

This was worth the read. You won’t regret taking the leap and falling into this story.

5 Pants Off

Review: Mirage by Tia Fielding

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Mirage by Tia Fielding
Dreamspinner Press
Novel: 200pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
When forty-six-year-old washed-up country musician Jasper “Red” Blue looks at the past, all he sees is a series of failures. His one treasured success is six years battling alcoholism without the help of AA. To secure his children’s future, Jasper desperately wants to produce a new album, but he can’t write alone. And he won’t work with just anyone. 

Jasper's record company manages to secure the writer one of the biggest country music songs in recent history to help write the album. Cade Wallace is a long-haired former soul surfer, devastatingly handsome, talented, and willing to take a chance on the rugged musician. Jasper, on the other hand, is deep in the closet. 

With Jasper's career hanging in the balance, he can't promise Cade anything, and Cade eventually heads back to his full-time job as a truck driver, taking Jasper’s hopes of a relationship with him. If Jasper’s dream of a life together is ever to come true, he will have to take some big risks, putting both his career and his children’s security on the line.

Review
This is such a sweet, heartwarming story. To really find love and acceptance at any age. Going against your fear and coming out stronger on the other side.

Jasper “Red” Blue is a country singer who has struggled with alcoholism in the past. He’s always known that he’s gay, but country music isn’t known for being the most tolerant towards things that are different. Jasper sees his past and sees lots of failures. He’s got an ex-wife and 2 kids, JJ and Janey. Jasper is this really sweet, shy guy who even though he has issues that he must overcome; he’s got this great heart. He’s so scared of telling his children and the public finding out that he’s gay, he hides a part of himself. He’s this really kind and generous guy who loves his small circle of family and friends.

Cade Wallace lives his life as a truck driver and part-time song writer. He’s part Hawaiian and Maori. He’s lived his life as carefree as possible. He’s got a small circle of friends that he’s really close with. Cade is a kind, loving and so very generous guy. He has this wonderful capacity for giving so much of himself and loving life. Cade is just such a wonderfully giving man. Cade is just looking for the person who he can call “his home”.

The secondary characters in this story were so very supportive and loving to our MC’s. They showed such support to them. Giving them love and such honest and heartfelt advice. They stayed true to themselves and the guys with whom they loved and cherished. Jasper’s ex, Jolene and their kids, JJ and Janey, loved Jasper and only wanted the best for him. The kids were ok with their dad being gay and just wanted him to stay on the wagon. They were wonderful kids and even though they didn’t have much page time, when they did, you felt the love and support for their dad. Jet, was one of Cade’s best friends and he really helped Cade to see that Jasper really loved him and was doing what he could show him.

This book was sweet. Even though you read a bit about some lady bits in this story, there was actually no sex on the pages. So, if you like a good, sweet, tender romance with no sex on the pages, this is the story for you. I liked how it wasn’t really insta-love. It was more that they were attracted to each other and slowly getting to know each other. They were intimate, but that only helped them fall more in love.

Their time apart was actually what they needed in order to see that what the other truly wanted was each other. Cade, to see that Jasper was really his home the one that he’d been searching for so long. That his heart was safe in Jasper’s care. Jasper had to find the strength to be open with not only himself, but with everyone. That he didn’t have to hide who he loved and wanted to be with. It was good the way that they came back together. It was something that really showed the bond of love that was between them.

If you want a sweet, tender love story to while away some time, this is the book for you. Just a bit of angst, and it really wasn’t heartrending to read. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

4 Pants Off