Review: Secrets and Ink by Lou Harper

Reviewed by SinChan
Secrets and Ink by Lou Harper
Samhain Publishing
Novella: 128pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Karma writes you a ticket, pay up or else...

If life was like the movies, Jem Mitchell's wouldn't be such a mess. In LA's glittering world of dreams, he works an unglamorous job at a gourmet grocery store. His past is so deep and dark, the details are lost even to him. All he knows is he was once cursed by a meter maid, and ever since, his love life has sucked.

When Detective Nick Davies becomes a regular at the store, Jem dares to hope he's un-hexed at last. He should have known that sex with a remarkably normal guy, devoid of weird fetishes and fatal personality flaws, was too good to be true.

During a post-encounter cuddle, Nick recognizes the tattoo on Jem's back—and remembers him as a young hustler he arrested nine years past.

As Jem's memories come crashing back, he flees from Nick, but fate contrives to keep pushing them back together. And when Jem's old partner in crime is found murdered, the stakes are raised for life, for love, and a dangerous drama with no guarantee of a Hollywood ending.

Review
Jem meets Nick in a grocery store line. After some dates and sex, Nick recognizes Jem as an underage hustler he arrested years ago that have the same distinctive spider tattoo. They break up but someone is sending Jem naked photos of him when he used to hustle and murders his friend. Nick gets involved again in Jem's life to protect him and solve this mystery.

I absolutely love the mystery and how every puzzle piece comes together in the end to complete the picture. In contrast, the romance between Nick and Jem falls short and suffers while the mystery and intrigue builds up. How they reconcile romantically is not convincing for me.

Jem is actually a very mature and quirky. He believes he is cursed by karma, sees meaning in colors, and stays out of trouble after a building falls on him and puts him through speech and physical therapy. He can be impulsive but also have good instincts. His impulsiveness with crime scene evidence and suspects combined with Nick's exasperation with him makes this an exciting mystery that's unpredictable and fun.

Overall, I enjoy reading the story. All the characters have something unique and distinctive. The best part of the story is figuring out how Jem's spider tattoo fits in with the murder. Even though I would have like there to be more romance, the mystery definitely makes this book an enjoyable read for me.

4 Pants Off

Review: With or Without Him by Barbara Elsborg

Reviewed by Whuppsy
With or Without Him by Barbara Elsborg
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 347pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
"The most dangerous refuge could be his lover's arms. "

Everyone has at least one deep-seated fear. For Tyler, it's being in debt. He's so desperate to get out and stay out of it, he'll do almost anything-including selling his body at Saturday night sex parties.

But he refuses to open his mind to anyone, especially the men paying to use him however they want. The only time he's truly happy is during the week at college, when he can escape into his music.

The moment Haris sees Tyler playing piano at a concert, he falls hard, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make the guy his. Even if it means-for the first time in his life-opening his wallet as wide and desperate as his heart.

20,000 to live with a good-looking guy for four months? How can Tyler resist the chance to ditch the sex party scene for good? But neither man realizes how much they're risking. And when outside forces close in, ready to destroy them, the trickiest part about the next four months could be just surviving.

Review
This story starts off with young Tyler Bellamy going to his Saturday night sex party. It’s not something that he enjoys doing in the least. He does it to pay off his school debts. Tyler grew up in foster care after the tragic deaths of his family. He’s been alone and he’s struggled. He’s now in college aiming for a degree in music. He’s only been doing this for the last couple of months, but he’s starting to hate himself for doing this, but he figures anything to help him get out of debt. It’s only his body. Never his heart or soul.

Enter Haris Evans. He’s this wealthy, older gentleman who sees Tyler the night he performs at a school recital. He is smitten with the younger man. He follows Tyler from the recital hall to his next “appointment”. Once he’s there, he sees that Tyler is hurt and afraid. Haris quickly comes up with a distraction and gets Tyler out of there. He wants Tyler and he’s willing to pay him $20,000 for four months.

As the story moves along you find out how Tyler’s family died. You find out why is he is the way he is. Why he comes across so hard and aloof. You also learn about Haris’ life. How he was born in Saudi Arabia and expelled from the country. Why he has scars on his back.

Their relationship is fraught with miscommunications and omissions. They move forward two steps and fall one step back. Yet, they keep plugging along in this boundary pushing relationship of theirs. However, what they don’t know is that they are caught up in the perfect storm from outside forces.
Tyler’s recent past of Saturday night hookups are coming back to haunt him. He’s trying to get out and they won’t take no for an answer. Haris’ past is coming back to haunt him as well. They have to band together and are fighting for their lives.

Now, for one of the best characters..Wilson!! He’s Haris’ butler, driver, etc. He’s the best little comic relief. He’s this wonderful blend of hypochondriac and sarcastic smartass. He adds the right blend of fun to this book. His love affair with taking in dogs and nursing them back to health is just so freaking appealing. I love his loyalty to Haris. I also love that he’s also Haris’ sounding board and gives him what he needs the most…the unvarnished truth.

I loved watching Tyler’s growth in this story. How at the very beginning he was the man who never gave anything of himself and how he grows into this stronger man who can both give and receive love. How he learn to trust and give of himself. It was beautiful to see. I enjoyed Haris as well. Here was a man that survived this horrific event in his past and yet he found a way to keep going. To survive his past and make something of himself. To see his growth and also find love and allow it in his life. I enjoyed watching the missteps that they took and yet still find their way back to each other.

This book was overall a great read. It has tragedy, angst, mystery, humor, love, hope and redemption. This book is worth taking the time to read. It’s always fun to read a book that combines so much goodness and let it take you away. I love watching people making their own families and fighting for them.

4 Pants Off

What's Happening This Week!!

Hey folks, hope you guys had a wonderful week and are having a lovely weekend. Crazy how the holidays are creeping up and with that comes the stress of figuring out gifts. Well instead of you guys buying gifts POR is giving you guys a little gift with many chances to win because on Monday the Book A Week giveaway begins, and we've got a giveaway by Abigail Roux. I'm calling that this week will be awesmazing and with all the awesome reviews; EPIC.

So without further ado, heres what's causing a pants losing this week...

Reviews:

Shock & Awe by Abigail Roux (DarienMoya)
Convergence by Talya Andor (Fehu)
A White Coat is my Closet by Jake Wells (SinChan)
No Flag by Liz Borino (Whuppsy)
Catch My Breath by M.J O'Shea (DarienMoya)
Thicker Than Water by A.F Henley (Fehu)
With or Without Him by Barbara Elsborg (Whuppsy)
The Caldwell Ghost by K.J Charles (SinChan)
Love's Nest by Leta Blake & Keira Andrews (Whuppsy)
An Eerie Halloween by V.L Locey (SinChan)

Guest Posts & Giveaways:

Spotlight & Giveaway: Shock & Awe Blog Tour
Guest Post: Love (Yesterday's Tears) by T.T Kove
Storm Moon Press: The Harvest Taken
Storm Moon Press: Shakespearotica

Other Post:

A Book A Week Giveaway: Catch a Ghost by SE Jakes

Have A Great Week!!

Review: Junk by Josephine Myles

Junk by Josephine Myles
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 350pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Letting go is the first step to healing…or bringing it all crashing down.

When an avalanche of books cuts off access to his living room, university librarian Jasper Richardson can no longer ignore the truth. His ever-growing piles of books, magazines and newspapers can no longer be classified as a “collection”. It’s a hoard, and he needs professional help.

Professional clutter clearer and counselor Lewis Miller thinks he’s seen it all, but even he has to admit he’s shocked. Not so much by the state of Jasper’s house, but by the level of attraction he still feels for the sexy bookworm he remembers from school.

What a shame that Lewis’s ethical code forbids relationships with clients. As Jasper makes slow but steady progress, though, the magnetic pull between them is so strong even Lewis is having trouble convincing himself it’s a temporary emotional attachment arising from the therapeutic process.

Jasper longs to prove to Lewis that this is the real deal. But first he’ll have to lay bare the root of his hoarding problem…and reveal the dark secret hidden behind his walls of books.

Review
Jasper Richardson is a librarian and just overall cuddly geek. He goes to work comes homes and does the odd hook up via internet. He doesn't have much of a social and that is mostly in part to the fact that he's hoarder whose life is completely taken over by books. Every room in his home is occupied by books, some rooms he can't access and others there is barely room for him to get in or out of the house. Jasper is embarrassed, he's at his wits end and maybe he's finally in a place to ask for help. He decides on a local professional clutter clearing agency and hope that he can finally get his life order.

Clutter clearer and counsellor Lewis knows he and his sister have their hands full when he sees Jasper house for the first time. Jasper thinks that all the information in books is somehow important and he keeps bringing more stuff home and his home is death trap. Just one wrong move and all those books could start tumbling down on the man he finds so incredibly adorable. The upside is that Jasper is willing to make changes but there is more to Jasper than his hoarding dealing with some underlying emotional issues.

Jasper and Lewis's relationship starts as client/counsellor but it’s very clear their attraction for each other. Lewis is trying to do the right thing and keep it only professional but Jasper isn't having any of that and want more than a working relationship. Of course there are all types of thing that could go wrong and the author does tackle them so them finally coming together is legit. Lewis gives Jasper a few months to make sure his feelings are legit and that he can stand on his own but I kept thinking "Jasper is a grown ass man Lewis. He's a hoarder not a man suffering from being a man-child". Then he becomes all contradictory and moves into Jasper house (said he wasn't gonna do that anymore) which totally irked me. I feel like they could have been partners but Jasper needed to be in his home alone for a bit. I get that the love is strong but I'm not on board with the whole moving in thing.

The writing is amazing like all Jo Myles are but I'm not in love with this one. One thing I did love was seeing Brandon and Jos from When in Amsterdam and they're still freaking awesome. I liked Lewis and really liked Jasper and did enjoy them together but overall I wasn't wowed.

Should You Read It? Of course, Josephine Myles is always a must read for me in everything. While Junk did not make it as a fave for me, it’s still a pretty amazing story about a man finding his happy end and finally breathing.

4 Pants Off

DarienMoya

What's Happening This Week!!

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

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

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

Reviews:

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

Guest Post & Giveaways

None scheduled for this week!!

Have A Great Week!!!

Guest Post & Giveaway: On losing my series-writing virginity by Josephine Myles

~I am super excited to have Jo Myles on the blog today, it's always such a pleasure when she stops by. Be sure to leave a comment along with your email to win a great prize.~

Hello, my name is Jo Myles, and I’m a series writing virgin.


Oh, okay, I’m not really that innocent when it comes to the wicked allure of series. I already have a series of three short stories (The First Impressions books) and a Screwing the System short to my name, but so far, despite having been writing full-time for over two years, I don’t yet have a proper series of novels or novellas out there. That’s made me feel like a bit of an outcast among other writers in the m/m romance genre, all of whom seem to have at least one series under their belts. That’s all about to change, though, as I publish Junk, the first novel in The Bristol Collection.

First of all, though, I’d like to just make clear the difference between romance sequels and a series, as I’m using them here. To me a true sequel must pick up on the story of the main couple in the first book. In other words, you have to mess with their HEA in order to have enough conflict for another plot. To my mind, this only really works well when the first story left them at a point where their HEA was shaky, or when the romance plot is secondary to another plot, like a murder mystery. Jordan Castillo Price’s PsyCop series is an excellent example of both of these. Vic is still growing as a character, and there’s not only a new mystery in each book, but there’s also a huge amount of mysterious back-story left to unearth.

A romance series, on the other hand, is a simpler prospect. In this the books need to be linked—perhaps by setting like the Riptide Tucker Springs novels—but you can have a new cast of characters in each book. KA Mitchell is a master of this kind of series, picking up minor characters from the first book and giving their story in the next one, and I'm loving the Bad in Baltimore series in particular. I really enjoy the way this kind of series can also give us a glimpse of characters we loved from the earlier books as they now take their turn to be supporting characters in subsequent stories.

So what I’m embarking on is a series in this sense of the word. It’s something I’ve often pondered before, when minor characters have grabbed my attention and suggested they might like to have their own book. For instance, Tristan from Barging In, Dylan from The Hot Floor and Nasher from Screwing the System. So what’s stopped me so far? And just what makes Mas from Junk different?

I think what’s stopped me so far is not only the fact I have so many new ideas clamouring to be written, but it’s that I prefer series to be linked by more than simply a setting—for me the books need to have a similar theme and heat level. Tristan’s story would be a BDSM one, so it wouldn’t sit comfortably in series with Barging In, which isn’t all that kinky. I have the opposite problem when considering a follow-up to Screwing the System, as I’m not sure Nasher would really be into BDSM. And since The Hot Floor is a ménage romance, I’d want the sequel to at least contain one threesome encounter, but I’m just not sure if that would work with the partner I have in mind for Dylan.

Junk, however, doesn’t have any of these issues. Okay, so Mas’s story is turning out to be a little hotter than the first in the series (which is no bad thing, to my mind), but there are no threesomes or serious kink to contend with. And already I have ideas for the third book in the series, and am looking forward to introducing one of the characters from that one as a supporting character in Stuff.

I do find myself wondering if the reason I have the confidence to start this series is because I’d already used two characters from another story as side characters in Junk. Brandon and Jos, Lewis’s friends, first appeared in a very kinky short story in the Winter Warmers anthology. I hadn’t planned to use them in Junk, but when I began writing a scene where Lewis went to meet his friends I realised I’d have to come up with someone both interesting and plausible as a friend of the very straight-laced Lewis. It would have to be someone idealistic with a strong social conscience, and Brandon instantly sprang to mind. What’s more, he already lived in Bristol so it wasn’t like I even had to relocate him. Perfect!

It’s more than just characters and setting linking the stories in The Bristol Collection, though. All books will deal to some degree with our attitude towards possessions, and what happens when we accumulate so many of them they start to cause problems. Not all the heroes will be major hoarders like Jasper, but they’ll all have cluttered homes, as it’s a topic I find fascinating. Of course, the exact nature of the sorts of things they collect and the impact this has on their lives will differ with each book. In Stuff, Mas’s love interest is a collector of vintage clothing and machinery, and I’m thoroughly enjoying immersing myself in his fictional shop of curios. The rest of you will have to wait till May 2014 to take a visit there, though!

Readers, do you enjoy a good series or are you more into standalone stories? Any favourite series you want to share with the rest of us?

Prize giveaway: In addition to the grand prize of a sexy book tote (entry details on Jo's website) there will be a $5 ebook gift voucher awarded to one commenter from every post during the tour, up to Monday 9th September, 9am GMT (full details also on Jo's website, including the blog tour itinerary)


Junk

Letting go is the first step to healing…or bringing it all crashing down.

When an avalanche of books cuts off access to his living room, university librarian Jasper Richardson can no longer ignore the truth. His ever-growing piles of books, magazines and newspapers can no longer be classified as a “collection”. It’s a hoard, and he needs professional help.

Professional clutter clearer and counselor Lewis Miller thinks he’s seen it all, but even he has to admit he’s shocked. Not so much by the state of Jasper’s house, but by the level of attraction he still feels for the sexy bookworm he remembers from school.

What a shame that Lewis’s ethical code forbids relationships with clients. As Jasper makes slow but steady progress, though, the magnetic pull between them is so strong even Lewis is having trouble convincing himself it’s a temporary emotional attachment arising from the therapeutic process.

Jasper longs to prove to Lewis that this is the real deal. But first he’ll have to lay bare the root of his hoarding problem…and reveal the dark secret hidden behind his walls of books.

Warning: Contains a level-headed counselor with a secret addiction, a bespectacled geek with a sweet tooth, a killer “to-be-read” pile, embarrassing parents, a van called Alice, and deliciously British slang.

Junk is out now, available from the following retailers: Kindle US | Kindle UK | Nook | Samhain


About the author:
English through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. Jo blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She’s beginning to suspect he enjoys it.

For more information about Jo’s published stories, regular blog posts and saucy free reads, visit JosephineMyles.com Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/josephine.myles.authorpage Twitter:http://twitter.com/JosephineMyles
Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/hrQ4s

Review: From the Ashes by Daisy Harris

From the Ashes (Fire and Rain #1) by Daisy Harris
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 259pgs
3-3.25 Pants Off

Blurb:
Fire and Rain, Book 1

When an accident burns down Jesse’s apartment, he’s left broke and homeless, with a giant dog and a college schedule he can’t afford to maintain. And no family who’s willing to take him in.

Lucky for him, a sexy fireman offers him a place to stay. The drawback? The fireman’s big Latino family lives next door, and they don’t know their son is gay.

Tomas’s parents made their way in America with hard work and by accepting help when it was offered, so he won’t let Jesse drop out of school just so he can afford a place to live. Besides, Jesse’s the perfect roommate—funny, sweet and breathtakingly cute. He climbs into Tomas’s bed and tugs at his heart. Until Jesse starts pushing for more.

Their passion enflames their bodies but threatens to crush Tomas’s family. Tomas is willing to fight for Jesse, but after losing everything, Jesse isn’t sure he can bear to risk his one remaining possession—his heart.

Review
I am having a hard time with rating this book or even telling how I actually feel about it. I was really excited to read this one, so my expectations were high and somehow I can't help feel like it under performed. I had a hard time really getting into the characters and sometimes scenes would seem a little pointless (IMO).

Jesse was just doing a bit of grocery shopping, but instead of packing away his groceries he's watching his home burn to the ground. The few things he had just went up in a pile of flames and the reality that he's homeless just hasn't hit home. With his little job at a coffee shop and school fees, Jesse is barely making ends meet. Now he's got no place to live, no family to depend on, and no friends to call. Shit seems more hopeless as the ashes settle. Upside is that there is a fireman that is going above and beyond his duty to care for Jesse. All his kindness is a little suspicious but without the help Jesse would probably crumble and fall just like his burning home.

Tomas can't understand all his feels for the sad looking kid. But he finds himself wanting to care for him and help him out. Could be that Jesse looks like the kids (his word) that usually end up on their knees blowing him but he's never wanted to take one home before. Yes, he's attracted to the boy but his offer for help is sincere and he makes that clear. Suddenly he's offering up his home and inviting Jesse to stay while fighting a hell of an attraction. But Tomas can't be gay, he just can’t not with his family, not with his job, and it’s most definitely not alright with him. If only...

A part of me liked this book but the other part was really excited when it ended. Tomas and Jesse are alright enough characters, but they're chemistry was lacking and overall too many fluffy feels. I felt like this one should have been heavy on the angst but somehow it was just too sweet. What I enjoyed the most was Tomas's hang-ups when it came to sex. Sex with men has always been a seedy affair for him, so finally doing it with someone he cared about really put him in a bad place. It was both understandable and equally foolish but I enjoyed it.

Another dislike was the unnecessary characters that mostly felt like fillers instead of supporting characters. For instance Tomas's brother Diego, he was both unnecessary and annoying. Jesse's friends kinda fall into the same category and were just there. Again, I was hoping to like this one a lot but kudos on the interracial love I always appreciate them.

Should You Read It? If you're a fan of Daisy Harris and want to read about a hot fireman, for me it was just "ok" somewhere between a 3 and a 3.25 rating but as I said, I have mixed feelings about this one and found it a bit difficult to rate. Cover be amazing though!

What's Happening This Week! (Its Been Awhile)...

Omo, its been awhile. I do apologize for my lack of posts, buts its been a busy few months and I haven't been reading as much. I hope to change things during the start of the new school year, and get back to the regular schedule programming.

Pants Off is also being swamped with review requests, and sadly I don't have the reviewer power to meet the demand. SO IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PANTS OFF TEAM. PLEASE DROP ME AN EMAIL @ pantsoffreviews@live.ca (will do another post for this).

So since I been MIA for awhile, I would love to know what you guys have been up to and what you would like to see more of on Pants Off Reviews.

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

Reviews:

• Whiskey and Wry by Rhys Ford (Oops Where Did My Pants Go)
• From the Ashes by Daisy Harris
• The Gravemen by Melissa North (Fehu)
• Waiting For Ty by Samantha Ann King
• Sonata by A.F Henley

Guest Posts & Giveaways

• Glitterland Guest Post
• Writing In Series by Josephine Myles (Junk Blog Tour)

Other Post

• Fanfic Friday

Have A Great Week!

Review: Spirit Sanguine by Lou Harper

Spirit Sanguine by Lou Harper
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 298pgs
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Is that a wooden stake in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

After five years in eastern Europe using his unique, inborn skills to slay bloodsuckers, Gabe is back in his hometown Chicago and feeling adrift. Until he’s kidnapped by a young, sexy vampire who seems more interested in getting into his pants than biting into his neck.

Harvey Feng is one-half Chinese, one-hundred-percent vampire. He warns Gabe to stay out of the Windy City, but somehow he isn’t surprised when the young slayer winds up on his doorstep. And why shouldn’t Gabe be curious? A vegetarian vampire isn’t something one sees every day.

Against their better judgment, slayer and vampire succumb to temptation. But their affair attracts unexpected attention.

When Chicago’s Vampire Boss makes Gabe an offer he can’t refuse, the unlikely lovers are thrust into peril and mystery in the dark heart of the Windy City. Together they hunt for kidnappers, a killer preying on young humans, and vicious vampire junkies.

However, dealing with murderous humans and vampires alike is easy compared to figuring out if there’s more to their relationship than hot, kinky sex.

Review:
I've read some Lou Harper before but this is by far my fave book by the author. Spirit Sanguine follows a similar style to that of her last release Dead in L.A by introducing us to two characters that closely have to work with each other while building a loving relationship. But this one was such an eclectic mix of themes that it really brought the "wow" factor, and Harvey and Gabe are now two of my favest characters.

Gabe is back in America after spending 5 years in Eastern Europe hunting vampires, yep he's been staking the crap out of bloodsuckers. His uncle who trained him and open his eyes to a brand new scary world after the death of his parents, and when the man died he decided a change was in order. He doesn't feel like vampire hunting is his niche anymore, and maybe being back in Chicago will bring some things into perspective. Only thing now is that, he knows there are vampires, and Chicago has them too. A night at a club, and suddenly Gabe's vampire senses are prickling, and he hones in on a very attractive blood sucker. Obviously Gabe is losing his mind if he's finding vampires attractive, but 5 years of killing doesn't just leave you and Gabe begins to stalk his prey. Too bad said prey is on to his game, and Gabe gets a dart in the backside and off to unconscious land he goes.

Gabe should be around dead right now but somehow he's still alive and having a faceoff with the attractive vampire. Seems there's a code of conduct on the undead streets of Chicago and attractive vampire won't be killing him. But as soon as Gabe is free he's planning on staking the son of a bitch and going full stealth mode to do it. Well...Gabe seems to be off his game and he's once again taking on the vamp who's named Harvey Feng (a cosmic cruel joke) and the fight has gone out of Gabe. Instead of wanting to kill Harvey, he actually would rather bed him, and as they say the rest becomes history. Gabe's got to meet the big boss, land himself a job, and get caught up in the lives of vampires (who knew?).

This book seriously has bit of everything for everyone. There's snark, sexy vampire man love, and action (with entertaining bits of sexy role-play). Gabe becomes a somewhat investigator for the vampire world, and with Harvey by his side its never a dull moment. The style of the book is something that isn't done very often in M/M with Megan Derr doing it before with her Dance with the Devil series, and Lou Harper also with her Dead in L.A. Each segment is a case, and in the end it all comes together beautifully. It’s like a set of mini stories, each adding something to the plot, and then *boom* it reaches it peaks.

I love the relationship between Harvey and Gabe, not in any way perfect but very believable in how they come together. They create this balance for each other and somehow knew each other better than they knew themselves. It all gets reflected in the storytelling, and there is so much character chemistry it’s insane in the membrane. I am like a serious fan of Gabe and Harvey, and with Harvey being half Chinese there is just no contest. Vampires, Asian character, and a Vampire hunter (with addict vampires) this book had me at 'hello'.

Should You Read It? I don't even know why you haven't gone out and bought it yet O_O. There is a lot of fun packed in these pages and Lou Harper did it big in this one, I am now huge fan. I can't wait to read more!

4.5 Pants Off

Interview & Giveaway with Lou Harper

~I am so happy to have Lou Harper stopping by the blog today! She's talking about her newest releases and even brought you guys a giveaway. Lets give out a warm welcome.~

Hi Lou and Welcome to Pants Off.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing?

My first stories were published in 2011, so not very long. I'd always been an avid reader, though. I even had a serious book addiction for a time—I was one of those kids who read under the blanket with a flashlight till three in the morning.

Was gay fiction something you always wanted to write? Or did you develop it as an interest over time? 

I fell into gay romance by accident. I had no idea it even existed, and it was a very happy discovery, like finding something I didn't know I was missing.

You have a few releases that are upcoming. Can you talk a bit about them, and you future plans in writing?

Dead Man and the Restless Spirits is an offshoot of Spirit Sanguine, picking up the adventures of one of the supporting characters, Denton Mills, aka Dead Man. Denton meets an interesting new neighbor with a portly feline. The book is coming out June 25.

In November I'm publishing a book with Samhain—it takes place in the shadows of the Hollywood Hills, and centers on old secrets, sin, and a distinctive tattoo. The title is Secrets and Ink.

Between the two I hope to put out a sequel to Dead in L.A.

Would you say that you prefer writing books with a Supernatural element than say...just regular ole Contemporary? And is the Supernatural something you believe in?

I like mixing contemporary with paranormal. Spirit Sanguine was the first paranormal story I wrote, unless you count and old short. I originally planned only for a novelette, but the characters took over and during writing I realized that I absolutely love the opportunities for mischief that the genre provides. 

I don't particularly believe in the supernatural, but I like to believe in the possibility of it.  Keeping that door open to a crack makes life more interesting. I experienced ESP twice in my life and that's the sum total of my history with the supernatural.

I've been loving all you fantastic covers you've been producing. Has this always been a hobby, or just a recent talent discovered?

I was doing graphic design long before I started writing. In college I studied photography, but got busy with Photoshop when it was in its infancy. Oops, did I just date myself?

Out of all the characters you've written, who is most likely to survive the zombie apocalypse?

Mm…tough question. I want them all to survive. Gabe is a seasoned vampire slayer, so those slow moving brain-munchers wouldn't be much of a challenge to him. Plus, his boyfriend, Harvey wouldn't let anyone take a bite out of him. Harvey, on the other hand, is a vampire. Do zombies even attack vamps? Is a vampire brain more or less appetizing than regular brain? These are serious questions.

What book/books are you currently reading, and is it causing a pants losing? 

I recently beta-read books for Josephine Myles and Anne Tenino, and I can tell you, they'll set your pants on fire.

Pants is it better to write with them on or off?

The best part is the process of taking them off—slowly, teasingly, and maybe not even all the way. I'm also a huge fan of kilts. 

Can you share a little something/something from Spirit Sanguine? (Small excerpt or sexy snippet)

Hm, okay. How about some phone sex? J

Gabe was still fuming when he arrived back to the apartment. “I can’t believe you dated that putz,” he grumbled. He threw his jacket across a chair and slid next to Harvey on the sofa.

Harvey gave him a saucer-eyed, not-you-too look. The phone stuck to his ear like a barnacle. “No, Dill, I’m absolutely sure that’s not what he meant,” he said.

Unbuttoning his shirt, Gabe bristled with his unspoken grievances. Frank had rubbed him the wrong way many times over, and he couldn’t even gripe about it because Harvey’s ears were already occupied—one of them, anyway. Gabe started to realize he didn’t like sharing either. So he decided to lay claim to Harvey’s free ear, but his lips weren’t talking—not with words. At the same time, he slipped a hand under Harvey’s shirt, tracing his fingers to a nipple that immediately perked up under his touch. Harvey stifled a moan.

He kept on talking into the phone, though. “You’re whipping yourself into a f-fit again for no reason. Ugh.”

Gabe toyed with the nipple a bit more roughly. He also attempted to squeeze his other hand into the back of Harvey’s jeans, but it was a tight fit. Harvey arched off the sofa and undid his fly one-handed.

“Yess,” Harvey said as Gabe pushed his shirt up and employed his lips—and a bit of teeth—at Harvey’s up till then ignored other nipple. “I mean, yes, it’s perfectly reasonable for the guys to go out without you, every once in a while, and you don’t even like the opera.”

Pushing the coffee table aside, Gabe lowered himself between Harvey’s legs. Harvey lifted his hips so Gabe could tug his jeans down. A low moan escaped his throat as Gabe swallowed him down. He scrambled to cover it up with a cough.

“Didn’t Stan take you for a weekend getaway recently—only the two of you? Did Ray act like a jealous dimwit afterwards? Yes, it is exactly the same thing. Ooof!”

Gabe yanked Harvey forward so his ass was practically hanging off the sofa.

“Nothing, Dill. I stubbed my toe.” Pulling his knees up, he angled his ass for better access. “Go on.”

It wasn’t long before Harvey had to cover the receiver with his hand to block out his heavy breathing. Too bad it didn’t leave a hand free for his cock. Gabe snickered catching a glimpse at Harvey’s frustrated expression. He gave the neglected appendage a long, wet lick before returning to stretching Harvey’s hole with his tongue and fingers.

“Mmmaybe you should ass…sume he meant what he s-said. What? No! Gabe has definitely not been sexing me up while we were talking. I wouldn’t…” Harvey’s eyes opened wide as Gabe undid his own belt and flies and pushed his jeans down. His cock sprang forward between his shirttails, ready for action. Gabe dug the tiny bottle of lube out of his pocket and drizzled a small amount on his cockhead.

“Oh fuck. Sorry, Dill, I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” The phone tumbled off into the cushions.

Thank you Lou for being here today!! If fans want to keep in touch, how can they get in contact?

I'm on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lou.harper.14), Goodreads, and blogger (http://louharper.blogspot.com).  My website (http://louharper.com) has my email address right on the front page.

Giveaway

Leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Spirit Sanguine

• Must be 18yrs or older
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• winner has 48hrs to reply to my email or another winner will be chosen
• Contest runs until May 21st 11:59pm EST

Waiting On A Pants Losing: March Pants Droppers (2013)

Another month of releases, by god where is the time flying to? I have to say that I've been pretty good when it comes to reading books from my pants droppers list. In January, I read and reviewed 5 books from the list, and the same amount happened in February. I call that "getting shit done". I most defi will be reading all from this list, because lots of my fave authors have releases this month.


Here is what made my list for March Pants Droppers!

The Pawn by Kate Sherwood
Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: March 1st 2013
Excitability- 4/5 (I am always looking forward to reading something by Kate Sherwood because she gave me Dan/Evan/Jeff)

Blurb:
Adam Challoner was born a member of the wealthy elite, but he can’t forget that his power and comfort come from the suffering of the vast underclass—people oppressed by the very regime that keeps him safe. Living with that knowledge is uncomfortable to say the least. When Adam meets Remy Stone, his discomfort becomes intolerable.

Get in, seduce his target, give him all he could ever dream of, then get out—that’s Remy’s assignment. No man has ever been able to resist Remy before, but Adam Challoner is unlike any of Remy’s previous clients. In a world where Big Brother is always watching, Remy needs to perform his assigned duties in order to survive, but Adam seems to be as oblivious to that as he is to Remy’s charms.

Luckily, Remy’s determination to accomplish his mission piques Adam’s interest. But just when Remy’s hard work starts to pay off, a rebel bomb attack interrupts their would-be tryst. Unforeseen circumstances force them apart, then throw them back together. And just as they discover new reasons to live, they realize some things are worth dying for.

Duty to the Crown (Actor/Earl #2) by Rebecca Cohen
Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: March 4th 2013
Excitability- 3.5/5 (I just wanna see how the story plays out)

Blurb:

Despite the uncomfortable clothing and the gossip at court, Sebastian Hewel is still enjoying the role of Lady Bronwyn, wife of Earl Anthony Crofton. But when Queen Elizabeth asks a favor of Anthony, Sebastian’s world fractures and his heart threatens to break. The Queen wants Anthony to seduce Marie Valois, the beautiful daughter of a French noble, to discover the whereabouts of her father, who is wanted by the King of France.

Sebastian knows Anthony can’t refuse the Queen, especially since he has something of a reputation at court. But the situation is further complicated when Marie meets Sebastian without his disguise—and starts flirting with him. Her brother, Nicholas, arrives at Crofton Hall, not happy that his sister has been linked to a man like Anthony, only to find his own head turned by Lady Bronwyn and her acerbic wit. Contending with the attentions of both siblings—and a very jealous Anthony—would be bad enough. But then Sebastian’s uncle demands Sebastian and Anthony stage Bronwyn’s death to avoid discovery….

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.

Intercession by Pepper Espinoza
Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: March 8th 2013
Excitability- 4/5 (Do I really need to say it? Alright, 3 guys together)

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.

Family Man by Heidi Cullinan & Marie Sexton
Samhain Publishing
Release Date: March 12 2013
Excitability- 4.5/5 (Yep, this is a power couple of writer right here)

Blurb:
Sometimes family chooses you.

How does a man get to be forty without knowing whether he’s gay? That’s a question Vince Fierro is almost afraid to answer. If he is gay, it’ll be a problem for his big, fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, he can’t help but wonder if he’s been playing for the wrong team.

There’s only one way to settle it, once and for all—head for Chicago’s Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood.

Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother’s ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he’s straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek to the sultry strains of Coltrane, Trey finds himself wanting to help Vinnie figure things out—no promises, and no sex.

It seems like a simple plan, until their “no-sex” night turns into the best date of their lives and forges a connection that complicates everything.

City Mouse by Aleksandr Voinov & Amy Lane
Riptide Publishing
Release Date: March 18th 2013
Excitability- 4.5/5 ( They did it again)

Blurb:
A magical weekend, a breathless declaration, a happy ever after . . . Right?

Wrong.

When Malcolm Kavanagh took his first step toward emotional maturity by declaring his love to Owen Watson, that was just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than that.

One problem: Malcolm has never been in love. He doesn’t know the rules of a relationship and isn’t confident enough to trust that his is real. He learns the ropes by sharing his life and his flat with Owen, but relationship boot camp proves a challenge. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer.

Luckily, Owen knows a little more about relationships, and labors patiently to survive the first six weeks of their life together. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.

Into this River I Drown by TJ Klune
Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: March 25th 2013
Excitability- 5/5 (Shit is about to get REAL!)

Blurb:
Five years ago, Benji Green lost his beloved father, Big Eddie, when his truck crashed into a river. Everyone called it an accident, but Benji knows it was more. Even years later, he’s buried in his grief, throwing himself into managing Big Eddie’s convenience store in the small-town of Roseland, Oregon. Surrounded by his mother and three aunts, he lives day to day, struggling to keep his head above water.

But Roseland is no ordinary place.

With ever more frequent dreams of his father’s death and waking visions of feathers on the river’s surface, Benji finds his definition of reality bending. He thinks himself haunted; by ghosts or memories, he can no longer tell. Not until a man falls from the sky, leaving the burning imprint of wings on the ground, does Benji begin to understand that the world is more mysterious than he ever imagined—and more dangerous. As uncontrollable forces descend on Roseland, they reveal long-hidden truths about friends, family, and the stranger Calliel—a man Benji can no longer live without.

Covet thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs #4) by L.A Witt
Riptide Publishing
Release Date: March 25th 2013
Excitability- 4/5 (Notice the priest and the boy with the tattoos, nough said)

Blurb:
attoo artist Seth Wheeler thinks he’s struck gold when Darren Romero rents the apartment across the hall. The new guy is gorgeous, witty, and single, plus he’s just the right blend of bold and flirtatious. Perfect.

Except then Darren reveals that he moved to Tucker Springs to take a job as the youth pastor at the New Light Church. Seth is not only an atheist, but was thrown out by his ultra-religious family when he came out. He tends to avoid believers, not out of judgment but out of self-preservation.

But Darren doesn’t give up easily, and he steadily chips away at Seth’s defenses. Darren is everything Seth wants in a man . . . except for that one massive detail he just can’t overlook. Is Darren’s religion the real problem, or is it just a convenient smokescreen to keep him from facing deeper fears? It’s either see the light, or risk pushing Darren away forever.


~What new releases have you excited this month?~

Guest Post & Giveaway with Josephine Myles

"If it pleases you, Master." What makes a good submissive? - a guest post by Josephine Myles

Eyes to the ground, Bitch!

 I'll admit it: there once was a time when I thought submissives were weak. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to be dominated by someone else, and in particular my feminist hackles were raised by the idea of women submitting to men. To me, it looked as if Dominants had it all: the control, the power and most of all, the pleasure.

However, over time and with increasing knowledge of what really happens in a D/s power exchange, I've come to realise that submission is not something for the weak-willed. Indeed, I have a great respect for the people who hand over control and power to someone else for a short while (or perhaps longer if you want to live it 24/7). It's not an easy thing to do and it takes great trust and honesty, along with a willingness to face your fears. Submissives aren't drippy walkovers, they're tough cookies.

The thing that came as a real shock, though, was the dawning realisation that when BDSM is working properly (safe, sane and consensual), it's actually the submissive who is the one getting the best deal. They're the ones being given pleasure (even if it sometimes looks like pain to an outsider). They're the ones who can lose themselves in the moment, truly alive in their bodies. And what's more, they're the ones who can end it all with a single word if they need to.

However, despite the hedonistic pleasures of submission, there are a few duties a good submissive should always bear in mind.

Honesty - because if there's one thing a dominant needs in order to plan properly, it's a comprehensive knowledge of what makes their submissive tick, both in terms of turn ons and turn offs.

Obeying orders - preferably quickly and without question... unless they happen to be teamed up with a Dominant who enjoys a Smart-Arsed-Masochist. I like to think Alasdair in Screwing the System is one of these Doms, and writing his interaction with Cosmo was always a huge amount of fun.

Accepting domination - (within pre-agreed limits) whether this means being tied up, hurt or used in all manner of degrading and delightful ways. Giant dildos optional.

Pleasing their Dominant - by maintaining good health and flexibility, and gaining new skills to please such as learning positions and mastering massage techniques. This might also include dressing in certain ways, and having body modifications like tattoos and piercings.

I have to admit, I still have a few difficulties wrapping my head around why somebody would want to go for a total power exchange relationship and live as a slave, 24/7, but I now know that by doing so, they're gaining great satisfaction and fulfilling a deep psychological need. I know I would never want to do anything like that myself, but I no longer find the idea creepy like I used to. I can see that rather than the owner getting all the benefits, they are in fact totally responsible for the well-being of their slave and that's a huge burden, not to be taken lightly.

Although it does mean you'd never have to do a chore you didn't want to do ever again. Right, I think I need a slave. Preferably one who enjoys vacuuming in the nude. Any takers? ;)

What do you think is the most important quality for a submissive to have? And if you had your own personal slave, what fiendish tasks would you set them?

Comment to win! Jo is offering a choice of a book from her backlist to one lucky commenter on this post, and all commenters throughout the blog tour will also be entered into a draw for the grand prize of a handmade suede flogger, to be announced on 25^th February.

Also, watch out for the follow-up short story, Screw the Fags. To be available as a free download from Smashwords and All Romance eBooks this week!

Screwing the System

 He’s nobody’s bitch. Until he gets a ride on the bitch seat.


Forced to apply for a job he doesn’t want, Cosmo Rawlins has only one aim in mind: fail the interview and get back to making music. Except his attempt to shock the older, sharp-suited Alasdair Grant doesn’t have the desired effect.

 Instead of getting thrown out of the office by flaunting an interest in BDSM, Cosmo finds himself on his knees, apologizing to the sexy, good-looking Top.

 Alasdair has more important things on his mind than training a novice sub, especially a rebellious bad boy like Cosmo. But there’s something beneath the younger man’s defiant attitude that’s too intriguing to ignore.

 As Alasdair takes Cosmo in hand—and for a wild ride on his Harley—he becomes obsessed with bending the young rocker to his will, both in and out of bed. Until he goes one demand too far, and Cosmo is gone in a cloud of dust. Forcing Alasdair to admit that earning Cosmo’s loyalty—and love—will involve the toughest challenge he’s ever faced.

 Warning: This title contains an overbearing Top with a less-than-glamorous job, a rebellious brat who refuses to call him sir, and a total lack of high-end BDSM clubs or playrooms. Expect floggings over the kitchen table instead.

Screwing the System on Amazon.com

About the author:
 English through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. Jo blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She’s beginning to suspect he enjoys it.

 For more information about Jo’s published stories, regular blog posts and saucy free reads, visit JosephineMyles.com

 Photo credit: istolethetv via photopin cc

Review: Screwing The System by Josephine Myles

Screwing The System by Josephine Myles
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 280pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
He’s nobody’s bitch. Until he gets a ride on the bitch seat.

Forced to apply for a job he doesn’t want, Cosmo Rawlins has only one aim in mind: fail the interview and get back to making music. Except his attempt to shock the older, sharp-suited Alasdair Grant doesn’t have the desired effect.

Instead of getting thrown out of the office by flaunting an interest in BDSM, Cosmo finds himself on his knees, apologizing to the sexy, good-looking Top.

Alasdair has more important things on his mind than training a novice sub, especially a rebellious bad boy like Cosmo. But there’s something beneath the younger man’s defiant attitude that’s too intriguing to ignore.

As Alasdair takes Cosmo in hand—and for a wild ride on his Harley—he becomes obsessed with bending the young rocker to his will, both in and out of bed. Until he goes one demand too far, and Cosmo is gone in a cloud of dust. Forcing Alasdair to admit that earning Cosmo’s loyalty—and love—will involve the toughest challenge he’s ever faced.

Product Warnings
This title contains an overbearing Top with a less-than-glamorous job, a rebellious brat who refuses to call him sir, and a total lack of high-end BDSM clubs or playrooms. Expect floggings over the kitchen table instead.

Review:
Cosmo Rawlins has to do a job interview but that doesn't mean he's got to it well. Cosmo is a musician and he's not gonna waste his time on some job when he could be making music and doing things his way. He's got a plan to show up at the interview looking all dapper an interested, and then blow its shit up by being all surprising with rope burns around his wrists. Nothing like shocking the hell out of the corporate masses, but what Cosmo never expected was Alasdair Grant. The man is literally old enough to be his father, but he's sexy and commanding and Cosmo is finding that does something to his dick.

Alasdair is a self made man, who struggled from the bottom to rise to the top. He's made his living cleaning up after other people (literally), so he knows when to call bullshit. When Cosmos comes walking into his office, he thinks he's just another punk. The interview ends up in shambles but the attraction between the men is molten. Cosmo might not be getting a job in his company but he sure will get a chance in his bed. First things first, he's got to get the cheeky brat in order and a few spanking sounds like just the thing.

Screwing the System was fun to read and I am sucker for young guy gets poked by older dude. I liked the development of Cosmo and Alasdair relationships; they are so very different from each other which I find really highlighted their qualities. I loved Cosmo, cus he's a brat and really played into his age (a little dreamy without all the responsibilities). Then there's Alasdair who is stern, hardworking and doesn't really do bullshit and Cosmo walks in and knocks him on his ass. They clash pretty much on everything, but their willingness to compromise is what made their relationship work.

The blurb does a wonderful job of telling you what to expect from the story, and it pretty much delivered it all. Yet, I feel like something was missing. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, like it needed something really angst ridden and emotional. I know it’s a feel good romance with a side of kink, but I wanted just a little bit more. Regardless, it’s still an awesome read with wonderful characters, and the diversity fans of Jo Myles have come to expect. The kink side of things is very light, some bondage, and awesmazing spanking.

I don't talk much about secondary characters, but Nasher, Cosmo's best-friend and band mate really captured my heart. He doesn't get a lot of scene time but the little that he did really did a number on me. I want him to find his own love, because I really got the sad feels from him and low self-esteem. I want him to shine!

Should You Read It? It's a Jo Myles, so like yeh go read it. Cosmo and Alasdair will bring a smile to your day, and heat things up in your pants. I will read any and everything written by Josephine Myles, because she is just that good.

4 Pants Off