Short Review: Come to Me by Megan Derr

Come to Me (Black Magic #2) by Megan Derr
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story: 43pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
The roles of High Paladin and High Necromancer do not allow for much free time, even less where they might spend it together. When they do finally obtain some time to spend with each other, Sorin and Koray find there are still doubts and fears between them that will take more than time to overcome …




Short Review:
I love anything by Megan Derr and this little short featuring two of my fave characters from Black Magic is no exception. High Paladin Sorin and his High Necromancer lover Koray are about to get it on and clear up some rumors along the way.

Their high ranking jobs don't leave much for alone time and the men are feeling the effects. When Sorin decides to seek out his man, he can't help feeling jealous when he finds him with someone else and starts to think that maybe Koray doesn't feel the same way. After all Koray is beautiful and might eventually get tired of him and want to move on. When he finally confronts Koray with his fears, Koray's answers are both hilarious and foolish. Now is the time to prove that Koray isn't lacking as a lover and he is everything he ever wanted and more.

Love, love, love this little short which is a perfect read for Valentine’s Day. Koray and Sorin are still very delicious their world still just as exciting in the few little pages, and I can never get enough. There's also this little tidbit where Koray loses his hair and near damn well cried. Yet, it goes to prove their love and blah, blah (he freaking bloody lost all that gorgeous hair) if it wasn't for those meddling kids. Still, a really cute short just perfect if you're a fan of Koray and Sorin.

4 Pants Off

DarienMoya

Review: Book #1 Black Magic

Short Review: Reboud by Chris Scully

Reviewed by SinChan
Rebound (Heartwarming) by Chris Scully
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 67pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Christmas is a time for peace, love, and goodwill toward mankind. Not! More like cheating exes and absentee friends. For Emmett Byrd, spending the holiday season with his old college friend Terry in San Diego is supposed to be about mending his broken heart. But when Terry deserts him at the last minute, leaving Emmett alone in his condo for Christmas, it's just the icing on the cake of a crappy year full of betrayal and lost love. The only Christmas spirit this Scrooge is feeling is the alcoholic kind. Then a slightly kooky, unsophisticated farm boy named Sky knocks on the door looking for Terry, and a case of mistaken identity reawakens Emmett's hope in happily ever after. 

Short Review
Emmett and his best friend broke up with their respective boyfriends and plan to have a mutual crying fest for the Christmas holidays. When Emmett arrives at his friend's home, he ends up house sitting alone because his friend found a new boyfriend and wants to spend Christmas as a loving couple. After turning away several of his friend's ex boyfriends at his door, Emmett gets drunk and wallows in his self-pity. A surprise comes in the form of Sky, who Emmett suspect is another one of his friend's ex boyfriends.

I find it hard to believe that Emmett broke up with his boyfriend of 12 years. That's so sad and it starts off the book with a melancholy that I can't shake off. I keep thinking maybe Emmett and Sky will break up in the future too and love will not last no matter how good the beginning.

Despite the melancholy, the romance is cute and the misunderstanding is just on Emmett's side. I knew Emmett mistaken Sky for his friend's rebound way before Emmett did and got impatient. The story ends with Emmett and Sky giving each other a chance to build on their chemistry. It is very worthwhile to read about how Sky helps Emmett to overcome his grief and convinces him to give them a chance. Overall, this is a sweet, romantic story that focuses on a new beginning.

3 Pants Off

Short Review: The Heart of Frost by Charlie Cochet

Reviewed by Fehu
The Heart of Frost (North Pole City Tales #2) by Charlie Cochet
Dreamspinner Press
Novella: 120pgs
3.75 Pants Off

Blurb:
At the North Pole, no one is more powerful and feared than the Prince of Frost. As general of the toy soldier army, Jack Frost has been working extra hard to put away the villainous Mouse King once and for all. If that isn’t taxing enough, Jack has to deal with the scandal and gossip brought on by news of his relationship with Rudy Rein Dear, captain of the Rein Dear Squadron, which hit headlines last holiday season. Lucky for Jack, his reputation has managed to deter any foolish attempts to stir up trouble. At least until now.

When someone sabotages Rudy’s plane during a test run a few weeks before Christmas, Jack is determined to find the culprit by any means necessary. The closer he gets to finding answers, the more difficulty he has not falling back to his icy ways. Has the Mouse King stepped up his game in order to throw Jack off his, or is someone a little closer to home behind the attempt on Rudy’s life? Either way, Jack has every intention of delivering a Christmas they won’t soon forget, even if it means losing the newfound warmth in his heart.

Short Review
Sweet Christmas story with somewhat unusual characters! Rudy is Jack Frost's lover and has been for quite a while. At the end of the last book they came out as a couple and not all in North Pole were happy about that development.

I very much loved the cover and the story sounded very intriguing and to some degree it was. I liked the supporting characters and Rudy and Jack. It's just that I like to be shown how things, relationships happened and here it was a bit fast forward in a flashback. The story had a lot of potential, but I just wasn't fully drawn into the plot or cared enough for the characters to want to see them again.

So while this was a nice, sugary Christmas story it lacked a certain something for me at least, it didn't make me care for the characters, since the characters were just not fleshed out enough, they felt a bit like some plastic action figures. There was a good screenfront, Jack tries to find out who had it in for his lover, but looses himself in the cold and his own revenge plans. Love conquers all and so Rudy manages to bring his lover back and warm his heart. Very cute, if you want something romantic, without a lot of drama or angst The Heart of Frost is a good choice.

Short Review: Snow Globe by L.E. Franks

Reviewed by SinChan
Snow Globe (Heartwarming) by L.E Franks
Dreamspinner Press
Short story: 44pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Kris Hamilton escaped the rat race in LA to live his dream of owning an art studio and making snow globes in a Christmas-themed town in northern Minnesota. But life in a tiny town isn't as peaceful as advertised, and being treated like an outsider is making Kris’s Tourette's flare up. When he inadvertently offends Tyr Tollefson—a beautiful blond giant of a man—Kris is ready to chuck it all. But he strikes up an unlikely friendship with Tyr's cousin Bun, who shows them the magic of Christmas and gives them both a lesson in love and acceptance.


Short Review
The story is told with fragmented scenes in different POVs in chronological order. Usually, telling a story this way is too choppy and confusing but it works well for this short story. The boring parts are cut out and the story feels complete.

Kris moves into a small town and opens a shop where he makes and sells snow globes. He develops a crush on Tyr but due to a misunderstanding about his Tourette's, he thinks he'll never get a chance with Tyr.

I really love Kris' unique character and job of making snow globes. He's a cheery person and very upbeat about life. He moved from California to a small town that is stereotypical and close minded. He's made friends with Bun and has a crush on Tyr. His snow globe business brings more customers into other shops in his area as well. He is very much a part of and a member of the town. He has Tourette's but he's coping with it. All in all, he's a really strong character and his progress with Tyr as a couple is very enjoyable to read.

5 Pants Off

Review: Grumple Monkey and the Department Store Elf

Reviewed by SinChan
Grumble Monkey & the Department Store Elf by B.G Thomas
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 95pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Kit Jefferies, a part-time department store Christmas elf, is an artist who loves life and his family. Unfortunately, his car dies at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere as he is heading home for Christmas. Enter Nick St. George. 

Nick is a very unhappy man—he's achieved his professional goals only to find the rest of his life bleak and empty. Deciding there was only one way to make everything right, he is on his way to San Francisco on a dark mission, and even the horrible sleet storm that blocked his path won't deter him. That's when he found Kit. 

At first, Nick is pretty sure rescuing Kit was a big mistake. Kit's personality is just too, well, effervescent. But as the miles go by, Kit begins to bring light to his dark heart. It might even be bright enough to illuminate a Christmas miracle.

Short Review
Grumpy Nick wants to be in San Francisco on Christmas Day but he's stuck in a snow storm from hell. He meets cheerful Kit who wants to go home for Christmas and Nick gives him a ride despite the fact that he can't stand Kit's cheery attitude.

The MCs are two extremes on opposite poles of personality. When the POV switches and both MCs get a turn to speak, their different life outlooks are really apparent. Kit is definitely more vibrant, full of life and possibilities, while Nick is the pessimist.

I don't like Nick's character. He's too grumpy for me. The reason why he's rushing to go to San Francisco for Christmas Day is a surprise at the end because I didn't get the depressing vibe from Nick at all. I'm glad that Nick finds Kit and rediscovers doing what he love and surrounding himself with love and Kit's art works.

Overall, this is a really fun, entertaining read that's uplifting and perfect for the holiday season.

4 Pants Off

Review: Kid Gloves by Anna Martin

Reviewed by Fehu
Kid Gloves by Anna Martin
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 96pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Alone in his East London shop, a man known only as Dalton makes living prosthetics: bionic, mechanical limbs, from leather, metal, and magic. It's to this little corner of the capital that Finn Croucher, an elite army marksman, travels after an accident leads to his hand being amputated.

While Dalton fashions Finn’s new hand and teaches him how to use it, he reveals some secrets long hidden, and he and Finn become lovers. But Finn must return to duty, and a string of letters becomes his only connection to the love he left in London.


Short Review
Dalton is quite an interesting character and he has whored himself for his knowledge. He slept with most of the people from whom he learned and now finality is at a stage, where he has perfected a craft and no longer needs to rely on others. Finn come from a Roma family and is an archer in the army, who has lost his hand. He wants a new hand and Dalton was recommended to him, but he finds himself surprised how he finds Dalton attractive.

The romance does progress pretty quick, considering this is a historical story and Finn is a virgin. For my taste they fell into bed a bit too quick, I like a slow burn romance. Here I find it a bit hard to believe, because of the social stigma in a historical setting that such a relation caries. The letters they exchanged were quite sweet and I liked the idea. A lot of their relationship happened in the letters and it's not what we are used in our modern interaction, but it was the thing to do in earlier times, so I loved that the story captured that!

Not a lot happens in that story, no great adventures and not a lot of drama, mostly this is a nice love story, with nice characters. The excitement and tension is something I missed here, but if you want a love story than you will be happy with this one, especially if you wish to take a break from tearjerker stories and melodramas.

3 Pants Off

Review: Home for the Hollandaise by Julia Talbot and BA Tortuga

Reviewed by SinChan
Home for the Hollandaise by Julia Talbot & BA Tortuga
Torquere Press
Short Story: 49pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jack hates going back to the East Texas town where he was raised. Even as a successful chef in Austin, he feels like that awkward gay kid all over again. But his dad is sick, and wants Jack’s famous hollandaise sauce for holiday breakfasts. When Jack finds out his old flame Kent is in town for Christmas, too, he thinks things can’t get much worse. Can Kent convince him Christmas miracles can happen?


Short Review
Jack sounds really bitter about life and his holiday situation. His dad is losing his memory and he's stuck in his old hometown that he hates for the holiday to cook for his parents. He just wants to get everything over with and go back to his life and restaurant in Austin, Texas. Coincidentally, he meets Kent, his ex from college in the same town. Both of them are stuck with the parental units and trying to reconnect.

Jack sounds like a bitter man in the beginning but gradually, throughout the book, I realize that his attitude is because of his family situation and being back in the town he hates. He actually has a sense of humor and is serious about getting back together with Kent. His breakup with Kent is well explained through the story and their romance is believable.

Overall, this is a wonderful short story for the holidays, with interesting characters and lots of yummy details on food.

3 Pants Off

Review: 'Tis the Season by Rob Rosen

Reviewed by SinChan
'Tis the Season (A Torquere Sip) by Rob Rosen
Torquere Press
Short Story: 14pgs
1 Pant Off

Blurb:
The sweater blinks in red and green, but all is not merry for Jeff when he discovers that the airport is closed and there's no way to get home for the holidays. A Christmas miracle, however, is soon to present itself in, of all things, Jeff’s ex, David, who has a private jet at his disposal. And once a member of the Mile High Club, always a member, making this a Christmas no one will ever forget.



Short Review
Jeff wants to fly home to spend Christmas with his family. On the day of his flight, the airplanes won't fly. In comes his ex, David, to the rescue. He has a private plane that'll take them to the same town. David uses this chance to make up with Jeff.

This story reminds me of every cliché thrown together. The wildest one: airplane sex.

The story is also super short so that definitely doesn't help with building up the story and character development. There is basically no back story for the MCs. The reason why they broke up in the first place (except some youthful misunderstanding) is unclear. So now that they are grown ups, they will have airplane sex to magically fix their relationship? I'm missing a big chunk of the story here.

On the other hand, the Jeff and David are cute together, especially in their matching Christmas sweaters.

Overall, this is a story of a Christmas miracle. Jeff gets to go home for the holiday, the MCs gets back together, and the parents accepts their relationship. This is a very short, light read with only one major scene that's on the airplane.

1 Pant Off

Review: Battle of Will by Sasha L. Miller

Reviewed by Fehu
Battle of Will by Sasha L. Miller
Less Than 3 Press
Novel
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
At a memorial service meant to honor the dead and mark the beginning of a truce between Skirfall and Morcia, Ackley spies a figure who does not belong—a mage interrogator whose presence will only cause harm should the Morcians realize who he is and all the people he has tortured. But the problem rapidly grows much worse than that when Ackley realizes his true purpose is assassination of the Morcian crown prince—an assassination Ackley prevents, but at great cost.

Banished from his own country, bound magically to the crown prince of his enemies, Ackley is certain of just one thing: whether he can figure out how to break the spell or not, his death is assured.

Note: This story is part of LT3's Serial Fiction line

Short Review
This story has a lot of action and not the one in bed. I really enjoyed seeing how two enemies have become friends and slowly progressed to lovers. Battle of Will is a great fantasy story first and it just happens to have two male protagonists. There is a great plot with danger, magic, treason and treachery.

Ackley was a bodyguard to a prince before he was banished and unwillingly has become bound to another. I liked Ackley, how he didn't behave differently just because he was with a prince and talked back. He didn't just roll over or let the prince do as he pleases. Actually the mentioned prince wasn't bad either, he was not a selfish prat and actually did realise his feelings for Ackley before it was too late.

The plots against them, there quite interesting and I really enjoyed the mystery of discovering the traitor. Here also lies my only complaint or a reason for a sequel: A traitor was a big deal and he made a lot of things happen, I find it a bit unbelievable, that it was just this one person and that there were not more people involved. The matter was dropped and not mentioned again and considering how long it took them to find the one who murdered a king, well the matter was solved too easy in the end.

Otherwise I loved this book; it had great characters, an interesting plot and some pretty good writing.

4.5 Pants Off

Review: A Swift Herd for Solstice by Andi Van (Heartwarming)

Reviewed by SinChan
A Swift Herd for Solstice (Heartwarming) by Andi Van
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 50pgs
1 Pant Off

Blurb:
Martin Jones is driving home after working retail on Black Friday when he nearly hits an elk in the middle of the road. A drunk elk. A drunk, talking elk. Martin is pretty sure he's hallucinating—right up until he discovers shape shifter Haven Clarke in his bed the next morning. Their awkward meeting leads to a friendship that quickly deepens, and soon Haven has to take Martin to meet his herd’s leaders. What Martin finds out may change his life forever. 



Short Review:
This is a crazy, typical shifter story that starts out funny with Martin meeting a drunk Haven as a talking elk, but ends up with no romance and takes instant love to the extreme.

My first thought after reading the story is: where's the romance?  It seems like it is skipped. The characters jump into the "I love you" routine immediately after they meet (as humans). Haven takes Martin to meet his herd's leaders also immediately after they profess their love. In short, there's too much commitment from Martin to the shifter community when I don't even see his love for Haven.

There is a surprise with the world building about different types of shifters and vampires. There are also interesting methods to try to get Martin to live the same life span as Haven so they can be together forever. However, the intrigue and mysterious air is lost due to the shortness of the book length. All the events in the story seem rushed.

Overall, as a shifter story, there's nothing special in this short story. As a romance book, this fails. However, it is a very happy-go-lucky story that's infused with the holiday spirit. It's guaranteed angst-free and so sugary, it may give you cavities.

1 Pant Off

Review: Marked by Kayla Bain-Vrba

Reviewed by Fehu
Marked (Proud to be a Vampire) by Kayla Bain-Vrba
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jake is a vampire and a drug dealer. To humans, he sells crystalized vamp blood; to vamps, he sells the blood of humans hopped up on the finest drugs. In the midst of a deal gone wrong, he runs into Benji, a human desperate to escape the city. Though they're natural enemies--hunter and prey--their paths keep crossing, and they quickly find themselves in a mess from which there is no escape.




Short Review
An interesting whirlwind romance between a drug dealing vampire and a human, who despises vampires.

Jake is a wannabe bad guy, a drug dealer and vampire, who sells human blood to his bretheren. He is also a good brother and after his first meeting with Benji, quite interested in the fate of one special human, especially, when the live of said human is at stake. Benji wanted a new life and couldn't explain his attraction to the vampire who nearly got him killed on their first meeting.

Jake was a cute at least how he was following Benji and called him babe to get a rise out of him. I liked the chemistry between Jake and Benji. Jake, with his bad boy image, was quite sweet to Benji, well in his own way. I would have liked a bit more background about the world, the author created, but it's a novella, so I know there isn't a lot of page space for that.

There is a lot of action and the world feels a bit dystopian, with vampires on top reigning over the humans and their own, like mob bosses controlling the cities. For all the angst, the solution and the final battle appeared to be over pretty quickly, especially considering that Jake had to have a lot less people than the overall vampire master.

3.5 Pants Off

Review: Marked by Garrett Leigh

Reviewed by SinChan
Marked (Roads #1.5) by Garrett Leigh
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 20pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Missing Moment from Slide 

It's been six months since Ash shuffled into Pete's life and turned his world upside down, and six months since they sat in an all-night diner plotting Ash's theoretical solution for Pete's faded, botched tattoo. Pete has just about given up hope of Ash ever fulfilling his promise when one day the end of a long shift finds Ash waiting for him. 

Tonight is the night. 

Ash is ready, and it seems the time has come for him to leave his mark on Pete in more ways than he ever imagined.

Short Review
If you've read Slide, the first book, and liked it, you should definitely consider reading this one. This is a light read focused on a missing moment in Slide of when Ash gives Pete a tattoo. There are no spoilers in the story for the first book.

Originally, Ash is shy and jaded from years of living on the streets, but Pete wins his heart with his personality and trust. They started out as roommates but they eventually become lovers. 6 months later, Ash decides to give Pete a redesigned tattoo to make up for a botched tattoo and this is where the short story starts. I love how this short story shows how well the MCs interact, understand, and lean against each other. Of course, there are some sexy scenes too.

For anyone who hasn't read Slide, this is a great short story to familiarize yourself to Pete and Ash's story and the tone of the story in Slide. As a standalone story though, this is very plain and it can be confusing without the context of Slide. So it is best read after reading Slide, the first book, to be able to savour Pete and Ash's new level of trust.

3 Pants Off

Review: Book #1 Slide

Reviews: 2013 Advent Calender "Heartwarming" Part 1

The Promise of Snow by Elizah J. Davis
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 28pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Christmas is fast approaching and familial obligations are dampening Brandon Jacobs's holiday spirit. On top of requiring his attendance at the annual neighborhood Christmas party, his mom has been bugging him to call AJ, a childhood playmate who just moved to town. Brandon's memories of AJ as a kid aren't exactly fond, and he's not about to waste time on him as an adult... until he runs into AJ at the party and decides that Christmas might be the perfect time for a fresh start. 



Short Review
Brandon Jacob is not really into holiday spirit; he'd rather just stay home and hang. But of course he's got to do the family stuff and attend his parent's Christmas party, mingle, and smile all happily. To make things rather worse his mom wants him to reconnect with an old play buddy who was a little terror. AJ made his life a living hell and he just can't understand why anyone would think he'd like to hang with AJ ever again. What he never expected was for AJ to grow into a man he would he very much like to know and now he's regretting not listening to his mom cus his holidays would have been all types of awesome.


Well this is a short one, and of course not offering much on character development. I guess overall, it was alright and had a nice holiday feel which came in the form of annoying family and sometimes you just have to suck it up and get it over with. I liked that it was old play buddies (not the least bit friends at the time) who can now explore and play in an adult way. In the end this one was alright, yet honestly forgettable.

3 Pants Off

DarienMoya

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Reviewed by SinChan
Holly and Oak by J.L O'Faolain
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 28pgs
2 Pants Off

Blurb:
Twice each year, during the solstice, the Holly King battles the Oak King as Nature takes its course. This year, however, Holly concedes defeat far too easily. Curious about his brother's haste, Oak nags his brother into revealing his secret: a new relationship with a human. While loving a mortal is not taboo, Oak fears his brother's love may run too deep. But despite knowing he risks his heart, Holly is determined to share warmth with his Sergio for as long as the world will allow, if not beyond.

Review
Oak and Holly begins their twice a year fight to bring on the changing of the seasons. Nothing has changed between these two brothers, except that Holly seems to be in a rush this year. Later, it's revealed that Holly has a human lover and he hastens to be reunited with him.

I love the world building and discovering how Holly and Oak's relationship withstands the biannual battles. Holly and Oak's parents are briefly mentioned and it's interesting to think about how these immortal beings came to be. A lot of time is spent on the battle between Holly and Oak and it's fascinating to read about their powers waxing and waning with the seasons.

The downfall of the story is the length. There's too much scenes that need more depth and connections within these short pages that the entire story seem incomplete. The story doesn't have a proper sense of closure. The ending itself feels like the beginning of something new and exciting for Holly and his human lover. However, I'm not convinced of their relationship and Holly hasn't even revealed his true immortal nature to his lover yet.

Overall, it story seems like the first chapter to a novel instead of a complete short story. I still loved the story for its world building and light tone despite the shortness and incompleteness. I would definitely look forward to a more fleshed out version of the book, if there will be one.

2 Pants Off

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Santa Gets His Man by Julian Balfour
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 47pgs
2.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Mark Wright is pressed into being a mall Santa on Christmas Eve, his life is changed forever. Six-year-old Trevor Robinson has his Uncle Jack in tow—the same man Mark had a crush on at Asheville High School fifteen years earlier. Jack tells Santa his Christmas fantasy: "... to spend the holiday with an incredible guy who turns me on and does all kinds of naughty and wonderful things to my body." How can Santa resist that challenge?


Short Review
I have mixed feeling about this one, and the whole Mr Ling that Santa provides for Uncle Jack I found to be a bit offensive (and I am not easily offenced). All I'm saying is that Mr Mark Wright could have gone a different way in making all of Jack's dreams come true. I did like that it was a man finally being able to get his High school crush naked, but the choppy writing and craziness of the story really took away from me enjoying it more.

Had the recipe to be a nice story and maybe even "heartwarming" but it mostly came off as annoying to me. Mr Ling you should forever be retired and become a sexy Santa helper or something. That would have made more sense than the depictions of an Asian man in servitude.

2.5 Pants Off

DarienMoya

Review: Taking A Chance by Anne Brooke

Reviewed by SinChan
Taking A Chance by Anne Brooke
Wilde City Press
Short Story
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
The moment model and part-time actor Benjamin spots the sexually alluring Alan outside his local restaurant, he’s determined to get to know him better. So he takes a chance and pretends to be Timothy, the blind date Alan is waiting for.

When Alan asks him about submission, safe words and spanking, Benjamin knows the sensible thing to do would be to leave. Funny then how he finds himself eager to know more. Will it be a date to remember and, if Alan discovers his deceit, could he ever be persuaded to take a chance on Benjamin?


Short Review
I love the story set up. Alan approaches Benjamin, thinking that he's Timothy. Benjamin decides to take a chance to know Alan better and plays along. Unfortunately, Benjamin doesn't know that Timothy is into BDSM, but he's not opposed to the idea either.

Alan is very upfront and clear about his intentions for Benjamin, so much that he surprises me too. On the other hand, Benjamin is totally unprepared for Alan's questions about his sexual activity. However, Benjamin is straightforward and honest with his answers that it's refreshing to read the dialogue. It all makes this book a fun read.

This climax builds up as Benjamin's guilt over lying to Alan intensifies. But the ending doesn't finish off with a flourish despite the great start, so it isn't satisfying for me. The ending is not surprising, heart-warming, or memorable. It's just okay....

Overall, this is a fast, fun read that has an interesting mix up of identity. I definitely recommend this short read when you need a distraction and something to brighten up your day.

4 Pants Off

Review: Surprise, Surprise by Star Noble

Reviewed by SinChan
Surprise, Surprise by Star Noble
Torquere Press
Short Story
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jason and Anthony are in a rut, and Jason can admit their love life has been less than stellar lately. But Anthony's birthday is coming up, so Jason plans the perfect party to spice up the night and their relationship -- complete with a super hot dancer.

But by the end of the night, Anthony receives more than a few surprises. He and Jason meet Ruben, a sexy sports student, and the three of them instantly hit it off. Will Ruben come between the two lovers, or will he give their relationship the boost it so desperately needs?


Short Review
Jason is overworking and not spending enough time with Anthony in order to make the money to buy themselves a home. Jason realizes this and plans several surprises on Anthony's birthday to liven their relationship. Some of the surprises are planned but others are wonderful coincidences.

I don't mind ménage stories but Ruben is a one night stand that doesn't really play a major role in the relationship or story, except provide hot sex. This is not really a 3 way relationship and his involvement doesn't connect and complement Anthony and Jason's relationship.

Jason is unusual because he doesn't agonize over his age or if Ruben will steal Anthony away (or at least not too much). He's not super jealous that Anthony may be seeing someone else. It could be that they really trust and love each other. I don't know.

Overall, this is a fun, short read about an established couple that wants to spice up their love life and rekindle the fire.

3 Pants Off

Review: The Caldwell Ghost by K.J Charles

Reviewed by SinChan
The Caldwell Ghost by K.J Charles
Torquere Presss
Short Story: 17pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Robert Caldwell inherits a haunted house, he calls on ghost-hunter Simon Feximal to rid him of the supernatural menace. But the ghost is stronger than either man realizes -- strong, angry, and desperate for release. Trapped in a haunted house with a dangerously attractive ghost-hunter and a sexually frustrated spirit, can Robert survive the night intact...and will he want to?


Short Review
What a fun story for Halloween! The story is about a ghost haunting an old mansion for centuries. A practical, nonbeliever in the supernatural man moves into the haunted house he survives the screams and moans at night but finally caves in and calls a ghost hunter when the walls start to bleed.

I like both characters through the short glimpse I got from the short page length. The plot is simple but perfect for this story. Some secrets of the ghost-hunter trade are unique ideas that add to this novella’s charm and make some writing references. Robert is a journalist and Simon, the ghost-hunter uses his skin as a writing pad for the ghosts to vent and that is the way for him to exorcise the ghost.

A comical ending completes this grand (though not very scary) tale of a haunted house. This is a short, fun read that's perfect for the Halloween season and as a stress reliever after a long day.

3 Pants Off

Review: Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Coliseum Square by Lynn Lorenz
Amber Allure
Short Story
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
When Mark Madison accepts a position as tutor in New Orleans, he does so to run away from his past. Yet he never once believed the house on Coliseum Square would actually hold the key to his future.

Royal DuCote, the wealthy owner of the house and father to a son named Luc, is dark, sexy, and haunted. Ever since the death of his wife and Luc's mother, nothing has been the same. Luc refuses to speak or let Royal near him, and putting Luc in school is out of the question, so he hires a tutor for his son. But when he meets Mark Madison, he's instantly attracted to the younger man.

As tensions build between the Mark and Royal, Luc's affliction becomes a mystery Mark wants to solve. But will what Mark discovers destroy all that is left of the DuCote family?

Short Review
Mark Madison whom we meet as he’s travelling to New Orleans to start his life over with a new name and a new job as a tutor to young Luc DuCote. Royal DuCote is his new, handsome employer. When they meet, Mark is instantly smitten with the dark-haired man. What Mark doesn’t know is that Royal is just as smitten with him!!

As the story progresses, you find out what made Mark leave his home and change his name. Here at Coliseum Square, he can start anew. Luc, his young charge hasn’t spoken a word since his mother died two years prior. Herein lies the mystery…how did she die? Who killed her? Despite Mark’s many suspicions that Royal may have killed his wife. They still fall in love.

This sweet, tender novella was really just a nice, easy read. The mystery was handled well. The insta-love was there, but it didn’t really bother me. It was more sweet than anything. A nice, fun read.

3 Pants Off

Review: Welcome. Brother by Erica Pike

Welcome, Brother (College Fun & Gays #5) by Erica Pike
Unavailable for Purchase
Short Story: 29pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Please note: This title is being prepared for republishing and will be unavailable for a while. Sorry for the inconvenience.

When arts student Kyler Morris applies for membership to The Nova Britannia Brotherhood, he's immediately floored by their intimidating leader, Hunter Kingsley. Fellow arts student Hunter, however, isn't the bad-ass he's made out to be and takes Kyler under his wing.

While Kyler struggles to keep his crush under control and his sexuality hidden from the Brothers, Hunter battles daemons of his own in the form of two Brothers who aren't playing by the rules.

Short Review:
Kyler Morris is hoping to join The Nova Britannia Brotherhood, but judging from the questions he might not get in. Just so happens that the leader of the brotherhood is present during his interview, Hunter Kingsley which is really throwing Kyler off his game. Hunter in all reality is the big man on campus and what sexy dreams are made of, but Kyler knows he most definitely is off limits. With the random question interrogation, Kyler can see his chances dwindling every time he answers but you can't knock him for wanting to try.

To his surprise Kyler is accepted and the icing on the cake is getting Hunter as a mentor which would mean he gets to share a room with him. Which is a win/lose situation because he can lust after Hunter in close proximity but he has to keep it on the DL because his sexuality isn't something he’s willing to battle with. There is just no way he can be gay in the brotherhood, and when he witnesses the horrible bullying of a friend believed gay, it just confirms that his sexuality be kept a secret.

Welcome Brother is very different from the previous stories in the series. This one is about establishing a friendship that moves into a romantic relationship. I really enjoyed the closeness of the characters, their sensitivity in helping a friend, and eventually being honest about their feelings. Though not my fave in the series the author still does a wonderful job of handling a real issue. Only problem is that its way too short to really get into to the meat of anything.

P.S Love all the cuddling, it’s to die for.

3 Pants Off

Review: Just Call Me Kris by Allen Mack

Just Call Me Kris by Allen Mack
JMS Books
Short Story: 20pgs
3.25 Pants Off

Blurb:
It’s Christmas Eve, but the season doesn’t seem very merry and bright for Mike and Karl. Interns in a major New York City hospital, both men are away from their hometown of New Orleans and miss it terribly. Their tiny apartment has barely enough room for a bed, let alone a Christmas tree.

Lonely, they console each other with a long, leisurely make-out session that looks like it will lead to something more between them. But before they get too involved, the doorbell rings, interrupting them. It’s a late-night delivery, a present from their friends, but when they open the door, who should appear?

Not a jolly old elf, but a southern Santa by the name of Kris Kringle stands before them, hot and hung and ready to satisfy their every sexual desire.

Short Review:
Its Christmas Eve and Mike and Karl are missing their hometown. As interns at a hospital they got stuck with holiday hours, so they'll be spending the holidays in New York, in their tiny apartment. With the tiny place having no room for more than a bed the make do with a tiny Christmas tree to bring holiday to cheer to their gloomy space. Though they would rather spend their holidays in New Orleans, they still have each other and there’s nothing like a little sexy time to put them at ease. But before things get heated up, there is a knock on the door which could only mean gifts from friends. When they do open up the door, it’s nothing but a sexy Santa come baring gifts.

At first glance Santa looks like old Kris Kringle but when he literally starts baring all good ole Kris is sexy man here looking for a sexy time. Mike and Karl have always wanted to try a ménage, but never found the right person but its seems to be their lucky night cus things are heating up fast, and sexy ole Kris is most definitely giving them a good night.

This is sexy short with a little paranormal twist to it (at least to me). Because it seems Kris was not a gift from friends and his appearance seemed to be different to both men, they don't question it but bask in the glow of the amazing sex. This is a short quick read that can be enjoyed if you're in the mood for something simple. The writing flows well, and bound to bring holiday cheer no matter which month/season you read it in. Very cute!!

Review: Bestiary Volume #4 (Take 2)

Reviewed by Fehu
Falling, Rising by Annabelle Kitch
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story: 67pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jake works for the Order of Divine Human Protection, an organization that works to contain supernatural elements. Being half-demon and psychic makes him very good at his job—until he tries to read a young man suffering from amnesia and is brutally struck by an aura too powerful to be read. Curious as to what could defeat even his abilities, Jake offers the man a place to stay, hoping the time together will give him a chance to unravel the mystery.


Short Review:
So what to write about this story? A demon found an angel and no, this is not the beginning of a joke, just the summary of this story. Jake is a half-demon and is therefore not exactly the most favorite or the most trusted worker in the Order of Divine Human Protection, since they usually fight demons and supernatural elements. He is also the one that found a man with amnesia and an unreadable aura and takes him in. They become friends and this is something we are told and there are some flashbacks, but the story doesn't show a lot about their relationship/friendship. There is a lot of sexual tension between them and of course it's in the least expected place that they find out the identity of Jake’s love interest, which also means he has to let him go. Thankfully there is a happy end, but no I'm not telling you how they manage to be together, you have to read it to find out. ^_~

It's an ok story, cute even, but I didn't really connect to the characters, at all, which diminished my enjoyment of the story. Too many things were told and not shown and I was missing a lot of background information, so I was basically just thrown in as a reader and had to find my way, but there was no hook to reel me in. Nice read but the spark is missing.

3 Pants Off

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Inside the Wizard Tower by Ashley Shaw
Less Than 3 Press
Short Story
3.25 Pants Off

Blurb:
Determined to escape the tower where he is poked and prodded and experimented on daily by the wizards who captured him, Rhine makes use of his kelpie magic to steal what he needs to summon a creature that even the wizards cannot control or contain. What he gets, however, is far from what he expected …





Short Review:
Rhine is a kelpie, who is captured for wizards to experiment on him and he is not the only one. All kinds of supernatural creatures and beings are kept in the wizard’s tower, more or less as a magical ingredients source, just that they are living and not dead and that they are ingredients and test subjects in one. The reason why no one is escaping is that they capture the young and inexperienced ones and there is a magic barrier that no one can destroy.

Rhine has a plan though and it involves using the knowledge he was able to gain from the wizards to summon a mystical creature of his own, one that should hopefully help him escape his prison. Of course nothing goes like it supposed to! First of all he summons a sphinx and said hot sphinx guy can mostly do defensive and protective magic, which doesn't help Rhine escape, at all. With the new captives, arrives another problem, they are kids and Rhine doesn't want to escape alone, but to help the kids go home.

The idea is interesting, but the spark is missing. I'm somewhat reminded of a fairytale, which tells us a story, but doesn't really show it. There is not much room to form attachments to the characters, since they try to escape and this is the central point of the story. Also the relationship develops pretty quickly; I would have liked another reaction from the summoned sphinx and at least some hesitation.