Review: Shadowkings I: The Beginning by Mychael Black

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Shadowkings l: The Beginning by Mychael Black
Torquere Press
Novel: 163pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Witchcraft and homosexuality are punishable by death, but it doesn’t stop Lucca Moretti from embracing both. Lucca fears no man, but he has one weakness: his twin brother, Gabriele. When tragedy strikes, Lucca and Gabriele have few options, but they do have allies. They flee from the wreckage of their family’s home and take refuge in the home of Lorik, the unofficial leader of the vampires in the city of Rome. Lorik offers them safety, but not without a price. 

Gabriele has spent years fighting an unholy desire for his twin, but even his fear is no match for the lure of Lucca’s kiss. In this new world they’ve stumbled into, however, there is much more to the people around them than meets the eye. 

The vampires are at war, and Lorik’s court mage sees something in Lucca that could turn the tide in their favor. Secrets come to light which can either aid the twins in saving the new family they’ve found, or destroy them all.

Review
This book was different from what I normally read. I’ve not had a chance to read much Twincest books, but this was filled with so much imagination and vivid storytelling, that I couldn’t resist it.

Lucca Moretti is this guy who is in love with his twin. That is first and foremost what you need to know about him. He’s that bad boy who everyone always falls for. He has always had these powers that he’s known for, and not in a good way. The people talk about him, that he’s evil, but he’s really not. He’s got these gifts that even his brother has no idea about. Even in taking pleasure in other men, it’s always his twin that he sees. He is this deep, dark character that really pulls you into his web.

Gabriele Moretti is the sweeter twin. He’s been in love with Lucca for as long as he can remember. He waivers back and forth regarding what he feels for Lucca. He’s battling the teachings of the Church and what he thinks is right. Gabriele is innocent in the sense of the darkness that seems to follow Lucca around. He’s the conscience and softer side whereas; Lucca is the harder, dominant side.

This story had vampires, different realms, and Shadowkings. It was filled with harsh violence. The very things that the author described was harsh and made me catch my breath. It was part of the story and it wasn’t truly excessive, but it was harsh. I loved how the vampires were written. It wasn’t the stereotypical view of them, but it was still a nice and different version and it helped make the story even better in my opinion.

The secondary characters were such a part of the story that they also helped it flow smoothly. They were in turns very helpful and some, just there to stir the pot. They each carried a part of the story on their back to help or hinder the brothers along. I really liked Lorik and Dorian. I liked how they each brought out different things to the table. There are so many wonderful characters in this story; I can’t to see what happens next.

The story really flowed smoothly. I wasn’t taken out of the story at any point. I read it straight through. I was drawn into the story and when it was over, I was sad. I then remembered that this was only the first part in a series and that I’ll get to see these guys again.

4 Pants Off

Review: Fraternal Devotion

Fraternal Devotion by D.K Jernigan, Alisha Steele, Leigh Wilder, Azalea Moone, and K.Piet/S.L Armstrong
Storm Moon Press
Novella: 143pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
When you pit knowledge against emotions, there's the no-man's land in between those two opposing forces where taboos lie. Incest is one of the untouchables, a taboo that even in alternative cultures is often still looked on negatively. But how can something that feels so right be wrong? In Fraternal Devotion, the focus is on brotherly love--in every sense of the word. These are tales of love, lust, devotion, and passion as real as any other romance. Why should the fact that the two men are brothers take away from that? This collection may challenge your assumptions and beliefs, but may also melt your heart. Not to mention steam up your glasses.

Keith is a Humanist Corpsman, sworn to protect society from the mutated ranks of the Infected. When his own team betrays him, however, it's his long lost brother, Riley, who takes him in and makes him choose between War and Peace and Brotherhood. After nineteen months apart, Brandon Patrell, of Analgesia, is convinced it will take more than a home renovation to keep his playboy brother, Ethan, from running away again. But as Ethan resumes his old mind-games, Brandon is determined to tease back for once, even if it means risking everything in a game of all or nothing. A dozen years after discovering his father's suicide, Cale returns home and finds his older brother Derrick showing the same signs of melancholy. But as much as he wants to help his brother, he fears being sucked back into that world of Depression, Love, and Swimming Pools.

Jeremy has been On Clouds of Obsession since long ago glimpsing his brother, Matt, naked in the locker room. Years later, with Matt due to be married in a week, Jeremy takes a chance after Matt's bachelor's party that could jeopardize their relationship, not to mention the impending wedding. Songwriter Andrew lives life On the Edge, using drugs to quiet his uncertainties about his ongoing relationship with his twin, Ben. Disheartened by Andrew's empty promises, Ben begins to pull away, forcing Andrew to choose between letting go and finally finding the strength to stop running.

Review:

All the ways I have been excited to read Fraternal Devotion, and all the ways I am happy I read it. This book went to front of the line, just because I love me some bromance of the sexy kind. I gobbled it up in no time, and was slightly disappointed there weren’t a lot more stories. I Wanted Moar!!

War and Peace and Brotherhood by DK Jernigan
Keith is apart of society of fighters sworn to protect humanity from the people they call the infected. So this infection is transmitted sexually, and the form varies depending on the individual. One can become a shifter, while the other gets super speed this infection affects everyone differently. Keith is the leader of his Corps group, and they are to stop the evil infected from hurting and infecting others.

So while kicking ass and taking names, Keith longs for the brother he lost 3 years ago. Having been in love with him, Keith fears he somehow pushed him away. Now he has his family of fighters or so he thinks, their hatred runs for anything deemed different, and Keith being gay is different. He finds himself at the end of a bullet fired from the people he trusted and is saved by the last person he expected.

I liked this story, and found the world created very complex and original. I think the most fascinating part of the story is the evolution of humans and their newly achieved powers. I did not really feel the romance in this once because I felt like Keith was backed in a corner and took the most logical way out. Yes, I knew he had feelings for his brother but the overall delivery made it feel very rushed and I didn’t really believe in them. I just wanted a bit more to make it a bit more fleshy.

Analgesia by Alisha Steele
Brandon is annoyed because his older brother is back home and he is just too freaking tempting for his own good. When it comes to Ethan it’s hard to be around him without wanting him, and he doesn’t seem to know boundaries. The brothers have a history, and it’s that history that caused Ethan to run like fire was on his heels.

I loved the hell out of this one, and man did it cause severe pants losing. This story being the longest of the all stories really touched on all my naughty buttons. It really did a wonderful balance of providing their relationship as lovers but never letting the reader forget that they are brothers. They fight, argue, and constantly tease each other and it just amplifies the naughty. The writing is fantastic and provide a realistic elements in a playful manner (I liked that). Analgesia was just made of awesmazingness.


Depression, Love, and Swimming Pools by Leigh Wilder
Cale is back home for Spring Break, a home he rarely visits, a home he moved almost 400mi from. He is running from things from his childhood and being home brings it all back. Especially his brother Derrick who just lies about in the pool house. Derrick suffers from depression and other mental issues and Cale is just trying to escape it all. They like to run, and will keep on running until they start confronting their issues.

I have mixed feelings about this one, so mixed. I feel it’s too heavy hitting for such a short story and would have worked better as a novella/novel. I feel like Derrick is too broken to be making decisions, and Cale just keeps getting pushed in a corner. His decision to sleep with his brother doesn’t feel like his own and them being together just did not work for me.

On Clouds of Obsession by Azalea Moone
Jeremy has wanted his brother something fierce since he saw him naked in locker rooms at school. Obviously, he knows his feelings won’t be reciprocated but a boy can dream. Suddenly his brother Matt is engaged to be married and it’s sorta pissing him off. Jeremy finds an opportunity to feel Matt up after his bachelor’s party and he’s passed out drunk. Suddenly Matt is awake and they’re having sex “Say What”. The next morning just might be a walk of shame.

This one did not really work for me. I think the representation of both characters really turned me away from this one. One minute their hot and the next their cold. I found them indecisive and I feel as if they have no chance at making it work long term. This is one brotherly love I couldn't get down with.

On The Edge by S.L Armstrong and K. Piet
Fraternal twins Andrew and Ben have been inseparable in both life and love. They have a long sexual history, been having sexual relations since they were 14 and now its 11 years later. While Ben has admitted and accepted that, he is in love with his twin Andrew has taken the other road. He wants his brother, but the guilt and shame of that want eats away at him and so he has resorted to hard drugs to help him cope. Ben knows his brother struggles with their relationship, because he pushes him away after but he goes back every time only to face the same hurt.

This story is so hard hitting and makes it hurt. It is the most realistic of the bunch which makes it the most painful to read. It delves a little into what siblings would have to in order to live freely together. Ben and Andrew have ostracized themselves from family and friends, and you can feel how it affects the brothers. With Andrew’s fears, it’s like adding salt to a wound because it all becomes for naught.

These authors really know how to make a character hurt and bring out all your emotions. I feel sad for Andrew because I can understand his fear, shame, and guilt. Yet, I would really like to punch him in the face, 11 years is a long time not have your feelings figured out (cowardly). Ben I would dearly like to kick because he’s an enabler, and a bigger coward for keeping Andrew in drug-filled lust so he wouldn’t have to be without him. I would love to see more of these brothers because they need some fixing.

Overall, I l really enjoyed the anthology. It wasn’t just sex on pages, most of the stories offered up some solid plot with good characters and little dose of reality. Not the awesome I was expecting but I am glad with it. Though I am going on and on about plot and such, I liked it cus I love brothers doing each other ^_~.

4 Pants Off

Telling the Truth

Telling the Truth (Truth or Dare,#2) by Lee Brazil
Breathless Press

Novella

4.5 out of 5

Blurb:
The Blake brothers have upped the ante in their weekly poker game. The week Terry loses, he finds that paying his debt of telling the truth sets him free to pursue a fantasy he never dreamed could be reality.

Terry has lived his life according to the guidelines, by studying accounting, getting an MBA, and working for the family business. And while his work has its own rewards, something has been missing, and his eyes have only just been opened to what--or rather who--that could be.

Terry can handle any dare his brothers dish out, but the demand for Truth is a different matter. Unable to hide behind his pristine reputation and fancy business suit, Terry is honor bound to divulge secrets he’s been ashamed to admit even to himself in the privacy of his own bedroom.

Twins Dex and Trick have finally found acceptance for their relationship in the homes of their friends. They would never do anything to jeopardize that newfound sense of belonging. Fooling around with Mischa’s prissy, domineering, oh-so-sexy older brother is risky. A one night stand might be okay, and the boys happily indulge, but then close ranks afterward, pushing Terry aside.

Terry isn’t going to back down without a fight. He’s convinced that Dex and Trick are meant to be his, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make them realize all the safety and protection they need can be found in his arms.

Review:
Lee Brazil is an author to watch out for. I am just in love with the Truth or Dare series, Keeping House was adorable and sexy, but Telling the Truth is 'it' for me. It has two things that I love in M/M some twincest and a ménage relationship. I just wanna rip my clothes off and run through the streets (to be avoided at all cost), I just love it so much.

From the first novella Keeping House, we meet the Blake brothers at their weekly poker game. They all tend to get a little over protective of each other, but their closeness and love for each other is very apparent.  Terry has just lost his hand at poker and its time for truth or dare, and the saying “the truth will set you free” has never been more right. Terry is the good one, he follows guidelines and has never done a crazy or out of character thing in his life until… He saw twin Dex and Trick.

Terry has been a little in love with them for a little over six months, and while fighting his attraction he can’t deny that he wants them something bad. They are so hot together and he wants in on the action. When Terry hits up a gay club in hopes of finding someone to take his mind off Dex and Trick, the outing proves unsuccessful in the club. He does get lucky though out in the parking lot (take your mind out of the gutter).

All three hook up and things seem all good until the twin have a run in with Terry’s older brother. They know they have found something good with Terry and it will be hell to just give him up. Terry is no pushover though, he wants the boys in his life and he will have them. Screw what others will say; screw what his family will say. Its time he found his own happiness.

I love every main character in this series. I love the strong family bond they all share. Because if you are important to one Blake brother you are important to all. It might seem like this book is about sex, but its not. It’s about finding that someone you love or two someone’s, and finally gaining acceptance for just being you. I recommend you read the first book in the series, because they both move together. Just a really cute fun time, and if loving your twin brother is wrong then I don’t want to be right (cheeziest line I'v ever written).

My only beef is that I wish it were longer.

4 1/2 Pants Off

 So I say this my friends "Go ahead and take those Pants Off"!


Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews

Menage Mondays

A list of my fave Trias (that's what I call it). The ultimate menage books out there, that's just not about sex, but a real building of the relationship. Lets get serious, it tough already with two people, how more complicated could it be with another. Also, the HAWT factor is off the chain, I just love the whole figuring out of who puts what where.

My Recommendations:

Dark Horse (Dark Horse #1) by Kate Sherwood
Dreamspinner Press

Blurb:

Dan thinks about just driving, leaving the whole mess behind. He's got enough money. He could just arrange to get his stuff and his horse shipped to wherever he's going. Taking off is what he used to do when things got to be too much, and it worked pretty well, really.

Dan Wheeler thought he'd found lasting love and stability with his life and work partner, Just...moreDan thinks about just driving, leaving the whole mess behind. He's got enough money. He could just arrange to get his stuff and his horse shipped to wherever he's going. Taking off is what he used to do when things got to be too much, and it worked pretty well, really.

Dan Wheeler thought he'd found lasting love and stability with his life and work partner, Justin Archer. But when Dan finds himself alone again, still working as a horse trainer for Justin's parents, he has to find a way to accept that his perfect life is gone forever.

Then he meets billionaire Evan Kaminski, who arrives to buy a horse for his younger sister, and Evan's lover Jeff Stevens, a horse trainer who seems to understand more than just Dan's job. Struggling to deal with all the upheavals in his life, Dan finds himself drawn to both Evan's mercurial passion and Jeff's quiet wisdom. Is Dan strong enough to take a chance on new love, or would it be better—safer—for him to be alone?

An awesome book loved it so much. I cried, I laughed, and I yelled A LOT. Check out my review Dark Horse  on Goodreads. I highly suggest you buy this book, its mad awesomeness.

Also check out the sequel: Out of the Darkness.

Loving Edits (Basque Series #1) by Mickie B. Ashling

Dreamspinner Press 

Blurb:

When bestselling novelist Mick Henley contacts his editor and former lover, Paul Alcott, after a seven-year absence, hearing Mick’s voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick. The possible reunion entices Paul into considering a dinner invitation, but his hopes are dashed when he learns Mick is in a loving relationship with Spanish Jai alai player Tono Garat.

Paul still accepts the invitation, and Mick asks Paul to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written, inspired by his affair with Mick. When Paul refuses, Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping with the eventual outcome.

Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can't deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Can the past blend with the present to ease the way for Mick’s inevitable future? Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their collision destroy Mick's final days?

This book made me cry like the little girl I use to be. So emotional, so powerful, and downright sexy.  Another one I recommend you buy, and don't forget the Kleenex.

Check out the sequel: Tono.

 

Gemini by Chris Owen
Torquere Press

Blurb:

Gent is a little wild, a little jaded maybe. When he meets Paul, he thinks he might just have found someone fresh and new, someone who’ll play, maybe someone who will be more than a one night stand.

Pretty quick, though, Gent finds out with Paul he gets more than he bargained for. He gets Jamie, too, Paul’s twin, who wants him just as much as Paul does. Gent th...moreGent is a little wild, a little jaded maybe. When he meets Paul, he thinks he might just have found someone fresh and new, someone who’ll play, maybe someone who will be more than a one night stand.

Pretty quick, though, Gent finds out with Paul he gets more than he bargained for. He gets Jamie, too, Paul’s twin, who wants him just as much as Paul does. Gent thinks maybe he’s in over his head, in for a weird triangle that he can’t handle, but as the three come together in an explosion of passionate fireworks, beginning to explore a whole new world of heat, he learns that there can be a lot more fun in having two.

I loved this book! It might not be for everyone since there is some serious twincest going on. Its incredibly hot and will cause heat stroke. Check out my review of Gemini on Goodreads.

I say you give these books a try and indulge your senses.Whoever said that "three was a crowd", obviously never experienced a threesome.