Review: Bookmarked by Piper Vaughn

Bookmarked (Heartsville) by Piper Vaughn
Piping Hot Books
Short Story: 77pgs

4 Pants Off

Blurb
To save his bookstore from closing, Mark Werner realizes it’s going to take a miracle—like getting reclusive, best-selling author Shepherd Knight to agree to appear for a signing.

After their disastrous last encounter, Mark doesn’t hold up much hope Shepherd will agree. Shepherd’s never made a single public appearance. In fact, Mark wouldn’t even know what he looks like had he not accidentally discovered the sexy stranger he’d been flirting with for months, aka “Tall-Dark-and-Grumpy,” was also his fanboy obsession.

But desperate times call for desperate measures. If Mark can convince Shepherd, it’ll be a major coup in the book world and might just save Bookmarked from sinking. Too bad Shepherd won’t reply to his e-mails. Yet Mark didn’t earn the reputation of having a “sunshine-and-rainbow-fart” personality for nothing. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his man… and hopefully not make a fool of himself in the process.

Review
Welcome to the gayborhood, and man don't I want to move there.

Mark Werner is the owner of Bookmarked, a quaint little bookstore in the heart of the gay-friendly neighbourhood “Heartsville”. He's struggling to make ends meet, and the worst thing would be to give up his bookstore that means everything to him. But that doesn't stop him from crushing on the dark, handsome stranger that often visits his store. When he finds out that stranger is his favourite author Shepherd Knight he can't help but fanboy. Too bad the author turns out to be a dick and shuts him down before he even gets to say a few words. Seems Shepherd Knight is not the man he fantasized about, and quite honestly he's a bit of an asshole.

When reality sets in that he might have to give up his bookstore, Mark decides that he's going to save his store. He comes up with an author event of book signings and getting the reclusive Shepherd Knight to be the featured author sounds like the greatest of plans that is until Shep prove to be a bigger asshole than Mark imagined. He doesn't get away with being a douche, this time, Mark gives him a piece of his mind and wonders why he ever had a crush on such a man. Seems being a bit mouthy paid off and Mr Knight comes around with an apology and accepts doing the book signing. Bookmarked might be finally looking towards better times, and Mark might even land his dream man.

Bookmarked is such a sweet, fun read. Lots of sweet bordering on sexy without drama and angst. Mark is such a sweet nerdy character, Shepherd is mysterious and sexy (how I like them). I always find myself falling head over heels for one of the main MCs whenever I read anything Piper Vaughn and Shepherd Knight did it for me in such a few pages. Mark and Shep together are sexy sweet, and you will rejoice for their HEA.

Overall, a sweet fun filled read. You can knock this one out in a few hours, looking forward to reading the other books in the series. 

Review: Changing the Things You Can by Ari McKay

Reviewed by SinChan
Changing the Things You Can by Ari McKay
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 43pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb: Devastated by the death of his best friend from a drug overdose, rock star Devon Bailey retreats to his hometown to grieve. When his fragile emotional state causes him to break down in a local bakery, owner Michael Behrman comes to his rescue.

Michael's nurturing instincts prompt him to reach out to Devon, offering support and a comforting shoulder, and the two grow closer. Michael's feelings for Devon deepen into something more--but how can he know whether Devon feels anything more for him than gratitude?

Review
Devon, lead singer of a popular rock band, returns to his hometown to escape the media after the death of his best friend and drummer in the same band from drug abuse. In the midst of grief, he stumbles upon Michael who comforts him.

The story focuses on Devon dealing with his grief and how Michael and Devon develop their relationship from friends to lovers. The transition from friends to lovers is a little fast in my opinion, especially in the middle of dealing with grief. However, I can believe they will make a great couple in the future since their meeting is so well written.

Michael is the knight in shining armor. Sometimes he's too perfect, like how he knows exacting the right things to say and do to comfort Devon. There's not enough pages for the reader to get to know Michael but there are hints that Michael is not a perfect person, just perfect for Devon.

Devon has a lot on his plate. His best friend just died from overdose, his dead friend's mother blames him for the death, the media is invading his privacy and he wants a career change. I think he's very fortunate to find Michael during these troubled times. His situation is portrayed very realistically and down to earth.

This short story leaves me with a smile on my face. It's a very heart warming story with a lesson. The story is set at an easy pace. I especially liked how Devon slowly reveals his problems and talks about Chad's death to Michael. It was more realistic for me to see a step by step progression. Overall, I'm impressed with how complete this short story feels.

4 Pants Off

Review: The Byte of Betrayal by Ashavan Doyon

Reviewed by SinChan
The Byte of Betrayal by Ashavan Doyon
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 73pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Caleb McDonnell lives his life online. A thirty-year-old fast food worker, he spends his time talking in an Internet world where his job and living conditions can't dictate his friendships. He's found acceptance, friendship, and even romance. But when an online friend is revealed as a fake, Caleb loses all sense of trust. To stave off the emotional collapse of his betrayal, Caleb leaves his online life behind and retreats into the monotony of his job.

Nicodemus Rokos feels like his heart has been torn out. He knew Caleb would be hurt, but he'd hoped not to be shut out of his boyfriend's life. He can only hope Caleb still feels something when he shows up in person to reclaim what he's lost.

Review
Caleb has a crush on Nic but he doesn't have the courage to tell him so he tells his online best friend, Kevin. He also can't afford a trip to visit Nic since he's so poor, he's eating Ramen noodles and stale bread. He's living his life online and having online friends. A thousand miles away, Nic wants to be Caleb's boyfriend and discovers Kevin is a fake. Nic tells Caleb the truth but he can't accept it.

Caleb is getting depressive and reliant on his online relationships to feel a connection. When he discovers his best friend (online) is a fake person, he spirals into depression. He's background is really sad. He used to live on the streets so he's proud to have a home even though its a crappy one. Not many people understand how reliant he is on online relationships/friendships. He thinks real people on the street are impersonal and trusts his online best friend, Kevin. It turns out that Kevin is really Tami, who's a boring and mousy character that wants people to talk to her and gets addicted to using a fake persona. My heart goes out to him and hope he trusts people again with Nic's help.

Nic is the nice guy and the perfect hero for Caleb. However, his home situation is weird. He's financially supporting his friend and her child. His friend becomes reliant on him and tries to break up his relationship so Nic will never leave her. They are not husband and wife but they give off a very domestic feel. It would be difficult to add Caleb into the mix.

The online chat format may take a little to get used to. The ending of Nic coming to rescue Caleb and his recovery is rushed. Overall though, the story ends with a HEA and at a very hopeful note. Fans of the hurt/comfort trope would enjoy this story.

3.5 Pants Off

Review: Branded by Bru Baker

Reviewed by SinChan
Branded by Bru Baker
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 36pgs
2 Pants Off

Blurb:
When a would-be assassin sneaks into the citadel disguised as a servant, the king requires that all servants who work in the castle be branded with the royal crest for easy identification. Prince Coren is powerless to fight the edict, but he refuses to allow his personal advisor and secret lover Brannir to suffer alone. Coren shows his devotion by wielding the brand to mark Brannir himself, even though he fears it will change their relationship. He's prepared for resentment, hurt, and anger--every outcome but the one he receives: unconditional love.



Review

Since an assassin sneaked into the castle by disguising as a servant, all servants must be branded for identification. Bran will be forced to leave the castle if he isn't branded. Coren hates to mark his lover but he also can't disobey his father and out himself to the public, after all, he's the crown prince.
 

This is a very slow paced story without much action. There is too much detail going into the branding process and Coren working up the nerve to do it. Coren must brand Bran to protect him but also unwilling to hurt him. Their relationship have to remain a secret and survive the emotional and physical pain of hurting a lover. Their interaction might have been intense, but it lacks the background and length to explore their love and make this a truly deep and intense deep. 
 

 I keep anticipating the King finding out his son's relationship with his advisor or walking in on them. I want to know more about the popularity of the King with his people since he seems really cruel and paranoid, the setting, and the couple's next steps (they can't hide their relationship forever). The story mainly describes one scene (the branding) and its immediate aftermath. 

 

Overall, this is a very short and monotonous story. Most of the excitement is in the blurb. It has the potential to be an intense read and it's a great start to a good story. Fans of the hurt/comfort trope can give this a try. 

 

2 Pants Off

Review: The Forester II: Lost and Found by Blaine D. Arden

The Forester II: Lost and Found (The Forester Trilogy #2) by Blaine D. Arden
Storm Moon Press
Short Story: 88pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
"The Guide mentioned puddles, but I envisioned lakes, deep treacherous lakes, and I was drowning."

One turn has passed, another Solstice is just around the corner, and having an illicit affair with not one but two lovers—smith Ianys and shunned Forester Taruif—is taking its toll on Truth Seeker Kelnaht.

If it isn't sneaking around to find some quality time with his lovers, it's heavy rainfall hiding traces of a missing stripling, or waiting for the elders to decide whether or not to set Taruif free.

And if that's not enough, Kelnaht fears that in gaining one lover, he might be losing another, as Ianys seems to be pulling away from them, and it looks like someone is, once again, trying to frame Taruif.

Review
I have been so looking forward to continuation of The Forester. I fell in love with these elves and their angst ridden 3-way love. So yes, i wanted their HEA and for all three men to move in together. And while I really liked the story, I still feel like their HEA is far off and their just accepting of their circumstances and forever keeping secrets.

In the first story we meet CIS like Truth Seeker Kelnaht, his shunned lover Taruif, and his other lover Ianys. Both lovers have to be kept secret and all Kelnaht wants to do is shout from the sky that he loves both men. For now their meeting have to be kept hidden, and with his work Kelnaht is feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that the shunning of Tariuf will be lifted and Kelnaht will finally be able to claim his man and one is better than none.

The mystery part of the story adds a little zing to the plot so it’s far from boring, showcasing Kelnaht's importance to the elves and his quiet strength but also his loneliness of having to hide his feelings. The mystery intertwined with the romance was done wonderfully and I just really liked the overall world building. I feel like I know the characters a lot better.

As I said, while I really liked the story. I am somewhat dissatisfied with where this Triad relationship is. I really wanted this glorious happy ending, but I feel like it won’t happen for them. Ianys will have to be a secret and their future seems undecided. I don't how long they can continue the charade when cracks are starting to show and possibly feelings might get hurt.

Still a fan of Blaine D. Arden and I hope we can get a little more of these elves in the future. I want them to just be together and not having to hide. The Forester: Lost and Found is a fantastic follow up to the first book and a most fitting title.

4 Pants Off

Review: Book #1 The Forester

DarienMoya

Review: The Saucy Minx by Manda Olie

Reviewed by SinChan
The Saucy Minx by Manda Olie
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 60pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
With a touch of the magic that gives his recipes a culinary kick, Jack Killian has been running his restaurant, the Saucy Minx, for nearly a decade—almost as long as there’s been a spell out there promising to knock him off his feet should he ever meet the other half of his whole. Each day Jack delights his clientele by magically imbuing his food with taste and emotion, even as he slowly loses hope that the man of his dreams even exists.

But when he hires a new dessert manager, his whole life turns upside-down, because his dream man does exist—and he just strolled into the restaurant on someone else’s arm. While conducting business as usual, Jack struggles through what it means when destiny hands you the perfect man on a platter you’re not allowed to touch.

Review
Andrew runs a restaurant, the Saucy Minx, and Jack is the chef who specializes in magic dishes. Ten years ago, Andrew and Jack cast a spell to find their soul mates but haven't found them yet. They hired a new dessert specialist, Nick, who can revitalize food to their freshness. Nick's boyfriend, Richard, brings his friends, Grant and Chris, from overseas. At first glance, Grant is meant to be with Andrew and Chris is Jack's soul mate, but Grant and Chris are dating each other. Andrew and Jack are crashed but all hope is not lost for them.

It is difficult for me to focus on the main couple (Jack and Chris) when there's a total of three in this story. In general, I think the pace is too fast. I don't have enough time to develop a connection to each main character and fully digest what struggles they went through. There's not enough back story for the main characters for them to be fully developed and to leave a deeper impression. The romance is very much love at first sight.

Having said that, the romance part of the story is very cute, I love the interesting idea of modern witches using magic in food. It's a way to continue their practice, be subtle, avoid detection, and charge people thousands for a "special dish." I especially love the food descriptions (although there weren't many) and the use of a little magic to make the meals one-of-a-kind. Yummy.

Overall, this is a very cute story that leaves a fluffy feeling afterwards. I would recommend this for paranormal fans that want a fluff story.

3 Pants Off

Review: It's All Geek to me by JL Merrow

It's All Geek to Me by JL Merrow
Riptide Publishing
Short Story: 51pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Jez is on a mission of mercy: to replace a tragically deceased comic book for his injured best mate, Tel. Venturing into the Hidden Asteroid bookstore in London—the temple of geekdom itself—Jez is bowled over by the guy behind the counter.

Rhys is the poster boy for hot geeks: tall, gorgeous, and totally cool. Jez is desperate to impress him, so he bluffs his way through comic book jargon . . . and then dashes back to the hospital to beg Tel to teach him how to speak Geek.

Tel’s happy to oblige, and Jez is over the moon when Rhys asks him out. He’s even more thrilled when they discover a shared love of rugby, something he won’t have to fake for Rhys. The question is, how long can Jez keep up the deception, and what will happen when Rhys realizes he’s going out with a Fake Geek Guy?

Review
Jex is about to show what true friendship is all about when he has to get in touch with his geek side. His friend Tel was injured and so was his coveted latest edition comic book but unlike Tel the comic is caput. In order to ease his suffering Jex decides to step out of his comfort and agree to go pick up another copy. He's much rather be doing other things, but what are best mates for?

What Jex never expected was the sexy employee Rhys and suddenly he's wishing he had more of a geek status to impress this sexy looking man. He's got to think quickly on his feet and muster up the most enthusiasm because he isn’t too proud to fake, fake geek that is. Now he needs Tel to teach him the talk of the geeks so he can go back and woo the pants off Rhys. Too bad he's having a a hard time keeping his geek straight but landing a date with Rhys is totally worth the fibs.

What Jez doesn't understand is "be yourself, you must" and his relationship begins with a lie, but owning up could cost him Rhys and that’s the scariest of parts. What Jez doesn't know is that Rhys has a secret of his own and judging by his glaring very pregnant sister Jez is thinking that it doesn't bode well for him. Alas, he did try to kick it on the geek side.

Alright, I did like this book and Jex and Rhys were interesting enough but my overall feel is unsatisfied. Like I was expecting some epic shit, cus after all it’s JL Merrow and this author never fails me. Mostly I felt like the characters talked around me and then the book just ended. I have to say I was a bit disappointed because it finally felt like the story was starting and then it ended. Yep, disa.ppoint.ed. Sad feels!

Don't get me wrong, by no means is this a horrible story, Merrow brings her unequal wit and prose charm, and of course humour but it was hard to get it all sorted for me. I hate to say that the story needed more but it really did and the geek aspect (don't even get me started). Also Jez reminded me too much of other characters, spazzy and all over place. I went in reading with a clear picture in my head and got something else entirely and not all good.

3 Pants Off

DarienMoya

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

Review: The Start of a Beautiful Friendship by Tinnean

Reviewed by SinChan
The Start of a Beautiful Friendship (Spy vs Spook 0.5) by Tinnean
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 78pgs
5 Pants Off

Blurb:
A Spy vs. Spook Novella 
Prequel to Houseboat on the Nile 

It’s 1996, and Mark Vincent, senior special agent of the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security, has been assigned the task of assassinating the head of a terrorist organization in Europe. When the mission goes south and he’s ordered to take a vacation, he reluctantly goes to Paris, where, in a little bar called Le Petit Homme, he sees a man who intrigues him. However, like ships passing in the night, they go their separate ways, only to meet again the following morning, and over breakfast, the man introduces himself as Louis. 

Is it too much of a coincidence? Perhaps, perhaps not, but Mark is intrigued and, unable to resist, he gives his name as Rick. A comment of Louis’s leads Mark to assume Louis hustles for a living, so Mark decides to “rent” him for the week. Unbeknownst to Mark, Louis has his own reasons for going along with the charade, which leads to… the start of a beautiful friendship.

Review
This is a great short story that has enough characterization and storyline to feel complete and leaves me wanting more.

Mark is a secret agent and gets delayed for his new mission by bad weather. When he gets to the scene of action, his partners are dead and dying. He vows to avenge his fallen partners but his boss tells him to take a vacation and cool his head. He goes to Paris, undercover, and encounters another man as intriguing as himself and with just as many secrets.

There is definitely sufficient background on Mark that I can connect with him. Sometimes, he's a regular guy whose uncle has cancer and is trying to come to terms with losing him in the future. Other times, he's a dangerous undercover agent with a reputation that precedes him. The best part of the story is reading through Mark's thought process and actions on how he stays undercover while spending his vacation with a rent boy.

I love how much I've come to know Mark's character is such short pages. The writing also flows smoothly and the story itself is not a dark, heavy read. I would definitely check out the other books in the series and see if they measure up to as good as this short story promises

5 Pants Off

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: 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: Transparency by Ethan Stone & Sara York

Transparency by Ethan Stone & Sara York
Self-Published
Short Story: 49pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Charlie is the quintessential bear. Big, muscular and hairy. But that isn’t the type of men he’s attracted to. He is drawn to men like Taylor—short, smooth, and sexy. Taylor is Charlie’s idea of the perfect twink. But there’s something about Taylor Charlie doesn’t know. Taylor is unsure about a lot of things, but when he sees Charlie, he instantly knows he wants him. The only issue standing in his way is how Taylor views his own masculinity. He’s afraid that Charlie will leave once he knows the secret Taylor wants to keep hidden. Can he be transparent with Charlie and allow him to look behind the image he's so carefully constructed?



Review
Taylor is Female to Male transgender and he is just looking for love and a guy to spend his nights with. Bad experiences have led to him to give up hope on finding a man that will understand he doesn't have a dick but that doesn’t mean he isn't all male. He hits up glory holes giving blow jobs to get himself off and live in his fantasies of being in love. When he hits up his usual spot for a little blow action and spots the man of his dreams. Taylor knows that he'll never land a guy his Bear, so he knows to be content with his fantasies and glory hole fun.

Charlie is looking for a sexy twink and he happened to just walk through the door. Charlie would love to get to know his sexy little twink, but before he can even come down from his orgasm boy is out the door so fast. Charlie is alright with waiting cus he knows he'll see the beautiful boy again and catch him before he can run.

While this story is very short it really manages to hit on some heavy content and manages to come out being very feel good and leaving me the reader happy. Enough reality in the story to make you want the characters HEA, and while I like reality a little scene at the end there felt fake to me. I understand what the authors were trying to do, a way to prove Charlie's investment in this new relationship with a trans individual I felt like he did enough by just accepting Taylor. So Charlie's little douchebag friend there felt a bit contrived.

Overall, I really liked the story and it does have a positive vibe that I wish existed in RL. I am always happy to read about Trans* characters and Transparency invokes a nice reaction for my feels. A cute read!!

3.5 Pants Off

DarienMoya

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: Where You Lead by Mary Calmes

Reviewed by Fehu
Where You Lead by Mary Calmes
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 68pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
ATF agent Peter Lomax isn’t a hearts and flowers kind of guy, but he can be possessive, and it caused problems until Carver Fleming. Carver may be part of the art world, but he gets Peter, loves belonging to the man, and Peter treasures the way Carver understands them together.

Carver loves Peter, but he's fully aware that six months doth not a commitment make. Carver wants to make the relationship last forever, but he’ll have to leave their life in Chicago to take care of the family he loves. He wants to do it with Peter by his side, but going from the city of Chicago to tiny Colt, Kentucky is a big change.

Carver has only one Christmas wish: Please, oh please, let Peter fall enough in love with Carver's family to follow Carver home.

Review
It's certainly not a book that will leave you uninvolved. I've read some, was mad, put it down, wanted to know how Peter will react, started reading again, was annoyed and stared at the book in disbelief.

Let's say it is an emotional read as in I was quite invested into the story. I didn't believe the story, but I was pretty involved in the plot, but it was over too fast so I was left a bit dissatisfied. Also there were quite a few problems and I felt they were solved without a lot of effort. The time frame was just unbelievable. Pete and Carver knew each other for 6 months. Feel with me and say it out loud s i x months. So of course Pete would agree to leave his friends and his home and his work to move into a small town, where e v e r y o n e is ok with a gay couple. You can understand my suspended disbelief. All of this would probably bother me less in a paranormal setting, but here there is no explanation of a soul bound or life mates!

I expected sweet, and some parts were, the dialog between Peter and his partner on the force was pretty good and I laughed, when they talked about the art. The beginning pretty much seduced me into the story, some dialogs did not flow and the relationship and story progressed too fast, at least for me.

At the end I was torn as how to rate this story, since I liked the first part very much, but the second part felt rushed and a bit disjointed.

3 Pants Off

Review: Kai for Christmas by E.T Malinowski

Reviewed by SinChan
Kai for Christmas by E.T Malinowski
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 56pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Kai O’Donnell hates Christmas. It’s not the blaring commercialism or the too-perky people. Being an interior designer, Kai can handle most people. But during Christmas, he has to deal with a man who gets under his skin like no other: Cade. Handsome—hand-me-a-towel-because-I’m-drooling-sexy—sarcastic Cade.

Cade Randall has been in love with Kai O’Donnell since setting eyes on the auburn-haired Native American. Falling back on his teenage habits, Cade picks on Kai every time they’re together. He wants Kai under his Christmas tree in nothing but a big red bow, his to keep forever, but Cade’s shenanigans may ruin something beautiful in the making.

Short Review
Kai hates going home for Christmas because Cade will be there for the holidays. Cade teases Kai every time they meet and they would end up bickering over the tiniest things. It doesn't help that Cade likes Kai and loves to tease his crush. Cade is afraid to confess his love because Kai may be not be gay. Will this year's Christmas bring a miracle?

Kai is a Native American interior designer and Cade is a bartender at a night club. They live in different states and only meet at Kai's family for Christmas. I want to know how they will make their relationship work in the long term, but the story is only focusing on how they stop fighting and become a couple.

Kai has insecurities about his adopted family. When pressure and sexual tension from Cade increased, Kai runs away and ends up hurting his family and Cade. Not a lot is known about Cade. His situation with a homophobic family is mentioned but his hobbies, skills, and personality is not as clear as Kai's.

This is a predictable, short Christmas read that I wish is longer and more fleshed out. The story line is simple without any tension. This is the perfect story if you like the hurt and comfort trope.

3 Pants Off

Review: Top Bidder by Sean Michael

Reviewed by Whuppsy
Top Bidder (Hammer #20) by Sean Michael
Torquere Press
Short Story: 49pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
Kurt joined the staff as a waiter at the Hammer Club because he wanted a Master of his own. He’s shy, though, and just one boy among the many looking for that special someone to dominate them. In fact, he’s working the night of the Hammer’s Annual Christmas Auction when Master Marcus asks him to fill in for a sub stuck in traffic.

Master August noticed Kurt when he first started working at the Hammer, but hadn’t approached the boy, wondering if they were compatible. When he sees Kurt on the auction block, he figures it’s the perfect time to test out their chemistry without putting any pressure on either of them.

Will Kurt and August find what they’re looking for in each other? Find out in the Christmas Hammer tale.

Review
This sweet, tender BDSM story was a quick, easy read. It was fun and easy story regarding this cute young man, Kurt. He’s just absolutely sweet as pie. He is so shy and innocent and yet he really wants to experience all that he sees at the club. But he wants it to special. Not some backroom hook-up.

Enter Master August; he’s had his eye on Kurt since he first started. He bids on and wins Kurt for the evening. He is so sure that Kurt is all that he wants and when they get together, it’s all that he dreamt of and more for both of them.

If you’ve read any of Sean’s Hammer stories, you’ll recognize a couple of previous characters that have brief cameos in this story. However, you don’t have to have read the prior books. As a standalone short story, it’s good. It was very much an insta-connection story. Not so much insta-love as it is so very short.

Overall, this is a good short story. The characters are developed enough that you get a brief insight into who they are. It flowed rather smoothly for such a short story. It was a sexy without being smutty and that made for a sweet little holiday story. Enjoy!!

3 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: Holiday Hootenanny by Ari McKay

Reviewed by SinChan
Holiday Hootenanny by Ari McKay
Torquere Press
Short Story: 80pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
Clint Barker wants to take his relationship with boyfriend Joshua Cash to
the next level, and that means meeting Josh’s family at Christmas. Clint is
sure he can deal with anything, even though Josh has expressed reservations
that his big, loud hillbilly family might be too overwhelming for an
introvert like Clint to handle.

Josh loves his family, but the only other time he brought a boyfriend home
to meet them, the guy didn’t last through dinner. Clint means everything to
him, and though he knows his family means well, Josh is worried their
nosiness and sheer overwhelming presence will drive Clint away.

Between having to fix an illegal still, getting treed by a wild hog, and
barely avoiding a bar fight between rednecks and bikers, the holiday doesn’t
get off to an auspicious start. Then at the traditional Christmas Eve
Hootenanny, Josh and Clint argue, and Clint later turns up missing. Will
this spell the end of their relationship, or will a newborn in a stable work
a little Christmas miracle for them both?

Review
This is a short story about meeting the boyfriend's family for the holiday and taking the next step in their relationship. Josh spent Thanksgiving with Clint's small family, so Clint decides to spend Christmas with Josh's family. After Josh's last boyfriend ran away from meeting his family, Josh have some reservations about letting Clint meet the family and survive the holiday with their relationship intact.

Clint and Josh gets into lots of interesting adventures with meeting the family, drinking illegal moonshine, and running from a wild boar. The writing is easy to read and the story flows smoothly.

Clint is an only child and works as a vet in the city. He can't handle the crowds, drink Josh's family moonshine, and have no privacy in the farm house. I really like how Clint makes the effort to get along with the family because he loves Josh, even if life on the farm is out of his comfort zone. Josh also makes a big effort to help Clint adjust and survive the holiday. He also worries a lot about the relationship and that makes the story more fun and builds up the drama.

Overall, this is a very successful "meet the family" story for the holidays. Josh takes Clint on a grand adventure that's fun to read about.

4 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