Pembroke Eve Chronicles

Shadows of the Mind (Pembroke Eve Chronicles #1) by Mark Alders
Extasy Books

Science Fiction/Romance

Novel

4 out of 5

Blurb:
Shadows of the Mind focuses on Jacob Theison, a young man who thinks he’s better than all the other folk who live in the picturesque town of Pembroke Eve. It’s no place for a modern guy and he wants to leave, try his luck on the greener pastures of ‘anywhere’ else.

That is until he realizes one thing. Deep down he’s just like everyone else, a country guy through and through. That realization comes just in time, because on a moonlit night a green glowing spaceship lands in Wilson’s field. Aliens, it seems, are real. But why are they in Pembroke Eve of all places? Pembroke is a nowhere place. And why is everyone acting weird all of a sudden, even more so than usual? Are the aliens’ friendly or do they have a more sinister reason for being here?

It seems Jacob is the only one who can see what’s really going on. But why him? What’s so special about a gay guy living in a small town? Sure, he’s never had a boyfriend, never been kissed for that matter, so why? Curious, he goes to investigate the spaceship and gets far more than he bargained for as soon as he gets over his back fence. His life will never be the same again.

Review:
I have no idea if this book was meant as a joke, or the author was serious. I am not saying this to discredit the authors work, but the writing and story was almost too unbelievable to be taken seriously. Yet, through all that, the book was highly entertaining and quite different from what I have read in the m/m genre.

Jacob Thieson lives in the boring ass town of Pembroke Eve, to stand out he decides to come out. So now he is that gay guy in Pembroke Eve, where he was initially avoided in the beginning, people have finally learnt to accept who he is, without completely understanding it. While getting ready for bed one night, Jacob witnesses a bright light and decides to investigate, on his way he bumps into two guys who also witnessed the bright light, and they believe it to be an alien landing on earth. That one night of discovery leads to an adventure Jacob was never expecting and finding love in the surrounding bushes while running for his life.

Seems that boring ass Pembroke Eve just got a little more exciting and Jacob has to save the day, and it seems the very reason that made him an outcast, is the same reason that will lead him to save the town with the help of a few close friends; some closer than others. It becomes a cat and mouse game of epic proportions between Jacob and his friends, and the less than pleasant aliens.

Here is what I thought the book was about judging by the cover. Sexy alien landed on earth, Jacob spots him and sparks fly and its chemistry. Yet there is an obstacle, they are from different species and it would not work and all that. That’s what I thought; I have no idea where those thoughts came from, because the blurb doesn’t even move along those lines (lol). I guess it’s a good thing that it went into a completely different direction because the book is quite unique. I read about tentacles, but they weren’t even used for fun.

It’s a fun read, a little on the over the top side, mixed in with ‘that shit would never happen’. A massive amount of eye rolls, and sometimes a few unnecessary scenes, but what can I say doing all that might have been pure genius. I could not stop reading, and just wanted to know what kinda crazy thing Jacob would say, do, or think.  I honestly look forward to reading the rest in the series, because it’s just never a dull moment in Pembroke Eve.

4 Pants Off

 Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

SideNote-Looking for tentacles fun? Check out my review here for Tentacles for the Brides Bouquet. Was a free online fiction but I think it got picked up to be published. So watch out for it.

Blood, Sex, Vampires, Wolves And Everything In-Between

Bound by Blood (Soul Mates 1) by Jourdan Lane
Torquere Press

Paranormal Roamnce/Vampire

Novel

4 out of 5

Blurb:
Houston nightclub Rave is famous for nearly-naked male dancers and beautiful bartenders, like Peter, a young man with a strict rule about one-night stands. He breaks that rule for Lucien, the owner of The Den, a rival gay nightclub where there are no boundaries, no taboos. Anything goes at The Den, including vampires.

When Peter finds out about Lucien's vampire nature, he figures he should have stuck to his rule, because Lucien pulls him into a dark world of vampires, werewolves and feuding in-laws. No one approves of the human vampire match, and Peter and Lucien have to struggle to stay together. Can they beat the forces that will try to tear them apart forever?

Review:
Warning: This book contains multiple partners, the best uses of blood. Some awesome human/vamp loving mixed in with a wolf. Nipple piercings, a Prince Albert, and leather.
 
This book was a trip, never expected it to be this awesmazing; but it was. Over 300 pages of vamp sex goodness and all that is in-between. It was action packed, sweet, and incredibly take your pants off sexy. The epidemy of what is vampire, the blood, the sultriness. Just a freaking enjoyable read that I had to gobble it up.

We meet Peter a bartender at a club. Has a best friend by the name of Jack who he occasionally gets naked with, but the friendship is strong people, cus sex between them is just sex. It seems that vampires exist in Peter’s world and he is terrified of them, due to an incident at a club he once visited. Therefore, he is very wary of them. There is man who comes dancing at the club that he works at, and he cant take his eyes off him. To say he’s attracted is an understatement, but life has ways of fucking with you, and the guy Peter wants like nobody’s business is a vampire.

Lucien is a master vampire, with his own coven to run, but he see’s and wants Peter. Peter is scared of vampires, and Lucien is unable to change who he is. The attraction is mutual but there can be no relationship until Peter lets go and accepts that they aren’t the monsters he thinks they are, he just happened to witness that one bad thing. Lucien pursues him, and with a series of lows, he finally lands Peter.

Peter is thrown into a world of vampires, wolves, and sex. As Lucien’s chosen mate, he is instantly upped on the status bar.  Seems that when you are up, something is always trying to pull you down. Peter has to prove he is able to stand by Lucien and all that his power entails. Also means he has to have sex with everyone who lives in Lucien’s home, and I aint complaining not one damn bit.

This book is sex with a plot, or should I say porn (nope), that offers up great little twist and turns. And Lucien and Peter are quite entertaining with all their bed partners, and the way they constantly bicker at each other. Lucien is the uber scary but sweet master vampire, and Peter is his feisty little bonded mate. Together they just fit and it makes the book work. It’s the perfect gay vampire novel.

The use of sex and blood was just done perfectly, and never felt like too much. It’s like a throw back to what vampires use to be about, sex, lust and violence. It reminds me of Interview With the Vampire, if Lestat had bent that other guy over and all his other vamp friends (the dreams). I really enjoyed it and look forward to the rest in the series. Something about all that blood (used in sexy ways) and sex, I am just really feeling right now. Enjoyed every page, and every man that was in Peter and Lucien’s bed and I was kinda hoping the author would have added a few more, there was teasing but it wasn’t delivered. Book 2 will hopefully create the awesome five, Peter, Lucien, Caleb, Xander, Christopher awe bloody hell I could go on all day.

4 Pants Off

 Go Ahead Take Those Pants Off

Counterpoint

Counterpoint (Song of the Fallen,  #1) by Rachel Haimowitz
Guiltless Pleasure

Novel

5 out of 5

Blurb:
It is the twilight of mankind. Depleted by generations of war with a dark race, the human kingdoms and their ancient alliance stand on the brink of extinction. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.

Elfkind, estranged by past crimes, watches and waits for nature to run its course.

And then the two collide.

Ayden's life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. When he's captured in battle, he must for his sister's sake swallow his pride and endure slavery in the service of a human prince. To his dismay, this close-up view of his enemy is nothing like he expected. Now curiosity and contempt make a battlefield of his soul, even as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered worldview.

Freyrik Farr, Crown Prince of Farr Province, finds his new elven prisoner puzzling. He's always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. Can his life of service to his people leave room for this attraction? Dancing on a dagger's edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.

Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance -- and their love

Review:

Counterpoint is one of those epic love stories, that completely engages the reader and makes you fall in love. I was completely caught up in the characters, and the world created. I will say honestly that I wanted to read this book, because the cover is just so impressive. It drew my eye, and it turned out that this book is more than just a pretty cover (pffft, pretty cover, more like a sexy cover).

This book as I said before is epic, epic fantasy that is. Its pure fiction, from the war with the ferals; to its hatred between men and elves. It can also be described as historical, without actually being historic. From the horses, lands armour and fighting soldiers. It offers up all the things I like in my historical romance, but with a great twist, and an elf that just makes me happy. It is a book for all my fantasy lovers, and those looking for a book with romance, that was a progression and did not happen in like 20 pages into the book.

Ayden is an eight-hundred year old elf. Watching a war play out between humans, and feral beasts. Feral beasts are animals that have been taken over by some form of darkness, and changed them into beasts. Their intent is to destroy, and their targets are humans. Ayden feels no love for the humans, he thinks them beasts also, arrogant, and stupid, and they share the land has enemies. The elves on their side, and the humans in their own little world. Until his sister enters human territory, and he has no choice but to go in and save her, when humans soldier are hot on her trail. He fights to protect his sister, but loses the battle and is captured, him and his sister both.

Acting King, Freyric is up to his ears in politics and war, he is prince but his brother crowned king is away due to the war with the ferals. That leaves Freyric to the responsibilities of life at court. When word gets to him about the capture of elves, one of the elves slaying sixteen of his men, his job is to lay out punishment. That becomes hard when his eyes land on the beautiful and battered Ayden. The stirrings of lust rushes forth, but Freyric is feeling something else, and makes Ayden his personal slave. This leads to a passionate story about a man fighting to save his people, and an elf warrior fighting to save his sister and leave the human world. What they never expected was to fall in love.

I thought this book was gonna be one of those stories, where the captured falls in love with his evil and domineering master. Forced to succumb to his lust, but eventually starting to care for the man. I was in for a treat, Miss Haimowitz manages the progression of feelings so beautifully. Here is a Freyric a man of power, who can take what he wants from Ayden, yet he was always such a gentleman. Never perfect, not always gentle but his attitude and apparent feelings for the elf was one of the reasons why this book was so enjoyable.

A friendship is formed wrapped in powerful emotions, and it’s through this, man and elf found a bond. Freyric must convince Ayden to help with the war, but Ayden cares nothing for humans and they care nothing for him. The people of Farr would love to see Ayden suffer, but their prince protects him and this very reason is causing suspicion of Freyric. Therefore, it becomes a story of sacrifice, what man/elf is willing to give up in the name of love. Will Freyric risk the love and respect from his people, and will Ayden throw out pride and sacrifice himself all in the name of love.

This book is for fans of true romance, who enjoy a good plot, and smart and witty characters. I am a fan, because I fell in love with Ayden’s humour and his strong spirit. I love Freyric’s loyalty and his compassion; he is just a “wow” of a character. I loved that sex played a secondary role to the story, and its characters. I loved the sexual tension. I loved the world building. I freaking loved it all. I recommend this read in a big way (BIG WAY).

 
I look forward to the second, because this book ended with my heart in my throat.

5 Pants Off

"Go Ahead Take Those Pants OFF"

Reviewed for Three Dollar Bill Reviews

Sudden Bliss

Men of Tokyo: Sudden Bliss by Sedonia Guillone
Total-E-Bound

Novel

3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
Desperately in need of a vacation, Koji spends the most deliciously erotic week of his life at the White Tiger, a luxurious love-hotel for gay men. Naoto, his personal attendant, is everything Koji has ever fantasised about: muscular, long-haired, ruggedly handsome, gentle yet commanding. Naoto is a White Tiger, after all, trained in the erotic arts, knowlegeable in every way to bring a man to bliss.

Naoto’s appreciative eye sees the honourable and sexy man Koji-san is under the work-driven shell. Little by little, his massages and more coax the real man, the passionate, artistic, sex-loving Koji, to the surface. Yet, the more time Naoto spends with Koji, the more he finds his own soul craving a partner again, the one thing he thought he’d never find after his lover was killed three years ago. He’s not sure he’s ready to get that close again. And even if he were ready, it doesn’t mean that Koji wants the same thing. In fact, Koji once mentioned that he was supposed to get married. Yet, when an agonising secret from Naoto’s past is revealed to him, Naoto wants only to turn to Koji.

When Naoto comes to him for help, Koji is suddenly faced with a harrowing decision: remain in his work-driven, soul-killing world or follow the path his body and heart have really chosen for him? And he must choose – for in a world where passion and spirit find union, there is no in between.


Review:
This was another book shelved as 'Can't wait to read and lose my pants'. This book had me at Men of Tokyo. I was like "what! Japanese men in a whole series" I had to begin, thus it seems that every book in my lose pants shelf is cursed, because I hardly lose my pants at all.

Koji is a workaholic, stressed beyond measure and is slowly making his way into a deep depression. Work is his solitude and keeps his mind off his less than spectacular life. He is slowly deteriorating and everyone is taking notice. When his boss demands he take a vacation, Koji gets seriously close to having a nervous breakdown, and to avoid embarrassment he leaves his place of work gracefully. Convincing his boss that he will take a vacation but it will be the hotel of his choice, and what a choice it is.

The White Tiger is notorious for its service and the pleasure you will receive from its staff. Koji is feeling like a fish out of water, and his attendant is all his fantasies personified. Naoto is to take care of Koji, the fragile looking man looks lost and in need of some serious TLC (tender loving care). It’s up to Naoto to soothe Koji and unleash the sexy and beautiful man that he is on the inside. It was supposed to be a week of rest for Koji, and just a job for Naoto but both men get more than they bargained for.

I must say I really liked the book even though I was slightly disappointed. It has the sweet sexiness that I really enjoyed, but there was just one scene that threw me out of the book completely, definately my “WTF” moment. I liked Koji and Naoto together they both have a very sad history, but I could not love them. After a very captivating beginning, the book sorta fizzled for me later on. I think it was just longer than it needed to be.

Overall, I nice read and will continue the series cus I am a sucker for all things Japanese. The other characters are intriguing enough for me to continue. Moreover, I still have a lot to learn when it comes to the erotic arts that is White Tiger.

3 1/2 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