Review ~ Long Shots: Books 1-3 Buy Christine d'Abo

Long Shots: Books 1-3

By Christine d'Abo

4 out of 5 Stars

Welcome to Pulled Long café, where the coffee is hot, and the sex is hotter! Meet your hosts:

Sadie Long has been lusting after her friend Paul for years, and when she visits him at Mavericks, the sex club where he works, she's suddenly fantasizing about being with Paul and his sexy boss Josh—at the same time.

Paige Long can't help but be attracted to gorgeous firefighter Carter, especially once she learns he's a Dom. But can she trust in her own desires and submit to happiness?

Ian Long doesn't want to be the rebound guy for a brokenhearted man—even after a little exhibitionist play with Jeff satisfies desires he didn't even know he had...

ARC provided by Carina Press via Netgalley

What a hot collection of short stories!

Double Shot features Sadie Long.  She's the middle child of the Long siblings and the cook of their coffee shop/catering business.  She's known her friend Paul for 10 years, having first met him when he was dating her best friend.  Ten years is a long time to lust after someone always out of reach.  All that changes when he hires her to cater a special party over at the sex club Maverick's.  She agrees soon after hearing his proposal and meeting the owner of Maverick's, Josh.  With Paul's parting question asking her what her fantasies are, she gets busy getting everything ready and fantasizing about not only Paul, but Josh too.

This is a hot little M/F/M number that involves self discovery and not limiting ones inhibitions.  It was steamy yet had a great plot at the same time.  It had everything I like in an erotica short.  This one rates a B.

A Shot in the Dark features the eldest of the Long siblings Paige.  Jaded from a bad relationship years prior, she's been out of the game and losing herself more and more each day.  She's runs the business end of Long Pulled and feels the strain of long hours and no social life.  While working late one night, a group comes in that is clearly dressed for an evening of fun and excitement at Maverick's.  Towering over the other group is Carter.  Oh, he's smooth.  Seriously smooth.  He's a quiet and intimidating Dom but once he sees her hesitancy, he backs off.  

Soon they meet up and their story unravels.  I liked Paige.  She has had it rough and it's not easy for her to trust.  But she's willing to try in order to heal herself.  Carter is dominant, yes, but sweet and gentle.  The D/s sex scenes were well done and highly creative. ;)  Paige's ex returns on the scene taking this new relationship with Carter to a whole new level.  This one rates an A.

Pulled Long features the youngest sibling, Ian, the coffee connoisseur for Pulled Long.  Having come out of the closet as a teen. he's had nothing but trouble in relationships.  Enter "blue eyes" who has been coming in almost daily for coffee now for about 8 months or so.  They have a definite connection but have kept their flirting to just that, flirting for fun.  But all of that stops when Ian learns that Jeff was married.   It's hard for Ian to get passed that.  He's had his experiences before with men questioning their own sexuality and wants no part of it.  But at midnight one night, Ian sees Jeff across the street in the rain and lets him in.

Things move at a great pace from there.  Jeff and Ian are hot together.  They have great chemistry and a voyeuristic side that comes out when they visit Maverick's one night.  Soon we find it's not Jeff that has issues that he needs to get passed.  He wants to be out in the open.  He's not trying to hide anything anymore and really likes Ian.  It's Ian that has personal demons that he has to get passed.  This was a great story of self discovery and letting love prevail.

Overall:  This short story bundle is great!  As far as erotica goes, it covers many different areas of kink.  We have M/F/M, D/s, M/M, sex clubs, whips and paddles...  But also happy ending without being to sappy.  This was a great find!  Up next in the Long Shots series is Calling the Shots finally featuring more of the sexy owner of Maverick's, Josh and I can't wait to start reading it! 

Long Shots bundle available at Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

Review ~ The Gravedigger's Brawl by Abigail Roux

The Gravedigger's Brawl

By Abigail Roux

5 out of 5 STARS

When the past comes back to haunt you, order a double.

Dr. Wyatt Case is never happier than when he’s walking the 

halls of his history museum. Playing wingman for his best friend at Gravedigger’s Tavern throws him way out of his comfort zone, but not as much as the eccentric man behind the bar, Ash Lucroix.

Ash is everything Wyatt doesn't understand: exuberant, quirky, and elbow deep in a Gaslight lifestyle that weaves history into everyday life. He coordinates his suspenders with his tongue rings. Within hours, Wyatt and Ash are hooked.

But strange things are afoot at Gravedigger’s, and after a knock to the head, Ash starts seeing things that can’t be explained by old appliances or faulty wiring. Soon everyone at Gravedigger’s is wondering if they’re seeing ghosts, or just going crazy. The answer to that question could end more than just Wyatt and Ash’s fragile relationship—it might also end their lives.

 

What do suspenders, tongue piercings, history museums, ghosts and taverns have in common?  All combined, they make a great freaking book!

Wyatt is the head curator at a history museum.  Having just finished construction on a new wing, the museum needs a fantastic new exhibit to bring in the masses.  Can you say stress?  Luckily, one of the fellow historians at the museum is his best friend.  Noah helps Wyatt get his mind off of things, even if Noah does have ulterior motives.

Enter The Garvedigger's Tavern.  Out to lunch, Noah can't help but introduce Wyatt to one of the bartenders.  Ash is decked out in his "gaslight" glory...  Trousers, suspenders, slicked back hair and a tongue ring with ever changing jewelry complete his look.  He's cheeky and has a knack for flair bartending.  I must admit, I fell for him immediately and it's no wonder that he intrigues Wyatt so much.

They have a rocky start but soon are spending quite a lot of time together.  Inspired by the ghost tours that hit up The Gravedigger's Tavern in the fan district, Wyatt starts researching the history of the fan district and a certain house specifically.  He's well on his way to to setting up the new exhibit when trouble strikes.

This book was fantastic!  We have humor, romance and sexy men.  What more could I ask for?  Oh yeah, to be creeped out!  I like a good spooky story!  This is a work of fiction but certain storylines are inspired by true, gruesome events like the LaLauries of New Orleans.  All combined I LOVED this book!  The pace is quick, the cast of characters quirky.  I enjoyed Noah and Caleb a lot!  Even Delilah and Ryan are fun to read about.  

I HIGHLY recommend this!  Get your copy today!

Available now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Riptide Publishing 

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley

Review ~ Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony

Men of Smithfiled: Mark and Tony

By L.B. Gregg

4 out of 5 STARS

Coming home from work to find my boyfriend banging our hairy, married landlord -- in our bed -- was bad enough. Discovering Jamie had also cleaned out my bank accounts made it officially the worst day of my life. I think I can be forgiven for wanting revenge, even if a few little laws (and possibly Jamie's nose) got bent in the process.

Fortunately, the law is on my side in the form of my oldest friend, Tony Gervase. I've tried to deny my attraction to the sexy trooper for years. After all, he made it clear long ago that he wasn't interested in me that way. But if the hot encounter in his kitchen is any indication, he is now. At least the day is ending a whole lot better than it began...

But the morning after, the Jamie situation goes from bad to seriously messed up. The jerk's in more trouble than I could have imagined. And as it turns out, I don't know Tony as well as I thought I did either...

 

ARC provided by Carina Press

Published August 6th, 2012

Coming in at about 36,000 words, this short story has a lot going for it.

The very first chapter in this book was surprising and I was eager to continue.  Having been betrayed, Mark confronts Jamie in the unlikeliest of places and all hell breaks loose.  Seriously, this book for being so short, has a fast pace and great writing.

Mark is back in contact with Tony, his friend from years ago, with all the craziness happening between him and Jamie.  Jamie has completely changed, not resembling the man Mark thought he knew, so he turns to Tony for help.  Tony is law enforcement and a sexy alpha at that.

This was a great little story with mystery and intrigue, some great one liners and a satisfying ending.  I really enjoyed Mark and Tony.  They were hot together.  Smoldering.  And I was highly entertained!

Looking for some hot M/M action with a great plot?  Give this a try today!
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Review ~ Frat Boy and Toppy

Frat Boy and Toppy

By Anne Tenino

4 out of 5 STARS

Brad is great at meeting other people's expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother's hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. He hasn't quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn't seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice.

Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad's been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely-hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more-dare he admit the "L" word?-Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn't feel the same. Unless, of course, he does. After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing

Available now at Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble 

This novel, at just under 200 pages, was a heartfelt story of an early 20's college student coming-out.  Brad has been in denial for quite some time.  But lately, he's been having frequent dreams and conscious thoughts that leave no doubt that he's gay.  Trouble is?  He's a macho jock in a fraternity with the reputation as a ladies man.  

Enter Sebastian, the TA in his history class.  Brad has been fantasizing for weeks about him.   After trying to get Sebastian's attention in history class, he takes it to the next level when he confronts him at a kegger.  He was quite shy about it, not knowing the right way to show Sebastian his true intentions.  But from here we watch as their relationship grows while at the same time Brad is deciding how to come-out to his frat brothers.

Though this book does contain some HOT M/M scenes, it really is a heartwarming story.   He comes to terms with his new found realization and his ever growing affection for Sebastian.  I guess this is labeled a romantic comedy but I really hate that phrase.  There's a funny scene where Brad is explaining some really graphic things to his very hetero friend, it was hilarious!  I highly recommend this if your looking for a quick, uplifting afternoon read!

Review ~ The Druid Stone

The Druid Stone

By Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

3 out of 5 STARS

Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either.

After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help.

Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time.

The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history—and their own dark pasts—they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

ARC provided by Carina Press

Available now at Amazon 

This was a hot M/M story that includes Celtic Mythology.  Sean is of mixed heritage.  Cuban and Irish.  But he doesn't really interact with the Irish side of the family except for a cousin.  He's been plagued by a reoccurring nightmare.  Trying to get help, he has emailed and written to a Druid in Ireland by the name of Cormac Kelly.  Cormac thinking Sean is just another American trying to get in touch with his Irish roots, throws the letters away and deletes the emails without ever reading them.

Sean is desperate.  He ends up using up most of his savings in order to travel to Ireland to get answers.  Once at Cormac's place, he gets an idea of what Cormac is about, sexually.  Doesn't bother Sean.  He doesn't seem to swing that way but has no problems with it being thrust in his face.

Well Cormac can be an ass.  Without truly believing Sean, he says good riddance and sends him on his way.  Sean starts wondering the village and surrounding area and gets into trouble.  

This start the journey of a now helpful Cormac and Sean as they try to get answers and see the best way to fix this problem.

The attraction between the two is slow at first.  But HOT!   I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of this book.  It was fast paced, great character growth, interesting plot.  I totally got lost the last half.  So much happens that I could not really keep up.  It was one thing after another and left me confused.  At one point, I had to skim.  I hate doing that.  But, with all that said, I did still enjoy it.  It just dropped from 4 stars to 3 though due to the confusion.  

This book was hot though.  I like a good M/M thrown into the mix and this fit the bill nicely.  Hot guys, hot sex, a satisfying ending...  The only thing I didn't care for was that all the action at the end confused the bejeesus out of me.  But other readers may not have that problem.  I haven't read many books that deal with Celtic mythology so that may have stumped me.  But I would definitely recommend it!  

Want a hot quote?

"Tell me to stop," he growled into the hollow of Sean's throat, tasting the smoke, and he didn't know whether he was daring Sean or begging him.  One of his hands twisted rough fingers into the fabric of Sean's shirt, the other skimming down the flat planes of his chest ad stomach to cover the shape of his cock trapped under his fly, and -fuck- yes, he was hard too.

Review ~ Good Bones

Good Bones

By Kim Fielding

3 of 5 STARS

Skinny, quiet hipster Dylan Warner was the kind of guy other men barely glanced at until an evening’s indiscretion with a handsome stranger turned him into a werewolf. Now, despite a slightly hairy handicap, he just wants to live an ordinary—if lonely—life as an architect. He tries to keep his wild impulses in check, but after one too many close calls, Dylan gives up his urban life and moves to the country, where he will be less likely to harm someone else. His new home is a dilapidated but promising house that comes with a former Christmas tree farm and a solitary neighbor: sexy, rustic Chris Nock.

Dylan hires Chris to help him renovate the farmhouse and quickly discovers his assumptions about his neighbor are inaccurate—and that he’d very much like Chris to become a permanent fixture in his life as well as his home. Between proving himself to his boss, coping with the seductive lure of his dangerous ex-lover, and his limited romantic experience, Dylan finds it hard enough to express himself—how can he bring up his monthly urge to howl at the moon?

(via Goodreads)

This ARC was provided from Netgalley and is about a 200 page PDF that I found to be a very entertaining, quick read.  This is homoerotic paranormal so I give you fair warning: it can get graphic but it is beautifully done and the characters have an endearing relationship.  The writing is well done and I love all the architectural elements mentioned.

Dylan Warner is an architect who just happens to turn furry once a month.  This story centers on his life as he comes to terms with his werewolf side and protecting those around him when it's that time of the month.

The Dylan we are first introduced to is an architect who designs safe yet beautiful homes, retreating to the solidarity of his house after the daily grind.  He's lonely, has a bitter view of relationships after his last one left him with life altering consequences and just has a boring/mundane life that can get pretty anxious if he doesn't get home and locked up in time on the nights of the full moon.

He has a very supportive brother and sister-in-law who give him the idea that maybe moving out of the city and commuting to work as needed might make him more comfortable.  This gives him the chance to change without fear that he will hurt anybody.  It's a great idea and soon he has a new place and a new neighbor.

Chris, his neighbor, gives off the impression that he is an uneducated hick but soon we see he is a man of many talents.  He starts working for Dylan to help remodel his house and things move somewhat quickly from there.

This really is more of an unconventional love story that only barely focuses on the supernatural element.  We see Dylan grow-up emotionally and learn to let someone in, if only a little at a time.  It's about being honest.  Not only with your partner, but being honest with yourself, to trust that things will be OK.