Transgression by Theo Fenraven ~Reviewed by Jodi

 

Title: Transgression

Author: Theo Fenraven

Publisher: Voodoo Lily Press

Rated:  4.5/5 Hearts (rounded up to 5) 

The Blurb:

Zachary Fox can’t sleep. 

His acting career is taking off. Public recognition is picking up. Now more than ever, he understands how key reputation is to his success. But his relationship with his co-star, Kris—arranged around publicity rather than genuine feelings—is suffocating him. She once understood his needs, but her demands are beginning to grate with every shrill order she gives. 

Zach has a secret. The breakout star of a new medical series, he’s been hiding his orientation from co-stars, friends and family, the studio, and his fans. 

On the recommendation of a friend, Zach seeks out Sky Kelly, a well-connected herbalist whose concoctions are natural magic, as is her stunning beauty. On the surface, she has it all: her own house, a thriving business, and good friends, but the things she had to do to get there are a time bomb ticking away, and when it goes off, she'll be teetering on the edge of a chasm that can put her right back where she started. 

Sky has secrets. Like, she’s got a Y chromosome and the original equipment to go with it. Like being a highly paid escort. Like, if Zach is seen with her in public, it could ruin his career. Like someone becoming so obsessed with Sky, that obsession threatens them both. 

Secrets... everyone is hiding something, and instead of finding The One, it could be The End. 

Review:

To violate a law. To violate a command. To violate a moral code. To offend. To sin. To transgress.

After reading the blurb for Transgression, I was intrigued by the premise of the book, although it is not a genre of romance that typically interests me. However, once I started reading, thinking about categories and genres was no longer important. Theo Fenraven is a masterful wordsmith and storyteller. He had me hooked in the first chapter of the book.

To say Transgression is a love story would be remiss. Ultimately this is a tale of love, courage and acceptance. Although it is a HEA romance, the book is wrought with fear, hate, loneliness and tragedy. To the public, the characters in this book seem self-assured and confident, but behind the facades, they are scared, lonely, distrustful and self-loathing. Within the pages of Transgression, Fenraven takes on a rather lofty goal of depicting transphobia, homophobia and egomania and their deleterious consequences.

Fenraven’s ability to draw the reader into this tale teeming with deceptions and self-loathing is impressive. Both Sky and Zach are endearing characters, and although not all of the minor characters in the book are fully developed, it is the appearance of those characters that gives depth to Sky and Zach. When Zach’s best friend, Ricky declares “I can keep secrets … Everyone has secrets, right,” it is obvious that the minor characters will be vital in the story.

Sky is an awesome character. There are several passages that embed the reader in Sky’s world. Without giving too much of her character away, there are two passages that stand out:

“The penis: it was the symbol for everything wrong in her life, every door closed in her face, every job she didn’t get, every man who thought her an abomination and every woman who spurned her friendship.”

“It was ridiculous to think she could live anything like a normal life with someone. But she didn’t want to let go of the dream. Without it, what did she have?”

            The weakest point of this book would be that some of the points and minor characters need more development. There are a lot of themes and characters for such a short book. Although I loved Zach and his easy acceptance of Sky, some areas of the story would be stronger with more development. That being said, Fenraven does not stray from realism in this novel.  Zach has spent a lifetime hiding who he is, and when the truth comes out, the results are not pretty.

As a devout fan of m/m romance, reading about trans* people is not my usually book of choice. After all, Sky, although physically and genetically male, is indeed a woman. But the complexity of the character roles and their inner turmoil is what makes this a great read. Fenraven had me smiling as well as crying at points in this book. I highly recommend it.

 

Buy Links:

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Review: Safeword by AJ Rose

Title: Safeword

Author: AJ Rose

Publisher: Voodoo Lily Press

Rating: 5/5 hearts 

Blurb: 

Everywhere Detective Gavin DeGrassi looks he’s reminded of his attack by the Breath Play Killer. It’s in the house he lives in with his partner and Dom, Ben Haverson. It’s in the sympathetic yet pitying looks he receives from his fellow detectives when he returns to the force after a year-long hiatus. It’s in the suffocating coddling of his entire family, and the relentless reporter demanding an exclusive of his ordeal.

Most of all, it’s in his lack of submission to Ben, who isn’t convinced Gavin’s recovered enough to trust the power exchange between them.

The miraculous recovery of two teen boys from a twisted kidnapper gives him heart, and Gavin's determined to prove he can handle anything despite increasing strain between him and Ben, painful nightmares, and panic when anyone touches him.

But his next case is too close for comfort: a friend and colleague found raped and murdered in a fate chillingly similar to what could have been his own, and this killer isn’t stopping with one cop. As the body count rises and taunting souvenirs are being hand-delivered to Gavin, he faces a frustrating lack of leads, a crushing need to prove himself, and a sinking suspicion the imprisoned kidnapper’s reach is further than originally thought. A miasma of uncertainty and fear threaten to suffocate him when he asks a question with which he’s overwhelmingly familiar: what happens when a victim is pushed too far?

Review:

Whew! Talk about a follow-up novel! It's an intense ride the whole way through. I was literally on the edge of my seat until the end of the book. This is one of those novels that I knew was going to either be awesome, or fall flat because I loved the first one so much. AJ Rose pulled it off superbly. 

Gavin and Ben are obviously struggling with their inner and outer demons in the aftermath of Power Exchange. Then add in the pressures of job and family, and you have way too much heaped on an already overwhelmed couple. I was holding my breath about halfway through waiting for them to get kicked in the teeth. 

I think AJ dealt with the very intense trauma to his characters very well. I don't think that it was accelerated, and I felt like his characters were ready as he moved them forward. I liked how as a newcomer to BDSM in the first novel, everything was very well explained from the standpoint of someone new to the scene. I also really loved that in the second novel that wasn't repeated. It's already an understood fact. 

Honestly this was everything that a follow-up novel should be. I couldn't have asked for a better put together story that really built upon the lives of Gavin and Ben. I also loved the supporting characters. I just felt really attached to the story and was sad to see it end. Is there a third novel in the works AJ?  I'd love to find out what happens to Gavin and Ben down the road. 

I know you all want to know the gist of the novel, but really if I start talking about it, I will spill all the secrets that you should really just read for yourself. 

So if you want to pick up the sequel to Power Exchange, Safeword, then head over to 

Amazon

or

ARE

You certainly won't regret it. It's an amazing read! 

Review: The Sky is Dead by Sue Brown

Title: The Sky is Dead
Author: Sue Brown
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Rated: 5/5 hearts 

Blurb: 

Danny is young, gay, and homeless. He lives in the park, preferring to avoid attention, but when thugs confront a stranger, Danny rushes to his rescue. He and the would-be victim, Harry, form a cautious friendship that deepens months later, when Harry persuades Danny to visit his home. Daring to believe he has found happiness, Danny finds his world turned upside down yet again when tragedy strikes.

Until he runs out of options, Danny won’t trust anyone. Finally he has to accept the offer of a home, and Danny becomes David, but adjusting to a new life isn't easy. When he meets the mysterious Jack, it stirs up feelings he thought were long gone. Can David dare to allow himself to love? Or will the truth bring his new world tumbling down around him?

Review: 

The fact is that life for many gay teens is less than ideal. I'm not sure what the statistics are in the UK (where this book was set) but here in the US, up to 40 % of homeless youth identify as LGBT and 7/10 of those youths cite family rejection as the reason for their homeless state. 62% of LGBT homeless youths attempt suicide. Do those numbers frighten you? They do me. 

Homelessness doesn't sound romantic to me. It's a tragic circumstance that many people either find themselves in or choose. So I bought this book with some trepidation. Because I know what young people often have to do to stay alive on the streets. 

Sue Brown tackles this subject with a fearlessness that at times took my breath away. She didn't sugar coat the conditions, or some of the circumstances that such a kid might find themselves it. Danny's trust issues aren't any surprise given the life he'd been handed. He had to fight for everything that he'd gotten, until he met Harry. A kid that had a huge heart, and together they began forming a happiness of sorts. Then the unthinkable happens and Harry slips out of Danny's life. 

When circumstances back Danny into a corner, he find himself forced to take a helping hand and he begins a new life, as David. Enter Jack... There are some definite plot twists in there that you really just have to read about. This is an amazing story about a young man's determination to live despite the odds stacked against him. It's a story about how love can find us in the strangest circumstances. It's also a story about how a few people can make a huge difference, even if it's only one person at a time. 

Sue Brown is a brilliant storyteller. She is always on my to buy list, and hopefully she'll make it onto yours. I would also like to point out that royalties from the sale of this book will be going to the Albert Kennedy Trust. That makes an amazing book even more awesome. :)

If you wish to purchase The Sky is Dead you may do so through

Dreamspinner

Amazon

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Review: Six Ways From Sunday by Mercy Celeste

Title: Six Ways from Sunday

Author: Mercy Celeste

Publisher: Beg For Mercy Press

Rating: 5/5 Hearts

Blurb:

Six Ways from Sunday

Take one NFL tight end, and one Marine, add one week and watch the sparks fly.

Bowen Murphy craved two things, football and Dylan. After high school he had football but he lost Dylan.

Dylan Sunday walked a different path, one laid down before him by his father and his grandfather. Losing Bo one day after discovering they shared more than football wasn't part of the bargain.

Six years of missed connections and finally Dylan is able to come home to the man he left behind. The spectacle of the biggest game in the NFL is only the beginning of one sizzling week. After that time and fate would decide if Bo and Dylan would walk the same path, or if one of them would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:

I have long been a Mercy Celeste fan. I figure that I'll start off with that because she is a phenomenal author in my opinion.  There isn't anything she has out that I didn't enjoy, and Six Ways was no different, except it was. I have a soft spot in my heart for military stories, which is no secret. I also love sports stories, american football in particular. A lot of authors can't quite get them right. Mercy did.

Bowen and Dylan are best friends, and at the end of high school Bo prepares to go to college and play football. He discovers by accident that Dylan enlisted in the Marines. Angry and hurt and scared, Bo takes a chance and kisses Dylan. He never dreamed his best friend would return those hidden feelings. They have one perfect night before life changes forever.

Six years later, they have a week to make up for lost time and begin the countdown to when they can be together forever.

Sweet story right? And then Mercy throws us for a loop. Prepare your tissue boxes because it SHOULD make you cry.. and that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Mercy's characters always seem so real, and I always get attached. This was a book that I was sad to see end. I wasn't quite ready to let go of Dylan and Bowen. So if you want a great read with awesome characters, with a bittersweet twist along the way, you should pick up this book.

You can find it exclusively on

Amazon

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You can find out more about Mercy Celeste and her other works by visiting her blog:

Beg For Mercy

Review: Strength of the Pack by Kendall McKenna

Title: Strength of the Pack (Book 1 in the Tameness of the Wolf series) 

Author: Kendall McKenna

Publisher: MLR Press

Rating: 5/5 Hearts

MUST READ!!!!

Blurb: 

A Marine werewolf and his commander bring legends to life while surviving combat deployment in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Lucas Young doesn't know much about shifters. When Sergeant Noah Hammond is assigned to Lucas' platoon, the Marine Corps' True Alpha werewolf challenges the Lieutenant's authority and his self-control. As Lucas learns to dominate and command Noah, he struggles against a strong attraction and deepening emotional bond. During their combat deployment to Afghanistan, Lucas and Noah begin mirroring legendary partnerships. Their bond and their power grow as they survive dangerous combat and ambushes. When one of them is wounded in battle, they both must embrace the strength of their bond before they lose each other forever

Review:

Where do I start? I met Kendall at GRL in October, and she briefly discussed Strength of the Pack, which I believe was still incomplete at that time. This came up in discussion because I mentioned how much I hate shifter books because I felt that no one really pulled it off well. She then said that she was writing a shifter book and that she thought she fixed most of the areas that bothered me about "typical" shifter novels, and that she thought I would really like it if I gave it a chance. When Strength of the Pack released, I really waffled on whether or not to pick it up straight away, especially because of the price. $8.99 seemed high, but it is 95,000 words, so this is not just a short novella. So I bought it (obviously, I'm writing a review about it), and I read it. This is the part where I bow down to the goddess herself, Kendall McKenna, because she was so right and I was so wrong. 

I like being this kind of wrong though. I finished the book in just under 3 hours. (I am an extremely fast reader, and from what I gather it takes others about 7+ hours to finish. Yes, I'm a freak) I loved it so much, and I was sad to see it end, so I read it a couple more times. I love the chemistry that the two MC's have from the very beginning. And I love how obtuse they both are. The military portions are awesome. Kendall always does well to capture the true spirit of the military, and the Marine Corps in particular. The shifting portion of the novel was unique, fun, and interesting. Lucas and Noah are awesome. I love them. I can't wait to see more in this series. I also loved some of the supporting characters, specifically Tim Madison. 

One of the other things I loved was the depiction of Capt. Stanley. Why you ask? Because there is always at least one. One jerkoff commander and his jerkoff 1st sgt that cause issues. If you have ever been around the military for any real length of time, you know this. I also really loved the symbioses that existed between Lucas and Noah, especially when one of them is injured. It's really cool how that worked out. I honestly can not say enough good things about this novel. I love how Lucas was very conscious of his position despite his rapidly growing feelings for Noah. The sexual tension throughout this book was fantastic. Congratulations, Kendall, You've converted me... Okay, well at least to YOUR books! 

If you would like to purchase Strength of the Pack, You may do so: 

Direct from MLR

Amazon

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If you wish to connect with Kendall, you can check out her website:

Kendall McKenna

or her page on Facebook:

Kendall's Facebook 

Review: The Red King by Rosemary O'Malley

Title: The Red King

Author: Rosemary O'Malley

Rated: 5/5 Hearts (absolute must read!)

Length: approx 326 pages 

Blurb: 

WHAT HE WANTS

The pirate captain known as Ruaidhri lives only for revenge. Tall and lean, with long fiery hair and a corsair's deadly smile, his body still bears the scars of a brutal captivity at the hands of Maarten Jan de Worrt. Once Ruaidhri was a slave, but now he is the Red King, feared and respected across the high seas. Few know his true name. And fewer still know Ruaidhri will use anyone as a pawn in quest for vengeance - even a beautiful, innocent young man.

WHAT HE NEEDS
Raised in a monastery, the Scottish orphan called Andrew is helpless when pirates slay his guardians and clap him in irons. Ruaidhri offers the virgin lad freedom, but only at a terrible price. Andrew must go to Maarten's bed, seduce and kill him. In Ruaidhri's clutches Andrew will receive the training he needs in the art of violence - and lust.

PIRATE AND VIRGIN
The Red King is more legend than mortal. He fights tirelessly and knows no fear. But Andrew's very innocence, his open and honest nature, threatens to unlock the man inside the pirate. Ruaidhri can tempt Andrew, teaching him the forbidden pleasures of a man's touch. But not without awakening a side of himself he long ago gave up for dead...

Warning: this is an erotic m/m romance intended for mature audiences. It contains explicit sexual situations, frank language, dubious consent, torture, and non-graphic descriptions of abuse of a minor.

Review: 

Let me start off by saying.. I don't like historicals almost as a rule, but that's not exactly true. I don't like badly written historicals. I do however love a well-written novel. And come on, who doesn't like pirates, especially good guy sexy red haired pirates? 

I loved this book and all the characters. This author pulled no punches what so ever. She immerses us fully into the complicated and brutal world of Ruaidhri, and she tempts his heart with the sweet, sheltered Andrew. 

Ruaidhri doesn't know much of kindness, as he was brutalized physically, mentally and sexually at his captor's hands. He cannot see past seeking his revenge on the man that took everything from him. He is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in order to achieve his victory.  When he takes Andrew captive he offers the young man an impossible choice, Andrew could achieve his freedom by offering himself to one of the most sadistic men ever and killing him. Innocent Andrew teaches the Red King of love, while he tries to teach Andrew of the joys of the flesh, and the violence the young man will need to survive.  

I picked this book up by chance. I have no idea what possessed me to purchase it, but I'm so glad that I did. After reading it, I was astounded. She took every high seas stereotype and busted it out of the water. This world was carefully crafted, passionate, brutal. Amazing.

This book is definitely not for the squeamish. As I said before, she pulls no punches and her characters SUFFER for her craft. It does contain rape, and sadism. So if you can't handle that, don't read it. But if you are looking for an amazing adventure that is scorching hot, amazingly tender, and heartbreakingly brutal, pick this up! 

You may purchase The Red King through Amazon

You may find Rosemary on 

Facebook

Twitter

Her Blog

Goodreads

Review: Missing by Drake Braxton

Title: Missing

Author: Drake Braxton

Publisher: Seventh Window Publications

Rating: 5/5 Hearts 

Blurb: 

While attending a 20th high school reunion in Alabama, Blain Harrington loses the love of his life in the blink of an eye. He soon realizes that everything is not always as it seems as he sets out on a journey for answers.

What do you do when the world you thought you knew crumbles around you? How do you piece it back together?

Review: 

Holy Crap! What a debut novel! It knocked my socks off. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, the author threw a MAJOR curve ball. This book took me places that I really wasn't ready to go. It showed me demons that I thought I had faced and put long behind me. 

Blaine Harrington attends his high school reunion in small town Alabama, only to have his Brazilian born husband, Manny, go missing. Throughout this absolute nightmare, Blaine turns to alcohol to numb himself and deal with his loss. The grief on the pages was so very very real, as is the guilt that Blaine is dealing with for having betrayed his husband years earlier. When Manny turns up dead, your heart breaks for him. 

Mr. Braxton's characters definitely come to life, and he pulls you into the world that he's crafted for them. You have a deep amount of sympathy for Blaine, and yet you also sympathize with everything that he is putting his friends through in his grief process. His best friend Michael is his rock, unwavering in his support of Blaine, but not willing to give Blaine a free pass either. Grayson, who is battling his own demons, is Blaine's enabler as he struggles to deal with his issues. 

I want to take a time-out here to praise Drake Braxton for "getting it right" Many stories have an alcoholic character. Many have sympathetic ones. But I think, rarely does someone write it so poignantly. It's a demon that doesn't go away overnight, and it often comes back to stay a few times before its kicked for good. It lurks in the background, waiting for those weak moments to occur so it can pounce. As a recovering alcoholic myself, I both loved and cringed at its depiction. 

I also loved the evolution of the friendship between Grayson and Blaine, and the slight side-story of Michael's romance (cough cough, this would make a great story.. just saying) I would love to see more of Grayson and Blain, as well as Michael. This story was complex and so very different from what most people think of as a m/m story. 

So if you like Romantic Thrillers, you should check this book out. 

You can find it on his publishers website (linked above, just click on Seventh Window Publications) 

You can also find it on Amazon: here

If you are interested in following Drake Braxton, You can locate him on twitter @drakebraxton

or on his blog, linked above. 

Review: Power Exchange by AJ Rose

TITLE: Power Exchange
AUTHOR: AJ Rose
PUBLISHER: Voodoo Lily Press
RATED: 5/5 Hearts



blurb:

From the moment Detective Gavin DeGrassi steps into the world of BDSM to solve the brutal slaying of Dom George Kaiser, his course is not his own. Mesmerized by the context in which the victim lived and the images of the lifestyle seared into his soul, Gavin must find a way to navigate these unknown waters. With his personal life in upheaval due to marital trouble, and his professional life uncertain with the assignment of a new partner, Gavin needs all the help he can get understanding the case.

Enter Ben Haverson, a psychologist and a well known Dom. With Ben’s help as a consultant and attention to Gavin’s own murky truths, Gavin delves deeper than he ever thought he would into the world of restraints and paddles. Forced to scrutinize his true nature and his innermost desires, Gavin has a choice: keep the fear of submitting at bay, or dive in and solve the case with the knowledge he gains. When another victim is discovered, Gavin’s choice is made for him, and he’s pulled headlong into the deepest, most emotional journey of his life.

Unfortunately for him and Ben, a killer has noticed, has taken stock, and has set his sights on the D/s pair. Can Gavin outwit him, or will his first exchange of power be his last?

Apparently it is small press/ self publish month here at Smoocher's Voice, AND men's month. Not that I'm complaining. This is the 4th great book I've had the opportunity to review this month. As most of the reviews on this blog are, this came as an author request. I'd never read Mr. Rose's work before, but the cover certainly had me intrigued.

I loved the character Gavin, from the beginning of the book, and loved the way that the relationship builds between him and Ben. I liked that it was obvious that a lot of research went into this book. It was knowledgeable about the BDSM lifestyle. It made it very easy to understand why some people are drawn to it, and why Gavin in particular was.

I was impressed with this novel. BDSM books are a guilty pleasure. I love to read them even when they are somewhat awful. This was a meaty story that was much more than an excuse to write kinky sex. These characters have thoughts and feelings, fears and aspirations. They also have a great capacity to love.

The case of this brutal slaying opened an entirely different world for Gavin, and Ben was there to help him navigate the unfamiliar waters. What starts off as a professional consultation eventually develops into much more. I can't express how much I enjoyed being able to go along for the journey with Gavin and Ben. This type of book isn't for everyone, but I do feel that its a good "starter" book for someone that might perhaps be interested in this genre, but are looking for an actual story and not just sex scene after sex scene.

I really have no complaints about this novel. I also really loved a few other things about the book, but it would totally spoil the end if I told. I look forward to reading future works by Mr. Rose, and seeing more work published by Voodoo Lily Press.

If you want to pick up the novel:

Buy: Power Exchange at Swashwords for $4.99. Available in multiple formats.

Buy: Power Exchange at Amazon for $4.99. Kindle format.

Buy: Power Exchange at All Romance Ebooks for $4.99!

Review: One Boy's Shadow by Ross A. McCoubrey

TITLE: One Boy's Shadow

AUTHOR: Ross A. McCoubrey

PUBLISHER: iUniverse 

Rated: 5/5 Hearts

BLURB: 

Fifteen-year-old Caleb Mackenzie doesn’t put up a fight when his father announces the family is moving to Stapeton, Nova Scotia. In fact, Caleb looks forward to a fresh start in the scenic little area. Their new home, Wakefield House, sports large rooms, a big barn where Caleb can work on cars, and acres of forested land for privacy. But it also has a troubling past. In 1943, a boy who lived in the home vanished.

Caleb hears the stories about what may have occurred so many years ago, but he passes them off as folklore until one day he’s alone in the woods and hears the faintest whisper. Did someone in the distance just call his name? And what about his discovery in the hayloft? Could there be something to those old stories after all?

The initial need to dismiss everything as coincidence becomes a soul-searching journey into the past where Caleb is determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to the missing boy. And in the process, he learns even more about himself and what’s really important.

Set in Nova Scotia, Ross McCoubrey, penned a young adult coming of age tale all wrapped up in a mystery that is decades old. When Caleb's parents decided to purchase Wakefield House, he quickly made friends with Shane, a boy his age that tells him of the home's mysterious past. Shane tells the story of a young man who disappears into the woods, never to be found again. 

Caleb and Shane were fast friends, that grow into more. As they discover their awakening feelings for each other, and they deal with what that means, with their friends, family and each other, they are also searching to find the answers to what happened to young Tobey Everett. 

Throughout the story you really come to know Shane, Caleb, and Tobey. You get to know some of the fears and issues that coming out as a young gay person an be. The fears that the people that love and are for you would turn their backs over something you cannot control. It was a beautifully crafted story, about what's important, about falling in love and about holding on to  the important things. You also find out what hate can do, and how vicious it can be. 

I really can't tell you how much I loved this story. It goes to show that you don't need explicit sex scenes to make a novel (not that I am opposed to those because I like them.. a lot) This is a story I'd recommend to anyone. I'd encourage any teen to read it.


You may purchase the book at:

Amazon 
or at
iUniverse


You can find Ross on Facebook and Twitter. 

Review: Afflicted by Brandon Shire

Title: Afflicted
Author: Brandon Shire
Website: http://www.brandonshire.com
Release date: September 15, 2012  Well, lucky people, Brandon decided to release early, so here is the Amazon link: Purchase Afflicted

Rated: 5/5 hearts  




Blurb:
A high priced male escort and a blind gay man meet by chance. What ensues is a hot, steamy romance by two men looking for something more than a one night stand. But can they reach beyond their own insecurities to grasp what they really desire?


Set in modern day Atlanta, Brandon Shire takes us on a journey of discovery. Hunter is a blind gay man, and he hooks up with high priced escort Dillon in a chance meeting. Never expecting to see Dillon again, Hunter is definitely thinking about him. Out of the blue Dillon shows back up at Hunter's to give him a refund, and it was the start of something wonderful. There is a subplot concerning Hunter's mother, which definitely throws some twists in there.  I love this author's ability to make you connect with the characters and feel what they are feeling. sorrow, loneliness. I loved how he described everything from Hunter's point of view. Being non-sighted, it is a completely different take on how he perceives the world. One of the things I love most about Shire's characters is that they are horribly flawed. These are not nice perfect men just looking for a chance at love. These men have had difficulties, and personality issues, trust issues. They are imperfect heroes all the way through. They don't know how wonderful they are, and they certainly have a hard time believing anyone else finds them wonderful.

I am a huge fan of Mr. Shire's work. (if you've read my review of Listening to Dust, you know that.. if you haven't.. go read it now) When he said he was penning a HEA story, I was worried. I told him I was worried. I shouldn't have been worried. Yes, this is a step out of the box compared to his other work, but its a great book, and definitely worth the read. (Plus the sex scenes are HOT!) I connected with all the characters, I loved his descriptions of places and people... I only have one complaint...  Cliffhanger... if there were not a sequel coming then I definitely would have taken some points off. I am very much looking forward to Afflicted 2.

Now to pick up Afflicted, you'll have to wait until September 15th. In the mean time, go read the excerpt here: 

P.S. When you purchase Mr. Shire's books, 10% goes to help LGBT Youth Charities. Great books AND you are helping a great cause! 

Review: Brothers in Arms by Kendall McKenna *Updated*

*** Notes: this has been updated to reflect the NEW cover by Jared Rackler (who is awesome). It also reflects all new purchase links. 

Updated cover by Jared Rackler:

Old Cover:

Title: Brothers in Arms
Author: Kendall McKenna
Publisher: Silver Publishing 2012 (then Re-released by MLR Press 2013) 

Rating: 

5/5 Hearts. MUST READ!!

Blurb:

Jonah Carver is a Marine and combat veteran. He and his former Captain, Kellan Reynolds, once shared a scorching night, but then lost touch; something Jonah has long regretted. 

When an investigation into government corruption, and the murder of U.S. troops, ends in the killing of a V.I.P. on Jonah's watch, the FBI arrives. With them is Kellan Reynolds. Together once more, Jonah begins to believe in second chances and sparks fly

Nothing is that easy, though, as the suspects will stop at nothing to bring the investigation to an end. Jonah must keep everyone in his charge alive while helping the FBI and Kellan find the proof they need.

When Kellan is kidnapped, Jonah has to find and rescue him. If he doesn't, not only will the investigation unravel, but he'll lose Kellan for a second time--for good.

Review:

Nothing gets me like a well-written military story. My family has served in this country's military since the Revolutionary War, so the military has been a very large part of my existence. We are an all branch family with members serving proudly in all of them except for the coast guard. Poorly researched military stories are a pet peeve of mine, and when I pick up an military book, as much as I want to love it, I always seem to poke holes in it.

That being said. I loved this book. As far as I could tell, the Marine's and particularly RECON is not my area of expertise, this book was extremely well researched. I loved the strong characters. How both of the main characters are strong, and capable, each comfortable in their own strengths. I loved the interaction between all the marines, and their FBI counterparts. Its a great Marine story, and a great love story.

Jonah is a bit of a legend. He's the type of marine that young ones look up to and aspire to be. The kind that they tell stories about. Kellan was formerly Jonah's commander, and now working outside the military, as a consultant. They have a bit of the star-crossed lovers feel to them.. the timing is just never quite right. When circumstances bring them together is seems as though they might finally get that second chance, until Kellan is kidnapped. Jonah must race against the odds get Kellan back and keep the FBI's investigation on track. There is something inherently sexy about Marines, add in RECON to that and whew! Its enough to make anyone hot. Since this is set pre-repeal of DADT, their love is kept in the dark.

My only complaint was more more more! The story captured my interest and the characters captured my heart!

What a great breakout novel by Kendall McKenna. I really look forward to seeing her future work. I can't say that I would mind hearing more from these Marine's either.

So if you love a good military story, with great action in and out of bed. Head over to Amazon, here, and pick up this book. Re-released on Amazon Here.
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You can also find it on Silver Publishing's website here.

You can also purchase it direct from MLR Press here

Review: First Impressions by Christopher Koehler

5/5 Hearts! MUST READ!!

Title: First Impressions

Author: Christopher Koehler

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Blurb:

The first time Henry Hughes and Cameron Jameson meet, it’s an unmitigated disaster. Cameron reminds Henry of all he left behind when he stopped making adult films, and he cruelly rejects Cameron. When Cameron discovers Henry’s porno-thespian past, he assumes he’s dodged a bullet.

But circumstances continue to throw the two together. Though the physical attraction between them grows, they cling to first impressions, even as a slow dance reveals just how good they could be.

Henry finally realizes how wrong he was, but Cameron can’t cope with “sleeping with the enemy.” It will take a confrontation for Cameron to realize just how wrong he’s been, but unfortunately, he may have lost his chance.

Review:


Mr. Koehler brings a contemporary (and gay of course) spin on Pride and Prejudice.  I loved that the book was set in Sacramento, rather then a bigger city, and loved that he threw in a little bit of history here and there. He brought out a wild and zany cast of characters that never failed to entertain.

The main characters Cameron and Henry were perfect for each other and perfectly hard headed all the way through. At times you just wanted to knock their heads together in order to get them to see reason. Seriously though I cannot say enough about Koehler's skill at character building. He brought out all the stereotypes, that may have seemed over-the-top and crazy in another novel, and he not only made it work, he made you love the hell out of it. This book had it all, the promiscuous gay friends, the stable (but at times strange) couple, the overbearing mother, the snotty kid, the social cllimber, and Oh My God the Drag Queens. I love the stage names in the book.

This is definitely worth a read, and a re-read or two. So this definitely gets a 5/5 hearts from me, here at Smoocher's Voice.  Definitely looking forward to more novels by Christopher Koehler.. (cough cough, a sequel would be nice.. just sayin)

If you wish to pick up this great read, you may pick up the Kindle edition at Amazon, here. OR
You can pick up either the paperback or ebook at Dreamspinner, here.


If you wish to check out Christopher Koehler's website, you find it at:

http://christopherkoehler.net