Review: Knight of Wands (Precog in Peril #2) by Theo Fenraven

Title: Knight of Wands (Precog in Peril Book 2)
Author: Theo Fenraven 
Published by: Voodoo Lily Press
Rated: 4.5/5 Hearts

Blurb:
Gray Vecello and Cooper Key are back in the exciting sequel to Three of Swords. Graham’s treasure is only the tip of the iceberg as a thief helps himself to a hidden stash of cash, Jolly Roger makes another appearance, and the guys finally meet others with special abilities when an emergency meeting of the group is called.

Accompanying them on this new adventure is Gray’s cousin, Harper, who’s having problems of her own. Peace and quiet will have to wait as they take another trip downriver on their houseboat, The Constant Companion, before flying to New York City to beard a lion in his den and unexpectedly meet the SOS

Review: 

In this follow up to Three of Swords, Theo takes us back into Grey and Cooper's world. I love the development of the relationship between the two characters. They are really building a solid bond between the as the story goes on. Harper, Grey's cousin, is a fun character, and I hope to see more of her. 

I'm trying to figure out what to say without revealing the plot. (tricksy, Mr. Fenraven) Even though Grey and Cooper eliminated the first round of obstacles, there are more yet to come. Let's see there was a priceless inheritance left to Grey by his grandfather, a thief sent by a powerful man, & an ally who turns to foe. 

Mysterious enough for you? I really liked it, and I sped through the book pretty quickly.. But Cliffhanger! I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, especially when I'm going to have to wait for the next book to come out. 

These characters are well fleshed out, and the mysteries keep you guessing. I enjoyed this book more than the last one simply because I'd already fallen in love with the characters. If you like paranormal and mystery, do yourself a favor and pick up Three of Swords and Knight of Wands. The third book in the trilogy is scheduled to release in January, so you won't have to hang onto that cliff for too long. 

You can purchase the book from:

 Amazon
Smashwords
All Romance Ebooks.

You can find out more about Theo from his 

Blog

Twitter: @fenraven

Goodreads

Review: Velvet by Xavier Axelson

Title: Velvet
Author: Xavier Axelson (http://www.xavieraxelson.com/)
Publisher: Seventh Window Publications
Rating: 4/5 





Blurb: 
The first novel from Xaiver Axelson is set against a backdrop of decadence, privilege, and intrigue. Virago, the royal tailor, makes a discovery that will test the bonds of brotherhood, unravel the forbidden secrets of his heart, and threaten his very existence. 

In a land where cruelty is disguised as allegiance, loyalty is masked by obligation, and the laws of sumptuary govern people, nothing is more dangerous than velvet. 

Review:
This was a pretty solid historical romance novel. I think it could have been a little more polished, but all in all it was an excellent concept. 

Virago, inherits the role of royal tailor  from his father, who was royal tailor to a kind king. Unfortunately for Virago, the king is killed and his son, Duir, takes the throne. Duir was like Virago's brother growing up, but they are boys no longer, and the act of making Duir's coronation garments, out of precious and rare velvet which because of the laws of sumptuary, will test every relationship around them. Duir had never treated Virago's blind brother well, something that never sat well with Virago, although the intense dislike that Duir had toward Silvain was never really explained. So Virago falls for a young musician, Seton new to court, it tears at the threads of brotherhood between Duir and himself, as well as the Lords that had grown up with them.  As Virago's eyes are opened to some of the behaviours that he had been blind to, he changes from the somewhat idealistic boy that he had been into a man that must make decisions that will effect not only himself but everyone he knows. 

Honestly I loved this story BUT it didn't feel finished, and in places it seemed a little rushed. The ending was very open ended as well. I hope to see a sequel to this because I'd like to know what happens once they reach their destination. I'd also love to see the brother's story, or at least know more of it. I loved the characters. Axelson really brought them to life. He also really painted a superb scene. You really felt the emotions and turmoil of the players. I also loved some of the secondary characters (and hated others, but I think I was supposed to) 

All in all I would recommend this book if you like historicals, and maybe even if you don't. 

If you wish to purchase Velvet, you may do so in all the usual places. 

If you wish to purchase it from the publisher, it is linked above, just click on Seventh Window Publications. It's available in mobipocket (.prc) nook/sony (epub) kindle (.mobi) and pdf 

Xavier can be found on twitter @xaviersaxel 

Review: Fifteen Shades of Gay (for Pay) by T. Baggins

Title: Fifteen Shades of Gay (for Pay) 
Author: T. Baggins
Publisher: Voodoo Lily Press
Rating: 4/5 Hearts

Blurb: 

MONEY...
Andrew Reynolds is determined to stay in New York City as long as his sister Marie, a cancer patient, needs him. But despite his good looks and talent, Andrew hasn't managed to find work as an actor. With his bank account empty and his credit cards maxed, Andrew needs money fast. Gay escorts make a nice living, but there's one problem--Andrew isn't gay.

SEX...

Ever since his early teens, when Andrew's father shocked everyone by coming out, Andrew has been uncomfortable around gay men. Pretending to be gay will be the role of a lifetime. From male/male dates to erotic toys, spankings and more extreme play, Andrew must satisfy his clients without revealing his usual tastes.

... AND ROMANCE

Andrew's first date with closeted politician Cormac Donovan ends in disaster. Yet with each successive booking, the attraction between them grows. As Andrew struggles with unexpected new feelings, Cormac puts his senatorial career in danger. And what began as a way for Andrew to earn money becomes a one-way ticket to heartbreak--or lasting love.


Review: 

Where to begin? Awhile back, Theo Fenraven raved about this great new author whose blog I should check out. I did, and I discovered T. Baggins' blog. I also discovered this story, which ran as a serial on her blog. I was very excited to see what changes had been made to the story in book form. 

I was happy to discover there were few changes needed or made.

First off the characters were easy to relate to. I loved Andrew, and his sister. My own sister is currently battling breast cancer, so this really touched me. Her struggle above a very aggressive disease was very well written. I really liked Cormac. His struggle to be gay, republican, and a politician was written in such a way that you are truly sympathetic towards his plight. I really liked all of the characters, even Paresh. 

Andrew made a tough decision so that he could afford to be there for his sister. Becoming an escort helped his pocketbook, but definitely stirred issues for his already confused sexuality. Meeting Cormac, was definitely eye opening, causing him to go further with other clients then he might have been inclined to do before. I think that Cormac taught Andrew a lot about himself, but I think that Paresh also played a large role in getting Andrew where he ended up. 

There are so many different things swirling around in this story, and I loved all of them. I loved the tension and misunderstandings. They really made the book. I would love to read more with these characters. (Paresh's story??) What a fabulous debut novel. I will be looking forward to more from this author and I suggest that you do too!

If you wish to purchase Fifteen Shades of Gay (for Pay), I believe you can do that in all the usual places:

Amazon

All Romance Ebooks

Smashwords

You can find Tee on her blog (linked above) and you can also find her on Facebook and Twitter. :)

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. 

GRL Albuquerque 2012

Albuquerque Scenery photo by author Michael Murphy

If you are reading this blog you probably have either heard of or attended the GRL (Gay Romantic Literature) retreat. It was very neat to meet so many wonderful people, and really the people WERE wonderful. There are always a few of course that you get a less than stellar opinion of, but for the most part that was not the case. I came home with many more books than I had intended, but having a signed book in hand is always very exciting.

Almost all of the authors were just as excited to meet each other and readers as we were to meet them. Everyone, for the most part, was incredibly sweet. I will now expose to everyone just how dorky I am.  I had some seriously major fangirl moments. Like, tongue tied, didn't know what to say, screaming inside fangirl moments. First one was Tj Klune, who is seriously one of the most adorable men I've ever met. Yeah, it took me awhile to get up the nerve to talk to him. 

Scotty Cade and Tj Klune photo by author Michael Murphy

Then there was the super amazing Christopher Koehler, who is as snarky and wonderful in person as he is in online. He actually came up to me, and relieved me of my fangirl nerves. :D

Christopher Koehler during his reading , photo by author Michael Murphy

I met so many others as well that were simply amazing, and far too many to list them all.. but people like J.p. Barnaby, Michael Murphy (a.k.a. Robbie Michaels for his y/a series), Mercy Celeste Deanna Wadsworth, Ellee Hill, Erika Pike, Embry Carlysle, NJ Nielsen, Kendall McKenna, Karenna Colcroft, Shae Conner  among many many many others. This isn't even mentioning other readers.. goodness there were sooo many people there that it was VERY overwhelming. 

And Albuquerque is BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely LOVED it. Seriously, I'm allergic to everything in my state, and it was a novel experience to be able to breathe.. Not to mention the amazing scenery. I really loved the amazing culture, art, and history of the city. I wish I would have had more time to explore. It definitely warrants a return trip someday. 

While in Old Town, my roomie, Elee Hill, stumbled upon the most amazing gallery. Once there we met the handsome Daniel Ramirez and equally gorgeous partner, Jerome. Together they own Studio 13, where Daniel creates the most amazing art, which has won many awards, including what will be " The World's Longest Native American Painting" which showcases mothers and daughters. I can't even tell you how wonderful these men were, and how cool it was to meet them. They thought the reason we were in town was equally cool, as they are a gay and native american. All in all is was an AMAZING experience. :) 

Next year its being held in Atlanta, Georgia, and I'm definitely hoping to be able to go and see old and new friends. I was surprised that my social anxiety didn't rear its ugly head too badly. No panic attacks or freak outs, which is pretty awesome. You might not know it but a year ago, I barely left my house without major major anxiety. Life gets so much better people.

The concept of GRL is unique in that everyone is so open and welcoming that it's a lot like coming home. Meeting online friends was just superb, because even though some people didn't look how maybe they did in my minds eye, their inner selves were just fabulous. I feel like I've made some life-long friendships, and I will always always be grateful for that.

Here is to GRL Atlanta 2013!!

A very HEARTFELT thank you goes, out to Michael Murphy, who let me steal... um share his photos. 

October Randomness.

So, if you are one of the um.. 5 people subscribed to this blog, you may be wondering if I dropped off the face of the earth. The answer to this is NO. I realize that I posted a lot of reviews in September, and none so far in October. Don't worry I have a couple in the works. 

What has been taking most of my time and energy is the fact that I am a single mom, (yeah yeah cry me a river, I'm sure you are thinking) and I have 5 kids, aged 10 and under. Okay so two of the kids are my sisters, but I'm raising them. Not to mention that Day after Tomorrow, I leave to go to Albequerque for the GRL Retreat (Gay Romantic Literature), so don't be surprised to see some photos of some of my favorite authors make a few appearances.. and maybe I can pin one or two of them down for an interview. 

October is an exciting month. I have 2 reviews coming, One is a Non-fiction book, by Zane Michaels about the rise and fall of his gay porn career. I have a lot of love for Zane, so despite it not being what I usually review, I'll be making an exception.. The second review is of a book called Missing by Drake Braxton. Those reviews will likely be posted after I return from Albuquerque. 

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!