Book Spotlight: Fifty Shades of Gay Tentacles by Jacqueline Sweet and Devon March

Fifty Shades of Gay Tentacles
by Jackie Sweet and Devon March
M/M Romance/Erotic/Paranormal

Blurb:

When Penrose Academy student Liam Hardwick interns for reclusive billionaire Derek Slate, he finds a man who is gorgeous, haunted, and demanding. The unprepared, poor Liam is shocked by the attraction he feels to this man. Slate, too, is drawn to innocent Liam despite how their relationship might jeopardize all his plans.

Slate’s world is intoxicating for inexperienced Liam, but the billionaire is keeping secrets from the student. Secrets that torment the wealthy man and could prove dangerous for Liam. How far will Liam follow his dark desires? What is Slate researching in Penrose’s restricted archives? What lies behind the red door? And what is wrong with Derek Slate’s shadow?

Erotic, dark, and funny, Fifty Shades of Gay Tentacles will haunt you and draw you tightly into its world of dark sexuality.

Website with purchase links

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Excerpt

“And if you don’t mind my impertinence, I’d like to take your measurements?” Mister Slate’s voice is absolutely calm as he says this, but his eyes show hunger. I tear my gaze away, afraid that I’ll fall into those shadowy green pools and be swept away.

“Measurements? Are you ordering a coffin for me?” I joke, still not meeting his eyes.

He laughs a bit too long. “Just more appropriate clothes, Mister Hardwick. These books, much like the Christian bible, are specific in what worshippers must wear.” He notices the alarm on my face and smiles a thoroughly disarming smile. “Don’t worry, Mister Hardwick, my tailor isn’t making you robes or a nun’s habit.”

“Well okay then. If there’s a uniform at least I hope it doesn’t involve any silly hats. I spent a summer working at Hot Dog on a Stick and we had to wear these hats that literally were the ugliest things ever.”

He pulls an old, worn, cloth tape measure from his pocket. “Now, if you could please strip down?”

For a moment I consider stalling. But why wouldn’t I want to take my clothes off for him? Maybe he’ll take his off, too, and we can measure each other. My hoodie hits the floor. My shirt goes up over my head and I almost scream because suddenly Sebastian is there, behind Mister Slate like his shadow. The guy has little cat feet. He’s a ninja receptionist.

And he’s holding a camera.

“What’s that for?”

“Don’t worry about the photographs,” Mister Slate says. “My tailor has peculiar methods but his work is worth it. He uses hand measurements for sizing and crafting but the photos will allow him to choose the perfect shade of fabric to match your lovely eyes.”

I blush.

Sebastian openly smirks at me and aims the camera.

Not for the first time that morning I wonder how many young men have been through this with Mister Slate. Am I the third or the thirty-third? What happened to all the others? And if he’s such a recluse, why does he have a tailor on speed dial?

Slate circles around behind me, stands so close that his breath burns the back of my neck. He’s giving off waves of heat like a furnace. My head swims from his presence. And then his arms reach around me and pull the measuring tape tight across my chest and shoulders, restraining me sweetly. My cock jumps in my pants and I realize he’s going to want to measure my inseam and that might be a problem. He holds the tape tautly, squeezing it until his control over me becomes definitive. When he releases the cord a tightness remains, as if the shadow of the cord lingered, binding me to him.

He repeats the actions on my waist, my wrists, my elbows. Each time he squeezes until I feel a measure of control slip away from inside me. Sebastian shoots photos, hovering at the periphery like a ghost. And as the tape falls away the bindings remain. Slate is behind me for the entire process. What does his face show when no one is looking?

The tape measure slips around my neck and all thoughts evaporate like fog before the sun. Slate squeezes it sweetly and my blood slows, my breath quiets. He’s standing so close to me now, his body brushing against my back, making my head swim with his scorching heat. His breath tickles my ear. The cord tightens on my neck and my breathing stops entirely. A groan slips from my lips and I’d be embarrassed if I wasn’t so incredibly, thoroughly turned on. My erection is straining against my jeans painfully. Sebastian gets some great shots of it, I’m sure.”

***

Jacqueline Sweet Author Website

Devon March at Goodreads

Book Spotlight & Giveaway Double Alchemy: Climax by Susan Mac Nicol

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Official Tour Page: 
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Title: Double Alchemy: Climax (Double Alchemy Book #2)
Author: Susan Mac Nicol
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Release Date: 22nd May, 2014
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance
Purchase Link: Boroughs Publishing Group

Powerful modern warlock Quinn Fairmont found ecstasy with the silver-eyed and not-quite-human Cade Mairston, but to know true happiness the pair must best both the shadow of a long-ago lover and an ancient enemy who seeks to destroy love, light and all they hold dear.

A BLINDING LIGHT

It begins with a Book of Shadows discovered by a London coven. The grimoire is as dangerous as it is rare, which is why it evokes modern-day warlock Quinn Fairmont’s desire. He collects objects of great power and beauty—like his lover, Cade Mairston.

Against all odds he and Cade found each other, but their perils have just begun. First is the ex-lover who once held Quinn in thrall. And, someone has been killing warlocks. Could it be one of his own kind? There are those too who would challenge Quinn’s power in their quest to overthrow him as Grand Master. Or is the danger something darker, something invoked inadvertently, rising from the shadows, building from the very inside of a man until it brings an end with a quick flash of light? Of the truth, the surface has only been scratched. Now Quinn and Cade must go deeper and find both answers and an end. They must learn what lurks in the hearts of men…and whether it seeks to love or destroy.

***

Trailer



Excerpt:

WWhen he got home, he smiled as he saw the blind at the front window twitch. The front door opened and a lean, tall frame lounged lazily against the door frame watching Quinn walk up the path. Cade laughed as Quinn bowed low.

“Home safe, my Queen. I promised, didn’t I?”

Cade smiled at him, eyes amused, then drew closer, his eyes narrowed in anger. “What did that she-devil do to your face? Did she scratch you?”

Quinn kissed Cade, his lover’s concern and love for him like a welcome-home present sitting on the hearth. “Valensia got a little irate at something I said but she calmed down and I got out in one piece, virgo intacta.” He grinned wickedly. “I didn’t have to hump anyone but I got the book!” He pulled it out of his jacket pocket with a triumphant flourish.

Cade gawped at him. “She just gave it to you? What did you have to promise her to get it?” He frowned. “No, don’t tell me. I’ll probably get all upset and then we’ll argue and everything will just go to pot.”

Quinn shrugged, knowing his silence would drive Cade crazy, and went into the house with his boyfriend hot on his heels. He took off his jacket, and as much as he wanted to go upstairs and study the book, he knew he still had a little bit of conversation with Cade to complete. Best get it over with.

“I didn’t have to promise anything. It appears Valensia has mellowed somewhat with me since our last encounter. Prickly on the outside but surprisingly a little more relaxed beneath. So apart from a scratched face, now I have the book and I’m praying all the hopes we’re pinning on it to find the man we’re looking for won’t let us down.” He looked longingly across at the stairs down to the basement. “So I thought I’d go to the library and see what I can find out.”

Cade shook his head in resignation. “You’ll be impossible to talk to until you get this out of your system. Fine, off you go. Dinner will be a while.” He glanced at him slyly. “I have a few things of my own I need to sort out anyway. I had another text from Cooper. That man is becoming quite a stalker.”

Quinn frowned. “Cooper? Who’s Cooper?”

Cade sighed. “I’ve told you about him. He’s this rather forward young man at work who keeps me asking me out. Unfortunately he has my mobile number and insists on texting me rather sweet anecdotes now and then.”

Quinn shook his head darkly. “Does he know you have me at home? Is he becoming a bit too much?”

Cade laughed. “Yes, he’s well aware of you. And I can manage Cooper, I promise. It’s rather flattering having a young man pursuing me so ardently.”

Quinn was a little put out at Cade’s obvious enjoyment of having another suitor. “Exactly how old are we talking about? And I can’t have Valensia, but you can have Cooper?”

Cade scowled at his laconic retort and Quinn smiled at him.

“Cooper didn’t have me imprisoned in a bedroom so he could screw me every time he felt like it. You know it’s not the same. And Cooper is twenty-eight.” Cade smirked.

***

Praise for Double Alchemy (Book #1)

Purchase Links for Book 1: Boroughs Publishing | Amazon US | UK | CA | AU

“I love Paranormal stories & I'm a huge fan of Susan Mac Nicol's M/M books. In this book, she brings both genres together & gives us this amazing story. With her master storytelling, she takes us into the mystical & magical world of Witches, Warlocks, Withinners & Feys. A world where danger lurks in the shadows.” - Maria Recchia

“I stayed up all night reading this story. Susan has a way of writing that is different than anyone else. She's uniquely brilliant at weaving a tale that brings out my emotions. I have laughed in every one of her stories. That's incredible for me. Not just a smile, but a laugh. I love that. This book needs to be read. You won’t be disappointed.” - Author Kindle Alexander

“Susan Mac Nicol has created a complex and fully realized fantasy world…. Quinn is the star of this novel, taking out the bad guy and learning how to trust in Cade’s love enough to share his unsavory past.” Library Journal

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About Susan Mac Nicol

Susan Mac Nicol was born in Leeds, UK, and left for South Africa when she was eight. She returned to the UK thirty years later and now lives in Essex. Her debut novel Cassandra by Starlight, the first in a trilogy, was published last year by Boroughs Publishing Group in the US. Sue’s latest story, Double Alchemy: Climax is her sixth m/m romance.

Sue has written since she was very young, and never thought she would see herself becoming a Romance writer, being a horror/psychological thriller reader all her life. But the Romance genre is now something very close to her heart and she intends continuing the trend.

Sue is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Romantic Novelists Association here in the UK.

Susan Mac Nicol is also author of The Magick of Christmas, Confounding Cupid, Cassandra by Starlight, Together in Starlight, Stripped Bare, Saving Alexander, Worth Keeping, Waiting for Rain and Double Alchemy.

Social Links: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Wolf and His Diva by Chris T. Kat

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The Wolf and His Diva
Chris T. Kat
Genre: M/M paranormal (shapeshifter)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date of Publication: 03/12/2014
ISBN: 978-1-62798-563-5 
ASIN: B00IY66WM2
Number of pages: 216
Word Count: 49,486 
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon 

Book Description:

George Owens is comfortable with his life just the way it is. A wolf- and fox-shifter, George leads a reclusive lifestyle with his energetic and diva-ish mate Billy, a fox- and squirrel-shifter.

George has no desire to take over leadership of the pack, despite his father’s wishes. Edward Owens is feeling his age and wants to make sure the pack is in good hands should he not be able to win his next challenge. However, George is adamant that he wants no part of it.

But events rock George from his complacency, and he realizes he has to take a stand and fight for what he cares about. If he remains in the past and cannot change in order to do what he must, he risks losing everything he loves.

***

Excerpt from Chapter Two (George is in his wolf-form):

Even though he didn’t expect an answer, George called, Billy!

He all but jumped out of his skin when something landed on his back. He let out a surprised bark and craned his head to see if a branch had fallen on him. He couldn’t find anything but caught a glimpse of something moving, accompanied by a featherlight motion on his back.

Relief flooded him when the movement ended between his ears, and two tiny paws grabbed the tips.

Hello there! Billy chirped.

Sheesh! You scared me to death! George growled.

Sorry! I was so surprised! See, I knew it would come in handy that my second form is a squirrel. I shifted during my fall and stopped rolling down farther. Unfortunately, I was covered in snow and decided to rescue myself on a tree to avoid more snow gluing to me.

You knew that? If I recall correctly, you whined for a whole week after you found out your second form is a squirrel, George replied.

Billy climbed down George’s head, turned around, and sat down slightly above George’s nose. Well, I wanted to be something cool too, and since the second form is often a larger animal, I was quite disappointed at first.

George’s eyes crossed as he tried to focus on the little red-furred squirrel. Billy, you know I hate it when you sit there.

Billy giggled but remained where he was. I love it when you get that odd look.

Either get up or get down, George grumbled.

The grumble held no heat, though. He was too happy that Billy wasn’t injured. His heart still pounded too fast in his chest, but he was sure it would take up normal activity soon.

Billy hastily climbed up and settled between his ears, his tiny paws again clutching them. Whee! Bring us home, my beloved!

***

About the Author:

Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there’s any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or does cross stitch.

Blog: http://christikat.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/christi_kat

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/ChrisTKat

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisTKat

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Chris-T.-Kat/e/B008FQQH2Q

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Giveaway

one e-book copy of The Wolf and His Diva

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Book Spotlight: Breaching the Lieutenant by Eva Lefoy

Breaching the Lieutenant
by Eva Lefoy
M/M Erotica
Amazon | Amazon UK | Smashwords | Allromance

Blurb:

Second Lieutenant Mark Oates has a lot to learn, both about the U.S. Army and about himself. When a senior officer confronts Oates about his latent homosexual tendencies, he’s backed into a corner and only one man can help him out. Trouble is, can he trust him not to ruin his career plans?

Gunnar Evans was dishonorably discharged from the Army during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell for his openly gay sexuality. He fought the system and lost, but continues to help the young officers sent to his door discover their hidden desires. When gorgeous hunk Lt. Oates arrives, he knows he must breach the lieutenant’s defenses in order to show him the pleasure he deserves. But once he gains access, he may never want to let him go.

Includes: Gay first time reluctant, risky sex

Adult Excerpt After the Cut:

Book Review: The Duke in Denial by Alexandra Ainsworth

The Duke in Denial

by Alexandra Ainsworth

M/M Historical Romance/Regency

4 Stars

Blurb:

Sebastian Lewis never expected to become a duke. But with the sudden deaths of his cousin and uncle, Sebastian’s position changes. He is determined to fulfil his new responsibilities with grace, even if it means remarrying, and even if the attractions of women, so often lauded by poets, fail to interest him.

Captain William Carlisle, newly returned from India, is elated when he meets Sebastian. Nobody knows of his inclinations, but his harrowing experiences in battle have prompted him to reach for the type of companionship he longs for. He thinks Sebastian might feel an attraction as well, but to his dismay, he discovers that Sebastian is courting his sister Dorothea.

After a semi-arranged engagement and a disconcerting romantic tangle with William, Sebastian escapes London to look after his manor, only to face mysterious thefts, a headless ghost, and the arrival of his fiancée, her brother, and his family. Sebastian’s new estate sits on the south coast, England’s most vulnerable location, and Napoleon has set his sights on conquering the area. Amid this growing turmoil, Sebastian must sort out his feelings for his fiancée’s brother and keep his home safe . . . and determine if he has the courage to reach for his own happiness in the process.

Review:

After the death of his wife and child, Sebastian Lewis is quite content to mope about his estate in Yorkshire. He certainly never expected to inherit a dukedom, but with the death of his uncle and cousin close to each other, that's exactly what he becomes.

Being a duke means a lot more responsibilities and Sebastian decides he needs to remarry, despite not really wanting to. He enlists the help of his aunt and decides to court Dorothea, his cousin's past fiancée.

William Carlisle has just returned from action in India, where he was heavily wounded. He decides life is too short to wait around for what he wants and desires, which is not marriage, but a real relationship with a man. An errant top hat on the way to his sister's engagement ball precipitates his first meeting with Sebastian and William thinks he has finally found a man who he could happily spend the rest of his life with.

But then he discovers Sebastian is his sister's new fiancée.

This book was a delight! Spies, smugglers, a villain you'll love to hare, along with strange goings-on at Sebastian's new manor house in Sussex, is it ghosts or something else? There is a lot of story and mystery going on here, but the reader never loses sight that this is above all a love story, and not between Sebastian and Dorothea.

Sebastian is a very noble character, and he really only asks for Dorothea's hand because there are scandalous rumours about that she and her dead fiancée jumped ahead to the wedding night. Sebastian just wants to to help her keep her station, he is not in love with her and Dorothea isn't in love with him.

William falls very hard for Sebastian, but he doesn't want to hurt his sister. Sebastian is very much in denial about his inclinations, and we have a lot of insight into his thoughts regarding the matter: that it is sinful, illegal and unnatural. He is tormented by thoughts of William though and doing some of those things.

There isn't a lot of sex in the book but the sexual tension between Sebastian and William every time they are in the same room just about sizzles off the page. Because of the Regency era it is set, where everything must be very prim proper, a touch on the arm or the press of thighs next to each other in a carriage, or even just a longing glance across the room - every moment is supercharged and erotic, despite both men being fully clothed.

The main love scene takes place around 70% on my Kindle and you are really hoping for it as much as the characters are. It's like they spent the earlier part of the book in some sort of mating dance or foreplay: they've had interruptions, cold feet and just when you think they'll never get it together, it happens and you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Sir Ambrose, Sebastian's new neighbour in Sussex, comes across in part like a pantomime villain. You could imagine him in a black cape, twirling his moustache as he ties some unfortunate young lady to the railway line. I don't think I remember any redeeming features about him at all, but then I don't think we were meant to like him.

I did have a few niggles with the American spellings, the book's setting is very English, with most of it set in London and Sussex and the US spellings seemed out of place with the rest.

An engaging, romantic read with characters you want to get their happily ever after.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway True Nature by Jessica Freely

Author Bio:

Jessica Freely can't resist a wounded hero. As a reader and a writer, her favorite stories are of soul mates finding redemption in each other's arms. Married to the love of her life in a beautiful relationship based on mutual goofiness, Jessica also warps minds as an instructor in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction MFA program. Her dog, Ruthie, doesn't seem to care that Jessica's an award-winning and best-selling author in multiple genres. She just wants to play tug of war with Jessica's pages.

Author Links -

Jessica Freely Online:

Website & Blog: http://jessicafreely.com

Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/jessicafreely

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/FYXLf

Facebook: http://facebook.com/jfreely

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jessicafreely

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1690113.Jessica_Freely

Book Genre: Paranormal Gay Romance

Publisher: Loose Id

Release Date: April 22

Buy Link(s):

Loose Id Buy Link: 

http://www.loose-id.com/true-nature.html

Book Description:

Lake Clearwater--conservation officer and water spirit--has just been appointed guardian of Gem Pond by The Powers That Be. It's the first time in eight years he's had a real home and he's determined to protect it, even if that means hiding his attraction to his sexy new partner, Forrest Oakwood.

Forrest is a native of the Gem Pond area and the guardian of its trees. He knows the land and its people are a crucial lynchpin in the natural order. He also knows that if he comes out, his boss in the DNR, Sgt. Dennison, will find an excuse to fire him. But ignoring his true nature was a lot easier before Lake Clearwater showed up. The man's a walking, talking wet dream.

Meanwhile, local residents--human and animal alike--conspire to bring Lake and Forrest together. The land needs its guardians united and at their full power. Dennison wants to cut down the trees to make room for water slides and tennis courts. If Forrest and Lake don't embrace their passion for each other, they'll be unable to stop him and that would be a disaster, not just for Gem Pond but for the entire natural world.

Excerpt One:

It was full dark and snowing by the time Forrest finished his report. He stood up with a groan and stretched his stiff muscles.

Clearwater sat at the kitchen table, playing a game of solitaire. He looked up as Forrest entered and smiled. “Want some soup? I made it myself.”

Forrest wandered to the stove and sniffed suspiciously at the simmering pot. It actually smelled pretty good. “What is it?”

“Lentil.”

“Vegetarian, right?”

“Yeah. Doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. Here, let me get you a bowl. Sit down. What do you want to drink?”

Forrest allowed himself to be herded over to the table.

A few minutes later, Lake set a plate with bread and butter beside him, poured him a glass of milk, and set a steaming bowl of lentil soup before him. It was kind of like being a kid again only…

Only Lake didn’t look anything like his mom. He sat down opposite Forrest now, tucking his long blond hair behind his ears. His green eyes gleamed as he waited for Forrest’s reaction.

Forrest took a spoonful. Flavors of sage, rosemary, and garlic burst across his tongue, borne by the silken seduction of pulverized lentils. “Mmmmmm.”

Lake sat back, looking like a bear with a piece of honeycomb. “Good, huh?”

He nodded, but apprehension stole in upon him. “You trying to convert me, Clearwater?”

Lake widened his eyes as if to feign innocence. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Like hell. Forrest enjoyed the soup anyway.

* * * *

As he washed the dishes, Forrest’s thoughts returned to the events of the night before. He remembered Clearwater’s body stretched out in the bed, naked and tan, all long lines and flat planes. As he washed his supper dishes, his fingers tingled, remembering the silken texture of that warm, smooth skin. How he wanted to touch those rose-pink nipples, tease them, and watch them become erect, and then dip his head down, circling each one with the tip of his tongue as Clearwater’s gasps and moans of pleasure bathed his ears.

“Think I’ll turn in early and do some reading,” Clearwater said.

Forrest started, dropped the soapy bowl, and splashed water all over his shirt.

Clearwater laughed. “Sorry.”

“Just not used to having someone else around.” That should have been someone so hot around. Forrest fought to quell his burgeoning erection.

Silence. Clearwater was still there. No footsteps announced his departure. But he didn’t say anything. What was he doing? Embarrassment and irritation doused Forrest’s libido, and he was able to turn around without humiliating himself.

Clearwater stood in the doorway, staring at him.

“What?”

“Officer Riverbend… Not much of a talker?”

The understatement forced a smile to Forrest’s lips. “You could say that.”

Clearwater nodded. “I’ll try not to overwhelm you with my relentless chitchat.”

“That’s not what I meant. I just… I don’t know. It’s just…” What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he complete a sentence?

“It’s a change.”

“Yeah.”

They stared at each other in silence. Forrest felt the stillness of the winter night settle around them.

Suddenly Clearwater drew a deep breath and turned away. “Well, good night.”

“Good night.”

Forrest finished up the dishes. Yawning, he went into the bedroom and grabbed his PJs. Clearwater was already in bed. One rosebud nipple peeked out from beneath the blanket as he lay on his back, reading a book. No pajama top. What about the bottoms? 

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Blog Tour & Book Review: Blood Lovers by Jophrael L. Avario

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Blood Lovers
by Jophrael L. Avario
M/M Paranormal Erotic Romance
Carnal Passions Publisher
4 Stars

Blurb:

Two men, one secret…a brand new life…

Abandoned to the streets of London as a teenager by homophobic parents, Tamir is rescued by the one person he needs to survive what he is. Vidar is a rich man, happy to offer the suicidal young man a sanctuary where no one can touch him.

Or so they think.

There is something different about Vidar, something that could mean trouble—or death—for both of them. Vidar is harbouring a secret that could destroy both them, and the world of safe havens they’ve created.

But flourishing in a love born of blood, suicide, hate and abandonment, will Tamir and Vidar’s relationship last across their forced separation? Or will their fierce dependency, when combined with the uncontrollable split, send them rocketing on a path that will lead only to their deaths?

Review:

Tamir is rescued from a suicide attempt by the enigmatic stranger, Vidar, and taken to recuperate at Vidar's secluded mansion. As Tamir recovers, he and Vidar become lovers and become lost in their own little world where the outside world doesn't exist. But things are strange at the mansion. The servants seem terrified of Vidar and not once has Tamir seen Vidar eat, only drink some very thick, red wine.

After twelve months of happiness, Vidar is arrested for kidnapping Tamir and Tamir is sent to a mental institution with everyone telling him that he has been brainwashed by his kidnapper. Despite their protests to the contrary, no one seems to listen that they were together because they wanted to be and the two lovers are torn from each other by well-meaning authorities. But Vidar isn't going to let a pesky thing like being in prison stop him from being with Tamir. His love might save Tamir, or it might just kill him.

I enjoyed this novella, it was an interesting tale well-told and I was gripped. It's quite fast-moving, but you don't feel anything has been skimped on, there is a complete story here and we get to know more about Tamir as the book progresses and there are little hints about Vidar's true nature throughout. Tamir and Vidar seem well-suited as lovers, Tamir has been on the streets and in despair for a while, he needs someone to look after him and Vidar fills that role well. The love scenes were hot and sensaul, although probably not for you if you don't like biting and blood play.

As I said, I did enjoy it but there were a couple of things that grated and took me right out of the story. It's set in Britain but there were a few Americanisms that didn't fit – such as teenagers out at night in a pick-up truck, we don't really have pick-up trucks and depending in the age of the teenagers, they wouldn't have been able to drive either, they would have to be seventeen or older. Also, a lot of use of the word 'ass' in love scenes. This is not the only American author I've read who's done this, but for a British set book it is very jarring.

As a fan of vampire movies and books, Tamir seemed very slow on the uptake as to what Vidar acutally was :) If you like vampires who don't sparkle and are portrayed as what they are – violent blood-drinkers, then this might be the book for you.

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AUTHOR LINKS

Website | Facebook | Twitter

BUY LINKS

Amazon | BN | Carnal Passions

Blog Tour/Review & Giveaway: A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger

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A Minor Inconvenience
by Sarah Granger
M/M Historical Romance 
Samhain Publishing
5 Stars
Purchase Links:
Amazon | BN | Kobo | Goodreads




Duty, honor, propriety…all fall in the face of love.

Captain Hugh Fanshawe returned from the Peninsular War with a leg that no longer works properly, thanks to a French musket ball. Now his fight against Napoleon is reduced to quiet, lonely days compiling paperwork at Horse Guards headquarters.

His evenings are spent dutifully escorting his mother and sister to stifling social engagements, where his lameness renders him an object of pity and distaste. But his orderly, restricted life is thrown into sudden disarray with the arrival of Colonel Theo Lindsay.

Theo is everything Hugh is not—a man of physical perfection and easy yet distinguished address. Surprisingly to Hugh, Theo appears to be interested in making his acquaintance. Lindsay turns out to be a most convivial companion, and Hugh finds great pleasure in his company. Their friendship deepens when they become lovers.

In spite of himself, Hugh falls desperately in love. But when a French spy is suspected at Horse Guards, Hugh discovers nothing is as it seems…and the paper he shuffles from day to day could be the instrument of his lover’s death.

***

Review:

Suffering from an injury received in the war against Napoleon, Hugh Fanshawe is no longer fit for active duty and spends most of his days doing paperwork at the office of the Horse Guards and his evenings escorting his mother and sister to various engagements and balls.

He hates these events, he hates even more the pitying looks he gets from the guests when they notice is injured leg and his slow gait. But Hugh is a dutiful son and does what his mother wants, and Hugh is not entirely sure what it is he himself wants until he meets Col. Theo Lindsay at one of the balls. Hugh had always admired men and due to his preferences he always thought he would be forever alone.

Theo is everything Hugh is not: a garrulous companion, handoms and hale of body, which makes Hugh notices his own shortcomings even more. But soon Theo has swept Hugh off his feet and he falls madly in love, only for everything to come crashing down around his ears when it turns out there is a spy in their midst and Theo's attentions may not be entirely what they seem.

This book had everything you might expect from a regency romance: there were balls, dazzling evening gowns, horse and carriage rides in the park and fuss over who a young lady should marry.

The book was a delight to read, and you can tell the author has done a lot of research. It was written in a style very reminscent of a book actually written in Regency times and it worked really well here. Modern speech would have spoiled it, I think. The reader is whisked away to the Regency era with all of its social mores and customs and dropped right into the action.

There were a few love scenes in the book which were tasteful and sensual without being overly explicit, you are left in now doubt that Theo and Hugh are lovers and not just friends.

There is some intrigue and some worry and angst over whether or not Hugh and Theo would get their happily ever after, but you care about them so much that you really want them to. I have a fondness for damaged heroes and I just adored Hugh. He was so loveable and he was also a bit gullible in an innocent sort of way, but I'm sure that soon Theo will be teaching him more of the ways of the world.

A fantastic, romantic read.

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About the Author:

Sarah Granger is a sucker for a happy ending. She believes, however, that characters will only fully appreciate their happy ending if they've suffered along the way.

Sarah lives in the Cotswolds, an idyllic part of the English countryside with gently rolling hills, dry stone walls of golden stone and fields dotted with sheep. She has shamefully broken with local tradition by not having a rose growing around her front door. When she isn't writing, Sarah enjoys walking in the countryside with her elderly black Labrador.

Social Links: Website | Goodreads  | Facebook

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Giveaway:


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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Shifting Sands by Joy Lynn Fielding

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Shifting Sands
Strength of the Pack Series
Book 4 
Joy Lynn Fielding
Genre: M/M paranormal erotic romance
Publisher: Siren BookStrand
http://www.bookstrand.com/shifting-sands
Date of Publication:  27th March 2014
Number of pages: 165
Word Count: 50,882
Cover Artist: Christine Kirchoff

Book Description:

The visit to Elk Ridge is supposed to be just another assignment for Tom Barrington. Then he encounters Bryce Reynolds, a generous, warmhearted cowboy who has the easiest smile he’s ever seen. It doesn’t take long for Tom to break all his rules and end up in Bryce’s bed.

Bryce Reynolds believes there’s no such thing as a hot politician, right up until he meets Tom Barrington. Tall, dark, and principled, Tom overturns all of Bryce’s prejudices, and Bryce starts to forget that he doesn’t do serious and he doesn’t do commitment.

As Bryce and Tom struggle to make sense of what’s happening between them, they’re drawn into a political battle—one which could affect the future of every shifter. And when long-buried secrets start coming to light, things turn deadly. Nothing will ever be the same again for the Elk Ridge pack.

Note: This is book 4 but it can be read as a standalone

Amazon | Amazon UK | Kobo

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Excerpt:

“So what do you need to know?” Bryce asked. The thought that the sooner they got business done, the sooner they might get to other things was not in his mind at all. No way.

It turned out to be pretty much what he’d expected. Tom broke out a tablet on which he already had a list of pack members’ names. He jotted down the brief additional details Bryce offered and asked some open-ended questions, which Bryce answered in a meandering way that gave away precisely nothing. Then Tom wanted to examine for himself the potential hostile zone.

“You mean the house and ranch?”

Tom’s lips curved again into that grin. It did something quite remarkable to what was otherwise a serious-looking face, and Bryce found he wanted to keep seeing it. “Sorry,” Tom said. “Occupational hazard, using jargon.”

“I hear you,” Bryce said. “Like when I exit the vehicle in the vicinity of the building, rather than get out of my car at home.”

The grin widened. “Is it okay if I take a look around? I’d like to see your territory as well as the house.”

Even though Bryce found himself smiling back, he was aware that there was a lively intelligence in those brown eyes. They might be smiling, but Tom’s focus on what he was here for hadn’t faltered in the slightest. Given the secrets the pack was guarding, that made him a little dangerous.

“I’ll come with you,” he said. “Show you the lay of the land.”

“Thanks,” Tom said, then hesitated. “I think Tristan said he might help with that. Him and Colby.”

Well, yeah, but Bryce had given in to Tristan’s begging before he’d found out just how sharp Tom’s brain was. He didn’t want him spending time with Colby. He thought Colby would sooner be eaten alive by fire-ants than betray Matt and the pack, but he’d find it hard to answer any questions about how he came here without tipping off someone as alert as Tom that he was hiding something. And they couldn’t risk the wrong person finding out they’d had dealings with Cale’s pack, or they might just find themselves the next loose end to be cleaned up.

Bryce shrugged casually and let his eyes run appreciatively over Tom again. It wasn’t exactly a hardship. “Yeah, but I can show you things Tristan can’t,” he said, and bounced his eyebrows suggestively.

Tom was grinning in genuine amusement. “Bet you say that to all the National Council aides.”

“I’m going to have to find out. You’re the first I’ve met so far,” Bryce said.

Tom laughed, but Bryce could see his brain was still working. He was probably wondering why Bryce had changed his mind about Tristan and Colby showing him around.

“Also,” Bryce confided, “Colby’s—well, he’s just come out of a really bad relationship, met Tristan, and found out they’re mates. To be honest, the two of them could do with some time alone.”

Tom’s eyes softened as he nodded in understanding. Bryce was glad—not only had he steered him away from asking Colby questions about his past, but it also seemed as if Tom was a genuinely good guy. Added to the attractive exterior, that made him quite a package. One Bryce would very much like to spend some time opening.

“How do you want to do this?” Bryce asked, getting to his feet.

Tom’s eyebrows rose. “And there I was, thinking you were a little more experienced than that,” he said with a wicked grin that made Bryce choke. He was pretty sure he was going to get lucky later.

They decided to shift so Bryce could show him the pack territory first. And damn it, Tom wasn’t supposed to be just as attractive in wolf form as in human. He was lithe, his pelt a glossy dark gray, and he had the sort of awareness of his surroundings that Bryce had only previously observed in Matt and Karl. Tom might be attractive—okay, no might about it—but Bryce would do well to remember he was potentially dangerous. He hated the predictable way he found that knowledge even more enticing. It was the same thing that had always attracted him to Matt—the dangerous edge, the knowledge that he wasn’t entirely safe.

He shook his head impatiently, not willing to entertain those thoughts, and led the way out of the yard with Tom close on his heels.

***

Strength of the Pack series by Joy Lynn Fielding

Book 1 – An Impossible Mate

Book 2 – A Liar’s Moon

Book 3 – Red Moon Rising










About the Author:

Joy Lynn Fielding is a sucker for happy endings. She believes, however, that if characters don’t suffer along the way, they won’t fully appreciate being happy. Not all of her characters thank her for this viewpoint, but what do they know?

Joy lives in a small English market town, but also inhabits a number of fictional worlds at any one time, reflecting what she’s writing and what she’s reading. She has a tendency to share enthusiastically with anyone who will listen the latest fascinating facts she’s stumbled across in her research for books. Thankfully she has a very patient Labrador, who has a gift for looking as though he’s interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

http://joyfielding.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/joylynn.fielding

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Tour giveaway 

$10 Amazon gift card

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Author Interview & Giveaway: Beckoning Blood by Daniel De Lorne

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About the Author:

Daniel de Lorne writes mostly about the loves and trials of hot and sexy paranormal men – and creatures.

He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and developed a fascination for the mythical and magical early on. Daniel wrote stories from a young age but it was high school biology class he remembers fondly as providing an excellent cover for writing stories that were filled with teen angst and fantastical creatures.

From there it was just a short jump to creative writing in university, where Daniel really indulged his love for the gothic, particularly the vampiric. And plenty of essays on the topic gave it all an air of respectability.

After university he used his skills for good. He wrote about wildlife conservation for eight years before taking a break to explore Canada with his partner. It was while in this great northern frontier that Escape Publishing accepted his first book, Beckoning Blood, for publication.

Website: www.danieldelorne.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/danieldelorne

Twitter: www.twitter.com/danieldelorne

Google+: http://plus.google.com/+DanieldeLorne

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/danieldelorne

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I just let it flow. I start with a vague idea of characters and some sort of plot but once I start, it’s anyone’s guess as to what’s going to happen. I like it that way as it keeps me interested and in suspense. I can always revise later.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Absolutely and I let them. If a character (i.e. my brain) is telling me it wants to go in a certain way, I trust it. All the cool things happen then.

What drew you to the M/M genre in particular?

I’m gay so it feels like a natural fit. Not to say I won’t write stories about straight characters, but writing about male/male relationships is where my interest lies. Plus, I read so many straight paranormal and fantasy books growing up that writing my own helps fill the gap in what I missed.

Do you write in other genres besides M/M?

I’m more of a romantic elements author rather than one who writes strict m/m romance, so my books tend to be a paranormal story with a male/male romance in it, or a fantasy story with a m/m romance. But who knows what will happen in the future and what ideas will emerge?

What is your favourite food?

Icecream. I don’t eat a lot of it for obvious reasons but I’m a fan of good quality, flavourful icecream. Favourite flavours include bacio, lemon sorbet (not strictly an icecream but you get the idea) and this burnt fig one from Maggie Beer in Australia.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I’m not really either, or maybe I’m both. I don’t like getting up early but I’ve found my body clock has shifted that way. As a result, I find myself getting tired earlier. But really, it depends on what’s been going on. Sometimes you just don’t want to go to bed.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

I love travelling. I’m really lucky at the moment because while my partner and I are living in Canada we’re getting to go to some amazing places. Iceland has been my favourite so far, and we’re off to the Galapagos Islands next week (that is going to blow my mind). The more unattainable places are still on my list though like Greenland and Antarctica. Not really because of the cold but because they’re so different and unique. I’ll get to them one day.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Distance is relative but in Beckoning Blood, France, Germany and Australia are featured. In other books, they’re made-up worlds and places so in a sense, they’re distant places. Bringing them to life is the hard – but fun – part.

Do you listen to music while writing?

It depends what mood I’m in. Often I use a ticking sound to keep me focused and in flow. Other times I’ll use classical or trance/dance music. Once in a while, I’ll pick a piece of music with lyrics to help get me in a certain frame of mind. Music is so powerful when it comes to stirring the emotions.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

It’s about twin brother vampires, Olivier and Thierry. Olivier is obsessed with his brother and incredibly possessive. Thierry would rather not be a twin and finds solace in the arms of his lover, Etienne. Olivier finds out and hell breaks loose. Bit hard to tell much without providing spoilers but it’s dark, bloody, violent and sexy. And there’s a love story in there that crosses centuries.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

No one writes a good first draft. It’s hard to remember that when you’re putting words on the screen that just make you cringe, but it’s true. Revisions are your friend and if you’re not willing to put in the work, then don’t write to get published. Just do it for your own enjoyment.

What's your favourite book?

I don’t have just one favourite book but there are a few that stick with me. Cloud Atlas, Holding the Man, and the Wheel of Time series are right up there. I love epic sagas and books that are life-affirming.

Blurb of your latest release
Beckoning Blood
Daniel de Lorne
Genre: Paranormal gay m/m romance
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Date of Publication: 1 May 2014

A gripping, blood‐drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies – no matter how many times you kill it.

Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir – Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness...his twin brother.

Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.

BUY LINKS:

Escape Publishing | Kindle | iBooks | Kobo | Nook


Any websites/places readers can find you on the web:

For a free read, introducing you to the “heroes” of Daniel’s book, head to his website at www.danieldelorne.com/the-boys.

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Giveaway:

$25 Amazon gift Card and an ecopy of Beckoning Blood

2 ecopies of Beckoning Blood

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Book Review: Caged by Bey Deckard

Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas
Baal's Heart #1
by Bey Deckard
M/M Historical Fantasy/Erotic Romance/BDSM
5 Stars

Blurb

Sheltered and lonely, Jon's life changes drastically when a strange ship sails into the harbour of his small port town one day. Trapped between the possessive pirate captain and his murderous first mate, he must learn to adapt or he will lose himself completely. An epic tale of love, treachery and revelation, this first installment of the Baal's Heart trilogy brings you into the lives of three men so bound together by jealousy and lies that they must sail to the very ends of the earth to find forgiveness.

Deckard's first novel is a masterful portrayal of sorrow, hope, and passion, with a narrative that twists the reader through a world set in the Golden Age of Piracy. A thrilling look into the darker side of human nature, Caged effortlessly melds serious historical fantasy with five star erotica.

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Review:

A book with BDSM, pirates and an adventure, how could I resist this?

I've seen this book placed in some retailers as erotic, but I think calling it that does it a disservice. This book is much more than erotica, and while sex does feature heavily, it is more about the relationships and emotional aspects than the physical ones.

Jon is an empath and lives in a run down castle with his stepfather, Reginald, head of the castle guards. Reginald uses Jon's skills on the prisoners in the dungeons to decide who is guilty or innocent. His skills reach the ear of a pirate captain, who decides Jon might just be what he's looking for to keep him one step ahead of the other pirates. For who would try to cheat him if they knew Jon could tell they were lying?

Investigating a murder at the town's brothel, Jon is kidnapped by the pirates and brought on board. Jon doesn't know it, but the reader does, Jon has little choice. Either he joins the pirate band or they kill him, simple as that. It would have been a short book if our hero was murdered in the first few chapters, so the readers can almost guess he'll pick joining the pirates.

I loved this book and I loved Jon. He was an innocent virgin before he joined Captain Baltsaros and his crew, and his confusion over feeling these things for a man was well done, without the book being completely unrealistic. But hey, I'm reading about fantasy pirates, I'm not really worried about realism here :)

As for Baltsaros, for a lot of the book he wasn't a particlularly nice character, but he was a compelling one and I could see how Jon could be drawn to him despite his misgivings at first. Throw in Tom, the jealous first mate and you have the start of an intriguing love triangle and eventual threesome, which I'm not usually a fan off, but it works well for these characters.

All the characters were well-rounded and I adored Katherine, the only woman on the ship who became a sort of older sister to Jon.

Watching Jon blossom from shy virgin into a young man comfortable in his sexuality was wonderful, you almost got to take the journey with him. There is some BDSM in the book, but the scenes are more than just kinky sex, they develop the emotional connection between the characters and the reader gets to see Jon experience sub-space, which a lot of BDSM book just don't do at all or gloss over it. The love scenes are very well-writen (as is the whole book), very sensual and emotionally charged, they sizzle.

There is a good balance of sex, action, mystery, intrigue and jealousy and it makes for a very satisfying read.

If you like your pirates for what they are - rough men who think nothing about murder, kidnapping, stealing, then this might be the book for you. They are also very sexy in here, despite the moral hinterlands they inhabit. A fantastic, sexy read.