Review Of Blue Hearts Of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas 5*
BLURB: Seventeen-year-old Retta Heikkinen is in love with a boy--a thoroughly gorgeous, captivating, and mysterious boy known as Hemingway. The situation is rather ideal: he likes her, she likes him. There's just one little problem.
He's a blue heart, an android.
Being in a relationship is its own complicated mess, but how long can a forbidden love last? Soon Retta discovers a secret that could destroy the uneasy truce between the blue hearts and humans, which makes life under the domes on Mars possible. Would exposing what she knows make things better or worse? And how can she know for certain without exposing the secret?
My Review: Fast paced, action packed, romantic are just some of the words that spring to mind when I try to define this book. The Heroine is quirky, serious and resolute and stands up for what she believes in. The Hero was different and was treated as such. This made me think of the way people discriminate against Gays today and I wondered if the author was trying to get a message across to the YAs who will mostly read her book. If she was then she chose a wonderful story to tell it in. If you like narrative that makes you think about people being people than this is for you. If you just like escapist Science Fiction with a lovely romance then this is for you too. Personally I think anyone who enjoys a good read will enjoy this on some level.

Review Of Despite Himself by Kayleigh Patchett

Despite Himself (Despite Himself #1)by Kayleigh Patchett 5*
BLURB: Logan is a loner. Abused by his father and his brother, he finds safe refuge in an unexpected person. As that refuge turns into something more Logan must deal with resistance from all sides. Is just wanting to be loved too much to ask for? Please note, this book contains scenes of an adult m/m nature.
My Review:At first I was a little surprised at this book because it was all first person, present tense, with frequent changes of POV. I haven't come across it very often but with this story it worked really well and the story really flowed. Logan came across as a very sensitive and artistic guy who has been bullied by his father and big brother all his life. This is graphically described at times (but is no more than fists etc.) so if you don't like to read about violence of a domestic nature this one might not be for you. Logan's refuge is a very determined guy who is gentle and cares for Logan and the contrast (especially as given through the POV changes) is very intense. I was moved to tears towards the end, and as I have mentioned in previous reviews, an author who can move me like that deserves to get a 5*

Love Has No Boundaries

Love Has No Boundaries Ratings:

3rd July

Daddy’s Boy by Isla James 4*

As He Watches by Finn Marlowe 4*

4th July

Triple Jump by Tam Ames 4*

Creeling the Bridegroom by Neil Plakcy 4*

5th July

Smoky Glimpses by Nicole Forcine 4*

Caged by Skye Warren 3*

Change of Focus by Lucy Whedon 3*

Review Of Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford

Review Of Black Dog Blues (Kai Gracen #1)by Rhys Ford 5*
BLURB Ever since he’d been part of the pot in a high-stakes poker game, elfin outcast Kai Gracen figured he’d used up any good karma he had when Dempsey, a human Stalker, won the hand and took him in. Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races were left with a messy, monster-ridden world and Stalkers were often the only cavalry willing to ride to someone’s rescue when something shadowy and dark moved into the neighbourhood.
There certainly were no shortage of monsters or people stupidly willing to become lunch for one.
It was a hard life but one Kai liked. And he was good at it. Killing monsters was easy. Especially since he was one himself.
After an accident retired Dempsey out, Kai set up permanent shop in San Diego, contracting out to the local SoCalGov depot. It was a decent life, filled with bounty, a few friends and most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him he wasn’t really human.
That was until a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego and Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder’s fledgling Dawn Court. It was supposed to a simple run; head up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary with the new Court then back to San Diego. Easy, quick and best of all, profitable. But Ryder’s “simple” run leads to massive trouble and Kai ends up being caught in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping.
No one ever got rich by being a Stalker. But then hardly any of them got old either. The way things were looking, it didn’t look like Kai was going to be the exception.
My Review My first thought on this book was - I wish this was a movie. It had me figuratively on the edge of my seat from the first page and didn't let up on the action throughout! The Characters were all well rounded and believable (even when they got mangled almost beyond belief) and the twists and turns kept me glued to the pages. I was very glad to know that this was book one as I can't wait to read more about Kai and his world. If you like action packed Fantasy with lots of elvish intrigue and even more fighting of really dangerous monsters then this is the one to read.

More online reading from LHNB

LHNB

30th June

Merger of Equals by Liz Winters 4*

Apartment 1209 by Elizabeth Lister 4*

1st July

The Idiots' Tango by B Snow 4*

2nd July

Brandon's Laughter by Ellen Holiday 5*

Shooting The Curl by Madeleine Ribbon 4*

Review of Stone Guardian by Danielle Monsch

Review Of Stone Guardian (Entwined Realms #1) by Danielle Monsch 5*
BLURB: Gryphons flying past skyscrapers? Wizards battling it out in coffee houses? Women riding motorcycles with large swords strapped to their backs? All normal sights since the Great Collision happened twenty-six years ago.
Well, not normal for everyone. Larissa Miller may have been born after the Great Collision, but as a history teacher who lives in the human-only city, she has never come into contact with any other race or species, nor has she wanted to. Her life is as ordinary as it gets - that is, until one day she walks out of her apartment and is attacked by a mob of Zombies, only to be saved by a Gargoyle.
Gargoyles trust no one outside their Clan, but due to a cryptic prophecy, Terak, Leader of the Gargoyles, has been watching over the human woman for months. While he can find no reason why the woman has been singled out, something about her stirs every protective instinct within him. When the attack confirms that the threats against her exist and are real, he convinces Larissa that though their races have never been allies, the best chance of discovering why she has been brought into his world is by working together.
In the course of their investigation Terak becomes entranced by his little human. But when he discovers why Necromancers want her and the great reward that awaits him if he betrays her, he must choose between the welfare of his Clan and not only Larissa’s life, but the fate of this New Realm as well.
My Review:Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley A wonderful start to what looks like a great new series by Danielle Monsch. I loved the action and the romance, which were well balanced and gave a very satisfying read. The main characters were really good, but also the secondary characters were well developed and interesting so that I just know I will enjoy more stories from The Entwined Realms. The back story on how the realms got entwined and what it means for the ordinary human was added without detracting or info dumping which was wonderful. I have read Gargoyles as heroes in other books but I liked that Danielle put her own twist on the mythology of them as well as on all the other supernatural and magical beings that inhabit this new series. I look forward to reading book two next year!

Review of Deceptive Attraction by Tara Lain

Review of Deceptive Attraction (Genetic Attraction #3)by Tara Lain 5*
BLURB: Caleb Martin faces a life crisis -- and he’s pretty embarrassed about it. A talented soccer star, he has the chance to sign a lucrative five year contract and be rich and famous. Two problems -- Cal is gay and signing the contract means he has to stay in the closet, maybe for life. Plus, he’ll have to spend his years diving for soccer balls when he’d like to be helping people like the rest of his family. A one-night stand with a beautiful man rocks Cal, but the guy vanishes only to reappear where Cal is house-sitting. Too much coincidence? And then a cute tomboy throws Cal’s life choices into confusion. How could he wind up with a commitment phobe and a woman dedicated to her work in Africa? Oh yeah, and then there’s a big surprise in a snowstorm. Cosmic joker strikes again.(
My Review:Having read many Tara Lain books in the past I was delighted to have won this one even though I had not read the previous books in the series. That said I had no problems getting straight into the story. I loved Caleb and the way he was so confused over the two love interests in his life. Tara Lain has a way of making a menage seem normal and interesting enough that I feel deprived at only having one man in my life :D Angel and Eli came close seconds to Caleb as my favourite characters in the book but I also loved the protagonist as he was depicted in such a way that you just knew he would get his comeuppance in the end.

Couple of reviews

Review Of Wolf Protector (Federal Paranormal Unit #1)by Milly Taiden 4*
BLURB: A woman with a secret…
The Federal Paranormal Unit is an elite squad of supernaturals dedicated to solving missing persons cases. Erica’s gift allows her a special connection with the crime, but it comes at a deep personal cost… Until now, she’s kept her gift a secret, even from the other members of the team. But this case will throw her together with Agent Trent Buchanan. He’s the object of her secret desires, but he’s also a cocky womanizer. She’d rather swim in shark-infested waters with a paper cut than admit she has feelings for him.
A man with one desire…
Wolf Shifter Trent wants Erica more than he’s ever wanted any woman. He’s spent years patiently waiting for her to admit that she wants him too. Working one-on-one in a race to find a serial killer, Trent’s patience and Erica’s resolve wear thin. When Trent discovers the truth about Erica, will he accept her for who she is? And can he protect her from the horrors that her gift brings?
A case that pushes them to the edge…
Erica will have to risk it all if she wants to stop the killer, and when she does, Trent may have to put his own life on the line to make sure his mate is protected
My Review:I loved the suspense in this story but it didn't detract any from the quite hot romance between Erica and Trent. The story was full of action and was sexy too. Overall I am sure I will be on the lookout for more from this new series. Especially if the author produces more of the same suspense in future stories

Review Of Twin Effect by Ann Somerville 4*
BLURB: Dylan Gallaher is a biomechanical engineer specialising in artificial limbs - something in which he has a personal interest after losing his right hand in a motorbike accident years ago. He has a great career, a new job, and wonderful opportunities. But he's also lonely and feeling disconnected from his loved ones in a new town.
That's why when Max Symonds crashes into his life, Dylan welcomes the distraction. Max is fun loving, artistic and devoted to his twin brother, Toby. He thinks Dylan is attractive, and Dylan finds it hard to resist his persistent advances.
But Max is unaware of the dark secret behind his relationship with his brother, and Dylan must help them accommodate a strange new reality, while trying not to lose his heart in the process.
My Review: A very unusual theme to this story and at first I wasn't sure about it at all, especially when the dark secret came out (not putting what it is because I won't spoil it for others) but suffice to say I really liked the solution the author came up with. I liked that the theme of grief and loss was so well handled within the story and will be reading more from this author sooner or later as she writes in a style that I find easy to lose myself in.

More Amber Kell stories reviewed.

Enticing Elliott (Moon Pack #5)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB: Elliott comes to the Moon pack bar to meet with Anthony. Little does he know that Anthony's plans include handing him off to Parker, the pack security officer. Parker takes one look at the slim accountant and knows he's found the submissive mate of his dreams. Warning: there are m/m encounters that feature hot sex and lengths of rope.
My Review:Aside from my usual complaint about the shortness of the stories I am becoming addicted to Amber Kell's Moon Pack! This one was sweet, hot, interesting and a little too short.

Finding Farro (Moon Pack #6)by Amber Kell 3*
BLURB: When mutants kidnap Farro's son and take him to Dark Fae territory he has to rely on Anthony to get him back. With problems of his own will the alpha mate be able to cope with all the changes in his life and still handle his pack duties? Book Six in the Moon Pack series. m/m sexual situations.
My Review: A fairly good story that gave us more Silver and Anthony as well as a romance between Farro and Kylen. However that romance is rather glossed over to put forward the story of Anthony and his wish to be more for his partner Silver. Also the blurb is misleading because Dare from book 4 is the one kidnapped by the mutants and Farro's son is later kidnapped by a member of the Moon Pack. That aside over all the story is good and helps the storyline for the Moon Pack continue in an interesting way.

Getting Gabe (Moon Pack #7)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB: Unaware he has werewolf DNA, Gabriel is stunned to learn after an attack that not only will he change into a wolf but that two fae warriors are his mates. Now he has to help his men find the scientist who is creating the mutants before his new formula hits the streets.
My Review: Another menage with twins (but without any incest) made this an unusual addition to the Moon Pack serial. There was more on the main Moon Pack Storyline and, as is getting more and more obvious, these books need to be read in alphabetical order to follow that storyline. As to the individual story about Gabe and the Twins that was well written and I loved it.

LHNB Stories

LHNB Stories

27th June

In The Right Light by GB Gordon 4*

Dance With Me by Aubrey Watt 3*

The Brat Whisperer by J.A. Rock 4*

28th June

When It's Right by Aria Grace 4*

29th June

So Hot With Love by JH Knight 3*

Pride of the Veld by LE Franks 4*

Reviews Of Amber Kell books

Baiting Ben (Moon Pack #2)by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB Ben joined Silver's club to meet a mate. As a lone wolf he needs to join a pack to survive. But just when he thinks he found his mate in the elegant Thomas, Dillon a man from his old pack, comes into town to claim Ben for himself. What is a wolf to do?
My Review As with the first book I enjoyed meeting members of the Moon Pack but could have done with more story. This overly short story (personal opinion on length!) was a pretty easy read and I really liked how the difficulties of two men wanting to mate with Ben was solved.

Courting Calvin (Moon Pack #3) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB When Calvin's sister is kidnapped will he be forced to betray a friend to get her back or will the sexy vampire, Alesandro, come to his rescue?
My Review A lovely continuation of the Moon Pack storyline that had a few of the old characters but focused mainly on the Vampire leader and his love interest. Again it was too short and I think that Ms Kell needs to either write longer stories (to keep her fans happy) or bring all of them out in one book!

ETA on 28th June

Denying Dare (Moon Pack #4) by Amber Kell 4*
BLURB Weretiger Dare longs for the attention of Steven. But the werewolf is searching for a mate among his own kind. Until Anthony douses his friend in a batch of catnip and the big kitty pounces. Book Four in the Moon Pack series. m/m sexual situations.
My Review This gets my usual complaint of being too short but other than that it gave me exactly what I had hoped for. A continuation of the Moon Pack storyline and a wonderfully sweet romance between Dare and Steven.

Review of Chaser by Rick R Reed

Chaser (Chaser #1)by Rick R. Reed 5*
BLURB: Caden DeSarro is what they call a chubby chaser. He likes his guys with a few extra pounds on them. So when he meets Kevin Dodge in a bar bathroom, he can’t help but stare, even if he does make an ass of himself. As far as Caden is concerned, Kevin is physically perfect: a stocky bearded blond with a dick that’s just right. (They met in the bathroom—of course he looked!) But Caden gets tongue-tied and misses his chance.
When Caden runs into Kevin one night on the El train, he figures it’s fate offering him a second shot. Caden manages to get invited back to Kevin's place for a one-night stand that turns into the kind of relationship he’s dreamed about.
But the course of true love never did run smooth, and Kevin and Caden’s romance is no exception. When Caden returns from a few weeks away on business, Kevin surprises him with a new and “improved” body—one that fits Caden’s shallow friend Bobby’s ideal, not Caden’s. Caden doesn’t know what to do, and his hesitation is just the opportunity Bobby was looking for. This isn’t the same Kevin he fell in love with… is it?
My Review: This was a sweet story that was easy to read. The main subject of attraction and what causes it, and why we fall for a particular type, was well covered in this one, as was the fairly superficial aspects of the singles scene and trying to find someone special. To make the relationship between the two main characters extra difficult the author throws in the rather nasty complication of the BFF of Caden doing all in his power to break them up so that he can try and get with Kevin!

Love Has No Boundaries

I'm still reading these online stories (I've become quite addicted to them:D)

24th June

Six by Tara Spears 5*

25th June

Undeniable by Reece McKinley 4*

The Five Times Raptor Messed With The Bull (and the one time he got the horns) by Xara X. Xanakas 4*

26th June

You Get Full Credit For Being Alive by Cari Z. 5*

Review of Beast In Me by Sommer Marsden

Beast in Me: Book Two in the Divination Falls Trilogy by Sommer Marsden 4*
BLURB: Weather worker Cameron Bale rolls into Divination Falls after being prompted by Spirit and Brother Lighting. He discovers that the small, hidden town full of shifters and magical types is suffering a series of unsettling events. There's speculation from the town seers that he could be the answer they've been looking for. Cameron's willing to try and help: he's got nowhere to go and nothing to lose. His life is simply about loneliness and it turns out that Trace, a grumpy wolf with stunning eyes, knows just what that feels like. Cam finds himself wishing maybe they could be alone ... together. Oh yeah, and battle whatever evil it is that still lurks in Divination Falls.
My Review:This was a good second book in the trilogy but it could have done with a sharper look at the editing. The transition from one scene to another were not marked so that occasionally I was left thinking "WHAT!" before realising that the scene had changed. Apart from that the concept was good and the execution was fair but a little bit too short on tension. At least the romance between Cameron and Trace was good and the sex scenes were hot.

Love Has No Boundaries

LHNB

22 June

Strip, Please by Jena Wade 4*

An Angelic Meeting by Vicktor Alexander 4*

An Adventure In Beginnings by Alex Whitehall 4*

23 June

Tarnished Toys (ending one: LIKE YOU) by Gabbo de la Parra 4*

Tarnished Toys (ending two: IN OTHER WORDS) by Gabbo de la Parra 5*

Breathing Snow by Dev Bentham 4*

Smartass by Lynn Lorenz 4*

Reviews of First Books in Series.

Review Of Bounty for Hunter (Bounty #1) by A.J. Wiliams 4*
BLURB:Keylee isn’t your typical bounty hunter. She’s young, petite, and has a Doberman pinscher as her personal bodyguard. Just as Keylee returns to town from a month long assignment, she’s asked to protect a man named Hunter, who has jumped bond and is on the run from other bounty hunters and the police. The mere fact that she knows who Hunter is and why the police are after him, places her life at risk. Now, Keylee has a limited time to save Hunter and herself
My Review: This was a lovely short story that made for a great start to a new series. I just hope that the following ones are longer because I wanted much more after reading this one. Keylee & Hunter were both wonderful characters and the action was face paced and racy with plenty of good descriptions.

Review Of Attracting Anthony (Moon Pack #1) by Amber Kell 5*
BLURB:Anthony Carrow never thinks to find the love of his life when he goes to a bar with his best friend Steven Dell. Getting over the death of his lover has been a hard task for Anthony. After two years he’s still broken-hearted and doesn’t have any intention of joining the dating scene. However, going with Steven to scope out a werewolf club to help his friend find a mate leads to unexpected consequences.
Silver, alpha leader of the Moon pack, has been searching for his mate for a long time. Unhappy with the men he meets he’s given up searching for the man of his dreams until Anthony walks into the bar.
Can a man who’s already suffered a loss once be persuaded to give love a second try or will fear hold them back from finding the love they both deserve.
My Review: I really enjoyed reading this one because it took the usual theme of shifter meets fae and they end up soul mates and then added a few twists to make it into a story that was interesting and new. There was plenty of hot sex but also lots of humour and a few bits of magic. In fact all that was missing was a longer story!

Review of Hook's Pan by Marie Hall

Hook's Pan (Kingdom # 5) by Marie Hall 5*
BLURB: Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her starring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairytales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.
Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed.
What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalleyI hadn't actually read any of the previous Kingdom stories but that didn't really matter. There was enough backstory given, without ruining the flow of the story, that I had no trouble understanding what was going on. In fact the backstory about other Bad Boys of The Kingdom made me eager to go find them and read those too. So this one is all about turning Hook into a hero and Marie Hall does it with style and humour. I loved that Peter Pan was shown to be exactly what an undisciplined ten year old would be without adult correction. The Heroine was sympathetic and believable without being a wimp, in fact I loved her snarky responses to Hook and really enjoyed the whole romance. As for Hook I loved him even though he managed to hold a grudge against Pan for so long.

More Love Has No Boundaries Reads.

I am really loving these online reads (though I have had the patience to wait for some to become downloads :D).

21 June

When Karma Comes Knocking by Jinjur Louis 5*

Four Seasons With You by May Ridge 4*

Double Exposure by Sam Kadence 5*

Head Over Heels by Sunne Manello 4*

One Week by K. Mason 4*

Review Of Whistle Blowing

Whistle Blowing (Love is Always Write)by Ada Maria Soto 5*
BLURB: Former Navy medic Sebastian Thompson has classic good looks and a true blue heart. But that doesn't mean he has the confidence to make a move on the gorgeous young blond who just breezed into the Blue Dragon Bar. Fate will play its hand, anyway. Finding the same young blond beaten to the edge of death, terrified of a hospital, Sebastian has to choose - walk away, or try to save a life.
This one chance encounter will lead Sebastian into a web of danger. Who is the enemy and who is a friend? Who will he trust when everyone has a reason to lie? How far will he go, and what will it cost, to do the right thing?
My Review: I wasn't sure about this one when I started reading it, as I felt Sebastian was rather too good to be true about taking in a stranger and helping him stay away from those in authority, just because the man said it was too dangerous. That said it soon became apparent as the story continued that the Character of Sebastian was one of those rare humans who do good things because it's the right thing to do. This endeared him to me and I actually loved that the whole story was told from his POV. I did get a little swamped by some of the medical detail but found it actually made sense to have it. When the story really started to go places the hint of paranoia and danger from Daren was beautifully written and kept me glued to the pages as I rushed to finish it. My only complaint is that it really needed an epilogue to tie up a few loose ends.

Love Has No Boundaries

Rating more of the wonderful stories written by Goodread Authors in the M/M Romance Group.

18th June

Anything For You, Sir by Max Vos 5*

19th June

Playing For Keeps by Lexi Ander 4*

Synchronicity by Kiera Andrews 4*

Per Ardua Ad Astra by Gilbert Cole 3*

20th June

To Steal The Tithe by Kaylah Hunter 4*

Nothing's Missing Now by Westbooke Jameson 4*

Touch Of Hope by Brandon Shire 3*

Review of Menial: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction

Menial: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction by Various Authors. 4*
BLURB: Miner. Harvester. Mechanic. Sanitation Worker. These are not the typical careers of your average science fiction protagonist. Until now.
MENIAL: Skilled Labor in Science Fiction presents seventeen stories about the people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
From the literal guts of a spaceship, to the energy-starved lands of a future Earth, to the inhospitable surfaces of other planets, MENIAL explores the stories of people who understand and maintain the building blocks of civilization. They work hard, live hard, and love hard. They're not afraid to build the future they want to live in, even knowing the often high human cost of hard labor.
My Review: I picked this because it was about unusual jobs in Science Fiction and I was glad I had done so. There were some really good stories in there. Unfortunately one or two I didn't like, but that was more because of my taste than that there was anything actually wrong with the stories. Overall there is a nice diversity of stories and anyone who enjoys short Science Fiction stories should at least give it a try.

Review Of Exodus Towers by Jason M Hough

The Exodus Towers (Dire Earth Cycle #2)by Jason M. Hough 4*
BLURB: The Exodus Towers features all the high-octane action and richly imagined characters of The Darwin Elevator—only the stakes have never been higher.
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley Like The Darwin Towers this book is deeply Character driven but this time the characters are shown to be not as previously portrayed. The Villains from book one are now showing touches of good and the good guys are shown to have major flaws that make them less sympathetic to the reader. Hough delivers surprise after surprise and lots of action. I was hooked to the story and I am very upset that I have to wait for so long until I can get my hands on book three to see what 'The Builders' are really up to.

A NetGalley Review Book by Z A Maxfield

Review of Grime and Punishment (The Brothers Grime #1)by Z.A. Maxfield 5*
BLURB: The Brothers Grime is Jack Masterson's way of helping people in crisis after disability ends his career as a firefighter. Jack's people get to a scene long after the physical trauma ends. They don't solve crime or rescue the victims. They help people move on. The new job is all Jack wants or needs, until he gets the call about old flame Nick Foasberg's suicide.
Ryan Halloran's cousin Nick has been on a downhill slide for a long time. Despite that, Ryan does everything he knows to help. Ryan only understands part of what happened between Nick and Jack in high school, but after Nick's suicide, Ryan agrees both he and Jack need closure. They work together to clean the scene and despite the situation, heat flares between them.
Jack is keeping a painful secret and fighting his attraction to Nick's lookalike cousin, Ryan. Ryan calls himself a magnet for lost causes and worries Jack might be the next in a long line of losers. Despite his misgivings, despite the past and the mistakes they've both made, Jack gives Ryan something to look forward to, and Ryan gives Jack a reason to stop looking back, in Grime And Punishment.
My Review: I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book from Netgalley because of the fact that the Hero had an unusual job so I thought it would be worth reading. I was right! This book was excellent, both in the way it portrayed the very difficult job that Jack had to do, but also in the way the story drew me into the lives of Jack and Ryan. The author managed to bring a lot of issues into the light without dragging me away from the interesting romance between the two men. The secondary characters were also well written and I look forward to reading book two in the Grime Brothers stories, especially if the next one is going to be about Dave.

Review Of FlashWired by Anna Butler

FlashWired by Anna Butler 4*
BLURB: One day, someday soon, Jeeze Madrid was going to wake up and realize just what he'd been passing up; he'd see what Cal Paxton was offering him so faithfully—"Faithfully, Jeeze! Even you can't deny that!"—and grab it. And they'd finally have what Cal wanted.
Cal Paxton and Jeeze Madrid are the top scouting team on the Pathfinder-class starship, the Carson, on the very outer edge of Earth's expansion across the galaxy. A Pathfinder's job is to evaluate planets for colonization. Cal's and Jeeze's job is to find the planets for the Carson's scientists to analyze.
Cal and Jeeze are wingmen, best friends... and lovers. Cal wants more than a casual relationship but Jeeze, recently divorced, is wary of commitment. When Jeeze is shot down over a planet inhabited by a race Earth has never before encountered, what will Cal find when the Carson can finally mount a rescue mission? Will he ever succeed in persuading Jeeze to take up that offer of hand and heart?
My Review This was a well written story with interesting characters and a very unusual alien encounter but.. and it's a big but... it wasn't really a good ending for me, hence the mark down to a 4*. On the other hand I would love to read something a little longer from this author as she definitely has a way with words and that makes for an interesting and intriguing read.

More Love Has No Boundaries Stories

Love Has No Boundaries Stories:
15th June:

Only Way Out Is In by Lyn Gala 5*

Treasure by Kim Fielding 5*

Sticking it by K Vale 4*

Ass Over Teacup by Jackie Nacht 4*

16th June

Worthy by Lia Black 5*

The Sentinel by Eden Winters 5*

Hard And Fast by Jack Greene 4*

17th June

Falling Away by Lisa Henry 3*

Love Has No Boundaries Stories

Love Has No Boundaries Stories:

Animal Magnetism (Love Has No Boundaries)by Willow Scarlett & Andrea Speed 4*

The Three Of Us by Stephen del Mar 5*

Learning To Dance by Annette Gisby 3*

Last First Kiss by Piper Vaughn 4*

Review of The Alecto Initiative

The Alecto Initiative (Loralynn Kennakris, #1)by Owen R. O'Neill & Jordan Leah Hunter 5*
BLURB: Life's never easy out in the Methuselah Cluster, the most remote region humanity ever settled, but when her alcoholic father found her a 'job' while he went off-planet to look for work for a 'few months', 11-year-old Loralynn Kennakris began to learn just how ugly it could get. Within the year, her employers sold her to a brutal slaver captain, who took from her the last thing she owned: her name.
Most girls in Kris's position last a year or two. The strong ones might last four. Kris survived for eight before she was set free, thanks to the Nereidian League Navy.
Unfortunately, eight years growing up in Hell prepared Kris for nearly everything but freedom, and her new life isn't at all what she imagined. Not only must she find her way in a bewildering society full of bizarre rules, but the very people who rescued her think she's a terrorist plant, a beautiful interstellar celebrity is complicating matters in more ways than one . . . and now someone is trying to kill her.
But Kris hasn't stayed alive by respecting boundaries or obeying rules, and her adopted society is about to find out what it's like to collide with a someone who has no concept of a no-win scenario.
The Alecto Initiative is the gripping story of an extraordinary young woman forced to come of age while looking Death in the eye. It is the powerful and thought-provoking beginning to a new science-fiction series unlike any you have ever read
My Review: To paraphrase the last paragraph of the blurb: This is an extraordinary story about a courageous heroine! She had me rooting for her to succeed from page one.This is the first in a new series and I look forward to reading many more books about Loralynn Kennakris and the universe she lives in.

More from Love Has No Boundaries

Online reads found here

10th June:

Lost Time by Parker Williams 3*

Stalking Dreams by Leta Blake 4*

Off Sides by Dianne Hartsock 3*

Winter Winds by Missouri Dalton 5*

11th June:

Friends Or Lovers by Sara York 3*

Life Drawings by Jane Davitt 4*

Desert Rain by Victoria Zager 4*

Happy Endings by Deanna Wadsworth 3*

12th June

Badass Of His Dreams by Missy Welsh 4*

Jackson's Law by Vanessa North 4*

Routine Watch by Gina A Rogers 4*

13th June

#FirstImpressions#SecondChances by Heidi Belleau 4*

Silver Ice by Suilan Lee 5*

Straight Men Can't Cook by Anna Birmingham 4*

Review of Broken by Jessica Freely

Review of Broken by Jessica Freely 5*
BLURB: Eben does what his brother, mob boss Nicky Flannery, tells him, even when he’s not so sure it’s right. Letting Nicky do his thinking for him is a lifelong habit. So is hiding the fact that he’s gay. Then Nicky buys a Hong Kong rentboy to expand the mob's escort business and Eben's life gets a lot more complicated.
Forced into prostitution, Song Xiu is an unsentimental survivor. He takes his pleasures where he can and leaves his clients weak in the knees. Xiu knows he's hot for Eben's powerful body, but it’s more than that. Eben's kind face and gentle touch give Xiu a strange feeling that no amount of sex or drugs can banish. Is this what people call love?
Eben is instantly attracted to Xiu's erotic beauty, but it's the sweet young man beneath the glossy surface that he falls for. When he learns Xiu's story, he begins to wonder if Nicky is really the hero he grew up worshipping, or something else entirely.
An unguarded moment leads to a passionate encounter that rips away all of Xiu and Eben’s illusions. Suddenly the answers to their questions become alarmingly clear. They have one last chance to rescue each other from their broken lives, but only if they can survive Nicky's retribution
My Review: Interesting, Intriguing, Intense all could be used for this story. Both main characters fit the title of Broken but at the same time they are both good people caught in a bad situation. I loved how they interacted and how the secondary characters were equally well written and helped make this a story I enjoyed reading immensely.

Review of Toxic by Belinda McBride

Review of Toxic (Sex and Chocolate)by Belinda McBride 5*
BLURB: There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be
My Review: What another great story from Ms McBride. There are the usual cast of interesting characters as well as a love story and a great subplot about nefarious organisations. In fact I can't wait to read more about the wolves of Truckee and hope that Ms Mcbride won't take too long in providing them.

Love is Always Write Volume 10

Review of Love Is Always Write Volume 10 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 10:
TIME ENOUGH – Kiernan Kelly (science fiction/time
TO KEEP A SMILE – Valentina Heart (contemporary/family drama)
TUMBLEWEED – S.A. Meade (contemporary/cowboy)
UNDERWATER SECRETS – Charlie Richards (paranormal/merman)
USING BROKEN WINGS TO FLY – Eden Connor (contemporary/PTSD)
THE VAMPIRE AND THE BEAR – Deanna Wadsworth (paranormal/vampire)
THE WAR AT THE END OF THE WORLD – Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane (historical/writer)
WEST, HAVEN – Jenna Jones (contemporary/musicians)
WHERE THE LAND GOES ON FOREVER – S. A. McAuley (contemporary/scientist)
A WHISPERED CRY – Sammy Goode (fantasy/military)
WITH THIS RING – Jeff Erno (contemporary/intergenerational)
THE WOLF AT MY DOOR – Pia Veleno (contemporary/mild bondage)
My Review: This volume has a story for everyone in it. Personally I enjoyed most of them and will reread at least three of them many more times in the future.

Review of A Hell Hound's Fire

A Hell Hound's Fire by Siobhan Muir 4*
BLURB: Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even the heart of a Hell Hound.
Alex MacLaren figures he'll never find love again after his mate dies. As one of the rare Hell Hound werewolves, his chances are slim to none. And slim went home. When the local Morukai shaman calls on him to protect a lovely Irish werewolf and her young son from demons, he can't help but take the job.
Sarah Flanagan is desperate to save her son Liam from the deadly monster trailing them, but she's out of options and places to hide. She lost her mate the last time she encountered a demon, and with Liam depending on her, the stakes are far higher this time. After meeting Alex, she's not sure about the Hell Hound, but she’s no fool. He’s their best hope for survival... and hers for another chance at love.
My Review As an introduction to the new series of Cloudburst, Colorado this was a very good story. The Characters were well rounded and there was a lot of information packed into it for something so short. However I did find it a little too short, even though the world building was first rate and the sex scenes were hot. So, as it was offered as a way of introducing new readers to her writing, I say that the author achieved that and I will be looking for more Cloudburst stories in the future.

Review of Book 1 in a new series

I Like Em Pretty (N'awlins Exotica Series #1)by Michael Mandrake 4*
BLURBNew Orleans is supposed to be the big easy. One night changes everything for Frankie Choteau.
New Orleans. A city rich in tradition, diversity, and on the comeback trail from hurricane Katrina. Francois “Frankie” Choteau, a resident of this town, a cop with a hot temper and low tolerance for bs. Kajika Fortier, a transplant from Oklahoma came here looking for a dream and unfortunately it’s turned into a nightmare. On a hot summer night, they meet and cross paths during a very difficult situation. Despite this, the attraction between them is evident and loneliness for both men is a fate worse than death. They’d both like a chance at happiness but will the circumstances and Frankie’s uneasiness prevent their happy ever after?
My Review I enjoyed this story but would have liked to give Frankie's female police partner a quick kick up the backside at times. Which just goes to show how well Michael Mandrake has written the characters in this book. If you enjoy flirtatious pretty boys and handsome police officers getting together and learning to give and take in their new relationship then you need to read this at once. I just hope that the next book is all about some of those wonderful secondary characters. In fact my only complaint, and the reason it doesn't get 5*, is that there wasn't really any tension as such and Frankie's job was mostly glossed over, even though he was supposed to be swamped with a lot of cold cases and recent homicides.

Love Has No Boundaries Online Stories

Love Has No Boundaries Stories
I have read a lot of these already and will just list the ones I have read so far with my rating. Feeling too lazy to review so many!(some others were reviewed previously)

Heart in a Bottle by Wendy Clements 4*

The Tail of a Dog by Summer Devon 5*

Open Arms and Open Eyes by Michelle K. Grant 3*

The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton 5*

Lost In The Echo by Jack L. Pyke 3*

Love You So Hard by Tara Lain 5*

Rough in the Saddle by Hennessee Andrews 4*

Nor Iron Bars A Cage by Kaje Harper 5*

Midnight Muffins by Erica Pike 4*

Cherry Blossoms and Titanium by Tia Fielding 3*

Cartoon Logic by Andrea Speed 2*

Ten Reviews of mostly short stories

Review of Lone Wolf by Dellani Oakes 4*
BLURB: The year is 3032 and mankind has expanded far beyond Earth's galaxy. Matilda Dulac is a member of the Galactic Mining Guild. With her lover, Marc Slatterly, she works in a small mining ship in deep space. Their well ordered life is suddenly thrown into chaos when one miner arrives with a load of Trimagnite, a highly toxic liquid ore.
Enter The Lone Wolf. Wil VanLipsig, known as the Lone Wolf, arrives to take the Trimagnite off their hands. Is it a coincidence for him to show up on Marc's ship years after Marc thought he'd killed Wil? Or is this the beginning of something far more insidious?
My Review: Action, Adventure, Romance, Mystery, Danger and Bold Characters! This story had them all. I am eagerly anticipating the next in this new series by a new to me author :D

Review of Love is Always Write Vol 7 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 7:
NOT A PIECE OF FICTION – Harry Issott (paranormal/post-apocalyptic)
AN OCEAN APART – Sammy Goode (contemporary/established couple)
OF CANYON ASHES – Cody Richardson (contemporary/firefighter)
OF ETERNITY AND TREMBLING – Thursday Euclid (paranormal/angels)
OF HONOR AND LOVE – S.J. Frost (historical/19th century Japan)
OFFICE POLITICS – Elizabeth Lister (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
OUR SONG – Nicole Dennis (contemporary/musicians)
PILLOW TALK – J.H. Knight (contemporary/college
PLAYING WITH FIRE – Jennivie Wirries (contemporary/ménage)
PLAYING WITH SHADOWS – Sasha L. Miller (fantasy/adventure)
THE PORTRAIT OF HIS SUBLIMITY – Cay McKat (contemporary/BDSM)
PREDATORS – Clancy Nacht (contemporary/BDSM)
THE QUESTION GAME – Wt Prater (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: Loping these as a great read in between other stories.

Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 8 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 8:

RAINBOWS AND PUPPIES – Jonathan Treadway (contemporary/bears)
THE REST OF FOREVER – Kate Aaron (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
THE ROAD TO HELL – Sara York (suspense/private detective)
ROSES IN THE DEVIL’S GARDEN – Charlie Cochet (historical (1925)/prohibition
agents)
SAFE – Kim Dare (contemporary/dominance)
SANDS OF THYME – EM Lynley (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
SEE RIGHT THROUGH – Sara Winters (contemporary/friends to lovers)
SHADOW DANCE – Cherie Noel (contemporary/dancers)
SHOW ME YOURS – Kaje Harper (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
My Review: This one is my favourite of the lot as one of the stories is to my prompt and I couldn't have asked for a better story than the one Charlie Cochet wrote to it.

Review ofLove is Always Write Vol 9 by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 9:

SIN – N.R. Walker (sci-fi/scientist)
SKIN OR SCALE – Jaime Samms (paranormal/fantasy/college)
SOULMATES – Andrea Speed (fantasy/magic)
SPY HILL – Dusk Peterson (historical fantasy/alternate universe)
STAY WITH ME – AJ Jarrett (contemporary/law enforcement)
STEAMY – Vicktor Alexander (sci-fi/poly m/m/m/m)
STUCK ON YOU – Anna Birmingham (contemporary/college)
TAKE A BREATH – Tam Ames (contemporary/ER)
TAKE MY BREATH – Tami Veldura (contemporary/college)
TELLING JASE – Penny Wilder (contemporary/performance arts)
THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO JERSEY – Gina Rogers (contemporary/hurt-comfort)
My Review: Yet again a wonderful mix of stories to keep me interested.

Review of Shouting In The Silence by Malcolm Rhodes 1*
BLURB: Olivia Hernandez opened her olive green eyes wide. Her regular time in her sleeping chamber had been disturbed by a blaring siren that she hadn’t heard in many years. Her mind flashed back to her academy training when her instructor had drilled into her and her fellow trainees the dire necessity of responding when the siren went off. In the years since she had achieved officer status, she had never had the siren go off and knew of nobody else who had either....
My Review: What can I say that won't sound too critical of the author? It was poorly written, very short and felt incomplete.

Review of
Taken (Love Has No Boundaries)by Kim Dare 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
They aren’t real; at least that’s what I was always told. Yet here I am, bound and at their mercy. I have no memory of how I got here. I know that I’m supposed to be afraid and ashamed of the things they do to me, but the thing is, I’ve never felt safer or more loved in my entire life.
Photo Description:
Three elves crowd around a captured human. The human is bound and gagged; chains attached to his collar restrain him to the floor, and his hands are cuffed behind his back. The elves are all clothed but the human’s clothing has been torn away, rendering him naked and vulnerable. Each elf is tall, slender, and elegant, with long flowing hair. All three elves are reaching out toward their captive human, beginning to explore his body
My Review: A short but very hot fantasy story. If you are into elves, male on male menage stories and some very nice sex then you should read this.

Review of Great Catch(Love Has No Boundaries)by Megan Slayer 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story
Dear Author,
We have been best friends since elementary school and started fooling around together the summer we turned fifteen. Other than being best friends, I know that we just fool around to have fun. It doesn’t mean anything more than that; at least I know that it doesn’t mean anything more than that to him.
It’s not like we do it every day. Except lately it seems that when we are together, even when we are just hanging out, I can’t help but get the feeling that he is looking at me differently than he normally does… Like he is waiting for me to say something or do something. But it’s driving me crazy, because I know I want more. But I know he doesn’t… Does he?
Photo Description:
Two young men are side by side on a bus and appear to be sleeping. The boy on the left wears a sleeveless dark blue T-shirt and a grey visor turned backwards. He has his arm around the boy on the right, who rests his head against his friend’s chest, cushioned by a towel or pillow. Their fingers are laced together, holding on as they sleep.
My Review: I enjoyed this one. The progression of friends to lovers to full blown relationship was nicely written and I was only unhappy over the fact that it wasn't longer.

Review of BTW I Love You (Don't Read in the Closet Events)by Nico Jaye 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
When Aidan logs onto the Internet one night during winter break, he hardly expects to meet tall, dark, and handsome Jake - let alone discover over the course of their chats and emails that Jake may actually be...well...pretty much perfect. However, with Jake studying abroad 8,000 miles away, Aidan soon finds himself struggling with the intense feelings that he's developed for a man he's never actually met.
With an ocean between them and all of the doubts and questions that come with the distance, will their relationship ever find wings? And when they finally meet in person, can their online romance become an IRL happily ever after?
My Review: A sweet romance that shows that not all relationships need to start face to face. I loved the steady growing of crush to lust to love and the way the two main characters worked at the long distance relationship together until they could meet face to face.

Review of
Prisoner 374215 (Love Has No Boundaries)by Angel Martinez 4*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
He enters my cell daily at ten pm. He leaves in the morning at six am. He never says a word. Never moves from where he sits right beside the thick steel door. He does not beat me. He doesn't take me to the tiled room at the end of the corridor. He doesn't goad me, smirk when I wince afterwards, cry, or scream. I'm not sure what he does when I drift off, into deep, exhausted, pain-drenched sleep. I think he just watches. A fixture, a security, so they may state that I'm not left unattended. Sometimes I wish...
Photo Description:
While the cell is sparse and cold, at least this one has a bed. The figure resting there is too thin; too still, the prominent bones the result of long starvation, the stillness the product of too much anguish and abuse. He watches, though. An anxious, intelligent mind still occupies this frail and failing body, one that watches and wonders about the new guard occupying his cell each night.
My Review: This was a rather dark and intense short story that made me feel quite unnerved at times. It was really gut wrenching and for a short story it packed quite a punch!

Review of Ten Year H-Itch (Love Has No Boundaries)by Pelaam 3*
BLURB: This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
We’ve been together for ten years now and love each other very much. The stresses of daily life have gotten in the way and put a strain on our relationship. We don’t seem to spend the time or energy on our relationship like we should. Help us to find the spark we once had.
Photo Description:
The black and white photo shows two men, but only the man closest to the camera is in focus. He sits in bed, propped up on pillows, staring pensively at the camera. In the background, his partner reclines on the far edge of the same bed. His hand reaches for his lover’s nipple as he watches the other man intently.
My Review:A short, gentle read about reviving a relationship. Nice but not very memorable.

Review of Strawberries For Dessert by Marie Sexton

Review of Strawberries for Dessert (Coda Books #4)by Marie Sexton 5*
BLURB: When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing more than dinner and a one-night stand... but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they're both in town, Jon readily agrees.
Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work
My Review: Again this is a part of a series that I had not read before. Again it didn't matter as it seemed to stand well on it's own. However I might well be looking for previous books in the series as the author has done a wonderful job of getting me very interested in her Characters. The two in this story are so opposite and yet fit so well together that even though I knew the ending was (probably) happy, because of the opening, I was hooked and rooting for the relationship to work out. I especially liked that it was told from one POV but the emails to a friend gave us the thoughts of the second main character.

Half a dozen plus one reviews.

Review of Cats by P A Ellwood 4*
BLURB:Cats tells the story of Neisal, an Alien on another world. One who is the last of his race. Contemplating suicide, he is saved by the most unlikely of friends. Cats. Not just any cats though, these are not native to his world, but are from Earth.
My Review: This is a science fiction short story that was a little too twee. The alien was the last of his kind but it is never adequately explained how that came to be. Nor was the quick acceptance by the human women that believable. However that said it had a lovely feel good factor to it and was overall an enjoyable read. I believe it would work well for young readers and those people who (like me) enjoy a few minutes of escapism that makes them feel good to be human.

Review of An Intrepid Trip to Love (A Little Bite of Love, #1) (A Little Bite of Love #1)by Charlie Cochet 5*
BLURB:Tristan ‘Trip’ Hagan is a Husky shifter who was born to be the Hagan Clan’s next Alpha, a position of honor and nobility, a position he never wanted and was all too happy to pass onto his younger brother. But when they discovered his brother couldn’t have pups, the responsibility of continuing the Hagan Alpha line fell back to Trip. At the tender age of eighteen, Trip gave in under the weight of the Hagan Council’s demand for him to fulfill his duty, but after years of struggling to uphold his family’s traditions, Trip found the courage to do what no other Hagan Alpha had done in the history of the clan: he came out.
With his Enforcers—the Devil Dogs, at his side, Trip won the battle against the Council, who attempted to banish him and take his young son away. His victory allowed him to remain within the clan and raise Robbie. Now five years later, the dust has settled, and Trip is living a happy life with his cheeky pup and their own little makeshift family. Brook—Robbie’s mother, her true mate Deacon, and the Devil Dogs are the only ones who support Trip and know of his heartache.
True mates within canine shifter clans are very rare, but Trip has had one since he can remember. Despite losing his heart to Boone twenty years ago, Trip holds little hope of ever getting to bond with the sexy Enforcer, as it’s against clan laws for pure-bloods to bond with half-breeds. How much longer can Trip and Boone resist the longing in their hearts? With the call from their feral halves to seal the bond growing stronger by the day, can Trip and Boone find a way to be together without losing everything?
My Review:This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love Has No Boundaries' event I am very grateful to Nikyta for providing the prompt that inspired this story. I loved the humour and the anguish and especially the love that was infused in this story. The Characters were so well written that I wanted to meet them. I hope the Charlie Cochet writes more about these wonderful Husky Shifters and their world. I for one will buy the books if she does.

Review of The Good Fight (The Good Fight #1)by Andrew Grey 5*
BLURB:Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.
John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can't even see his niece and nephew.
As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn't have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren't without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one
My Review: I was amazed by some of the things I learnt whilst reading this book. The author has done a wonderful job of teaching about Native Americans without making it preachy or insulting. As to the actual story, what can I say that can possibly do it justice? The characters were so good and the tension and conflict between them and the Child Services was well written and never intrusive on the overall romance between Jerry and John/Akecheta.

Review of Human Frailties (Love Has No Boundaries )by Jaye McKenna 5*
BLURB: PHOTO DESCRIPTION: The man stands against a fog-shrouded landscape lit by a full moon shining through thin clouds, his long, black hair whipped by the wind. His stance is open but ambiguous― it could be welcoming or threatening― and one foot rests upon a glowing jack-o-lantern. Under his open robe he wears only leather pants and high boots. In one hand he holds a staff topped with a skull; above the other hand float glowing, arcane symbols.
Dear Author,
Darkness has been a part of my life since I can remember.
I never understood why it was so hard for me to be part of the bright world. The Internet couldn’t satisfy my need, so I went to this arcane little book shop. The old hag behind the counter gave me a book, where she said I might find the answers to my questions.
Supposedly, this book opened your power to summon entities to obtain knowledge. One in particular drew my attention. Its name was unpronounceable, but I could not bring it to me without saying its name aloud. Its symbols― a black dog, a pumpkin on fire, and a heart surrounded by thorns― were a potent siren song. They simply drove me crazy.
When I finally untied my tongue and called, it didn't come to me. Instead, it took me to a sinister realm. Forget my questions. All I want to do now is drop to my knees and worship him.
Sincerely,
Gabbo de la Parra
My Review: Another of the free stories for the Love Has No Boundaries event. Yet again a wonderful prompt and an equally wonderful response. The author has taken everything from the prompt and produced a lovely love story that was spiced up with fantasy and suspense.

Review of Ashe's Nightmare by C.L. Warden 3*
BLURB:Ashe has fallen into his life as a vampire's food source by chance but when his mistress needs to leave the city he has two options. Go back to the street where she found him or let himself be given to the most feared of vampires in another city across international borders. His choice will lead him to Killian and the first chance he has at love with another man. Killian's power is of nightmares even if he is everything Ashe wants
My Review: For such a dark beginning this was really a very sweet and romantic love story about a vampire and his human servant.

Review of Super Gay by Vicktor Alexander 4*
BLURB: When William “Will” Ladler shows up at the Radisson Hotel for the wedding of his best friend’s younger brother, he’s surprised to see the gorgeous, effeminate young man he’d danced with the night before at a club, standing at the altar dressed in a tuxedo as a member of the wedding party. Will watches as the younger man’s long auburn hair blows in the wind, missing the entire ceremony. He’s determined to not only find out the younger man’s name but to get his number and ask him out on a date, which is what he’d wanted to do the night before.
Derrick “Rick” Tramun is beyond shocked to see the gorgeous Will Ladler at his older brother’s wedding. Their night was cut short by a fight and Rick’s overprotective friends, who were determined to make sure that he makes it home by his curfew. After dancing with Will the night before and jacking off to the memory of it before bed, Rick is more than happy to take Will up on his offer for dinner, much to his family’s horror and against their objections. His family has always been super supportive of his lifestyle, so why were they so against his dating Will?
But when Will sees exactly how flamboyant and effeminate Rick is and Rick finds out exactly how much Will can “pass” as a heterosexual man, will the two of them be able to make a go of their relationship or is Rick too “super gay” for straight laced Will?
My Review: This is a story about how one's perceptions are too often based on looks rather than character. The older man is very conservative and a little bit in the closet about being gay and has to reevaluate his opinions when he falls for an out and out flamboyant makeup wearing gay guy. I like the way the two men interact and how the older guy manages to be more honest by the end of this rather sweet romance.

Review of Blind Devotion (The Shifters #3)by M.D. Grimm 5*
BLURB: In Haven, Montana, the shifters and their human allies are safe-for now. But that safety hinges on the town's location remaining a secret, and it's about to be compromised.
Cougar shifter Travis Kuger spent the past ten years alternating between craving revenge and wishing he could forget his painful past. Ever since the shifter-hating Knights blinded him and killed his family, Haven-and Sheriff Jack Ulger-have been Travis's refuge.
Travis and Jack know their friendship could be much more, but Jack is part of Haven's ruling wolf shifter pack. If he takes a non-wolf mate, he'll be banished forever. But when one of the Knights infiltrates Haven, love becomes the least of their problems.
My Review: Even though this is book three in a series that I haven't read before, it didn't seem to matter. The story stood up very well on it's own and was very interesting.The two main characters are different shifters that aren't supposed to want to be together. One being a wolf and the other a blind cougar shifter. Yet somehow the author has made their love story interesting and added a dash of suspense by having psychics as the enemy of the shifters (and the cause of the cougars blindness). There was added tension by having the Wolf pack being very steeped in traditions that won't accept change very easily. I really liked this story and recommend it to any fans of the Shifter Genre.

Review of The Melody Thief by Shira Anthony

The Melody Thief (Blue Notes #2)by Shira Anthony 5*
BLURB: Cary Redding is a walking contradiction. On the surface he’s a renowned cellist, sought after by conductors the world over. Underneath, he’s a troubled man flirting with addictions to alcohol and anonymous sex. The reason for the discord? Cary knows he’s a liar, a cheat. He's the melody thief.
Cary manages his double life just fine until he gets mugged on a deserted Milan street. Things look grim until handsome lawyer Antonio Bianchi steps in and saves his life. When Antonio offers something foreign to Cary — romance — Cary doesn't know what to do. But then things get even more complicated. For one thing, Antonio has a six-year-old son. For another, Cary has to confess about his alter ego and hope Antonio forgives him.
Just when Cary thinks he's figured it all out, past and present collide and he is forced to choose between the family he wanted as a boy and the one he has come to love as a man.
Note: The Blue Notes Series can be read in any order. Each is a stand-alone story from the same classical music universe.
My Review: This was my first Blue Notes story but it won't be my last. Shira Anthony wrote a wonderful contemporary romance that had me eagerly reading to find out more about both the main characters. It even had me in love with little Massi (the six yr old son) which is rare for me having had 5 of my own to contend with over the years :D What I liked most though, was that it didn't do the instantly get together and everything turns up roses, instead it showed how a relationship needs to be constantly worked at to keep that happy ending. Something else I truly know from my 37 years together with the father of the 5 children. The final bit that sealed the deal for me and turned this into a truly good book was that the truth about how much hard work goes into achieving success in any field but especially that of a good classical musician wasn't ignored.

Review of Ripped by Shelly Dickson Carr

Ripped: A Jack the Ripper Time-Travel Thriller by Shelly Dickson Carr DNF
BLURB: Katie Lennox wishes her parents were still alive. Having to leave Boston to live with Grandma Cleaves in London was hard, but she's making new friends, working on her British accent and even learning some Cockney rhyming slang. London's cool and actually feels like home in some ways, like she's been here before, belongs here. When a museum visit with her cousin and his cute friend turns funky, Katie finds herself in a long, uncomfortable dress, wearing a ridiculous hat, wondering what happened to her jeans and high-top sneakers? And where's her iPhone?... It's London, 1888. Smart and gutsy, Katie knows she's here to stop Jack the Ripper. The serial killer didn't just slash his victims' throats; he butchered the women. Katie has read about the Ripper, knows the names of his victims and where and when they were killed. She's watched her fair share of CSI. Can Katie save their lives?
My Review: DNF but thank you to Netgalley for a digital advance copy.

If you can get past the over use of Cockney Slang, the awful stereotypical character of the 'boyfriend' and the equally over used plot cliche of dead parents, this might have been a good story. Shelly Dickson Carr (or maybe Michael Karol the name it's copyrighted to)seems to have written a book that was an excuse to show off her(or his) knowledge of the Jack The Ripper history and the rather large amount of Cockney slang in her(his) linguistic basket. The sister is mentioned often to start but, at the point of the book that I gave up, had still not made an actual appearance, so I have no idea why, unless it was just to point out the obvious resemblance to an ancestor who is a victim of Jack's. I personally will not be trying to read this book again at a later date.

Reviewing Loving A Prince Charming

Review Of Loving a Prince Charming (Fairy Tales & Ever Afters, #3) 4*
BLURB: Honor and Integrity were more than words to Seth - they were the values he lived his life by. As Prince of a large kingdom, putting duty before desire was vital for the prosperity and wellness of his people. If sometimes he looked at Kira – best friend since childhood and his personal guard – and regretted his betrothal to the Princess of a neighboring kingdom, well, that was the price he had to pay for his people’s happiness.
Even if that Princess was cursed and given the nickname Sleeping Beauty.
Seth discovers the way to end the curse and, against his father’s wishes, sets off on a perilous journey to free her with Kira by his side. But Kira represents a different type of danger… Only love can break the curse, but how can Seth keep his promise to protect Sleeping Beauty when every moment with Kira makes his heart damn duty and demand its desire
My Review: Another wonderfully modern twist on an old fairy tale by Danielle Monsch. This time it's Sleeping Beauty but don't expect anything like the original in this delightful story. The curse isn't placed by a disgruntled fairy but by The Elf King and the lovely deviations on the original just continue from there. I am looking to buy some more of this series as soon as funds allow (having read two great stories already).

Review Of In Fury Born

Review of In Fury Born by David Weber 5* (reread)
BLURB: Imperial Intelligence couldn't find them, the Imperial Fleet couldn't catch them, and local defenses couldn't stop them. It seemed the planet-wrecking pirates were invincible. But they made a big mistake when they raided ex-commando leader Alicia DeVries' quiet home work, tortured and murdered her family, and then left her for dead. Alicia decided to turn "pirate" herself, and stole a cutting-edge AI ship from the Empire to start her vendetta. Her fellow veterans think she's gone crazy, the Imperial Fleet has shoot-on-sight orders. And of course the pirates want her dead, too. But Alicia DeVries has two allies nobody knows about, allies as implacable as she is: a self-aware computer, and a creature from the mists of Old Earth's most ancient legends. And this trio of furies won't rest until vengeance is served.
In Fury Born is a greatly expanded new version of David Weber's popular novel Path of the Fury, which has gone through six large printings in its original mass market edition. David Weber has added considerable new material, revealing the earlier life of Alicia DeVries before she embarked on her mission of vengeance, and illuminating the universe of the original story. The result is a novel with almost twice the wordage of the original, and a must-buy for all David Weber fans.
My Review I love books by David Weber and this one is no exception and I reread it to get myself out of a reading slump. It's a wonderful story and the feisty heroine had me rooting for her all the way through. I even found myself cheering for a computer and a mythological Fury!

Lots of short reads

I haven't been able to get into any long reads lately (too much going on in my life right now) so here are a list of some of the shorts I've indulged in with their ratings but no actual reviews.

TransShifter by Cindy Borgne 3*

Wolf Creek 1: Black Wolf by Jade Buchanan 4*

A New Beginning by Lexi Ander5* (Online Free read!)

Starting Fires by Lexi Ander 5* (Online Free read!)

I Was An Alien Cat Toy by Ann Somerville 4*

Love Is Always Write Volume 5 by Various Authors 5*

Love is Always Write Volume 6 by Various Authors 5*

Forbid My Heart (A Luc And Rah Story) by Kayelle Allen 5*


Dirty Boys by Kyle Adams 4*

Sailor Boys by Anthony McDonald 3*

Viewing yet another place tomorrow for a possible move so maybe I'll be able to settle to some long reads after that!

Review of The Raven's Warrior by Vincent Pratchett

The Raven's Warrior by Vincent Pratchett 5*
BLURB: If Death takes a man it is called fate, when Death leaves a man it is called destiny. Wounded in battle (900 A. D.), a near dead Celtic warrior is taken by Viken raiders and sold into a Baghdad slave market. He is dragged further East, through the desert, into the Middle Kingdom where he is bought by a Taoist Priest and his beautiful daughter. Hazy images of silk, herbs, needles, potions and steel, can only lead to one thing, he has been purchased by a wizard and his witch. Arkthar fears for his soul. Death finds Arkthar's predicament interesting. I have heard the delirious ramblings of countless dying minds. I am amused by yours. Don't be afraid, I won't take you now. Your life sentence has just begun. Arkthar s owners become his teachers and then his companions. The priest wizard and his witch daughter heal and teach Arkthar their Eastern ways of medicine, science, war and philosophy. Under the watchful eye of death, this journey unfolds, as a slave becomes a king, and new root of Arthurian legend takes hold.
My Review: This was a review copy from YMAA Publication Center, Inc. via NetGalley I have always love the Arthurian Legends and delight in finding variations on it, but this one just blew my mind. It was such a wonderful read and held so much of Eastern mysticism that it gave the story a whole new outlook. Having spent some years in Hong Kong when young I learned a lot about Chinese theocracy and the use of it here was a lovely addition to the Arthurian legends I grew up with. The fighting, politics and medical information was given in such a way that I was never bored by it and the storyline was well executed. For a debut novel this was really good and I look forward to seeing Vincent Pratchett's name on another book soon.

Review of The Awakening of Amanra

The Awakening of Amanra by Lexi Ander 4*
BLURB: Every five generations twelve Strong Arms will rise to protect four sacred and powerful Guardians. General Rehn Ismene is meant to be a Strong Arm to Prince Kaj. Vestiges of a wrongful war and time spent in enemy hands have made Rehn doubt his abilities until word reaches him that the prince has been captured. Will Rehn arrive in time to free Prince Kaj or will he lose the man he loves to the very enemy who attempted to break him?
My Review: A short but very intense read. There was plenty of background and some very emotional scenes in just a few pages. This seems like the start of something longer so I am hoping for more set in this universe by the author.

Review of Time Dancer by Inez Kelley

Time Dancer (Eldwyn Chronicles #3)by Inez Kelley 5*
BLURB: Everyone has a duty in the royal castle—everyone except Jana Haruk. Despite her promising magical bloodline, her gift is weak. As a Reminiscent Seer, she knows only what happened in the past, not what will happen in the future. When the crown prince's life is threatened, Jana vows to do everything she can to help him—including asking the queen, a powerful sorceress, to lend her some magic.
The queen summons Darach, a spell in human form. The arrogant and mysterious man soon discovers there's more to Jana than meets the eye: she's a time dancer, someone with the ability to move backward through time in her dreams. With Darach as her anchor, Jana can explore the past and try to figure out who is behind the attacks on the prince.
Despite her attraction to him, Jana knows little about the handsome warrior. The past is tying them closer to each other with every trip, but Darach is bound to return to his homeland when his mission is complete…and their time together is running out
My Review: Yesterday I mentioned that the mark of a good author was one that can move you to tears with the power of her words. Today I have to add Time Dancer by Inez Kelley to the list of books that I have wept over. If you haven't read any of the Eldwyn Chronicles yet don't worry. There is enough back story given that you can read this book as is, though obviously it is much better, as far as knowing other characters is concerned, to have read the first two before this. Time Dancer is a complex and magical read that you just have to experience for yourself. If you love Fantasy and romance and magic then this is the one for you.

Review of Demons and Lullabies

Demons and Lullabies (The Demons Age #2)by Kallysten 5*
BLURB: Some little boys want to be firemen or astronauts when they grow up. From the moment Jacob understood what his fathers did, he never wanted to do anything but fight demons.
Andrew, Jacob’s father and a vampire, fights demons because it’s a necessity: few others have the strength or skill to kill the strange creatures that started appearing the very night his son was born. He carries with him some guilt, too, and the suspicion that the magic that made Jacob’s very life possible also opened the way for the demons. The last thing he wants is for his son to ever join this fight and get hurt.
As the years pass, however, and Andrew watches Jacob grow up and grow more determined, he slowly has to accept there’s little he can do to deter his son. It doesn’t help that Nicholas, Jacob’s other dad and Andrew’s Childe, starts giving Jacob sword-fighting lessons under the cover of playing, or that Jacob discovers his mother’s diaries and comes to the same conclusion Andrew did concerning his origins and the demons’.
Through snapshots covering Jacob’s life from birth to adulthood, watch all three members of this unusual family change, grow up, and find their place in the world.
My Review: The mark of a good author is to move a person to tears when reading their work. With this wonderful collection of vignettes, following Jacob and his Fathers during his growing up years, Kallysten hit that mark. I read the first in this series a while ago now, and was delighted to revisit the family, and Kallysten did not disappoint me as she dragged me into their world. I really love Andrew, Nicholas and Jacob and was delighted to find out that Kallysten is busy writing a follow up story about Jacob as a grown up.

Love Is Always Write 3 + 4

Love Is Always Write: Volume Three by Various Authors 4*
BLURB:
Stories in Volume 3:
DELICIOUS SINN – Adrianna Dane (contemporary/rocker)
DEVIL'S HALO – Lee Brazil (contemporary/musicians/rock stars)
DIRTY PLAY – Kyle Adams (contemporary/geeks/nerds)
DISCIPLINARY ACTION – Jane Davitt (contemporary/BDSM)
DRINKS AND DREAMS – Mandy Beyers (contemporary/sweet-no-sex)
DROPPING A STITCH IN TIME – Casey K. Cox (paranormal/heaven-n-earth)
ENTANGLED – Lex Valentine (contemporary/rock stars)
ENVIOUS LULLABY – Nick Chivers (contemporary/rock stars)
EXCEPTION – Rinny Cinnamon (contemporary/law enforcement)
FALLING FACES – LdDurham (contemporary/humorous)
FEELS SO GOOD WHEN YOU STOP – Eve Ocotillo (contemporary/bartenders)
FIRE – Chauncey Watson (contemporary /firemen)
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN – S.W. Vaughn (contemporary/first-time)
FIRSTS AND FOREVER – Elizah J. Davis (contemporary/sweet-no-sex)
FOR THOSE WHO WAIT – Azalea Moone (contemporary/college)
FRIEZE FRAME – Cari Z (fantasy/mythical creatures)
Words of Caution
The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

My REview: Yet another great anthology of m/m romances. There are stories that are sweet, hot and everything inbetween to be found here.

Love Is Always Write Volume Four by Various Authors 4*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 4:
GOODBYE PHILLIP – Summer Devon (contemporary/baby)
HALCYON CATS – Derekica Snake (paranormal/shifters)
HALF-BAKED PROMISES – Erica Pike (contemporary/small-town)
A HARD DAZED KNIGHT – JJ Cassidy (contemporary/enemies-to-lovers)
HARD RIDE – Danni Keane (contemporary/age gap)
HEART OF SLATE – Trinity Lee (contemporary/gay for you)
HEARTSTRINGS – Jessa Ryan (contemporary/musician)
THE HEARTY BOYS – Andi Lea (contemporary/chef)
HELPFUL PAWS – Elyse Night (contemporary/pets)
HI, HONEY – Natalie Logue (contemporary/action)
HIDING MARIAH – Cheryl Dyson (contemporary/humorous)
THE HIGH KING’S GOLDEN TONGUE – Megan Derr (fantasy/royalty)
HIS TRUE NATURE – Silvia Violet (contemporary/camping)
HOW I LOST IT ON PLANET X – Gabbo De La Parra (sci-fi/enemies-to-lovers)
I WON’T LET GO – Anna Lee (contemporary/zookeepers)
Words of Caution
The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings
My Review: Fourth in the Love is Always Write Volumes and just as before it's a lovely mixture of stories that suit every mood.

From Ender's World and beyond.

Ender's World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF Classic Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card 5*
BLURB: Experience the thrill of reading Ender's Game all over again.
Go deeper into the complexities of Orson Scott Card’s classic novel with science fiction and fantasy writers, YA authors, military strategists, including:
Ender prequel series coauthor Aaron Johnston on Ender and the evolution of the child hero.
Burn Notice creator Matt Nix on Ender's Game as a guide to life.
Hugo award winning writer Mary Robinette Kowal on how Ender’s Game gets away with breaking all the (literary) rules.
Retired US Air Force Colonel Tom Ruby on what the military could learn from Ender about leadership.
Bestselling YA author Neal Shusterman on the ambivalence toward survival that lies at the heart of Ender’s story.
Plus pieces by:
Hilari Bell
John Brown
Mette Ivie Harrison
Janis Ian
Alethea Kontis
David Lubar and Alison S. Myers
John F. Schmitt
Ken Scholes
Eric James Stone
Also includes never-before-seen content from Orson Scott Card on the writing and evolution of the events in Ender's Game, from the design of Battle School to the mindset of the pilots who sacrificed themselves in humanity’s fight against the formics
My Review: If you've ever been intrigued about what went into the creation of Ender Wiggin's universe or wondered what other fans of the story think about it, or maybe just want to know more about the universe from the perspective of people in the know, then you need to read this anthology. It is full of insightful and interesting opinions on all aspects of Ender Wiggin's Universe from how it teaches leadership to how it compares to today's attitude towards children and Teens. I enjoyed every single bit and was delighted with the question and answer sections where Orson Scott Card answered many questions from the other writers that I would have loved to have asked him myself. So, even though I don't read non-fiction that often (especially not essay type stuff) this one is a very definite reread book on my shelf from now on.

More reviews

The Naughty Boy (Boy #1.5)by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock 4*
BLURB Brin and his Dom, Ferg, have enjoyed a fun, sexy domestic discipline relationship for years. Brin knows his role—flamboyant, fabulous brat—and Ferg knows it's his job to play the big bad Dom, giving Brin the punishment he desperately craves. When Brin is tasked with dressing his new friend Lane Moredock for a date with Brin's ex, Derek, he's excited—fashion is what he knows best, and Lane is going to look stunning.
But what should be a fun afternoon takes a serious turn when Brin sees that Lane has been injured, and Lane's reluctance to tell Brin the truth about it makes Brin start to question who he is, why things didn't work with Derek, and what people really think of him. Is he just a flittery, glittery fashion fairy? Or does he mean something more to the people he loves? And can he find a way to bring these doubts up with Ferg—or is Ferg going to have to Top his way to the bottom of this?
My Review: I loved Brin and his faster than a bullet thoughts and the way he spoke them without any filters. He was a wonderful character, that on the surface is all bling and no substance, but inside he was totally selfless, generous and kind. The kind of man anyone would be glad to call friend. I also enjoyed the way the writers had him learn that those who love him understand him better than he does himself.

A Shimmer of Angels (Angel Sight #1)by Lisa M. Basso 4*
BLURB: Sixteen-year-old Rayna sees angels, and has the medication and weekly therapy sessions to prove it. Now, in remission, Rayna starts fresh at a new school, lands a new job, and desperately tries for normalcy. She ignores signs that she may be slipping into the world she has tried so hard to climb out of. But these days, it’s more than just hallucinations that keep Rayna up at night. Students are dying, and she may be the only one who can stop it. Can she keep her job, her sanity, and her friends from dying at the hands of angels she can't admit to seeing?
My Review: Some Angel stories are just an excuse to do some bible thumping but this one was so much more than that. For starters there wasn't that much about religion in it at all. In fact it was more like a very well written suspense romance for YA. The suspense comes from the suicides that Ray is trying to solve and the romance comes from the two very different Angels that seem to be very interested in her. I am going to add the next book to my to buy list so that I can find out what happens to the three main characters next.

Empty Space (Light #3)by M. John Harrison DNF
BLURB: We thought we had filled space with a civilization spread across the stars, held together by ships that warped reality.
But there is a lot of empty space in the universe.
The impossible empty space beneath a corpse floating in a dank, future alley way.
The vast empty space inside every atom.
The aching empty space between a mother and a daughter in a quiet west London suburb.
The empty space of the Kefahuchi Tract, hanging above us, seething with strangeness and charm.
And the empty space inside us. Somewhere to go. Somewhere to come back from.
Somewhere haunted.
My Review: I don't know if it's because I hadn't read the previous books or because it truly is a really weird book, but I just couldn't stick with it. The first 50 pages seemed to jump from one thing to another with no rhyme nor reason and after that I just gave up.

Love Is Always Write Vol 1 by Various Authors 5*
BLURB: Stories in Volume 1:

ADVANTAGE CROSSE – West Thornhill (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
ALEX & DREW – Justin South (contemporary/teen loneliness)
ALTERED STATES – L.E. Harner (mystery/suspense/law enforcement)
AMERICAN BOY – Dany Sirene (contemporary/twink/HFN)
AND THEN HE SAID I’M BEAUTIFUL – Nallux (contemporary/hurt-comfort)
AN ANGEL’S SOUL – S.L. Armstrong & K. Piet (angels/hurt-comfort)
ANIMAL INSTINCTS – Kim Alan (contemporary/veterinarian)
ARS DAEMONICA – C.C. Williams (paranormal/mage)
AT WHAT COST – Kathryn Sparrow (contemporary, paranormal/shifter)
BABY, CUFF ME ONE MORE TIME – Stephani Hecht (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)
BED OF MY CHEVY – Megan Slayer (contemporary/medical personnel)
BEGINNINGS: LIBERATION – Alessandra Ebulu (fantasy/Greek mythology)
BETWEEN YOU AND ME – Alex Mar (contemporary/first time)
BEYOND DUTY – S.J.D. Peterson (contemporary/sexy marines)
BLOOD IN THE WATER – Megan Derr (fantasy/merman)
Words of Caution
The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings
My Review: A wonderful selection of stories from some really good writers. There is something for everyone in there and I enjoyed most of them. My favourite was Alex & Drew.


Love Is Always Write Volume 2 by Various Authors 5*
BLURB:Stories in Volume 2:

Introduction ~ Love Is Always Write
BLOOD RAINE – Belinda McBride (fantasy/sword & sorcery)
BRINGING HOME BABY BIRD – Megan Reddaway
(contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
BY DESIGN – Kate Islay (contemporary/office romance)
CALL ME BURT – Elin Austen (contemporary/humorous)
CHIVALRY – Ravon Silvius (historical/ knights)
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Xara X. Xanakas (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)
COMING HOME – Ellen Holiday and Stella Harris (contemporary/blue collar)
A COMPETITIVE EDGE – Adara O’Hare (contemporary/college athletes)
CONSTABLE OF DISTURBIA – Darcy Abriel (dark fantasy/scientist)
CORY’S PRIDE – Amanda Corlies (contemporary/hurt/comfort)
CROCODYLUS ACUTUS – J. Rocci (contemporary/shifter)
THE DANGERS OF FAIRY COMPACTS – Katey Hawthorne (fantasy/cleric)
DARKEST BEFORE DAWN – Gabbo de la Parra (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)
DEFINING RICO – Sassy Lane (contemporary/humorous)
Words of Caution
The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings
My Review: Yet more great stories from great authors. I must admit that this time I had more than one favourite though. Blood Raine, Bringing Home Baby Bird and Defining Rico all tied for top spot.

Review of Organic Chemistry by Andrew Grey

Organic Chemistry by Andrew Grey 5*
BLURB: Brendon Marcus lives for his work. A boy genius who fast-tracked his way to college professor by his early twenties, he doesn’t know any other way to be. People confound him. So when Josh Horton, the assistant football coach, pursues him, Brendon isn’t sure what to make of him.
Josh has his own problems. His successful parents aren’t particularly happy with his career path, and some of the players don’t like having a gay assistant coach. He begins to have doubts, but Brendon makes the world look a little brighter.
But when Brendon’s department head starts to make trouble, Josh and Brendon discover that standing up for each other is the first step to standing up for themselves.
My Review: Andrew Grey is now going on my autobuy list after reading this wonderful story. Besides the fact that I am now in love with Brendan and Josh, I loved the way he portrayed the infighting in University politics and the reaction of secondary characters to Brendan's braininess. This was a short story that had all the hallmarks of a much longer one and I only wish it really had been longer.